Abstract: A technique is disclosed for further training or control of a dog that has been previously trained to conform to a particular desired behavior. If the dog fails to conform to the expected behavior, a first remote control signal is transmitted to a collar-mounted receiver-stimulator to produce a first conditioned cue as a short duration electrical stimulation signal applied to the animal, to get the animal's attention and inform it that continued failure to conform to the expected behavior will result in a higher degree of electrical stimulation. If the animal fails to conform to the expected behavior, a second control signal is generated to produce a second conditioned cue of a higher degree of electrical stimulation than the first to the animal. Such subtle conditioned cues result in effective control or training of the dog with little or no discomfort to it.

Abstract: A cat scratching post for cats has an undulating configuration formed by portions of carpeting disposed in a spaced relationship from an underlying base member.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the machine milking of animals including a chamber wh is connectable to the teat cups of a milking machine. A sensing arrangement associated with the chamber permits the volume of milk within the chamber to be sensed and control equipment is coupled with the sensing arrangement so as to be operable in response to a determined volume of milk within the chamber being sensed. A valve is operable in response to the control equipment. Accordingly, the apparatus can be connected to a milk transport system to enable milk to pass from the chamber through the valve and into the milk transport system.

Abstract: A bird feeder including a frame having a suet-seed cage assembly mounted on one or both sides of the frame and a perch mounted on the frame for supporting a bird in a position accessible to the cage assembly. The suet-seed cage assembly including a suet-seed cake and a cage for supporting the cake. The cake-cage assembly being supported in a tapered hole in the frame or in a "U" shaped groove on the face of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a water supply system for fowl and small animals which includes a hanger slidably engaging a ballast pipe connected to a conduit having a plurality of dispensing valves. The hangers are connected to flexible lines of a suspension system, with the lower surface of the hanger engaging the upper surface of the conduit to align vertically the dispenser valves, the ballast pipe, and the flexible lines. To install the water supply system, the ballast pipe is assembled and the hangers are attached then positioned at locations corresponding to flexible lines of the suspension system. The conduit is separately assembled and is connected to the ballast pipe. Finally, the water supply system is suspended at a height so that the fowl and small animals can reach the dispenser.

Abstract: An automatic feeder for animals and the like is described as having a hopper for storing food to be dispensed. A food measuring compartment is located beneath the hopper and is formed with various adjustable partitions for selecting an amount of food to be dispensed. Different structures are described for controlling the opening and closing of two openings, one for discharging food from the hopper into the food measuring compartment and a second opening for dispensing measured food from the compartment. An electric motor controls the structures to open and close the two openings.

Abstract: An adjustable animal cage is provided and consists of a grid configuration enclosure, a pair of support bars removably installed horizontally in a spaced apart relationship in the enclosure and a pair of separator partitions which are removably attached on either side of the support bars thereto so as to split the enclosure into two variable sized spaces to house animals therein.

Abstract: A protective pet carrier (A) is illustrated for protecting and transporting a pet (20) during vehicular transportation. Protective pet carrier (A) includes a web (12) and a restraining pouch (B) which encompasses a substantial portion of a body of the pet so that the pet is effectively rendered immobile in the pouch and no firm foundation exists as would be required for the pet to spring from the pouch for escape. The carrier is attached to an associated structure via a hood (C) which may fit over a head rest (44) of an automobile seat. Alternately, plural straps (32, 34) may be utilized for attaching pet carrier either to a person's body or automobile seats. In another embodiment, a frame (D) is provided for securing the pet carrier.

Abstract: A water distributor is for use especially by poultry. The valve body (3) having a valve stem (8) which is hung on a return spring (6), at the bottom of a pipe. The valve stem (8) obstructs the pipe (3) as long as it is not made to tilt by the animals. The valve stem (8) is a nipple which is substantially egg shape, the point (11) of which faces downwardly. The spherical cap (9) of the egg shape is held against the seat (5) of the valve. The center of the gap is hooked to the return spring (6). The tilt of the valve stem is limited in an omnidirectional manner. One embodiment comprises a crown (20) under which arms (12'), the ends of which the arms join the valve stem (8).

Abstract: An animal litter box includes a housing and a tray for containing a bed of litter material. The tray is provided with a porous bottom spaced from the bottom of the housing to define an air space. An exhaust fan is connected to a port through the wall of the housing to draw air downwardly through the litter bed to dry the litter and exhaust the litter odors. The exhaused air may be passed through the odor absorbing filter assembly to deodorize the air before venting the air.

Abstract: This invention is for wood fiber crumbles, and a method for making the same, for use as an animal litter, a petroleum spill absorbent, floor sweeping material, and mulch. Grists of an assortment of types of wood are combined and admixed, dried, moisturized, pelletized, and ground to form crumbles. Depending upon the selection types of wood utilized, the crumbles are capable of rapidly and efficiently absorbing animal excretions and petroleum, minimizing unpleasant odors, restricting the growth of microorganisms, repelling insect pests, and adding or removing nitrogen to soil when used as a mulch.

Abstract: A litter collection apparatus in combination with a litter container and method for collecting litter material employing the litter collection apparatus including a tray for attachment to the litter container including a hopper body having inclined walls defining a base within the hopper body to receive litter material, the tray being characterized by an opening for receiving litter material provided with a grate adapted to permit litter material to drop downwardly and inwardly in the hopper body and to provide animal access, the tray being attached to the hopper body by brackets adapted for manual movement to tilt the hopper body between a litter receiving position and to a litter discharging position, and a method for collecting litter material dropped by an animal including providing litter material in a container, attaching a collecting tray to the container characterized with an opening and provided with a grate for providing a platform for animals and for passing litter material into the collecting tray

Abstract: An aquarium has within it an exposed metal surface beneath the water line, the metal surface being electrically connected to ground for the purpose of neutralizing stray electrical charges in the water caused by leakage from electric pumps, heaters or lights, to thereby promote a healthier climate for aquatic life.

Abstract: An implement for the automated milking an animal, such as a cow. The implement comprises a segmented robot arm that can be adjusted to place a working platform in an initial position between the animal's front and rear legs generally below the udder. Mounted on the working platform are teat cups, a reciprocating rotary laser sensor, microprocessor for control, and an electromagnetic coupling device for carrying each teat cup in turn to attachment with a teat. The implement also has a contact sensor and an animal recognition system. Data provided from the contact sensor and animal recognition system provide a template for where the teats should be found. Microprocessor control of the robot arm and platform result in a two phase detection and attachment sequence for sequentially attaching the teat cups to first the rear and then the front teats.

Abstract: An aquarium and bird and animal containment system for displaying marine life, birds and animals, which system includes an aquarium support or rack for displaying one or more aquariums or tanks containing fish and or other marine life, a bird and animal support or rack for supporting bird and animal cages and a cabinet disposed between the aquarium support and the bird and animal support. The cabinet contains a sink, a water supply and distribution system for supplying water to the aquariums and the bird and animal cages and an air supply and distribution system for supplying air to biological filters located in the aquariums. An overflow drain system for draining water from the aquariums and an electrical system for sypplying electricity to the aquarium support and the bird and animal support are also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible, reusable, livestock transport stable with interchangeable components that can be constructed without tools. The stable includes several types of component parts, with like parts each being interchangeable and useable in any position where such a part is needed. The first of those component parts is a platform which serves as the base of the stable. Next, there is a pair of side panels, each of which is rotatably attached to the side edges of the platform for providing the vertical sides of the stable. Interconnecting the two side panels is an aft panel. The aft panel is isntalled by resting its lower edge along the aft edge of the platform, its two vertical edges are captured by the side panels when the side panels are in the vertical attitude. The doors are attached to the forward edges of the side panels to provide closure of the stable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of control of the Zebra Mussel from infestation of:(a) waterworks by applying an effective amount of ozone to a fresh (raw) water system of the waterworks,(b) cooling system of power plants and industrial plants by applying an effective amount of ozone to the intake water of the system, and(c) industrial process water systems by supplying an effective amount of ozone to the intake water of the system.

Abstract: A system which separates the pet excreta collection, storage and disposal functions wherein each individual component used to perform each of these functions is optimized for its intended purpose. The system of the present invention permits almost indefinite recycling of the substantially nonsorbent, nonclumping granular litter material used by the animal to bury its solid excreta. The combination of the present invention includes a porous filtering member exhibiting a pore size which will readily permit the granular litter material to pass therethrough, yet retain substantially all of the solid animal excreta coming in contact with the fitering member during the filtering operation. A protective member capable of substantially resisting damage when subjected to digging or clawing by animals is secured in superposed relation to and completely overlies the uppermost surface of the porous filtering member.

Abstract: A resilient material flea and tick belt wherein the stretching strength of the resilient material of the belt is reduced in a given portion of the belt by providing slits or cut outs in a definite pattern. In the specific application as in animal flea and tick collars, the belt can stretch a distance that will prevent the animal from strangling if it is caught on a foreign object such as a branch of a tree.

Abstract: There is provided a lattice door lock for a small animal cage. The lock includes a vertical tube secured to the cage and a rigid stick slidably mounted into the tube. A latch transversely projects from the stick and hookingly engages the latticed door under the bias of the weight of the stick when the door closes the cage. A lever at the base of the tube and contacting the stick allows an animal caretaker to actuate the lock without requiring use of his hands, wherein his elbow e.g. may be used. Thus, even if he has to use both hands to handle the animal to be caged, the animal caretaker will be able to open the cage door.