Abstract: This method of charging includes a method of terminating charge when three events have occurred: a voltage across at least one of the cells reaches a predetermined maximum voltage, the average charging current falls below a predetermined minimum current, and the presence of a power source has been detected. The method also includes a safety termination that prohibits charge upon the expiration of a timer when the cells have stored little or no energy.

Abstract: This method of charging includes a method of terminating charge when three events have occurred: a voltage across at least one of the cells reaches a predetermined maximum voltage, the average charging current falls below a predetermined minimum current, and the presence of a power source has been detected. The method also includes a safety termination that prohibits charge upon the expiration of a timer when the cells have stored little or no energy.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing animal chew toy includes providing layers of rubber material, such as tire rubber, which are cut into a general shape of an animal chew toy. A floss material comprised of a synthetic fiber mesh fabric, is also cut into the general shape of the animal chew toy and placed between the first and second layers of rubber material. These layers are molded under pressure and heat into the animal chew toy which is durable and serves to floss the teeth and gums of the animal when chewed. Ropes, animal treats, or buoyant inserts can be associated with the animal chew toy as desired.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an animal chew toy includes providing a rubber material, such as tire rubber, and then forming the rubber material into a predetermined chew toy configuration, such as a tire. Preferably, a scent is added to the rubber material. Synthetic fibers, such as nylon or polyester fibers, are embedded in the rubber material.

Abstract: A pet training mat for deterring pets and training them to avoid an area deemed desirable to keep pet-free by the pet owner. The pet training mat includes a base having a lower surface and an opposite upper surface, and a plurality of tines which extend upwardly from the upper surface of the base. The tines create an uncomfortable environment for a pet when walking, standing or laying on the pet training mat, without harming the pet, and are distributed over substantially the entire upper surface of the base within the range of four to nine tines per square inch. Each tine includes an upper spike and a riser disposed between the spike and the upper surface of the base. The base may be rigid or formed of a flexible material to conform to the contours of the pet-free area.

Abstract: A hinge of single piece construction particularly adapted for providing a removable pivotal attachment for a raised cover on a cat litter box wherein the rearward ends of the litter container and cover are each provided with vertical slots positioned such that upon the cover being disposed on the container in a closed position the slots on the cover are disposed adjacently above and in axial alignment with the slots on the litter container. The hinge defines a curvilinear depending tab portion adapted to extend through one of the aligned pairs of slots against a portion of the litter box and be removably retained in a snug fitment within the slot in the litter container. The tab portion of the hinge member merges into a curvilinear guide portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from the tab portion which merges into a cover support portion.