Abstract: A hand grip for a leash which is attachable to a strap leash end loop without any moving parts and features a compact air horn and a light at opposite ends of a grip body.

Abstract: A lighted pet harnessing device for illuminating an area in front of a pet includes a harness that is configured to couple to a pet and a leash. A lighting module that is coupled to a front of the harness is configured to illuminate an area in front of the pet when the harness is coupled to the pet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional intelligent breeding and rearing system. Functional modules such as a radio-frequency ear tag and identification device, a central controller (1), an isolation and dislodging device (2), a multifunctional feeding trough (3), an automatic feeding device (4), a quantitative water supply device, a feeding trough automatic flushing and a remaining feed detection are utilized to form a basic automatic feeding unit. Through the feeding unit, an identity and eating information of a pig is identified; for a pig that does not eat during a feeding time period, feed and water are injected into a feeding trough simultaneously according to a feed amount and a mixing ratio preset by the system, for precise feeding; a pig that has eaten up is dislodged in real time; and the feeding trough is automatically flushed at an end of feeding. The system realizes automatic and intelligent feeding of a livestock.

Abstract: A soil-covering film (10), which contains an air and moisture-permeable sheet, preferably a nonwoven sheet, containing biodegradable and/or compostable fibre (12) and, optionally, binding material (14), where the binding force between the fibres reversibly weakens due to the effect of moisture. The soil-covering film (10) may be used by, for example, laying out the soil-covering film (10) on surface of the soil (40); then the seeds (22) of the crop (20) are placed on the soil-covering film (10); the soil-covering film (10) is kept moist until the seeds (22) located on the surface grow roots (24) and the roots (24) penetrate the soil-covering film (10).

Abstract: An animal leash system combined with a removable storage container and a bag dispenser. The system includes a housing that encloses a leash retracting mechanism configure to control movement of a leash extending thereout. The bag dispenser is associated with a dispensing section of the housing, and is configured to store at least one bag therein and is configured to allow removal of the bag. The storage container is slidably attachable with a base of the housing between an open position allowing access to an interior of said storage container, and a closed position. The system provides a single unit that includes the advantages of a retractable pet leash with the convenience of having bags ready for use to collect pet waste along with a storage container for disposing of waste filled bags.

Abstract: A safety valve arrangement and method, having an upstream block valve, a downstream block valve, and a pressure monitored galley between the upstream valve and the downstream valve.

Abstract: A system, comprising: an axle structure defining an axis of rotation; an engagement plate translatable between a first position and a second position in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the engagement plate comprising one or more tooth protrusions and one or more ramp recesses; a spool rotatably movable about the axle structure, the spool comprising one or more tooth recesses configured to mate with the one or more tooth protrusions of the engagement plate responsive to a movement of the engagement plate into the second position; and a release ring at least partially rotatable between a first release ring position and a second release ring position, the release ring comprising one or more ramps; wherein, responsive to a predetermined movement of an actuator, the release ring is causes the tooth protrusions of the engagement plate to disengage with the tooth recesses of the spool.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled shellfish aquaculture apparatus and method for growing shellfish using the apparatus are provided. A frame has containers for holding shellfish secured to the top side of the frame and tanks secured to the bottom side of the frame. Each tank has an air supply line connected to the tank and an opening on the bottom side of the tank. Each air supply line is connected to a manifold for controlling airflow to the tanks. Air is used to displace water in the tanks by pushing the water out of the openings in the bottom of the tanks in order to float the frame. To submerge the frame, the tanks are depressurized to allow water to displace the air in the tanks. When floating, the tanks lift the frame and the containers out of the water to allow air desiccation in order to prevent bio-fouling of the equipment and shellfish.

Abstract: A tray system for use in horticultural or agricultural operations comprising a ducting assembly for de-stratification and a drainage system for consolidating excess water and nutrients.

Abstract: A system for controlling light in a facility may include at least one rail longitudinally affixable to an inner portion of a frame of the facility between a first end and a second end of the facility and at a rail-height above a floor of the facility; and at least one opaque/reflective covering tightly and opaquely affixable to the inner portion of the facility frame at a cover-height above the facility floor in a first plane that faces the facility floor and slidably connectable to the at least one rail, the at least one opaque/reflective covering being extendable along the at least one rail between a first covering position and a second covering position to opaquely cover respective at least one longitudinal section of the facility in the first plane when in the second covering position, without substantially covering the facility walls.

Abstract: Implementations of a multiple dog attachment apparatus are provided. In some implementations, the multiple dog attachment apparatus comprises a connection apparatus, a first and a second collar connector, and a leash connector. In some implementations, a method of using the multiple dog attachment apparatus comprises attaching a first dog to the multiple dog attachment apparatus, attaching a second dog to the multiple dog attachment apparatus, and attaching a leash to the multiple dog attachment apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick release monitoring tag holder attached to cow's neck by a collar, comprising a first slot and a second slot configured for accommodating said collar therein; and a recess, provided in between said slots, configured for accommodating an identification tag having an upper portion and relatively smaller bottom portion, which is at least partially accommodated within said recess.

Abstract: A two-leash pet restraint comprises a main leash having a handle end and a collar connection end. The main leashing has a passageway oriented along a handle to collar connection end direction of a main leash. A command leash is partly disposed inside the main leash and is slidable within the main leash. The main leash has a command leash handle disposed outside the main leash toward the handle end and a part of the command leash is also disposed outside the main leash proximal to the collar connection end.

Abstract: A toy for a pet generally includes a housing defining an opening, and an insert configured to fit at least partly within the opening of the housing. The insert is expandable from a first configuration in which the insert is capable of freely moving into and/or out of the opening of the housing to a second configuration in which the insert is inhibited from moving out of the opening of the housing. In some aspects, the insert is configured to substantially fill the opening of the housing when in the second configuration. In some aspect, the housing may have multiple openings, each capable of receiving an insert. And, in some aspects, the insert is expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration by heating the insert or exposing the insert to microwave energy.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a liner positioned within a cabinet that defines a front display opening and an enclosed back portion. A grow module is rotatably mounted within the liner and include a central hub and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of grow chambers. The grow module is selectively rotated to index the plurality of grow chambers between a sealed position between the grow module and the enclosed back portion of the liner and a display position aligned with the front display opening. An environmental control system regulates a temperature within the chamber when the chamber is in the sealed position.

Abstract: The present technology generally relates to animal restraint systems with cinching mechanisms and associated devices and methods. A restraint system, such as a harness for a dog, in accordance with the present technology can include a back strap, a sternum strap, a chest strap assembly, and a cinching mechanism coupled to the chest strap assembly. When an animal or person pulls on a free-end portion of a cinching strap, the cinching mechanism draws opposing sides of the chest strap assembly closer together and, thereby, tightens the harness across the chest of the animal. Cinching mechanisms in accordance with the present technology avoid substantial shifting or rotation of the harness on the neck or torso of the animal in response to a lunging, pulling, tugging, or other force.

Abstract: An animal-harness includes a line, two crimps along the line, and a ring. The line is formed at one end. The two parallel lines formed by the bight are crimped together by both crimps. The two crimps are spaced apart, and the lines therebetween form a gap. Through this gap, the line may be passed through to form a loop. The line of the bight may pass through the ring. This ring is large enough for the long end of the line to pass through it as well, so that another loop may be formed. Thusly, in use, two loops or formed. One loop may be passed around an animal collar region, and another around an animal girth, to form a secure and safe harness around the animal. The remaining length of the line is available to be used as a leash.

Abstract: A plant protection apparatus that is configured to be placed adjacent a plant and provide control of the amount of sunlight and water to which the plant is exposed. The plant protection apparatus includes a body having a central portion, a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and second portion are movably mounted to opposing sides of the central portion. The first portion and second portion are planar in manner and are movably intermediate a first position and second position. The plant protection apparatus is further configured to have a controller and a first sensor and a second sensor wherein the first sensor and second sensor are operably coupled to the controller. The body is secured to a mounting rod that is configured to be inserted into soil adjacent to plant. The mounting rod is of sufficient length so as to position the body above the plant.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a liner positioned within a cabinet that defines a front display opening and an enclosed back portion. A grow module is rotatably mounted within the liner and include a central hub and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of grow chambers. The grow module is selectively rotated to index the plurality of grow chambers between a sealed position between the grow module and the enclosed back portion of the liner and a display position aligned with the front display opening.

Abstract: A collar and leash system is provided which allows for easy connection of the collar with the leash without the pet owner having to bend down to attach or detach the collar leash. The collar has a first attachment member thereon which is received by a second attachment member on the leash. A solenoid position within the second attachment member operates to open and close the second attachment member so as to selectively release, accept, or retain the first attachment member of the collar. In an embodiment, the leash has a first portion which is flexible and a second portion adjacent the second attachment member which is rigid or semirigid. Preferably, a switch in the handle of the leash serves to operate the solenoid in the second attachment member.