Abstract: A pet location monitoring and deterrent system is provided. The system includes a first pet collar assembly that transmits a first RF signal. The system includes a first pillar assembly having a first control module, a first RF receiver module, an infrared photodetector array, a first wireless transceiver circuit, and a first warning light. The system includes a second pillar assembly having a second control module, a second RF receiver module, an infrared phototransmitter array, and a second wireless transceiver circuit. The first and second pillar assemblies are disposed a predetermined distance apart from one another such that a warning area is defined in front of and proximate to the first and second pillar assemblies and a keep-out area is defined behind and proximate to the first and second pillar assemblies.

Abstract: A ventilation valve (1; 101) for ventilation of a space for keeping animals or plants includes an opening-defining circumferential framework (3; 103) for mounting in a wall of that space, and a movable panel (5; 105). The panel (5; 105) is movably attached to the framework (3; 103) for relative movement between a fully closed position, in which substantially no air can pass between the framework and the panel, and a fully open position, in which substantially the complete opening is available for passage of air. A profiled edge on the framework provides a non-linear relation between a passage opening and an opening position of the panel (5; 105). Also provided is a system for ventilating the space, having at least a single ventilation valve, and for periodically determining parameters of inside air in the space, and adjusting the opening position of the valve based on the parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for deterring birds and animals from roosting on boat decks and other surface areas in form of a mechanical repeller includes a bracket for attachment to a surface area, and a housing including a quick-release fastening device to connect the housing with the bracket. The quick-release fastening device forms a pivotable bearing between the housing and the bracket. At least one pole extends from the housing and a bearing supports the housing in the bearing. An electric motor turns the housing and thereby moves the pole above the surface area. The electric motor includes an output shaft which engages the bracket axially detachable but torque proof. A rechargeable battery is provided and supplied with electric power from a solar cell. The housing is configured in form of a closed module which accommodates the solar cell, an electronic control unit, the electric motor, and the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed bin that is at least partially defined by a base, an interior panel extending upward from the base, and an exterior panel extending upward from the base. An intermediate structure is located between the interior panel and the exterior panel. The feed bin contains an opening that is covered by the intermediate structure when a predetermined weight is placed on the intermediate structure.

Abstract: This invention is for a method for making and using cat litter from conventional toilet paper and using the cat litter in a toilet bowl mounted cat litter box. The cat litter box has an opening and closing door activated by a handle for discharging soiled cat litter directly into the toilet bowl for disposal. The handle also blocks the toilet from closing when the cat litter box is attached to the toilet bowl.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions, containers, systems, assemblies, and related methods for cultivation and shipping of live and growing plants. The compositions, containers, systems, assemblies, and related methods disclosed herein provide additional stability for a plant's growing environment and enable prolonged storage and shipping shelf life while also reducing or eliminating the need for refrigeration.

Abstract: A dog harness to deter jumping comprising a neck collar, a brisket cinch, and at least one fabric panel overlying the forechest of the dog and interconnecting the neck collar and the brisket cinch at a harness anchor point below the dog's chest and a pair of hind leg loops with free ends that respectively encircle each hind leg of a dog above the stifle, a connection to merge the free ends to form a single abdominal connecting link that underlies the belly and abdomen of a dog, and a selective connection between the abdominal connecting link and the harness anchor point.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention could be an automated animal feed dispenser and method, the automated animal feed dispenser comprising a three-wall cabinet generally forming a hollow interior and further defining a feed delivery slot that connects to an angled slide located within the hollow interior; a set of vertically-stacked and spaced-apart drop shelves support animal feed located within the hollow interior, each drop shelf hingedly connects to the cabinet; a set of latches supported by the cabinet, each latch comprises a motorized automotive door lock that controls the drop of a respective drop shelf; a latch control system operates the latches to drop the drop shelves in a timed and sequenced manner that allows dropped drop shelves to successively overlay one another to create a progressively angled slide that empties down upon the angled slide.

Abstract: A venting device for an animal feeder which has a feeding teat is disclosed. The venting device has a chamber with an opening into the chamber. A vent opening is also connected to the chamber. A sealing element is retained freely moveable in the chamber. The sealing element has a first surface positioned relative to the opening such that, in use of the feeder, feed in the feeder will contact the first surface and cause the sealing element to move to a sealing position on seat to close the chamber from the vent opening. The surface is configured such that when a negative pressure in the feeder acts on the surface and is sufficient to overcome the weight of feed acting on the surface, the sealing element will be drawn into a position where the chamber can communicate with the vent opening and thereby vent the feeder to atmosphere.

Abstract: Provided are methods for growing and shipping sprouts and microgreens in the same container, growing while in shipment using moisture provided in a water-absorbent layer, with optional added beneficials, and including methods for producing sprouts and microgreens for consumption, and for pharmaceutical/nutriceutical use, comprising growth of sprouts in retail-ready containers, the container comprising a moisture-retaining layer of agar media or the like providing water for growth and obviating the need for irrigation during sprout growth. In certain aspects, media is supplemented with beneficial organisms or additives such as probiotic microbes, vitamins (e.g., B12), cofactors, nutrients, and other items (e.g., phytochemicals, natural colors, and antioxidants) which promote the growth of the beneficial microbes on the product, and/or which become incorporated into the product.

Abstract: A combination night light and aquarium is disclosed having a bowl including a body portion, a bottom portion connected to the body portion, and a neck portion at a top of the bowl defining an opening at the top of the bowl, wherein the bottom portion is dimensioned to fit on the central portion when the bowl is placed on top of the base; a lid dimensioned to fit over the first opening at the top of the bowl, wherein the lid includes an inner edge portion defining an opening through the lid; and a hollow member removably or fixedly attached to the lid, the member extending into the bowl and dimensioned to receive light emitted by the one or more lighting elements when the lid is placed on top of the bowl.

Abstract: A raincoat for dogs includes a body portion that substantially covers and extends from a rump to a head of a dog, wherein the body portion is waterproof and the body portion includes a front edge, first and second front side edges, first and second side edges and a rear edge; a visor fixedly attached to the front edge of the body portion; first and second pliable metal wires that are parallel to each other and attached to the body portion along a spinal line of the dog, wherein the first and second pliable metal wires substantially extend from the front edge to the rear edge of the body portion; and a fastener for fastening and securing the raincoat to the dog.

Abstract: A pet toy includes an anchor member and at least one ring member connected thereto. The ring member has a noise making device. In one embodiment, the noise producing feature includes a squeaker protected within a housing disposed within the interior of the toy. In another embodiment, the noise producing feature includes multiple layers of material with one of the layers producing sound. When an outer shell of the ring member is deflected or compressed by contact, noise is produced by the noise making device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for illuminating plants in an indoor site, comprising a plurality of illumination units for emitting light in intermittent pulses; a central unit connected to the plurality of illumination units for synchronizing the operation of the plurality of illumination units, such that two or more plants clusters receive light in intermittent pulses emitted in the same time. The illumination units may contain wireless communication units and are synchronized wirelessly. The present invention also discloses adjusting an illumination plan of plants according to information of various types from a central server and adjusting the height of the illumination units accordingly. The system adjusts illumination plans according to information received from one or more sites, and predicts problematic situations from a series of images.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool includes a tool body extending longitudinally and having a transverse insert slot and a latch displacing space communicated with the insert slot, a latch member displaceable in the latch displacing space to insert a latch portion into the insert slot in a latch position so as to retain an insert plate portion of a comb plate in the insert slot, and to retreat into the latch displacing space in an unlatch position so as to permit removal of the comb plate from the tool body for replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aquaponics system with minimal outflows of waste. A stream of waste water from aquatic animals is mineralized in a waste conversion unit having algae and bacteria located on multiple horizontal plates through which the stream of waste water flows. The stream of waste leaving the waste conversion unit passes through troughs upon which plants are hydroponically grown by absorbing the mineralized waste. The water leaving the troughs is returned to the tank holding the aquatic animals and the cycle is repeated. The system may be augmented with an air source, a light source, and a nutrient source in the waste conversion unit to further enhance the breakdown of the animal waste. Additionally, floating trays may be utilized in the troughs to support a wide range of plants hydroponically grown in the troughs.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for eradicating soil-borne pests in soil utilizing leading and trailing rows of shanks, a source of electricity and a mechanism to determine the condition of the soil being treated. The leading row has ripper shanks that open a path through the soil and the trailing row has specially configured electrically conductive stinger shanks, connected to the source of electricity, that discharge electricity into the soil to electrocute pests. The soil condition determination mechanism comprises one or more soil probes in a probe row disposed between the leading and trailing rows. The soil probe reads the condition of the soil in the path cut by the ripper shanks and transmits a signal to a voltage controller that is connected to the source of electricity to adjust the output thereof to the stinger shanks to automatically compensate for changing soil conditions to effectively and efficiently eradicate pests.

Abstract: A self-supporting rigid cylindrical treadwheel includes a plurality of identically-shaped platforms each having a curved surface. A first end of one platform is configured to be connectable to a second end of an adjacent platform in a repeatable manner where the plurality of platforms are configured to form a singular and continuous cylindrical structure. The treadwheel includes a plurality of identically-shaped elongated curved connectors. A connector extension of one connector is configured to be connectable to a connector recess of an adjacent connector in a repeatable manner where the plurality of connectors are configured to form a first and second singular and continuous ring. The first ring is configured to be attached to a right side of the cylindrical structure and the second ring is configured to be attached to a left side of the cylindrical structure.

Abstract: A combination system for feeding and watering livestock has an elongated water trough which is sloped to provide for the slow flow of drinking water positioned adjacent to an elongated feed bunk of comparable length. A series of vertically oriented lockable stanchions completes the structure. A water supply is provided along with discharge water collection and recycling and filtering devices are also provided to insure a continuous supply of suitable drinking water to livestock who are feeding from the feed bunk.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant shipping container for a live plant that includes a conical shaped lower pot containing the roots of a plant surrounded by planting soil. Disposed inside the lower pot and over the top surface of the soil is a disc-shaped, sealing cover made of neoprene or elastic foam. The sealing cover includes a center bore through which the stem of a plant extends. During assembly, the sealing cover is positioned around the stem and pressed firmly against the soil. Attached to the top edge of the lower pot is a lid made of translucent material with surrounding side walls and a closed upper end. Mounted on the upper end_of the lid is an illuminating light source containing LED bulbs and batteries and a switch. When activated the LED bulbs produces continuous light that shines downward onto the plant during shipment. Attached to the adjoining edges of the lid and the lower pot is a tamper-proof tie.