Abstract: A bird propelled rotating hummingbird feeder. A pivot housing includes a central axis and a central hole. A plurality of fins is configured as dual opposing fin sets, where each fin is angled at an oblique angle with respect to a plane passing perpendicularly through the central axis and each fin set comprises at least three angled fins attached to the pivot housing so as to be symmetrically located opposite the other dual opposing fin set with the pivot housing centered between the dual opposing fin sets. A feeder jar housing integrated into each of the dual opposing fin sets central fin. A pivot cable is inserted through the central hole and a bearing element it is attached to a bottom end of the pivot cable within the pivot housing. A hanger is attached to a top end of the pivot cable.

Abstract: An inexpensive, biodegradable, easily transportable mosquito trap and improved attractant formulation and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing bumpers that are adapted and configured to be attached to an interior wall of an animal hauling slant load trailer and positioned to contact the shoulder of an equine when the equine is driven forward by a deceleration or braking of the trailer. The bumper(s) are positioned to contact and restrain the equine shoulder allowing it to lean into it, thereby preventing the unnecessary extension of and stress on the animal's right front leg and hoof.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide guidance.

Abstract: A method for cultivating Cordyceps militaris fruiting body capable of improving C. militaris fruiting body morphology is provided, wherein rice absorbed with a tea liquid is used as a solid-state culture medium. In comparison to using rice absorbed with water as a solid-state culture medium, the C. militaris fruiting body cultivated by using the solid-state culture medium of the present invention under the same cultivation condition are significantly more robust.

Abstract: An assisted zone guidance system automatically activates a stored assisted guidance region based upon collar position at initiation, relative location of one or more assisted guidance regions, and possible query results. The assisted guidance regions are stored within a look-up table that is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to geographic locations. The value retrieved from the indexed array is used to either create a new assisted guidance region, select an assisted guidance region that contains the current collar location, or if the collar is not within a region to select an adjacent assisted guidance region. Each assisted guidance region contains a plurality of guidance zones that each have an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horse bit comprising a shackle (20) configured to be inserted into a horse's mouth. The shackle (20) extends along a longitudinal path (A) and has a first end (22) and a second end (24) for attachment of cheeks (120, 130, 140, 150). In a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal path (A) the shackle (20) has at least one shackle surface region (30) comprising a linear or a concave surface profile section (32, 34).

Abstract: An illuminated dog belt specifically adapted to be secured to or worn around a back and chest, rearward of the front legs, is presented herein. The belt includes an elongated LED or light strip positioned in a manner to shine light through a translucent or at least partially transparent main body portion. A strap may be disposed through one or more strap retention openings and secured around the animal. The strap includes an amount of lengthwise or longitudinal elasticity for disposing at least a portion of the strap substantially pressed against the chest of an animal in a position rearward of the animal's front legs. In this manner, the main body portion and the LEDs or light strip may be disposed proximate to a portion of the animal's back, also in a position rearward of the animal's neck or collar.

Abstract: A live animal trap with improvements to ease of use, reliability and cost is disclosed. A simple repeatable one-hand set action unlocks both a primary and a secondary lock and lifts a front entry door. A hold-close assembly trips to secure the front door without sliding motions. A low friction latch and trip links thereto provide consistent set action resistant to shaking and undesired trip. A changeable torque arm and preload provides adjustable trip force. A trip tray is spaced above a floor to require a small set-up motion to access the bait and further ensure trip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling of a growth cycle for a plant being arranged in a controlled environment and subject to light emitted by at least one artificial lighting arrangement. The invention also relates to a corresponding system device and to a computer program product.

Abstract: An animal food caddy that stores animal-related items and is designed to improve animal posture and comfort. The animal food caddy has an upper and lower section which have dual functionality depending on the use. The first application of the animal food caddy is as a portable container that stores animal-related contents such as food, snacks or toys. The second application of the animal food caddy is as a feeding apparatus that generally functions as a non-skid placeholder to stabilize the upper section while the animal is feeding. The inner concave surface of the upper section has a low coefficient of friction designed so that food gravitationally funnels toward the nadir of the bowl. The animal food caddy conveniently provides the owner a means of efficiently transporting animal-related items while substantially improving animal posture and comfort during times of travel.

Abstract: Waterproof and UV (ultraviolet) radiation blocking protective cover (1) for hanging fruit, CHARACTERIZED by a sheet (10) made of an expanded polyethylene material that blocks ultraviolet radiation (EPE-UV), whose shape is a flat geometric figure, with a main straight cut (11) running from the midpoint to the edge of the sheet and an arrangement of cuts and grooves that make up the attachment system when the cover is fitted on the fruit.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: A device is disclosed providing an adjustable endcap for use with distribution conduits in a greenhouse. The device provides a solution to seal off the end of a distribution tube while providing further means to regulate the distribution of substances such as air or gas. The device comprises a structure for sealing the end of a greenhouse distribution tube wherein the sealing structure can be freely adjusted to allow variable amounts of air or gas to escape from the sealed end. The device allows for further regulation of pressure and temperature inside the conduit, extension of climate control over a greater distance and the ability to regulate conduits on an individual basis.

Abstract: An animal watering system can be used to water poultry for extended periods of time without operator attention. An upper reservoir is electrically heated with a waterproof resistance heater. A lid allows filling from the top. A four legged (metal) stand supports the reservoir above the ground. A plumbing tree connects at the bottom and has a shut off valve, an easy to clean filter and a float switch valve which keeps the water level constant in a trough located under the stand. The trough is preferably supported above ground by a (circular) base which can have its own electric heater. The float switch prevents any trough water from flowing upward into the reservoir. The plumbing tree has a hose inlet used for filling or cleaning.

Abstract: An animal trap, according to one embodiment, includes: a first portion having upper and a lower ends; a second portion in sliding relationship with the first portion, the first and second portions being relatively positionable between cocked and deployed positions; a biasing mechanism for biasing the first and second portions towards the deployed position; a trigger mechanism for selectively locking the first and second portions in the cocked position; and an end unit removably coupled to the lower end of the first portion. The end unit includes: a base; at least two unique members extending from a bottom end of the base; and a bottom portion coupled to a distal end of each of the unique members. A first end of each of the unique members is coupled to the base, while each of the distal ends are at a second end of each of the unique members.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool has a handle, a support member, and a grooming mechanism for de-shedding and grooming coarse, long, thick fur and fine, short fur or the undercoat of an animal during the grooming process while using a single tool. The grooming mechanism has a rod, a plurality of spacers, a plurality of single-sided combs, and a plurality of double-sided combs, with each of the combs having a cutting edge. The spacers and combs are arranged such that this single tool can be utilized for different animals having varying lengths and thicknesses. This tool minimizes the need for expert technique and experience in grooming an animal.

Abstract: Individual zones are defined within a multi-zone assisted guidance region by storing a zone GPS data point target width, assigning GPS data points located within a perimeter and within the target width to a second zone, allotting GPS data points located interior of and distinct from the second zone and within the target width to a first zone; and finally ascribing unassigned GPS data points located interior of and distinct from the first zone to a safe zone. Adjacent guidance zones have unique stimulation that acts through different neurological access channels to provide behavioral guidance to an animal. The stimulation may be varied based upon direction of travel relative to a safe zone center point, and may also be varied based upon a level of training calculated during active system operation.

Abstract: A plant support system is provided. The plant support system comprises a longitudinally-extending main support beam and at least one hub received on the main support beam. The plant support system additionally comprises at least one support arm that includes first and second ends, with the first end engaged with the hub, such that the support arm extends laterally from the hub. The plant support system further comprises a paddle engaged with the second end of the support arm, with the paddle comprising a frame enclosing an interior space, and with the paddle being configured to receive a portion of a plant through the interior space.

Abstract: A feline litter box sieve system includes a screened lid connected by a hinge to a support frame that suspends an empty litter box in the top opening of a trash receptacle. L-shaped hooks suspend the support frame in the trash receptacle. Used litter is poured from a full litter box onto the screen. Clumps and feces are retained by the screen. Pivoting the lid to an open position dumps retained clumps and feces from the screen into the trash receptacle. While the lid is open, the held litter box containing unclumped sifted litter may be removed for use.