Abstract: A milking box comprises a stall portion having a longitudinal axis. A backplane is positioned in the stall portion and moves toward the rear of the stall portion along the longitudinal axis in response to pressure applied, and toward the front of the stall portion in response to pressure removed. A robotic attacher extends from the rear of the stall portion and between the hind legs of a dairy livestock. A controller determines the position of the backplane relative to the rear of the stall portion and determines a positional offset that increases as the dairy livestock moves toward the front of the stall and decreases as it moves toward the rear of the stall. The controller further communicates a signal to move the robotic attacher along the longitudinal axis. The amount of movement is determined at least in part according to the positional offset.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a seed container, a center tube formed within the seed container, a seed tray, an independently calibrated cartridge spring assembly having a center rod, a spring extending about the center rod with the center rod extending downwardly of said center tube, a cover, and a hanger engaged with an upper portion of the center tube to thereby retain the cover in position, a shroud having a perch member and a central opening therein to permit the lower end of the center rod to pass therethrough, and a retainer secured to the lower end of the spring assembly.

Abstract: A leash includes a container housing to be carried on a collar, chain, harness or other similar restraint, readily available for use. An outer end of a leash strap can be pulled by a user to dispense the leash strap for use, and the leash can be retracted and rewound in the container housing. The leash can be latched in a retracted configuration to prevent unwanted extension of the leash, and can be unlatched by a user for extension or storage of the leash in the retracted configuration. In one form the leash includes a thumb wheel that can be turned by a user on an inner rotatable spool in an unlatched position, and rotation of the thumb wheel is prevented in a latched position.

Abstract: A animal restraint adjustable harness having a two part pivotable frame having a set of fingers or arms extended therefrom to encircle or saddle an animal body, a spring hinge to force the fingers together, tabs or opening handles to separate the fingers, one or more harness straps, and a leash clip positioned thereon the frame and, thus such harness enables a single person to quickly and/or efficiently place the harness assembly on the animal using one hand and such harness enables safe restraint of the animal without causing the animal to choke or wheeze.

Abstract: A system and method for deterring animal interaction with woody plants is provided, including a wire mesh cage. The wire mesh cage is formed from one of a sheet of steel wire mesh and a stake cage. The sheet of wire mesh may be formed into a tubular configuration to surround a plant in need of the protection. The stake cage may be formed from a plurality of uprights arranged around a periphery of a plant, and at least one filament wound around the plurality of uprights to form the wire mesh. The wire mesh cage may further include a protective covering, in the form of a cap or coating applied to a top surface of the wire mesh cage. The protective covering militates against damage to a plant surrounded by the wire mesh cage. The protective covering may be formed from a polymeric compound having an animal detracting additive and an ultraviolet inhibitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a dog and a method of using the apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a first elongated member having inner and outer ends with the inner end being fastened to a vehicle in a first location; a second elongated member having upper and lower ends with the upper end fastened to the vehicle in a second location; and a means of attaching the outer end of the first member and the lower end of the second member to a fastener device that contacts the dog, such that the first and second members establish an angle ? of separation between themselves that is within the range of about 15° to 75°. The first and second members are fastened to the vehicle such that angles ? and ?, are formed between the vehicle and the members with at least one of the angles between about 15° to 165°.

Abstract: A multi-filtration auto-drainage/irrigation pipe includes a pipe body, which includes a first drainage and irrigation channel, a second drainage and irrigation channel, a third drainage and irrigation channel, a first drainage and irrigation port, a second drainage and irrigation port and a third drainage and irrigation port. The first drainage and irrigation port is a first filtering layer having first filtering holes uniformly distributed. The second drainage and irrigation port is a second filtering layer having second filtering holes uniformly distributed. The third drainage and irrigation port is a third filtering layer having third filtering holes uniformly distributed. The first drainage and irrigation port is arranged on a pipe wall of the pipe body. The second drainage and irrigation port is arranged between the second and the third drainage and irrigation channels. The third drainage and irrigation port is arranged between the second and the first drainage and irrigation channels.

Abstract: An animal restraining chute having a four sided cage with a closeable front and rear opening and two sides constructed from a series of ribs made from a single bent component to provide structural support. A partially closable front gate closes the front opening and restrains the head of the animal, and a curved rear pusher gate secures the hindquarters of an animal. A rotatable belly restraint pins the animal to one of the sides. The chute is rotatably mounted on a vehicle or platform to lay the animal on its side. The chute includes four hydraulic activated leg latches for securing the legs of the animal. There is a movably attached staging area located at the rear of the chute to allow for the positioning of animals waiting to enter the chute. Each of the movable components of the chute are hydraulically and remotely controlled.

Abstract: A plant watering device includes a first body portion, a second body portion having a chamber therein and connected to the bottom of the first body portion, a third body portion set on the top outer wall of the first body portion, and a water supplying tube which is inserted into one side of the third body portion, extending downwards along one side of the first and second body portions to the bottom of the second body portion and upwards along the opposite side of the second and first body portions, and out of the third body portion at the opposite side. Water is provided by the water supplying tube through a hole into the bottom of the chamber and its pressure is regulated using a micropore material block or a water-absorbent rod in the chamber, and a soft water-permeable disc at the bottom of the first body portion.

Abstract: A pet amusement device formed in two halves, with a scratching pad removably attached to one half and an interior space accessible through openings in the second half. A ball with a bell may be contained in the interior space, allowing a pet to reach through the openings to play with the ball. A continuous track may surround the device, and a ball may be contained within the track, allowing the pet to bat the ball around the track.

Abstract: A housebreaking reward system. The housebreaking reward system includes a moisture sensitive pad, a moisture detector, a reward dispenser, and an optional handheld transmitter. The moisture sensitive pad is constructed to contain and hold fluids (e.g., urine) deposited by an animal and is laid down at location where it is acceptable for an animal to eliminate. The moisture detector is selectively connectable to sensing elements on the moisture sensitive pad to detect when fluid is deposited. If fluid is detected, the moisture sensitive detector signals the reward dispenser to reward the animal for appropriate elimination. At least a portion the moisture sensitive pad is disposable to facilitate easy cleanup of the appropriate elimination area. After one or more fluid deposits, the moisture detector is disconnected from the sensing elements, and the used moisture sensitive pad is discarded.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for an aquaponics, and greenhouse system, including a solar greenhouse insulated on north, east and west sides and with glazing on a south side at an angle to maximize winter sunlight, and housing a fish tank; and a plurality of grow beds coupled to the fish tank. The grow beds each including a geyzer pump powered by an air pump to pump water from the fish tank to the grow bed and aerate water of the fish tank, and a bell siphon to drain the water from the grow bed back into the fish tank.

Abstract: A animal restraint harness having a two part pivotable frame having a set of fingers or arms extended therefrom to encircle or saddle an animal body, a spring hinge to force the fingers together, tabs or opening handles to separate the fingers, one or more harness straps, and a leash clip positioned thereon the frame and, thus such harness enables a single person to quickly and/or efficiently place the harness assembly on the animal using one hand and such harness enables safe restraint of the animal without causing the animal to choke or wheeze.

Abstract: A chewable pet toy includes recesses in one or more surface of the chewable toy to permit addition of flavors and treats to a chew toy. The recesses are shaped and oriented to keep the added flavors and treats from contacting floors, rugs and furniture on which the toy may be dropped by the pet.

Abstract: A harness for pets that allows them to move freely, without causing them damage or possible wounds, thanks to a piece of laminar textile material composed of a central part with front vertexes and rear vertexes which project themselves to define both ears with complementary connection clasps, and both parts of the belt with complementary fasteners, and the central part shows an opening on one of the sides of the center of the part, while on the other side there is a girdle with fasteners for a leash.

Abstract: A method of underground watering utilizes a pouch-like container product made by joining a first sheet having SAP particles adhered to a first surface with a second sheet to form a container partially filled with such particles. The application of pressure, for example by passing the product through a roll nip, facilitates joining of the sheets and causes the particles to break through at least the one of the sheets to create an opening whereby free volume is created to permit the particles to expand when in contact with a liquid. The resultant product is used to collect, store, and dispense water-containing liquids into the soil for watering of agricultural plants, trees, and the like. A composite underground watering element is also included in an embodiment of the invention. The inventive products may also be used as a pad, including a propagation pad, to collect, store, and dispense water-containing-liquids into plant vessels to provide watering of plants.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a hybrid LED lighting method and system for chicken coops. For example, a closed or semi-open chicken coop is provided with the hybrid LED lightings including white LED beads and yellow LED beads in a mixing ratio of about 1:5 to about 5:1 in a regularly alternating manner. The average light intensity on the chicken cages' underside exposed to the light of the hybrid LED lighting is about 5 to about 30 Lux. The closed chicken coop is lit by a hybrid LED lighting every day during fattening period; the semi-open chicken coop is exposed to natural light in the daytime and lit by the hybrid LED lighting at night during fattening period. Implementation of the present disclosure improves growth of chickens, increases uniformity of chickens, and improves health and resistance to epidemic diseases.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a method for delivering nutrients to the plants in a hydroponic system. The method comprises delivering a nutrient solution, planting a plurality of plants in a plurality of plant receivers, combining a plurality of angled joints with a single side of one plastic pipe with rest of the plastic pipes, combining a plurality of T-fitting/connectors with the plurality of plastic pipes, closing an end of the plastic pipes with a plurality of pipe caps and delivering water to the plurality of pipes using a customizable water pipe. The method further comprises adjusting the plurality of plastic pipes with an adjustable pipe brace and circulating the nutrient solution in the reservoir to the plurality of plant receivers using an electrical pump.

Abstract: A green roof modular system includes at least four planter modules each including a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with one another to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extending above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of the sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, such that one of the planter modules abuts each of the remaining three planter modules and substantially no gap exists between the abutting planter modules in plan view.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for stimulating a desired response, such as ovulation and egg laying, fertility, hunger, growth, mood and sexual maturity in birds or aves, by controlling the pulsing of two or more different wavelength bands and cycle, frequency of photon bursts within a photon signal to a bird, where the photon modulation and duty cycle is based upon the specific needs of the bird.