Abstract: A smart hydroponic vase system, a method for growing a plant in a smart hydroponic vase, and a method of assembling a smart hydroponic vas is described. The smart hydroponic vase includes a housing having a plurality of chambers; a submersible pump located in each of the plurality of chambers; a plurality of pipes, wherein each pipe connects a different chamber to the first chamber, wherein each pipe is connected to a respective submersible pump; a plurality of measurement sensors including ultrasonic level sensors and a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor connected to receive measurement signals and the level signals and generate drive signals to actuate the plurality of pumps based on sensor signals. A wireless communications unit is connected to the microprocessor. The smart hydroponic vase communicates with a plant manager through a server.

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: The present invention provides a dog collar comprising: a first strap, a plurality of prong elements carried by the first strap, a second strap, and two cam buckles secured to the second strap. The first strap is secureably connected to the second strap through the two cam buckles.

Abstract: A weed barrier includes a rigid body defining a plurality of basins. The basins have bottoms with holes therethrough for planting garden plants. In a particular embodiment the bottom surface of the weed barrier includes a plurality of hose channels configured be positioned over a hose. Several example configurations of rigid weed barriers are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable, trapping system for capturing and non-lethally retaining a large number of large animals, such as wild horses or feral hogs. A specialized trailer aligns and secures deployable corral components for transportation. The corral comprises a modular fence erected on-site from multiple fence panels that are hinged together by pinning. The fence panels are configured with voids to prevent animal climbing. A gate with a remotely actuated trap door is similarly pinned between adjacent fence panels. The gate threshold is concealable. Stakes secure panels to the ground, forming a stable enclosure. The trailer comprises a rigid, confining frame structure adapted to constrain and transport corral components. When the corral is disassembled, multiple individual fence panels to be moved are slidably captivated between channels on first and second confining surfaces, being maintained in a parallel and stable configuration during transportation.

Abstract: A flirt pole constructed of a collapsible and/or telescopic pole with a long string or rope comprising a flexible material attached at a head of the pole via a fail-safe mechanism, and a lure, such as a toy that may entice the pet to chase, attached to the far end of the string or rope. The head may be safely snatched of the pole along with the rope and lure when a force exceeding a particular level is applied to the rope, lure, and on head of the pole.

Abstract: A clamping assembly having a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member has a first end and a second end with an opening positioned between the first and the second end that is adapted to receive a chewable member. The first clamping member and second clamping member are threadably connected to retain the chewable member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a chew toy includes a first portion that can removably couple to a second portion of the chew toy. An outer surface of the first portion has a first opening to the interior of the chew toy. The second portion includes a first end, and the first end of the second portion includes a first surface for supporting the base of a chew that is larger than the first opening in a plane parallel to the first opening. When the second portion is removably coupled to the first portion the first surface is disposed in the interior of the chew toy and is offset from the first opening along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first opening.

Abstract: An animal training device is configured to encourage an animal with a clicking sound and a gelatinous reward. The animal training device has a housing, joined to a housing end cap at a housing first end and a dispenser head at a housing second end. A dowel rod is arranged within the housing and through a dispensing lever. A push bar is arranged within the housing and joined to the dispensing lever with a drive plate and a first compressor spring; wherein the push bar further comprises a push bar first end and a push bar second end. A tube is fit over the end cap and accommodates the gelatinous reward. Depressing the dispensing lever moves the drive plate and thus the push bar, pushing the gelatinous reward through the dispenser head.

Abstract: A pet bed for supporting an animal. The pet bed has a flexible cushion substrate and/or a peripheral support, and optionally a cover pad adapted to conform to a top surface of the flexible cushion substrate and/or peripheral support.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal toy including a plurality of body portions each having an axial bore and axial ends. The plurality of body portions are connectable to each other about their axial ends to form a continuous channel configured to accommodate a solid food item. One or more caps may be sealed about the axial ends, wherein at least one axial end includes an exit opening configured to accept or dispense the solid food item. Also disclosed is a kit that includes a plurality of these components so that a user may attach the various components to provide a first configuration and may later reconfigure the various components to provide a second or third, etc., configuration. In this way, the user may change a location of the exit opening for the solid food item, extend the size of the toy, and/or change the shape of the toy.

Abstract: A lighting system is provided with an illumination device with a semiconductor light emission solution and device suited for plant cultivation in a greenhouse environment are described. A lighting device with binary alloy quantum dots made by colloidal methods produces a size distribution of quantum dots that produces an emission spectrum similar to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectrum. The methods and arrangements allow more precise spectral tuning of the emission spectrum for lights used in plant cultivation. Therefore unexpected improvements in the photomorphogenetic control of plant growth, and further improvements in plant production are realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling audible communication between an animal and a remote handler of the animal comprises a flexible strap configured to be worn by the animal, and a bone conduction transducer coupled to the flexible strap and capable of receiving a signal representing a message from the remote handler. The bone conduction transducer is configured to generate physical vibrations based on and representative of the signal representing the message from the remote handler. The bone conduction transducer is positioned or positionable on the flexible strap so that when the flexible strap is worn by the animal, the vibrations are conducted to a skeletal structure of the animal to enable the animal to audibly perceive the message from the remote handler.

Abstract: A dog treat is disclosed that is rotates on a central hub to encourage interaction between the dog and the treat. The dog treat includes a platform of material from which multiple wall segments vertically project. Each wall segment contains the same mass of material and are equidistant from the other. The platform of material may include concentric walls therein, where each wall is of varying width. The dog treat is capable of being spun on its central hub.

Abstract: The invention is a pet toy with a plush character housed within a molded ball that allows a user to pull the entire plush toy out of the ball, revealing a surprise character. The plush characters are malleable and may be reinserted by the user to have the put pull the toy out repeatedly. Special blister packaging allows for about an inch of tail to stick out, but not reveal the character.

Abstract: A maze for a small animal habitat is provided. The maze includes a base having a floor and a plurality of sidewalls. The floor includes a plurality of slots therein. In another aspect, a plurality of dividers have a notched area on a bottom portion that are configured to be inserted into the slots. The bottom surface of the floor includes one or more feet positioned at the corner of adjoining sidewalls. Each of said feet are configured to be received in a nesting relationship into an upper portion of a lower maze at the corner of two adjoining sidewalls such that an outer face of each leg is coincident with an inner surface of each adjoining sidewall.

Abstract: An animal enrichment tool is provided and includes a shaped frame, a first sensory head positioned at one end of the shaped frame, and a second sensory head positioned at another end of the shaped frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding device for poultry such as cocks, comprising an elongated feed transporting element with at least a bottom wall, a feed trough provided underneath it and parallel to it with a bottom, upright side walls and an at least partially open upper side, a feed transporting device for transporting feed through the feed transporting element, and a displacing device for moving the feed transporting element and the feed trough in a vertical direction relative to one another between a filling position and a feeding position, wherein the feed transporting element is provided on its underside with a plurality of passages for feed and a plurality of individual metering units provided at a distance from one another on the underside of the feed transporting element, each of which connects to one passage of the plurality of passages and each of which is configured for metering an individual, predetermined portion of feed received from the feed transporting element into the feed trough.

Abstract: An apparatus including a cap section; a central section; a container section; and a first inner object. The cap section is configured to removably attach to a first end of the central section. The container section is configured to removably attach to a second end of the central section. The second end of the central section opposes the first end of the central section. The first inner object fits through a first opening of the central section into an inner chamber of the central section. The first opening of the central section is located at the second end of the central section. The first inner object does not fit through a second opening of the central section; and the second opening of the central section is located at the first end of the central section. The container section may be measuring cup including pet treats.

Abstract: A pet pee pad pen assembly includes a pen which comprises a plurality of walls being hingedly coupled together. In this way the pen forms a rectangular shape to shelter an animal. A respective one of the walls has a plurality of openings each extending therethrough to facilitate the animal to enter or exit the pen. A base is provided that can be positioned on a support surface and the pen is positioned on the base. A pad is positionable on the base and the pad is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to absorb the pet urine. An insert is positionable on the pad thereby inhibiting the pad from being displaced on the base.