Abstract: A totally enclosed remote feeder for periodically dispensing feed is shown. A rechargeable battery powers a compressor which fills a pressure tank to a predetermined pressure. A timer operates a solenoid at predetermined intervals to cause a blast of air from the pressure tank to flow out through upwardly angled discharged pipe. Feed from an internal hopper flows downward in the discharge pipe in a predetermined amount prior to being discharged by the blast of air.

Abstract: A reduced-weight poultry cage is used in conjunction with a reduced-weight trailer to transport live poultry for maximizing the poundage of poultry being transported while reducing the number of trips and fuel expenses. The poultry cage includes a combination of aluminum and plastic elements that reduce cage weight, provide for nesting of cages in stacks as well as easy replacement of failed parts. Furthermore, a drop-deck aluminum trailer with a reduced floor and guide rail alignment stops allows for a durable yet lightweight trailer that can haul a plurality of stacks of these poultry cages, thereby maximizing cubic feet availability while being compliant with various road and bridge laws.

Abstract: An aquaponics system comprises an aquarium module configured to hold a water, a garden module that sits above the aquarium, a contiguous growth media bed within the garden module configured to physically support the growth of plants, a pump and piping for drawing water from the aquarium module to the garden module, a siphon tube for reoxygenating and delivering water from the garden module back to the aquarium module, and a light source Molded bodies form the base (bottom) and dome (top) of each module, and are connected at the corners by connectors that slidably fit into hollow stabilizing pillars, which permit internal passage of wires, cables and piping on the interior of the system, creating an easily assembled, modular, aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient way to house fish and grow plants.

Abstract: Methods to grow, provide and plant a young tree using a novel removable tubular container are disclosed. The container promotes the growth of a well formed protected root structure that minimizes transplant shock at the time the young tree is moved and permanently planted. The removable container and methods described provide for a fast growing inexpensive tree that is easily planted by a single person.

Abstract: An animal litter, process for preparing the animal litter and a method for removal of animal waste using the animal litter are provided. The animal litter generally includes ground malt sprouts, a lubricant, and a cohesiveness agent. The animal litter is in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: An automated feeding apparatus for animals comprises an inlet hopper having a discharge outlet provided with a feeder actuable in accordance with a predetermined feeding regime, the discharge outlet being of variable size. The discharge outlet is adjustable in length and depth to enable variation of volumetric flow therethrough, with the distance between the auger and the top wall being at least the average size of the food particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a door assembly for an animal enclosure. The assembly includes a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough. The assembly also includes a door configured to move between an open position and a close position relative to the door frame. A latch is pivotably coupled to the door and includes a mechanism that is removably coupled to the door frame. The assembly further includes a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door. A first guide wire and a second guide wire are coupled to the door frame. The first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and close positions, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and close positions.

Abstract: A camming member for a door may have a camming surface which lifts the door as the door is traversed from an opened position to a closed position. The lifting movement of the door caused by the camming member facilitates one or more latches used to reinforce a periphery of the door to be engaged without further user intervention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pet leash assembly having a weighted hand grip. The hand grip has a first end and a second end. A leash is operationally connected to the first end. A container is coupled to the second end which is opposite the first end. The leash assembly may optionally include a second container, and a removable cover portion may be reversibly coupled to the containers for closing the containers. The weighted hand grip is configured so that, when in use, the weighted material is disposed in the palm of a user. Also disclosed is a kit comprising the components of a pet leash assembly.

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: An improved leash device for pets that includes a tongue for insertion into a seat belt is described. The tongue may be designed to fit any vehicle safety belt buckle to allow a user to secure their pet to their vehicle for travel. The user may operate the device by moving a safety belt tongue from inside the housing of the leash device. When the tongue is moved outside the housing, it may be inserted into the buckle attached inside the vehicle to keep the pet safe during vehicle movement. The leash device may also include a retractable leash mechanism with a lock button for alternatively allowing or preventing the extension/retraction of the leash. A button hood may be provided to prevent accidental toggling of the lock button.

Abstract: An elevated bowl stand assembly that is adaptable to attach to a tire of automobiles. The bowl stand assembly comprises a main rod member, a pair of bowls and a pair of struts. A plurality of strap members having a pair of first strap members that is attached to the main rod member and the pair of connecting rod members utilizing at least one mounting means and the pair of second strap members that is attached to the pair of connecting rod members utilizing the at least one mounting means. A horizontal supporting member is adapted to releasably hold the pair of second strap members and loop behind the tire of the automobiles. The plurality of strap members engages the main rod member to the tire thereby placing the main rod member and the pair of bowls in a suspended orientation.

Abstract: A seed treatment composition includes ascorbic acid, choline chloride, indole-3-butyric acid, and water. In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition may further include salicylic acid.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for providing different perch positions for feeding birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder having a perch mounted on a wall of a reservoir having an interior configured to hold bird food is provided. The reservoir has a wall opening to provide access to the interior. The perch is rotated to one of a plurality of positions about an axis line extending through a center of the wall opening.

Abstract: A clothing article for a dog. The article includes a torso cover extending between the neckline and tail line of the dog and having a width defined by its lateral edges sized to drape over the dog's torso covering at least a portion of it. A belly strap is included extending between the lateral edges and when combined with extenders facilitate the removable attachment of the clothing article to the dog. A hood completes the clothing article which includes a structural frame and webbing for selective attachment to the torso cover, the hood being shaped and sized such that when worn by a dog, it selectively resides above the dog's head without significantly deforming the dog's ears and without significantly obstructing the dog's vision.

Abstract: A method of forming a plantable structure involves providing a substrate element, a release layer spaced from the substrate element, an adhesive layer disposed between the substrate element and the release layer, and at least one seed abutting the adhesive layer. The seed(s) is/are coupled to the substrate element through the adhesive layer. The method further comprises removing the release layer from the composite article, and adhering a remaining portion of the composite article to a secondary article. The remaining portion of the secondary article comprises the substrate element, the adhesive layer disposed on the substrate element, and the seed(s) abutting the adhesive layer. Also disclosed herein are a method of planting at least one seed with a composite article, a packaging structure, a method of forming a packaging structure, and a method of planting at least one seed.

Abstract: An animal litter, process for preparing the animal litter and a method for removal of animal waste using the animal litter are provided. The animal litter generally includes corn cob, a lubricant, and a cohesiveness agent. The animal litter is in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: A pet waste collection apparatus having an absorbent pad having a first height and an outer peripheral border having a second height less than the first height, each having opposing outermost layers, comprising a permeable layer and an opposing substantially leak proof layer; the absorbent pad comprising at least one innermost layer of waste absorbing material sandwiched and completely enclosed between the opposing outermost layers and completely filling a volume therebetween extending to the outer peripheral border, which has an interior passageway, a draw tape therein, and at least one outside substantially straight cut off corner having adjacent interior passageway openings; the draw tape having a length greater than that of the outer peripheral border; the draw tape routed through the adjacent interior passageway openings exposing the draw tape at the outside straight cut off corner; the waste collection apparatus forming a bag, when the draw tape is pulled taut.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an efficient system for manufacturing an organic fertilizer base material that reduces the manual labor involved in treating livestock manure using Musca domestica larvae. [Solution] Provided is an organic fertilizer production system for producing organic fertilizer from the excreta of livestock by using the larvae of Musca domestica.

Abstract: A retractable pet leash system allows a pet to vary its distance from the leash system, with the system paying out additional leash as needed, and when not needed, automatically retracting the leash back into the system. If at any time a user desires to halt further payout of leash, the user presses a button that causes the leash to be pressed against a frictional element that causes braking of leash payout at a gradually increasing rate while simultaneously, a lever lockably engages the spool preventing further rotation of the spool in the payout direction.