Abstract: The invention relates to the actuation of a carrying and withdrawing device for milking units, a process is proposed in which for the attachment of the milking unit a downwardly directed additional force acts on the counterweight during a primary milking phase no additional force acts on the counterweight, and, during at least one secondary milking phase, an upwardly directed additional force acts on the counterweight.

Abstract: The invention is a jewelry ring having a small gemstone embedded in the ring shank. The gemstone is embedded by making a small bore in the shank, inserting the gemstone, and covering the top of the gemstone with the same metal that is used to make the ring shank. After laser welding and polishing, the gemstone is invisible until the metal covering the stone eventually wears away.

Abstract: A rawhide pet chew is made by folding a first sheet of rawhide around a second sheet of rawhide. The second sheet of rawhide is flavored to be appetizing to a pet, and the flavoring may impregnate the second sheet of rawhide. An edge of the second sheet of rawhide protrudes from under the first sheet to entice chewing and consumption of the pet chew by the pet. The first sheet of rawhide reduces opportunities for contact between the second sheet of rawhide and a decorative surface upon which the pet chew may rest.

Abstract: The present invention includes an adjustable and collapsible pole structure having a telescoping inner and outer pipe providing an adjustable pole length. The outer pipe is crimped for hammering into the ground and the inner pipe receives a carousel member for rotation about the pole proximate the inner pipe top end. Two carousel extensions are spaced for receiving the grip portion of a typical retractable pet leash, the extension also being adapted to accommodate an insertion member that secures the pet leash within the carousel extensions. The insertion member can be a U-shaped member with elongated ends received by holes in the carousel extensions and the pet leash grip, or an insertable member with holes for a pin or pins sized to prevent removal of the member from the openings in the carousel extensions and the pet leash grip A hammering pin is insertable into the top of the carousel.

Abstract: A rotary milking parlor milker detacher having a pivoting support arm and retracting chain arrangement that is synchronized with a rotating platform position to move the detacher between a storage position, a presentation position, and a milking position to protect the detacher from damage and provide a superior ergonomic design that reduces operator fatigue and turnover.

Abstract: An assembly and method for termite ground monitoring, the assembly including an upwardly opening cylindrical housing defining an interior space; a removable lid having a flanged upper surface; a bait stick cradle fitted for downward extension into the interior space; and cradle suspending ties interconnecting the lid and the bait stick cradle; the method including steps of burying the cylindrical housing within the ground so that the interior space opens upwardly; inserting a bait stick into the bait stick cradle; inserting the bait stick cradle into the interior space; providing an extension arm having a slotted lower end; downwardly extending the extension arm toward the lid, and engaging the slot with the lid's flange; and upwardly retracting the extension arm, the lid, the bait stick cradle, and the bait stick for inspection of the bait stick.

Abstract: A molded plastic base has a cylindrical side wall with three rodent access openings to passageways which lead to an internal feeding chamber containing rodent bait, the passageways providing multiple rodent feeding positions at the feeding chamber. A dome-shaped lid has finger recesses permitting the lid to be gripped and rotated with respect to the base. A latch secures the lid, for release without the need for a key. Narrow flanges extend inwardly from the lid to engage beneath outwardly protruding flanges on the upper parts of the base side wall. A portion of the base side wall is resiliently deflectable inwardly such that rotation of the lid causes a cam surface tooth to be depressed by a lid flange. Once past the tooth, the resilient side wall portion returns to its original condition locking removal of the lid until the side wall portion is depressed from the outside.

Abstract: A holder for a fishing rod includes an elongated hollow body with a continuous opening disposed through the upper portion of the hollow body. The opening has a shape that provides for pieces to be formed at either end of the hollow body. The pieces prevent removal of the rod unless the fishing rod is held in the same orientation as that of the opening. The holder is particularly effective in preventing the unintentional release of the rod from the holder when the blank of the rod is violently flexed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary parlour for milking of animals, especially cows (1). The parlour includes a rotary platform (2) having dividing members (3) arranged to divide the platform (2) into stalls. The dividing members (3) have a substantially straight extension between a first end (4) and a second end (5). The dividing members (3) are each connected to a feeding trough (7) constituting a unit arranged turnably around a vertical axis (8). A center (9) of the feeding trough (7) is located at a distance from a vertical plane (10) extending through the first (4) and second (5) ends of the dividing member (3). By such an arrangement of the feeding trough (7) in relation to the dividing member, it is possible for the animals to stand in a naturally straight position and to eat from the feeding troughs (7) during the milking operation.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a yoke having divergent first and second arms. The first arm is formed of wire, which is preferably nickel-titanium alloy wire having a memory characteristic, having a bright formed at one end for attachment of a fishing line. The second arm is formed of a plastic material and has a first end molded around a portion of the first arm proximate the bight. A weighted body having a fishhook attached thereto is connected a second end of the second arm. A fish attracting element such as a spinner blade or propellor is rotatably mounted on the first arm. The weighted body may include a central core of heavy dense material and an encapsulating outer layer of plastic material which is integrally molded with the second arm. The plastic material forming the second arm is preferably transparent or colored so as to be invisible to fish.

Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal. The device is provided with at least two teat cups to be connected to respective teats of the animal. The milking vacuum unit generates a milking vacuum in the teat cups, which milking vacuum unit comprises at least two vacuum lines that are each connectable to a respective teat cup. The milking vacuum unit comprises a common vacuum pump and a common buffer vessel to which vacuum can be applied by use of the common vacuum pump. All vacuum lines are connectable to the common buffer vessel. An individual buffer vessel is provided in each vacuum line and is disposed between the common buffer vessel and the respective teat cup. An individual buffer vessel is provided with a respective individual vacuum pump for applying vacuum to the individual buffer vessel.

Abstract: A combination dog collar and control halter has a muzzle assembly with a cinching muzzle loop that can be operated by tension on the leash to lower the dog's head. The muzzle assembly is removably attached to the dog collar by two side members on the muzzle assembly that connect to two rings on the collar that are disposed on opposite sides of the dog's head. The collar can be worn as a conventional collar. The muzzle assembly is easily attached to the two rings when needed by simple connectors.

Abstract: A fishing line leader holder system for holding a fishing line leader. An elastic band having an attached bead between two ends of the elastic band aligns about the circumference of fishing line on a supply spool and where the fishing line leader passes through the bead for easy access and grasping. The fishing line leader holder system also compresses the wound fishing line about the supply spool to stop unraveling of the fishing line about the supply spool but allows easy dispensing of the fishing line from the supply spool when desired.

Abstract: A pest bait station includes a disposable carrier disposed in a reusable housing. Pest bait is securely affixed to the carrier such that movement of the station does not dislodge the bait from the carrier. A first bait affixed to a lower surface of the carrier exterminates smaller pests while a second bait affixed to an upper surface of the carrier exterminates larger pests. The carrier is shaped, such as a cone, to provide a lower space and an upper space for receiving differently sized pests. A lid of the housing is shaped to accommodate the shape of the cone. The lid is removably coupled to a base to form a water-tight seal. Openings formed in the base allow for entry of pests. A magnet or adhesive may be placed on a bottom side of the base to enable the station to be coupled to any surface.

Abstract: A trolling planer board made of lightweight translucent material has a continuous light source for night fishing and a day or night easily perceptible strike indicator. The light, indicator, and their power supply are housed in a watertight compartment away from the elements and fishing lines. The strike indicator may comprise a blinking light, a strobe light, a sound, or any other alerting mechanism. Fishing line releases comprise only three moldable pieces, made of weather impervious material and can be used to maintain a hold on the fishing line or to release it, as desired. The planer, made of weather impervious material and having no exposed accessory parts that are sensitive to the elements, can be used in fresh or salt water. The planer's hydrodynamic design eliminates the need for planning board rods and heavy test lines and the weight of the power supply eliminates any need for additional weights.

Abstract: A holder adapted for removable insertion within a pocket for holding a number of artificial fishing lures and accessories in a secure yet readily accessible location. The holder includes: a rectangular front panel of nominal thickness having layer of foam-like material connected thereto for providing a surface upon which fishing lures may be affixed; and a rear panel comprising a double wall, transparent member having an opening to allow for removable placement of sheet material therein, such as a fishing license, instructional material, advertising, etc. The lower edge of the rear panel includes a gripping structure for securing the device inserted within a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A heated animal nurser is provided to assist young animals in nursing and feeding, and can be for use with kittens, puppies, and similar animals.

Abstract: A spinner bait, including a head, a hook, a pair of legs, and two or more spinner blades extending from the pair of legs. The hook extends from the rearward end of the head. The legs each have a front end and a rearward end, and the front ends of the legs are connected to the front end of the head. The legs extend rearward over the top surface of the head and toward and around the hook. In so doing, the legs simulate the legs and/or body of a marine animal on which fish feed, and the legs also help conceal the hook and prevent its pointed end from getting snagged on objects under the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A breakaway line 10 is disclosed which fails at a predetermined tension level, and when interposed between a fishing lure 14 and hook 12, may be used to allow the lure 14 to be pulled from the hook 12 in the event of hook 12 snagging. The failure level of the breakaway line 10 is chosen to occur at a slightly lower tension level than that of the associated leading fishing line 18 attaching the lure 14 to the rod and reel. In use, the coupling that is supplied with the lure 14 is first removed and the breakaway line 10 is installed in its place.

Abstract: A collar ball system has a plurality of rigid heavy metallic spherical balls coupled by a weld. A link has an inner end embedded in the weld and an outer end adapted to be clipped to one end of a leash. Free inner ends of a generally U-shaped handle are in contact with the balls. A plastic coating is secured over the balls, link and handle and tends, with the weld, to hold the balls, link and handle together and protect the balls, link and handle from the elements and abuse from a pet being tethered.