Abstract: Kick bar assemblies mounted to an opposite side walls of a squeeze chute structure each include an upright shaft that is rotatably mounted to the squeeze chute wall. Each kick bar assembly connects at one end to an actuator for rotating the shaft and at the other end to a kick bar which may be pivoted by the actuator between a first retracted position, a second normal extended position in which the kick bar is generally normal to the wall of the squeeze chute and a third forward position in which the kick bar is rotated forward of the normal position and defines an acute angle with the squeeze chute wall. The actuators controlling the motion of the kick bars are capable of being simultaneously remotely controlled to act in unison.

Abstract: A method for recycling soft artificial fishing baits comprising: providing used soft artificial baits to be recycled; providing a mold having two separable sides cooperatively defining at least one cavity therein, each cavity having a shape corresponding to a desired fishing bait, fastening means, holding means, at least one vent hole; placing used soft artificial baits into the holding means; placing the mold with artificial baits in the holding means into a microwave oven; heating the mold with artificial baits in the holding means for a time sufficient to melt the baits and cause material to fill each cavity; allowing the mold to cool for a time sufficient to allow the material in each cavity to solidify; opening the mold and removing each molded bait; and cutting away any excess material that may be attached to the bait.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for displaying animals in temperature controlled enclosures.

Abstract: An automated cat litter box includes a cat litter tray, a cat litter return bin that collects soiled cat litter from the cat litter tray and that returns recycled cat litter to the cat litter tray, a control unit, and one or more drive units operated by the control unit to drive the cat litter tray and the cat litter return tray to automatically recycle the soiled cat litter during a cat litter box cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A litter box for a domestic animal includes a box-like body equipped with an upper support wall that has a through opening, a container of a granular litter material susceptible to absorb the animal excrements, and a first tubular duct arranged below the upper wall, which is substantially extended between the upper wall and the bottom of the body, for conveying the animal excrements towards a discharge zone in the lower part of the body. The receptacle surrounds a second tubular duct inside the first tubular duct, whose upper end faces the opening and whose lower end faces the bottom of the body, and which defines an internal edge of the receptacle for the purpose of retaining a quantity of the granular material therein.

Abstract: A power-saving flowerpots capable of serial connecting with other flowerpot includes a planting tank having a horizontal plane and an inclined plane at an upper side thereof for planting; a water tank connected to a lower side of the planting tank; the connection of the planting tank and the water tank being formed as an L shape; an interior of the water tank being formed with a water draining channel; an upper side of the water draining channel being formed with a communication hole so that when the water level in the water tank is over a lower edge of the communication hole; water will flow into the communication hole from the water tank. A plurality of flowerpot can be installed as a first row by a retaining rod to pass through all hooks of the flowerpots; and the water tubes of the flowerpot are connected one by one.

Abstract: A continuous loop plant growing system includes a channel having a moving floor, a growing medium contained in the channel, at least one plant, at least one light, and at least one chopper. The moving floor transports the growing medium around a continuous loop dividable into a planting zone, a growing zone, a harvesting zone, and a decomposing zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for grinding and dispersing aquatic life including a tube having a first end and a second end, and a cap positioned on the first end. A second end includes a motor and a blade for grinding and dispersing aquatic life, wherein the aquatic life is inserted into the cylindrical tube through the cap, and the aquatic life moves down the tube towards the blade, whereby the aquatic life is ground and then dispersed into the water.

Abstract: Self-watering fruit tree container comprises a container holding a living plant that is positioned above a container holding a pool of water or nutrient solution where the water may be absorbed by the living plant through a permeable bottom and/or side of the plant container. Self-watering fruit tree container allows for an airspace layer between the plant container and the water container which prevents excessive absorption of water into the plant container, thereby preventing root rot. Self-watering fruit tree container achieves this partially by special funnel shaped root-pruning aeration apertures in the bottom of the plant container that allow very small roots and root hairs to pass and grow through the bottom of the plant container and into the water reservoir below, while pruning and stopping larger roots, and also allowing for aeration of soil in the plant container.

Abstract: A horse shoe shielding device comprising: a shielding member comprising a concave portion adapted to receive the heel of a horse shoe when worn on a horse such that the heel of the horse shoe is covered by the shielding member; and attachment means adapted to allow attachment of the shielding member to the horse shoe, wherein at least a portion of the shielding member extends rearwards from the attachment means and then upwards to shield the heel of the horse shoe, and wherein the horse shoe shielding device is adapted to cover only a portion of the hoof of the horse.

Abstract: A birdhouse having at least four walls, a first gabled roof covering the top of the walls and extending beyond the front wall, and a bottom panel approximately covering and enclosing the bottom of the four walls; where the front wall has a first entrance opening; a front panel attached by at least one spacer to the front wall, wherein the front panel has a second gabled roof extending in front of and behind the front panel, wherein the front panel has a second entrance opening; wherein the first and second entrance openings are approximately the same diameter and are approximately horizontally aligned; wherein the first opening and the second opening are spaced apart by the at least one spacer, wherein the thickness of the spacer and the space it provides is approximately from one-half to 3 times the diameter of the first opening.

Abstract: The feeder toy is designed for cats and small dogs. The device is formed from a non-toxic, eco-friendly food grade plastic. The rounded, weighted profile provides a self-propelled motion, eliminating the need for any batteries. The innovative design wobbles and moves about the floor, forcing a pet to move and interact with the toy in order to eat. The unique food-dispensing hole adjusts by rotating the two ends; allowing for different sized dry food and dispensing rates. Holes at the bottom allow trapped bits to escape. The two ends come apart for easy filling and cleaning.

Abstract: The present description relates to a media apparatus that can function as an animal litter box. In one case, the media apparatus includes a media storage portion configured to define a media receiving volume. The media apparatus also includes an animal support portion that defines an opening proximate the media receiving volume.

Abstract: An improved fishing system for the physically challenged including a reel assembly, the reel assembly including a reel shaft extension extending from a reel housing; a first toothed pulley coupled to the reel shaft extension; an electric motor assembly including an electric motor with a shaft extending from the electric motor; a second toothed pulley coupled to the motor shaft; and a toothed belt coupled to the first and the second toothed pulleys.

Abstract: Animal feeders that are resistant to depletion of the feed hopper due to undesired feeding by small birds and small animals as well as related methods are described. Exemplary feeders preferably comprise an enclosure surrounding a feed distributor and that comprises first and second portions. The enclosure prevents small birds and small animals from accessing the feed distributor and includes a gap through which the feed distributor directs feed. Moreover, the present invention provides animal feeders that eliminate the potential for feed to jam the feed distributor thereby allowing smaller, more economical motors to be used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of supplying liquid consumable substances to animals using a dispenser device, including storing a volume of viscous fluid in a storage chamber of the dispensing device, capturing a roller ball in a flanged opening at an open end of the dispensing device such that a first surface of the roller ball communicates with the storage chamber, communicating at least a portion of the stored volume to the first surface such that a quantity of the stored volume adheres to the first surface, and exposing a second surface of the roller ball to an animal's tongue such that when the animal licks the second surface, the roller ball rotates with respect to the flanged opening to deliver at least a portion of the adhered quantity to the animal as a reward for a desired exhibited behavior of the animal.

Abstract: A support structure is configured to be pierced by stems of flowers to hold the flowers in place and to retain moisture. The support structure extends along a longitudinal path and has front and rear surfaces and two opposite side surfaces. A backplate overlies the support structure's rear surface. A frame overlies the support structure and is attached to the backplate to hold the support structure against the backplate. The frame includes longitudinal bands that extend along the longitudinal path along the support structure. The frame further includes cross bands that extend about the support structure's front and side surfaces in directions that are perpendicular to the longitudinal band. Each cross band crosses the longitudinal bands at crossing points at which the longitudinal band is perpendicular to and adjoined to and underlying the respective longitudinal band.

Abstract: A compact animal waste collector and method thereof is provided. The collector includes a planar base having a first side and a second side. A plurality of walls is affixed perpendicularly to the base. A substantially planar first cover is hinged to at least one of the plurality of walls, the first cover forming an interior compartment proximate to the first side of the base and movable between at least a first position and a second position. A bag is removably located within the collector and lining the interior compartment, the bag having an opening edge inverted about an exterior of the collector. A storage compartment is formed on the second side of the base and enclosable by the plurality of walls and a substantially planar second cover hinged to at least one of the plurality of walls. The storage compartment may house a replacement bag.

Abstract: A disposable feline litter box includes a tray prefilled with litter and including a permanently affixed upwardly extendable enclosure. An end face of the enclosure includes a hinged door flap which allows a feline to enter and exit the enclosure by pushing the flap in the appropriate direction. The various components of the litter box are made of bio-degradable materials. The litter box is initially provided in a collapsed configuration to allow for storage and transportation and is returned to the collapsed configuration for disposal.