Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pet food items comprising a cap and a body portion is provided. The body portion includes a first cylindrical section connected to a second cylindrical section by a transitional section. When the cap is attached to the first cylindrical section a chamber is formed inside of a combination of the cap, the first cylindrical section, the transitional section, the second cylindrical section, and the end piece, so that the only exit from the chamber is through an opening in the second cylindrical section. A plurality of pet treats or food items may be located inside of the body portion.

Abstract: The present invention, an automatic animal feeder, comprises a barrel, spinner plate, and control unit. Barrel is free standing large container for storing the feed. The bottom of the barrel forms a funnel for conducting the food into a spinner plate. A spinner plate is disposed directly below the funnel of the barrel. An elongated shaft extends vertically upward through the spinner plate and into the funnel of the barrel. A control unit containing an operationally timer is positioned below the spinner plate. The timer is set to come on at predetermined intervals throughout the day. When the timer in the control unit comes on, the shaft rotates within the funnel thereby facilitating the conduction of the feed into the spinner plate.

Abstract: Animal feeding bowls and in particular, an animal feeding bowl having adjustable extension handle removably attached to the feeding bowl, wherein the extension handle extends upward from the feeding bowl to a height that makes it easy for a physically handicapped individual to maneuver the feeding bowl without bending, for example.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing liquid feed to livestock deliver the liquid feed to a feeding station at a temperature below that of the mother's natural milk to encourage use of the liquid feed by the young as a supplement and not a replacement. A second reservoir expands the capacity of the system without increasing the size of the mixing reservoir. The second reservoir is equipped with selectively operable refrigeration and heating elements to facilitate cooling of the liquid feed or heating of a cleaning solution. A peroxide doser introduces small quantifies of peroxide to clean the liquid feed and prevent gorging. Orifices through which feed is discharged at feeding stations decrease in cross sectional area along the circulation line in the direction of flow to counteract variation in discharge flow rates caused by a pressure differential in the liquid feed along the line.

Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus includes a food storage hopper which includes a top hopper portion and a bottom hopper portion. A food retainer assembly is attached to the bottom hopper portion, and the food retainer assembly includes a top retainer portion, a bottom retainer portion, and top-to-bottom connection means connected between the top retainer portion and the bottom retainer portion. The top retainer portion includes a top food passage channel, and the bottom retainer portion includes a bottom food passage channel. A timer-controlled food distribution assembly is attached to the bottom retainer portion in registration with the bottom food passage channel, and a stand is provided for supporting the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly. The animal feeder apparatus of the invention can be used to attract wildlife at predetermined times that can coincide when a hunter or wildlife photographer is near.

Abstract: A manually operated dog treat dispensing machine capable of dispensing dog treats one at a time, the dispenser having a rectangular housing with a hinged housing door and hinged capital that serves as a food supply reservoir which is gravity fed into a spring loaded spindle chamber mounted on an axel and hand crank. Treats exit the dispenser through a chute output consisting of a hinged chute lid, two side walls and a base block and a retaining plate mounted in the end of the chute lid and adjacent to the spindle chamber acts as a stop preventing dispensing of more than one dog treat at a time. The dispenser also can function using a magazine that is inserted inside the rectangular housing area. Magazine stop tabs at the base of the magazine along with the retaining plate mounted on the chute lid prevent the dispenser from dispensing more than one dog treat at a time.

Abstract: A feed dish for use in combination with a cage. The feed dish has at least one or a plurality of protrusions or elongated members that are capable of receiving a sliding member in adjustable positions so that the feed dish can be mounted on cages comprising on cage walls having different widths, thickness or sizes.

Abstract: An animal feeder which generates sensorially perceivable indicia upon the coincidence an alteration in food or water conditions and the proximity of a person to the animal feeder.

Abstract: Feeding systems and methods relating to feeding of livestock use illumination to attract the livestock to feed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allows at least a reservoir portion of a bird feeder to be relieved of its mounted hanging condition and replaced thereto in a facilitated manner. A mounting structure normally remains in an attached state with an elevated support, such as a tree limb, pole or the like, and a bottle or other reservoir for containing feed material (or reservoir assembly, which may optionally also include a feeding station, decorative parts, etc.) is selectively engageable therewith. Advantageously, cooperating structure of the reservoir itself and the mounting structure allow coupling and uncoupling of each. By virtue of this arrangement, when exhausted of feed, a spent reservoir (or the entire reservoir assembly) can be easily removed from its suspended above-ground state, and either refilled and replaced, or more preferably, simply recycled and replaced with a new pre-filled reservoir/reservoir assembly, in the manner of a cartridge.

Abstract: A closure apparatus for restricting access to an opening of a container includes a first interlocking closure member having an elongate body having at least one external thread and an edible second interlocking closure member having a body sized to restrict access to an opening in a container. The body has a threaded recess having at least one internal thread formed therein to removably couple the second interlocking closure member to the first interlocking closure member by engaging the external thread of the first interlocking closure member.

Abstract: The feeding device contains a barrel, a discharge pipe, a feed pipe, and a blower. The grainy feedstuff is fed to the blower and then is blown upward into the barrel via the feed pipe. Extraneous air is expelled from the barrel via the discharge pipe. The feeding device efficiently simplifies and speeds up the process of loading feedstuff into the barrel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for exercising livestock animals to increase their muscle mass and decrease fat content. In one embodiment a feeding apparatus is provided which provides a resistance over which a livestock animal must overcome to feed. In one embodiment a feeding apparatus is provided which allows for adjustable resistance.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a bird feeder having a removable tray. The removable tray may be generally circular and may have an opening that wraps around a telescoping support section. Further, the removable tray may have a convex portion which acts to counter-balance the bird feeder. The removable tray is especially useful for cleaning and/or refilling the bird feeder. The bird feeder may be collapsed in a first position for storage or transportation or may be opened telescopically in a second position for use. The bird feeder may further have a perch to allow a bird to rest while visiting the bird feeder and/or may have a concave portion on the top surface which may be used to prevent insects or other animals from accessing the bird food.

Abstract: A combination leash anchor and container support. The combination includes a securement member for securely attaching the combination to the ground, a leash fastener for coupling a dog leash, for example, to the securement member, and a container support for holding containers, such as food or water bowls. The securement member, which has a ground boring means attached thereto, and the container support are preferably constructed in one-piece and the container support is designed so that it can be grasped to manually drive the combination into the ground without the need for any tools or strenuous labor. The combination can be removed from the ground and relocated in a similar manner. Removable bowls can be used with the combination in order to facilitate cleaning and refilling at a location away from the combination, if desired.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes an open ended food container that is hinge mounted at a normal inclined position on a ground support. The container pivots upwardly about a fixed horizontal transverse axis when the animal tries to remove the container from the support. This unnatural, upwardly pivoting movement discourages further attempts to remove the feeder, and the animal, thus discouraged, continues to feed at the site.

Abstract: A feeder is disclosed comprising an elongate receptacle for food; a removable part; and an elongate retractable member positioned within the feeder whereby the direction of elongation of the retractable member is parallel to that of the feeder, wherein, in an engaged position, the retractable member is engaged with the removable part so as to couple the removable part to the feeder, and, in a retracted position, is disengaged with the removable part as to uncouple the removable part from the feeder.

Abstract: A trough is disclosed for supplying piglets with mineral supplements in the suckling period. The trough is designed to awaken the piglets' curiosity and thus make them root in the bottom of the trough, where the mineral supplements are dispensed in form of a dry powder mixture, and thus reduce spillage as compared to placing the mineral supplements on the floor of the pen. During the pre-weaning of the piglets the trough can be converted to serve as a normal trough for solid feed.

Abstract: A feed collector for collecting fallen seed under a bird feeder of the type maintained above the ground by a vertical support. The collector includes an upwardly extending outer wall, an interior surface, and a plurality of removal portions defining portions of the collector for removal to provide an opening for receiving the vertical support. The removal portions can include one or more marks, perforations and/or weakened areas.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus comprises a plurality of walls defining a feeder body, mounting structure, and a feed holder. The feeder body is hingedly, optionally hingedly and/or removably, mounted to the mounting structure. In some embodiments, the feeder apparatus further includes a blocking plate which is hingedly, optionally hingedly and removably, mounted to the mounting structure. One or more of the feeder body walls and the feed holder have cooperating sliding structures, enabling the feed holder to be slidingly received into, and/or removed from the remainder of the feeder apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed an animal identification, feeding and entry control system based on a radio frequency identification (RFID) system including an animal collar-mounted RFID tag, and RFID circuitry including a single antenna housed within a bezel placed forward of and surrounding the entry aperture to optimize signal reception. The bezel shape allows only one animal to enter at a time. To conserve power, the circuitry is only activated when an animal pushes against a door within the device, triggering a switch mechanism. A circuit-controlled latch prevents animals from opening the door unless a code match is detected between the programmed code in the tag and a stored code in the circuit controlling the system. Multiple codes may be stored for identifying multiple animals wearing collars tagged with unique identifying codes. The system's applications include but are not limited to controlling animal entry to feeding enclosures, human housing and animal housing.

Abstract: A feeder for a cage, designed to reduce the scattering of food and to provide a cleaner and healthier caged environment, wherein the cage has a wall and an interior space for housing an animal such as a bird, including a cage door. The feeder comprises a feeder mechanism which includes a feeder receptacle attached to an extension structure, wherein the extension structure extends between the receptacle and the wall of said cage. The extension structure is manually engageable and adjustable for positioning the feeder receptacle at a selected location in the interior space of the cage and at a selected location at a cage door for access to the feeder receptacle.

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 device and method that encourages and develops the natural, instinctive foraging behavior in captive animals and birds. The device includes a container having an internal chamber or a recess and one or more openings or access points that allow a bird or small animal to access the chamber. At least one foraging material is disposed within the chamber. Food, treats, or toys for the bird or small animal may also be disposed in the chamber, adjacent or intermixed with the foraging material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for applying liquid feed additives to a feed composition. In one embodiment, the system has a spray housing defining a spray chamber located adjacent a mix housing carrying a material composition. The mix housing defines a mix chamber, which contains an actuating device, such as an auger, that moves the material stream through the mix chamber. The mix chamber and spray chamber are in fluid communication. A spray nozzle is coupled to the spray housing and in fluid communication with an air source and liquid additive tank. The spray nozzle sprays a fog of air and liquid additive through the spray chamber and into the mix chamber, which gets deposited on the passing feed stream.

Abstract: A cattle management system and method are provided for managing numerous routine and non-routine management activities. The system and method incorporate a data processing system wherein comprehensive data is gathered and maintained on each individual animal as well as on selected groups of animals. Preferably, a central database is used which allows enhanced functionality with respect to not only data entry and data transfer, but also with respect to providing system generated management recommendations.

Abstract: The cowshed installation comprises a milking area and a circular cowshed comprising a center area and a substantially concentric surrounding loafing area. The milking area is located radially outwardly of the loafing area.

Abstract: An anti-squirrel bird feeder comprising a feed cylinder and an anti-squirrel carousel. The carousel is spring biased in an open position wherein feed opening in the feed cylinder may be accessed by birds resting on perches disposed on the carousel. Upon receiving a weight above a predetermined amount, the spring bias is overcome resulting in the carousel sliding down the cylinder until a shut-off flanges blocks access to the feed openings. The spring force at which the feeder will close may be made adjustable and the feed openings may empty into a trough having weep holes for removing water from the feed.

Abstract: A wildlife feeder having a conical lower section defining an inner volume and an upper section, typically cylindrical. Between the lower section and the upper section is located a spinner tray, which is fed by an auger that descends into the inner volume, where particulate feed is located. The lower section has a fill opening, which is located when the wildlife feeder rests on the ground, approximately 15 to 45 inches off the ground, for ease of loading wildlife feed from a feedbag located on a vehicle, such as a pickup truck.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining a formulation for an animal feed having a customized nucleic acid material content. The system can include an animal profile, an animal nutrient requirement profile, an evaluation criteria, and/or ingredient nutrient content profiles. The information contained in the profiles and criteria can be used to calculate a formulation having a desirable nucleic acid material content. The optimized nucleic acid material content can be used to maximize satisfaction of an evaluation criteria.

Abstract: A pet food tray (1) comprising a planar horizontal surface (2) having at least one opening (8) located therein for acceptance of a bowl (9), a front wall (3) and an opposing rear wall (4) attached perpendicularly to the horizontal surface (2) and two opposing side walls (5 and 6) attached perpendicularly to the horizontal surface (2). At least one aperture (7) is located within the side walls (5 and 6) to permit a user to easily carry the pet food tray (1). At least one leg (11) is secured to the horizontal surface (2) so as to raise the horizontal surface (2), and thus at least one bowl (9), a predetermined distance above a ground surface. Alternate embodiments of the present invention include the bowl as a permanent feature of the horizontal surface (2) and a securing means to permit a user to lock the bowl within the opening via flanges (25 and 26). In addition, the leg(s) (11) may be telescopingly adjustable or removable.

Abstract: Gravity flow animal feed dispensing apparatus includes feed supply tubes depending from a bottom wall of a feed storage hopper supported by a frame elevated above ground level. Feed dispensing tubes or a plate are connected to the feed supply tubes and flow control baffles and/or a flow control valve limit the dispensation of feed. A wildfowl embodiment of the apparatus includes an access control cage disposed about the feed dispensing member. The orientation of the feed supply tubes and dispensing tubes may be varied to provide access to feed by animals of various sizes and to provide for placement of the apparatus adjacent a confinement wall or fence.

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: A pet activity system for releasably joining a plurality of parts. These parts include bases, extenders and attachments wherein each is characterized as having either the male or female portion of at least one snap connector whereby the parts are releasably connectable to one another. As a preferred embodiment, multiple connectors are employed each requiring different forces to disengage those portions of the activity system that they connect from one another.

Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus is provided that includes a stand, an animal feeder assembly, an animal feeder suspension assembly, and a vehicle-mounted winch assembly. The animal feeder apparatus has a configuration enabling the animal feeder assembly to be raised and lowered by the vehicle-mounted winch assembly.

Abstract: A table that is temporarily mounted to an adjustable drink or rod holder. The table has a projection that fits into the drink or rod holder and rotatable locks to secure the table in place.

Abstract: A wild bird feeder comprising a container and a base. A cable extends through the container and the base and is provided with a hanging loop at one end and a bottom cover at the other end for retaining the components of the bird feeder between them and suspending the bird feeder in a hanging position when hung from a tree or otherwise. The container comprises and is formed by a cover, a dome, a collar, and a hopper. The cover is provided with a star shaped opening that frictionally engages with the hanging cable for enabling the separation of the cover from the dome to fill the bird feeder when the bird feeder is in the hanging position. The collar comprises a plurality of divider walls for creating a plurality of sections to direct the bird feed when filling the bird feeder. The hopper comprises a vertical column having a plurality of ports. The base comprises a tray having a conical shaped cone that is centrally located within the vertical column for directing the bird seed out the plurality of ports.

Abstract: A thistle bird feeder comprising a container and a plurality of feeder bags. A cable extends through the container and is provided with a hanging loop at one end and a stopper at the other end for retaining the components of the bird feeder between them and suspending the bird feeder in a hanging position when hung from a tree or otherwise. The container comprises and is formed by a cover, a dome, and a collar. The cover is provided with a star shaped opening that frictionally engages with the hanging cable for enabling the separation of the cover from the dome to fill the bird feeder when the bird feeder is in the hanging position. The collar comprises a plurality of divider walls for creating a plurality of sections or compartments to direct or funnel the bird feed into individually separated feeder bags corresponding to each section or compartment when filling the bird feeder.

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: The present invention relates to the use of an astaxanthin pigment product obtained by semi-synthesis from marigold extract to substantially enhance the feeding and growth rates of commercially cultivated aquatic species when added to the feed mixture in concentrations useful in producing fish and shrimp coloration. More particularly, this product induces growth rates substantially greater than any currently available feed additive for salmon, trout and shrimp.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract: A management system for domesticated animals, such as cows, which comprises an animal identification system, a central unit provided with a computer which has a memory. The memory contains for each animal of the herd data which relates to the animal's position or status in the hierarchic order of the herd. The memory also contains data for each animal relating to its jostling behavior. This management is used in an automated system wherein procedures such as feeding and milking are performed on animals of the herd. The position or status of each animal in the hierarchic order of the herd is determined and the data thereof are stored in the memory. At least one of the procedures affecting each animal in the herd is governed, at least in part, by data in the memory relating to the animal's status or position in the hierarchic order of the herd and also by data concerning the animal's jostling behavior.

Abstract: Gravity flow animal feed dispensing apparatus includes feed supply tubes depending from a bottom wall of a feed storage hopper supported by a frame elevated above ground level. Feed dispensing tubes or a plate are connected to the feed supply tubes and flow control baffles and/or a flow control valve limit the dispensation of feed. A wildfowl embodiment of the apparatus includes an access control cage disposed about the feed dispensing member. The orientation of the feed supply tubes and dispensing tubes may be varied to provide access to feed by animals of various sizes and to provide for placement of the apparatus adjacent a confinement wall or fence.

Abstract: Vacuum based filling devices will allow the user to transfer quantities of heavy or difficult to manage materials from a dependent position into a delivery system or storage container at a higher elevation or less accessible position. This allows the person filling the delivery system or storage container to remain at a safe and convenient location while operating the vacuum based filling system. For example, in the case of a feeder for animals, the user would be able to fill the storage portion of the feeder from ground level without having to climb a ladder or other unsafe device in order to elevate the feed and place it into the feeder.

Abstract: An insect dusting apparatus is disclosed which includes a dusting enclosure surrounded by cylindrical walls, a lower cap, and an upper cap. The upper cap includes a closable insertion aperture through which an extraction tube may be inserted. An insect enclosure and a supplements chamber included in the dusting enclosure are connected by openings in a pour grille which separates them. Crickets are introduced into the insect enclosure, nutrient powders are placed in the supplements chamber, and the dusting enclosure is shaken to dust the crickets. When the crickets are to be dispensed, an extraction tube is inserted into the insect enclosure through the insertion aperture. Crickets climb into the interior of the extraction tube, which is then removed from the insertion aperture, and the cover segment closes the insertion aperture.

Abstract: A portable, reusable treat holder and dispensing device with customized treats, comprised of a clasp joined to one end of a flexible cord that has a figure eight formed at its opposite end, designed for use with its own treats which have a hole in them. Treats are strung onto the holder by threading the figure eight at end of the cord through the hole in each treat. As the collapsible figure eight passes completely through the hole it regains its shape and acts like a stopper, thereby fastening treats onto the cord. Treats stack neatly on top of each other, ready for dispensing. Treats are split in half between the user's thumb and first two fingers, dispensing two rewards at once in a discreet, single-handed motion. The clasp enables the holder to be attached to the user's person, clothing, bags, and other permissible surfaces and objects.

Abstract: A combined feeder for both birds and squirrels is disclosed. One part of the feeder may be filled with birdseed, while the other part of the feeder may be filled with squirrel food. In one embodiment, squirrels are prevented from eating the birdseed.

Abstract: An animal feeder and assembly method is provided wherein a removable top cover has a feeder bowl opening. A feeder bowl is aligned with the opening in the top cover and is pressed against the top cover by a suspension system. A sidewall is provided to which the removable top cover is secured at a top of the sidewall. A bottom cover is secured at a bottom of the sidewall.

Abstract: A discharge unit for an animal feeder attaches to the feed outlet of the feeder. The discharge unit has an upwardly extending coupling tube which engages the feeder outlet. Several feeder tubes extend outwardly from the lower end of the coupling tube and together with the lower end of the coupling tube define a central chamber of the discharge unit. A spreader cone is located within a floor region of the central chamber. Feed passing from the feed outlet of the feeder passes through the internal diameter of the coupling tube of the discharge unit and over the spreader cone before passing through the central chamber and through the feeder tubes to be discharged from the feeder.

Abstract: An animal treat dispensing assembly includes a base and a housing attached to and extending upwardly from the top side of the base. The housing has a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The housing has an open upper end defining a fill opening. The front wall has as dispensing opening therein. A pivot rod is positioned in the housing. A pivot member is pivotally coupled to the pivot rod. The pivot member has a top side that is planar. The top side abuts an upper edge of the dispensing opening when the top side is horizontally orientated. A panel is attached to the pivot member and extends outwardly of the dispensing opening. A plurality of animal treats is positioned in the housing, and the panel is moved downwardly so that one of the treats is dispensed outwardly through the dispensing opening.