Abstract: A height adjustable container system which includes a container through which at least one elongated, inner supporting member extends. The supporting member is secured at one end to a mounting system consisting of a ceiling mount and corresponding U-bracket/bolt combination. In one embodiment of the invention, an elongated inner supporting member is telescopically located within an elongated outer supporting member. A spring biased press button or mechanical stop component extending from the inner supporting member allows the outer supporting member on which the container is mounted to be vertically lowered, so that when the container is used as a planter, the plants in the container can be watered and when the container is a bird feeder, bird food can be added to the feeder. By simply pushing the container upward along the supporting member, the container is again elevated and locked in its elevated, suspended position.

Abstract: Devices for providing feed to farm animals, particularly large farm animals are disclosed. In the invention, an enclosure for the feed is provided. In one embodiment of the invention the feed rests directly on the ground. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed is placed on a rack or grate a distance above the ground. The feed is surrounded by a fence that denies access to the feed except as will be described hereafter. At least one pivoting access grate is moved into contact with the feed to prevent the feed from being blown around by the wind or scattered by the animals and also to limit access to the feed. The access grate is a series of bars that are preferably spaced at desirable distances to provide optimal access to the feed by the animals. In one embodiment of the invention, this access grate may be limited in movement to control the amount of feed that an animal or animals is allowed to eat during a given time.

Abstract: A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.

Abstract: A vertically-adjustable pet feeding apparatus is provided which includes a repellent for repelling ants and other insects. The apparatus allows animals, livestock, and pets, such as dogs of various sizes and breeds and of various stages of development, to be provided with food at the proper height. The apparatus is designed to be safe for pets, other animals, and children.

Abstract: A device for use in connection with training a dog to retrieve a ball that allows the user to repeatedly launch the ball with a reduced amount of effort while also eliminating the need for the user to physically touch the ball. The device includes a ball receiving portion and a handle that extends outwardly therefrom. The handle includes an integrated treat storage compartment and a dispenser configured to deposit treats onto the ball receiving portion. The user launches the ball and then dispenses a treat onto the ball receiving portion so that upon returning with the ball, the dog can deposit the ball onto the ball receiving portion in exchange for the treat.

Abstract: A method for enabling the dispensation of feed to large four-legged game, the method including the steps of providing an apparatus as further described herein, burying the bottom end portion of the apparatus at a depth so that the restricted opening is disposed at least two feet above ground level, placing feed into the elongated hollow member of the apparatus such that the feed contacts the primary internal support member and is retained in the elongated hollow member, and dispensing feed through the restricted opening of the apparatus when the feed is dislodged by agitation from large four-legged game.

Abstract: A feeder includes a vertical housing enclosing a feed reservoir. The upper portion of the feed reservoir is secured by a hinged horizontal extension of the vertical housing. The hinged portion of the vertical housing contains a lid through which the feed reservoir may be replenished. The feed reservoir narrows at its lower end to form a funnel. A shaft with helical screw extends through the feed reservoir, secured to the hinged portion of the housing at its upper end and is restrained by the funnel outlet of the reservoir at its lower end. The shaft protrudes through the outlet of the reservoir where the horizontal lever is affixed to the protruding end of the shaft. The animal dispenses feed through the back-and-forth motion of this lever. A chute is secured to the lower portion of the housing to direct dispensed feed into the animal's feed bowl.

Abstract: A method and installation for automatically determining the readiness of an animal for being weaned off liquid feed and onto dry feed. The height of an animal in an animal installation is automatically measured using a height measurement system at a selected location within the installation. A suitable location within an installation for providing a height gauge may include a feeding station, a cleaning station or other treatment station of an animal. Additional parameters may be used for the determination of readiness to wean in combination with dry feed consumption rate, such as animal age, weight or other animal dimensions. In determining the height, the method may include making a determination of the overall physical condition of the animal and may include a determination of the height-to-weight-ratio of an animal. The installation may include an automatic animal weighing system. Measured values may be stored in a control system memory for monitoring the growth of individual animals.

Abstract: A feeding device for feeding poultry comprising a dish-shaped dispensing pan with an outer circumferential edge, a feed drop tube opening out above a central part of the pan such that a volume of feed transported to the drop tube is distributed over the bottom surface of the pan, and bars connecting the pan with the drop tube, in which openings are present between the bars for the poultry to have access to feed distributed in the pan, which openings are delimited by sides of parts of the device facing said openings. At least part of said sides of the parts facing said openings, in particular said bars, have a non-sharp-edged cross-section which is constructed circumferentially closed. The circumferentially closed parts are at least partly made out of a foam plastic.

Abstract: A game feeder configured for remote monitoring, the game feeder comprising a feeder body comprising a container for holding feed, a motor configured to disperse the feed, and a motor relay configured to actuate the motor; a computer, the computer comprising a wireless driver configured to communicatively couple the computer to a wireless communication network; and a sensor array having a plurality of sensors adapted to provide data on a plurality of local conditions at the game feeder, the sensor array being communicatively coupled to the computer; wherein the computer is configured to receive the data on the plurality of local conditions from the sensor array and send the data on the plurality of local conditions to the wireless communication network.

Abstract: A dispenser device is provided for use by an animal to selectively dispense treats from the device. The device includes a body having an interior opening to receive treats, and an opening is formed in the body to allow dispensing of the treats. A base of the device includes a weighted material therein causing the device to reside in a normally upright position. Contact by the animal causes the device to tip, thereby allowing treats to fall through the opening in the body. Changing the amount and type of material used for the weighted material changes the characteristics of how the device moves when contacted by the animal that in turn, changes the rate and amount of treats that are dispensed.

Abstract: A phone for pets and pet owners is taught which allows the owner to call the house and “talk” to the pet. The owner can then see a video image of the pet in front of the pet phone to verify presence and happiness. The device can also present the owner's scent to the pet and deliver treats on remote command. In some embodiments, the pet can initiate the phone call.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing of quality of liquid by treating a source liquid to enhance the concentration of low zeta potential crystals and produce a treated liquid having a higher concentration of low zeta potential crystals that that of the source liquid. The inventive system comprises an aqueous liquid source having a threshold concentration of selected minerals and a low zeta potential crystal generator for treating the aqueous source liquid to produce treated liquid having an enhanced concentration of low zeta potential crystals, and at least one filtration device for substantially removing bacteria, viruses, cysts, and the like from the treated source liquid.

Abstract: An animal feeder for supplying a feed to an animal of choice for feeding the animal of choice in an unprotected environment such as the outdoors. The feeder comprising a base for support the feeder on a ground surface, a support frame extending upwardly from the base and a hopper supported by the frame. The hopper having a storage reservoir for storing a supply of feed with a feed entry opening that is closeable to prevent exposure to the outdoors. The hopper further including a feed chute below the reservoir having an upper region sealingly joined to the reservoir and a lower region below the upper region that is sealingly joined to a feeding chamber. The feeding chamber having a bottom surface wherein the feed supply can move from the reservoir into the feeding chamber and rest on the bottom surface based on gravity alone.

Abstract: Device for feeding animals, including a frame with a feed holder for a feeding site for an animal, wherein the frame is provided with a restricting device for restricting in at least two opposite lateral directions a dwelling space for an animal using the feeding site, also provided with means for keeping animals located outside the dwelling space at a distance from the restricting device.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: A hanger for hanging an object, such as a bird feeder, on an exterior support at a desired orientation relative to the exterior support. The hanger includes a first body having a hook at a first end thereof for mounting on the exterior support, a second body having one of a hook and a loop at a first end thereof for supporting the object, and a connector for orienting one of the first and second bodies with respect to the other of the first and second bodies. One of the first and second bodies includes a generally radially extending arm at a second opposite end thereof. The connector includes an opening defining a central axis for receiving the one of the first and second bodies, and a chamber proximate the opening for receiving the arm in one of a plurality of substantially fixed positions about the central axis.

Abstract: A method of assessing the eating experience of a companion animal. Further, a feeding device utilized in assessing the eating experience of a companion animal. Further, a method of modifying at least one attribute of a food product as a result of assessing the eating experience of a companion animal.

Abstract: A novel bird feeder is disclosed comprising a top portion with a hook, a cap and shield, and a bottom portion with a feeder body and a tray the top portion and the bottom portion being interconnected by a cable. One end of the cable is affixed to the bottom portion of the bird feeder and the other end of the cable is attached to a spring biased coil assembly located in the top portion. The bottom portion is then reversibly dislocatable from the top portion between an in-use condition and a re-supply condition.

Abstract: A container for storing or delivering a consumable liquid or semi-solid to an animal, such as a human or domesticated pet, includes a receptacle for holding its contents and two or more openings. At least one opening is an elongated opening formed in the side of the walls of the container to allow lapping or licking of the contents by the animal, when the container is laid on its side. The opening in the walls is covered by a corresponding cover, which is affixed using adhesives, mechanical devices, or a combination thereof. The cover prevents spilling of the contents when in place. The container is manufactured so that the opening in the walls can be opened by manually removing the cover, either partially or completely. The cover may be reattached to the container using a fastening technique or device.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an animal treat dispenser includes a treat container having an aperture, an aperture adjustment mechanism that is capable of varying an effective size of the aperture to regulate passage of animal treats through the aperture, and a plush toy at least partially covering the treat container.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing animals, including birds, to forage food from a foraging holes disposed on said platform. Preferably the holes are covered with a frangible sheet that has to be broken by the animal or bird to access the food in the foraging holes. The sheet is made of a material that hides the content of the holes.

Abstract: Dear Sir or Madam: If this invention is used then the kitchen area of the house will be more comfortable for cats to use and the area will look like another furnishing of the home. The pets will be able to use the litter and eat their meals and sit on top of the invention and the invention would not disturb the other furnishings.

Abstract: An interactive pet feeding and watering bowl which defines a food or watering containing dish. A voice module is recordable to record audible messages for the pet. The module is removably contained in a compartment in the bowl. A sensor, such as a proximity sensor, detects entry into the bowl when an animal is feeding or drinking which activates a voice module. Preferably the bowl is shaped to direct the animal to approach the bowl from the front.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: A kit for making a holder for a pet food dish or bowl and the holder itself. The holder is arranged to be readily initially assembled from the kit and once assembled to be disassembled and reassembled whenever desired. The holder comprises a base member having an upstanding peripheral sidewall, a pair of side splash-guard members and a rear splash-guard member. The side splash-guard members are arranged to be releasably mounted on respective portions of the peripheral sidewall opposite each other. The rear splash-guard member is arranged to be releasably mounted on another respective portion of the peripheral sidewall between the side splash-guard members. The base member has a bottom wall on which the at least one pet food dish or bowl may be disposed.

Abstract: A dispenser for launching morsels of animal food one at a time. The dispenser includes a grip portion, a hopper for retaining a supply of morsels of animal food, and a launching chamber. A propelling mechanism, activated by a trigger mechanism associated with the grip portion, launches a morsel of food out of the launching chamber. According to one embodiment, the propelling mechanism is a plunger and at least one spring, wherein the plunger is adjustable between a loading position wherein a top portion of the plunger is substantially withdrawn from the launching chamber to permit a morsel of food to pass into the launching chamber, and a ready position wherein the plunger extends at least partially into the launching chamber to prevent additional morsels of food from passing through the inlet into the launching chamber.

Abstract: A miniature size bird feeder that includes a feed holder; a cap or cover over the feed holder; means for releasably attaching the cap or cover to the feed holder and an attachment means for supporting the feed holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to various devices which allow dogs to be temporarily occupied automatically when the owner is absent.

Abstract: A drawer-mounted feed bowl shelf to hold an animal's food or water bowl, adapted for mounting on the edges of the sidewalls of a cabinet drawer, or for mounting between the sidewalls of a drawer is disclosed. The first embodiment includes an expandable mount to permit mounting on or in drawers of various widths. The expandable mount include two sections one above the other, the upper one moving laterally relative to the lower section. The second fixed-width embodiment can be either mounted permanently or removably on or fixedly in a cabinet drawer. A gasket that fits over and within the opening for the bowl adds friction to prevent bowl movement when present. This invention permits the feed bowl to be out of sight when not in use.

Abstract: A method includes supplying feed on a commercial basis to an end consumer in pre-measured single-use dispenser packaging, which packaging, when installed to a feeder apparatus of appropriate design, functions as at least a portion of a hopper of the feeder apparatus. When at least partially exhausted of feed, the supplied packaging, serving temporarily as the hopper, is removed and replaced with another filled pre-measured single-use dispenser package. While installed to the feeder apparatus, the commercially supplied feed container filled with the single-use quantity of feed is advantageously visible and functional as part of the hopper conventionally made a permanent and refillable part of the feeder apparatus. As such, simple cartridge replacement of a feed supply is made possible, thereby obviating transfer of feed from the supply packaging to the hopper forming part of the feeder apparatus.

Abstract: A holder for dog chews and pet treats is provided, comprising a molded hollow body shape including a plurality of openings. Inserts may be included in the openings which may be of a lower durometer or thinner cross-section than the thickness of the body. Pet treats such as dog chews and the like may be inserted into the inserts to be frictionally retained therein for enjoyment by an animal.

Abstract: A game feeder cleaning device to clean a game feeder may include a shaft member including a spiral channel and a spiral projection member to clean the game feeder, and a base member to connect to the shaft member and to cooperate with the game feeder in order to prevent game feed from leaving the gamefeeder. The shaft member may include a substantially smooth surface at a proximal end of the shaft member, and the base member may include a side member. The side member may include a curved edge, and the shaft member may include a traverse arm member. The traverse arm member may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft member.

Abstract: A device which dispenses pellets when rolled by an animal includes a central part having two cylinders, one of which is nested inside the other, which are equipped with holes of the same size. All or some of the holes in the two cylinders can be aligned more or less completely by manually rotating the external cylinder around the internal cylinder, such that a given number of pellets are released from the central part each time the device is rotated. The device also includes two wheels, one of which is equipped with a stopper. The two wheels are fixed to the ends of the internal cylinder by screwing or gluing and with the aid of a double bayonet, and the cylinders are maintained in the selected relative position by a gear tooth system. The device is particularly suitable for use as a toy, for exercise and to slow down ingestion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, composition and kit for preventing spoilage of feed in a bird feeder by use of a spoilage reducing composition that comprises an effective amount of a moisture absorbing material, an optional support material, and an optional functional additive that are formed into a shaped body that is combined with an bird feeder, bird feed and/or bird seed to effectively absorb water and water vapor thereby reducing spoilage of feed.

Abstract: A modular bird feeder system which is particularly adapted for an individual to assemble and maintain. The system includes at least one bird feeder and means to catch bird seed located below the bird feeders. The bird feeders are mounted onto a central pole. An animal deterrent device is positioned below the bird feeders to prevent squirrels and the like from reaching the bird feeders. The animal deterrent device is also mounted onto the central pole. A ballast member is positioned below the ground and the central pole is mounted through the center of the ballast member. A stake can be secured to the lower end of the central pole and assists in securing the bird feeder system to the ground.

Abstract: A method, and systems implementing such method, for reducing methane emissions by ruminants. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants one or more nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer proximate to where the ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method includes using the gas analyzer to determine levels of carbon dioxide and methane and operating a data analyzing station to determine a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and modify the type or amount of nutrient supplement for the ruminant for a next feeding to control methane production or achieve an animal production goal, such as by selectively operating a hopper with two or more supplements compartments.

Abstract: A sheet of plastic formed into a tubular shape with a round bale of hay constrictively retained within the tube by a restraining means around the tube. The restraining means is tightened to hold the bale of hay. The hay within the plastic tube is used to feed livestock. A method of preparing the tube and a method of providing hay to livestock is disclosed.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a bird food containment housing (1) which is closed at the bottom and open at the top to permit bird feed to be introduced, a closure member (2) for closing the open top of the housing (1), means (4) for releasably securing the closure member (2) to the housing (1), and a hanger (3) connected to the closure member (2) for suspending the bird feeder from a support, wherein the closure member (2) is connected to the housing (1) by a telescopic connection (4-8) which permits the housing (1) to be separated from the closure member (2) for filling.

Abstract: A protected feeder is provided for squirrels which comprises a feeder having a self supporting enclosure for predator protection from hawks or foxes to be positioned adjacent a tree for providing a protected perch with access openings in the cover and a selected portion of ground therein is covered with food. The enclosure member is substantially impervious and protects the squirrels while feeding and protects the squirrel from weather. This invention provides various designs for the protected squirrel feeder adapted to protect the food, one using a tray which is smaller than the self supporting enclosure and a second feeder uses small high-calcium loaded rocks as a ground layer.

Abstract: A digitally programmable product dispenser having a motor operationally connected to a spinner wherein said product from a product hopper is distributed along a plurality of feed channels. The product distribution may be onto a spinner and the spinner distributes the product along a plurality of feed channels. The motor can be actuated, by a digital timer, programmed to run at predetermined intervals throughout the day, as well as operate for a predetermined amount of time, therefore, economically distributing the feed in position where more then one member of wildlife and/or livestock can be fed.

Abstract: An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostatic position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostatic position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

Abstract: A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.

Abstract: A pet sustenance device (30, 96) provided includes an upright container (32, 98) which holds a supply of pet sustenance, together with an underlying dish (34, 102). The dish (34, 102) is pivotally coupled to the associated container (32, 98) via connection structure (36, 104) permitting the dish (34, 102) to be selectively moved between a retracted position beneath the container (32, 98) and a pet-access position wherein the dish (34, 102) is pivoted away from the container (32, 98) and presents a sustenance cavity (90, 174). When the dish (34, 102) is in the swung-away pet-access position, the sustenance within the container (32, 98) flows under the influence of gravity into the dish (34, 102). The dish (34, 102) and container (32, 98) are configured to prevent communication therebetween when the dish (34, 102) is in the retracted position thereof.

Abstract: A collapsible pet feeder includes a rigid annular portion maintaining the shape of the opening s of a pair of bowls, secured to a cup portion formed of a flexible material, such as silicone. A set of movable legs secures to the annular portion which fold downward to elevate the pet feeder during use, and fold upwards to facilitate a thin-profile storage configuration.

Abstract: A birdcage feeder assembly is configured with a feeding unit, which includes a cup and a transparent shield shaped and dimensioned to minimize the distribution of food debris from the cup, and a holder operative to removably couple the feeding unit to the birdcage.

Abstract: A nutrient dispensing apparatus for birds having a hanger and two interchangeable dispensers supported by the hanger. Each dispenser includes a bottle for holding liquid or solid nutrients, and at least one basin into which the liquid or solid nutrients, water and bird feed, for example, are made available to the birds. The user can change the configuration of the dispensers as desired to provide just liquid nutrients, just solid nutrients or both. The flow rates for dispensing of the nutrients are different for each nutrient alternative.

Abstract: The treat-dispensing tug toy is a pet toy intended for the convenient dispensing of dog treats or similar chewable pet food during interactive play between a dog and its owner. The toy has a hollow, handle portion and a nose portion with a ring for attaching a rope or pull toy. The handle portion has an access hole with a removable cap and may be filled with dog treats. The handle portion ends in a sleeve with a plurality of holes spaced radially about its circumference. The nose portion slides over the sleeve. When a dog pulls on the rope or pull toy, the nose portion slides and uncovers the holes on the sleeve, thus dispensing the dog treats. The resistance of the treat dispensing tug toy may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and breeds of dogs.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a pet pantry having storage containers for pet-related equipment, accessories, medication, or other items, and also pet food storage and dispensing. The food dispensing mechanism allows for measured food dispensing, providing volume adjustment mechanisms to dispense a desired quantity of pet food. The food dispensing mechanism is a single movement handle or button dispensing the desired quantity of food. The pet pantry is also modular allowing for adjustments to a pet owner's specification.

Abstract: A bottle cap for fitting on a mouth of a bottle to form a bird feeder is disclosed. The bottle cap comprises a first chamber with an opening for receiving the mouth of the bottle and a bottom, wherein threads are provided on an inner wall of the first chamber so that the cap can be screwed onto the mouth of the bottle. A second chamber with a closed bottom is provided. An extension tube extends from the bottom of the first chamber at least partially into the second chamber, wherein liquid moves between the first and second chambers through the extension tube. At least one feeding port is provided in a side wall of the second chamber. At least one vent hole is provided in the second chamber for allowing air to be vented from the second chamber.