Abstract: A bird feeder hanger assembly having a pivot member adapted to be pivotably attached to the main body of a bird feeder; the pivot member having engaging means comprising a slot or the like; a hanger member also having engaging means configured to co-operate with the first member engaging means such that when connecting the assembly to the main body of a bird feeder the hanger member can first be pushed into the slot of the pivot member and then pulled along an axis of the slot so that the engaging means of the hanger member and the engaging means of the pivot member mutually engage.

Abstract: A food and/or treat dispenser comprises an enclosed container having at least one aperture for insertion and dispensing of food stored therein. The dispenser comprises a top portion, a base portion and a central portion therebetween, wherein at least one aperture is provided in the top or base portion. The aperture is selectively openable and returnably resilient. A plurality of ribs are provided to facilitate selective opening of the aperture. The top and base portions include a perimeter encircling a concavity, the perimeter of a relatively flat configuration so that the top and/or base portions are positionable in a free standing configuration on a flat or planar surface. The dispenser may also include a variety of means for securing the dispenser to varying objects during transport or storage.

Abstract: A selective bird feeder is provided. The selective bird feeder includes a selective housing having a side wall and a base. A cover supported by the side wall of the selected housing and a seed holder is contained within the selective housing. The selective housing restricts access of relatively large birds and predators, while allowing access of smaller birds, such as song birds, to the interior space in which the seed holder is disposed.

Abstract: A dispensing system (200) for chewable pet toys (100) contains multiple toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of operation. A display (220) and keypad (400) are used to enter programming data into the memory of a microprocessor (315). When the system is in operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds emanate from a loudspeaker (320), vibration emanates from a vibrator (328), light emanates from a light source (325), and odor emanates from an odor generator (327). Toys are dispensed down a ramp (225), at predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet's behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bird feeder apparatus for providing a readily available supply of feed for birds. The apparatus comprises a telescopic-operational assemblage, a shroud assembly, and a hopper assembly. The telescopic-operational assemblage provides a nonlinear, geometrically-based closure mechanism for effectively closing the bird feeder when a large load is placed upon the shroud assembly such as when a squirrel attempts to gain access to feed outlets of the hopper assembly by positioning itself upon the apparatus. Further, the apparatus provides a partitioned, selectively removable (drop out-type) hopper for enabling easy refills; a feed-level status flag assembly for indicating to the user whether the hopper assembly is full or empty; and at least one surround perch assembly for accommodating birds of various sizes.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to a method of increasing beef production in cattle with feed additives, comprising feeding cattle with feed, comprising an effective amount of an ionophore in combination with a macrolide antibiotic, and thereafter feeding cattle with feed, comprising zilpaterol and essentially no ionophore or macrolide antibiotic for the succeeding about 20 to 40 days.

Abstract: A utility car for maintenance of a livestock environment is comprised of a container compartment which is supported on wheels and displaceable over a floor surface by a motor drive operated by a conductor person. A front-end loading bucket is provided for loading feed/hay into the container compartment. The container compartment has a discharge trough and a conveyor feeds the feed/hay from the compartment into the discharge trough. The front end loading bucket has a pivotal rear gate in an upper end section of a rear wall thereof for guidingly discharging feed/hay from the loading bucket into an open top end of the front wall of the container compartment and closes the open top end when the loading bucket is at a discharge position.

Abstract: A wild animal feeder is disclosed which is attachedly suspended form a tree or other stabilized element and may be horizontally and vertically suspended from same.

Abstract: A self-latching hinge mechanism (14) and apparatus (10) for applications where access to a pole mounted device is required. The hinge comprises a top section (28) with a cantilevered tail piece (38) which extends beyond a pivot (36) connected at the top (40) of a lower section (30). A latch consists of an encircling slide (32) which binds the tail piece (38) to the lower part of the pivot section (30) when in the lowered, locked position and allows the top section piece (28) to rotate relative to the lower section (30).

Abstract: A food and/or treat dispenser comprises an enclosed container having at least one aperture for insertion and dispensing of food stored therein. The dispenser comprises a top portion, a base portion and a central portion therebetween, wherein at least one aperture is provided in the top or base portion. The aperture is selectively openable and returnably resilient. A plurality of ribs are provided to facilitate selective opening of the aperture. The top and base portions include a perimeter encircling a concavity, the perimeter of a relatively flat configuration so that the top and/or base portions are positionable in a free standing configuration on a flat or planar surface.

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: The present invention relates to a method for improving grazing distribution and an animal feed supplement for use therein. The method comprises the steps of identifying a plurality of underutilized rangeland areas and providing an animal feed supplement in a first underutilized rangeland area. The animal feed supplement attracts the livestock to the first underutilized rangeland area and encourages the livestock to graze once there.

Abstract: An improved pet treat dispenser assembly is provided with a canister for holding pet treats, a dispenser slidably mounted in the canister for dispensing treats, and a clicker on the canister to attract a pet's attention following desired behavior. The canister includes an upper housing, a lower base, and an internal treat tray. The housing can be removed from the base and tray for filling with treats, and can be used as a scoop so as to load the housing with treats.

Abstract: A frame supports a bundle of natural logs providing nooks, crannies or crevices attracting lepidoptera and like insects as a nesting site. The frame may be affixed to a wall, tree or post at an elevation and in a location for ease of viewing and examination. Two flexible rods or supports emulating antennae support shallow dishes disguised as flowers above and in front of the bundle. These may contain water and nectar, respectively. The bundle may be collected naturally and over time replaced. The habitat provides an attractive and natural setting to observe lepidoptera insects substantially year round.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dissemination of food to a first animal when the first animal is disposed proximate the apparatus includes a container for receipt of the food and a transmitter that is attached to the first animal and a receiver that is operatively attached to the apparatus. The transmitter emits a signal continuously according to a preferred embodiment or a signal only when it is proximate the apparatus, according to a modification. The apparatus is adapted to receive and respond to the signal to allow access to the food in the container when the signal is present. When the signal is not received by the apparatus, access to the food in the container is denied.

Abstract: A sound-reproducing package comprises a housing for storing a consumer product, a disposed therein sound signal reproducing unit electronically connected to a power supply and a loudspeaker, at least one external activation sensor connected to the sound signal reproducing unit, and a package state sensor operative to form a signal corresponding to an open or closed state of the package, or the presence or absence of a consumer product in it. The package state sensor is connected to the sound signal reproducing unit operative to select from its memory sound signals for reproducing depending on the signal from the package state sensor.

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: A feeder assembly for feeding birds of all kinds is provided in three separate embodiments. The feeder assembly of each embodiment is configured to provide for the welfare of birds as they feed from the feeder assembly by allowing the birds' breasts to conform to a rim member of the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly of two embodiments also provides for a lower feed gate to provide feed into a pan member of the feeder assembly. The lower feed gate is always open and can be raised or lowered as desired. The feeder assembly of one of the embodiments also provides for an upper feed gate to provide feed into the pan member of the feeder assembly. The upper feed gate can be opened or closed, and, when open, can adjust the height at which feed flows through the upper feed gate.

Abstract: A fowl retention system is used to passively retain fowl in a preselected natural habitat or a preselected created habitat and to compress the fowl territory. The fowl retention system includes a food/water station contained within a barrier assembly, a protective structure, and a man-made field strip. The fowl retention system provides for the compression of fowl territories, thereby increasing the fowl population per unit area. Further compression of the fowl territory locations provides an additional level of compression by propagating the high density population of the fowl. The protective structure is designed to shield the fowl from the elements and predators. The field strip is planted with native vegetation for both cover and the production of food. The food and water station provides a continuous food and water supply for the fowl.

Abstract: An accessory for wild birds is formed from a plurality of ceramic clay flowerpots disposed in preselected relation to each other. The accessory includes a receptacle formed from a ceramic flowerpot. The receptacle has a first end and a second end and a continuous side wall of the receptacle extends between the first end and the second end of the receptacle. The continuous side wall defines a plurality of openings of preselected sizes disposed at preselected positions. At least one of a top and a bottom formed of a ceramic clay flowerpot are positioned coaxially and adjacent to at least one of the first end and the second end of the receptacle.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus comprises a plurality of walls, mounting structure and a feed holder. The plurality of walls communicates with the mounting structure to accommodate mounting the feeder apparatus on the outside of an animal confinement structure, e.g. a cage. One or more walls of the feeder body 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: A cleaning system for a livestock feeding device which unclogs blockage without the need for a workman to enter the feed dispensing area. The system includes at least two swiping arms which are positioned at a lower area of the feed system. The system is environmentally advantageous since workman entry into a hazardous area is reduced. The swiping arms are activated by an external motor which is turned on upon sensing of a clogged or blocked condition of the feed. The system applies to the feeding of hogs, livestock or other dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-compartmented dog leash handle assembly. The handle assembly has a compartment capable of carrying keys, money and/or plastic waste bags. The handle also has provisions for the easy transport of dog food and water. The handle also has a mechanism for attaching to the loop handle of a typical dog leash. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A device for pet training comprising a rigid tube formed with at least one elbow, and having a cavity in at least the distal end thereof for insertion of edible rewards therein; a handle, attached at the proximal end of the rigid tube, a flexible plunger rod disposed within the rigid tube, comprising a proximal end extending through the handle, and a distal end extending proximate to the cavity in the distal end of the rigid tube; a thumb ring joined to the proximal end of the flexible plunger rod; and a plunger disposed within the cavity and joined to the distal end of the flexible plunger rod, wherein a user of the device may hold the rigid tube by the handle, move the thumb ring, and cause an edible reward to be dispensed from the cavity on the distal end of the rigid tube.

Abstract: An outdoor feeder apparatus for wild birds comprises a platform having at least one low point and constructed and arranged to be connected at a discharge opening at each low point to an inlet opening in a hollow support attachable to a base and adapted to provide an unobstructed substantially vertical downward waste discharge path from each discharge opening to a replaceable collection container provided within the base. A cover member is adapted to be maintained in spaced-apart relationship from the platform by a plurality of cover support members provides at selected points on an upper surface of the platform, and to provide vertical coverage over at least all of a horizontal plane connecting all points on a perimeter of the platform. A bird feed supply can be hung from an interior surface of the cover.

Abstract: An animal reward dispensing apparatus for attaching to an animal trainer's forearm, the apparatus having a dispensing tube defined about a longitudinal axis, the dispensing tube having at least a first and second attaching straps for attaching the dispensing tube to the animal trainer's forearm. The dispensing tube also having a first and second spaced apart ends defining an interior cavity, and a spring located inside the interior cavity of the dispensing tube and positioned between the first and second ends of the dispensing tube.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus aimed at efficiently supplying feed to chicks in a chick box, which can hold the feed in the chick box and can supply the feed to the chicks in the chick box, wherein the feed is supplied to the chicks in the chick box by means of a feeding apparatus which can maintain the feed at the height of the chicks' beaks when they are standing.

Abstract: A manually operated dog treat dispensing machine capable of dispensing dog treats one at a time. The dispenser consist of 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. 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 can also function using a magazine that is inserted inside the rectangular housing area once the rear interior wall is changed out to accommodate the depth of the magazine. Magazine stop tabs at the base of the magazines 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 swine feeder for use in feeding individually housed gestating swine. The feeder includes a hollow tube containing feed. The tube controls the amount of feed by having its lower, angled end contained within a feeding tube that is moveable by the individual sow to discharge the feed only when the sow applies a force to the feeding tube. The feeder may be connected to a supply of feed, and typically, the feeder is attached to the individual crate of each sow such that a limited amount of feed is dispersed into the sow's feeding area, usually a trough.

Abstract: A device for pet training comprising a rigid tube formed with at least one elbow, and having a cavity in at least the distal end thereof for insertion of edible rewards therein; a handle, attached at the proximal end of the rigid tube, a flexible plunger rod disposed within the rigid tube, comprising a proximal end extending through the handle, and a distal end extending proximate to the cavity in the distal end of the rigid tube; a thumb ring joined to the proximal end of the flexible plunger rod; and a plunger disposed within the cavity and joined to the distal end of the flexible plunger rod, wherein a user of the device may hold the rigid tube by the handle, move the thumb ring, and cause an edible reward to be dispensed from the cavity on the distal end of the rigid tube.

Abstract: A module for dispensing treats to a chewing animal has a hollow treat holder that has at least one aperture through which a treat can be inserted by a person or removed by a chewing animal and at least one end that can be removably attached to an end of another of said modules. The treat holder preferably has two ends, a male end and a female end, where the said male end locks into the female end and there is a treat barrier recessed into the ends. The hollow treat holder may have a variety of shapes such as straight, triangular, U-shaped, spheroidal, cubic, and L-shaped. A single module can be used as a treat-dispensing toy or a number of modules can be assembled together to form a larger treat-dispensing toy.

Abstract: A bird feeder support for supporting a solid bell-shaped bird feeder includes a base having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge. Each of a pair of legs has a first and a second end. The first ends are each attached to the base such that each of the legs extends upwardly from the base. Each of the legs is arced such that the second ends abut each other and an inner perimeter edge of the legs is defined. A coupler is adapted for removably securing a bird feeder to the pair of legs such that the bird feeder is suspended between the legs.

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: An animal feeder has a feed hopper that has a filling end and a feeding end. The proximate ends of three or more legs are permanently attached to the feed hopper. A skid assembly is permanently attached to the distal ends of the three or more legs.

Abstract: A weatherproof pet feeder (12) has an enclosure (14) pivotally mounted to a feeder base (16) by a hinge (18). Latches (22) secure the enclosure (14) in a downward position on the feeder base (16). The feeder base (16) as two bowl sockets (34, 36). The bowl socket (34) has an electric heater coil (58) for heating a water bowl (38). The feeder base (16) is raised above a ground surface on support legs (44). The support legs (44) have mounting feet (46), tubular leg sections (72) and insecticide bands (96). The support legs (44) are sealed on lower ends by nipples (48) for containing weighting material which prevents the weatherproof feeder (12) from being overturned. The feeder base (16) has tie down loops (52) and the mounting feet (46) have apertures (86) for receiving stakes (88) for securing the weatherproof pet feeder (12) to the ground surface.

Abstract: A method of measuring memory and learning capabilities of a small animal provided with measuring successively a position of the small animal in an observation field with an infrared ray detector, while a computer controls opening of a plurality of covers, provided between the observation field holding the small animal therein and a feed holder storing feed therein, in a predetermined order each for a unit period. Further, the number of accessing times of the small animal to respective through holes formed on the observation field, which is opened/closed with the covers, during each unit period, is calculated by the computer, on the basis of an output from the infrared ray detector, in which each of the through holes is provided with an escape preventing net having hole of a diameter smaller than a diameter of a scull of the small animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting animal feed in an aqueous body utilizing a container having a wall portion forming a chamber. The chamber is intended to hold the animal feed. A baffle is positioned in the chamber of the container to direct the animal feed to a selected portion of the chamber. A conduit and pump urge the movement of the animal feed and aqueous material from the chamber for dispersion as needed.

Abstract: A bird feeder having one or more of feeding slots, filling cap, perch support, and rain guard is disclosed. The feeding slots preferably include a narrower slot for smaller seeds and a larger slot for a larger seeds. The filling cap preferably includes a dome top. The perch support is preferably attached to the bird feeder by a plurality of spokes. Preferably, one of the spokes has a diagonal portion and a horizontal portion. The rain guard is located above the feeding ports.

Abstract: A food and treat dispenser comprises an enclosed container fabricated from a relatively soft pliable polymeric material having at least one aperture to permit food or treats to be inserted into and removed from the enclosed container. More preferably, the food and treat dispenser is fabricated as an enclosed container having a base portion, an elongated central portion and a top portion. The base portion includes a selectively openable self-closing second aperture to allow food or treats to be removed from the integral one-piece enclosed container. Preferably, the top portion also includes a selectively openable self-closing first aperture to allow food or treats to be inserted through the first aperture into the enclosed container.

Abstract: A seed port offering the option of selectively dispensing only small seeds from a reservoir-type bird feeder, comprises a carriage supporting a framing flange corresponding to the opening in the reservoir, a removable baffle to limit the flow of seeds from the reservoir, and a disk member that is optionally inserted within the framing flange, in the absence of the baffle, to selectively limit access to only smaller seeds through a defined opening in the disk.

Abstract: Hatchlings are raised initially on a strip of sheet material which is laid on the floor of a containment pen by a vehicle having a support on the vehicle for receiving a roll of a sheet material and a hopper on the vehicle for receiving a feed material for the hatchlings. The strip is laid from the roll in flat form on the floor and held in place by a thin layer of the feed dispensed through a nozzle of the hopper as the vehicle is moved forwardly with the layer having a constant width substantially across the full width of the strip leaving narrow feed free bands at the side edges.

Abstract: A frame supports a bundle of natural logs providing nooks, crannies or crevices attracting lepidoptera and like insects as a nesting site. The frame may be affixed to a wall, tree or post at an elevation and in a location for ease of viewing and examination. Two flexible rods or supports emulating antennae support shallow dishes disguised as flowers above and in front of the bundle. These may contain water and nectar, respectively. The bundle may be collected naturally and over time replaced. The habitat provides an attractive and natural setting to observe lepidoptera insects substantially year round.

Abstract: A method of storing pet food, birdseed, cat litter or animal bedding including providing a container wherein the container includes a bottom wall and a sidewall and wherein the sidewall is flexible and is initially in a collapsed state, and a top wall that is movable between an opened and closed position to provide access to the interior of the container. For use, the sidewall is distended to a substantially taut position. The sidewall is supported by a spring disposed therein. Storing pet food, cat litter, birdseed or animal bedding within the distended container.

Abstract: An adjustable support system for a bird feeder comprises a support assembly that includes a support member adapted to be fixedly secured to a base structure, and an arcuately-shaped body member having a first end pivotally coupled to the support member and a second end extending outwardly from the support member. The support system further comprises a hanger assembly that includes a cable having a first end operably coupled to the body member along the length of the body member, and a second end adapted to support a bird feeder therefrom, and a planar member operably coupled to the cable along a length of the cable such that the planar member extends substantially orthogonal to the cable, wherein the planar member is adapted to prevent rodents from transiting the cable between the body member and the second end of the cable.