Abstract: A lock valve includes a lock valve body having a bore with a valve spool reciprocatingly received therein. There is a check valve adjacent each end of the bore. Each of the check valves has a check valve member facing the bore and resiliently biased towards a valve seat at each end of the bore. A pressure relief port communicates with the bore near the center thereof and between lands of the valve spool. A pair of spaced-apart grooves are disposed within the spool valve bore. Each groove permits fluid communication past a land of the valve spool when the valve spool is displaced towards one end of the bore by fluid pressure applied to other end of the bore so as to unseat the check valve member adjacent to the one end to the bore and allow pressurized fluid to pass from the one end of the bore, through the groove, and into the relief port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance including an infusion chamber having an opening for receiving a fill, a closure part for said chamber, a water container connected to the chamber, pressurizing means for delivering air into the container, and control means suitable for causing a certain volume of water to be delivered from said container into said chamber, said pressurizing means being connected to a compression chamber that is arranged between said pressurizing means and said container and that includes inlet and outlet isolation means. According to the invention, with the water container full and the outlet isolation means including the control means, the control means is suitable for causing the compressed air to expand suddenly in the container and to flow with a curve of decreasing pressure. The invention is applicable to appliances for household use.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing coffee, milk, and/or milk foam includes a first fluid duct for supplying coffee and a second fluid duct for supplying steam. The first fluid duct opens into one coffee discharge pipe. The second fluid duct has an outlet opening for steam. The dispensing device includes a mixing arrangement for mixing milk with steam and/or air, and a housing. The mixing arrangement includes a milk duct, air duct, inlet opening, and a discharge pipe. The housing partially surrounds the fluid ducts, discharge pipe, and mixing arrangement, and includes a first and second housing part. The first housing part houses the fluid ducts, and the second housing part includes a recess for the mixing arrangement. The mixing arrangement may be positioned relative to the second fluid duct to produce a fluid connection between the second fluid duct outlet opening and the mixing arrangement inlet opening.

Abstract: An encrusting machine is revealed. The encrusting machine mainly includes a power source disposed on a power unit of a machine body. A force output end of the power source is disposed with a first drive belt for driving a cut unit and a second drive belt for driving a food receiving unit. A plurality of cutting blades is mounted in a cutting opening on a middle part of a cut-off base of the cut unit. The blades are controlled by the power unit and vertical movement of the cut-off base is also controlled by the power unit. In the food receiving unit, a toggle set on a cam is used to control vertical movement of a catch basin on top of a push set. The structure is simplified so that the machine is with reduced cost, easy assembly, reduced failure rate reduced, convenient maintenance and high practicality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for the production of sandwich food items that include filler.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a treatment chamber having an opening. The opening of the treatment chamber is configured to be closed by a door. The opening of the treatment chamber is bounded by at least one frame member. An external container is configured to hold at least one of an operating fluid or an operating powder. A filling device is disposed on the at least one frame member and in fluid connection with the external container. The filling device is configured to introduce, in an operating mode of the household appliance, at least one of an operating fluid and an operating powder to the treatment chamber, either treated or untreated. The filling device includes a filling device opening.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for processing system foodstuff are shown and described. Food processing systems can hold and prepare food for consumption. The disclosed embodiments provide a drive mechanism that utilizes a contoured surface between a ratchet wheel and a drive mechanism that rotates the ratchet wheel to move the ratchet wheel toward and in engagement with a drive wheel for initiating rotation of the drive wheel and to disengage the ratchet wheel from the drive wheel to allow the drive wheel to rotate freely. The drive wheel is configured to couple to a processing component of the processing system.

Abstract: A safe and convenient cherry pitting device that includes a freestanding detachable base, a fruit support and pitter passthrough unit and a pitter containment cone. The unit is adapted for vertical mounting on the base. Further, the unit defines axially aligned top and bottom openings and one or more side openings. The pitter containment cone generally has a cone shaped outer surface including one or more walls defining a central cavity with a top closed end and a bottom open end for placement over the unit. The cone also includes a pitter bit that projects vertically downward within the top closed end of the cone in axial alignment with the top and bottom openings of the unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trash receptacle which includes engaging members that communicate with a satellite vehicle to compact trash. Such trash receptacle comprises a rigid outer housing having four main panels (front panel, a back panel, a first side panel and a second side panel). The front panel includes passageways. The four panels form a basin. Positioned on the back panel via a hinge is a pivoting top door that attaches through a lock assembly. The pivoting top door further includes access doors. A compaction ram, having ram connectors that exit the various passageways of the front panel, is positioned between the first and second side panels. The compaction ram includes one or more track guides capable of resting within tracks located on the first side panel and second side panel of the rigid housing. Such compaction ram may include a plurality of triangular beams having sharp edges.

Abstract: Devices and methods for evacuating fluids from a flexible conduit, particularly to evacuating water from a fire hose. In one aspect, a fluid evacuating apparatus is utilized to evacuate a fluid, such as water, from a flexible conduit, such as, for example, a fire hose. The apparatus may further be utilized to collapse the flexible conduit for storage and/or transport. In exemplary embodiments, a fluid evacuating apparatus may be utilized to evacuate the water from hoses of a wide range of diameters that collapse into a compact form for storage. The apparatus may include a frame with a handle, a mobility mechanism, such as, for example, wheels or rollers, a roller which may evacuate water, and a restraining mechanism which may hold down the hose, such as a roller or rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus with a box-like container includes apertures, and a block member for moving within a cavity in the box-like container. The apparatus is a single unit, from which frozen food, typically in blocks, or out of bags, containers, and the like, may be defrosted and/or, cooked, and then strained, drained or dried, with minimal, if any, spillage or mess.

Abstract: A screen printing unit equipped with a rotary screen apparatus comprises a cylindrical screen rotatably supported so as to be brought into contact with a rotatable impression cylinder. Multiple small holes are formed in the circumferential surface of the screen, and are filled up with a coating material. Some of the holes corresponding to a pattern not being filled with the coating material, and a special ink stored inside the screen can be supplied to a sheet held on the outer circumferential surface of the impression cylinder so as to form a shape corresponding to the pattern. The small holes are formed only in an area of the screen in the circumferential direction thereof extending from a position corresponding to the downstream-side end of the sheet in the sheet-conveying direction to a position corresponding to the upstream-side end of the sheet in the sheet-conveying direction.

Abstract: A printing machine with at least one inking unit which has at least two cylinders which are set against each other during the printing operation and can be rotated by at least one drive. The printing machine is provided with sensors for recording parameters of the rotary motion of the cylinders such as the torque and speed. A setting mechanism is provided for setting the at least two cylinders against each other in radial direction. The control unit is configured to trigger the setting mechanism to set the at least two cylinders against each other. The at least two cylinders are brought to different circumferential velocities and set against each other. The relative position of the two cylinders is recorded or maintained when at least one parameter of the rotary motion of the at least two cylinders exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and a system of preparing a flexographic printing form, and a preparation table used in the method and system, involves placing printing plates in a plate magazine and delivering the printing plates in a predetermined order from the plate magazine to the preparation table. The printing plates are transported by a transporter, such as a conveyor belt, on the preparation table and further to a printing sleeve or a printing cylinder. During transportation, the printing plates are exposed on the backsides to a light source. The printing sleeve is rotated with a speed adapted to the speed of the transporter in such a way that the printing plates are placed staggered in two or more lanes on the printing sleeve. The printing plates placed on the printing sleeve are then imaged, e.g. by laser ablation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a block copolymer composition for flexographic printing plates, which is capable of providing a flexographic printing plate that has much more excellent wear resistance than conventional flexographic printing plates, while maintaining sufficient rubber elasticity. The block copolymer composition for flexographic printing plates comprises a block copolymer A and a block copolymer B, each of which is an aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene-aromatic vinyl block copolymer having a specific structure, wherein a content of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit in the block copolymer A is 41% or more.

Abstract: In a printing press, a transfer cylinder assembly for transferring a freshly printed substrate is provided. The transfer cylinder assembly comprises a transfer cylinder, a first attachment structure comprising a plurality of loops coupled to the transfer cylinder, and an anti-marking device. The anti-marking device comprises a second attachment structure comprising a plurality of hooks and a flexible jacket to engage the freshly printed substrate as it is transferred over the transfer cylinder assembly. The second attachment structure is at least semi-permanently coupled to the flexible jacket, and the anti-marking device is removably attached over the transfer cylinder by coupling the second attachment structure with the first attachment structure.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a plate made by the method, e.g., using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a light tunnel of light reflective walls with polygonal cross-section like a kaleidoscope, and a light source, located at one end to produce light radiation to the inside of the light tunnel towards the other end. Light entering the light tunnel towards an inner reflective surface of a wall is reflected off the inner reflective surface so that it can emerge from the other end to cure a plate having photo-curable material thereon.

Abstract: A vessel, such as a rocket motor tube, comprised of an insert, and a joint that allows the insert to decouple from the vessel to relieve pressure when subjected to excessive temperatures and/or a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

Abstract: The decomposition of a projectile in a target body, particularly a hunting projectile in wild animals after penetration therein, determines the energy output of the projectile and thereby the effect of the shot. For projectiles with double cores, the properties of the ingredients used in the cores decisively affect the decomposition and particularly the deformation behavior of the cores. According to the invention, a partial decomposition projectile comprising two cores is provided with one solid core (3) made of a material suited to said projectile and the other core (4;22) is divided up into two areas (4a,4b;22a;22b), whereby one area (4a;22a) is made of ball-shaped elements made of a metal material granulate (5;23) and the second area (4b;22b) is made of a metal or ceramic powder and the ball-shaped elements or granulates (5;23) are pressed to become free of shrink holes, in order to improve decomposition behavior control.

Abstract: A ride system for efficiently utilizing a simulator(s) or immersive environment assembly. The ride system includes a closed-loop track and a plurality of passenger vehicles each configured for traveling along a ride path defined by the closed-loop track. The ride system includes a simulator positioned adjacent to the closed-loop track. The ride system also includes a vehicle transfer mechanism. This mechanism is typically positioned along the track (or to provide part of the track) near the simulator. In operation, the transfer mechanism receives or captures a first one of the vehicles and transfers the first vehicle a distance away from the ride path and into the simulator and its immersive entertainment environment. The transfer mechanism is configured such that a second one of the vehicles trailing the first vehicle travels along the ride path past the simulator while the first vehicle is positioned within the simulator.

Abstract: The transport installation with an aerial cable (2) for moving along a path, comprises a maintenance vehicle (1) provided with a gondola (4) mounted on a suspending rod (5) connected to the cable (2) by means of a fastener (9). The maintenance vehicle (1) moreover comprises a gangway (6) mounted on the suspending rod (5). A guiding rod (11) is fixed to the gangway (6) at one of its ends, and is connected to the cable (2) at its opposite end. The gangway (6) has a structure extending in the direction of displacement of the maintenance vehicle (1), and is pivotingly mounted on the suspending rod (5) so as to form an articulated bascule.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a mechanical crawl space organization system comprises a drive element which drives a winding element. The system further comprises a cable cooperating with at least one tubular conduit to define a drive path. The cable is mechanically connected to the winding element and a lead cart. The system enables the drive element to move the lead cart along a path defined by the cable guide.

Abstract: Inductrack III configurations are suited for use in transporting heavy freight loads. Inductrack III addresses a problem associated with the cantilevered track of the Inductrack II configuration. The use of a cantilevered track could present mechanical design problems in attempting to achieve a strong enough track system such that it would be capable of supporting very heavy loads. In Inductrack III, the levitating portion of the track can be supported uniformly from below, as the levitating Halbach array used on the moving vehicle is a single-sided one, thus does not require the cantilevered track as employed in Inductrack II.

Abstract: The invention is a carriage traction vehicle for use with a monorail. The vehicle is self-propelled along the monorail by one or more motors engaging a fixed rack attached to the monorail. The carriage traction vehicle may include one or more of the following features: a cabin, a counterwheel assembly, a platform assembly, a leveling control system, a motor system, a tilt mechanism, and a safety assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shipping platform (e.g., a cart, skid, or pallet) or a display desk, table, or shelf. In one embodiment, the apparatus may convert from a six, eight, or ten foot long shipping platform to a six, eight, or ten foot long table or shelf. The table or shelf surface may be raised or lowered and multiple apparatus can be stacked on top of each other to create larger shelves. Operably, the apparatus may be used for transportation, drayage, and storage (e.g., underneath the platform or shelf when setup as a table) of items to be displayed.

Abstract: A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top with a receiving portion disposed at least proximate an intersection of an upper surface and a sidewall. The table top may also include a lip and a lower portion of the lip may include a contact surface that is sized and configured to contact an upper surface of an adjacent, nested table. The lower portion of the lip may also include an engaging portion that is sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of an adjacent, nested table. The contact surface and the engaging portion may be directly adjacent to each other in the lower portion of the lip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable attachment bar for a flip-top table that includes multiple tracks on which objects table top supports, storage containers, and other items may be mounted. While maintaining the benefits of standard flip-top tables, attachment bar also achieves many benefits including improved table rigidity and additional locations to secure attachments to the table.

Abstract: A structure constructed from plastic may include one or more reinforcing portions that are sized and configured to prevent damage to the structure. For example, the structure may be a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and the table top may include a body with one or more corners. The corners may include an interior portion and an exterior portion, and reinforcement portions may be sized and configured to help prevent damage to the corners of the table top. In addition, one or more depressions may be at least partially disposed within the reinforcement portions, if desired. The reinforcement portions, for example, may include one or more inwardly and/or outwardly extending portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing objects to be protected from unauthorized access, particularly an automatic teller, vault (1), safe or security cabinet, comprising a housing (2) having a storage space, the housing having a rear wall, two side walls (3) disposed opposite each other, a base (4) and a top (5), wherein the base (4) and the top (5) are disposed opposite each other and connect the side walls (3) to each other, wherein the housing (2) has at least one opening (6) that can be locked using a door (7) and/or flap. In order to improve a generic container such that it is sufficiently protected from unauthorized opening by explosion, while simultaneously being constructed in a simple manner, so that a corresponding container can also be produced in a cost-effective manner, the invention provides that an absorber element (10) is disposed in the storage space.

Abstract: A security container includes at least one basic module, at least one floor element, at least one ceiling element, side wall elements, and one end piece. The side wall element and end piece are mounted between the floor element and the ceiling element at the basic module, and the basic module is attached to one door section equipped with a lock device in connection to an end piece and/or side wall elements.

Abstract: An oxyfuel combustion boiler plant comprising: an air separation unit for manufacturing oxygen by separating nitrogen from air, a boiler having a burner for burning the oxygen supplied from the air separation unit and pulverized coal, and a primary system pipe for supplying the pulverized coal to the burner, an exhaust gas recirculation system pipe for supplying combustion exhaust gas discharged from the boiler to the primary system pipe, and a carbon dioxide capture unit for capturing carbon dioxide in the exhaust gas discharged from the boiler, the oxyfuel combustion boiler plant is further comprising: an oxygen supply pipe for supplying the oxygen manufactured by the air separation unit to the primary system pipe in the burner, and a pipe for supplying the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the boiler to the oxygen supply pipe, wherein an injection port of the oxygen supply pipe is disposed on an upstream side of an injection portion of the burner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to batch de-coat the organics in metal scrap, and/or gasify the organics from certain types of waste material (including biomass, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and sludge). The apparatus is suited for use on a batch tilting single entry rotary furnace of the type used to melt the metal scrap in the aluminum industry. The apparatus uses a burner in the tilting rotary furnace but does not necessarily melt the metal scrap. It preferably operates below the melting temperature of the metal scrap (<1400 F) and below the stoichiometric level (more specifically <12% oxygen) to partially combust the organic in the tilting rotary furnace. The gasified organics depart the furnace in a complete closed circuit where no air is allowed to entrain into the flue gases. These organic filled gases (synthetic gases) are fully incinerated in a separate thermal oxidizer where a stoichiometric burner uses either natural gas or liquid fuel to ignite the synthetic gas.

Abstract: A method for applying agricultural products on a field with an implement guided by an external guidance system, wherein the implement comprises a plurality of sections that can be turned on to apply the products or turned off to stop applying the products, includes mapping the field to determine an implement travel path; determining overlap areas in the field where a section of the implement on a later pass will travel over a portion of an earlier pass of the implement; moving the implement along the implement travel path with sections turned on as required to apply the products on the field outside the overlap areas; and for at least one overlap area, during the earlier pass turning sections of the implement that are completely in the overlap area off, and during the later pass turning sections of the implement that are in the overlap area on.

Abstract: An automated flanging machine is provided. More specifically, a machine for automatically sewing a flange onto a work panel having a consistent corner radius and a straight edge is provided. The machine has a table adapted to support a work panel, a sewing head mounted directly adjacent to the table for performing a sewing operation on the work panel, a turning arm mounted adjacent to the table, and a rear conveyor for selectively moving the work panel on the table. The table may include a corner pivot mechanism for stabilizing the panel while the turning arm turns the panel 90 degree relative to an initial position, and for maintaining a consistent corner radius for sewing. The machine may also include a rear material guide and encoding arm for measuring the progression of the work panel as it is sewn along a side by the sewing head.

Abstract: A system for retrieving a life vessel from water and drawing the life vessel onto a deck of a rescue vessels comprises a life vessel system comprising: i) a tow-line comprising a first end portion secured to the life vessel and an opposed second end portion; and ii) a deployment system configured to deploy the second end portion of the tow-line into the water. The system further comprises a rescue vessel system comprising i) a towing device on the rescue vessel, the towing device configured to receive the second end portion of the tow-line and retract the tow-line to draw the life vessel towards the rescue vessel; and ii) a retrieval assembly assembled to the deck of the rescue vessel, the retrieval assembly configured to receive the life vessel as the life vessel is drawn towards the rescue vessel and to lift the rescue vessel onto the deck.

Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: A spray cap for generating a spraying sound having enhanced perceived loudness, the spray cap having an acoustic structure provided around a nozzle to modify a spraying sound produced by spraying through the nozzle as a function of sound pressure level and frequency into a modified spraying sound having a sound spectrum in a sensitive part of the spectrum of human hearing.

Abstract: A scorekeeping device is disclosed for use with a sports court that has a net in order to keep score in a match between players. The scorekeeping device comprises three elongated members, each mutually connected at top ends thereof with a pivot to define a center member and two outer members. A score indicia is fixed to both sides of the center member. The score indicia may indicate the numbers 1 through 7, representing games in a set of tennis, for example. A pair of contrasting score indicators, such as differently-colored spring-biased clips, are selectively fixable with the center member. Preferably, in an extended position the height of the device is three feet, such that the device may be used to adjust or otherwise measure the height of a tennis net, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of liquids to a continuously conveyed outer layer having a rotating plate which is horizontal and parallel to the outer layer or with a deviation of up to 15° from horizontal, wherein a liquid applied to the rotating plate is ejected centrifugally from the rotating plate via rotation and then, via gravity, passed onto the outer layer below the rotating plate, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spin coater including a rotation table that rotatably holds the disc substrate, a spin-cup that surrounds the outer circumference of a disc substrate held on the rotation table, a dripping unit configured to drip an ultraviolet-curable resin composition onto the surface of the disc substrate, a rotating unit configured to rotate the disc substrate via the rotation table to spread the ultraviolet-curable resin composition over the surface of the disc substrate, a heating unit configured to heat the ultraviolet-curable resin composition on the disc substrate, and a temperature controlling unit configured to control a reaching temperature of the spin cup which is increased by the heating unit each time the ultraviolet-curable resin composition is spread, so as to be constant over multiple spin coating processes.

Abstract: A can coating machine control system includes a coating control signal that functions as a go/no-go signal based on a plurality of monitored conditions such as can in position, vacuum pressure, gun in position, guard in position and speed condition. Local pressure regulation of the coating material in the spray gun is provided along with optional control of the material temperature. Local pressure regulation allows for optional spray weight control based on a wrap number derived from speed and gun spray-durations. A CAN to CAN network buffer is provided as well for primary network isolation. A gun control circuit may be used to select specific gun drive signals and to adjust gun drive signals based on real-time feedback of the actual spray duration.

Abstract: Embodiments of impedance matching networks are provided herein. In some embodiments, an impedance matching network may include a coaxial resonator having an inner and an outer conductor. A tuning capacitor may be provided for variably controlling a resonance frequency of the coaxial resonator. The tuning capacitor may be formed by a first tuning electrode and a second tuning electrode and an intervening dielectric, wherein the first tuning electrode is formed by a portion of the inner conductor. A load capacitor may be provided for variably coupling energy from the inner conductor to a load. The load capacitor may be formed by the inner conductor, an adjustable load electrode, and an intervening dielectric.

Abstract: In a method of dynamic milking, is performed a given modulating of values of airflow-forming pressures in a first working zone in a negative drive cycle and in a second working zone in a positive drive cycle of a cyclic drive unit, for providing and energy-physiological optimization of given periodic dynamic in-phase vacuum and mechanical actions on a surface of a milking teat in a two-chamber teat cap with a hermetic chamber connected with a source of a chamber pressure, whose movable part of a wall realizes the mechanical actions only on a lateral surface of the teat without interrupting of a spatial channel for movement of milking milk between an open output of the milking channel of the teat and a constantly open milk output of the teat cup during a dynamic milking process.

Abstract: A gripping arrangement is provided including a storing device (10) adapted to hold a teat cup (1) in a parked position and a gripping device (2) adapted to grip the parked teat cup (1) in the storing device (10). The gripping device (2) includes a contact surface (6a) which is adapted to be moved to a position in which it comes in contact with a contact surface (1d) of the teat cup (1) during a gripping operation of the teat cup (1). The arrangement includes an adjusting part which is able to adjust the position of at least one of the contact surfaces (1d, 6a) in relation to the other contact surface (1d, 6a) from an initial contact position to a grip position in which the gripping device is able to grip the teat cup in the storing device.

Abstract: A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision.

Abstract: A pet feeder for feeding pets that provides an enclosure that the pet accesses through an entryway having dimensions under the control of the pet owner. The owner sizes the entryway to exclude a pet with allowing a relatively smaller pet to enter.

Abstract: An improved drinking system having a water source capable of delivering water through water supply pipes, watering stations fluidly connected to the water supply pipes, and at least one light source optically connected to at least one of the watering stations. Also provided is a method for selectively distributing water to animals within a farm facility utilizing illuminated watering stations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the disposal of animal waste, and is particularly concerned with providing a solution that is economical, hygienic, and environmentally sound. This invention may be used domestically in two main varying ways: in a configuration whereby the invention connects into any access point of a domestic sanitary sewer system, or via an in-line configuration whereby the invention is incorporated into any standard waste downpipe. This invention may be used commercially in a public setting whereby the invention is incorporated into a ‘vending’ machine, allowing limited access for use by varying limited access means and methods.

Abstract: A pivoting lid litter box assembly provides a litter box having a pan and a pivoted lid to facilitate access to contents of a pan. The assembly includes a pan having a bottom and a perimeter wall extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom. A lid is pivotally coupled to the pan. The lid has a top and a sidewall extending down from the top. The sidewall of the lid rests on the perimeter wall of the pan defining an interior space. The sidewall has an opening providing access to the interior space through the opening in the sidewall. A pedal is coupled to the pan and operationally coupled to the lid for selectively pivoting the lid between an open position and a closed position. A scoop having an extended handle and storage compartment may be provided to facilitate removing waste from the pan.

Abstract: A litter box system and method include a sifter/scraper scoop configured to remove animal waste from litter material, without removing or transferring the litter material out of the main litter box. The main litter box is divided into two compartments by the scoop, which is releasably attached thereto. The scoop has approximately the same width and the same contour as the inside of the litter box. A pet-accessible compartment allows a pet to use the litter during elimination. The litter box system can be tipped up onto an angled end as part of a cleaning method allowing unclumped litter to pass through the scoop into a litter reservoir. The scoop can then be used to remove the waste. Then, litter can be directed back into the pet-accessible compartment by tipping the box the other way and replacing the scoop before placing the box levelly onto its bottom.