Abstract: A heel counter inserted in a horse boot connects the heel of the hoof to the front of the upper of the boot with straps folded and secured over the upper. As a result, the hoof cannot slide backward as it moves within the boot during use, thereby avoiding breakover shift. Hook and loop fasteners are used to secure wrapping sections of the upper to each other and the heel counter straps to the wrapping sections.

Abstract: A method to reduce the amount of irrigation water wherein the device is made of combusted product in cylinder shape (the device) made of biomass at 4 cm./6 cm./8 cm. diameter to be inserted in various depths, sizes/length under the source of water irrigation in proximity to tree or plant and in different numbers according to the season. The device has ability to absorb and store irrigation water in high capacity up to 300% in higher quantity than soil ground making it as sustainable source to supply the roots of a tree or plant by water in areas which suffer from shortfall of rain, with poor type of soil and depletion of underground water reservoir. The device will absorb water and make the surrounding soil constantly moisture and wet by allowing diffusion of water from device.

Abstract: A crowding tub apparatus, system and method is described. A crowding tub includes three gates pivotably coupled to a rounded frame, wherein each of the three gates pivot in linked sequence towards an animal exit. A crowding tub includes a first gate coupled to a center post of the frame and rotatable between a first radial side and a second radial side of the frame, the second radial side having an animal exit, wherein the animal exit extends between a door post and a gate post, a second gate rotatably coupled to the second radial side between the gate post and the center post, and a third gate rotatably coupled to the gate post, wherein the three gates are coupled in linked sequence such that rotating the first gate towards the second radial side rotates the second and third gates to obstruct the animal exit.

Abstract: A duck decoy provides a remote controlled motorized propulsion system and interchangeable retrieval devices used to capture and push additional decoys or downed waterfowl toward a hunter. The duck decoy effectively retrieves decoys and downed waterfowl to the hunter while located at a remote location, thereby minimizing the need to use a boat or a dog.

Abstract: A composition, device and method of reducing an insect population is disclosed. The composition includes an amphiphilic component, an acetic acid component, and a color component. The device is dimensioned to retain a composition. The device is further dimensioned to define an opening that is smaller than a diameter of the body of the device.

Abstract: An implement for keeping dairy animals, provided with a first and a second production unit and with a care unit having a plurality of subunits, wherein each production unit is provided with at least one accommodation area for a production group, which comprises a group of lactating dairy animals, and with a milking implement for milking the production group, wherein the subunits of the care unit at least include a calving unit for separately accommodating dairy animals in a calving period, and a milking implement for milking newly calved dairy animals, and an infirmary unit for separately accommodating sick animals, and wherein the care unit forms a connection between the production units. There is thus provided a compact disposition, comprising efficient and short distances, for dairy animals requiring care.

Abstract: A fishing system may have at least a fishing assembly with a handle axially aligned with a reel and a rod. The handle can have a hollow portion and a dexterity portion. The reel may be oriented relative to the handle to position a center of gravity of the fishing assembly in the handle. A fishing line may continuously extend from the reel through the hollow portion, atop the dexterity portion, and along the rod.

Abstract: An assisted guidance region has a plurality of zones, each with an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal. Behavioral guidance is extended to a wayward dog who has moved outside of the assisted guidance region by providing stimuli to shepherd the dog back into a safe zone. Positive stimuli are provided when the dog is moving in a direction back towards the safe zone, by providing a safe zone or similar stimulus. Movement away from the safe zone will trigger the unit to deliver a non-aversive second alert zone stimulus. Movement that isn't getting closer or further away triggers a first alert zone stimulus. Calculation of relative movement direction with regard to the safe zone is based upon a comparison to an approximate center of the safe zone.

Abstract: A leash with a non-elastomeric extendable portion; an elastomeric extendable portion; and a storage pouch. The elastomeric extendable portion is connected to the non-elastomeric portion and the non-elastomeric extendable portion is folded or rolled several turns upon itself. The storage pouch holds the non-elastomeric extendable portion in the folded or rolled relationship of its turns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating poultry hatchlings in a hatchling tray. The method comprises of providing a soft gel form capable of being dispensed through a spray nozzle, providing a spray dispensing apparatus, the apparatus being capable of delivering a predetermined volume of the gel as a plurality of small beadlets through a plurality of nozzles, placing the hatchling tray containing the hatchlings beneath the nozzles of the dispensing apparatus, dispensing the predetermined volume of the soft gel containing the therapeutic agent as small beadlets into the hatchling tray and allowing the hatchlings to consume the beadlets. The present invention is also directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a therapeutic agent in a soft gel into a hatchling tray of poultry hatchlings.

Abstract: This disclosure involves advancements in grafting, trellis design, and an implement to raise and lower cold-sensitive vines between a raised growing position and a lowered position where the vine is buried in a trench and covered to protect it from the cold. The implement relieves the operator from the otherwise laborious task of protecting the cold sensitive vines. The apparatus allows the cold-sensitive vine to be buried into a trench without removing the vine from the fruiting wire. The implement directs the fruiting wire with a vine cordon attached thereto into a trench to protect the cordon from cold temperatures. The apparatus causes the vine trunk to bend to accommodate the position of the vine cordon.

Abstract: A system for catching mice includes an improved mousetrap system. The improved mousetrap system includes an unstable platform configured to rest upon a flat surface and extend over an edge of the flat surface and bait situated at an end of the unstable platform. Instability in the unstable platform is configured to cause a mouse to fall and be trapped. In one embodiment, the system includes an unstable platform configured to rest upon a tabletop surface and extend over an edge of the tabletop surface, bait upon an end of the unstable platform, and a mouse catching receptacle located below the unstable platform.

Abstract: A fishing lure for securing live bait includes a flexible main body and a stretchable collar. The flexible main body is configured to have a fishing hook inserted therethrough. The stretchable collar is connected to the flexible main body. The stretchable collar has a hole configured to stretch when pulled to allow a live bait to be inserted into the hole and constrict when released to secure the live bait in the hole. Whereby, when the flexible main body is positioned on the fishing hook and the live bait is inserted into the hole of the stretchable collar, the stretchable collar positions the live bait adjacent the fishing hook for fishing.

Abstract: This disclosure involves advancements in grafting, trellis design, and an implement to raise and lower cold-sensitive vines between a raised growing position and a lowered position where the vine is buried in a trench and covered to protect it from the cold. The implement relieves the operator from the otherwise laborious task of protecting the cold sensitive vines. The apparatus allows the cold-sensitive vine to be buried into a trench without removing the vine from the fruiting wire. The implement directs the fruiting wire with a vine cordon attached thereto into a trench to protect the cordon from cold temperatures. The apparatus causes the vine trunk to bend to accommodate the position of the vine cordon.

Abstract: A conveyor system (4, 5) moves vertical poles (2) in an agricultural facility between a growing area (20) and a workstation (W). Each pole carries plant growing containers (3) at multiple levels (H1-H9). An irrigation reservoir (30) may be mounted on each pole. Irrigation lines (31-33) from the reservoir may be individually metered (35) at each level to compensate for differing water pressure with height. Sensors (40) in the reservoir and at each level of the poles may provide a controller (36) with data input. The controller may impose different growing conditions in different areas of the facility, including vertically different grow areas (20A, 20B), and controls pole movements and locations selectively to provide a sequence of poles at the workstation ready to harvest on a demand schedule. The workstation may have multiple heights (W1, W2, W3) for tall poles that increase plant density per facility footprint.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus and method is provided for a collar that is configured to operate as part of a wireless fence system that contains and monitors the location of a dog within a containment area defined by the wireless fence system and further configured to provide GPS tracking capability when the dog has escaped from the containment area. As long as the dog remains in the area defined by the wireless fence, the collar operates solely in a wireless fence mode, communicating with the transmitters used as part of the wireless fence system. The GPS tracking function remains “asleep” and is not activated unless and until the dog escapes. Once GPS mode is activated, fence mode is shut down and operation of the GPS enables the dog owner or other individual to receive SMS messages and/or email with information on the dog's location on a smart-phone, tablet or PC.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cultivation management apparatus for edible perennial herbaceous flowering plants and bulbs and tubers. The cultivation management apparatus allows plants to root and take root and to grow stably in a constant immersed state in order of 40%˜50% of water with low temperature treatment for dormancy by filling a movable water tank flowerpot with a moisture absorption member by in the order of 50% of the pot and by filling thereon a plant growth soil member consisting of a mixing oil up to the upper portion and arranging a partition for partitioning off the moisture absorption element from the plant growth soil member.

Abstract: A method of cultivating aquatic product and plant contains steps of: (A) Preparing a cultivation tank with cultivation water; (B) Aerating the cultivation water; (C) Drawing overflow water in a top of the cultivation tank and foul water in a bottom of the cultivation tank into a protein separator and a first ultrafiltration unit; (D) Collecting bubbled fluid from the protein separator and concentrated waste fluid from the first ultrafiltration unit into a collection chamber; (E) Pumping the cultivation wastewater into a second ultrafiltration unit and filtering the cultivation wastewater by using ultrafiltration films of the second ultrafiltration unit; (F) Discharging cloudy high-protein concentration fluid into a first gathering bucket; (G) Pumping filtered fluid filtered by the plurality of ultrafiltration films of the second ultrafiltration unit into a Nano-filtration unit; and (H) Flowing the recyclable water into the cultivation tank from the recycle tank.

Abstract: A controlled aquaponic system is provided. The controlled aquaponic system utilizes horizontal bell siphons mounted external to the plant grow beds, sensors, a controller, a pump, and an index valve to selectively monitor and control the flooding draining, and fluid delivery to the plants. The controlled delivery of nutrient fluids is safer to operate and guards against shock to the aquatic species while also providing high crop yields.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a modular green roof tray, house plant growth media and horticulture growth media, and a tree protection mat for weed and moisture control made from recycled disposable diapers. The growth medium and tree protection mat contain superabsorbent materials from diaper that can absorb waters and greatly reduce irrigation so to provide a drought resistant feature. One embodiment also provides a manufacturing process to perform 100% recycling of disposed diapers.