Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.

Abstract: Method of providing insects for sorting into classes or for quality control of sorted insects comprises providing the insects in a container having a closable opening, opening the closable opening, releasing the insects through the closable opening onto a funneled air flow, the air flow carrying the insects to a collection location, the collection location being conveyable, and applying immobilizing agent to the insects on the collection location, thereby to provide stationary insects for said sorting or quality control.

Abstract: An automatic blow-drying device for pets includes a pet cage and a drying unit, wherein the drying unit is arranged on one side of the pet cage and comprises an air source, air supply passages are respectively arranged on two sides of the air source and are provided with heating elements, the pet cage is provided with openings which are matched with the air supply passages to form stationary air ports, the air supply passages on the two sides are matched with the corresponding stationary air ports to allow an air flow to enter the pet cage to form a surrounding drying area, and the drying unit is connected with an adjustable air port used for blowing air into areas, except for the surrounding drying area, in the pet cage. According to the domestic automatic blow-drying device for pets, a pet can be directly placed in the device to be blow-dried after being bathed, so that the situation where water and pet hair spread all around in a house after the pet is bathed is prevented.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an animal drying apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable apparatus enabling a pet owner to quickly and efficiently dry an animal after a bath, the rain, a swim, or the like. Embodiments of the present invention relate to an animal drying apparatus comprising a housing having a top surface, a floor and a plurality of sidewalls, an entry for enabling an animal to gain access to the interior of the housing, the entry positioned through one of the plurality of sidewalls, and a drying element positioned to assist in drying a wet animal positioned in the interior of the housing.

Abstract: Livestock insect-removal systems and methods. According to one embodiment, the system may comprise a structure with a defined path for passage of livestock. The system may comprise a container removably attached to the structure and a vacuum device within the container configured to generate a change in pressure within the container. The system may comprise a first duct to expel air from the container and direct air across the path and displace or dislodge insects. The first duct may further comprise a vent to expel bypass air from the first duct. The system may comprise a second duct, positioned along the path to draw air and dislodged insects into the container.

Abstract: A self-contained pet washing system comprises a tub of a generally rectangular configuration. The tub has a plurality of legs, a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a second side, and a bottom. A track is also provided. The track runs along an entire lower extent of the front wall. Further provided is a basket. The basket is coupled to the track. The basket is adapted to store various cleaning devices and supplies. Lastly provided is an inclined ramp for entrance of a pet to a location between the walls.

Abstract: A pet-drying device including a flexible sheet material having four openings formed therein for receiving the legs of a four-legged animal. Each opening seals around the perimeter of a pet's leg. The sheet material includes first and second longitudinally disposed edges and first and second transversely disposed edges. A first hem in the first longitudinally disposed edge receives a first drawstring for loosely tightening the sheet material around the neck and a second hem in the second longitudinally disposed edge receives a second drawstring that tightens around the tail. The first and second transversely disposed edges are secured to one another with a releasable fastener when the device is wrapped into a tubular configuration around the trunk of a pet. Warm air from a hair dryer is delivered to the inside of the sheet material through an elongate hose that engages a large diameter opening formed in the sheet material.

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: An animal treatment/confinement device is described, with apparatus to aid in the provision of medications, fluids or other supportive care therapy to the animal. The device includes a fluid container support used to support a fluid container, or a syringe cradle used to support a syringe, or both. The device includes a housing sized to receive an animal, and to confine the animal during the therapeutic treatment. The device may also include two top panels hingedly coupled to the housing, which open to allow the animal to be placed into the housing, and which close independently to cover a portion of the top opening. The top panels may be secured by clasps to hinder the animal's escape. In one embodiment, the top opening is not fully covered when both top panels are closed, allowing the animal's handler to have access to the animal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a robotic apparatus for maintaining a collection of stocks of small organisms, such as fruit flies, is capable of performing various tasks, including automatically transferring live flies from a donor container to a recipient container, such as for the purpose of feeding the flies. The apparatus includes an anesthetizing mechanism configured to automatically introduce an anesthetic, such as gaseous CO2, into a donor container of live flies to temporarily immobilize the flies before the flies are transferred to the recipient container. The apparatus also includes a gas manifold that is configured to direct a flow of gas from a compressed-gas source into the donor container such that the immobilized flies are blown from the donor container into the recipient container. In another embodiment, automated methods are provided for maintaining a collection of stocks of small organisms, such as fruit flies.

Abstract: Robotic apparatus are disclosed for maintaining a collection of stocks of small organisms, such as fruit flies. An exemplary apparatus is capable of performing various tasks, including automatically transferring live flies from a donor container to a recipient container, such as for the purpose of feeding the flies. The apparatus includes an anesthetizing mechanism configured to automatically introduce an anesthetic, such as gaseous CO2, into a donor container of live flies to temporarily immobilize the flies before the flies are transferred to the recipient container. The apparatus also includes a gas manifold that is configured to direct a flow of gas from a compressed-gas source into the donor container such that the immobilized flies are blown from the donor container into the recipient container. Also disclosed are automated methods for maintaining a collection of stocks of small organisms, such as fruit flies.

Abstract: An absorbent fabric bag having an opening of sufficient size to admit an animal into the interior cavity and having at least one area for providing ventilation into the interior of the bag. The bag has a closing device to prevent the contained animal from exiting at will.

Abstract: A device for restraining a cat, comprising an enclosure capable of receiving the cat in an upright sitting position, the enclosure having a first opening to receive the cat's tail, and a second opening to receive the cat's neck wherein, but for the cat's head and tail, the cat is confined to the enclosure while in the upright sitting position.