Abstract: A device and method for helping a floral designer create a floral arrangement that is well balanced in its distribution of flowers and greens. The device includes a three-dimensional foam structure that has a plurality of different levels. Each of the different levels is of a different size, thereby creating an overall tapered foam structure. Areas of equal size are demarcated on each of the different levels. The areas of equal size are evenly distributed around a plurality of different levels. The demarcation of the various equal sized areas are created either by using an external grid work that lay over the foam structure or shaping the foam into protrusions on each level. Using the equal sized areas as a distribution grid, a floral designer can quickly and easily place flowers and greens throughout the three-dimensional foam structure in a manner that is evenly distributed and well balanced.

Abstract: A pet litter containment and cleaning system and methods of using a pet litter containment and cleaning system are described. The pet litter system comprises a pan module and removably attached processor module. Soiled pet litter is conveniently processed by rotating a system of the invention, screening and separating soiled litter from clean litter. Pet waste and soiled litter are collected in bags which may be discarded when full. Systems of the invention may be used with both absorbent and nonabsorbent litters. Systems of the invention minimize human contact with soiled pet litter and pet waste and simplify the care of domestic pets.

Abstract: An insert assembly is used in combination with a planter container for creating a false bottom therein. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting spent water-based drilling mud into fertile indigenous top soil at a well site or location. The fertile indigenous top soil is produced by the steps of: admixing, at a well site, effective amounts of spent water-based drilling mud, mature compost, organic fertilizer, and top soil from the well site to provide a mixture containing spent water-based drilling mud, from about 30 to about 150 volume percent mature compost, from about 5 to 20 volume percent organic fertilizer, and from about 5 to 20 volume percent top soil from the well site wherein each of the volume percents is based on the volume of the spent water-based drilling mud present in the mixture; stirring the mixture for a period of time effective to form a substantially homogenous mixture; and drying the substantially homogenous mixture so as to provide fertile indigenous top soil possessing similar microbial and enzyme characteristics as the top soil at the well site.

Abstract: The invention provides a plant base comprising a base section with a seat for a plant pot, in which a tail section extends in a horizontal direction from the rear of the base section. A groove/protuberance combination is provided at the front of the base section and the rear of the tail section that is able to be accommodated in the groove of another corresponding plant base. The groove and the protuberance each has a support surface that is lower or higher than the support surface of the groove, such that when the protuberance of the plant base has been taken up in the groove of the other plant base, one of the two plant bases is lifted from the substrate at the location of the engaging protuberance and groove. Thus, the invention provides a plant base that continuously retains the same orientation during transport over a conveyor belt, with successive plant bases kept a sufficient distance apart.

Abstract: A pet toy capable of dispensing catnip or similar substance. The toy comprises a compartment for holding the substance. The toy also comprises a movement-promoting element operative to move the compartment so the substance, or an aroma of the substance, may pass through a sifting hole of the compartment. One embodiment of the toy comprises a rotating element, such as a ball, rotating about a horizontal axis within a larger body as a result of propelling the toy across a horizontal surface. The rotating element includes the compartment holding the substance so that some of the substance escapes the compartment as a result of the rotation of the rotating element. Various alternative embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A confinement and feeding stall for livestock such as horses, cows and the like with side frames spaced so that an animal can stand comfortably but not turn around and narrow enough to prevent other animals from crowding into an occupied stall. A gate is provided at one end of the side panels and a rear closure member may be provided at the other end. The side panels and gate prevent the animal from reaching over or around the side frames to disturb adjoining animals in adjacent stalls. The side frames are connected by elevated top members and flat bottom members to form individual stalls and stalls linked in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A modular animal enclosure includes a housing comprising a top portion affixed to a base portion to form a sheltered interior. The housing includes a door aperture and a climate conditioning aperture. A remove ably attachable climate conditioning unit is installed over the climate conditioning aperture to facilitate a flow of atmospheric air from the exterior environment into the interior of the housing. The climate conditioning unit can variously comprise a cover assembly, a heating unit, a cooling unit and a forced air unit, and different types of units can be installed at different times. In another aspect, the bottom portion can be selectively hinged to the top portion on opposing sides of the housing to allow pivotal movement of the top portion in two opposite directions, as desired to permit access to the interior of the housing for inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the interior.

Abstract: A selective bird feeder is provided. The selective bird feeder includes a selective housing having a side wall and a base. A cover supported by the side wall of the selected housing and a seed holder is contained within the selective housing. The selective housing restricts access of relatively large birds and predators, while allowing access of smaller birds, such as song birds, to the interior space in which the seed holder is disposed.

Abstract: A device for holding identification information for pets is disclosed. The device is attachable to a collar, harness or leash. The device permits new identification information to be placed within it. Identification information may be placed within a slot located on the side of the device or can alternatively be placed inside the device by opening a securing member that can function like a door.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for suppressing cracking, stem browning, and water loss in fruit or vegetables, such as cherries. The methods comprise applying to fruit or vegetables an amount of a wax emulsion effective to suppress cherry cracking, stem browning, and water loss. The wax emulsion used in the methods of the invention typically comprises a matrix of complex hydrocarbons, one or more emulsifying agents, and water. In some embodiments, the wax emulsion comprises from about 0.125% to about 25% (weight/weight) of carnauba wax, from about 0.1% to about 16% (weight/weight) of oleic acid, and from about 0.03% to about 6% (weight/weight) of morpholine, and from about 53% to about 99.7% (weight/weight) of water. In some embodiments, the wax emulsions further comprise one or more osmoregulators.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically watering a plant in a container by regulating a flow of water to the container through flexible tubing. Upper and lower jaw members are interconnected by a horizontal pivot axis so that they develop a scissors action. A jaw area is formed on one side of the pivot axis for receiving the flexible plastic tubing, and a compression spring is mounted on the opposite side to provide resistance to closing of the jaw area. For use with pots and other non-hanging containers, the container is rested atop the upper jaw member on the side towards the jaw area so that the weight of the container acts directly to compress and close the jaw area. Baskets and other hanging containers are suspended from the other ends of the jaw members so that the tension caused by the weight of the container causes the jaw area to pivot closed.

Abstract: An animal management system provides an alley to control the handling of animals when procedures are to be performed on the animals by veterinarians or cattle producers. The alley is formed by a base frame, and included therewith are a headgate and preferably two wedge-shaped access doors rotatably mounted with the base frame. The headgate is movable between an entrapping position to a releasing position for an animal, and coordinated movement of the at least one access door ensures that a lead animal is properly positioned while other down line animals do not interfere with care given to, or procedures performed on, the lead animal in the headgate. Each access door allows convenient access for persons to the lead animal, and the selective use of one of two doors at a time facilitates the access to and movement of animals of different sizes in the alley.

Abstract: A method of altering airflow of an aquarium air supply by placing a bottle over the air supply thus, altering the airflow. The method can be accomplished using a decorative attachment assembly that covers an air stone in an aquarium. The assembly includes a bottle having at least a first hole and a second hole, wherein the first hole is capable of accepting an aerating device, and the second hole is sized to allow air to flow from the aerating device into the aquarium.

Abstract: A seed for enhancing the extended delivery of nitrogen needed for plant development and growth, the seed having a slow release nitrogen coating of a particulate UF polymer adhered to the seed with an adhesive binder.

Abstract: An improved automated litter box system which provides increased storage capacity of a waste receptacle which receives animal waste and clumped litter. The increased capacity of the waste receptacle is achieved by elevating the automated litter box system with an elevating apparatus so that a replacement waste receptacle of larger volume can replace the waste receptacle of the litter box system. The invention provides improved automated litter box systems which incorporate such a large volume waste receptacle as a component thereof. The elevating apparatus includes an elevated platform on which the lifter box system is placed. A ramp is provided to provide animal access to the system placed on the elevated platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high voltage pulse generator used for deterring animals where the high voltage pulses are delivered to the animal through an electrical conductor that lays directly on the ground and is not insulated from the underlying ground system. The invention's high voltage pulse generator has a predetermined output impedance that is significantly lower than the impedance of an animal that may contact either the device's output or a conductor laying on the ground that is connected to the devices output. The invention's high voltage pulse generator also has a predetermined output impedance that is lower than the impedance of extremely long conductors in contact with the underlying ground system. This significantly low output impedance allows the device to deliver maximum output energy to the conductor in contact with the underlying ground system while maintaining high voltage and adequate energy levels to deliver an effective shock for deterring animals.

Abstract: The animal wound shield is a protective casing having a shank portion and an appendage cover that can be disposed around a limb and an attached appendage of the animal. The appendage cover is articulated to a lower end of the shank. Thus, the appendage cover is pivotally connected to the shank and moves with the movement of the appendage. The shank may have more than one section, or an upper and lower portion, to extend further up on the limb, and yet still accommodate for joints. The shield is designed for use around an injured limb to cover a bandaged area and prevent further damage to the wounded site. Vent openings are defined in the shank and the appendage cover to permit air circulation. Fasteners may be used at a top end of the shank to hold the shank on the limb.

Abstract: A heated flooring module is provided for livestock stables, which includes an upper plaque, for walking on, which is essentially level; a hollowed central section, with no bottom surface, whose upper surface is equipped with at least one continuous runnel, adapted to contain a heat source that enters and exits the runnel through respective entry and exit tubular segments, with the abovementioned hollowed central section equipped with suspension elements for being suspended from resistant elements such as the bars of a horizontal grid; and an optional under-lid, all of the above arranged in such a way that, when the upper plaque is welded to the upper surface of the hollowed central section, the continuous runnel forms an enclosed circuit which contains the heat source inside, leaving the under-lid fitted into the underside of the hollowed central section.

Abstract: An hydroponic/aeroponic agricultural unit that involves sealing the plants in a highly water saturated environment which more closely recreates the feel of natural rainwater. Also, this invention features the ability of quickly changing from a small housing into a larger housing by varying the diameter of a drum so that a small drum can act as a nursery for seedlings. Once the seedlings have turned into plants, the drum is made larger. The plurality of planks making up the drum can be positioned close to the lamp when they are small and farther away when larger. A simple yet reliable system allows for the rotation of the drum.