Abstract: An object is to maintain the hydrogen sulfide concentration in rearing water at a constant value without measuring the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the rearing water. The present invention includes: a water tank 10 that stores rearing water W leaving a gas phase at an upper part; a gas sensor 50 to detect hydrogen sulfide gas concentration in the gas phase G; and a hydrogen sulfide supplying means F to supply hydrogen sulfide to the rearing water W based on a detection signal output from the gas sensor 50 so as to maintain a hydrogen sulfide concentration in the rearing water W at a predetermined value.

Abstract: The principles of the present inventive concepts relate to pet toys in general and, in particular, to a chewable pet toy such as those commonly used by dogs. The chew toy may be constructed and adapted to allow the toy to be cooled or frozen to provide a cooling effect to the animal during the chewing process. The toy may be further constructed and adapted to incorporate at least one recessed or open area that is configured to receive and retain an edible food product therein which may be dislodged and consumed by the animal during the chewing process. The chew toy may comprise a main body, which may consist of two half-sections defining a sealed interior volume that encases an inner core. A non-toxic fluid may also be contained within the interior volume to allow the toy to be frozen. An external surface of the main body may comprise a plurality of small protrusions to provide a cleaning or massaging effect to the animal's teeth and gums.

Abstract: An animal treat delivery system includes a multi-part body having an interior volume and baffle portions within the body that divide the interior volume of the body into compartments having openings therebetween that facilitate at least indirect communication between the compartments. A first recess is formed in a first part of the body and a second recess is formed in a second part of the body. An exit hole positioned within the first recess communicates with an exit compartment, included within the compartments, such that animal treats within the exit compartment can be discharged from the body via the exit hole. A lever that is integrated in one part of the body includes an end that is externally accessible via one of the recesses and is configured to releasably engage a structure in the other part of the body to facilitate coupling and uncoupling the first and second parts.

Abstract: The removable seed tray is quickly and easily removable from a removable bird feeder base that is attached to the main tubular body of a bird feeder. The seed tray effectively serves the function of a seed tray while also permitting access to the portions of the removable base to permit the removable base to be detached from the tubular bird feeder body while the seed tray remains attached thereto.

Abstract: A recirculating pet fountain having a cover mounted on a basin in a manner that removably seats the cover on the basin. An inclined spillway of the cover has an intake-defining edge below water in the basin producing a spillway that also is a debris and detritus blocking barrier. The fountain includes at least one removable orifice insert having a mounting stem received in an opening in the cover and a head from which water exits. Interchangeable inserts can be provided with one insert directing a water stream out a nozzle onto the spillway or into water in a bowl disposed below the insert that can be a drinking well. Another insert can be a flow dividing insert splitting flow into a plurality of streams.

Abstract: An insecticide impregnated strip configured for convenient and reliable attachment to conventional animal ear tags. The insecticide strip comprises an elongated integrally molded member having a key-hole shaped aperture formed in an upper portion thereof, enabling the elongated strip to be pendularly suspended from the ear tag. Various methods are disclosed for attaching the strip to different types of known ear tags.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a valve or sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The feeding basin includes an upwardly extending cylindrical well that receives the lower end of the liquid container, and the valve or sealing mechanism includes a float valve associated with the well. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: A high-rise building (1) is described, which comprises a building structure (2) with floor structures (3), a double-skin façade comprising a first skin (5) and a second skin (6). The high-rise building also comprises at least one conveying system (7, 7?, 7?) arranged between the skins (5, 6) of the double-skin façade and arranged for moving trays (8) vertically between the skins (5, 6) between a starting position (9, 9?, 9?) and an end position (10, 10?, 10?). The conveying system (7, 7?, 7?) comprises essentially horizontal track portions (14) each having a length axis (15), track connecting means (18) which connect the track portions (14), and conveying means for movement of the trays (8) along the length axis (15) of the track portions (14) and along the track connecting means (19).

Abstract: A feed block is formed of compacted feed components and includes a moisture level of between about 7 and about 15 percent. Feed blocks have an initial weight, which is substantially free of liquid, and liquid is introduced to the feed block to cause the feed block to absorb liquid. A final resulting weight of the feed block is at least 100 percent greater than the initial weight. The feed block with the absorbed liquid is provided the to the livestock animals for the simultaneous ingestion of feed and liquid. Feed blocks are formed by introducing feed components in a high pressure press and compacting the feed components to form the feed block.

Abstract: An animal chew may include a first elongated half and a second elongated half rotatably secured to the first elongated half, wherein the first and second elongated halves are rotatable around an axis of rotation. The animal chew may also include a locking pin retained between the first elongated half and the second elongated half, wherein the locking pin slides up and down the axis of rotation into a locked position and an unlocked position. The animal chew may further include a chamber having an opening and an interior volume, wherein the chamber is formed in at least one of the first elongated half and the second elongated half. When the locking pin is in the locked position, rotation of the first elongated half relative to the second elongated half is impeded.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The sealing mechanism includes a bottle seal assembly configured for removable coupling with a base of the feeding basin, and a float valve captured by said bottle seal assembly to prevent rotation thereof while allowing the float valve to move upwardly and downwardly with changing nectar levels in the feeding basin. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: A method for milking is provided in a milking system which includes a milking machine having a plurality of teat cups, which teat cups are attached to, and detached from, teats of animals as part of the milkings of the animals. The method determines whether an animal, which presents itself at the milking system, has a regular milking permission and when the animal has a regular milking permission the animal is milked in a regular milking procedure.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus for treatment of at least one body part of an animal including a device that treats the body part, a device that detects the body part, a robot arm including a plurality of robot arm parts and a plurality of hydraulic actuators for mutually displacing and positioning of the robot arm parts, at least two of the plurality of hydraulic actuators being independently controlled electro-hydraulic actuators, and a controller configured to control the hydraulic actuators to assist the robot arm in bringing the robot arm part having a treatment device to the body part in response to feedback from the detection device.

Abstract: A protection device segregates burrowing animals from plants. The protection device comprises a thread knitted into a boundary layer that is sealed with a staple. A user can insert a plant in a root ball earth into the protection device and insert the protection device into a hole in earth. The thread is flexible and does not release iron into the earth. The boundary layer prevents a burrowing animal from entering into the root ball earth and consuming roots of the plant. In some embodiments, the thread is a tubular non-woven stainless steel thread which is knitted in order to prevent existence of a seam. The thread allows the roots of the plant to grow out of the protection device allowing the plant to continue to grow, notwithstanding the boundary layer created by the thread.

Abstract: Devices and systems for limiting feed volume dispensed into a plurality of tandem feed boot unloaders into one or more feed paths and related methods are disclosed. A core system is provided that are disposed in the feed path through each of the tandem feed boot unloaders in a center portion of an auger supported by a bearing assembly. Feed housings are configured to direct feed into the boot unloaders and into the auger. The feed is moved by the auger as a result of rotation of the auger about the bearing assembly. The core system provided herein limits and regulates the amount of feed that can enter each boot unloader by occupying space within a center portion of the auger that passes through each boot unloader, thus making it less likely that the auger will become clogged and be constrained from moving feed in the feed path.

Abstract: A collar with an ultra-wideband radar is described. A housing contains sensor electronics and the transmit and receive antennas are located separate from the housing around the circumference of the collar. A first example of the collar includes a first transmit antenna and a first receive antenna. A second example of the collar adds a second transmit antenna and a second receive antenna.

Abstract: An aeroponic growth system comprising a plurality of modular aeroponic units each including at least one spray nozzle directed into a root zone; a lighting system associated with the plurality of the modular units and configured for emitting light in a vegetative zone; a pressurized reservoir configured for housing a nutrient containing fluid; and a nutrient feeding system configured for fluidly and selectively connecting each of the modular units to the pressurized reservoir in parallel, wherein the nutrient feeding system includes a pressure stop valve associated with each of the modular units. When one of the modular units are disconnected to the associated pressure stop valve, the pressure stop valve is configured for preventing the fluid from flowing from the pressurized reservoir through the pressure stop valve, and the other modular units connected to the nutrient feeding system remain fluidly connected to the pressure reservoir.

Abstract: An animal goggle is described that centers and rests upon the maxilla and forehead of the animal. The goggles include a frame, strap system, and a unified interchangeable lens that provides an active animal a full vie and range of motion. The straps are non-obtrusive, also allowing the animal unrestricted movement of the jaw while securely holding the frame against the maxilla and forehead of the animal. The frame includes filtration media and ventilation to reduce condensation and fogging on the lens. The lens allows a full field of view for an active animal while blocking foreign objects such as dust, debris, and ultra violet rays.

Abstract: A pet grooming pad, used alone, or in conjunction with pet furniture for grooming a pet cat. The grooming pad is in the form of a mat having a bottom surface for residing upon a support and a top surface of a material capable of removing and trapping animal fur. The top surface can contain a second region as well, the second region being a grooming surface in the form of a plurality of flexible nodules.

Abstract: A teatcup liner comprises an upper mouthpiece, an intermediate barrel and a lower connecting tube. The upper mouthpiece further comprises a mouthpiece transition, a mouthpiece lip, and a groove formed in an outer surface of the upper mouthpiece. The intermediate barrel extends along an axial direction for receiving a teat inserted axially thereinto through said mouthpiece. An inner dimension of the upper mouthpiece defines a cavity bore and the groove is located substantially in line with the largest diameter of the cavity bore.