Abstract: An automatic animal paw washing machine includes a container having a flexible cover and opening at an open end thereof and a plurality of brushes secured therewithin. The brushes are in mechanical communication with a mechanism capable of being activated by a switch. The plurality of brushes is motioned in a rotating fashion when activated. The flexible cover is capable of being removed from the washing machine.

Abstract: Growing devices, systems and methods for promoting growth of seedlings may include at least one energy output device; at least one growing environment that includes a first growing environment; a nutrient solution container within the first growing environment, the nutrient solution container for supporting seedlings during growth; at least one growth assist device (GAD) associated with the first growing environment; and a controller. The controller may generate consumption data regarding operation of the at least one GAD and generation data regarding operation of the at least one energy output device. The controller may determine, based on at least one predetermined constraint, as well as consumption data and generation data, a consumption-generation plan and may control energy output to at least one GAD based on the determined consumption-generation plan. The controller may control energy generation, by at least one energy output device, based on the determined consumption-generation plan.

Abstract: A securing device that secures an animal chew to prevent animal choking. A chew with one or more boreholes may be inserted into the cavity. A pin is inserted, through the body until it passes through the borehole. A latch obstructs the head of the pin so that the animal cannot work the pin free while enjoying the chew. To remove the pin, the animal's caretaker can apply force to the end of the pin to push it free past the latch.

Abstract: A system for training animals includes a hand-held device and a remote device, where the remote device applies a stimulus when a user presses a button or trigger on the hand-held device. The amount of pressure applied is measured by a pressure sensitive transducer and transformed into proportional transducer signals. These transducer signals are transmitted to the remote device, which then applies a stimulus to an animal being trained. The amplitude of the applied stimulus corresponds to the amplitude of the transducer signals; a trainer can thus precisely control the intensity of the stimulus by applying and relieving pressure on the button. The type of stimulus applied is controlled based on the position of a rotary switch on the hand-held device. Sensor data generated by specialized sensors in the remote device may be transmitted to the hand-held device to provide the user with sensory feedback.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed allows a user to easily garden in a reduced area or confined space with limiting yard or space to garden. The apparatus comprises a collapsible and portable planter that allows for growth of plants upwards and downwards, the planter being collapsible for shipping and transport from one location to another, and further providing a hardware component to elevate oneself or items from a ground surface. The planter is placed upon a support frame, the support frame being collapsible into a relatively flat or two-dimensional structure easy to carry. The planter can be removably placed upon the support frame. Further, the planter and support frame together as the apparatus can be picked up and moved as desired by a user. Embodiments of the apparatus are simply designed to allow a user easy set-up, assembly, and use.

Abstract: A hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin for holding a volume of liquid with an opening formed in the basin. A hydroponic container is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the hydroponic container cooperates with the opening in the basin and the plants growing within the hydroponic containers. An irrigation mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container wherein harvested hydroponic containers are exchanged with harvested containers.

Abstract: A grooming tool for a pet is disclosed. The grooming tool comprises a handle having a grip portion, a comb comprising teeth and including a blade for combing and removing shed hair from a pet where the comb located at a front end of the handle. The grooming tool also includes a hair removal member for removing shed hair from the comb, wherein the hair removal member is moveable in a direction corresponding to an extension direction of the teeth of the comb, a toggle button movable along a surface of the handle between a first position and a second position and a linkage assembly linking the toggle button to the hair removal member to control movement of the hair removal member; wherein when the toggle button is located at the first position, a front end surface of the hair removal member is located in a retracted position and when the toggle button is moved to the second position, the front end surface of the hair removal member is moved forward to an extended position to remove hair from the comb.

Abstract: A folding plant protection cage apparatus for protecting plants from animals includes a set of three hinged side pairs each including a pair of panels comprising a left panel and a right panel each comprising a panel frame and a panel face extending from a top edge to a bottom edge and from an outer edge to an inner edge. A door frame is coupled to the panel face. An access door is hingingly coupled to the door frame. A plurality of inner hinges joins the inner edge of each of the left panel and the right panel. A plurality of outer hinge knuckles couples the outer edge of the panel frame of adjacent side pairs. A lid is hexagonal and selectively engageable with the top edge of each panel frame of set of hinged side pairs.

Abstract: A device is capable of filtering animal waste with an improved sifting method. The device includes a support bracket, a chamber attached to the support bracket, and a screen filter located within the chamber when the animal deposits the waste. The chamber has an opening adapted to accommodate the animal to deposit the waste inside the chamber. The chamber is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The screen filter is movable between a third position and a fourth position. The rotation of the chamber and the movement of the screen filter can be independently managed, thus achieving a better result of animal waste handling.

Abstract: A trap for catching living insects, specifically fruit flies, is provided having a catch container, a base, and a funnel-shaped insert. The funnel shaped insert has a funnel wall, a plurality of slits in the funnel wall, and a funnel exit opening. The insects to be caught are able to slip through the funnel exit opening, but not through the slits. Furthermore, the trap includes an attractant container in the catch container and/or in the base having a liquid attractant and a wick. The insects are attracted by the scent of the liquid attractant evaporating from the attractant container and fly or crawl through the funnel exit opening into the catch container, where they become trapped. The user can then carry the trap outside, remove the funnel-shaped insert, and release the captured insects alive outside. In this way, the insects can be kept out of human living and working spaces without killing the insects.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching vegetative propagules to a longline that may include a clip portion having a curved area sized to receive a stem of a vegetative propagule and having an opening to the curved area smaller than the curved area to secure the vegetative propagule in the curved area; a tapered barrel that is inserted into a longline; and a rigid connection by a tower between the clip portion and the tapered barrel. Also disclosed is a macroalgae farm including the apparatus for attaching vegetative propagules to a longline.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a seedling container having seedling compartment(s). Frangible tear-off strip(s) divide seedling compartment(s) into top portion(s) and bottom portion(s). Pulling on pull tab(s) of frangible strip(s) permits removal of frangible strip(s) from seedling compartment(s) so as to permit bottom portion(s) to be conveniently removed from top portion(s). Seedling plug(s) retained by rim-like top portion(s) may thus be conveniently transplanted without creating excessive mess or damage to seedling(s).

Abstract: An insect vacuum device includes a housing having an inlet end opposite a rear end. A grip portion extends from a lower side of the housing. A barrel is affixed to the inlet end, wherein the barrel is in fluid communication with an interior volume of the housing. A reservoir is removably securable to the lower side between the grip portion and the inlet end. A motor is within the housing at the rear end, wherein the motor generates suction between the inlet end and the reservoir when the motor is activated. A trigger is disposed on the lower side, wherein the trigger activates the motor when the trigger is actuated. An inlet valve and a motor valve are disposed within the housing and move to an open position while the trigger is actuated.