Abstract: The invention is related to a washing apparatus for cleaning milking related equipment comprising a washing apparatus connectable to an automatic milking station (2) by interconnecting pipelines in such a way as to enable the washing apparatus to circulate a washing fluid through the milking related equipment of the automatic milking station (2). The washing apparatus (6, 7) comprise a circulation tank 6 and a separate pre-filling tank (7), whereby filling in advance and holding of the washing fluid to be used in a subsequent washing step is enabled. The washing apparatus (6, 7) further comprises connecting means for connection of the pre-filling tank (7) to the circulation tank (6). By means of the invention the time needed to complete a cleaning procedure is shortened essentially, and a cleaning procedure rendered more effective. The invention further relates to such method.

Abstract: Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise (a) a germinateable seed having a germinating end and an apparent germination polarity; or alternatively a germinateable seed having a hole formed therein; and (b) a cage or, respectively alternatively, a member securing the germinateable seed; the cage having a structure such that when securing the germinateable seed, the cage not inhibiting or slowing a germination process of the germinateable seed; the member is secured to the hole. Seedlings which comprise the cage or member engaged therewith. Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise the seed or seedling, the cage or member and a display article attached to the cage or member. Methods of making same and of displaying the display article in context of the seedling.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

Abstract: A marcotting device includes a housing for housing a predetermined portion of branch therein. Such housing includes two sides hingedly attached to each other, an open first end formed when such sides are joined in a closed position, a pair of bottom members, each perpendicularly attached to one side closely adjacent a second end of such housing, each of such bottom members including a cut out portion such that when such sides are closed such bottom members align to form a housing bottom and such cut out portions form a first aperture therein. A cover member is engageable with such housing closely adjacent such first open end. An access mechanism connected to such housing enables water dissemination into such housing. A securing mechanism secures such housing on or around the branch, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A pet paw washing apparatus is disclosed. The pet paw washing apparatus includes a basin and a partition disposed in the basin separating a first chamber from a second chamber. A receptacle may be in the second chamber for receiving a paw through a lid for washing the paw in the receptacle. Water may be transferred via tilting motion using handle from the first chamber to the second chamber through a notch in the partition. Dirty water in the receptacle may be transferred via tilting motion using handle out of the receptacle and into the second chamber through a spout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary platform for milking of animal. The rotary parlor comprises a platform (3), a circular rail member (10) connected to a lower surface of the platform (3) and a plurality of rolling members (11) having a wear surface (11?) adapted to be in contact with a wear surface (10b?) of the rail member (10). The rail member (10) comprises a first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) connected to the platform (3), a second part (10b, 18c) comprising said wear surface (10b?) and a connection arranged between said first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) of the rail member and said second part (10b, 18c) of the rail member, which connection is adapted to allow angular movements between the first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) and the second part (10b, 18c) of the rail member (10).

Abstract: A pet house, for providing convenient and comfortable accommodation for a pet, includes a housing and a plurality of amenities. The housing includes a surrounding wall having a lodging room for the pet accommodating therein, and a side entrance communicating with the lodging room, and a roof frame, which is supported on the surrounding wall to define the lodging room within the surrounding wall and the roof frame. The amenities, including at least one of a solar power system, a power storage, a ventilating device, a dimmer light, an audio device, a remote intercommunication system, and an outdoors shading arrangement, is provided at the pet house for providing the comfort and convenience of the pet house so as to enhance the quality of living.

Abstract: A collapsible bowl apparatus and related methods of use.

Abstract: A plant-growing apparatus (10) has a plurality of rotatable plant-growing modules (32) which can be moved between two positions, separated vertically or horizontally. Each module (32) comprises a cylindrical structure for holding plant-growing containers (80) in which the plants grow radially inwardly of the cylindrical structure toward a light source (68). The apparatus (10) has module support means for supporting each module and rotating it in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus has module moving means, for example sprocket driven chains (20, 22), for conveying the modules between the two positions.

Abstract: A boat holding tank for anesthetizing fish is described having a pulsator, with the pulsator having an anode output and a cathode output; a holding tank capable of receiving an aquatic animal, the holding tank further comprising an anode probe and a cathode probe, with the anode cathode probe of the holding tank switchably connected to the anode and cathode output of the pulsator, such that when the pulsator is activated the aquatic animal in the holding tank is anesthetized.

Abstract: The automated vaccination system enables an operator to effectively vaccinate large numbers of poultry by motivating the poultry to congregate, and then spraying a vaccination solution in the area of the congregated poultry. In the preferred embodiment, drinking water is withheld from the poultry. The drinking water is then restored so that the poultry congregate around the drinking line. As the poultry gather around the drinking line, a spray bar sprays vaccination solution around the poultry so that the poultry inhale the vaccination solution and are successfully vaccinated.

Abstract: A horse and/or livestock brush assembly with sponge element that releases a fluid and/or liquid solution directly onto a sponge element for foaming delivery onto the coat of an animal during sponging or washing. The brush assembly includes a brush base attached to a hose and flow regulator. The brush base comprises a flexible deformable membrane with a plurality of apertures that deliver fluid and/or liquid solution to a sponge element. The flexible deformable membrane and sponge element are fitted within a first opening of an internal cavity in a brush base. Delivery of the fluid or liquid solution is controlled by way of the flow regulator. An optional mixing chamber housing a water soluble compound containing active ingredients may be attached to the flow regulator to form a liquid solution. The liquid solution includes shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, fragrances and other active compositions including insect repellant, botanicals, dyes, moisturizers, or antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: A pet food elevating device having a food platform and wheels coupled to the food platform with a vertical track positioned to slidably receive the wheels. A rope is movably engaged with an upper pulley positioned to allow the pet food elevating device to be raised to a desired elevation within the vertical track. A first end of the rope is coupled to the food platform, and a second end of the rope is available to a user of the pet food elevating device to raise or lower the food platform. The second end of the rope may be secured to hold the pet food elevating device at a desired elevation.

Abstract: A dog feeder and dog waterer is provided wherein the dog feeder and dog waterer may be moved individually from operative positions to stored positions and which may be detachably secured together when in their stored or transport positions to enable the feeder and waterer to be carried as a unit and to add stability of the same during transport or storage.

Abstract: The hands free leash apparatus provides a leash cord that is detachable from the case that is worn as chosen on an animal controller via the strap. The second embodiment features a leash cord that is retractably extended from within the case, with lock and lock release to determine an animal's distance from the case, up to 20 feet. The v-shaped grip is removably inserted within the inset of the case so that a user can choose to omit the grip by choice. The reduced width of the strap importantly allows for the reduced width to be removably inserted into the strap's opposite end strap slot 52 without undue strap width surrounding a controller's arm, for example. The pocket with flap provides for a controller to carry such items as a cell phone or medial player, hands free.

Abstract: A teatcup and a teatcup liner are described. The teatcup liner (3) is adapted to be mounted in a shell (2) to form a teatcup (1) to be applied to a teat of an animal. The teatcup liner (3) defines a length axis (4) and an inner space (5) for receiving the teat, and includes a barrel (8) and an upper head (6) for receiving the teat, wherein the barrel (8) has an end portion (12) on which a primary engagement member (13) is arranged. The teatcup liner (3) includes a hindering member (15) arranged on the side of the primary engagement member (13) being distant from the upper head (6), hindering the primary engagement member (13) to bend away from the upper head, wherein the hindering member (15) has a smaller extension from the length axis (4) perpendicular to the length axis (4) compared with the primary engagement member.

Abstract: A pet exercise wheel assembly having a light-emitting device includes an exercise wheel made of a material pervious to light. The exercise wheel has a tapered sleeve projecting from a center of the exercise wheel and is axially formed with a penetrating channel. A light-emitting device has a casing coupled to the tapered sleeve of the exercise wheel. The light-emitting device has a circuit board formed with a central hole and provided with at least a lamp, a battery, a rocker switch, and an IC chip that are electrically connected with each other, with the lamp exposed at an exterior of the casing. Thereby, rotation of the exercise wheel drives the light-emitting device to rotate, so that the rocker switch in the light-emitting device is rocked to close a loop of the circuit board, thus causing the lamp to blink and provide a visual entertaining effect.

Abstract: A device provides positive reinforcement and treats for a domesticated animal urinating in a predetermined location. The positive reinforcement includes a message from the owner. A treat is exposed after the owner's message is played to further reward the animal. Absorbent paper is used at the predetermined location for collecting the urine and activating the voice and treat bowl. After a preset time, the used absorbent paper is removed and new absorbent paper is provided automatically. Another version includes a device that uses a single sheet of absorbent paper.

Abstract: A gate for a pet enclosure having limited visibility from inside the enclosure of events taking place outside the enclosure. In one embodiment, the gate of the present invention is formed from a plurality of removable panels which define an outer facial surface of the gate. At least one portal is provided in the gate for limited protrusion of a pet's face into the portal only to the extent of the nose and eyes of the pet. The portal is provided about its perimeter with an artistic which enhances the outer appearance of the gate itself, and when associated with a pet animal's partial exposure within the portal, provides a striking and enjoyable, sometimes comical, visual alteration of the facial surface of the gate. In various embodiments, the artistic associated with a given portal in the gate may be changed employing plural artistics which are arrayed on a moveable mount which positions selected artistics in register with selected ones of a plurality of portals defined in the gate.

Abstract: A vent plug for a milking liner has an outlet that discharges the vent air in the downstream direction. The vent plug has an outlet disposed in the downstream portion of the inner flange of the vent plug so that vent air is directed toward the outlet of the short milk tube. The vent plug outlet also may be disposed in the upstream portion of the inner flange while being configured to direct the vent air in a downstream direction.