Abstract: A remote fish bite indicator for eliminating the need for the user to continually watch the tip-ups to know when a fish is biting.

Abstract: In a stackable support for bracing plants or other items incapable of self support, an elongated primary member includes first and second ends. At least one retaining arm extends from the primary member adjacent to the second end and is adapted to engage and brace said plants or other supple items. Successive stackable supports are capable of being mounted one on top of the other to accommodate larger or growing plants, or other supple items.

Abstract: In a method for raising the pH in acidic soils, said acidic soils are treated with crosslinked polyacrylates or polymethacrylates.

Abstract: Certain novel formulations of turf additives that act in such a manner as to permit proper amounts of moisture to contact root systems in order to reduce dry spots within highly managed turf areas and/or lawns. It is theorized that the accumulation of humic acid (and other natural byproduct deleterious compounds) at the topsoil surface in most cultivated grassy areas including sandy soils (such as, in particular, golf greens, pastures, lawns, and the like), as well as other non-grassy sandy areas in which such humic acid accumulation poses water repellency problems (such as beaches), results in the production of an effective organic waxy coating on the soil and/or sand components. Such a coating is hydrophobic in nature and thus dries out the soil itself.

Abstract: A method and system enhances automated management and breeding of animals. The animals are identified by system of radiotelemetric communication of identification data and location. When the animals are ready to be bred, they can be fitted with a heat cycle detection and transmission system for communication of the data in concert with the identification data. The system thus appropriately determines when an animal is ready to be bred so that it can be caught in a catch pen system having system controlled access gates. The animal's natural inclination to go to a bait is exploited so that upon such normal and routine movement to bait, such as water, the access gates can be selectively controlled to direct animals into a plurality of catch pens wherein they are somewhat segregated so that the inventory therein is generally associated by common optimal times for breeding.

Abstract: A system for cultivating tropic plants in a garden having a ground surface. A hole is initially dug to a depth of approximately three feet below the ground surface. A layer of ceramic tiles is established at the bottom of the hole, and is covered with a layer of small rocks, and a layer of vegetative cuttings. Then a layer of manure is established which is substantially two feet in depth. Then fertile top soil originally from the hole is replaced in a mix with sand to a depth of substantially one foot. The contents are allowed to settle and are thoroughly watered. The exotic plant is then planted in potting soil thereabove, and is maintained and allowed to thrive by the unique moisture, nutritive and thermodynamic properties established by the various layers.

Abstract: A moving, floating waterfowl decoy propelled by a steam jet motor and used by hunters to attract waterfowl to the hunting area. The device is an addition to a standard commercial hollow floating waterfowl decoy of any species. The steam jet motor is powered by combustion of fuel and has no moving parts. The steam jet propulsion system provides lifelike natural movement, wakes, ripples and splashes to enhance attraction of a decoy set.

Abstract: A signaling device for alerting fishermen to the presence of fish at the fish hook and includes a signal light and sound switching system fitted to a fishing rod so that a fish pulling on the hook and line activates the light and or the sound. A compact system which can be installed within the body of the fishing rod without cumbersome attachments.

Abstract: A container for growing plants comprising a main body with an open top and perimeter rim, and a funnel-like water collection means having an inner mating perimeter adapted to adjoin the perimeter rim, an outer mating perimeter of greater size than the inner mating perimeter and a sloping surface connecting the outer mating perimeter to the inner mating perimeter, such that overhead water is captured and directed into the open top. The water collection means may be detachable. The water collection means has mating edges adapted to continuously and contiguously abut mating edges of like containers to form a solid water capture surface in all directions when multiple containers are properly positioned.

Abstract: A plant cultivation device includes a plate having a top edge, a lower edge and two ends, wherein the two ends are connected with each other so as to form a tubular object in which medium is filled. A plurality of holes are defined therethrough and young plants are planted in the medium via the holes. A netted member is engaged with an inner periphery of the plate and located close to the lower edge of the plate so as to prevent the medium from flowing from the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are illustrated for moving a decoy carrier (B) upon a trackway (A) for operating under the control of a hunter through a linear connector (C) against the force of a constant tension spring (D) wherein a motor driven belt (E) is radio-controlled in response to operation by the hunter. A camming device (F) reverses the direction the turkey decoy faces at the end of each traversing motion.

Abstract: An absorbent material for house pet animals, includes pulp fibers containing a natural or synthetic polymer and formed in a granular shape; and a solution of an amphoteric polymer having an acidic pH. The solution is added to the pulp fibers.

Abstract: An insect bait station comprising a housing having an outer wall forming an opening therein and a region therein to receive an insect bait formulation, a cover, securable to the housing, and having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a plurality of gates forming gate openings sized to allow selective entry of insects, wherein the cover further includes an aperture with a seal disposed therein, the seal including a slit dimensioned to permit replenishment of the insect bait formulation in the housing while essentially preventing the undesirable escape of insect bait station formulation therethrough.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cat litter box for quickly and efficiently removing animal waste and reusing the unused cat litter, which has not been contaminated by the animal waste. The litter box is designed to lift cat defecation and clumped urination above the litter and discharge the waste into a disposable bag without having to touch the waste. The litter box includes at least one or more litter holding pans. The box also includes a litter strainer pan contoured for receipt inside the litter holding pan. The litter strainer pan includes a bottom with a plurality of litter openings for straining the unused litter therethrough and leaving the animal waste on top of the strainer bottom. Further, the box includes a strainer pan top for releasable attachment to the top of sides of the litter strainer pan. The strainer pan top includes a funnel disposed in one side of thereof for receiving the waste from the strainer bottom and discharging the waste into the disposable bag.

Abstract: A releasable honda for a lariat comprises: a heel which includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a throat having a longitudinal axis and extending along such axis between the proximal end and distal end, wherein the throat has at least a portion thereof adjacent to the proximal end that peripherally varies in radius so as to have at least three equiangularly spaced maximum radii and a corresponding number of equiangularly spaced minimum radii between the maximum radii, such maximum and minimum radii being substantially constant along the length of the throat portion; and a pair of resilient arms having respective distal ends and extending from the proximal end of the heel on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to such distal ends, which are closely adjacent to or contacting one another so that the arms form an eye. A lariat incorporating the releasable honda includes a rope having a knotted end seated in the throat portion and extending through the throat and then through the eye so as to form a loop.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating the foot or hooves of animals used for breeding that are kept in sheds, especially cattle and particularly dairy cattle. The method is characterized in that in a first phase, the feet or hooves of the animals are cleaned with water or a detergent containing soap or tensides, using an automatic spray system in order to remove all traces of excrement, especially manure or other dirt, for example straw, and then in a second phase, the previously cleaned feet or hooves are treated with a disinfectant by wetting or spraying.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism having a trigger plate slidably carried in a firearm frame for linear movement. The plate includes a rear cam surface on which a sear functions via a cam follower. The plate is provided with a single hole for holding a leg or pin of a firing valve L-shaped member. The frame has a pair of aligned slots separated by the trigger plate for slidably receiving the leg or pin of the L-shaped member. A stop lug is integrally provided on the trigger plate ahead of the L-shaped member mounting hole operable to engage the frame to stop forward movement by the trigger plate. An anti-frictional coating or finish is carried on external surfaces of the trigger plate and the sear.

Abstract: A fishing rod structure including a handle and a fixing seat disposed on front section of the handle for fixing a line winder. A front end of the fixing seat is formed with a thread section on which a movable seat is screwed for fixing the line winder. A toothed section axially extends from front end of the thread section. A fitting sleeve is fitted in a top section of the movable seat. An abutting member is disposed on a bottom section of the fitting sleeve. The abutting member protrudes from inner circumference of the fitting sleeve to abut against the toothed section.

Abstract: Apparatus, for detecting the presence and eating activity of organisms such as termites that damage structures, includes a body; a wooden bait element controllably exposed to the organisms within a cavity of the body, and having an applied bait substance; a side wall of the body having a vertically spaced plurality of smoothly converging entrance passages for admitting the organisms, a consumable porous barrier covering each of the entrance passages. Spring tension is applied to an upper end of the bait element, an opposite end being anchored to the body. A flag member that is connected to the upper end of the bait element projects from the body when the bait element is weakened to the predetermined amount by the organisms.

Abstract: An antler removal and collection device includes an antlered animal attractant holder adapted and constructed to hold an antlered animal attractant. The device also includes a flexible antler removal assembly mounted in proximity with the antlered animal attractant holder, the flexible antler removal assembly including at least one elastic antler removal element. The at least one elastic antler removal element is adapted and constructed to exert sufficient force to remove antlers that are ready to be shed by animals coming into proximity with the antlered animal attractant, but insufficient force to trap the antlered animal in the flexible antler removal assembly. The flexible antler removal assembly can include at least one frame assembly upon which the at least one elastic antler removal element is mounted. In an embodiment, the at least one frame assembly is provided as a pair of frame assemblies and a corresponding pair of elastic antler removal elements.