Abstract: A watering device for animals includes a cylindrical container with an open top and surrounding lip around the open top. A closure member for the open top includes a disc which is flat with a surrounding skirt extending along the sides of the container. The skirt has holes to allow the escape of air trapped under the closure member. The closure member carries a downwardly extending guide member on the under surface which carries a float and which is guided for movement in a vertical direction. The float is located under the water surface so that depression of the closure member and the float do not significantly alter the water depth. The float keeps the closure member up against the lip thus fully closing the container. The animal depresses the closure to a level under the water surface to access the water for drinking. If the water level falls, the downward pressure for the animal to access the water engages a valve to refill the container.

Abstract: A device for exercising a dog from a bicycle which includes a triangular framework secured to the bicycle. The device is conveniently attachable to the bicycle and adjustable to fit bicycles of various sizes and construction.

Abstract: A pet collar is disclosed which provides a great variety of length of adjustments wherein a strap has a buckle at one end and a connector at the other end. The connector is attachable to the outer surface of the strap at a variety of positions to retain the end against the strap.

Abstract: A drinking water distribution system for poultry is disclosed providing poultry such as turkeys and chickens with fresh clean drinking water. The system utilizes gravity feed to distribute water from a reservoir through a conduit to a series of water cups connected to the conduit in open communication with the conduit and extending upwardly therefrom. The conduit and reservoir are suspendingly supported above the floor of the poultry house by cables depending downwardly from overhead portions of the poultry house and connected to a winch so as to be easily raised to a suitable height to accommodate growth of the poultry. The system further monitors the water temperature and if the temperature of the water gets too warm, the system replaces it with water of a lower temperature. The invention further includes an arrangement for periodically purging and cleansing the system by replacing the drinking water with liquid disinfectant for a predetermined dwell period.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a portable convertible tethering system which is centered around a retractable leash cartridge. The leash cartridge may be used along to restrain children or animals while moving about, or alternatively, the cartridge may be placed in the system's housing which is attached to an anchoring device thereby becoming an integral part of a stationary tethering device. The housing is sized and shaped specifically for securely holding a portable retractable leash cartridge inside, yet is designed for simple insertion and removal of the cartridge. The housing has a lockable door for holding the leash cartridge cartridge inside against force or agitation. The housing is pivotally mounted on the anchor device so that the end of the cartridge from which the leash cord extends may follow that which is tethered; this capability reduces the likelihood that whatever is tethered, particularly an animal such as a dog, will not likely tangle the leash cord around the base of the system's anchor.

Abstract: A decorative simulated tree branch system for small animal enclosures made from thermoplastic. The branch is non-toxic, non-leaching, mite and contamination proof, washable, and waterproof, and a realistic representation of a natural tree branch or piece of drift wood. It is formed from a branch base portion and progressively smaller tributary segments which are approximately cylindrical in shape, and may taper as they extend toward the outer ends, as is the case with a natural branch. One preferred embodiment is well suited as a decorative ornament in fish tanks. A second preferred embodiment adapts the present invention for use as a natural looking perch in bird cages. A universal clip, capable of securely attaching the simulated branch to any type of bird cage bar may be provided with the bird perch embodiment.

Abstract: Annoying insects are controlled by attaching an insect control device to the body of the animal to be treated. The insect control device is a molded article, preferably in the form of an ear tag, which has been formed from a powder mixture of coumaphos, polyvinyl chloride and a plasticizer. The coumaphos is generally used in an amount such that from about 5 to about 30 wt % of the device is coumaphos. Other materials such as lubricants, pigments, stabilizers, etc. may also be included in minor amounts. The device may be formed by any appropriate technique but injection molding has been found to be particularly advantageous.

Abstract: Male and female tag members have respectively a projecting portion for extending through the part to be tagged and a receiving portion for accommodating an end part of the projecting portion after it has passed through the part to be tagged. The receiving portion is in the form of a closed container defining a cylindrical chamber containing sterilizing substance. The action of fitting the tag assembly to the part to be tagged causes the projecting portion to pierce a weakened portion of a wall of the chamber resulting in release of sterilizing substance from the chamber, for example for sterilizing the wound formed when the assembly is fitted to an animal's ear. In a variant the sterilizing substance is replaced by a substance having active pharmaceutical properties.

Abstract: A pet or animal food package and dispenser includes a food container having a bottom portion which defines a discharge opening. A removable closure or seal is secured to the container for retaining a pet food product therein. A dispensing tray includes a forward portion defining a feeding area and a rear portion defining a container mounting area. The portions are joined by a sloping ramp. A cooperating track and groove arrangement on the container and tray removably mount the container to the dispensing tray.

Abstract: A separate U-shaped safety lock is provided for use with a trigger drinker utilizing a bayonet type coupler. In poultry and small animal trigger drinker watering systems the U-shaped safety lock restricts telescopically interfitting components from rotation. The lock is inserted through one component and partially surrounds a boss on a second component to prevent both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the components relative to one another. The safety lock can break upon reaching a pre-determined torque.

Abstract: An improved animal waste collection and screening device having two litter pans in opposed orientation, an opened face of a first litter pan in facing arrangement with an open face of the second litter pan with a screen member in interposed relationship between the opposing litter pans. Tracks on the screen member guide and receive the first pan on a first face side of the screen member and guide and receive the second pan on a second face side of the screen member, holding the two pans securely together. The screen member provides on one longitudinal end a handle and two catches, one catch for engaging each said litter pan when each said litter pan is fully received by said tracks and properly oriented with respect to the screen member and the respective other litter pan. The catches are located approximate to the handle for convenient one hand engagement and disengagement, and are self engaging and manually disengaging devices.

Abstract: A combination of a harness and frame assembly (23) to provide a cat bathing, treating, breeding, transporting, and surgical restraint; wherein the harness apparatus (21) comprises supporting base member (10) having a restraining upper body (15) and lower body (17) harness member having a plurality of adjustment elements (7) and (19) and leg openings (14) connected to supporting base member (10); and, wherein the frame assembly comprises longitudinal side bar members (22) supported by leg members (6) attached to transverse bar members (24) by attachment elements (8); and wherein the harness and frame assembly (23) becomes a surgical device (20) comprised of a second set of leg members (9) that are adapted to be connected above the first set of leg members (6); a detachable center panel member (11) on its base member (16); a sheet of material (18) generally dimensioned to support the supine body of a cat or small animal attached to sides of longitudinal bar members (22) for securing over the back of the animal

Abstract: An apparatus for deterring animals from intruding into gardens, fields, yards, etc. has at least one sprinkler which produces an initial sudden jet of water to frighten or startle an animal. The apparatus has a water sprinkler, preferably on which is an impulse type sprinkler that produces a series of pulse sprays. The sprinkler has a connection line to a water supply a low voltage electrically operated shut-off valve is provided in the connection line with a low voltage battery or other type of power source. An infrared proximity sensor senses a presence such as an animal. The sensor is powered by a battery and opens the shut-off valve in the connection line to turn on the sprinkler.

Abstract: A watering device for fowl and small animals utilizing a trigger drinker with a shield surrounding the trigger pin. The shield is conically shaped with a bottom portion having a greater diameter than the top portion. The bottom of the shield is slightly below the bottom of the trigger pin to prevent incidental bumping by poultry and other animals. A plurality of struts connecting the bottom circular section to the circular drinker housing on top form the sides of the conical shaped shield. The sides are substantially open to allow chickens to view the trigger pin from all directions. The novel device prevents inadvertent bumping, and trains birds to activate a trigger drinker from below the trigger pin while allowing visibility of the trigger pin from substantially all directions.

Abstract: A litter box envelope comprising a top sheet and a bottom sheet bonded to each other along the side edges and one end edge of each so as to leave an open end for receiving a litter box therein; a facing sheet of tear resistant, claw and scratch-proof material of non-woven nylon fibers, which are spun-bonded and heat treated. The facing sheet is adapted to receive litter material therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved hatcher structure which is more efficient than conventional hatchers and which is easier to construct, operate and service. In particular, the hatcher of the present invention utilizes a restricted area, high pressure zone of air to control the exhaust of air from within the chamber and, in turn, control the intake of cooler external air into the chamber and the mixing of that air with the internal air. To achieve this control, the hatchet of the present invention further utilizes a mobile environmental adjustment system and an alignment mechanism which ensures precise and consistent placement of the environment adjustment system within the chamber. In addition, the present invention employs an improved frame post and doorway seal which facilitate construction, operation and maintenance and which promote internal environmental consistency.

Abstract: For the dispensing of preset quantities of flowable material, a dispenser comprised of a hollow casing with integral scoop and chute; whereby rotation of the casing causes material stored within to be passed from the scoop to the chute, either by tossing or by sliding on a ramp, where material is guided to a dispense port.

Abstract: A picture construction is provided wherein a cabinet is formed with an overlying pivotally mounted transparent glass member secured to a bottommost surface of the cabinet. The cabinet includes a series of ramps and feed troughs for storage and viewing of animals, such as gerbils and the like, therewithin. Ventilation and lighting is arranged wherein optionally selectively replaceable pictures are positionable onto a rearward face of the cabinet, wherein the pictures include fiber optic filaments therethrough, wherein an overlying illumination source directs light through the pictures and through the translucent material forming the body of the picture to enhance the visual effect of the picture in association with the animals within the cabinet.

Abstract: An animal exerciser having a water pool in which there is a submerged treadmill. The treadmill includes an endless belt with a top run on which the animal rests. A rigid support plate supports the top run. The support plate is perforated, and air is blown through its perforations to lubricate and separate in the region between the support plate and the top run. The discharged air tends to attach itself to particulate matter in the pool, which is readily removed for screening from the pool.

Abstract: An equine control device includes an integral loop extending from a central lower base member at a predetermined angle. Rein retention areas are provided on either side of the base member and the predetermined angle is maintained in order to insure that the rein retention areas remain spatially separated and the loop retains a generally rounded shape. Upper retention areas for additional bridle components, and an upper padded area may further be provided. The device may be formed from braided rawhide so as to be particularly suited for equine show arenas.