Abstract: A method of artificially rearing lobster larvae, in which lobster larvae of the Palinuridae and Scyllaridae families are guided toward jellyfish so that the lobster larvae parasitize the jellyfish and grow on the host jellyfish. An apparatus for rearing lobster larvae wherein a symbiotic feeding tank (1), in which the larvae are reared in the state of being parasitic on the jellyfish, and a jellyfish rearing tank (2) are connected together via a pipe (3), through which water and the jellyfish are supplied from the jellyfish rearing tank (2) to the symbiotic feeding tank (1), and the pipe (3) is provided with a switching valve (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to an aquaculture net (30) comprising wires (32, 34, 36) of lighter weight or smaller diameter towards the bottom of the net. The advantage is an aquaculture net with a prolonged life time.

Abstract: A spur attachable to a boot is provided. The spur includes a body comprising a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, a fourth arm, and a neck with a head disposed on the distal end of each arm. The first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are configured to be forward relative to a heel of the boot and the neck is configured to be rearward relative to the heel of the boot, and the third arm and fourth arm are configured to tighten a single strap attached to the head disposed on the distal end of each arm when the neck drops relative to the boot.

Abstract: A simulated mouse toy having a prerecorded sound chip therein is provided which emits a prerecorded sound upon physical movement, such as when swatted, rolled or carried, to encourage pets to continue to play. A motion imparting device formed of a solenoid is operatively connected in conjunction the prerecorded sound chip to simultaneously provide a jittery or twitching visual stimulation.

Abstract: A safety release for emergency separation from an animal of an affixed harness includes a structural body having formed integral therewith a mechanism for securing the body to a first portion of a riding harness, such as, for example, a bull rope, and a selectively releasable shackle assembly. The shackle assembly is structurally adapted for affixation to a second portion of the riding harness. The mechanism for securing the body to the riding harness comprises a preferably arcuate channel formed in a first, channel end of the body, the channel end of the body being generally opposite a shackle end. The shackle end is adapted to selective receive and secure the shackle assembly to the body.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering condensed water obtained from a condensate disposal tube of an air conditioning system to a garden or lawn, the system features a main tube for fluidly connecting to the condensate disposal tube of the air conditioning system, the second end of the main tube is closed; a plurality of secondary tubes fluidly branching from the main tube; and a spike component fluidly attached on the second end of each secondary tube, the spike component has a pointed end for allowing a user to easily drive the spike component into the garden or lawn, the spike component comprises a valve system that can move between an open position and a closed, position to respectively allow and prevent the condensed water from exiting the spike component and flowing into the garden or lawn.

Abstract: A process for controlling grapevine ripening comprises a step, to be implemented between the birth of the rachis (R) and harvesting of the bunch (G), in which rachis (R) supporting means (1) are applied, designed to at least counterbalance the weight of the flowers and fruit developing on the rachis (R), allowing the rachis (R) to grow according to its original direction. A piece of equipment for controlling grapevine ripening, in accordance with the above-mentioned process, comprises a structure (2) fixed to the ground and rachis (R) supporting means (1) which can be connected to the fixed structure (2).

Abstract: A modular plant tower assembly includes a self-supporting vertical framework of rigid vertical supports defining a relatively large base, and extending inwardly and upwardly from the base to a smaller top of the vertical framework. At least one horizontal closed-end framework includes rigid horizontal supports. The horizontal supports are interconnected at their respective ends, and surround the vertical framework at a location intermediate the base and the top. At least one of the horizontal supports forms a lateral bridge connector. The bridge connector is adapted for connecting one end of a bridge frame to the plant tower assembly, and an opposite end of the bridge frame being connected to an adjacent like tower assembly.

Abstract: A milking system comprises a plurality of apparatuses (11a-g), wherein each of the apparatuses comprises a device (12a-g) for performing an action related to the operation of the milking system; a microprocessor (13a-g); an error message generating system (14a-g) for generating error messages (21) about errors that have occurred in the apparatus; and means (15a-g) for communicating said error messages to all other ones of the apparatuses. Each of the error messages comprises information, preferably categorized information, regarding the nature (22) and severity (23) and optionally physical location of the error and is interpretable by all other ones of the apparatuses.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a container removably mounted to a tray such that an orifice in the base of the container is below a fill line of the tray. A flat-shaped cap that includes an opening is removably attached to the orifice. A cap adjustment member forces the cap into a concave shape when the container is removably mounted to the tray. If the cap is in the flat shape, surface tension of the liquid in the container prevents the container from dispensing liquid. However, forcing the cap into the concave shape disrupts the surface tension of the liquid and allows the container to dispense the liquid if the liquid is not already above a fill line. These features allow the orifice to be wide enough for cleaning while the cap is narrow enough for operation without the cap causing surface tension that hinders operation.

Abstract: The invention provides an indoor livestock confinement system that includes a plurality of hollow plastic panels. Each panel includes a plurality of spaced tabs at its ends. A first end of each panel includes a first set of tabs, and a second end of each panel includes a second set of tabs. Each set of tabs includes at least one tab at a top portion of the end, at least one tab at an intermediate portion of the end, and at least one tab at a lower portion of the end. The tabs of the first set are offset vertically from the tabs of the second set such that the first set of tabs of a first panel fit vertically between the second tabs of another panel when the ends of the panels are put together. Each tab includes a hole such that a rod can be inserted down through the tabs to lock the panels together. The livestock confinement system may include additional features, such as ventilation components, reinforced panels, and bucket holders.

Abstract: An aquarium pump having LED lamps, wherein the coil unit of a motor unit in the pump housing is used as a primary coil unit, and a first insulating layer is used to envelop the primary coil unit, then a secondary coil unit is used to wind the primary coil unit; taking advantage of induction of the secondary coil unit to the primary coil unit to generate a low voltage for using by the LED illuminating lamp set. Kinetic energy during rotation of an internal magnet of a motor for the pump is used as induction potential, this is the energy required that can get an effect of energy saving and carbon reducing.

Abstract: An aquaponic method and apparatus used to raise fish in fish rearing tanks is combined with hydroponic channels for growing crops, in which fertilizer nutrients from the aquaculture effluent are utilized as fertilizer. The aquaponic method and apparatus produce a first water circulation system during the day in which water is repeatedly cycled from a sump, bypassing fish rearing tanks, to a clarifier for removing solids, a degasifier for removing volatile compound, then to the hydroponic channels, and then, back from the hydroponic channels to the sump. The aquaponic method and apparatus also produce a second circulation system during the night in which water is repeatedly cycled from the sump to the fish rearing tanks, from the fish rearing tanks to the clarifier, then from the clarifier to the hydroponic channels and then back from the hydroponic channels to the sump.

Abstract: A tubular element (9) tubular element (9) provides an inner space forming a passage for conducting milk, with a first material portion (9a) which constitutes the main part of the tubular element (9) and an additional material portion (9b) which includes a vent passage (9b) adapted to supply air to the inner space of the tubular element (9). The first material portion (9a) and the additional material portion (9b) are fixedly connected to each other in a contact area (9d) such that the material portions (9a, b) form an integrated unit. A method of manufacturing the tubular element.

Abstract: An arrangement for housing and milking a large number of animals includes a resting and feeding area (11), a milking area (13) housing automatic milking stations (31) for milking the animals, and a passage way (15) interconnecting the resting and feeding area (11) and the milking area (13), and along which animals are capable of being had to walk in order to move back and fourth between the resting and feeding area (11) and the milking area (13). According to the invention, the resting and feeding area (11) includes enclosed sections (17), wherein each of the sections (17) houses a respective subgroup of the animals and has an entry/exit gate (19), through which the animals of the subgroup are capable of being forced to pass in order to move back and fourth between the section (17) and the passage way (15).

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of core cooling the blood of an equine animal. The apparatus is a flexible boot with an orthotic pad that has various features to allow for circulating coolant so the bottom hoof area of an equine can be cooled. Optionally the pad is designed to allow cooling under vacuum. In some aspects the apparatus also provides elements to facilitate cooling the lower leg of the equine in a way designed to allow coolant circulated through the boot pad to also be circulated through leg cooling elements while maintaining a controlled temperature against the leg surface. The invention is also a method of core cooling an animal utilizing the apparatus described.

Abstract: A horse boot has a sole that includes a dome portion designed to conform to the frog and sole of a horse's hoof when no pressure is exerted on it. The dome provides a support surface for the frog and hoof sole when the boot is off the ground and it resiliently deforms downward, thereby allowing the frog and hoof sole to deform naturally, when the boot presses against the ground. As a result, the hoof's frog and sole are always supported in resilient manner while allowed to move as needed for their natural function. The pressure exerted by the ground against the edges of the sole of the boot and the simultaneous counter-pressure exerted by the hoof cause the dome in the boot's sole to flatten, thereby slightly increasing its size to accommodate the natural deformation of the hoof.

Abstract: A plant growing assembly is configured to grow a plurality of plants in multiple directions above a ground surface. The assembly includes a growing container and a support structure for elevating the container above the ground surface. The container presents a generally hollow body to retain a plant-growing medium and the plurality of plants. The body extends along an axis to present opposite axial end margins and a radial peripheral wall. The wall defines a plurality of discrete plant-receiving ports extending therethrough, and disposed generally radially about the wall. A method of growing plants above ground in substantially opposite directions from one another is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for holding animal waste pads having raised peripheral sidewalls surrounding a base for containing a waste pad, and sidewall extensions attachable to the sidewalls to contain and direct an animal to an appropriate position in the use of the animal waste pads.

Abstract: The pet harness with restraint includes a rigid lateral bar or rod attached across the shoulder strap of a harness. The bar serves to prevent the animal from escaping between the vertical uprights of a fence or similar enclosure. The harness preferably comprises a pair of foreleg loops, a chest strap interconnecting the foreleg loops, and a pair of connecting straps that extend from the loops over the shoulders of the animal. Alternatively, the harness may comprise a collar portion and a body-encircling strap joined by longitudinal chest and dorsal straps. The bar may be permanently attached across the shoulder or dorsal straps of the harness, but is preferably removable to provide a versatile harness. The bar may be attached to the harness by snap fasteners, by insertion into a sleeve attached to the harness, etc. The harness may include elastic sections therein to provide greater adjustment for growing pets.