Abstract: A hoe-like excavation tool having an elongated handle, and a hoe plate mounted to one end of the handle, perpendicular to the handle and offset from the axis of the handle. The plate has a sharp working edge, and a plurality of teeth extending outward from the edge.

Abstract: A forage harvester is disclosed that includes a cutterhead assembly and two frame parts between which the cutterhead assembly is rotatably suspended. The forage harvester assembly is held on both frame parts by a clamp bearing that defines a rotary axis. Contact points between an element on the frame part side and an element on the assembly side of the clamp bearing lie on a spherical surface centered on the rotary axis.

Abstract: A tool bar system is provided that is configured and arranged with weight distribution that inhibits the tool bar system from applying lifting forces to the rear hitch of the tractor that is pulling the tool bar. In one or more embodiments, the toolbar system includes a frame, lift wheels, a tool mount bar assembly having one or more forward sections and one or more rearward sections. The rearward sections are positioned rearward of lift wheels. Forward sections are positioned closer to the front of the tool bar system than the rearward sections, thereby reducing lifting forces at the front end of the tool bar system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disturbing soil are described. The systems may include an elliptical motion mechanism, a shaft coupled to the elliptical motion mechanism, wherein the elliptical motion mechanism is configured to move the shaft in an elliptical path, and a hoe blade coupled to the shaft such that the hoe blade in an initial position is proximate to a soil surface, and wherein a face of the hoe blade is located in a plane intersecting the plane of the elliptical path, and wherein the soil-disturbing apparatus is configured to receive a signal to operate the elliptical motion mechanism, and in response to receiving the signal, operate the elliptical motion mechanism so the hoe blade is moved in an elliptical path, and whereby a portion of the hoe blade elliptical path falls below the soil surface to disturb the soil.

Abstract: An intelligent seed production apparatus and method based on multistage screening and bud eye identification includes a feeding module, a pre-cutting module, a bud eye identifying and cutting module, and a material mixing module. The feeding module can screen out seed potatoes with the mass and shapes meeting the requirements through a multistage screening mechanism. The pre-cutting module can receive the seed potatoes discharged from the feeding module, and cut each seed potato in half; the bud eye identifying and cutting module can receive the seed potato pieces discharged from the pre-cutting module and determine the weight of the seed potatoes and identify the bud eye distribution on the surfaces of the seed potatoes, and cut the seed potato into multiple required tubers, so that bud eyes are distributed on different tubers uniformly. The material mixing module can receive the cut tubers, and complete the material mixing of the tubers.

Abstract: A seeding device system is presented for use with helicopters and other vehicles. The system includes a bulk seed container, a feed tube that connects the seed container to a metering device that precisely meters out seed, a flow control system that controls operation of the metering device, and a blower connected to a venturi that blows the seed outward from the helicopter. When seed is metered out of the metering device, the seed is sucked into the venturi and blown outward. The seed container is held in the back seat or cargo area of the helicopter and the blower, venturi and metering device are positioned exterior to the helicopter. This arrangement does not adversely affect the operational characteristics or aerodynamic properties of the helicopter. In addition, all components of the system are rigidly connected to the helicopter thereby increasing safety and control of the helicopter.

Abstract: A garden tool is comprised of a handle and a head having a plurality of parallel tines each having a free end. The garden tool also has a span perpendicular to the tines. The span is connected to each of the tines at an intermediate position along the length of each tine. The span has a sharpened edge configured to sever plant growth.

Abstract: A string trimmer includes a handle unit including a handle unit housing that defines a grip portion and a battery receptacle. The string trimmer also includes a head unit including a head unit housing, an electric motor, and a rotatable trimmer head. The string trimmer further includes a shaft assembly coupling the handle unit to the head unit. The string trimmer also includes a circuit board assembly supported within the head unit housing. The circuit board assembly includes a heat sink and a circuit board that comprises a controller configured to control the electric motor.

Abstract: The permanent lawn mower, or inground lawn mower, is designed to be an alternative to conventional mobile mowing. Its focus is small grassy areas that are dangerous or impractical to mow by other means. In a first embodiment, the system includes three primary components: a drive unit that supplies rotational motion; a cable that carries rotational motion away from the drive unit, and one or more cutting heads that convert the rotational motion into a cutting action. In a second embodiment, the drive unit is combined with the cutting head, avoiding the need for a cable to carry rotational motion.

Abstract: A corn head corn head includes a first wing segment and a center segment. A corn head adjustment system includes a first fold actuator; a first deck plate actuator mounted on at least one of the first wing segment frame or the center frame and configured to reposition at least one of the first deck plate rod or the center deck plate rod; and corn head hydraulics. During a fold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment and to actuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod. During an unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold the first wing segment relative to the center segment.

Abstract: A corn head includes a first wing segment; a center segment; and a corn head adjustment system. The corn head adjustment system includes a first fold actuator and corn head hydraulics fluidly coupled to receive a fluid from a source and to selectively direct the fluid to the first fold actuator. During a fold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to lift and fold the first wing segment frame relative to the center frame. During an unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to lift and unfold the first wing segment frame relative to the center frame. The corn head hydraulics includes a force relief arrangement configured such that, at a predetermined position during the fold process and the unfold process, fluid pressure to the first fold actuator is reduced.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an agricultural header includes a rod that extends laterally along the header and a hook coupled to the rod. The rod is configured to rotate in a first direction to transition the locking mechanism to a first position and rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to transition the locking mechanism to a second position. The hook is configured to engage an arm of the header. The arm is configured to support a cutter bar assembly of the header and is configured to rotate about a pivot joint relative to a frame of the header. The rod is configured to rotate in the first direction to engage the hook with the arm to block rotation of the respective arm, and the rod is configured to rotate in the second direction to disengage the hook from the respective arm to enable rotation of the arm.

Abstract: A harvesting reel includes a reel frame and a rotating assembly. The reel frame includes two cam assemblies and a cover. The first cam assembly defines a first cam track, and the second cam assembly defines a second cam track. The rotating assembly carries a plurality of reel bats configured to revolve around the longitudinal axis of the rotating assembly and a plurality of reel tines fixed to each reel bat. Each reel bat is coupled to a first cam follower and a second cam follower. The first cam follower of each reel bat travels within the first cam track, the second cam follower of each reel bat travels within the second cam track, and a position and an orientation of each reel bat are defined by the cam tracks. Methods of changing the trajectory of reel tines are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tree branch bundling assembly includes a base that has a bottom side, a top side, a front side, a rear side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A first receiver extends upwardly from the first lateral side. A second receiver extends upwardly from the second lateral side. The first and second receivers each have an open upper side for receiving branches. A spindle is rotatably attached to the front side. A pair of spindle eyelets is attached to the spindle. A pair of receiver eyelets is attached to the base adjacent to the rear side. A first tether is attached to one spindle eyelet and one receiver eyelet. A second tether is attached to the other spindle eyelet and receiver eyelet. The first and second tethers are extendable around branches and the spindle rotated to tighten the first and second tethers around the branches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grain separating apparatus (1) for a combine harvester (2). The grain separating apparatus (1) comprises at least a first walker-sieve (3) and a second walker-sieve (4) arranged side by side, wherein the first walker-sieve (3) and the second walker-sieve (4) are suspended in at least two suspension points (5,6) in the combine harvester (2) and wherein at least one of the two suspension points (5,6) is arranged to describe a rotational motion. A rotational motion drive (7) is arranged to drive the rotational motion of the first walker-sieve (3) out of phase with the rotational motion of the second walker-sieve (4), wherein each of the at least two walker-sieves (3,4) include a straw walker (8) comprising drivers (9) for conveying a straw material (10) and wherein grain (11) and debris (12) are separated from the straw material (10) through walker apertures (13) arranged in the straw walker (8).

Abstract: A roof vent system for a grain storage device is disclosed. A roof vent including a lid is operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening. The lid is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. A bias member configured to apply an upward bias force to the lid to automatically move the lid to the open position. A control lever that is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The control lever is operably connected to the lid by a pull. When control lever is moved to the lower position with a force greater than the bias force of the bias member, the lid is moved to the closed position. A sealing member attached to the lid is configured to provide a seal between the lid and the roof panel when the lid is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a transmission assembly and a garden tool. The transmission assembly is configured to connect a drive assembly and a garden work assembly. The transmission assembly comprises a casing and a first transmission component and a second transmission component accommodated in the casing; the first transmission component and the second transmission component are engaged with each other; the first transmission component comprises a first gear and a second gear engaged with each other; a gear shaft of the first gear is disposed at an angle with respect to a gear shaft of the second gear; and the second transmission component comprises a third gear able to rotate coaxially with the second gear and a fourth gear engaged with the third gear.

Abstract: The darkening screen comprises two fabrics, namely a first fabric (10) which comprises in machining direction first strips of film material and first threads (2) in between the first strips, and a second fabric (11) which comprises in machining direction second strips of film material and second threads (6) in between the second strips. The first (2) and the second threads (6) of the first (10) and the second fabric (11) have water transporting capacity. In order to obtain improved moisture transporting properties whilst maintaining a low hemispherical light transmission the first threads (2) are aligned with said second threads (6) and are situated, in a direction perpendicular to said first (10) and second fabric (11), opposite to said second threads (6) to form pairs of first and second threads.

Abstract: A mobile trellis may be expandable and/or may include reusable components (i.e., components that are used with a second plant following use of the mobile trellis/component with a first plant). A mobile trellis may be incorporated into a horticultural environment. An expandable mobile trellis may include modular components. A mobile trellis may create a microclimate for an associated plant. A mobile trellis may anticipate changes in an associated horticultural environment based upon an event (e.g., a door opening, a component failure, etc.) and/or the mobile trellis may preemptively alter an “input” to, and/or an “output” from, a horticultural environment based on anticipating a change in the horticultural environment.

Abstract: A device is described for preventing damage to crops by means of heated ambient air, the device comprising gas reservoirs a gas burner, a centrifugal fan and a heating device. The heating device branches off a part of the flow of the heated ambient air to an outlet of the centrifugal fan and allows it to flow to the bottom side of the at least one gas reservoir.

Abstract: A method for breeding a new variety of a ratoon rice crop and a cultivation method for the new variety of a ratoon rice crop. The method comprises: breeding a photosensitive variety of a rice crop; growing a ratoon rice crop under conditions of a long photoperiod; and taking corresponding cultivation measures to extend the growth duration of the ratoon rice crop. The invention increases grain yield while also permitting more uniform maturity of a ratoon rice crop. When compared to existing methods for cultivating ratoon rice crops, the invention greatly improves the grain yield and quality of a ratoon rice crop, and has economic and social benefits.

Abstract: A tree section lowering assembly is provided. The tree section lowering assembly includes a support member having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end, and an opposing second end. A plurality of rung members extend from the first side of the support member. Each of the plurality of rung members has an outer surface configured to facilitate a frictional, sliding engagement with an interlaced rigging line. A reinforcement member extends from the second side of the support member and is configured to structurally support the support member. An upper line guide extends from a rung member at the located first end of the support member and a lower line guide extends from a different rung member located at the second end of the support member.

Abstract: Provided is a method for planting a mixed forest of yew trees and fig trees. Yew trees and fig trees are interplanted based on characteristics of yew trees and fig trees. A seedling bed method is used in the plain zones, and a terrace field method is used in mountain zones in order to improve land utilization rate and make full use of complementary advantages of ecological niches. In the present disclosure, ground and underground spaces on tree growing site are fully used. Fig trees grow fast and have large leaves, thus shading part of sunlight for yew trees and savings costs required for building shade shelters for yew trees. By using the method for constructing a mixed forest in the present disclosure, the constructed mixed forest not only allows for increase of biomass, but also provides higher paclitaxel content in yew trees than that in pure forest.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and methods of use for quickly and efficiently excavating, cross-cutting, splitting, and loading or stockpiling tree stumpage and other tree or organic materials, as well as for performing ground cleanup operations. One embodiment provides a stump harvester for attachment to a distal end of an excavator arm. The stump harvester may include front and back jaw assemblies configured to pivot between open and closed positions. The back jaw assembly may include a knife arm having a cutting blade that extends along a majority of a front side of the knife arm. A centerline plane may bisect a cutting edge of the blade. The front jaw assembly may include a planar-aligned dual anvil configured to sheath the cutting edge of the blade when the front and the back jaw assemblies move into the closed position. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, provide an irrigation sensor system, comprising: a rain funnel comprising an upper opening and at least one wall tapering from the upper opening to a lower aperture; and a tipping bucket positioned to receive water falling from the lower aperture while the tipping bucket is positioned such that a central longitudinal axis of the tipping bucket is not aligned with an axis extending through the lower aperture of the funnel.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems for use in controlling irrigation, comprising: an irrigation controller configured to couple with one or more valves at a site and to control activation and deactivation of the one or more valves in accordance with an irrigation schedule stored in the irrigation controller; a wireless adapter directly communicationally coupled through a direct wired connection with the irrigation controller; and a network adapter wirelessly coupled over a point-to-point wireless communication path with the wireless adapter, wherein the network adapter is configured to further couple through a direct wired connection with a local router configured to provide communication over a distributed network to a remote server; wherein the wireless adapter is configured to poll the irrigation controller to acquire and locally store status information; and the wireless adapter is configured to communicate, over the point-to-point wireless channel, the status information to the server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indoor aquaponics assembly which includes a base, an aquarium positioned above and supported by the base, a planter positioned above the aquarium, an aquarium conduit and a planter conduit. The planter is provided with at least two through holes facing towards the aquarium, one being adapted for a water drainage tube to pass through for draining water from the planter to the aquarium, and one being adapted for a tube of a pump to pass through for pumping water from the aquarium to the planter. The present invention aims at reducing the time and efforts required for caring and maintaining the aquarium and the plants.

Abstract: A plant watering apparatus comprising: a watering trough, for receiving and holding a growth-sustaining liquid therein; an actuator for actuating the watering trough between a first position and a second position; and a carrier system comprising a pair of conveyors and a plurality of cradles, the cradles supported by the pair of conveyors and spaced apart therealong, the cradles holding supported plants therein. The conveyors convey the cradles along a path, thereby transporting the cradles to and from a watering position disposed above the watering trough. When a cradle is at the watering position, the watering trough can be elevated to the second position, thus immersing the supported plants in the growth-sustaining liquid in the watering trough so as to permit uptake of the growth-sustaining liquid by the supported plants.

Abstract: A container gardening structure has a grow tray with multiple growing stations that extend a radially from a central point of the grow tray. A light fixture has multiple lighting elements disposed above the grow tray to radiate light to the grow tray and extending outwardly from a central axis for the light fixture, with the central axis extending upward from the grow tray through the grow tray central point, and the lighting elements extend along the light fixture such that a distance from lighting elements to the grow tray increases in length from a lowest lighting element to a highest lighting element. The light fixture and grow tray move relative to each other such that the growing stations are moved away from lights that are disposed closer to the grow tray and toward lights that are disposed further from the grow tray.

Abstract: A plant-growing container (500) can include a lower portion (506) and a wall (502) extending upwardly from the lower portion (506). The wall (502) can include a first aperture (512). The plant-growing container (500) can further include an orifice (510) formed by an upper portion (504) of the wall (502) and configured to receive a removable seed receptacle. The plant-growing container (500) can further include a reservoir provided by a lower portion (506) of the wall (502). The container (500) can be configured to be removably inserted into a port of a module of a plant-growing system, wherein the reservoir can be configured to receive a first volume of fluid from a fluid that is circulated through the plant-growing system.

Abstract: A control system for growing plant matter such as algae, the control system having a controller for controlling a plurality of LED lights, wherein the controller is adapted to control the spectrum and intensity of the LED lights. Preferably the controller is also adapted to control a flickering frequency of the LED lights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-implemented method comprising: receiving (102) a set of pedigree scores (300, 512) of pairs of plant breeding units over two or more generations; receiving (104) an incomplete set of similarity scores (200, 510) of the pairs of the plant breeding unit pairs; aligning (106) the pedigree scores and the similarity scores of identical plant breeding unit pairs; automatically analyzing (108) the aligned pedigree scores and similarity scores for computing a predictive model (508) based on associations of the similarity scores and of the pedigree scores; using the predictive model for creating (112) a complete set of similarity scores (400, 518); and using (114) the complete set of similarity scores for computationally predicting a feature (522) of a plant breeding unit or of an offspring thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for treating rice. The method comprises the steps of: providing a domestic rice crop plant and at least one ACCase-inhibiting aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicide selected from the group consisting of quizalofop or an ester thereof, haloxyfop, fluazifop or an ester thereof, clodinafop, clodinafop-propargyl, diclofop, and diclofop-methyl; applying an effective amount (measured in g AI/Ha) of the at least one aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicide to the domestic rice crop plant, post-emergence; thereby creating a treated rice plant; and growing the resulting treated rice plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated HID3768, IID5385, KFX5360, KID7244, LFF6371, LFF7869, or MIJ7209, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line HID3768, IID5385, KFX5360, KID7244, LFF6371, LFF7869, or MIJ7209 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line HID3768, IID5385, KFX5360, KID7244, LFF6371, LFF7869, or MIJ7209, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line HID3768, IID5385, KFX5360, KID7244, LFF6371, LFF7869, or MIJ7209, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 42-174 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 42-174 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 42-174 RZ.

Abstract: A rice cultivar designated CLL16 is disclosed herein. The present invention provides seeds, plants, and plant parts of or derived from rice cultivar CLL16. Further, it provides methods for producing a rice plant by crossing CLL16 with itself or another rice variety and methods for controlling weeds in the vicinity of a rice plant of rice cultivar CLL16 using an AHAS-inhibiting herbicide. The invention also encompasses any rice seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by the methods disclosed herein, including those in which additional traits have been transferred into CLL16 through the introduction of a transgene or by breeding CLL16 with another rice cultivar.

Abstract: The positions of the tools in an automatic milking arrangement are determined by registering, via a camera at an origin location, three-dimensional image data representing the tools whose positions are to be determined. Using an algorithm involving matching the image data against reference data, tool candidates are identified in the three-dimensional image data. A respective position is calculated for the tools based on the origin location and data expressing respective distances from the origin location to each of the identified tool candidates. It is presumed that the tools are arranged according to a spatially even distribution relative to one another. Therefore, any tool candidate is disregarded, which is detected at such a position that the position for the candidate deviates from the spatially even distribution.

Abstract: In picking up tools in an automatic milking arrangement, the positions of the tools are determined by registering, via a camera at an origin location, three-dimensional image data representing the tools whose positions are to be determined. Using an algorithm involving matching the image data against reference data, tool candidates are identified in the three-dimensional image data. A respective position is calculated for the tools based on the origin location and data expressing respective distances from the origin location to each of the identified tool candidates. It is presumed that the tools have predefined locations relative to one another. Therefore, any second tool candidate is disregarded, which is detected at a separation distance from a first tool candidate when the separation distance exceeds a first threshold distance in relation to the predefined relative locations.

Abstract: A device (1) for continuously conveying and plasticising cheese curd includes a housing (2) having an elongate chamber (3) with inlet and openings (5, 6). At least one pair of oppositely-driven conveying shafts (4.1, 4.2) is arranged in the elongate chamber such the axes of rotation (18.1, 18.2) of the shafts extend in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the chamber. The conveying shafts have interleaved helical structures (19.1, 19.2) for axially conveying the cheese curd from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. A heating device (9.1, 17) heats at least part of the shaft(s) and at least part of an inner surface of the chamber. At least one entraining device is designed such that at least part of the cheese curd to be conveyed and plasticised is also transported around the two conveying shafts.

Abstract: A retractable curtain system is provided and includes a curtain support system, a curtain, and a retraction system. The curtain support system includes a pair of outer walls and an upper frame to provide a curtain receiving space. The curtain covers the curtain receiving space and includes a first non-transparent panel and transparent panel connected to the first non-transparent panel. The retraction system is connected to the curtain to lower and raise the transparent panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed biodegradable hygienic granules, with high liquid absorption properties for use in the retention of urine and domestic cat waste. The present disclosure also relates to the manufacture process of the granules.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for a cat litter that can be used to diagnose feline medical conditions. A cat litter contains an additive, e.g., a chemical agent, such as a natural and/or synthetic agent, that changes in color when it comes in contact with cat urine or feces. Based on the color it can be determined whether the cat has a medical condition, such as particular illness. For example, if the litter turns yellow when it comes in contact with the urine, it can indicate that the cat is healthy. If the litter turns to a color other than yellow, e.g., green, it can indicate that the cat has some illness. The cat then be taken to a veterinary doctor for further diagnosis. The chemical agent aids in detection and diagnosis through interaction of materials that change colors to indicate reactions with specific chemicals, cells, molecules, DNA and/or materials. The technology can be implemented for medical diagnosis and detection—for humans and/or animals.

Abstract: A process for making an animal litter from a woody biomass starting material is described, with the performance amendments substantially located entirely on the outside surface of the woody biomass particles. The process may include the steps of densifying the biomass starting material, crumbling the densified biomass material; screening the densified biomass material for size; optionally adding a zeolite containing a scent; spray coating the sized, densified biomass particles with a surface adhesion agent; and powder dosing the sized, densified biomass particles and zeolites with a performance amendment comprising equal parts bentonite and guar gum.

Abstract: An animal transport crate apparatus has an outer crate including rigid panels forming an outer boundary of an animal enclosure and an inner lining defining a flexible envelope arranged to receive the animal therein within the outer crate. Vehicle connecting tethers are arranged to extend through the outer crate for connection between the inner lining and frame anchors of the vehicle. The tethered inner lining allows the animal to be captured by the flexible envelope to minimize injury to the animal, and other occupants of the vehicle, regardless of the condition of the outer crate following a crash of the vehicle. The surrounding outer crate of rigid panels maintains ease of portability of the crate.

Abstract: A collapsible kennel assembly including a plurality of individual and pivotally inter-connected panels, a selected one of the panels adapted to being affixed to a wall and so that the panels are inter-collapsed in succession along first and second sides between an expanded use configuration and a folded storage configuration. Additional features include at least one interior subdividing panel, as well as upper and lower individual pairs of hinges inter-connecting each of the panels. Each of the pairs of hinges including top and bottom hinge components, a circular cross section pin extending from a first hinge component and seating within a recess in the other component for providing swiveling support.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a multifunctional nursing obstetric table for a cat. The table includes a table body. A foot stand is arranged on the lower side of the table body. A cat litter tank is arranged in the center of the foot stand. One end of the cat litter tank penetrates out of the foot stand, and the other end of the cat litter tank is fixedly connected to the foot stand through connecting rods. A bracket is arranged at one end of the table body. The lower end of the bracket is fixedly connected to the table body. A heat insulating piece used for maintaining a temperature is arranged at the upper end of the bracket. The heat insulating piece is rotatably connected to the bracket through a rotating shaft. A first recessed portion is formed in one end, close to the bracket, of the table body.

Abstract: A multi-layer modular pet bed includes a foldable outer layer, a folder inner layer, and an attachment means for securing the layers together in order to form a pet bed. The foldable inner layer has a slightly smaller perimeter than the foldable outer layer such that the foldable inner layer sits just within the foldable outer layer. When ready to wash, a user simply opens and unfolds the foldable outer layer to convert the bed into a throw blanket sized unit for ease in cleaning. Optionally, a protective layer may be added, either on top of the foldable outer layer or encompassing the entire outer layer when the modular pet bed is in its folded configuration. Additional cushioning material may be added to any or all layers, in some embodiments.

Abstract: A portable dog recreation device (10) for indoor and outdoor use by pet owners to leash their dog to the device so the dog can comfortably move about 360° tangled free within a defined area. The device has a base (12) so weighted that a dog tethered to it cannot move it about while a person can readily move it from one place to another using a handle (32). A post (20) is attached to and extends from the top of the base. The post may be integrally formed with the base or may be a separate piece. The outer diameter of the post is such that one end of a dog leash can be slipped over or tied about the post to tether the dog to the device. More than one dog can be tethered to the post at the same time.

Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus includes a container for storing animal feed and a dispenser operatively connected to the container and configured to dispense the animal feed from the container. The apparatus further includes a plurality of support members to support the container and dispenser at an elevation above the ground. Each of the support members has a respective first segment and a respective second segment. Each of the first segments is substantially horizontal. Each of the second segments is generally vertical. The support members are connected to the container at or near the first segments.

Abstract: Scratching apparatus 1 comprising a plurality of scratchable sacrificial elements 7 that can be assembled together to form a tower 5, and a base 3 having a first surface on which the tower 5 can be mounted so that the tower 5 is generally upstanding from the base 3 when the apparatus 1 is in use.