Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for pest control comprising a hollow station (150) forming at least one entrance (160, 165) for the pests to be controlled and a harborage area inside the station; a reservoir for water (100) providing access to water from the inside of said hollow station (150); and a contact pesticide (170) for the pests to be controlled, said contact pesticide (170) being provided inside said hollow station (150) in such a way that pests which enter the hollow station (150) through said at least one entrance (160, 165) to come to the reservoir for water (100) or the harborage area come into contact with said contact pesticide (170).

Abstract: A stabilizing fin deployment apparatus may include a base assembly for attachment to the rear end of a projectile. The base assembly may include a base, a spacer, a fin mount, a gas cavity and an opening that extends from the rear end of the base to the gas cavity. A retention nut may engage the base and secure the fin mount and spacer to the base. A retention plug may be disposed in the opening in the base assembly. The retention plug may include at least one gas conduit between an outer surface of the retention plug and the gas cavity. A retention bolt may extend through the retention plug and may be fixed to the base. A plurality of fins hubs may be rotatably fixed to the base. A plurality of fins may be translatably connected to the fin hubs. When deployed, the fin hubs may rotate forward and the fins may translate outward far into the airstream.

Abstract: A hybrid fixed wing aircraft converts into a roadworthy vehicle in a matter of seconds therefore operating efficiently in both air and ground transportation systems. The single piece wing is mounted on a skewed pivot that is on the lower portion of the fuselage and is operated by a pushbutton operating system. The aircraft includes telescopic twin boom tail design that when extended allows good pitch stability and damping. The aircraft's wing area may be increased with additional telescopic wing tip segments. This allows an increase in aspect ratio, hence improving efficiency at high loads. This feature also creates a reduction in induced drag at cruise speed by simply retracting the tips in flight. The vehicle has a unique synchronized control system that switches from flight to ground mode without input from the operator, thereby providing a natural interface for the operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive aerostructure is presented that relies on certified aerospace materials and can therefore be applied in conventional passenger aircraft. This structure consists of a honeycomb material which cells extend over a significant length perpendicular to the plane of the cells. Each of the cells contains an inelastic pouch (or bladder) that forms a circular tube when the cell forms a perfect hexagon. By changing the cell differential pressure (CDP) the stiffness of the honeycomb can be altered. Using an external force or the elastic force within the honeycomb material, the honeycomb can be deformed such that the cells deviate from their perfect-hexagonal shape. It can be shown that by increasing the CDP, the structure eventually returns to a perfect hexagon. By doing so, a fully embedded pneumatic actuator is created that can perform work and substitute conventional low-bandwidth flight control actuators.

Abstract: A pet sustenance device (30, 96) provided includes an upright container (32, 98) which holds a supply of pet sustenance, together with an underlying dish (34, 102). The dish (34, 102) is pivotally coupled to the associated container (32, 98) via connection structure (36, 104) permitting the dish (34, 102) to be selectively moved between a retracted position beneath the container (32, 98) and a pet-access position wherein the dish (34, 102) is pivoted away from the container (32, 98) and presents a sustenance cavity (90, 174). When the dish (34, 102) is in the swung-away pet-access position, the sustenance within the container (32, 98) flows under the influence of gravity into the dish (34, 102). The dish (34, 102) and container (32, 98) are configured to prevent communication therebetween when the dish (34, 102) is in the retracted position thereof.

Abstract: A cat litter box apparatus for accommodating a plurality of cats, the apparatus controlling odors by providing a lid and two doors which return to a closed position automatically. The apparatus further provides either manual screening of litter via the sieved half-round ended scoop, or semi automatic litter screening via temporary placement of the scoop within either end of the box. The box is selectively tilted and supported in a chosen tilted position. The box further comprises wheels and an omnidirectional caster.

Abstract: A system and method for producing flowers and stems from flower bulbs and marketing them by securing a desired number of bulbs to a uniquely configured support device and causing the bulbs to develop roots and shoots. The support tray is then transferred and inserted into a transparent display container where the support device is elevated from the bottom of the container by a predetermined distance, and a nourishing liquid is added to the container. The combined display container and support device is then shipped either directly to retailers for sale.

Abstract: An electronic fence system capable of guiding animals under training to return to a predetermined restricted area. The electronic fence generates electric shocks as the animals attempt to leave the predetermined restricted area and restrains the electrical shock when the animals return to the predetermined restricted area. The electronic fence includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits RF signals having a plurality of control signals such that different shock levels are generated responsive to the location of the animals within the predetermined restricted area. The receiver sets a shock wave level, selectively controls the generation of the electric shock and a high-frequency beep, automatically restrains the generation of the electric shock when an escaped animal returns to the predetermined restricted area, and generates an audible alarm and turns lamps on and off to indicate the location of the animal when it escapes from the predefined restricted area.

Abstract: A pet strap includes a pulling unit, a locking unit, and an elastic drawing mounted between the pulling unit and the locking unit and including an elastic inner tube and a weaving outer layer mounted on a surface of the inner tube. Thus, the elastic drawing unit provides a buffering effect to the user to reduce the reaction applied by the pet on the user's hand, thereby preventing the user's wrist from being hurt when the pet is running violently. In addition, the weaving outer layer is enclosed around the inner tube, so that when the inner tube is broken due to an excessive reaction, the inner tube will not being sprung outward, thereby preventing the user from being hurt by the broken inner tube.

Abstract: A livestock feeder (50) includes a gravity pulled, fold-down grill (56,57) on both sides of a main frame (51) that can hold a supply of livestock feed such as a hay bale (82) therein. The fold-down grills face each other and fold down on a hay bale positioned on the floor (60) of the feeder as the hay bale is consumed by livestock such as a horse. Grill spacer bars (65,101) are positioned apart from each other to allow only the muzzle of the feeding animal to reach there through and grasp the hay. The feeder also includes a pair of pivot arms (96-99) at the base of each grill to pivot the grill toward the floor of the feeder. Each pivot arm extends from a rotatable member (69-72) connected to the frame. The rotatable members and grill are lifted to hang the grill on a pair of latches (75-78) that lock the grill in a locked upright position for loading of another bale on the feeder floor through an end gate (58,59) that is rotatably connected to the main frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an astaxanthin pigment product obtained by semi-synthesis from marigold extract to substantially enhance the feeding and growth rates of commercially cultivated aquatic species when added to the feed mixture in concentrations useful in producing fish and shrimp coloration. More particularly, this product induces growth rates substantially greater than any currently available feed additive for salmon, trout and shrimp.

Abstract: A retractable pet house includes an enclosure frame and an optional top frame. The enclosure frame includes a plurality of poles, foldable connection rod units and locking joints. The upper end and the lower end of each pole are connected to the locking joints. The upper ends and the lower ends of both sides of the foldable connection rod unit are respectively pivoted to the locking joints. The top frame includes a central joint and a plurality of top rods. Each top rod has one end pivoted to the central joint and another end penetrating through the locking joint at the upper end of each pole. One end of each top rod is provided with a threaded hole for receiving a bolt to hold against the central joint. The inclination between the top frame and the central joint is variable by rotating the bolts.

Abstract: A method for aiding a helicopter pilot to avoid a heat seeking missile includes the step of detecting a threat from a missile. The method also includes the step of reducing heat emanating from the helicopter's engine and rapidly reducing altitude. Then, when the threat has passed flight is resumed. A system for accomplishing the above is also described which simultaneously reduces engine temperature, deflects the exhaust gases, injects water into the exhaust gases, reduces altitude and launches a countermeasure.

Abstract: An implement for carrying waste while using a leash. The implement includes a leash receiving member for releasably securing the leash thereto. A waste receiving container is provided for receiving the waste thereinto. The container includes an attachment portion for releasably attaching the leash receiving member thereto. The container defines an upper opening for receiving the waste therethrough and a lower opening for releasing the waste therethrough. The container includes a trap for releasing the waste. The trap is operable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the trap substantially blocks the opening. In the open configuration, the trap substantially frees the opening.

Abstract: A method and system in an airborne aircraft to evade a heat seeking missile includes the steps of detecting the launch or “lock on” of a heat seeking missile and reducing the radiation from the aircraft's engine by reducing the engine speed to idle. The method may also include the steps of shutting down and restarting an engine and taking countermeasures to distract the missile or distorting its tracking system. In addition, a method and system for automatically shutting down an engine and/or injecting cooling water into the engine's exhaust port are disclosed.

Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: A bird cage has at least one flush mounted door for the cage when door is opened; and an accessible feed receiver for the cage, which can be retrieved and serviced without reaching inside the cage. An arcuate perch permits access to the feed receiver.

Abstract: A launch vehicle is deployed from an aircraft using gravity extraction of the launch vehicle with the aid of a small parachute which assists the extraction and damps the yaw and pitch of the launch vehicle. The launch vehicle is supported on two rows of tires which are rotatably mounted to the aircraft. Gravity and the drag force of the parachute causes the launch vehicle to roll on the tires along the load deck and out of the aircraft. Because the extraction forces are dominated by gravity, the launch vehicle acquires a rotation in the pitch axis as the launch vehicle leaves the aircraft. After the launch vehicle clears the aircraft, the launch vehicle rotates in the pitch plane, and is damped in the pitch plane by the parachute to a pitch attitude which is 70-80° and the vehicle engine is ignited, detaching the drag parachute.

Abstract: A spill resistant pet food and water dish is provided which incorporates features to prevent contents from spilling over the side of the dish when the dish is jarred or bumped during transport or while in use in feeding, the pet food and water dish being adaptable to a variety of sizes of animals, the dish incorporating a means of securely fastening the dish to the side of the pet carrier or crate, the dish providing one or more cavities within the base of the dish to receive ice packs or ice to chill the contents of the dish. The spill resistant pet dish may be used independently of a cage and placed on the floor or ground for pet feeding, particularly in a moving vehicle or boat, wherein the spill resistant features of the disclosed pet dish are advantageous to minimize or eliminate spillage of food or water from the dish.

Abstract: A method of assisting the movement of a dog includes a carrying strap that is elongated and has a front end and a rear end. A first front leg strap and a second front leg strap are provided. Each of the first and second front leg straps has a first end and a second end. A first coupling assembly is adapted for selectively coupling each of the first and second ends of the first and second front leg straps to the front end of the carrying strap. Each of a pair rear leg straps includes a loop portion and an elongated portion. Each of the elongated portions is attached to and extends away from one of the loop portions. The elongated portions each have a free end. A second coupling assembly is adapted for selectively coupling each of the free ends to the rear end of the carrying strap.