Abstract: A unit (UO) for the processing ground (T), comprises at least a first group (G1, D3) for supporting rotating cutting disk means (D) adapted to realize grooves (S) in said ground (T); at least a second group (G2) for supporting plowshare means (V, E) adapted to realize, in correspondence of said grooves (S), cuts (Z) below the surface of said ground (T); and mechanical coupling means (M2) for dynamically connecting said second group (G2) to said first group (G1, D3).

Abstract: Land cultivating systems and methods utilizing high-pressure fluid jet cutting techniques are disclosed. An example system includes a mobile unit, a traveler arrangement operably coupled to the mobile unit to ride on the surface of stubble residues as the mobile unit moves across land to be cultivated, and a fluid jet cutting head supported by the traveler arrangement. The cutting head is configured to selectively discharge a high-pressure fluid jet to make a cut through the stubble residues and underlying soil as the mobile unit moves across the land. A soil opening device is provided to form a furrow in the ground in line with the cut made by the high-pressure fluid jet, and a liquid injector nozzle is provided to discharge fertilizer or other chemical(s) into the soil.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system includes a toolbar assembly configured to support multiple row units, and multiple wheels configured to support the toolbar assembly. The wheels include a first wheel and a second wheel, and at least one row unit is configured to be disposed between the first wheel and the second wheel. The agricultural implement system also includes a wheel position control system configured to instruct first and second actuators to lower the first wheel and the second wheel to transition the agricultural implement system to a non-working position, to instruct the first and second actuators to raise the first wheel and the second wheel to transition the agricultural implement system to a working position, and to instruct the second actuator to raise the second wheel while the agricultural implement system is in the working position such that the second wheel is disengaged from a soil surface.

Abstract: An articulated nozzle-holder boom arm for agricultural sprayer which is extensible to the sides of a main chassis and which can be folded to a transportation position by means of an intermediate hinge generally placed in an intermediate point of the boom arm, and the several sections of the beam forming the boom arm can be engaged or disengaged easily and without welding in the hinge or several supports of the beam sections, being the beam sections generally extruded aluminum profiles and the union of the profiles ends obtained engaging the same in retaining flanges included in the supports and hinges of connection of the sections.

Abstract: A seed selector assembly for a pneumatic meter employed in agricultural seeding equipment may include a seed selector assembly connected to a multi-functional coupler, in which the seed selector assembly is made up of a rotating disk with a central hole and a gear profile, the disk being enclosed by a front ring and a rear ring, and the multi-functional coupler having two interfaces for connecting motor or driven devices. A pinion may be connected to an end of an axis, the opposite end of which is connected to a crown, the pinion being fitted into the cavity of the rear ring and the circular bore of the front ring, with a housed bearing support. The pinion may interact with the gear profile in order to rotate the disk when at least one of the interfaces is connected to a motor device.

Abstract: Adjustable gauge wheels are provided on a row unit planter adjacent the opening disc. The wheels are adjustable laterally for proper spacing adjacent the discs. The camber of the gauge wheels relative to discs is also adjustable. The lateral adjustment is accomplished via a wear bushing and pivot bushing extending into the wear bushing for each gauge wheel. A grease zerk is provided on the end of each pivot bushing to supply grease to the inside of the adjustment wear bushing. The camber adjustment is accomplished via a slot in the row planter frame and bolts extending into arms on a pivotal member.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an agricultural implement. The system includes a monitor device, a communication module and a display device. The monitor device is in electrical communication with a plurality of sensors monitoring the operation of agricultural implement. The implement sensors generate “as-applied” data. The as-applied data is processed and transmitted to a display device via a communication module. The display device renders maps representing the as-applied data. The generated maps may be accessed and displayed as map overlays on a display device with a common view characteristic.

Abstract: A method for employing sensors of a robotic vehicle may include capturing a current image of a reference marker via a camera disposed on a robotic vehicle and comparing at least one property of the reference marker in the current image to a corresponding known 5 property. The method may further include determining a current lighting condition classification based on a result of the comparing, and making at least one adjustment to a sensor of a sensor network of the robotic vehicle based on the current lighting condition classification.

Abstract: A strand trimmer and method of use thereof. The strand trimmer includes a pair of pivotable arms each having a motor, a follower wheel, and a cutter-spindle assembly disposed thereon. The arms are biased toward one another and are guided by the follower wheels to pivot around obstacles passing between the arms. The motor rotates the cutter-spindle assembly to move cutting strands extending therefrom through a cutting path with sufficient rotational velocity to cut vegetation. The cutter-spindle assembly includes a spool and a strand-feed mechanism. The spool is oriented to rotate about a horizontal axis. The strand-feed mechanism includes a solenoid actuated plunger within a shaft of the cutter-spindle assembly. The plunger engages the spool to control rotation of the spool and thereby feeding out of incremental lengths of the strand.

Abstract: A trimmer head, a line holder and a method. The head may include a housing rotatable about an axis; a line holder supported by the housing, the line holder defining a first receptacle, a second receptacle separated from the first receptacle and an opening communicating with the first receptacle and the second receptacle; and a line supportable by the line holder, the line having a first end and an opposite second end, the line being folded to provide a first line section from the first end toward a folded portion and a second line section from the second end toward the folded portion, the folded portion being insertable into the opening, the first line section being received in the first receptacle, the second line section being received in the second receptacle.

Abstract: A low-energy blade system having a quick-change attachment for a lawn maintenance tool is provided. The low-energy blade system requires a reduced amount of energy to rotate the blade system. The blade system includes a shell, a mounting plate attached to the shell, a plurality of quick-attach mechanisms, and a separate cutting blade attachable to each of the quick-attach mechanisms. Each quick-attach mechanism allows a cutting blade to be attached to the mounting plate without the need for external tools, such as screwdriver, wrench, ratchet, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for adjusting the height of an agricultural implement, including an arm that can be controlled so as to raise and lower the implement; a height measuring sensor mounted on the arm and positioned in front of the implement in the direction of travel of the vehicle equipped with the arm. A calculator configured to provide a control set point for the height of the arm on the basis of the measurements obtained by the sensor, wherein the sensor is a light screen device formed by an emitter in the form of a column of light sources and a receiver in the form of a column of photoreceptors. The emitter and the receiver are mounted on the arm facing one another and extending along their longitudinal axis, perpendicularly to the ground, in order to measure the height of plants located therebetween.

Abstract: A merger that picks up and distributes materials from a ground surface is provided. The merger includes a frame that provides support to the merger, a pick-up head affixed to the frame that lifts the materials from the ground surface, a height adjuster affixed to the frame that maintains a minimum clearance between the ground surface and the pick-up head, and a conveyor affixed to the frame that receives the materials from the pick-up head. The conveyor includes a first belt and a second belt that independently distributes the materials on the ground surface from at least one of a first side of the frame and a second side of the frame.

Abstract: A cooling system for a crop harvester. The cooling system includes a thermal transfer system configured to transfer heat from an engine of the crop harvester to air and crops passing through a crop chute of the crop harvester to cool the engine and dry crops passing through the crop chute.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer has at least one cutting blade and an internal combustion engine operatively connected to the at least one cutting blade so as to drive the at least one cutting blade reciprocatingly. The internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas muffler with an outlet for discharging exhaust gases from the exhaust gas muffler. A multi-part exhaust gas pipe is connected seal-tightly to the outlet of the exhaust gas muffler and connects the outlet of the exhaust gas muffler to an outlet opening where the exhaust gases exit from the hedge trimmer. The multi-part exhaust gas pipe has a plurality of pipe sections, including at least a first pipe section and a second pipe section, wherein the second pipe section is embodied separate from the first pipe section. At least one of the plurality of pipe sections is made of plastic material.

Abstract: A pole hedge trimmer which is balanced about a pole axis and which has a handle which can be operated with a single hand to orient the trimming blade at a desired trimming angle. A pole hedge trimmer having a trimmer assembly having a motor unit and a trimmer unit, in which the trimmer assembly is supported by a pole at a distance from a power unit and the motor unit and trimmer unit are generally in balance with one another about a pole axis. The pole hedge trimmer can have a position system for orienting a trimmer blade using an orientation handle configured for one-handed operation by an operator to position the trimmer blade. The pole hedge trimmer can be a low-profile hedge trimmer allowing for very close trimming to surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying foliar spray and more specifically, but not exclusively, to an apparatus for applying a carbon rich foliar spray. The apparatus (1) includes supply means (2) for supplying water (3) to the apparatus. The supply means (2) is in the form of a water tank (4) with pipe (5) extending from the tank, through a reverse osmosis water filtration unit (12), pump (6), and valve (7). A solute container (8) for holding solute (9) in the form an electrolyte solution of sodium ions (Na+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3—) formed by mixing sodium bicarbonate and water (3) from the supply means (2). The combinatory part (10) is connected to an ion exchange part (15) through valve (19), pipe (17) and pump (18). The prepared solution is the product of passing the diluted electrolyte solution (11) through the ion exchange column (15).

Abstract: Injection equipment for endotherapy treatments in plants, comprising a product-containing tank (1) that hydraulically connects to a pumping device (2) which in turn hydraulically and electrically connects to a control unit (3) that in turn hydraulically connects to an injection element (4), the control unit (3) incorporating a transducer arranged in relation to a conduit that connects to the hydraulic connections of said control unit (3) with the pumping device (2) and with the injection element (4), said transducer (22) being connected to the electric connection between the control unit (3) and the pumping device (2), such that it enables the operations of the equipment to be controlled depending on the pressure of the product that is injected during the application treatments.

Abstract: A planter includes a wall and a rim formed at an open end portion of the wall. A set of holes is formed through the wall and is disposed on a surface beneath the rim. The surface beneath the rim includes a shape to obscure a view of the hole below the rim.

Abstract: A light trolley system for vertical-plane growing that maximizes the coverage area, quality of light, and useable growing area is provided. The light trolley system comprises a support structure and a first C rail secured to the support structure. The first C rail has a first end and a second end. A first brace is mounted to the first C rail and a first light trolley secured to the first brace. The first light trolley has at least one bar light mounted within a light manifold. The first brace supports and stabilizes the first light trolley. The combined first brace and first light trolley is moveable along the first C rail between the first end and the second end of the first C rail allowing the first light trolley to be moved to various locations increasing labor efficiency in the growing area.

Abstract: Disclosed are a warm cloud catalyst, a preparation method and an application thereof. The warm cloud catalyst comprises the following components in parts by weight: plant powder/plant ash/plant carbon powder 80-120 parts; surfactant dry powder 0.5-5 parts or a surfactant solution 15-32 parts; and a thickening agent 2-10 parts. All the components of the catalyst are easily wettable. The plant powder/plant ash/plant carbon powder is used as a dispersing agent and a vapor condensation nucleus; the surfactant can reduce surface tension of some cloud droplets and facilitate combination of the cloud droplets with other cloud droplets upon collision, so as to expand the cloud droplet spectrum; the thickening agent can absorb water and continuously expand to become large droplets in cloud. The catalyst is non-corrosive, is not easily agglomerated, is easy to store, produce and process, and is safe and nontoxic, available in material, and convenient and simple in use.

Abstract: A water containment device. The water containment device provides a bendable strip for containing water around plants. The strip includes interlocking slots or other fasteners for creating a closed loop or connecting with a second similar strip. The strip also includes teeth on a bottom side that are configured to penetrate and engage a ground surface to keep the strip in an upright orientation. Once secured around a plant, the strip prevents water from leaving from a close proximity from the surface or the top soil around the plant.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium are disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. Container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. Container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. Center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The plurality of holes have at least one dripper for receiving liquid extending therethrough base portion such that the at least one dripper feeds plant growing medium at variable flow rates and intervals and provides stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for hydroponic plant production including a tray; having an interior bottom surface and an exterior bottom surface; a plurality of drip holes disposed within a bottom portion of the tray, the drip holes passing from the exterior bottom surface of the bottom portion of the tray through to the interior bottom surface; a support medium; a plurality of first corrugations configured to suspend the support medium above the interior bottom surface, forming an space between the support medium and the interior bottom surface; and a dome defining an interior volume, the dome disposed above the tray and removably attached thereto; wherein the interior volume is configured to accommodate a plurality of plants growing within the apparatus; and the support medium is configured to provide a matrix supporting roots of the plurality of plants and convey a nutrient medium to the roots.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for hydroponic plant production including a tray; having interior and exterior bottom surfaces; a plurality of drip holes disposed within a bottom portion of the tray, the drip holes passing from the exterior bottom surface of the bottom portion of the tray through to the interior bottom surface; a support medium; a plurality of first spacers configured to suspend the support medium above the interior bottom surface, forming an space between the support medium and the interior bottom surface; and a dome defining an interior volume, the dome disposed above the tray and removably attached thereto; wherein the interior volume is configured to accommodate a plurality of plants growing; and the support medium is configured to provide a matrix supporting roots of the plants and convey a nutrient medium to the roots. Also provided is a grow bed to hold a plurality of claimed trays.

Abstract: Three-dimensional vegetation growing systems provide an enclosed hydroponic environment for growing plants. The system serves to uniformly expose the plants to nutrients, liquids, and light from multiple directions while the plant rotates.

Abstract: Three-dimensional vegetation growing systems provide an enclosed hydroponic environment for growing plants. The system serves to uniformly expose the plants to nutrients, liquids, and light from multiple directions while the plant rotates.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for identifying maize plants that having increased culturability and/or transformability. The methods use molecular markers to identify and to select plants with increased culturability and/or transformability or to identify and deselect plants with decreased culturability and/or transformability. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: A method for selecting genetically elite trees of Pongamia pinnata is disclosed. This method relates to the early measurement of tree characteristics for selecting Pongamia trees having higher than average productivity levels, based on the selection of characteristics that are stable in expression and having close linkage with kernel yield. This invention relates to tree productivity. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for the selection, propagation, and plantation planting of genetically elite trees of Pongamia pinnata.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Chlorella variabilis-derived phosphomannose isomerase gene, herein named ChloPMI. The present invention also provides a prokaryotic expression vector comprising ChloPMI, which can be used for identifying mannose metabolic activity of ChloPMI protein. Further, the present invention provides an expression cassette and a plant expression vector comprising ChloPMI, and a use of the expression cassette and the expression vector in genetic transformation of plants. According to the present invention, the transformation of rice cells is successfully achieved with the plant expression vector constructed from the ChloPMI gene using mannose as a selection agent. According to the present invention, a plant-derived phosphomannose isomerase gene is successfully separated and cloned from Chlorella variabilis.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV309345. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV309345, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV309345 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV309345 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV309345.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV758647. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV758647, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV758647 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV758647 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV758647.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV747050. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV747050, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV747050 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV747050 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV747050.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV509109. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV509109, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV509109 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV509109 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV509109.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV346421. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV346421, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV346421 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV346421 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV346421.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV875680. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV875680, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV875680 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV875680 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV875680.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV507905. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV507905, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV507905 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV507905 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV507905.

Abstract: A milk meter operably coupled to a controller, the milk meter comprising an inlet, an outlet, an inner column coupled to an opening of the outlet. The milk meter further comprises a conductivity sensor comprising a first conductive strip positioned at a first portion of the milk meter and a second conductive strip positioned substantially parallel to the first conductive strip wherein the conductivity sensor measures a change in resistance between the first and second conductive strips as fluid collects inside the milk meter before the fluid exits the milk meter through the outlet opening. The controller is operable to receive data about the fluid from the conductivity sensor and calculate a total quantity of fluid flow through the milk meter over a period of time.

Abstract: A valve apparatus comprises a housing, a solenoid operable to receive electrical current flow, and an enclosure, the enclosure housing the solenoid, a magnet coupled to the enclosure, a plunger comprising a stopper and a conductive portion, and a spring coupled to the plunger. When the solenoid receives a first current, the solenoid applies a first magnetic force onto the plunger causing the stopper to disengage from the housing outlet, the conductive portion of the plunger magnetically connects with the magnet, and the stopper remains disengaged from the housing outlet after the first period of time expires. When the conductive portion is magnetically connected to the magnet and the solenoid receives a second current, the solenoid applies a second magnetic force onto the plunger causing the conductive portion of the plunger to disconnect from the magnet so that the stopper engages with the housing outlet.

Abstract: A cheesemaker with a container interior in the form of a cheese vat or cheese kettle, which rotatably incorporates a driven agitator with at least one agitating and cutting blade. The cheesemaker is to be simple in structural design and easy to operate, and also satisfy strict hygiene requirements. This is achieved by providing the agitating and cutting blade with a window that can be detached therefrom, and moved relative to the agitating and cutting blade.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet 10 for pets comprises: a liquid-permeable top sheet 12; a liquid-impermeable back sheet 14; an absorbent core provided between the top sheet 12 and the back sheet 14; and a colored area visually recognizable from a top sheet side. An antimicrobial and/or a bacteriostat is provided on the top sheet side relative to the absorbent core.

Abstract: A rectangular shaped animal trapping cage with one side of the cage configured in two segments that can be swung toward the inside of the cage and locked to facilitate the immobilization of sheep and goat sized animals.

Abstract: A bale feeder apparatus, system and method is described. A bale feeder for feeding a herd of livestock includes at least three ring-shaped horizontal rails including a top rail, a bottom rail and a middle rail, the middle rail spaced above the bottom rail at a middle rail height measured from a ground, and a plurality of neck rails extending upwards and inwards from the middle rail to the top rail, each neck rail spaced apart from an adjacent neck rail on same side of the bale feeder at a neck rail distance, the middle rail height about equal to a length of a longest foreleg expected in the herd of livestock, and the neck rail distance falling within a range bounded by a widest head expected in the herd of livestock, and a narrowest adult shoulder width expected of any adult animal in the herd of livestock.

Abstract: An elevated feeding tray apparatus includes an elevated base including a vertical side wall; a plurality of legs extending from the vertical side wall of the elevated base; and a tray including a bowl including a rim, the bowl being watertight below the rim; wherein the elevated base and the plurality of legs are integrally formed from substantially the same material and the elevated base is configured to hold the rim of the tray at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A feeding station for farm animals (45), as in particular for pigs, provided with a first reservoir (3) for a first animal food component, a first conveyor pipe (15) connected to the first reservoir (3), with a first conveyor screw (17) extending internally of the first conveyor pipe (15), and a mouthpiece (7) for reception in the mouth of an animal (45). A first end of the first conveyor screw (17) is coupled adjacent to the first reservoir (3) to a rotatable first drive (21) and a second end of the first conveyor screw (17) ends shortly before the mouthpiece (7). The feeding station (1) is further provided with at least a second reservoir (5) for a second animal food component, a second conveyor pipe (16) connected to the second reservoir with a second conveyor screw (19) extending internally of the second conveyor pipe (16). A first end of the second conveyor screw (19) is coupled adjacent to the second reservoir (5) to a second drive (23) which is rotatable independently of the first drive (21).

Abstract: A device (1) to tag an animal is disclosed. The device comprises a female (20) including a case (21) with a thorough hole (22), a male (40) to be coupled to the female (20) and including a stem (41) with a tip portion (60); the female (20) includes tamperproof fastening means (23) adapted to block the tip portion (60) in the thorough hole (22) and wherein, after coupling the male (40) with the female (20), the hole (22) is closed by the tip (60), the tip becomes part of the female (20) and the stem (41) moves in the case (21).

Abstract: A farm system comprising a plurality of smart tags which are each configured to be worn by an animal, a transmitter and receiver unit for wireless communication with the smart tag, one control unit which is communicatively connected to the transmitter and receiver unit and a farm unit which can be controlled by the control unit. Each smart tag comprises at least one sensor and is configured for wirelessly transmitting information obtained by one of the sensors to the transmitter and receiver unit, wherein the transmitter and receiver unit is configured for supplying the received information to the control unit and wherein the control unit is configured for processing the received information and, at least on the basis of this processed information, controlling at least a farm unit and/or generating a report signal for indicating to a user of the system that an activity is to be carried out.

Abstract: An animal clean feeder device is provided comprising a feeding structure having at least three sides, and at least one opening on one of the three sides, where the opening is large enough for a domestic animal to insert their head through. The feeder device also has a cleaning system which, when positioned on the feeding structure, allows the animal to clean their face as they move their head in and out of the opening on the feeding structure. Systems for cleaning an animal's face and a method for cleaning an animal's face are also provided.

Abstract: A pet grooming device includes a first positioning member and a second positioning member. The second positioning member includes one or more assembling hole. The assembling hole includes a grooming brush. The first positioning member and the second positioning member are combined with each other.

Abstract: The pet toy comprises a body having a chamber that may hold attractants. A plurality of openings in the body enables the aroma of an attractant to escape. One end of the body includes a projection that frictionally engages one end of an extension in the form of an elongate spring. The opposite end of the elongate spring connects to a base. The base has a plurality of prongs that extend substantially perpendicular to the base. Each prong has a stem and an arm extending substantially perpendicular to the stem. The pet toy is mounted to a surface having gaps between layers of material, such as cardboard. The prongs are oriented to engage the surface so sufficient frictional engagement is achieved to keep the pet toy mounted when an animal makes contact with the pet toy.