Abstract: The A-Z Livestock Training Rope is a humane, effective animal training and handling apparatus which teaches leading, tying, trailer loading, ground manners, cinch and saddle pressure, pressure on reins, stops rearing-up and bucking, and is a safer alternative to standard drag lines. It consists of a rope attached to a ring looped around the animal's barrel then passed through the halter. As the operator applies pressure to the end of the rope, the loop tightens around the barrel which exerts pressure on the animal. When the animal yields to the direction of the operator, the rope slacks and the pressure is relieved. As this action is repeated, the animal will learn to yield without the need for pressure on the rope.

Abstract: An aquatic feeding device includes a hollow body having an exterior wall, the exterior wall including an exterior surface defining an external shape of the feeding device and an interior surface defining an inner cavity of the feeding device. The hollow body includes an upper end and a lower end. An air tight chamber is formed within the inner cavity of the feeding device adjacent the upper end of the hollow body. A plurality of feeding apertures are formed within the exterior wall adjacent the air tight chamber. The plurality of feeding apertures are shaped and dimensioned to permit pets with access to the inner cavity of the feeding device.

Abstract: An artificial reflection or dark shadow to be used in avian or animal attracting activities is disclosed. The artificial reflection or shadow may be used by itself or attached as to a floating waterfowl decoy which simulates the colored reflection off of the water or the dark shadow as a live bird would have. The decoy reflection and shadow can be used either floating on the water surface or by itself. The Reflection and Shadow can be of varying lengths and widths to simulate the shadow and/or reflection at differing times of the day and at different sun positions. The Reflection and Shadow could be of the entire aerial view of the bird or just a side view.

Abstract: A cattle grid comprising a first group of fixed bars (12) that are spaced apart with gaps therebetween and a second group of bars (20) that are movable between a lower position and an upper position. With the bars of the cattle grid in a first configuration, the second group of bars (20) are in the lower position, such that the upper portions of the bars of the second group (20) are lower than the upper portions of the bars of the first group (12), whereby gaps are defined between the bars of the first group to provide a barrier to the passage of animals. When the set of bars are in a second configuration, the second group of bars (20) are in the upper position such that the second group of bars (20) intermeshes with the first group of bars (12) so that the bars of the second group (20) occupy the gaps between the bars of the first group (12) to allow passage of animals across the bars.

Abstract: An animal water toy that includes one or more playthings carried by flowing water that entices an animal, such as a cat, into interaction therewith. Playthings can be received in a container having water drinkable by the animal that is propelled by a pump into flowing and carrying the playthings. A portion can be upraised above the water providing an animal perch and/or flow director imparting flow deviations causing unpredictable plaything movement helping enhance animal interaction. A conveyance device can be provided conveying playthings relative to the flow. A pet watering device, e.g., fountain, can include an animal toy constructed in accordance with the present invention and a conveyance device lifting playthings from one level of the watering device to another. In one embodiment, playthings are animal attractant objects that can be buoyant and configured to attract an animal, such as by its color, graphics, indicia, and/or shape.

Abstract: A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A method of and arrangement for automatically milking an animal by use of an automatic milking system including a plurality of teat cups, a robot arm for automatic attachment of the teat cups and a control system arranged to control the milking system, wherein the teat cups are used, until a defect is established with respect to a teat cup. In that case, milking of the non-milked teat is automatically taken over by a different teat cup.

Abstract: Shipping containers and systems for transporting livestock on shipping vessels over extended periods including features for water distribution, feed distribution, temperature control, air movement, and waste management and partitions for separating livestock from feed throughout shipment.

Abstract: A remote control decoy for luring game animals includes a motorized frame with wheels, a wireless remote controller, and at least one life-like decoy shell. The motorized frame is a miniature wheeled vehicle having battery-powered drive and steering motors and a mounting plate for securing the decoy. The wireless controller transmits control signals to a receiver within the motorized frame, thereby allowing a user to remotely control the movement of the decoy. In use, the user moves the decoy in order to lure prey while occupying a concealed location. The user can also selectively interchange the type of decoy being used.

Abstract: A blind animal halo guide that is in the form of a harness, having a neck cushion that fits around the top circumference of the animal's neck to guide and protect the visually impaired animal from bumping into objects, causing injury or harm to the animal. The neck cushion holds a protective halo in place around the dogs head protecting its head, eyes, nose, and shoulders. The halo provides protection for the blind or visually impaired animal, from bumping into objects, while enabling the animal to feel its way around to participate in activities. This device specifically provides protection and guidance for the visually impaired animal, while also providing maximum comfort and does not inhibit the animal's movements, so the animal can lick itself, eat, drink, nap, sleep and participate in other normal daily living activities.

Abstract: A poultry weighing apparatus includes a support surface configured to permit at least one fowl to stand thereon. A force sensor is operably connected with the support surface, and detects the weight of the fowl or fowls on the support surface. A second sensor is operably connected with the support surface, and detects at least one additional physical characteristic, other than weight, of the fowl or fowls standing on the support surface.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided having openings for entry of rodents within the enclosure. There is arranged one or more applicators in the form of a suspended flexible web configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having a chemical on the web for application to the rodents.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a waste fishing line holder for anglers carried by a person while fishing. It secures the waste fishing line that an angler generates when changing flies or fishing rigs. The holder is carried in an angler's pocket, a tackle box or attached to an item of clothing or gear. The apparatus is mostly comprised of a generally J shaped body with a long leg and a short leg and being of elongate length of rigid and durable material with an area of deformable resilient and cushioned material attached to the short leg. Formed so that line is held securely in a slit/gap between the long leg and deformable cushioned material.

Abstract: A milking system includes a vacuum pump (11); milking equipment (15); a conduit (14) connecting the milking equipment to the vacuum pump; and a first vacuum regulator (25) provided to maintain a preset vacuum level in the milking equipment. A second vacuum regulator (27, 29, 30a) is arranged between the first vacuum regulator and the vacuum pump and is provided for regulating the preset vacuum to a desired level. Preferably, the second vacuum regulator includes a pressure sensor (30a) provided for measuring a pressure level in the milking system; adjustable air admitting elements (31), e.g. a solenoid valve, provided for admitting air to enter the conduit; and a control device (29) provided for controlling the second vacuum regulator depending on the measured pressure level.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology is directed to an outrigger assembly for a sport fishing boat. The outrigger assembly is provided with a base plate that mounts on the forward area of a T-top of the fishing boat. An outrigger pole containment assembly is in turn mechanically affixed to the base plate. A pair of telescoping outrigger poles is positioned within the outrigger pole containment assembly such that they are in a horizontally opposed configuration. Each pole is formed from a plurality of elongated tubular extensions, in a nested relationship, and is extensible outward to either the starboard or port side of the boat when being deployed. The outrigger assembly is provided with a plurality of manual or electrically operated reels for traversal of several fishing lines through line guiding means provided integral with the telescoping poles.

Abstract: A pet food bowl having an internal food dish surrounded by a reservoir adapted to hold a liquid therein and an overlying shroud extending over the reservoir and spaced from an outer wall of said reservoir, wherein said the shroud includes a face extending over a reservoir surface and outermost skirt extending around and spaced from an outermost reservoir wall.

Abstract: A bird feeder generally in the form of hopper feeder that is coupled with a water reservoir. The hopper feeder generally includes a seed reservoir that receives and holds bird seed, which is dispensed to the birds by way of feeding stations. The hopper further provides a liquid reservoir for dispensing drinking water to visiting birds.

Abstract: An animal feeder for mounting to a tree includes a feed storage bin having a bottom opening positioned to deposit feed on to a dispersion disc positioned within a cowling to distribute feed through a directional opening in the cowling by rotating the disc with a timer controlled motor mounted below it and a gripper for mounting on a tree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquaponics system and method. There is provided an aquaponics system including a tank (10) for housing at least one aquatic animal species; a plant growing apparatus (18) for housing one or more plant species growing in an aqueous environment; and a biofilter module including a solids removal means (12) and a biological waste digestion unit (14) including a biological species for digesting solids to produce plant nutrients. Plant nutrients are transferred to the plant growing apparatus (18) and at least a portion of the water is returned to the tank (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of plants using electromagnetic fields and consists in applying pulse sequences to growing plants or the seeds thereof in a pulsed electromagnetic field by means of a pulse generator, wherein the individual pulses have a frequency ranging from 1 to 100 Hz and the amplitude of each individual pulse corresponds to an exponential function or the pulses have envelope curves rising and falling in the form of an arc, wherein the individual pulses are emitted in synchronous or asynchronous groups of pulses having different magnetic flux densities, and wherein the plants are exposed to the pulsating electromagnetic field once to 30 times a day for 1 to 120 minutes each time or continuously for several days. Plant growth, germination and yields are significantly increased in an environmentally friendly manner. Resistance to diseases is increased.