Abstract: A distributor to distribute a treat among toys and food treats to a pet is described. The distributor comprises a base assembly; a carousel pivotably mounted to the base assembly, the carousel comprising partitions defining at least a first compartment; a cap configured to be mounted to the base and to cover the carousel, the cap comprising an opening that, when aligned with the first compartment, provides access to the first compartment; and driving means for driving the carousel to rotate between a first orientation wherein the first compartment is hidden and a second orientation wherein the first compartment is aligned with the opening, wherein a treat located in the compartment becomes accessible to the pet. The distributor may comprise a food dispenser releasably coupled to a feeder motor, and drivable only when the carousel is in a feeding orientation.

Abstract: Means and methods for preventing crawling insects from infesting a site where food, water, or garbage is located. In particular, this relates to creating a non-poisonous barrier in the path of the insects by coating a surface with a layer of high viscosity index petroleum based gel (HVIP-gel). One embodiment is an insect deterrent cup that is comprised of an inverted (upside down) cup whose inner surface is coated with a layer of PetrolGel. The insect deterrent cup is positioned between the food site and the crawling insects, blocking their path. This prevents crawling insects from accessing the food, water, or garbage.

Abstract: An automatic feeding device includes an accommodating container, a transmission channel, a valve unit, a sensor and an ejection unit. The transmission channel is disposed on bottom of the accommodating container. The transmission channel has an inlet portion, a central portion and an outlet portion. The central portion is between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The valve unit is disposed on the bottom of the accommodating container and adjacent to the inlet portion. The valve unit is switchable to allow feed inside the accommodating container for passing the inlet portion and entering the transmission channel. The sensor is disposed on the inlet portion and detects whether the feed passes the inlet portion, and further outputs a control command to switch modes of the valve unit. The ejection unit is disposed on the central portion and used to push the feed inside the transmission channel toward the outlet portion.

Abstract: A pet water dispenser may include a water tank having a space to store water and an upper opening, a pump installed in the space, a water supply pipe to transfer water discharged from the pump, and a water supply plate to which water is supplied from the water supply pipe. The water tank may include a wall defining the space and a water tank base supporting the wall from below. An upper end of the wall may be smaller than a lower end of the wall, as the wall may be inclined inward from the lower end to the upper end.

Abstract: An automatic self-cleaning and self-filling outdoor fluid feeding system for an animal, including for example a pet, includes a sink; a fluid transport system; a housing supporting the sink and containing the fluid transport system; and a control assembly configured to control the automatic self-cleaning and self-filling operations of the system.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a base, a storage barrel, a hopper, a blocking door and a ratchet turning wheel. The storage barrel is disposed above the base, and a collecting passage is extended from the bottom of the storage barrel. A discharge port is disposed on the collecting passage. The hopper is accommodated in the collecting passage. The blocking door shields the discharge port. The ratchet turning wheel is installed on the base and disposed below the hopper. The ratchet turning wheel includes a wheel and ratchet teeth arranged annularly on the periphery of the wheel. An outer periphery of the ratchet teeth abuts against the hopper to push the hopper to move up or down. The wheel is extended with a lever to open the blocking door. Therefore, the feed may be filled in the collecting channel, and the feeding device has the effect of quantitative feeding.

Abstract: A lighting system for a poultry feeding house includes a wire harness attachable to an existing feeding house shocker wire or feed auger pipe and a lighting fixture positioned beneath the wire harness and positionable on the feed auger pipe. The lighting fixture includes dual-color LED components using two independently controlled channels. A wire connection secured to the wire harness encapsulates wire leads to power and control the lighting fixture.

Abstract: A critter-proof bird feed apparatus includes a critter deterrent barrier/deflector assembly that attaches to the top of a bird feeder and prevents critters from accessing the bird feeder when the combined apparatus is hung up. The critter deterrent barrier/deflector assembly includes a connecting cable having a first end attached to the bird feeder and a second end for attaching to a pole, bracket, or other support structure above. The critter deterrent barrier/deflector assembly includes a deflector plate that extends in a lateral/horizontal direction. The deflector plate has a larger width than the bird feeder and block a view of the bird feeder from above the deflector plate. The critter deterrent barrier/deflector assembly includes a plurality of inverted, overlapping cones extending above the deflector plate, and preventing a critter from gripping onto the cones.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric device includes a photoreceptor that receives light reflected from an object. The spectrophotometric device measures a color of the object. The spectrophotometric device further includes: a network connection medium being capable of connecting to one or more than one address on a network; a connection interface element; and a processor that makes the network connection medium connect to the one or more than one address on the network upon the interface element being used by a user.

Abstract: An intelligent outdoor pet feeder includes an outer shell, a bottom shell, a water storage module, a control module, a water adding module, a biological sensing module, a water volume sensing module, and a power supply module. The water storage module is disposed inside the outer shell, the biological sensing module is disposed on the outer shell, the water adding module is disposed inside the outer shell, the control module is disposed inside the outer shell, and the water volume sensing module is disposed inside the water storage module. The intelligent outdoor pet feeder identifiers the pet body by the biological sensing module, identifies a change of water volume inside the water storage device combining with the water volume sensing module, and further controls operation of adding water of the water adding module.

Abstract: A pet food and water bowl apparatus includes a first bowl which is configured to contain water for a pet to drink, and the completely surround a support structure on which a second bowl for food in mounted. Surrounding the support structure with water prevent crawling insects from getting to the food in the second bowl. The second bowl is also configured to prevent food from falling into the water in the first bowl through changes in orientation of the second bowl.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multifunctional pet feeding cart, including a body assembly, a feeding assembly, a multifunctional control assembly, a drive assembly, and a camera assembly. The feeding assembly, the multifunctional control assembly, the drive assembly, and the camera assembly are disposed inside the body assembly, and the multifunctional control assembly is respectively and electrically connected with the feeding assembly, the drive assembly, and the camera assembly. The multifunctional control assembly includes a multifunctional module and an identification module. The multifunctional module is electrically connected with the identification module. The multifunctional control module includes a control mainboard, a battery, a power switch, a feeding circuit board, a card slot, and a charging connector. The battery, the power switch, the feeding circuit board, the card slot, and the charging connector are electrically connected with the control mainboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of preparing carbonate and/or formate from carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An insect-free pet feeder system includes a feeder assembly having a base, a water-cavity, a pet-food-cavity, a bowl insert, and a water bottle. The feeder assembly includes the base, the water-cavity, the pet-food-cavity, the bowl insert, and the water bottle creating a unitary structure. The base supports the water-cavity, the pet-food-cavity, the bowl insert, and the water bottle. The water-cavity surrounds the pet-food-cavity. The bowl insert is supported within the pet-food-cavity. The water bottle is provided to replenish the water-cavity with water and maintain a water level. The water-cavity creates a moat barrier between insects and pet food stored in the bowl insert located within the pet-food-cavity and ensures pets have access to clean, insect-free food.

Abstract: A non-skid container having a base portion including a flat portion and a plurality of studs, an outer bowl including a sidewall, a plurality of posts, a top opening, a bottom opening and a recess, wherein the posts are configured to be coupled to the studs, thereby coupling the outer bowl to the base portion and an inner bowl configured to be coupled to the outer bowl by inserting the inner bowl into the recess of the outer bowl.

Abstract: A pet fountain comprises an upper bowl, a base including a lower bowl. The upper bowl can be secured to the base so that it is elevated above the level of the base. The lower bowl is sufficiently large to accommodate the upper bowl when the upper bowl is not secured to the base. The internal space of the lower bowl has at least one span that is slightly greater than the longest measurement across the upper bowl.

Abstract: A system includes a wall mount adaptor that may be configured to be secured to a wall. The wall mount adaptor may have a top recessed portion disposed proximate the wall and a plurality of slots disposed on a side of the adaptor opposite the wall. A cover or back splash may include a mating adaptor having a protrusion that may extend along a wall facing side of the mating adaptor and be configured to be received by or engage with the top recess. The mating adaptor may also include a plurality of connectors or pins that extend from the wall facing side, each of the plurality of connectors or pins may be configured to be received by or engage with a respective slot. The back splash may include an opening that may be configured to receive at least a portion of a horizontal tray. The horizontal tray may be configured to connect to the back splash and may be secured to the wall mount adaptor.

Abstract: An animal feeding assembly inhibits animal food and water from spilling onto a floor when an animal feeds. The assembly includes a pan that may be positioned on a support surface. A rack is selectively positioned in the pan. A pair of bowls is provided. Each of the bowls contains animal food and water. Each of the bowls is selectively positioned on the rack. Thus, the pan captures the animal food and water when the animal eats and drinks thereby inhibiting the animal food and water from spilling onto the support surface. A lid is selectively positioned on the pan. The lid inhibits the animal food and water from spilling onto the support surface.

Abstract: A pet monitoring system includes a pet activity server having a pet database defining preliminary schedule for a variety of pets. A pet owner can obtain the preliminary schedule via an owner device and customize configuration settings for one or more pet devices based on the preliminary schedule and one or more modifications made thereto by the owner. The modifications may be based on modifications made to the preliminary schedule by additional owners and stored within the pet activity server within a community database. In certain aspects, the pet devices may automatically control one another based on the pet's interaction with a given device.

Abstract: A leash attachable portage and storage apparatus includes an upper portion securable to a reservoir portion and at least one bowl member. The reservoir portion is disposed to nest into the upper portion and the at least one bowl member is secures to the upper portion around the reservoir portion to contain the reservoir portion therein. Fluids are storable and portable within the reservoir portion and decantable into the at least one bowl member. The at least one bowl member may include a first bowl and a second bowl. Additional items, such as foodstuffs and treats for reward, are portable in the second bowl. Additional bowls may be attached to the device and portage of personal effects and accouterments is thereby enabled in a compact array manually wieldable to control an animal tethered to the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a pet feeding apparatus with an elongated polyhedron shape with directly opposed feeding and drinking portions with a feeding bin disposed therebetween. The feeding apparatus is bounded by a bottom wall attached to the lower edges of opposing side walls and a top wall attached to the top edges of the opposing side walls. The top wall overhangs the feeding troff and the drinking compartments. The bottom wall is supported by legs that terminate in a reservoir that contains an insect repellant liquid. The apparatus is made of a material that repels heat to allow the water to prevent overheating of the water.

Abstract: A method of promoting efficient water drinking by animals uses any one of a number of container embodiments. A first embodiment of container contemplates five sub-chambers separated from one another by parallel partitions, with each partition having a small weep hole near its bottom to equalize water level in each sub-chamber. Each sub-chamber has an elongated length dimension and a width that is relatively narrow and designed to approximate the width of an animal's tongue. When an animal is drinking water from one of the sub-chambers of this embodiment, as the tongue is lapping, the sides of the tongue are close to the inner walls of the sub-chamber, thereby precluding some of the water resting on the tongue from falling off the tongue as the water is lifted into the animal's mouth. In this way, the efficiency of drinking using the lapping technique is enhanced.

Abstract: An anti-slip bowl is described herein. A bowl can include a rigid first shell including a base and an outer wall continuously attached to the base, a rigid second shell including a base and an outer wall continuously attached to the base, and an anti-slip material positioned between the rigid first shell and the rigid second shell and protruding through a number of openings on the rigid second shell.

Abstract: The present discussion relates to a material dispensing system. In one example, the material dispensing system includes a material dispenser apparatus and a material container. In this example, the material dispenser apparatus can receive the material container such that both solid material and liquid material automatically dispense from the material container into a material presentation portion of the material dispenser apparatus in a self-regulating manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable feeding apparatus or bowl, more particularly to a travel feeding apparatus for pets having hinged, collapsible bowls for holding food and water.

Abstract: An animal feeder system for dispensing feed onto a ground surface, including a tank configured for holding feed and having a bottom end for receiving a gravity flow of feed in the tank. A spreader mechanism is operably coupled with the bottom end of the tank, and is operable to receive a flow of feed from the bottom end of the tank and periodically dispense the feed onto a ground surface proximate the tank. A bulk dump system includes a discharge port positioned in the tank and configured for capturing feed in the gravity flow, and a feed valve coupled with the discharge port and selectively operable for dispensing the captured feed from the discharge port into a pile on the ground surface.

Abstract: A non-skid container having a base portion including a flat portion and a plurality of studs, an outer bowl including a sidewall, a plurality of posts, a top opening, a bottom opening and a recess, wherein the posts are configured to be coupled to the studs, thereby coupling the outer bowl to the base portion and an inner bowl configured to be coupled to the outer bowl by inserting the inner bowl into the recess of the outer bowl.

Abstract: A poultry feeder for feeding birds in their early stages of growth, having a rectangular-rounded shape, comprising: a clamp for embracing a food supply tube; a holding throat for holding the clamp; a shutter for limiting the food supply; a hopper coupled to the holding throat for distributing the food; a food receiving plate integrally coupled to said hopper; wherein the holding throat is bifurcated and surrounds the clamp; wherein the hopper extends from the holding throat; wherein the clamp, which has a cylindrical shape, comprises three sections: a left lateral section; a central section and a right lateral section, and is formed by an upper half and a lower half, wherein said upper and lower halves are symmetrical and semi-cylindrical; wherein the upper half of the clamp comprises: an upper left lateral section, an upper central section and an upper right lateral section; and the lower half of the clamp comprises a lower left lateral section; lower central section, and a lower right lateral section; where

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: Livestock feeders are provided. A livestock feeder can include a one-piece or multi-piece design. A livestock feeder can include a pan, a hood, and a base. The livestock feeder is suitable for providing feedstuffs such as nutritional supplements to a livestock animal on a free-choice basis. The livestock feeder can be durable, portable, non-corrosive and is designed to minimize spillage of feedstuffs and resist tipping over. The livestock feeder can be constructed from a molded polyethylene material.

Abstract: A portable animal watering, feeding, and waste bag storage and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a body with a first chamber for storing the liquid that is used by the animal to drink, a second chamber that stores the refuse bags, and a cover for the second chamber that further serves to dispense the bags from the second chamber. A first receptacle is coupled to the body and provides a watering dish to serve the liquid from the first chamber to the animal. In some embodiments, a shaft directly connects the first receptacle to the first chamber and an adjustable plug provides a user with means to control the transfer of the liquid from the first chamber to the first receptacle. A second receptacle is coupled to the body and is used to store and dispense food to the animal.

Abstract: An automated feeding apparatus for animals comprises an inlet hopper having a discharge outlet provided with a feeder actuable in accordance with a predetermined feeding regime, the discharge outlet being of variable size. The discharge outlet is adjustable in length and depth to enable variation of volumetric flow therethrough.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a liquid container with a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin. An insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented.

Abstract: A gravity feed dispensing system for small animals in multi-level cages includes a rectangular hopper for containing a supply of animal feed and a number of multi-level cages. The system also includes a number of pipes with one pipe for each cage. The pipes are gathered together to form a pipe rack of upwardly facing open ends forming a planar array below the hopper. A first chute connects the hopper to the pipe rack for delivering food to the cages. A control plate having a small central opening is disposed in the chute between the hopper and the pipe racks. In addition, a pair of sliding gates is disposed between the control plate and the pipe rack together with a mechanism for opening and closing the pair of gates. The system also includes a mechanism for adjusting the vertical distance between the control plate and the pair of gates.

Abstract: In a method for supplying animals kept in restricted compartments (1 to 1.4) with feed by at least one dispensing unit (4) which is arranged movably along the restricted compartments, is connected to a control center (5) and has at least one dispensing element (9.1, 9.2), compartments (1.1) having group animals and compartments (1.2) for individual animals are intended to be jointly supplied with feed by a control center (5).

Abstract: Described is a pet feeding device having an elongated post that can be secured in or on the ground in a vertical orientation. A water bowl has a central aperture through which the elongated post can be positioned such that the water bowl is positioned on the ground. A feeding bowl support is secured to the elongated post in an elevated position and holds one or more food bowls thereon. A hose can be secured to a tube that extends through the water bowl, through the elongated post, and is attached to a faucet disposed on the elongated post in order to provide water for a pet. A nipple is positioned on the outlet of the faucet, and excess water from the nipple drips into the water bowl. A cover is disposed on the top portion of the elongated post and provides shelter for the pet's food and water.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for facilitating filling and cleaning of bird feeders that are aesthetically pleasing and adaptable for attracting different types of birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder includes a proximal edge extending around a central line and defining a plane. An outer surface and an inner surface each extends distally from the plane. The inner surface is connected to the outer surface by the proximal edge. An opening is formed by the proximal edge and positioned on the plane. A hanger is disposed distal to and not intersecting the plane, and the hanger assembly has a hanging portion positioned on the central line.

Abstract: An automatic self-cleaning and self-filling outdoor fluid feeding system for an animal, including for example a pet, includes a sink; a fluid transport system; a housing supporting the sink and containing the fluid transport system; and a control assembly configured to control the automatic self-cleaning and self-filling operations of the system.

Abstract: An automated animal feeder may have a pair of traditional pet bowls, one for food and one for water, and the water bowl may be physically lifted and dumped on a timed schedule as the water bowl may be mounted upon a hinged plate which swings up to empty the water bowl at programmed intervals controlled by a programmed logic controller, and the water bowl may be refilled whenever the weight of the bowl is light enough to indicate that the bowl is not full. Food may be metered by means of a portion control hopper located beneath the food supply hopper. The programmed logic controller (PLC) allows the timing of feeding and watering to be controlled by the user.

Abstract: A feeder for feeding animals at the weanling stage has a trough with two opposed outwardly inclined front walls over which the animals can reach for taking feed from the trough and a feed hopper for discharging feed downwardly onto a shelf above the trough. Water is supplied into the trough through a water line with a series of animal actuated nipples so that the animals may take the feed dry on the shelf or wet from the trough. The water line in order to restrict flow rate to the nipples includes a flexible restriction hose located within the water fine through which the water passes with the hose having a coupling at one end holding the hose at a fixed position within the pipe and causing the water in the pipe to pass through the hose to the opposed end which is free in the water line prior to reaching the nipples.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dispensers of bedding materials for laboratory animal cages. According to one embodiment of a dispensing unit, materials are drawn into a storage chute by a vacuum and dispensing is accomplished in a dispenser comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes having dispensing openings through which material is dispensed into cages. While in a first position, a material directing gate allows the materials to be dispensed through one of the dispensing chutes into a first number of cages, and through another one of the dispensing chutes into a second number of cages while in a second position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum from the vacuum blower is utilized to remove dust from the dispensing area where material is dispensed into cages. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for aligning, indexing and drying laboratory animal cages which have already been cleaned in a cleaning station.

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: Some embodiments provide a portable animal watering, feeding, and waste bag storage and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a body with a first chamber for storing the liquid that is used by the animal to drink, a second chamber that stores the refuse bags, and a cover for the second chamber that further serves to dispense the bags from the second chamber. A first receptacle is coupled to the body and provides a watering dish to serve the liquid from the first chamber to the animal. In some embodiments, a shaft directly connects the first receptacle to the first chamber and an adjustable plug provides a user with means to control the transfer of the liquid from the first chamber to the first receptacle. A second receptacle is coupled to the body and is used to store and dispense food to the animal.

Abstract: A sensor controlled food and water system and method for pet animals. A collar of a pet animal can be attached to a sensor for selectively operating one or more bowls allocated to the pet animal. The bowl for storing the food and/or water can be linked with the sensor such that the lid of the bowl opens on detecting the presence of the pet animal near the bowl. Each animal can be provided with a collar having a sensor and a bowl linked with and/or which communicates wirelessly with the sensor (e.g., RFID tags). The lid of the bowl allocated to the animal opens when the pet is near the bowl and closes when the pet is at a distal or particular location from the bowl.

Abstract: A combined dish rack for feeding pets includes a main body and legs. The main body has two dish setting openings for positioning dishes. The main body and legs are detachably attached to each other. The main body on a bottom thereof has a plurality of protruding members. The legs have slots configured to receive the protruding members if the legs are attached to the main body. The legs are configured to be placed in a housing defined by a top wall and a side wall of the main body.

Abstract: A wall-mounted, recessed pet feeding system includes a base that can be installed in a wall stud cavity at a predetermined height above a floor. The pet feeding system further includes a pair of pet bowls which interlock into the base to prevent spilling while also enabling easy removal for cleaning and filling.

Abstract: A system for remote animal care is presented and includes a housing and a mobility portion coupled to the housing and operable to move the housing. The system includes a data communications system and communicatively coupled with an external data communications system, and an electronic data processor controlling the mobility portion. Further, the system includes a food storage portion and a water storage portion. The system may also include receiving a plurality of location data associated with an animal, determining a location of a debris item associated with the animal, and a cleaning portion coupled to the housing. Also, method for animal care is presented. The method includes providing a mobile housing having a cleaning portion and determining a location of a debris item associated with an animal. The method also includes moving the mobile housing to the location of the debris item and cleaning the debris item.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering objects includes a carriage subsystem with a tubular body having an interior central channel an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of an elongated tubular support structure. A plurality of guides facilitate linear translation of the carriage on the vertical structure without marring. At least one hook on the carriage pivots to engage a slot on the support structure for locking the carriage in a raised position. Objects are attached to a flange on the carriage. A winch and cable control motion of the carriage.

Abstract: A bird feeder generally in the form of hopper feeder that is coupled with a water reservoir. The hopper feeder generally includes a seed reservoir that receives and holds bird seed, which is dispensed to the birds by way of feeding stations. The hopper further provides a liquid reservoir for dispensing drinking water to visiting birds.

Abstract: An animal feeding system for slowing the eating process of an animal, e.g., a dog, and simultaneously entertains the animal. The animal feeding system includes a floor, retaining walls, and obstacles which form a food maze. The obstacles may vary, for example, in shape (e.g., as letters, words, geometric shapes, etc.), form (e.g., rigid structure, flexible fingers, etc.), size, height, etc. In addition, the obstacles may include structures to further slow an animal's eating, such as tunnels, slides, ramps, etc. The animal feeding system may be fabricated of any appropriate material, including, but not limited to, silicone rubber, natural rubber, metal, and ceramic.