Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a destruction resistant pet toy includes a first member having a first material, the first material being a destruction resistant nylon; a second member having a second material, the second material being softer than the first material; wherein the destruction resistant nylon comprises a Shore D hardness. The first member may be a substantially tubular structure having an inner space and the second member is disposed at least partially within the inner space of the first member.

Abstract: A system for treating water for subsequent consumption by animals. Illustratively, the system includes a wastewater treatment facility configured to treat wastewater effluent from an egg washer for subsequent consumption by egg producing birds. Further illustratively, stormwater run off collected from the facility is treated for subsequent consumption by the birds.

Abstract: A stretchable animal foot covering comprising an elongated body with a foot-receiving chamber on opposite ends of the elongated body that is formed from stretchable material that is at least partially closed at the ends to form the foot-receiving chambers.

Abstract: An animal tethering assembly includes an anchor that may be inserted into ground. A leash unit is removably coupled to the anchor. The leash unit includes a leash that may be attached to an animal thereby restricting movement of the animal. The leash is selectively urged outwardly from the leash unit. Moreover, the leash is selectively retracted into the leash unit.

Abstract: A moveable vehicle such as a truck, railway carriage, or the like is structured and dimensioned to enable the transportation of products including live aquatic species such as fish in a refrigerated condition. The vehicle includes insulating and heat exchange layers which when utilized to transport live aquatic species may maintain them in a dormant state by temperature controls within the refrigeration system. A water spraying assembly provides a humidity and oxygen level for disposing of waste and also enables the spraying of fog to provide effective humidity between spraying cycles. Any existing animal waste is treated in the water and a recirculation or closed loop system is provided. A product storage area facilitates loading and unloading and a separate storage room may be provided to house the systems equipment or optionally may be attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus that couples an animal leash and animal collar to form a harness assembly. The apparatus is placed on the back of an animal and contains two separate channels configured to hold and maintain a flat leash in a loop encircling the animal's torso. The elongate and narrow shape of the channels prevents the contained leash from turning or becoming tangled in the around the animal. The apparatus is detachable into two separate components to allow the loop to be removable from the animal. The apparatus also contains a snap bolt connecter for attaching the collar.

Abstract: A hydroponic electroculture system is disclosed for use in a hydroponic growing environment. In at least one embodiment, an at least one electroculture unit is positioned in fluid communication with the hydroponic growing environment and provides a conductive core comprising an absorbing layer sandwiched between a pair of opposing first and second conductive layers; each of the first and second conductive layers being in electrical communication with an at least one electrical wire. With the absorbing layer saturated with the fluid of the hydroponic growing environment, an electrical current is selectively delivered to each of the first and second conductive layers which, in turn, forms a reaction within the absorbing layer that causes an off-gassing of oxygen and hydrogen in the form of bubbles to be delivered, along with the electrical current in the fluid, to the roots of an at least one plant in the hydroponic growing environment.

Abstract: A plant pot with separable halves including a first container half having an upright first interior shell and an upright first exterior shell. A plurality of first aeration openings is disposed within the first interior shell. A second container half has an upright second interior shell, an upright second exterior shell, and a base unit having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a cavity disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. A plurality of second aeration openings is disposed within the second interior shell. A plurality of dowell pins is disposed on each of a pair of second side portions of the second container half, and a plurality of slots is disposed on each of a pair of first side portions of the first container half. One of the plurality of dowell pins is selectively engageable within one of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: An indexing system for an in ovo injection apparatus is provided. Such an indexing system provides a positioning scheme for an egg carrier carrying a plurality of avian eggs to an injection assembly for injection thereof. The indexing system includes an initial stop provided to abut the trailing end of the egg carrier to form a first egg carrier position such that a first subset of the plurality of avian eggs is injected. An intermediate stop is provided to abut the trailing end of the egg carrier to form a second egg carrier position such that a second subset of the plurality of avian eggs is injected. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A multipurpose beehive access structure includes a housing designed to be placed on top of a standard beehive box. The housing includes a bottom plate with a central aperture through which frames in the beehive box below may be accessed. A removable cover assembly includes a cover plate for covering the central aperture. A queen cage aperture is provided in the cover plate. A queen cage placed in the queen cage aperture rests on top of the frames below. The queen cage aperture provides a passageway between the queen cage and the interior of the beehive to allow bees to access the queen cage. A multi-position vent block has a passageway that provides ventilation and a second entrance to the beehive when positioned between a side aperture and a bottom aperture in the housing. The vent block may also be positioned to close off the second entrance.

Abstract: An oriole jelly birdfeeder is provided that includes a jelly holding container, a base having a feeding platform and a connecting element for connecting the base to the container, and a mixing mechanism. The mixing mechanism includes a mixer element and a mixer handle which are coupled to one another and rotatable together. The mixer element includes a paddle positioned within the connecting element to enable the user to mix and distribute the jelly, which is held within the container, onto the feeding platform as needed by rotating the mixer handle.

Abstract: A cushioned horseshoe for use with a hoofed animal including a hoof contacting shoe with a top surface in contact with the hoof and a bottom surface comprising an integrally formed raised portion; and a plurality of nail holes extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the hoof contacting shoe to receive nails; and a ground contacting shoe including a top surface comprising a recessed portion for receiving the raised portion of the hoof contacting shoe, a bottom surface for contact with a ground surface, and a through slot extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the ground contacting shoe. Between the ground contacting shoe and the hoof contacting shoe is a pad between the bottom surface of the hoof contacting shoe and the top surface of the ground contact shoe, bonded to the bottom surface and the top surface with a rubber-tearing bond.

Abstract: A conical cat house collapsible flat for washing and storage is formed from an elongate strip of sheet form material with lands of identical size at respective opposite ends and joined together by an intermediate bridging portion. One land has a pet access aperture. A zipper extends along the strip edges for progressively drawing edges of the strip together, folding up the strip to a completely enclosed, conically walled pet house with the one land forming an upstanding front conical wall, exposing the aperture for pet access and, the intermediate portion forming an upstanding rear wall and the other land forming a bottom/base. The lands are part-circular and respective opposite free edges of the intermediate bridging portion extend in parallel relation tangentially from edge portions of respective lands on respective opposite sides of the strip and join respective lands at respective re-entrant portions such that the erected pet house is wedge-shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bridle for an equine. Such a bridle comprises a headstall, opposite ends of which presenting a respective bifurcation providing a cheek piece and a noseband, a browband, opposite ends of which being connected to the headstall near the bifurcation, a bit connector, provided at an end of one of the cheek pieces, and a noseplate, adapted to extend over the equine's nose. The headstall presents a varying width, with a maximum width being at least 200% of a minimum width. The browband is releasably connected to the headstall, such that it can be removed while the bridle is fitted to the equine. The bit connector comprises an inner loop and an outer loop, the inner loop being more resilient than the outer loop, whereby the inner loop is enclosed by the outer loop and smaller than the outer loop, such that the bit ring is simultaneously receivable in the inner and outer loops.

Abstract: A “rocker” attachment for an equine boot with an adjustable shaped structure that attaches to the underside of a sole of an equine boot and allows the boot to rock forward—break-over—when tilted, as by movement of the equine leg, thus allowing the equine to find a naturally comfortable position.

Abstract: A simulated tree trunk planter, comprising: a simulated tree trunk such that the simulated tree trunk includes a natural appearance located on an outer surface of the tree trunk; wherein a lower end of the trunk includes a stabilizing plate operatively connected at one side to the lower end of the tree trunk and a tree anchor operatively connected at one end to the other side of the stabilizing plate; wherein the upper end of the trunk includes a simulated tree trunk planter receptacle having receptacle retainers, a receptacle lattice operatively connected to the receptacle retainers, and foliage such that the foliage is retained in place by the receptacle retainers and the receptacle lattice; and a plurality of attachment panel systems located on a section of the tree trunk, wherein a plurality of trunk attachments is secured to the tree trunk through the use of the attachment panel systems.

Abstract: Plants are grown in a growing machine by advancing a plurality of plant cradles on an endless conveyor along a growing path, at least a portion of the path being an undulating path having alternating upward and downward portions and having a return portion for looping back to the undulating portion. Using a pair of parallel endless conveyors, the cradles are removably supported between the conveyors. The cradles are supplied with growth-sustaining liquid and growth-promoting light. The cradles are advanced along the path until the one or more plants have reached a target growth after which they can be harvested or transferred to one or more subsequent machines until mature for harvest. The machine can be in a controlled environment, including located in modules arranged in series, parallel or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The bird feeder provides a bird feeder with an improved rain shield that is removably supported above the reservoir of the feeder. A plug is secured to the hanger rod to support a rain shield above the base of a feeder while also allowing a user to pass the cover over the plug to access the reservoir in the base for access to the interior of the feeder, such as for adding more feed to the feeder and for cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical and economical means of growing of kelp and other types of macroalgae in large quantities on and in the ocean. Through the use of catenary principles and innovative structural designs, efficient designs emerge that translate into lightweight and low-cost components. The novel design described allows cost-efficient macroalgae farming at scales and at depths unsuitable for present macroalgae farming techniques. The device and methods described present a means of farming these seaweeds for the purpose of providing food, chemical feed stocks, and a biomass suitable for the production of biofuels.

Abstract: The invention presents a harness assembly for lifting and supporting an animal in mobility. The assembly comprises a front and rear harness sections releasably attached by a lifting leash. Both the front and rear harness sections can be used independently. Both the front and rear harness sections are comprised of upper and lower sections releasably attached to one another. The rear harness section lifts the animal from both the hips and waist resulting in less stress than other devices.