Abstract: A parachute includes first strips of fabric configurable to define a pattern wherein the first strips are separated from each other and extend parallel to each other, and second strips of fabric configurable to further define the pattern wherein the second strips are separated from each other and extend parallel to each other and normal to the first strips, the number of first strips being equal to the number of second strips. The first and second strips cross each other to define vent holes. The ends of the strips are connected to suspension lines which are extendible to a confluence area for support of an article of cargo.

Abstract: A retractable leash assembly structured to facilitate quick connection of an animal to a lead which is interconnected at a proximal end to an activation assembly and to a quick connect coupling assembly at a distal end. The leash assembly includes a release structure disposed in a communicative relation with the coupling assembly structured to removably connect a collar, harness, or similar attachment assembly to the distal end of the lead. The activation assembly, upon actuation, transmits a signal to the release structure to dispose the components of the coupling assembly into a release orientation such that the components may be easily disconnected from one another. The activation assembly may also include a drive mechanism, a release control mechanism, and/or a lead aligning mechanism to improve a handler's control of an animal attached to the retractable leash assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for pet training comprising a rigid tube formed with at least one elbow, and having a cavity in at least the distal end thereof for insertion of edible rewards therein; a handle, attached at the proximal end of the rigid tube, a flexible plunger rod disposed within the rigid tube, comprising a proximal end extending through the handle, and a distal end extending proximate to the cavity in the distal end of the rigid tube; a thumb ring joined to the proximal end of the flexible plunger rod; and a plunger disposed within the cavity and joined to the distal end of the flexible plunger rod, wherein a user of the device may hold the rigid tube by the handle, move the thumb ring, and cause an edible reward to be dispensed from the cavity on the distal end of the rigid tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for milking livestock, which apparatus has a milking box; a milking robot disposed close to or in the milking box; and a holder for receiving therein teat cups which during use are arranged on an animal for milking by the milking robot, and a holder for such an apparatus. The holder has a guard, a carriage with an engaging mechanism for engaging the teat cups and with a displacer for displacing the carriage between a first position, in which at least the teat cups are protected by the guard in the situation engaged by the carriage, and a second position, in which the teat cups are released for removal by the milking robot.

Abstract: A milking and applicator teat cup is configured to receive an animal teat within a liner located in a shell. At the openings of the liner and shell where the teat is received, there is an applicator configured to dispense disinfectant, conditioning, and/or cleaning solution to the animal teat. The applicator is designed to discharge the solution horizontally across the openings of the liner and the shell. Such a teat cup can be integrated into a milking system having a valve manifold coupled to a number of teat cups and controlling flow of milk from the number of teat cups and flow of fluid to the applicators, and a controller including logic configured to provide control signals to the valve manifold. The controller signals the valve manifold to pre-charge a hose or line delivering fluid to the applicator and signals the valve manifold for the end of milking and begin delivery of the fluid from the applicator.

Abstract: A dental dog chew roll is cut from a flavored and colored hide piece. The hide pieced is rolled to form into a cylindrical body with two ends, with strips of the hide extending from the cylindrical body. Optionally, cuts are made in the body to provide more surface area. Preferably, the hide piece is made from a large animal hide that is cleaned, infused with flavor and dried.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for supporting an animal during grooming of the animal. A base has a drain, such as, for example, a drain hole and/or drain holes, which may allow the liquids to flow through the base. The base is supported by, for example, a leg and/or the side walls of a wash tub. The leg pivots from a first position to a second position and/or has a length which adjusts to allow the leg to push against the surface of the wash tub. Moreover, the animal is placed on top of the base and may be groomed by the user while on the base.

Abstract: A feeder assembly has a collapsible shade to selectively shield a feed container. The shade is operable from an extended position to a collapsed position and positioned such that, when extended, the shade substantially covers the feed container thereby limiting the impingement of direct sunlight or rain on the feed container. By limiting the amount of direct sunlight or rain impinged on the feed container, the freshness of the feed can be more efficiently maintained.

Abstract: A non-lethal method of cock fighting includes providing each gamecock (12a, 12b) with a garment such as a vest (16a, 16b) or collar (100a, 100b) that at least partially covers the body of the gamecock and carries a sensor (19a-19e, 103-107) at a predetermined location on the garment and a signal transmission device (20). The signal transmission device generates a signal when the sensor is struck by a gamecock. The spurs (12c) of each gamecock are covered with a protective device (60) to prevent the spurs from causing injury during the cock fight and their beaks (12d) are taped shut. A scoring apparatus (26) is provided that is responsive to the signal and includes a visual display that displays a numerical score for each gamecock. The numerical score is based, at least in part, on the number strikes detected by the sensor being struck over a predetermined time period during the cock fight.

Abstract: A data processing system is which enables an operator to rapidly perform object detection, identification, recognition, and location using remote imagery from Mini Unmanned Air Vehicles when sensor performance is severely limited due to size, weight, and power constraints. The system receives down linked images from an Unmanned Air Vehicle as well as vehicle geographic position and sensor attitude data. The imagery is processed on the ground using detection, identification, recognition and moving target detection algorithms to eliminate clutter and preselect potential objects of interest. The objects of interest are identified by the operator from the preselected list of objects automatically presented to him. The target location is simultaneously calculated for selected objects using the down linked vehicle location and sensor pointing angle and displayed to the operator.

Abstract: A feed dispensing apparatus for use with a conventional container. The feed dispensing apparatus may include a dispensing member attachable to the container adjacent to the bottom thereof. The dispensing member may have a perimeter with at least one access opening therethrough. The dispensing member may be clamped to the container or be configured to removably support the container thereon. A leg assembly for supporting the container above a surface or the ground may also be provided. An adjustable drop tube may be provided to adjust the rate of feed that is flows through a hole in the bottom of the container onto a bottom tray of the dispensing member.

Abstract: Windows, including windows for an aircraft. The windows include a shade. The shade has variable light transmissive characteristics. The shade is entrained upon rollers so that it may roll across the lens window. The parts of the shade are nearly opaque and other parts are nearly transparent. The result is a shade that has varying optical density depending upon the position of the hand operated rollers or shade positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A horseshoe includes one or more plastic or rubber and other components which can be nailed or glued to an equine hoof, where two different materials, one harder, one softer are used.

Abstract: An assembly (2) for dispensing a liquid (4) from a container (6, 54, 58) to the mouth (8) of an animal, on demand of the animal. The assembly comprises a sealed container at least partially filled with the liquid and a valve arrangement (22). The valve arrangement comprises a first tube portion (24) adapted to pierce a portion (14) of the container to receive the liquid from the container, a second tube portion (28) adapted with an end to be used by the animal, and a valve adapted to be actuated by the animal to permit the flow of the liquid from the container to the end of the second tube portion.

Abstract: A system for accelerating an object that includes a towing vehicle, a tether connected to the towing vehicle, an object having at least one airfoil connected to the tether and a controller for controlling movement of the object, wherein, the towing vehicle moves in a first direction at a first speed pulling the object in the first direction and the controller controls movement of the object to move the object at an angle to the first direction and accelerate the object to a speed substantially greater than the first speed.

Abstract: A spray delivery system and methods of use thereof, suitable for delivering a fan-shaped vaccine spray to birds or chicks held within an open-topped container, comprising a cover, an elongated guide rail mounted thereon, and a spray head may move reversibly on the guide rail. The spray head comprises a spray nozzle assembly having a spray port and optionally a fan-shaped nozzle for delivering a fan-shaped fluid spray. The cover has an elongated slot that permits the spray nozzle assembly to extend below the plane of the cover while allowing the spray nozzle assembly to freely traverse the length of an open-topped container placed beneath the cover. By reversibly moving the spray head along the guide rail, the spray delivery system can deliver a substantially uniform fluid spray to an open-topped container with minimal overspray and reduced fluid wastage.

Abstract: A pet communication apparatus for allowing a user to communicate with a pet. The pet communication apparatus includes a housing member being designed for being selectively positioned on a support surface. A processing assembly is positioned in the housing member. The processing assembly is designed for being operationally coupled to a telephone jack whereby the processing assembly is operationally coupled to a telephone company. A speaker member is operationally coupled to the processing assembly whereby the speaker member is designed for audibly reproducing audio spoken by the user calling the pet. The speaker member is coupled to the housing member whereby the speaker member is designed for audibly reproducing sounds to be heard by the pet.

Abstract: A system for supplying heated milk or other liquids to individual drinkers from which animals, particularly baby pigs, can drink on a need basis by actuating a valve in the drinker that allows the milk to flow into the drinker. The system has a plurality of drinkers within a closed system in which the milk is supplied from a reservoir, heated to a minimum predetermined temperature range and pumped to each drinker which is positioned so that milk is continuously circulated through the drinker any time the circulating pump is running. This not only keeps the heated milk from spoiling, but it also prevents the drinkers from becoming clogged and permits the entire system to be cleaned in place.

Abstract: An integrated bee monitoring system for monitoring bee colonies in a hive has a central microprocessor, at least two input transducers and at least two output signals. Input transducers include sensors which report the status of the colonies including colony weight, temperature, and relative humidity. A bee counter can also be included in the system to indicate colony activity. A bee counter is disclosed which uses an amplifying, multiplexer hysteresis and debounce circuitry to enable rapid and accurate polling of a single passageway. Information collected can be retrieved by read-out or liquid crystal display. Alternatively, information ca be retrieved by telephone line or wireless communications. The bee monitoring system also can remotely control peripheral devices such as feeders or chemical samplers.

Abstract: A feed metering device for distributing feed (fodder or drink, or both) in metered portions to an animal. The device comprises a feed unit for receiving and containing said feed which includes an entrance opening that receives said feed from a feed supplying device, and which is rotatable about an axis. The amount of feed provided by the feed supplying device to the feed unit is governed by data from an animal identification device that identifies the animal that will consume the feed in the feed unit and a weighing device which determines the amount of feed remaining from the last feeding in the feeding unit and any added thereto by the magnitude of torque on a motor which rotates the closing device for the entrance opening of the feeding unit via a contacting roll.