Abstract: An attachment system for a wearing point (3) on a plough share (11) is described, in which a holder (2) for a wearing point (3) is arranged to be fixed to the plough share (11), and in which one of the holder (2) and the wearing point (3) is formed with guide elements (211, 311) forming connection pin (21), and the other one of the holder (2) and the wearing point (3) is provided with guide elements (211, 311) forming a complementary connection socket (31), wherein the holder (2) is provided with first and second bolt-hole groups (22, 22?), the first bolt-hole group (22) being complementary to an attachment-hole group (111) of a left-hand plough share (11a), and the second bolt-hole group (22?) being complementary to an attachment-hole group (111?) of a right-hand plough share (11b).

Abstract: Disclosed is a soil processing device for creating cavities in soil, including a machine frame that can move in the direction of travel, and at least one drive unit that is mounted in the machine frame and moves at least one pivotally mounted piercing tool up and down in a substantially vertical direction. Before piercing into the soil, the piercing tool is in a starting position at a predefined piercing angle, whereas in the soil, the same performs a pivoting movement about a first pivot axis as a result of the machine frame moving in the direction of travel, said pivoting movement being superimposed on the up-and-down movement.

Abstract: A device for coupling towed agricultural machines comprising means for fastening to a frame of the machine, a connecting arm extending substantially longitudinally away from the frame of the agricultural machine, and a coupling head comprising coupling means. The coupling head allows said connecting arm to rotate relative to the towing means about a first axis of rotation which is substantially perpendicular to an operating surface of the agricultural machine. The connecting arm is rotatably connected to the fastening means about a second axis of rotation, and further comprises reversible means for locking the rotation of the connecting arm.

Abstract: A coulter with a coulter disc for delivering agricultural materials into soil along one direction F of travel, a height measuring apparatus which is located in the region of the coulter disc for measuring a penetration depth Tm of the coulter disc into the soil, a coulter holder for swivelling holding of the coulter disc on a coulter frame and height setting relative to the coulter frame, the penetration depth T of the coulter disc being controllable/adjustable depending on the measured penetration depth Tm.

Abstract: Provided is a split shaft with a setting adjustment, including a first part and a second part with threaded cylindrical sections, that may optionally also optionally include a sleeve to interconnect the first and second parts by threading. Also provided is a shaft-hub unit, which includes the split shaft and a cylindrical hub with two couplable parts. Use of the split shaft and shaft-hub unit in cutting disks of planters and subsoilers, as well as in wheels of planters, is also described.

Abstract: In a winged agricultural implement having two wing frame sections pivotal relative to a center frame section between a laterally extending working position and a rearward trailing transport position, two brace members are pivotally supported on the center frame section to selectively retain and support the wing frame sections in the working position. A hydraulic actuator pivots each brace member between a latched position and a released position relative to the wing frame section. A biasing linkage is provided in series with each hydraulic actuator to provide positive pressure to retain the brace member in a latched position as the wing frame section pivotally floats relative to the center frame section during movement across an agricultural field in a forward working direction.

Abstract: A sensor to be mounted to an implement senses a region proximate a flow by ground engaging member of the implement. A electronics receives signals from the sensor and identifies accumulation on the grounding engaging member based upon the signals.

Abstract: A distribution machine including a supply device for a self-regulated pneumatic supply from a main reservoir containing product toward at least one auxiliary reservoir according to its filling rate via a respective tight duct, each auxiliary reservoir including an air exhaust device and a distribution unit for distributing the product including a supply chamber and a rotary regulating element. The air exhaust device is configured to extend substantially below an overflow spot of the supply chamber.

Abstract: A device for a self-regulated pneumatic supply from a main reservoir containing product toward at least one auxiliary reservoir according to its filling rate, the supply device including a compressed air supply, a tilted duct connected to pipe connections, a bypass air duct having a first channel emerging near the outlet of the main reservoir and a second channel emerging near the inlet of the pipe connections to bring product to the auxiliary reservoir. At least one of the channels includes a mean preset for adjusting a passage section of air passing through one of the channels. The device can be applied to a seeder including such a supply device.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A method of use of a rake for gathering material in a raking mode and a picking mode, the method comprising the steps of: pivotally mounting a first rake head and a second rake head between an upper bracket and a lower bracket, said upper bracket being coupled to a handle; articulating said first rake head and said second rake head for axial alignment therebetween to place said rake in said raking mode; engaging a stop mechanism associated with said upper bracket to maintain said rake in said raking mode; and disengaging said stop mechanism and articulating said first rake head and said second rake head to pivot said first rake head and said second rake head towards each other to place said rake in said picking mode.

Abstract: A lawn care device may include an engine to selectively power the device, a frame supporting the engine and an operator of the device, and an ignition interface having processing circuitry configured to define a plurality of operating modes. The operating modes may include at least a starting mode in which the ignition interface is usable by the operator to start the engine, and a running mode in which the engine is running. The ignition interface may include code entry keys configured to, responsive to entry of a code via the code entry keys, enable use of the ignition interface to shift from the starting mode to the running mode without a physical starting key.

Abstract: An autonomous travel work system works, regarding a garden LD as a canvas and applying an arbitrary design to the garden LD, according the design. The autonomous travel work system includes an information terminal configured to be input means and transmit input information, a computer configured to receive the input information, and at least one electric lawn mower configured to work autonomously traveling in the garden LD. The information terminal includes a display, a work ground input, a design allocation input, and a work request device. The information terminal or the computer includes a work ground designation device, a design allocation device, a mapping route generator, and a work pattern generator.

Abstract: This invention relates to harvesting machines and more in particular, to harvesting machines capable of harvesting more than one crop row. In this scenario, this invention has the objective of providing a system for harvesting machines that make it possible to cut more than one crop row simultaneously. To this end, a cutting system for harvesting machines is proposed, comprised by at least two row dividers (6) and by at least two cutting elements (16), each of the at least two cutting elements (16) are positioned in the structure of each of the at least two crop rows (6). This invention further provides for a harvesting machine comprises said system.

Abstract: An agricultural combine including an agricultural harvester, a crop tank for harvested material, and an unloading auger assembly for unloading and discharging crop material. The auger assembly has inner and outer auger tubes pivotally connected to one another. The auger tubes pivot between a first position in which the auger tubes extend transversely and are coaxial and a second position in which the auger tubes form an angle. The auger tubes contain augers having first and second couplings at cooperating ends. The first coupling has two projections extending to cooperate with a single radial projection on the second coupling to provide improved engagement.

Abstract: A fruit collecting device for picking fruit from the branches of a tree. The fruit collecting device includes an elongated handle, wherein the handle is preferably telescopic so that it can be adjusted to a desired length. A first end of the handle includes a cage having an opening thereon, wherein the cage includes an interior volume suitable for storing or holding fruit. The opening includes one or more sharp or serrated edges for severing the stem of a piece of fruit. In this way, the user can maneuver the cage so that a piece of fruit is positioned through the opening and within the cage, and can then move the device such that the serrated edges of the opening cuts the stem, causing the piece of fruit to fall into the cage.

Abstract: A mower deck leveling system includes first and second electric actuators that change the spacing between a first side of the mower deck and a lawn and garden tractor frame, and the spacing between a front of the mower deck and the lawn and garden tractor frame. First and second sight levels on the mower deck indicate if the first side of the mower deck is level with a second side of the mower deck, and if the front of the mower deck is level with the back of the mower deck. At least one electric switch in the operator station is connected to the electric actuators.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a harvester has a sieve that is moveable by a drive assembly that includes a rotary drive, an eccentric device, a transmission connected to the eccentric device and to the sieve, which transmission cyclically varies the distance between the driving point of the eccentric device and the sieve coupling during each full rotation of the rotatable output shaft of the rotary drive, wherein, due to the cyclic variation of the distance between the driving point of the eccentric device and the sieve coupling, during each reciprocating sieve movement at least one of the accelerating portion of the throw stroke, the decelerating portion of the throw stroke, the accelerating portion of the return stroke and the decelerating portion of the return stroke has a duration that is different from the duration of at least one other of said portions of the reciprocating sieve movement.

Abstract: A cleaning section of an agricultural harvester including a sieve and at least one variable stroke sieve drive wherein the sieve is positioned in the harvester to receive crop material from a threshing section and the at least one variable stroke sieve drive is coupled to the sieve wherein the variable stroke sieve drive has a first shaft and a second shaft concentric with the first shaft and the relative angular position between the first shaft and the second shaft establishes an amount of eccentricity of the variable stroke sieve drive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for compressing long-stem plant material in which the long-stem plant material is introduced into a compression unit and is pressed, and the long-stem plant material pressed in the compression unit is packaged to form transportable units. In the disclosed method, an amount of the long-stem plant material that is predefined on the basis of the weight thereof is introduced into the compression unit.

Abstract: A wrapping mechanism is described that comprises at least two material support cylinders, a mechanism support cylinder, and a first and a second support plate, which are all rotatable about a support axis. The wrapping mechanism can comprise a pair of frame plates, a drive mechanism, a brake system, a lock mechanism, at least one feed roller and a feed plate. The wrapping mechanism can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: An agricultural square baler equipped with a pre-compression chamber, and configured to guide crop material from said supply means towards and into the baling chamber where the rectangular bales are formed. At least one of the upper and lower walls of the pre-compression chamber is formed by a conveyor belt, arranged to move from the supply means towards said baling chamber. The conveyor belt has at least two portions configured to exert different friction forces on a batch of crop material, so that the high friction portion is capable of moving the batch into the baling chamber, whereas the low friction portion exerts a low force on said batch, thereby preventing material to be prematurely moved towards said baling chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A plurality of guide arms extend outwardly of the pushing plate to overlie a sod strip being positioned to prevent upward buckling of the sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. The pushing plate slides in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the straight ahead driving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A debris removal system (15) for mounting on a lawn mower (20) for removing debris from a lawn. The lawn mower has a first end (21), a second end (22) opposite the first end (21), and a mower deck (29). The debris removal system has a tool (53) pivotally mounted to the mower deck (29). The tool (53) has a proximal end (54) and a distal end (55). The tool (53) is capable of being moved from a first position with the distal end (54) extending forward from the first end (21) of the mower (20) into contact with the lawn to a second position where the distal end (21) of the tool (53) is positioned above and out of contact with the lawn. A receptacle (47) is disposed on the mower (20) and configured to receive the debris from the tool (53) when the tool (53) is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a power tool including: a housing; a selectively actuable motor including a rotary output; a rotary drive element arranged in operative contact with the rotary output of the motor and including a drive pin; a removable blade assembly having a stationary blade and a moving blade in operative contact with the drive pin, wherein movement of the drive pin is translated into movement of the moving blade; a blade holder operable to selectively lock the stationary blade in an aligned position with respect to the housing; and a magnet positioned to contact the stationary blade when the stationary blade occupies the aligned position and hold the stationary blade in the aligned position. Various embodiments relate to a related transmission including similar features including a magnet positioned to contact a stationary blade when the stationary blade occupies the aligned position.

Abstract: A planting container has an inner box capable of housing a water-absorbent planting bed material and an outer box which is fitted over the inner box. The outer box includes a front face portion having an opening portion configured to expose the planting bed material housed in the inner box and a tubular portion extending rearwards from the front face portion to receive the inner box. The inner box includes, as a water reservoir capable of reserving an amount of planting water, a plurality of water reserving portions disposed adjacent each other along an inner circumferential face of the tubular portion in such a way to communicate each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for affecting atmospheric cyclones and quantifying parameters related to affected cyclones are disclosed. These methods and apparatus involve attacking a cyclone chemically, without the use of explosives, with an energy transfer inhibitor that can interfere with the transmission of energy from the sea surface to the cyclone. The energy transfer inhibitor, if properly chosen and placed in a desired path of the storm, can deny one part of the storm energy from the latent heat of vaporization of water, thereby creating an imbalance in the centrifugal force of the cyclone. The imbalance can reduce the intensity of the cyclone and can be used to steer the storm. Quantifying parameters associated with an affected cyclone enables forecasting the cyclone's energy state, path, intensity, or other related parameters and evaluating possible additional energy transfer inhibitor distribution.

Abstract: Devices are provided for guiding the growth of scaffold branches, and in particular, devices for training scaffold branches to form wide crotch angles with main trunk of a tree.

Abstract: The emitter attachable to a fluid conduit comprises a fluid inlet portion capable of taking in fluid from the fluid conduit. The fluid from the inlet portion moves to the pressure compensating or reducing portion which comprises a set of teeth which are arranged in a way so as to impede the flow of liquid thereby reducing the pressure. Downstream the pressure compensating portion is the output portion which communicates with an aperture in the fluid conduit to enable distributing the fluid to the environment. The base of the emitter is flexible allowing movement of the base by virtue of the pressure gradient. When the pressure of the fluid is reduced in the pressure compensating portion, a pressure gradient is created across the base and this result in the fluid in the fluid conduit moving the base towards the fluid conduit thereby reducing the volume of the cavity of the emitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular panel and structure of a double vertical hanging unit, in the form of geotextile felt pouches, for hydroponic plant or vegetable cultivation, which comprises a vertical panel with a plurality of double vertical hanging units, in the form of geotextile felt pouches for hydroponic cultivation, a structure with a plastic cover and fixed zenithal ventilation for forming a greenhouse, and the system for the construction thereof. The object of the present invention is to provide a type of vertical panel and greenhouse that is totally different from those that currently exist on the market, by virtue of a novel, simple internal structure, the main feature of which combines the advantages of various of the vertical panels and greenhouses that exist on the market, but with a smaller number of components and with greater efficiency.

Abstract: An aeroponic and drip gardener system is a system for supporting as well as delivering water and nutrients to a plant without the use of a growing medium. The system features an at least one aeroponic assembly through which water and nutrients from a fluid reservoir are delivered to a plant by a pump. The plant is held in place within an aeroponic container by a plant-supporting gasket in a manner such that the plant roots are freely hanging within the aeroponic container. Water and nutrients move through a distribution pipe and are distributed directly to the plant roots by an at least one spray nozzle assembly. The system includes a drainage system through which any remaining water and nutrients are able to return to the fluid reservoir. Water and nutrients are able to return to the fluid reservoir via a return pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to aquaponics system. The aquaponics system may be comprised of a pole assembly comprising a pole having one or more pole cups affixed to the pole in a vertical orientation; an aquaculture assembly comprising a tank having a pole anchor centered therein, wherein the pole anchor is configured to receive a bottom portion of the pole, a plurality of struts configured to stabilize the pole within the tank, and at least one tank cover positioned at an opening of the tank; and a hydroponic assembly comprising one or more grow pans, wherein the one or more grow pans are removably coupled with the pole assembly, and at least one tray positioned within at least one grow pan.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing system includes a first rotatable platform for growing vegetation thereon, a seed dispenser and a harvester. The first rotatable platform is rotatable about a central axis and the seed dispenser is positionable adjacent to the rotatable platform to deposit seeds onto the rotatable platform. The seeds grow hydroponically into vegetation on the first platform. The harvester is positionable adjacent to the rotatable platform to remove the vegetation from the rotatable platform in response to rotation of the rotatable platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to unique strategies and constructs for producing a nucleic acid product that downregulates or prevents expression of a desired target polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 12N 808 RZ, whereby a plant grown from such seed may exhibit resistance to Verticilium spp. (Va and Vd), resistance to Stemphylium spp., a very large fruit size of about 300-350 g, short to medium plant height, and very strong ribbing at the peduncle end. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 12N 808 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 12N 808 RZ.

Abstract: A novel garden bean variety, designated PV-766, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean variety PV-766, to the plants of garden bean line PV-766 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the variety PV-766 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the variety PV-766.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the parts of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SV1408SA and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SV1408SA and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the parts of such plants.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X03F667 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03F667 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03F667 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03F667, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03F667. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03F667.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing cytoplasmic male sterile Petroselinum plants, cytoplasmic male sterile Petroselinum crispum plants and to seeds, cells, tissues and plant parts thereof. Specifically the present invention relates to a method for providing a cytoplasmic male sterile Petroselinum crispum plant comprising: (a) providing first protoplasts obtained from a plant selected from the group consisting of Daucus carota L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Apium graveolens L., and Pastinaca sativa L., wherein the first protoplasts have a substantially inactivated nuclear genome and a substantially non-modified cytoplasm; (b) providing second protoplasts obtained from Petroselinum crispum wherein the second protoplasts have a substantially inactivated cytoplasm and a substantially non-modified nuclear genome; (c) fusing said first and second protoplasts; and (d) obtaining from the fusion product of said first and second protoplasts a cytoplasmic male sterile Petroselinum crispum plant.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for developing a novel species by means of interspecific crossbreeding among P. eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quel., P. eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quel. var. elaeoselini, P. eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quel. var. tuoliensis C.J. Mou and P. nebrodensis (DC.:Fr.) Quel., which are not native in Japan, and P. ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) Kummer, which is native in Japan and the novel species obtained by the method and is also to provide a novel species of Pleurotus spp. carrying both a P. eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quel. gene and a P. ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) Kummer gene by crossbreeding P. ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) Kummer with P. eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quel. var. tuoliensis C.J. Mou, P. nebrodensis (DC.:Fr.) Quel. or P. eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quel. var. ferulae Lanzi, thereby obtaining a strain capable of further crossbreeding with P. eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quel., P. eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quel. var. elaeoselini or the like.

Abstract: A method implemented by a computer for the control of the milking operations of automated systems comprises the steps of: measuring the pressure in the vacuum line of the milking system; recording and storing pressure-measurement data as a function of time and construction of a related plot; comparison and processing of data acquired and stored with pre-set values and classification of milking events; display of milking events and alarm signalling on local or remote operator interfaces; in which an interaction with vacuum generation and regulation devices of said milking system occurs in response to a command given by the processing and the determination of an operational event in progress on the milking system, said operational event being determined by the comparison and correlation of the continuously measured pressure values of said pressure plot with values measured during pressure fluctuations recorded at moments preceding and following the change of said plot.

Abstract: A space divider (4) of a milking parlor arrangement for at least one milking parlor (3) for milking milk-producing animals (T), wherein the space divider (4) is arranged approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the animal (T) to be milked, has an arm device (6) having a milking cluster (5, 5?), which can be adjusted from a parking position to a working position and back. The arm device (6) is arranged with the milking cluster (5) in the parking position in the space divider (4), wherein the milking cluster (5, 5?) can be adjusted into the working position laterally to the animal (T) to be milked between the front and rear legs thereof. The milking cluster (5, 5?) comprises two halves, wherein each half has a specific set of at least one tealcup (5a). The space divider (4) is designed in such a way that no additional space is required between adjacent animals (T), so that many animals (T) can be milked in a milking parlor arrangement (1, 1?, 1?) while the smallest possible amount of space is required.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a threaded gear assembly and a hand-held applicator for cleaning a teat of a milk-producing animal. In an embodiment, a threaded gear is provided which comprises a disk-shaped member having a perimeter and a plurality of radiating teeth circumferentially arranged and integrated with the perimeter of the disk-shaped member, the plurality of radiating teeth being configured to impart torque. The threaded gear includes a bore hole in a center of the disk-shaped member, the bore hole including internal threading along a surface within the bore hole.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, a continuous cooker stretcher is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.

Abstract: A cementitious clumping material is provided and in particular to an animal litter formed therefrom. The cementitious clumping material comprises of a mixture of particulate, cement, and a cellulosic material. The cementitious clumping material in some embodiments contains a dust control agent, a polyol, or combinations thereof. The cementitious clumping material is pourable into a litter box and agglomerates into a clump upon contact with urine or other liquid forming a clump having a percentage of maximal strength greater than 95% upon clump formation, and having a clump strength of greater than greater than 250 kg/cm2. The clump is further capable of removal with a perforated scoop after as little as one minute of formation.

Abstract: A pet urine collection device, configured so that, when a dog discharges urine against a wall surface, a first panel laid on a floor surface is not soiled with urine over a wide range in a front-back direction. The pet urine collection device includes a first panel adapted to be laid on a floor surface and a flexible second panel joined with the first panel along a join line and adapted to be attached to a wall surface. The second panel has a high stiffness region extending in parallel to the join line and having a proximal edge and a low stiffness region extending in parallel to the high stiffness region and having a distal edge.

Abstract: A leg spreading device for an animal in a milking stall includes a first and second elongated elements forming a first raised surface provided with a left side edge and a second raised surface provided with a right side edge. The elongated elements are oriented in a manner such that a transverse distance (w) between the left side edge of the first raised surface and the right side edge of the second raised surface increases continuously in a longitudinal direction of the elongated elements from a first transverse distance in the first longitudinal position to a second transverse distance in a second longitudinal position.

Abstract: An animal treat dispensing container is disclosed. An example treat dispensing container includes a pouch configured to contain a food substance ingestible by an animal, a nozzle connected to a first exterior face of the pouch and configured to enable the food substance to exit the pouch, and a nozzle cap configured to enclose the nozzle. The treat dispensing container also includes a strap configured to connect the nozzle cap to the nozzle and a hook or fastener located on a second exterior face of the pouch. The hook is configured to secure at least one of the nozzle cap and the strap after the nozzle cap is removed from the nozzle, thereby preventing a mouth of the animal from biting or otherwise ingesting the nozzle cap when the animal is licking the food substance from the nozzle.

Abstract: An automatic watering system may include a water-retaining vessel defining a water-retention chamber, and a partition positioned within the water-retaining vessel. The partition separates the water-retaining chamber into a valve chamber and a drinking chamber. The partition may include a first water passage at a first level and a second water passage at a second level that differs from the first level. A valve may be operatively connected to a water supply outlet within the valve chamber. The valve is configured to be moved between an open position in which the water supply outlet is opened, and a closed position in which the water supply outlet is closed. A deicer may be disposed within one of the valve and drinking chambers. The deicer is configured to heat the water within both the valve and drinking chambers.