Abstract: A rodent trap includes a base, a hoop pivoting relative to the base having a first and a second position, a bias arrangement, a retaining bar pivoting relative to the base and having a setting and a releasing position, a release arrangement comprising an over-center pivotally mounted keeper having first and second positions, the retaining bar including a locking lip to retain the hoop in a first set position when the retaining bar is in the setting position, the release arrangement for mounting a bait and release the retaining bar when subject to an upward force on the bait, the retaining bar automatically set to the setting position by drawing the hoop down onto the retaining bar against the bias and the retaining bar engaging a retaining lip of the release arrangement.

Abstract: Described is a two-probe bark control device for detecting an animal's bark by way of an electrode that is also used in delivering an electrical stimulus to the animal. The two-probe bark control device includes a housing, a first probe, and a second probe. The first and second probes include first and second electrodes, respectively. The first electrode is secured to the housing by way of a resilient overmolding such that the first electrode extends outwardly from the housing and has the potential to vibrate within the housing. The housing is carried by the animal such that the first probe detects the bark of the animal and the first and second probes deliver an electrical stimulus to the animal in response the first probe detecting the animal's bark such that the first probe both detects the animal's bark and delivers an electrical stimulus to the animal.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge case base having a bottom surface, a primer and an annular recess formed in the bottom surface, the annular recess being concentric with the primer; first and second concentric conductive rings disposed in the annular recess, the first and second rings being radially spaced apart and substantially flush with the bottom surface of the cartridge case base, the first and second rings being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base and the primer; a first data pin electrically connected to the first conductive ring and extending into an interior of the cartridge case base; and a second data pin electrically connected to the second conductive ring and extending into the interior of the cartridge case base, the first and second data pins being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting estrus in animal by sensing along time the motion of the animal and identifying when the sensed motion is not related to eating periods of the animal. Based on the sensed motion which is not related to eating periods the estrus in the animal is identified.

Abstract: Fishing lure apparatus includes a weighted head, a body portion fixable to the head and a foam annulus disposed between the body portion and the head. The foam annulus has a dimension greater than a dimension of the head for enabling expansion thereof upon water impingement thereagainst during movement through a body of water. Expansion of the annulus is dependent upon the velocity of the head through the water body. The foam annulus is formed from a material capable of absorbing and temporarily retaining attractant and the attractant is displaceable by water in order to simultaneous disperse the fix attractant as the head is drawn through the water body.

Abstract: A combination of a teat cup and a flexible milk tube is shown. The flexible milk tube has a main duct and a plurality of secondary ducts for discharging milk from the teat cup and for applying vacuum in the teat cup. The main duct is confined by a duct wall extending around the main duct. The secondary ducts are included in the duct wall of the main duct. By including the plurality of secondary ducts in the duct wall of the main duct the flexible milk tube as a whole has a smaller cross-section than that of the known milk tube. The plurality of secondary ducts no longer need separate duct walls forming separate tubes either connected or not with the flexible milk tube comprising the main duct. This results in space saving.

Abstract: A cat track composed of several track sections when attached end-to-end in other than an endless loop has end caps to retain a ball that rolls freely in the track. Assembled, the sections may be used together with a cat scratcher and/or a cat spa or other animal toy to increase the animal's interest. The sections may be made in different shapes but are capable of being connected end-to-end to define a variety of patterns, either as an endless or open (non-continuous) track.

Abstract: An elastic fishing device for securing a fishing line directly to a support on or near the water's edge has an elongated elastic member adjustably mounted on a spool which has a winding portion. The elongated elastic member is a shock cord that can be stored on the spool when the device is not in use. Additionally, the device can be adjusted to fit various sized supports and to fish at selected depths.

Abstract: An adjustable plant stake assembly having cross braces, stake anchors and couplers is provided that can be used with conventional plant stakes. The cross braces extend between two adjacent plant stakes and are adjustable in length to adjust the spacing between the stakes. The stake anchors support the stakes and include a step portion that enables the anchor to be driven into the ground by stepping on the step. As the plant grows in height, each plant stake can be lengthened by connecting an additional plant stake to the top of the existing stake using one of the couplers. A kit including the plant stakes, cross braces, stake anchors and couplers is also included.

Abstract: A pet vehicle safety restraint device for protection of household animals, the device including a one piece molded base frame having a pet seating floor and a back panel, the pet seating floor and the back panel being in a substantially ninety degrees relationship to one another; a harnessing system designed to contain the upper torso of a pet and containing an adjustable and flexible chest band; and a first adjustable leash, a second adjustable leash and a third adjustable leash, the adjustable leashes connecting the harnessing system, and subsequently a pet, to the one piece molded frame wherein the one piece molded frame is ultimately connected to the vehicle by means of a vehicle seat belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for helping an animal, primarily a four-legged animal (such as a pet dog or cat), also possibly a human child, escape from a body of water onto a water-adjacent elevated surface. The apparatus is deployed facing the water at an edge of the elevated surface. The apparatus comprises a deck anchor component, fillable with liquid for weight, and, preferably, a friction means to reduce slipping on the elevated surface. The apparatus also comprises a stair component hingedly connected to the anchor component for rotation between lowered, raised, and folded positions. The stair component comprises at least one stair step to be submerged while the stair component is in the lowered position with the anchor component resting on the elevated surface. The animal can escape to the elevated surface by placing its feet (preferably, rear paws) on the step and thrusting upwardly.

Abstract: A rotary plant growing apparatus has a cylindrical structure rotatably mounted on a support base. The cylindrical structure consists of a plurality of baskets in which plants may be grown and rotates around a rotational axis such that the baskets are at least partially immersed in nutrient reservoir containing a liquid nutrient for nourishing the plants. A light source extending at least partially through the cylindrical structure provides light for growth of plants. The baskets are securely and removably attached to rims of the cylindrical structures by pins extending therefrom and which have heads which retaining the pins in apertures therefore on the rims. A motor and gear arrangement provides rotation of the cylindrical structure.

Abstract: A crustacean trap that includes a collapsible frame assembly surrounded by a collapsible net body. The frame assembly includes a lower collar perpendicularly aligned and attached to a hollow mast. The mast extends upward from the lower collar and slides through an upper collar. Pivotally attached to the upper collar are four radially aligned upper legs. Pivotally coupled to the lower end of each upper leg is a lower leg that is vertically aligned under the upper leg. Each lower leg extends inward and pivotally connects to the lower collar. The upper and lower collars are aligned and registered so when the mast is extended downward through the upper collar, the upper collar and the lower collar separate thereby forcing each upper leg diagonally downward from the upper collar and forcing each lower leg horizontally outward from the lower collar.

Abstract: A harvesting device for zooplankton (1) or other micro organisms in a body of water (2). The new and inventive in the harvesting method is amongst others a bubble diffuser (3) arranged for being submerged in the body of water (2) and arranged for releasing gas bubbles (4) preferably air, in the body of water so as for said bubbles (4) may attach to zooplankton (1) and bring them closer to the surface (21) of said body of water (2) for collection by means of a skimmer or trawl (5). Said trawl is further arranged as a skimmer with a transportation tube from the aft of said skimmer to a vessel which both tows the trawl and processes the harvested zooplankton at the same time.

Abstract: A method of fishing that employs a fishing loop as the terminal tackle article that holds bait and interoperates with fish attractants. The fishing loop opens a gap urged by pressure between a gradual bend top and a loop closing extension to receive bait and allow fish flesh to pass. The gap closes after pressure is released holding the bait or engaged fish. The fishing loop has an elongated lever eye for securing fishing line. The lever eye also serves to help the loop stay closed under pressure from swimming fish. The fishing loop can be shaped from a single section of wire or rod; or, the loop closing extension can be a separate flexible material when rigidity in the fish engaging portion is desired. The fishing loop can be used with natural or penetrable artificial bait.

Abstract: A cat track composed of several track sections when attached end-to-end in other than an endless loop has end caps to retain a ball that rolls freely in the track. Assembled, the sections may be used together with a cat scratcher and/or a cat spa or other animal toy to increase the animal's interest. The sections may be made in different shapes but are capable of being connected end-to-end to define a variety of patterns, either as an endless or open (non-continuous) track.

Abstract: This patent discloses a system to train a dog to reduce barking while the dog is kept in an outdoor dog pen. The system may include a bark switch connected between a transformer and a power supply, a water valve operatively connected to the transformer and connected between a supply hose and a spray hose, a water supply connected to the supply hose, and a sprinkler head connected to the spray hose. Those components that may freeze may be located in a heated building. If the bark switch receives a bark of a predetermined intensity, the bark switch allows the power supply to send power to open the water valve so that water sprays a predetermined area of the dog pen. A timer may shut off the water spray and a lack of bark from the dog may keep the water spray from being turned on again.

Abstract: A pet door protection apparatus for movable placement adjacent to an existing pet door, the collapsible apparatus having a first end and an open second end, the base having an adjustment plate and mechanism for adjusting the height of the interior floor, which is fitted atop the adjustment plate. The apparatus further provides a transparent side panel removably and vertically fitted within each groove of the interior base, each of an opposed pair of transparent roof panels hingedly attached to one of the side panels, respectively, the roof panels further hingedly attached to each other, a pair of opposed transparent triangular roof end panels vertically fitted between the roof panels, a protective cap fitted atop the hinged attachment of the roof panels, and a strip anchor with a plurality of weighted flexible transparent strips selectively fitted to the first end of the side panels.

Abstract: A plant potting includes a base, a magnet mounted in the base and connected to an electric cord, a damper mounted on the magnet, a vibration absorber mounted in the base and located above the damper, a vibrator protruding outwardly from the base and connected to the vibration absorber, a vibration receiver having a lower end connected to the vibrator, a pin holder mounted on an upper end of the vibration receiver, and a plant mounted on the pin holder. Thus, the stems, the flowers and the leaves of the plant function as a medium to transmit the sound wave from the sound so as to output a sound wave in a different sound transmitting way, thereby enhancing the sounding effect of the sound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibration touch button-type animal training device including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a constant button switch, an intermittent button switch, a pager button switch, a beep tone button switch, a transmission control unit, a wireless transmission unit, a vibration generation unit, and a shock level switch. The transmission control unit receives signals from the respective button switches, and performs control such that corresponding signals are transmitted and vibrations are generated. The vibration generation unit generates vibration in response to a control signal from the transmission control unit. The receiver includes a wireless reception unit, a GPS reception unit, an input port unit, a reception control unit, a display unit, and a shock generation unit. The display unit displays data under the control of the reception control unit and the shock generation unit generates a shock under the control of the reception control unit.