Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for scheduling and controlling a mobile cleaning robot based on a seasonal or environmental debris accumulation event are discussed. A mobile cleaning robot receives a seasonal cleaning schedule corresponding to a seasonal or environmental debris accumulation event. The seasonal cleaning schedule includes instructions to clean a portion of the mobile robot's environment having a debris state varied seasonally. The mobile cleaning robot executes a cleaning mission in the environment in accordance with the seasonal cleaning schedule.

Abstract: A system may provide for delivering a sequence of one or more soaking sprays at a station where an animal is present. The station may include a pressurized pipe supplying a liquid for the soaking spray, a valve and nozzle coupled to the pipe, and a control circuit coupled to the valve. The control circuit may be operable to determine the sequence of the soaking spray using a signal from an animal sensor that is configured to detect the presence of the animal at the station. The system may include an environmental sensor providing at least one signal to the control circuit. The signal from the environmental sensor may be used by the control circuit to determine the sequence for the soaking spray.

Abstract: A furniture protecting scratching post device. The device includes a base having a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom wherein the sidewalls are oriented perpendicularly to each other. A top portion is disposed on the upper ends of the sidewalls such that the top portion and the pair of sidewalls define an interior channel. The interior channel is sized to receive the front and side portions of a chair or couch, such that the top portion of the device rests on a front portion of the armrest. A carpeting material is disposed on the base, sidewalls, and top portion. The carpeting material is embedded with catnip to encourage cats to scratch the device rather than the furniture which it is secured to. In this way, the furniture protecting scratching device is adapted to protect an object such as a chair or couch from a cat's scratches.

Abstract: A poultry feeder with beak growth control device is provided. In one embodiment, the feeder includes a feeder pan, a feeder tower, and a beak grooming ring. The grooming ring is removably inserted in the feeder and has an annular shape complementary configured to engage a corresponding shape of the feeder pan. Preferably, the grooming ring has a self-supporting structure that retains its complementary shape to the feeder pan independently of the pan when removed therefrom. The grooming ring is insertable and removable from feeder as a separable unit from the feeder and operable to abrade the beak while the birds feed, thereby controlling its growth and length.

Abstract: A combination feeder and pesticide applicator for animals in which the animal receives an application of a pesticide when it manipulates the feeder. The feeder has a feeding compartment covered by a lid which can be selectively manipulated to expose food in the feeder. The lid has an applicator such as a cattle rub attached to it through a webbing weaved in and out of a plurality of slots on the lid. The ends of the webbing are clamped together. The ends of the cattle rub are also clamped to one another. A secondary attachment mechanism can be used to further secure the cattle rub to the lid, which prevents the animal from dislodging the cattle rub from the lid.

Abstract: A device (15) for the application of pesticides to animals as they feed and that accommodates wildlife of all sizes, poses no threat of harm to the animals, and maximizes the per capita application of pesticide. Whole kernel corn (or other feed) placed in a feed bin (30) is dispensed into a trough/receptacle (20) through an opening at the bottom of the bin. The trough/receptacle (20) is surrounded by pesticide applicators (40) such that as an animal feeds, some part of its head, neck and/or ears will contact one or more of the applicators. The applicators (40) are flexible and rotatable, so that animals attracted to the apparatus to feed are subjected to the application of a pesticide upon their head, neck, ears, and/or, where applicable, antlers or horns, the flexible and rotatable applicators (40) maximizing pesticide application with minimal stress to both the animal and device.

Abstract: A device (15) for the application of pesticides to animals as they feed and that accommodates wildlife of all sizes, poses no threat of harm to the animals, and maximizes the per capita application of pesticide. Whole kernel corn (or other feed) placed in a feed bin (30) is dispensed into a trough/receptacle (20) through an opening at the bottom of the bin. The trough/receptacle (20) is surrounded by pesticide applicators (40) such that as an animal feeds, some part of its head, neck and/or ears will contact one or more of the applicators. The applicators (40) are flexible and rotatable, so that animals attracted to the apparatus to feed are subjected to the application of a pesticide upon their head, neck, ears, and/or, where applicable, antlers or horns, the flexible and rotatable applicators (40) maximizing pesticide application with minimal stress to both the animal and device.

Abstract: A combined applicator and feeder for livestock includes an applicator for livestock treatment compositions, such as insecticide, and a feeder assembly. An optional liquid applicator assembly includes a cover with a weather-impervious upper layer and a liquid-permeable, absorbent lower layer. An optional liquid reservoir communicates with the cover lower layer for saturating same with liquid, such as pesticide. The feeder assembly provides a support for the cover.

Abstract: Deer and other nocturnal animals may be allowed to feed from a feeding device which also restricts feeding by squirrels, birds, and other diurnal feeders. The apparatus includes a walled enclosure having a sloped bottom for facilitating the gravity flow of animal feed toward an outlet from which the feed can then be accessed by the target animals. The opening is provided with a sliding cover which is controllably movable between a first position aligned over the opening to prevent dispensing of feed, and a second position removed from the opening to allow dispensing of feed. To prevent blockage of the cover by the feed when the cover is moved from the open to the closed position, an internal member is disposed within the enclosure which creates an accumulation chamber or dead space into which feed can be readily moved out of the path of the moving cover.

Abstract: A device for automatically collecting loose pet hair, debris and allergens from a pet as the pet enters or leaves the device where the pet is fed, thus keeping the pet owner's house cleaner. The device is a container consisting of three interconnected compartments. Loose particles are removed from the pet by air suction as the pet passes through collector plate assemblies in the first compartment to reach its food in the second compartment. A fan that induces the air suction in the first compartment and the filter that removes the hair from the air stream are both located in the third compartment. A sensor in the second compartment signals a receiver associated with the fan to turn the fan on and off based on the presence of an animal within the device. An optional second exit with a one way door can be provided in the second compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling ectoparasites of small rodents, thereby preventing the transmission of diseases by arthropod vectors. The invention further provides an enclosure having openings for entry of rodents, and having arranged therein one or more applicators which are configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having an ectoparasiticide on the applicator for application to the rodents.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling ectoparasites on animals are disclosed. The method consists of the design of an enclosure with an opening having bait such as food or water within the enclosure. An automatic spraying device is set at the opening. Animals are attracted to walk through the opening to feed or drink. Animals are self-treated with ectoparasiticides every time they enter or exit the enclosure. This method will eliminate the necessary labor to gather animals to be treated individually. The method and device is portable and can be place at any location on a farm or land. The automatic spraying device will provide the necessary dosage of ectoparasiticides on animals to control ectoparasites.

Abstract: A self-medicating applicator device that can be used to apply a treatment to animals.

Abstract: A self-medicating applicator device that can be used to apply a treatment to animals.

Abstract: A self-activated acaricide applicator for killing ticks on large mammals. The applicator is self-activated by motion and heat detection when the mammal moves to investigate an attractant canister. This results in the discharge of an atomized acaricide onto the mammal.