Abstract: A dog toy container can be used to store dog toys or consumable objects, such as chew toys, ropes, balls, stuffed animals, edible chews, bones, and other similar objects used to entertain or reward or please dogs. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A pet feeding device includes an accommodating body, a cover, a pivoting assembly and a counterweight. The accommodating body has an accommodating space. The cover is pivotally connected to the accommodating body and to close or open the accommodating space. The pivoting assembly is connected to the accommodating body and the cover and for pivotally connecting the cover on the accommodating body. The counterweight is separately connected to the accommodating body and includes a swinging end and a positioning end. The swinging end has a curved surface and is disposed on one end of the counterweight. The positioning end is disposed on the other end of the counterweight. When the swinging end of the counterweight contacts a ground, the pet feeding device is in a rolling state, and when the positioning end of the counterweight contacts the ground, the pet feeding device is in a positioning state.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a beverage preparation module (2); a removable reservoir (4) assembled to the beverage preparation module and disassemblable therefrom for removal; and a lid (41) for covering the reservoir. The lid has a fastening arrangement (46) for securing the reservoir against the beverage preparation module when the reservoir is assembled to the module.

Abstract: A method and system that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing animals, including birds, to forage food from a foraging holes disposed on said platform. Preferably the holes are covered with a frangible sheet that has to be broken by the animal or bird to access the food in the foraging holes. The sheet is made of a material that hides the content of the holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively controlling an animal or pet's access to food is provided by a platform that moves with relation to a base. A lever is connected between the chassis of the platform and the base, whereby parallel movement of the chassis towards the base causes an arm of the lever to engage a door adapted to prevent access to the food. An opposing force is provided and preferably adjustable by the user so the user can set the weight sufficient to cause movement between the platform and the base. The device can be constructed either to prevent access or to allow access to the food upon movement of the platform.

Abstract: There is disclosed an animal identification, feeding and entry control system based on a radio frequency identification (RFID) system including an animal collar-mounted RFID tag, and RFID circuitry including a single antenna housed within a bezel placed forward of and surrounding the entry aperture to optimize signal reception. The bezel shape allows only one animal to enter at a time. To conserve power, the circuitry is only activated when an animal pushes against a door within the device, triggering a switch mechanism. A circuit-controlled latch prevents animals from opening the door unless a code match is detected between the programmed code in the tag and a stored code in the circuit controlling the system. Multiple codes may be stored for identifying multiple animals wearing collars tagged with unique identifying codes. The system's applications include but are not limited to controlling animal entry to feeding enclosures, human housing and animal housing.

Abstract: An automated feeding system for pets with special diets includes a feeder dish which is made accessible to a pet only when an ID tag on the pet is recognized as authorized by a receiver on the device and only for a certain time period. The appropriate amount of food is thereby made available at appropriate time intervals. If a plurality of tags is pre-programmed as authorized, each animal's tag can sequentially activate the feeding device to feed each animal, respectively. However, if more than one authorized tag is present in the feeding time set for one animal, the drawer closes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing access to animal food utilizes identification tags on domestic animals, generally attached to a collar. The identification tag generates a signal that is detected by a receiver mounted on an enclosed food container. When the receiver detects a pre-selected acceptable signal from an animal, it activates a motor that causes a movable portion of the container to move to an open position. If the signal is no longer detected by the receiver, it activates the motor to move the movable portion of the container to a closed position. If the receiver detects a signal from an identification tag that is not one of the pre-selected signals, it activates the motor to move the movable portion of the container to a closed position.

Abstract: An automated feeding system for pets with special diets includes a feeder dish which is made accessible to a pet only when an ID tag on the pet is recognized as authorized by a receiver on the device and only for a certain time period. The appropriate amount of food is thereby made available at appropriate time intervals. If a plurality of tags is pre-programmed as authorized, each animal's tag can sequentially activate the feeding device to feed each animal, respectively. However, if more than one authorized tag is present in the feeding time set for one animal, the drawer closes.

Abstract: A swine feeder for use in feeding individually housed gestating swine. The feeder includes a hollow tube containing feed. The tube controls the amount of feed by having its lower, angled end contained within a feeding tube that is moveable by the individual sow to discharge the feed only when the sow applies a force to the feeding tube. The feeder may be connected to a supply of feed, and typically, the feeder is attached to the individual crate of each sow such that a limited amount of feed is dispersed into the sow's feeding area, usually a trough.

Abstract: A pest resistant pet feeder having a base providing a moat or barrier for insects supports a pivoting platform with openings at one end for removably mounting a pair of pet food and water dishes. The one end includes a transparent lid pivotally attached to the one end for covering and uncovering the dishes. A linkage assembly extending between the platform and the lid translates pivotal movement of the platform in response to weight of a pet into deploying the lid into its dish uncovering position. Departure of the pet actuates the linkage via the pivot movement of the platform to position the lid to cover the dishes.

Abstract: A livestock feeder particularly suited as a horse feeder. This feeder has a grille on a front face and hangs on an outside of an enclosure with the front face resting on horizontal bars of the enclosure. The animal is able to pull feed through the vertically disposed grille on the front face. With the feeder on the outside of the enclosure, it is easily accessible for cleaning, filling with feed, or relocation while providing safe access on the outside of the enclosure. The feeder also allows a horse to eat at a natural gazing position by having a lower portion of the grille located near the ground. By providing feed at a natural grazing position, the feeder prevents gorging, boredom and waste while allowing the horse to feed with its head lower than its heart.

Abstract: A livestock feeder particularly suited as a horse feeder. This feeder has a grille on a front face and hangs on an outside of an enclosure with the front face resting on horizontal bars of the enclosure. The animal is able to pull feed through the vertically disposed grille on the front face. With the feeder on the outside of the enclosure, it is easily accessible for cleaning, filling with feed, or relocation while providing safe access on the outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: An animal-actuated feeder (20) has a treadle (26) to be tread upon by an animal (36) desirous of obtaining food, a food compartment (24), a cover (30) with closed and open positions (32, 34) denying and granting access to the compartment (24), and linkage (28) to open the cover (30) when the animal (36) treads upon the treadle (26). A damper (88) is coupled to the cover (30) and dampens transit between open and closed positions (32, 34). A dish (106) having a mating lid (108) coupled to the cover (30) promotes the retention of the food in a palatable condition. A plurality of moat assemblies (118) serve as legs for the feeder (20) and inhibit crawling arthropods from gaining access to the food. A control unit (154) and latch (152) control the opening of the cover (30) in response to a tag unit (162) worn by the animal (36) treading upon the treadle (26).

Abstract: A pet watering fountain including a box-shaped housing, a water supplyer, a hose, two pipes, a control valve unit (body), a helical or expansion spring (spring), a bowl, a drain, and a pedal. A thirsty dog walks onto the spring-biased pedal. The spring-biased pedal is then lowered to the floor of the housing which actuates a lever on the control valve unit. As a result, water flows from an outside hose bib into a garden hose, through a first pipe into a valve unit, then into a second pipe which fills into an elevated bowl.

Abstract: The invention is a covered pet bowl for use by an animal with a nose having a bowl with a perimeter, a lid with a lip attached and a hinge attached to the bowl and the lid so that the animal may, with the animal's nose against the lip, releasably lift the lid. The hinge can hold the bowl lid open at a plurality of selected heights above the perimeter so that the lid is not in contact with the bowl perimeter. The hinge allows the lid to be opened further by pressure under the lid from one of the plurality of selected heights to a larger opening. Upon the animal releasing the lip, the lid returns to one of the plurality of selected heights. The hinge includes an opening regulation means for maintaining the arc from the bowl to the lid lip to less than 60 degrees to allow gravity to re-close the lid to the at least one user selected opening after the lid is released from the larger opening.

Abstract: Feed hopper for a sow has opening at bottom surrounded by a seat upon which a ball check is adapted to rest, thereby to seal the opening and prevent the discharge of feed therethrough. A sow can nudge upwardly the ball check, unsealing the opening and permitting the discharge of feed from the hopper. Vertically adjustable means limit upward movement of the ball check so as to limit the maximum extent to which the opening can be unsealed. A water button, operatively connected to a source of water, can be nudged by the sow to discharge water for her.

Abstract: A feeding bowl for pets includes a bowl body having a base and a generally hemispherical upper portion, with a hinged panel or door mounted in the upper portion. A pet can insert its head into the bowl body for feeding by moving the hinged door away with its head.

Abstract: A new pet food container shielding device for encompassing a pet food container without inhibiting a pet from obtaining food while precluding rodents and birds from gaining access. The inventive device includes a container having an open top and an open bottom. The container has centrally disposed opening therethrough. A front door is positioned within the opening in the container and is hingedly secured to an upper edge of the opening. A counter weight is secured to an upper end of the front door on an interior surface thereof. The counter weight biases the front door to a position flush within the opening in the front wall.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for animals, such as dogs or cats, has an inclined platform and a hingedly connected lid which seats on the upper surface of a food container to close the container. When a weight is applied to the platform such as when an animal stands upon the platform, the lid pivots to an open position as the platform moves downwardly to provide access to the contents of the container.

Abstract: A feeding bowl mounted unitarially fabricated with edges which form an angled support for the bowl. The food in the bowl is protected by a rotational or sliding cover movable by an animal to expose the food for feeding. The exposed surface of the lid may be textured to be engagable by the animal. The lid is biased so that under the condition of the lid being released by the animal the lid is urged into a position to cover the food and form a seal between the lid an bowl to prevent the intrusion of insects. The lid further protects the food from moisture and from animals and birds not capable of moving the lid.

Abstract: A platform actuated feeder apparatus including a storage and delivery assembly interconnected to a platform and access lid assembly by an actuator linkage assembly. The storage and delivery assembly includes 1) a hopper material storage assembly which is open at the top providing easy access for replenishment of material contained therein; 2) a hopper lid assembly to enclose the hopper material storage assembly; and 3) the storage and delivery assembly is elevated to a practical height by a hopper support assembly. A stored material, such as pet food, is dispensed to a discharge section of the hopper material storage assembly and is covered at that point by an access lid assembly. A user, such as a pet, would stand on a hinged actuator platform assembly engaging an articulated actuator linkage assembly thereby raising an access lid member which will reamin open for as long as the pet remains on a portion of the actuator platform assembly.

Abstract: A pest-proof feeding device for containing food for an animal and preventing pests such as snails, ants, birds and roaches from scavenging or contaminating the food, while enabling a pet or other animal to access the food. In a preferred embodiment, the pest-proof feeding device is characterized by a generally dome-shaped housing which is divided into a posterior food storage compartment and an anterior food access compartment having a food access opening which is reversibly sealed by a food access panel pivotally mounted on the housing. The housing may be threadably mounted on a food bowl or shaped in one piece and pelletized animal food is loaded in the food storage compartment and food bowl through a threaded opening provided in the apex of the housing. An animal such as a dog or cat accesses the food in the food bowl by pushing against the food access panel to pivot the food access panel from a closed position into the food access compartment.

Abstract: A feeder for the selective presentation of food products for animals. The feeder includes a storage bin for containing animal food which includes an open top and a lid. A pressure plate is provided which is functionally linked to the open top. When an animal steps upon the pressure plate, the lid opens revealing the interior of the bin and its housed food products in a manner which is calculated not to frighten the animal being fed.

Abstract: An animal activated feeder (10) has a base (11) which supports a central cradle (17) for rotation about a central axis. A circular food bowl (40) having a number of receptacles (41) can be positioned on the cradle (17) to rotate with it, or lifted off for cleaning. The base (11) includes a central spring housing (13) having a flat helical torsion spring (14) ("clock spring") which causes rotation of the cradle (17) and therefore the food bowl (40), but rotation is indexed in increments by a pet activated foot pedal (29) which is pivoted to the base and has a finger (28) lying in the path of travel of lugs (25) of a first group which project from the cradle (17). Indexing is limited to feed one receptacle (41) at a time, preventing spinning of the food bowl, by a second group of lugs (24) projecting from the cradle and when the foot pedal (29) is depressed, the finger ( 28) moves from the path of travel of the first group of lugs (25) and into the path of travel of the lugs (24) of the second group.

Abstract: A cattle feeding trough consisting of a frame having a pocket with underlying ribs to support a container and at least one substantially vertical support. A container is positioned in the container support pocket of the frame. The container has opposed end walls. Each of the end walls has a concave peripheral edge. A closure lid is pivotally mounted to the vertical support with the closure lid positioned over the container. The closure lid has opposed end walls. Each of the end walls has a convex peripheral edge. The convex end walls of the closure lid can be positioned in close proximity with the concave end walls of the container to protect the contents of the container from the weather while still permitting the closure lid to be pivotally moved aside by cattle seeking access to the contents of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for protecting the food of a house pet and is particularly useful when a pet is fed outdoors. The pet feeding deivce covers the food intended for a pet and protects the food from birds and undesirable pests. The pet feeding device employs a tray having a hinged lid and a treadle upon which the pet steps to open the lid. The treadle is connected to a pair of parallel arcuate ram arms which are carried rearwardly when the pet steps on the treadle. The arms travel between guide rollers and push upwardly against the underside of the lid to raise the lid to an open position when the treadle is depressed. When the pet is finished eating it releases the treadle, whereupon a spring aids in shutting the lid.

Abstract: A self-feeding dog feeder that has a capacity for several days feeding, constructed in such a way that the feed is protected from inadvertent contamination or loss, while still allowing easy access by the desired dog only.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for spraying farm animals, such as is utilized in treating cattle for face flies or the like. The apparatus includes a shed housing a feeder box. The lid of the feeder box is connected to a control circuit including a switch that activates a pump to spray the animal when the lid is closed. Passage in the shed is restricted to prevent the animal from turning around so that the spraying takes place as the animal backs from the shed. A reset timer is also provided to prevent system reactivation and assure that the animal is not oversprayed by continuously raising and lowering the feeder box lid. Additionally, circuitry for adjusting the duration of the spraying is also provided. The method involves the steps of attracting the animal into the shed, restricting the movement of the animal within the shed, activating a sprayer when the animal is done feeding and spraying the animal as it backs from the shed.

Abstract: A pet feeding bowl is equipped with hinged apertured cover plates which are biased closed by gravity to protect food in the bowl from contamination and are opened when the pet thrusts its snout into the bowl for feeding. The cover plate apertures allow the animal to detect the scent of food from a distance.

Abstract: A compact, animal-operated animal feeder is disclosed in which the feeder housing has a pair of foldable doors mounted over a feed opening and latched in a closed position. The doors can be unlatched by the animal, which carries a latch release device about its neck, and the natural tendency of the animal to push toward the feed will fold the doors laterally to an open position permitting access to food inside the feeder. A magnetic latch release assembly in which a plurality of permanent magnets are arranged in an array to provide a key for release of a latch having correspondingly arranged magnets is also disclosed. A compound door including a magnetically releasable latch assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dog feeder for protecting and preserving food or fresh water to be made available upon self-initiated action of the dog includes a food or water vessel, an insect-isolating tray, and a closure for the vessel. The tray surrounds the vessel in the form of a moat. The vessel is thereby isolated from insects by water or other liquid contained within the tray. The closure is hinged to the vessel for being liftable by the dog's nose for permitting its access to the vessel's contents. A stop arrangement interengaging the closure and vessel limits lifting of the closure to a predetermined extent, thereby assuring of continued protection of the contents of the vessel even when the dog has obtained access to the vessel interior and assuring of subsequent closing of the closure under force of gravity.

Abstract: An animal feeding device which supports feeding dishes at an elevated level and which protects the food in the dishes comprises a housing having a roof portion which extends over a raised shelf. The shelf includes apertures into which the bottom of the feeding dishes are inserted. A cover overlays the shelf and is pivotally secured in the housing so that it can expose the feeding dishes. A treadle mechanism operates the cover and the housing preferably includes a handle for carrying and a light bulb for illuminating and heating the feeding dishes.

Abstract: A protected feeder is provided for livestock which comprises a receptacle with an open top supported at a selected position above a ground surface and adapted to contain a livestock attracting material therein, such as feed, salt or a mineral. A flexible cover member with a marginal portion which extends substantially beyond the top edge of the receptacle is mounted on the support structure in covering relation to the open top of the receptacle and livestock are permitted to contact the marginal portion from underneath and displace a portion of the cover member upwardly to gain access to the livestock attracting material in the receptacle. The cover member has unsupported portions which tend to sag downwardly and arcuate access openings between its marginal portion and the top edge of the receptacle through which livestock can see and smell the attracting material and are encouraged to lift the cover member at the openings, although access can be had from anywhere around the receptacle.

Abstract: An animal feeder maintains animal feed in a protected condition until the feed is desired by an animal. As configured for usage, the feeder includes a feed container of dish character and a support structure supporting the container in a position to be approached by an animal. A cover is carried in hinging relationship for movement between positions covering and uncovering the container. When uncovered, the container is protected from the elements, but when uncovered permits the animal to feed from the feed container. A treadle surrounds at least a portion of the container for being stepped upon by an animal when in any of a plurality of locations near the container. The treadle is interconnected with the cover for causing movement to the open position in response to weight of the animal upon the treadle and for permitting the cover to close when the animal's weight is removed.

Abstract: A pet feeding device having a pedal portion which when depressed by the pet causes a lid unit to swing open to uncover a food receptable, incorporating an improved simplified linkage which minimizes the effort required to operate the pedal.

Abstract: An anti-pest variable height pet dish having a central food bowl with a pet-operable lid and an annular moat-type water trough removably or fixedly mounted around the central bowl, the moat and bowl being elevatable by means of telescopic legs or a tapered sectional pedestal having removable sections.