Abstract: A feeder unit for animals, particularly pigs, provides feed in either wet or dry condition and comprises a trough and a shelf positioned above the trough with a water supply duct beneath the shelf for directing water through valves actuated by the pig into the trough. A hopper positioned above the shelf directs material continuously onto the shelf to be retained on the shelf by the repose angle. The pig can this either eat directly from the shelf the feed in dry condition or can brush the feed into the trough for mixing with water and eating in wet condition.

Abstract: An adjustable dog feeding tray means which comprises a member providing a rectangular plate having four corners and a horizontal plane surface with an opening therein, and a feeding bowl received and removably retained within the opening of the plate. A plurality of the legs which are secured with the member are controllably extendible and retractable for adjusting the height of the plate. Each leg is also hingedly secured with the plate at a one of its respective corners for being rotated to a position proximate to the plate when the tray means is stored or transported and rotated away from the plate when the tray means is in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling water temperature in a man-made pond includes means defining a closed loop raceway within the pond with at least a pump mounted to circulate the water in the raceway. At least a portion of the raceway is covered by a cover which will absorb heat and release a portion thereof into the water as it passes along the raceway below the cover. The pump is preferably arranged to draw cool water from the bottom of the raceway and eject it under the cover at the surface of the pond thereby assuring more uniform water temperature.

Abstract: A poultry brooder (10) having a ceramic radiant element (12) with protrusions (14) and protrusion connectors (16) forming spiral channels (18) to lengthen the path of flowing gases from closed center (34) to the edge of the radiant and to impede the gaseous flow by turbulence. An insulator (26) reduces heat loss through the rear surface (42) of the ceramic radiant and an adjustable temperature sensing element support bracket (32) allows selection of a variety of temperature sensing positions.

Abstract: A drinker device for foul and stock provides a constant water supply in a cup by means of a valve controlled by a free floating ball actuator. The ball can be readily moved by the foul or animal to access the drinking water without actuating the valve controlling the water supply until the water level drops to an undesirable level. The device also provides convenient height adjustment mechanism and a quick unit replacement feature.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the distribution of fish food wherein pumpable foodstuff enters a rotor chamber and is conducted by rotary wheels to a pressure area and then to an outlet where the foodstuff is cut into pieces having a partially flattened out shape for distribution to the feeding area.

Abstract: A dog walking device employs an endless belt which is suspended between two pulleys and is connected to a slider element for driving a tether assembly. The slider element slides along a cable which is positioned generally parallel to the endless belt and is elevated above the path which is traversed by the dog. The endless belt is formed from a continuous filament braided material forming a hollow portion which interiorly receives one section of the material so that one end of the section extends through the side of the hollow enclosure for adjustably varying the length of the endless belt.

Abstract: An automatic livestock feeding apparatus having a hopper, a trough, a distributor for transferring feed from the hopper to the trough, and a feed level sensing device. The feed level sensing device includes apparatus for inducing vibration of the trough when the amount of feed present in the trough falls below a predetermined level. The sensing device further includes apparatus for detecting the vibration, thus indicating a low feed level condition. The feeding apparatus also includes a distributor control device which is responsive to the low level feed condition indicated by the feed level sensing device, and which activates other apparatus to cause the trough to be replenished with either a dry feed or liquid feed mixture. A counter display may included as part of the feeding apparatus to indicate the number of times the trough has been replenished. Additional control apparatus may be included to limit trough replenishing where ration feeding is desired.

Abstract: An automatic feed system is disclosed for livestock which identifies each of a plurality of animals and selectively feeds certain animals while monitoring the feeding procedure. The system includes a magnetically encoded identification module worn about the animal's neck operating in cooperation with a magnetic decoder fixedly secured at the front of a feeding bin or hopper. A multiplexer sequentially detects the signals generated by the decoder and processes the signals to a microprocessor via an amplifier signal conditioner and an analog to digital converter. The output of the microprocessor is operably coupled to a feed control and automatic gate for dispensing a predetermined amount of feed. A readout is available for animal record keeping and system review.

Abstract: According to the invention there is proposed an arrangement in tanks for growing living fish. Each tank (20) is per se of conventional embodiment, with a peripheral inlet and a central outlet for water. According to the invention, one or more spiral grooves (26) are arranged along the bottom of the tank, said grooves extending from a point close to the periphery of the tank and in a spiral path towards the center of the tank to a sludge funnel (18) situated there. Water circulates in the tank (20), and a sludge sinking into the groove (26) or grooves is urged by the circulating water towards the funnel more quickly than if it had accompanied the water in its movement towards the outlet. The spiral groove (26) or grooves may be formed directly in the bottom of the tank (20), thereby causing great stiffness in it, or they may be formed in a separate means, which is placed on the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: The chicken coops of this invention are built up of modular parts, the basic element being partitions separating individual cells from one another in which cells egg laying hens are confined. Each such partition has an uppermost edge which extends obliquely relative to one of the vertical edges of the partition and forms an acute angle therewith. The lowermost portion of each partition is wider than the major extension thereof. This outjutting extension serves as support for a conveyor band onto which the eggs roll from the said cells.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing bivalves for human consumption which includes depositing the bivalves in a fresh salt water bath maintained at a temperature of from about 46.degree. F. to about 54.degree. F. wherein the water is provided from an aquifer of not more than about 200 feet below the surface of the earth at a rate of from about 0.5 to about 2.0 gallons per minute per bushel, and preferably about 1 gallon per minute per bushel. The oxygen level in the fresh salt water is maintained at a level of from about 4 to about 10 ppm. As a result of the present invention, bivalves recovered, even from uncertified waters, can be sufficiently purified for human consumption in 48 hours without degrading the quality of the bivalves.

Abstract: A nutrient dispenser for supplying nutrient liquid to young animals includes a container (1) in which the liquid (2) is kept cool. Feeding the liquid is done via a solenoid valve (3) which is activated by the animal with the aid of an activating means (11, 12). The feed pipe (4) leading from the solenoid valve to the animal box has a heating element (7) which continuously keep the pipe warm and gives the fed-out nutrient liquid a temperature suitable for the animal. To avoid long storage of ready-mixed nutrient liquid, the container (1) may be formed with a store (31) intended for dry substance (30). The dry substance is fed to the container with the aid of a conveyor (32) driven by the amount of water (via 33, 34) predetermined for filling the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a teat cup assembly for use with a silicone liner. The one piece shell for the teat cup assembly has an integral peripheral protecting wall which projects beyond the end of the cylindrical shell wall and forms a recess for receiving the cuff of the liner. The flange protects the end of the inflation from damage caused by impact with the floor or other articles in the milking parlor. No mechanical parts are required to maintain the liner and assembly in the shell.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling by radio the movement of one or more animals simultaneously by one or more operators. Robotic control is provided for manipulation of reins, and for means to contact the animal to simulate a crop, spurs and the knees of a rider. Joy stick control is provided for the reins, while the other functions are governed using pushbuttons. High torque rotary output servomechanisms, coupled with the physical design of the various elements, provides for good simulation of a human rider. Video and two-way audio communications are provided. In its various embodiments, the apparatus is useful for training animals, for remotely controlling animals, and for securing an area.

Abstract: A combined animal feeder and waterer including a hopper (20) that stores a quantity of pelletized material and is partially closed at the bottom by a restricting plate (40). The restricting plate has an orifice (38) extending therethrough and offset from the center of the hopper (20). The orifice (38) extends downwardly and rearwardly into an agitation chamber (32) wherein a rotor (34) is disposed for agitating the pelletized material and disposing it outward through an orifice into a feeding bowl (16). A water reservoir (66) is included in the base and integral therewith and communicates with a drinking well (17) through an orifice (70). The orifice (70) is disposed in the lower portion of the interface between the reservoir (66) and the drinking well (17). A breathing hole (72) allows the water in the reservoir (66) to seek the same level as the water in the drinking well (17) by a gravity feed distribution system. The size of the drinking well (17) is small relative to the size of the reservoir (66).

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing shoats from being crushed to death in hog breeding operations with at least one microphone associated with a farrowing pen accommodating the dam and the shoat, a noise detector which is connected to the microphone and which releases an electrical pulse based upon a stored acoustic signal serving as a comparison signal, and with a warning unit adapted to be actuated by the pulse released by the said noise detector. This apparatus may be used as a device for indicating the onset of the dam's birthing procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying milk with the help of an underpressure in a pipe system which includes feedpipes comprises damming devices or check valves in the feedpipe, or a division of the feedpipe over at least a portion of its length into several pipes which preferably have various inside cross sectional areas and have valves which, in dependence on the milk flow rate, cause the cross sectional area of one or more pipes to be changed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is part of a milking apparatus having milk discharge pipes which are supported overhead.

Abstract: A poultry watering device, connectable to a water supply line for supplying water to the poultry, comprises a cup integrally formed with a sleeve, a valve including a valve body receivable within the sleeve, and a valve operator disposable within the cup and engageable by the poultry to replenish the water supply to the cup. Bayonet-pin and socket connecting elements join the sleeve and valve body facilitate quick attachment of the cup to the valve by rotating the sleeve with respect to the valve body. Either the cup or the valve includes a projection engageable with a part of the other to restrain the rotation of the sleeve with respect to the valve body, and thereby to prevent detachment of the cup with respect to the valve by the poultry.

Abstract: A pet mat for domestic animals. The mat has a predetermined shape and is formed from a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer. The top layer is insect pervious to allow insects such as fleas and ticks to travel into the intermediate layer. A wet or slow drying adhesive is located either on the bottom surface of the top layer, on the top surface of the bottom layer, or in the intermediate layer. The adhesive may be mixed with pheromones or bait to attract the insects or fleas. Once the insects or fleas have touched the adhesive they will not be able to release themselves from it.