Abstract: An arrangement for positioning at least two milking animals in at least two milking stalls allows the animals to stand in an inclined position such that a longitudinal axis of the animals forms an angle of 10°-80° to a vertical plane (6) of a front barrier (5) of the milking stalls. The arrangement includes a power member (22) and motion transmission mechanism adapted to transfer an activating motion from the power member to individual front positioning elements (10) in the milking stalls such that the individual front positioning element in each milking stall comes in contact with a front portion of the animal and acts with a resilient force on the animal in a manner such that the animal steps backwards to a desired milking position in which the rear part of the animal is in contact with a second rear positioning element (9).

Abstract: A limiting device (9) for limiting the freedom of movement of a standing cow in a lying box (1) in a loose house for keeping cattle, in a direction towards a front end (8) of the lying box. The limiting device (9) is intended to be placed near the front end, on and projecting from the bottom (11) of the lying box. At least one top part (13) of the limiting device is movable between a limiting position operatively projecting from the bottom for limiting the freedom of movement of the standing cow towards the front end of the lying box, and a releasing position, for leaving, for the purpose of the front legs of the cow lying down, at least a part of the space the limiting device occupies in the limiting position. A lying box and a loose house with such limiting device are also described.

Abstract: An elevator-type mechanism which raises and lowers an animal into desired vertical position to facilitate treatment of injuries, treatment of illnesses, grooming, and the like of the animal.

Abstract: A freestanding enclosure for temporarily retaining large animals has a frame including four upstanding corner posts with a plurality of vertical posts horizontally spaced between each upstanding corner post. A plurality of horizontal cross rails are vertically spaced and extend between each upstanding corner post and vertical post to form an area of retention. Connectors releasably secure the horizontal cross rails to the upstanding corner posts and vertical posts such that the enclosure can be easily assembled, disassembled, transported and stored. A plurality of panels block the openings formed in the frame. A door provides access with the area of retention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a stock trailer into a horse trailer. Dividers are mounted on the inside of a stock trailer to create separate compartments for a number of horses. When the trailer reaches its destination, the dividers can be removed and used in combination with the stock trailer to create a corral for the horses.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising an outer enclosure having one or more access ports to the interior of the enclosure and an insert mounted for telescoping movement into the interior of the outer enclosure. The insert is formed with at least one compartment for storing feed with one or more openings into the insert adapted to permit access to the compartment. The insert is dimensioned to define a collection space between the outer enclosure and the insert when the insert is telescoped into the interior of the outer member. The collection space accumulates feed spilled from the compartment by feeding birds to prevent wastage. The insert is movable between a first raised position in which the openings in the insert generally align with the access ports of the outer enclosure to permit feeding by birds, and a second lowered position in which the compartment of the insert is positioned to automatically receive spilled feed from the collection space.

Abstract: A bird feeder having an apertured floor member which is slidably and selectively removable for easy cleaning. A bird feeder bin is defined by a set of walls, a floor and a roof. When a hinged portion of the roof is opened, at least one section of the walls is slidably removable, and the apertured floor member is also slidably removable. The apertured floor member, which consists of a perforated or expanded steel sheet, provides a combination of sheet material with a pattern of holes which is strong enough to support the weight of the feed, permits drainage to keep the feed dry, and is rugged for scraping and cleaning.

Abstract: A wild animal feeder (11) having a mounting post (12) upon which is mounted a platform (27) which may be accessed by an animal by a rope (26) hanging down near the ground. Mounted on the platform is a holder (16, 19) for wild animal food. A first embodiment has one climbing rope to access the platform. A second embodiment adds a teeter-totter board (29) with a counterbalance (34) upon which an animal can play. A third embodiment has a teeter-totter board mounted to a double-ended platform having two access apertures (25) and two climbing ropes to give easy access to a plurality of animals.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating seed from husks which consists of one or more separating units. Each separating unit includes a series of impact plates fixed at angles with respect to each other and to the vertical axis. In use, the seed and husks fall freely under gravity to impact and deflect off the impact plates along a path determined by the angles of the plates and the weight of the seed and husks. The deflection path differs such that seed and husks can be collected separately.

Abstract: A birdfeeder, in an embodiment, affords selective access to its contents. The embodiment includes an enclosure for storing food, a port disposed in the sidewall of the enclosure, and a conduit disposed in the port. The conduit provides communication between the contents of the birdfeeder through the port to an external location where birds may perch and feed. Both hanging and posted feeders as well as methods of selectively feeding birds are provided in a number of embodiments.

Abstract: An adjustable width livestock working alley for handling various size animals including a stationary support frame supporting a first arcuate-shaped stationary outer wall and a second arcuate-shaped moveable inner wall including multiple sections, pivotally joined together at the ends of the sections so that the effective radius of the overall inner wall can be changed. A series of connecting links, connecting the support frame to the multiple arcuate sections at their pivot joints with each connecting link starting with the first link having the shortest length with the links of each additional section being proportional to the accumulated changes in the circumferential length of the wall sections as the effective radius of the inner wall is changed and power means connected to the multiple sections for moving those sections radially and longitudinally to change the effective radius of the inner wall.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus (device) has a housing including two members. These two members are telescoping arranged when the housing is in a disassembled position. Upon assembly of the housing, by moving these members with respect to each other, the members resiliently deform with respect to each other, and once the assembled position is reached, the peripheral surfaces of each member are in an abutment sufficient to inhibit the members, and thus, the housing, from collapsing. By making the housing in this manner, assembly is simple, and the feeding apparatus (device) is economical, as packaging volume, and resulting shipping volume, are reduced, when compared to contemporary feeding apparatus (devices).

Abstract: The disclosure is for a free hanging animal stall. The stall sides are curved pipes forming a loop-like barrier hanging above floor level with no support from the floor or ceiling. The stall is supported by several chains hanging from the header board, and chains are also angled from the head end of the stall so that the stall is urged toward the header board at the head of the stall. The chains permit simple adjustment of the height of the stall sides above the floor and the structure also prevents the animal from being trapped under the sides because, if the animal is under a stall side, the sides are simply temporarily tilted up by an animal as it stands up.

Abstract: An automatic feeder and control system is provided which transports feed material such as bird food and the like from a reservoir storage compartment and into a feed receptor station which can be substantially vertically above the reservoir storage compartment. An endless belt moves through a tube which generally connects the reservoir storage compartment and the feed receptor station. By the operation of a drive assembly, feed material within the reservoir storage compartment is moved by the endless belt into the feed receptor station.

Abstract: Bird feeders of various shapes are formed at least partially of an expanded steel mesh material. The mesh is formed from thin sheet metal which is slit, expanded and formed into a portion of a bird feeder body.

Abstract: A bird feeder having an apertured floor member which is slidably and selectively removable for easy cleaning. A bird feeder bin is defined by a set of walls, a floor and a roof. When a hinged portion of the roof is opened, at least one section of the walls is slidably removable, and the apertured floor member is also slidably removable. The apertured floor member, which consists of a perforated or expanded steel sheet, provides a combination of sheet material with a pattern of holes which is strong enough to support the weight of the feed, permits drainage to keep the feed dry, and is rugged for scraping and cleaning.

Abstract: The pavilion provides both shelter and a food supply for birds of various species. It is a squirrel-proof construction that relies upon a combination of geometric configurations and support posts made of polyvinyl chloride. The support posts are maintained in a highly polished condition which prevents their being scaled by any squirrel or similar small animal. The structure comprises four tubular posts which are embedded in the ground and are connected together by horizontal tubular cross members which are used to suspend a plurality of bird feeders. A large dome covers the pavilion giving shelter to the birds and the bird food.

Abstract: A bird house or feeder assembly, used to construct a bird house or feeder from a container such as, but not limited to, a plastic milk jug or two liter soda bottle. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a roof structure, a perch and entrance ring assembly, and a bracket assembly. The roof structure is made up of a skirt piece and a crown piece which attach to the container when constructing either a bird house or feeder, by placing the skirt piece around the container spout, screwing the container cap onto the spout to clamp the skirt piece in place, and then attaching the crown piece to the top of the skirt piece. The perch and entrance ring are then attached to the container to make a bird house. In a second embodiment, the assembly includes a roof structure, a feeder pan, and two bracket assemblies. The roof structure is attached to the container in the same fashion as the first embodiment, but then the feeder pan is attached to the container to make a bird feeder.

Abstract: An animal electric shock guard includes a pair of flexible flat conductors extending side-by-side in slightly spaced apart relation on a flexible support strip which adheres to the outer surface of a trash container lid. The conductors are the sides of an open circuit which is closed by the wet nose or tongue of an animal, such as a dog trying to dislocate the lid from the container.

Abstract: A stable with a dwelling area for animals, a feeding area for storing and presenting feed and a partition between the dwelling area and the feeding area, provided with openings for allowing the heads of animals in the dwelling area access to the feeding area, is equipped with a feed slide moveable from a starting position through the feeding area towards the partition, for pushing feed stored in the feeding area over the floor of the feeding area towards the partition and with a prime mover for driving the feed slide. By moving the feed slide, feed can be pushed towards the partition according as the feed is being eaten, so that at all times a substantially constant small amount of feed is accessible to the animals.

Abstract: A birdfeeder conveniently separable for loading with bird feed is disclosed. The feeder is separable into two portions, with the mechanism for separating and holding the birdfeeder together being constructed completely integral with the two portions. In an upper portion, a lock rod connected to a protective top extends through a tube extending through a feed reservoir from a base of the birdfeeder, the base and reservoir being part of the lower portion. On a portion of the lock rod that extends into the base is provided a groove that is engaged by a spring-loaded pin, the pin in turn extending horizontally from the base and configured as a bird perch so that when the perch is pulled outward, the upper portion may be separated from the lower portion, providing access to fill the reservoir.

Abstract: Bird feeders of various shapes are formed at least partially of an expanded steel mesh material. The mesh is formed from thin sheet metal which is slit, expanded and formed into a portion of a bird feeder body.

Abstract: A bird feeder has a tiltable horizontally positionable base (C) with cavities for receiving feed metered from an upright jar (G) receivable in a receptacle (F) for positioning of the jar. A horizontal pivot (D) is provided and a peg (E) is spaced laterally thereof in order to provide stability for the base. The bird feeder may be suspended from the top (A).

Abstract: A bird feeder having separately manufactured components having a configuration which allows the components to fit together when in use, but can be disassembled for packaging, cleaning and replacement of damaged components. The components are formed from weather resistant materials, which can be transparent so that the supply of seeds can be observed for replenishment when needed, and the supply of seeds can be protected against exposure to weather conditions, while the components may have a physical size and shape to prevent access to the seeds by squirrels and climbing animals.

Abstract: A bird feeding device comprising a hollow container for holding food and having a plurality of food dispensing openings therein; a conically shaped member within the hollow container for spreading the food towards the plurality of food dispensing openings in the hollow container; a saw tooth insert for assisting in the spreading of the food towards the plurality of food dispensing openings in the hollow container; a plurality of perches, each being in alinement with a respective food dispensing opening in the hollow container for supporting a bird when eating from the feeding device; and a chain or rope for supporting or suspending the feeding device. Each food dispensing opening in the hollow food container has an upper edge with an inwardly extending top ear and a pair of inwardly extending side ears which tend to keep food within the container and not falling through the opening.

Abstract: A bird feeder for recapturing bird feed for re-use, the bird feeder including a feed reservoir for receiving bird feed and having a feeder opening, a trough coupled to the feed reservoir at the feed opening for receiving feed from the feed reservoir, and a recapture reservoir coupled to the feed reservoir for receiving and collecting uncontaminated bird feed displaced from the trough.

Abstract: A bird feeder which protects bird feed from deterioration due to snow and rain by having one side of the bird feeder fully closed by a full wall and another side substantially closed by a partial wall. An outer roof is supported by the full wall and the partial wall over a base plate. At least one silo is mounted against the full wall and on the base plate, each silo having openings at the lower end adjacent the base plate for discharging feed. A cover, which is removable, is mounted over the upper end or the silos. Additional feeding stations may also be provided on both sides of the partial wall.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a containing section for sunflower seeds, such seeds having a meat portion and a surrounding husk.A lower platform with through openings surrounds the containing section, with the openings being sufficiently small to retain full seeds thereon, but large enough to permit husk fragments to drop through the openings. The bird feeder is thus self cleaning, with rain, wind and the movement of the birds causing husks to drop through the platform, while whole seeds can be retained thereon for feeding.

Abstract: The bird feeder has an elongated tubs with a removable plug and a screen in the bottom. A bore through the elongated tube receives a first horizontal tube. The tube has a slot that provides communication with the seed storage compartment. End surfaces of the tube extend upward and outwardly from the wall of the elongated tube. A perch is supported by the elongated tube below each end of the horizontal tube.

Abstract: A cylindrical-body bird feeder has an open bottom with a pair of cut-outs on opposite sides of the bottom. Slits, extending from the cut-outs latchingly receive a flexible floor for the body. The floor is only latchingly secured in the bottom, to facilitate cleaning of the feeder. In one embodiment of the feeder, the floor is latchable in either one of two pairs of slits, to accommodate the feeding of small seeds, or the feeding of large seeds, via window apertures, or via open troughs below the windows.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a tubular container (109) for the food having a number of access ports (12, 14) so that birds may reach the food for example peanuts or grain, which settles under gravity onto a base (22). In order to make even the last few particles available to the birds the base (22) has sloping faces (24, 26) which shed the food to the outer periphery of the base (22) and into concave recesses (28) which are aligned with the access ports (12, 14).

Abstract: A bird feeder is constructed of two tubular containers attached end-to-end by a coupler threaded at opposite ends. A feed flow mechanism extends through the coupler and into both containers. Feed gravitationally flowing through the feed flow mechanism accumulates in a feed trough at the base of the lower tubular container. The amount of feed accumulating in the trough is controlled by the feed flow mechanism.

Abstract: The invention features a feed conduit tube for a bird feeder and also features a bird feeder including at least one of these feed conduit tubes, at least one feed container and a feed tray. The feed container stores or holds the bird feed and has a neck. One end of the feed tube, the first end includes a tapered portion and a projection or detente for securing the first end to the storage container. The other end includes at least one notch that cooperates with surfaces of a through hole opening in the tray to secure the tray to a second end of the feed tube. The feed trays are detachable from the feed tube and come in different size and configurations. The bird feeder is configurable with a single feed container or multiple containers feeding a single tray. Also featured is a bird feeding device where the feed conduit tube is in two sections that are threadably secured to each other. One of these tubes is secured to or formed along with the feed tray to form an integral structure.

Abstract: The bird feeder of the present invention includes a feed tray, a housing having bird feed which is disposed above the feed tray, a door which controls the amount of feed delivered from the housing to the feed tray, a cover disposed above the housing and means mounting these components on a pole. The housing has downwardly sloping channels formed therein which extend radially outwardly, and feed apertures formed at its lower end which are circumferentially spaced and aligned with the channels. The door is rotatably secured to the housing and includes openings which register with the feed apertures of the housing for allowing bird feed to pass through the feed apertures and onto the feed tray. The door is rotatably movable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A bird feeder that dispenses feed according to the weight and motion of feeding birds. The movement of feeding birds dispenses the proper amount of feed from the feed container, and the feeder adjusts to accommodate the type of feed being used and the weight and number of birds using the feeder. The feed container is adapted from a common two liter beverage container, which can simply be recycled when it becomes damp or dirty.

Abstract: A birdhouse for assembly without tools comprises a front wall and a rear wall of substantially identical configuration. Each of the front and rear walls has a rectangular lower portion and a triangular upper portion. The triangular upper portion defines a peak roof line and the lower portion of each of the front and rear walls has slots extending parallel to the edges of a face. A plurality of blind holes is formed in each face within the area defined by the slots. The front wall includes an opening for admitting birds. A plurality of dowels extends between the front and rear walls and are fixed in the blind holes for assembling the front wall to the rear wall. A pair of sheet material members extends from a peak of the triangular portion along the peak roof line to form a peaked roof. The first and second side walls are adapted for sliding into slots along opposite side edges of the front and rear walls.

Abstract: A wild animal feed dispensing machine capable of providing hours of entertainment for individuals who enjoy watching wild life eat specifically designed for wild squirrels, whose intelligence allows them to figure out the mechanism within a reasonable length of time and remember for future feeding. The machine is comprised of six major parts: (1) feed storage container; (2) rotating valve; (3) different colored spokes; (4) gnaw guard; (5) trough/perch catch basin and (6) holding bracket The feed storage container with lid, stores the feed. The rotating valve holds the feed in the storage area until the different colored spokes rotate, which in turn rotate the valve, allowing feed to fall by gravity into the trough/perch catch basin. The gnaw guard keeps the wild squirrels from gnawing at the rotating valve and damaging it. The holding bracket holds the feeder upright. Since wild squirrels have a very keen sense of smell they are able to locate the feed in the feeder.

Abstract: A bird feeder construction kit is described which includes the following components. A base is provided having a central trough-like depression with vertically extending pins adjacent opposed ends of the depression. A pair of supports are provided which are vertically securable to the base. Each support has three projecting pins. Three rectangular plates are also provided. The kit can be shipped flat through the mail. It is assembled by securing the supports vertically to the base and then sliding the plates into position to rest against the pins.

Abstract: A windowed housing attracts an animal to feed confined with a feed reservoir, but a limb set across the window frustrates the animal's attempt to access the feed. Pawing or pulling at the obstructing limb rotates a rod which opens a feed gate to discharge the feed into an underlying feed chamber. An opening in the chamber gives the animal access to the discharged feed, but release of the limb, to access the chamber-received feed, allows the feed gate to close.

Abstract: A feeder for butterflies has a reservoir to contain a feeding solution. The neck of the reservoir has a head and at least one feeding station is connected to the head. The feeding station is in fluid communication with the reservoir. A mesh-like pad is disposed in a well in the feeding station so that the butterfly may land on the pad.

Abstract: A multisided bird feeder for dispensing bird seed from a plurality of spaced-apart locations has a plurality of vertically disposed, substantially identical side members secured in an edge-to-edge relationship to form a closed perimeter. The base member and roof member being utilized are common to the side members, with the base member and roof member together with the side members forming an enclosed multisided bird feeder. A repository for bird seed is located in a central interior portion of the feeder, and an elongate trough portion is operatively associated with a lower part of each side member. An aperture is located in certain of the side members, just above the respective trough portion, with each aperture enabling seed to flow from the repository into the respective trough portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding birds has a tubular support column. There is a plurality of tubular male platform linking columns. A tubular support cross-over column connects the tubular support column to one of the tubular male platform linking columns. There is a plurality of tubular feed distribution chamber columns and there is a plurality of feeding platforms having a link port. One of the tubular male linking columns, extending through the link port of one of the feeding platforms, removably connects the tubular support cross-over column to one of the tubular feed distribution chamber columns. Another one of the tubular male/linking columns, extending through the link port of another one of the feeding platforms, removably connects the one tubular feed distribution chamber column to another tubular feed distribution chamber column. A tubular feed direction column connects to each tubular feed distribution chamber column. A feed abutment plug is placed in the one feed distribution chamber column.

Abstract: A bird feeder is made from a paperboard container, such as those commonly employed to contain milk. In a first embodiment, two slots are cut in the container above the floor in opposing vertical walls, and two holes are formed near the floor, one hole located below each slot. Feed troughs are attached to the container by tabs which expand inside the container after being passed through a slot, each slot serving one trough. In this embodiment, a separate perch is provided by a rod or stick projecting from the container. The perch is supported by the container floor, and held in place by frictional fit as it penetrates the two opposing holes below the slots. In a second embodiment, there is only one hole and one slot, the slot being located at the level of the hole. The perch and trough are provided as a unitary structural element, the trough having a peg projecting outwardly, so as to provide a foothold for a bird.

Abstract: An improved bird feeder for feeding liquid food to hummingbirds and the like having an integral liquid food shutoff and a liquid food metering receptacle to control, at the reservoir face, the amount of liquid food available to the hummingbirds responsive to the removal of liquid food by the hummingbirds.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprised of an enclosure having a roof structure with access to permit the placement of bird seeds in the enclosure. One or more feeding ports are provided in a side wall of the enclosure adjacent a bottom wall thereof. The feeding ports have a detachable closure. An exterior bird support member is provided below each of the feeding ports. An internal partition device is disposed in the enclosure and positioned inwardly and inclined to the feeding ports and has a discharge opening for discharging seeds from the inside of the enclosure to an internal feeding area adjacent the feeding ports.

Abstract: A shipping container includes a hexagonal carton having six walls extending between top and bottom ends of the carton, and a gimbal assembly contained within the carton and supported only by pivot connections to an opposed pair of the walls. The gimbal assembly comprises a normally horizontal ring supported by the pivot connections to the side walls, a normally vertical cradle pivotally connected at diametrically opposed points to the ring, and a product platform connected to the cradle below its pivot axis. Since the cradle and product platform have a combined center of gravity below the pivot axis, the cradle tends to remain in a vertical plane regardless of how the carton is turned. The top and bottom ends are preferably formed by six triangular flaps each slightly oversize, so that the flaps toggle to a locked, non-coplanar position upon closure.

Abstract: A bird feed holder for a bird cage, the holder comprising a plate, a clip for supporting the plate within the cage, a mechanism for securing a bird treat to the plate, and a shield on the plate for preventing waste separated from the treat from leaving the cage.

Abstract: A bird feeder (10) for all seasons having a seed reservoir (12) for gravitationally delivering food in pellet or seed form to an inner bell (20) positioned within an outer bell (22). The inner bell (20) and the outer bell (22) rotatably mate with each other and are shaped to provide a closed mode for storage and an open mode for food access. In the open mode the outer bell (22) is rotated so that arch apertures (44) in the inner bell (20) align with inverted arch apertures (66) in the outer bell (22). In the closed mode the arch apertures (44) of the inner bell (20) align with the outer cylindrical wall (54) of the outer bell (22). A damper (24) controls seed flow, and a cover structure (18) with a sloping roof (74) retains the inner bell (20) and outer bell (22) in a rotatable position relative to each other.

Abstract: An elongated teeter-totter feed trough with perches on its opposite ends has a central portion pivotally connected to a housing. The upper portion of the housing forms a hopper for bird feed. A mechanical linkage assembly interconnects the trough with upright feed shafts at opposite sides of the hopper. Rocking motion induced by birds landing on the end perches reciprocates the shafts relative to the housing. Each shaft has a cavity that passes a bottom outlet of the hopper as the shaft is moved. Particulate feed in the hopper fills the feed shaft cavities for carrying a measured quantity of feed from the hopper to chutes that dispense the feed to the trough.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a feeder unit for retaining seed and the like is provided with a perch of polygonal cross section that is tightly retained in the wall of the feeder unit. A soft pliable surface is provided on the perch that is apparently more appealing to the birds.