Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an aquaculture cage of the invention has a buoyant structure configured to float on a water surface, an aquaculture net portion made of a material that is corrodible by salt water and attached to the buoyant structure for positioning a top of the aquaculture net portion at a distance below the water surface, where the aquaculture net portion encloses an interior of the cage from the top of the aquaculture net portion to a bottom of the aquaculture net portion to retain marine life, and an upper enclosure portion enclosing space above the aquaculture net portion for preventing the marine life from escaping over the top of the aquaculture net portion, where the upper enclosure portion comprises a material that is substantially non-corrodible by salt water.

Abstract: A multi-pet leash is provided. The multi-pet leash includes a feeder leash and two or more leader leashes connected to the feeder leash. The feeder leash comprises a first end and a second end, with the second end slidably connected onto itself to form an adjustable loop portion. Each leader leash comprises a first end slidably connected to the adjustable loop portion of the feeder leash. The second end of each leader leash is attached to an animal or pet allowing a handler to control the pets simultaneously utilizing one feeder leash.

Abstract: A portable pet carrier which can be folded flat for storage when not in use and which can be moved in a horizontal direction with the pet carrier removably attached to a rollable platform having a unique carrying handle rotatable to be at an angle to the pet carrier to permit the pet carrier to be transported from one horizontal location to another with the pet carrier remaining in a horizontal orientation to facilitate the pet's comfort during transportation. The pet carrier is also small enough and flexible enough to be retained under a passenger seat of an airplane.

Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.

Abstract: A dog shoe has a durable molded sole, a flexible fabric upper, elastic members that urge opposed edges of the shoe upper together to snuggly retain the shoe over the dog's paw, and a adjustable strap that employs a hook-and-loop fastener to retain a circumferential back section of the upper snuggly around the dog's lower leg.

Abstract: A recirculating aquaculture system is configured for growing aquatic animals. The system includes an inlet conduit, a tank, a water treatment unit, a clarifier, and an outlet conduit. The tank is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit to receive water displaced from the inlet conduit. The tank also contains water and aquatic animals. The water treatment unit is arranged within the tank and includes algae capable of removing aquatic animal waste from the water within the tank. The clarifier is in fluid communication with the tank to receive displaced water from the tank. The clarifier is also configured to remove solid waste from the displaced water. The outlet conduit is in fluid communication between the clarifier and the inlet conduit.

Abstract: A pet kennel that is structured to receive an animal includes an upper kennel portion and a lower kennel portion that include first and second engagement structures that are slidingly engageable. The upper kennel portion is situated in a first position atop the lower kennel portion offset from one another along a longitudinal axis of the pet kennel. The upper kennel portion is then translated along the longitudinal axis with respect to the lower pet kennel portion toward a second, assembled position to cause the first engagement elements and the second engagement elements to become slidingly engaged and to cause the upper and lower kennel portions to become aligned with one another. The upper kennel portion additionally includes a pair of latches that are engageable with the lower shell portion in the second position of the pet kennel to retain the upper and lower kennel portions in the second position.

Abstract: A biodegradable litter kit to be used for the collection and disposal of animal waste. The kit includes a litter box having a tray portion and a retractable lid. The tray has a bottom and at least one protruding side to which the lid is connected. The box includes a perforated false bottom positioned within the tray for holding a layer of fresh litter above the bottom of the tray. The perforated false bottom permits for the passage of soiled litter but prevents the passage of fresh litter to the bottom of the tray thus keeping a layer of fresh litter accessible for use by an animal. A separator piece may be included for selective positioning over the layer of fresh litter to maintain it within the box when the box is not in use. The box may include biodegradable accessories.

Abstract: A rotatable vertical growing system enhances circulation between a hydroponic network and an aquaponic network in a closed fluid circulation. The networks are interdependent and operate on a constant body of growth fluid that continuously circulates between an aquaponic vessel and a hydroponic growing container. A rotational energy and a direct pressure generated by an external fluid serve to increase the flow rate of the growth fluid during circulation. A rotatable base portion floats concentrically in the aquaponic vessel. The base portion includes a gear system that enables rotation. Protruding members extend from the rotating base portion to agitate and guide the growth fluid through the circulatory path. The external fluid discharges into the vessel to aerate the fluid, increase the flow rate of the growth fluid, and actuate the gear system. The hydroponic growing container rotates to provide uniform access to light for the plants.

Abstract: A method for controlling a crowd gate comprises operating a milking parlor for a plurality of dairy livestock. The milking parlor comprises an entrance located adjacent to a holding pen, and a crowd gate that forms a side of the holding pen and moves toward and away from the entrance to the milking parlor. The method further comprises determining that dairy livestock should enter the milking parlor, and operating the crowd gate in response to determining that dairy livestock should enter the milking parlor. Operating the crowd gate comprises moving the crowd gate away from the entrance to the milking parlor prior to initiating movement towards the entrance, pausing the movement of the crowd gate, and moving the crowd gate towards the entrance of the milking parlor.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system comprises a milk collecting system, a teat cup holder, and a cleansing hose system. The milk collecting system comprises a teat cup, a milk collector, and a milking hose system connecting the teat cup to the milk collector. The teat cup holder stores the teat cup of the milk collecting system such that a nozzle of the teat cup holder substantially aligns with an opening of the teat cup. The cleansing hose system connects the nozzle of the teat cup holder to one or more cleanser sources and operable to backwash at least a portion of the milk collecting system by injecting a cleanser from one or more of the cleanser sources through the nozzle and into the teat cup.

Abstract: A cat litter product is provided and includes manufacture primarily from a pelletized Switchgrass. The litter product is pelletized via an extrusion technology process so as to form particles the size of wheat grain. The litter product provides, collectively, a non-toxic and naturally safe, biodegradable, odor-eliminating, scented, anti-bacterial litter that clumps in a convenient size for easy disposal and which has little dust and reduces tracking by cats.

Abstract: Method for the floating cultivation of a plant, in which, in a first stage of growth, the roots of the plant are kept at a distance from a water supply situated underneath the plant. The supply of moisture to the plant can be effected via the intermediate space between the float for the plant and the water supply and from the top side of the plant. As the plant develops further, the root system grows in the direction of the water supply and, in a second stage of growth, the vast majority of the water requirement is satisfied directly by the water supply. This is achieved by way of a panel which floats on the water supply and is provided with holes for accommodating the plant. This panel may be provided with recesses which are closed at their top sides and reduce the area of contact with the water and provide closed chambers.

Abstract: A birdfeeder that is easy to disassemble and clean and re-assemble. The birdfeeder further having a configuration such that it can be affixed to like birdfeeders to increase the amount of birdfood being offered.

Abstract: A molluscan bivalve cage system includes a cage formed of a mesh material of sufficient porosity to allow entry of molluscan bivalves. A fixed buoyant mechanism is secured to an upper surface of the cage and an anchor counterweight mechanism maintains the bivalve cage in a relatively stable position within a marine environment. An adjustable stirrup mechanism adjusts the height of the bivalve cage above the bed of a marine environment during various stages of growth of the molluscan bivalves.

Abstract: A living wave barrier is disclosed. The barrier is made up of a plurality of habitat modules that have cooperating depending footer elements and recesses in the bottom and top sides, respectively. The footer elements are spaced to allow limited free flow of water around the modules. Environmental elements, such as stones and the like, are disposed on the modules to provide a suitable habitat for local aquatic life and further removable elements may be provided to contain oyster spat. The barrier may be attached to an existing pier by way of a throughbore in each of the modules or may stand alone secured on the seabed by a pad. The barrier provides wave attenuation and may also be used to create a recreational area such as a snorkeling park or artificial reef.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus with a radio transceiver is provided, which includes an encoder/tact switch setting animal stimulation levels, a mode designation input unit, a stimulation command input unit, an ID code setting unit, an RF radio signal generation unit, an antenna switch, a signal amplification unit, a received signal demodulation unit, a low-pass filter removing harmonic waves in a transmitted RF signal, a microphone inputting a user input audio signal, an audio output unit, and a first microprocessor operating in a radio transceiver mode if a user command is input, and generating data that corresponds to the stimulation level if a stimulation command is input. The animal training apparatus can subdivide and continuously set stimulation levels for animals, set levels that suit respective animals in the case of multi-dog training, and provide easiness to carry about through condensation of the training apparatus and the radio transceiver into one product.

Abstract: A dog collar includes a first end for positioning under a dog's jaw bone and a second end that rests on the dog's upper chest. The first and second ends are connected by substantially arched sections that extend up along each side of the dog's neck and continue down between the dog's shoulders such that second end 22 rests on the dog's upper chest such that the collar does not overlie the dog's trachea.

Abstract: A milking system includes a milking member for extracting milk from an animal, a transport line, a milk tank, a milk filter unit for filtering the milk with a first filter device and a second filter device, each including a filter container and a filter element, and a valve arrangement to convey milk through the devices, where the valve arrangement communicates with a control unit. The milking system further includes an indication device generating an indication to a user when any one of the filter elements needs to be replaced, which filter of the first and second filter device needs to be replaced, and when the filter element indicated to need to be replaced is accessible for replacement. A method for operating and cleaning the milking system is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for milking animals wherein a negative pressure is periodically built up in a teat cup gap in an evacuation phase (a), maintained over a predetermined suction phase (b), and relieved in a ventilation phase (c), and a ventilation is maintained over a predetermined rest phase (d). The ratio between the suction phase (b) and the rest phase (d) changes at least once during the milking operation.