Abstract: In the method for predicting a bi-predictive block of a moving picture, first and second distinct motion-compensated blocks are obtained using first and second motion vectors respectively. The bi-predictive block of the moving picture is predicted using first and second variable weight factors associated with the first and second distinct motion-compensated blocks, respectively.

Abstract: A drill attachment for tilling soil has an extended drill shaft that is coupled with a till plate. The combination may be driven by an ordinary hand drill. The drill shaft has a stabilizer tip that protrudes beyond the till plate. The till plate includes a plurality of teeth that dig into and work top soil, while a generally planar disk-shaped body member at the top of the till plate prevents the till plate from sinking below the surface of the soil. The teeth are stamped from the till plate, forming openings in the generally planar disk-shaped body member. These openings and other optional openings cooperate with the teeth to further break up clumps of soil, and help to balance forces from the teeth pulling into the soil against the force of the body member that resists sinking into the earth. Optional weed-out and hole tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement for use in a field. The agricultural tillage implement including a frame section and a plurality of wing sections. The frame section has a pull hitch extending in a travel direction. Each of the plurality of wing sections are coupled to the frame section and/or a wing section. The wing sections each have an articulated portion pivotal about an axis substantially perpendicular to the travel direction.

Abstract: A planter row unit comprises a frame, a furrow opener mounted to the frame to open a furrow, a seed delivery mechanism mounted to the frame to deposit seed into the furrow, a furrow shaper, and a sensor configured to detect a parameter related to seed planting.

Abstract: A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed transport member having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed transport member, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors targeting a different location within the seed meter. Each of the plurality of sensors connected to send signals to a controller that evaluates whether each seed cell passing through these locations is filled or empty.

Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties includes planter with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit, as well as a queuing system. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.

Abstract: An articulated harvesting combine includes of a forward power processing unit (PPU, 12) and a rear grain cart (14), wherein the PPU carries dual axially mounted engines (36 and 38) with oppositely opposed crankshafts (100 and 102) with one toward the rear grain cart and the other engine away from the rear grain cart, wherein the dual engines share a common radiator, single air conditioning condenser, single alternator, common batteries, common fuel tank and exhaust fluid tank; but have separate hot exhaust treatment system, separate hot exhaust manifolds, and separate side-mounted charge air coolers.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester comprises a feederhouse pivotally attached to a chassis, where the feederhouse defines a conduit for conveying crop material rearwardly from a front opening. A header interface frame is pivotally mounted to the feederhouse over the front opening to permit header pitch adjustment around a pitch adjustment axis. Upper and lower linear actuators are connected on one side of the feederhouse between the feederhouse and interface frame to control the pitch adjustment.

Abstract: A nut row harvester has a nut hopper attached to a conveyor system. The nut row harvester has first and second frame sections that are pivotable relative to each other. A delivery end of the conveyor is moveable from a lower or harvesting position to an upper or dumping position. The nut hopper moves between the upper and lower positions with the end of the delivery conveyor.

Abstract: A compact belt tensioner to be installed in draper harvesting headers that accommodates the flexing and twisting of the conveyor belts and generates a constant tension evenly distributed across the width of the conveyor belts. The tensioner performs an automatic belt tension without the operators intervention.

Abstract: A clip for a draper of a crop header is arranged to cover a portion of a cleat of a draper where the lower run of the draper comes into contact with a lower support track which confines the lower run to a location clear of the cutter bar and a forwardly extending beam of the crop header frame. The clip forms a channel which features teeth presented at an inside of the channel for biting into the cleat so as to retain the clip thereon with the teeth forming ramped surfaces which can slide along the cleat upon installation of the clip, for example by press fitting the clip downwardly onto the cleat.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a grain pan arranged to catch a crop stream, the grain pan being driven in an oscillating manner to convey the crop stream rearwardly to a rear edge. A cleaning unit includes a fan for generating a cleaning airstream which is directed under the rear edge. The grain pan includes a floor profile which defines a transverse profile having ridges and troughs. The troughs provide a plurality of longitudinal channels, wherein the ridge-to-trough height increases in the direction of conveyance. Crop material conveyed by the grain pan experiences channels that deepen towards the rear edge of the pan.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester (10) defining a longitudinal axis (LI) includes a chassis; at least one ground engaging traction member carried by the chassis (12); a cleaning system (26) carried by the chassis that is configured to clean crop material; and a generally vertical crop material elevator (60) carried by the chassis. The crop material elevator (60) includes a housing (78) having an inlet (76) formed therethrough; a driving loop (88) held within the housing; a plurality of paddles (90) connected to the driving loop; and a rotating element (92) configured to rotate the plurality of paddles about an axis of rotation that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The agricultural harvester (10) also includes a crop material conveyor (70) configured to supply cleaned crop material to the inlet of the crop material elevator from the cleaning system.

Abstract: A rectangular baler including a chassis; a compacting plunger supported on the chassis for advancing crop material; and a bale chamber between the compacting plunger and the back end. The chassis is provided with a first and second sidewall extending from the front end in the direction of the back end. There is further provided a pull rod connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall, at a location between the plunger and the front end. The pull rod has a first part and a second end part extending freely through a first hole in the first sidewall and a second hole in the second sidewall, respectively.

Abstract: A continuous roll of wrapping material for crops such as baled cotton wherein wrapping segments are set off by spaced transverse lines of slits or scoring for predictable separation during the wrapping process. Protection of the transverse lines and sealing assistance may be included by the addition of an adhesive layer and a V-fold over the transverse lines.

Abstract: A feeding system for an agricultural implement includes a hopper configured to receive agricultural crop material. An auger extending across the hopper is configured to meter the agricultural crop material from the hopper into a tapered passageway. A movable belt is disposed along one side of the tapered passageway and is configured to urge the agricultural crop material through the tapered passageway toward an outlet of the tapered passageway to form the agricultural crop material into a mat having a thickness substantially equal to a width of the outlet.

Abstract: A lighting system with selectable emission characteristics may include a housing, a controller, a first plurality of light sources operatively coupled to the controller and carried by the housing, and a second plurality of light sources operatively coupled to and controlled by the controller and carried by the housing. The first and second pluralities of light sources may be operable to emit first and second combined lights, respectively, and to emit a first light having a wavelength within the range of 650 nanometers to 700 nanometers, a second light having a wavelength within the range of 500 nanometers to 570 nanometers, and a third light having a wavelength within the range of 430 nanometers to 470 nanometer. The second light may be characterized by a human photopic response of greater than 0.0 and less than 0.4 throughout the range from 500 nanometers to 570 nanometers.

Abstract: A stabilizer is used on a tower structure of a center pivot irrigation system. The tower structure has wheels supporting the tower on a ground surface and the wheels are adapted and configured to roll on the ground surface in a direction of travel. The stabilizer has a bracing member with proximal and distal ends spaced apart by a length. The bracing member proximal end is adapted and configured to be operatively releasably connected to the tower structure such that when the stabilizer is mounted to the tower structure, the bracing member is movable from a stored position in which the bracing member distal end is arranged generally adjacent to the tower structure to a deployed position in which the bracing member distal end is arranged outboard of the wheels in the direction of travel and in contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical and economical means of growing of kelp and other types of macroalgae in large quantities on and in the ocean. Through the use of catenary principles and innovative structural designs, efficient designs emerge that translate into lightweight and low-cost components. The novel design described allows cost-efficient macroalgae farming at scales and at depths unsuitable for present macroalgae farming techniques. The device and methods described present a means of farming these seaweeds for the purpose of providing food, chemical feed stocks, and a biomass suitable for the production of biofuels.

Abstract: A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated CLX37935 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid CLX37935, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato CLX37935, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato CLX37935 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant CLX37935.

Abstract: A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated HMX7161 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid HMX7161, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato HMX7161, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato HMX7161 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant HMX7161.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PYQB84 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PYQB84, cells from soybean variety 5PYQB84, plants of soybean 5PYQB84, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PYQB84. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PYQB84 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PYQB84, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PYQB84, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PYQB84. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PYQB84 are further provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01068143. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01068143. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01068143 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01068143 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064083. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064083. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064083 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064083 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated OT13679800, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-125672. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the OT13679800 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13M716 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13M716 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13M716 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X13M716, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13M716 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13M716 and methods of using maize variety X13M716 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X18M736 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X18M736 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18M736 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X18M736, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18M736 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18M736 and methods of using maize variety X18M736 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2TWM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2TWM with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2TWM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2TWM or a locus conversion of PH2TWM with another maize variety.

Abstract: Inbred corn lines, designated BC143 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn lines BC143 to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn lines BC143 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn lines BC143 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line BC143 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn lines BC143.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of spinach breeding, in particular to a new dominant resistance gene, designated RPF11, which confers resistance against races 7 to 14 of Peronospora farinosa and to spinach plants comprising said gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of spinach breeding, in particular to a new dominant resistance gene, designated RPF12, which confers resistance against all races of Peronospora farinosa and to spinach plants comprising said gene.

Abstract: New lettuce variety designated ‘PRO 1632’ is described. ‘PRO 1632’ exhibits stability and uniformity.

Abstract: Novel lettuce, such as lettuce designated SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’) is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of lettuce SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’), to the plants and plant parts of lettuce SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’), and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’) with itself or another lettuce plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other lettuce plants derived from the lettuce SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’.

Abstract: A New Guinea Impatiens plant designated SAKIMP045 is disclosed. Embodiments include seeds of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP045, plants of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP045, to plant parts of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP045, and methods for producing an impatiens plant produced by crossing New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP045 with itself or with another impatiens variety. Embodiments include methods for producing an impatiens plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and transgenic impatiens plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to impatiens varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP045, methods for producing other impatiens lines or plant parts derived from New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP045, and the impatiens plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH42GF and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH42GF with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH42GF through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH42GF or a locus conversion of PH42GF with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PLQE62 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PLQE62, cells from soybean variety 5PLQE62, plants of soybean 5PLQE62, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PLQE62. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PLQE62 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PLQE62, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PLQE62, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PLQE62. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PLQE62 are further provided.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated S170029 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S170029, to the plants of soybean cultivar S170029, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S170029, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S170029. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170029. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170029, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S170029 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated S170034 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S170034, to the plants of soybean cultivar S170034, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S170034, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S170034. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170034. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170034, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S170034 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PRNN46 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PRNN46, cells from soybean variety 5PRNN46, plants of soybean 5PRNN46, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PRNN46. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PRNN46 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PRNN46, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PRNN46, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PRNN46. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PRNN46 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PWAV53 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PWAV53, cells from soybean variety 5PWAV53, plants of soybean 5PWAV53, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PWAV53. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PWAV53 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PWAV53, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PWAV53, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PWAV53. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PWAV53 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PZGK37 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PZGK37, cells from soybean variety 5PZGK37, plants of soybean 5PZGK37, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PZGK37. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PZGK37 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PZGK37, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PZGK37, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PZGK37. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PZGK37 are further provided.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 64442216 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 64442216, to the plants of soybean cultivar 64442216, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 64442216, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 64442216. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 64442216. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 64442216, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 64442216 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 76051047 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 76051047, to the plants of soybean cultivar 76051047, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 76051047, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 76051047. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 76051047. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 76051047, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 76051047 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A petunia-calibrachoa plant designated SAKPXC018 is disclosed. Embodiments include the seeds of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC018, the plants of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC018, to plant parts of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC018, and methods for producing a plant produced by crossing petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC018 with itself or with another variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC018, methods for producing other lines or plant parts derived from petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC018, and the plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC018 with another variety.

Abstract: A cleaning system for an automatic milking system includes a water supply arrangement alternatively serving first and second cleaning arrangements. The first cleaning arrangement is configured, in milking mode, to clean the teat cups of the automatic milking system and/or the teats of milking animals prior to being milked. The first cleaning arrangement includes at least one cleaning module, at least one feed line interconnecting the cleaning module with a tank, and a feed pump for feeding water from the tank to the cleaning module. The second cleaning arrangement is configured, in system cleaning mode, to clean the automatic milking system and includes a detergent supply system connected to the tank for supplying detergent to the tank, and a supply line interconnecting the tank with the automatic milking system allowing the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the automatic milking system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, a continuous cooker stretcher is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.

Abstract: An animal toilet includes: a front-rear direction, a right-left direction, and a height direction; an upper container that is to be placed with excrement treating material on a bottom portion having a plurality of holes through which urine passes, the bottom portion being a part positioned lowest inside the upper container, in a state where an absorbent body has been placed in a tray, a central position of the bottom portion of the upper container being arranged nearer to a rear side than a central position of the absorbent body, in the front-rear direction; the tray that is to be placed with the absorbent body that absorbs urine that has passed through the holes; and a lower container put below the upper container, the lower container storing the tray.

Abstract: A litter box apparatus housing top container used for litter area. Litter and waste are displaced by simple movement outward of top container, waste is retained by sifting surface of middle container, clean litter falls to bottom container. Cover is transparent, peel and stick movable designs are used to customize to the individual cat and owner's needs. Optional side or back hinge guides cover to closure. Cat enters through cover, walks on a shelf removing litter from paws upon exit. A partial partition extends time cat walks on shelf and will prevent dogs who seek to consume waste from accessing litter area. With optional use of stick-on child proof drawer locks can prevent young children from accessing litter and waste. Motion sensor timer signifies if enough time elapsed for waste to dry before sifting. The litter box apparatus provides a clean, customized litter box experience for both pet and owner.

Abstract: An animal restraining or tethering device for permitting movement of an animal along paths having their extent defined by a telescoping elevated rod adapted to be mounted between opposing passenger grab handles in a vehicle or between opposing mounting locations in a truck bed, is described. One end of a component rod member and one end of a tube member are fitted with adjustable end connectors for reversible attachment of the rod assembled therefrom to the passenger grab handles or the truck bed attachment locations. At least one sliding member adapted to slidably move along the rod is attached to a leash or chain which is in turn connected to an animal collar or harness. The sliding member can also be fixed at a chosen location along the rod, if desired. Various rings and loops may be fastened to the rod at chosen locations for holding items placed in the vehicle, and for preventing these items from being thrown about as a result of vehicle movement.