Abstract: In one or more arrangements, a tag system for monitoring of livestock is presented. The system includes at least one tag and a control system communicatively connected to the tag. In one or more arrangements, the tag includes a housing and a connector configured to operably connect with the housing to facilitate attachment of the tag to an animal. The tag also includes a set of sensors. In one or more arrangements, the set of sensors includes a first temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of the animal (animal reference temperature), a second temperature sensor configured to monitor an ambient temperature (ambient reference temperature) of the environment where the animal is located, a gyroscopic sensor, and/or an accelerometer sensor. In one or more arrangements, the tag includes an electronic circuit positioned within the housing and configured to communicate data from the set of sensors to the control system.

Abstract: A heating mat system is presented for use with livestock. The heating mat system includes a heating layer positioned between an upper support pad and a lower support pad. The heating layer includes a conductive microfilm that has a generally planar shape extending between a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges. In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm includes a layer of graphene. In one or more arrangements, the heating mat system has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact that are connected to the conductive microfilm. When a voltage difference is applied between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, current flows through the conductive microfilm, thereby generating heat to the heating mat system and heating livestock positioned on the system.

Abstract: The toothpick apparatus of the present invention consists of an elongated cylindrical device 13 having a thicker middle portion 17 tapering away from the middle toward opposing ends or points 19. The toothpick has a perforated area or break point near its middle 17 whereby when the toothpick is broken a useable length of dental floss 23 is exposed. The dental floss 23 is contained within layers of thin wood 21 which are rolled in order to form the toothpick. Additional embodiments of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade deicer (22) comprising an assembly (24) for lifting and lowering two spring biased wiper arms (12) of a pair of windshield wipers (10) repeatedly with respect to a windshield (16) of a motor vehicle (18). Snow, ice and slush (20) will be loosened and knocked off two windshield wiper blades (14) and the windshield (16) of the motor vehicle (18) to increase visibility for a driver of the motor vehicle (18).