Abstract: A barrier component is disclosed for an animal stall, comprising a curved, elongated body member of elastomeric material such as rubber. This body member has first and second end sections each adapted for engagement within a respective hollow pipe. Together the two hollow pipes and the barrier component provide a stall divider when mounted on a suitable set of brackets, poles or supports at the head end of a stall. The component has a collar formation at each end which defines an annular recess for receiving a hollow pipe end and shielding the end of the pipe from the animal.

Abstract: A stall divider suitable for free stall stables including a vertical support member, a lower member extending away from the support member, an upper member extending away from the support member, and a crossing member extending perpendicularly to the upper member. The crossing member is made of a bendable or deflectable material and has a hollow or solid structure. The lower member, the upper member, and the crossing member include a soft or elastic outer layer. The construction of the stall divider increases the comfort and the welfare of the animals.

Abstract: A portable insert fits within an existing animal release chute to reduce the volume of the pen and thereby provide more confinement for a smaller animal, thereby providing greater safety for the animal. The position of the portable insert may be adjusted with respect to the animal release chute, and mechanisms. Adjustable spacing members maintain the entire insert in fixed position within the chute.

Abstract: A stall divider suitable for free stall stables including a vertical support member, a lower member extending away from the support member, an upper member extending away from the support member, and a crossing member extending perpendicularly to the upper member, wherein the upper member is secured to the vertical support using a mounting fixture that enables it to be moved up and down on the support member. This enables the stall divider to be adjusted according to different size animals.

Abstract: A partition for an animal stall comprising an upper rail, a lower rail, said upper and lower rails being linked at forward ends thereof to define a loop, wherein at least a portion of the lower rail is formed from a non-metallic material.

Abstract: A dairy animal freestall cross clamp assembly including a first clamp portion defining a first recess, the first recess having a first axis; a second clamp portion releasably joined to the first clamp portion and defining a second recess, the second recess having a second axis that is not parallel to and intersects with the first axis; and an insert disposed between and joined to the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion, the insert defining a first pocket opposing the first recess, and a second pocket for opposing the second recess. The insert can be resilient to avoid crushing of rail members and resist impact loads.

Abstract: An animal run having first and second side panels operable to be pivotally mounted along a central plane. A front panel is pivotally coupled with one of the side panels and operable to be detachably coupled to the other side panel. The side panels are moveable between a stored position, in which each side panel is positioned parallel the central plane, and an operational position, in which they extend outward at an angle from the central plane. The front panel is moveable between a stored position, in which it is positioned parallel the central plane, and an operational position, in which it is positioned at an angle from the side panel to which it is coupled and is detachably coupled with the other side panel. The side panels and front panel define an interior space for housing an animal when in their operational position.

Abstract: Bail apparatus (1) includes an overhead support member (3) which is suspended from an overhead support framework (14) by a linkage mechanism (11) from an operating member (12), so that the bail apparatus is operable in a lower operative state for separating animals and an upper release state for releasing the animals from a milking parlor (2). A plurality of bail elements (8) are mounted at spaced apart locations along the overhead support member (3), and each bail element includes a partition element (22) which extends substantially transversely of the overhead support member (3) at an angle ? of approximately 78.5°. A coupling bracket (17) couples each bail element (8) to the overhead support member (3).

Abstract: A stall divider suitable for free stall stables including a vertical support member, a lower member extending away from the support member, an upper member extending away from the support member, and a crossing member extending perpendicularly to the upper member. The crossing member is made of a bendable or deflectable material and has a hollow or solid structure. The lower member, the upper member, and the crossing member include a soft or elastic outer layer. The construction of the stall divider increases the comfort and the welfare of the animals.

Abstract: A brisket barrier for an animal stall comprises a ridge-shaped body having recessed sections formed therein and extending into the ridge. The recessed sections include a transversely extending slot adapted to receive a fixing device such as a screw. The recessed sections include a base portion in which the slot is formed, the base portion being arranged to engage with, in use, a ground surface on which said barrier is mounted. The barrier is adjustable, when fitted, in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring an animal includes a light source and an optical source. The light source, which is preferably an array of monochromatic light emitting diodes, at least partially backlights one or more of the animal's legs. The optical sensor or device, which is preferably a single dimension camera or charged-coupled device, opposes the light source and obtains an image that includes silhouettes of one or more legs of the animal. A processor, such as a computer with software and data storage, determines measurements, such as the approximate skeletal trunk length of the animal, from the silhouetted legs in the image. One or more first ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate height of the pelvic region, and one or more second ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate width of the pelvic region.

Abstract: A cattle handling system comprises a plurality of stall dividers positioned side by side and extending generally parallel to each other. Brackets for mounting the stall dividers are connected directly to a concrete slab and allow for connection of the stall dividers to the brackets in a one man operation without the need for embedding vertical members in the slab. The position of the brackets are located on the concrete slab by use of a mounting jig. The brackets may have a vertical adjustment allowing for an increase or decrease in the working height of the stall dividers.

Abstract: A hanger for a brisket tube or brisket rail employs an L-shaped bracket member formed of a slotted vertical plate with a horizontal top mounting flange. A clamp member, e.g., an omega clamp, secures the top mounting flange to a lower rail of a stall divider. A brisket pipe clamp attaches to the bracket and has an arcuate portion that captures the brisket pipe. The brisket pipe clamp is formed of a slide plate with flanged edges, a partly arcuate retaining arm that extends proximally from the slide plate, and a stub or post that extends distally through the slot in the vertical plate. This can be a threaded post so that the slide plate can be secured to the vertical plate with a nut. The slot permits limited vertical adjustment.

Abstract: A conveyance for the transportation of a multiple livestock is manufactured as a stock trailer in the slant configuration having provided therein a rear interior panels and forward interior panels. The forward and rear interior panels are rotatable about their respective mounting poles and the forward interior panels slide back and forth to facilitate loading into and unloading from the trailer of a plurality of horses. In particular, the forward interior panels and the rear interior panels are cooperatively adapted to enable the forward loading of the horses and, further, to enable the forward unloading to and from the trailer, respectively.

Abstract: A hanger for a brisket tube or brisket rail employs an L-shaped bracket member formed of a slotted vertical plate with a horizontal top mounting flange. A clamp member, e.g., an omega clamp, secures the top mounting flange to a lower rail of a stall divider. A brisket pipe clamp attaches to the bracket and has an arcuate portion that captures the brisket pipe. The brisket pipe clamp is formed of a slide plate with flanged edges, a partly arcuate retaining arm that extends proximally from the slide plate, and a stub or post that extends distally through the slot in the vertical plate. This can be a threaded post so that the slide plate can be secured to the vertical plate with a nut. The slot permits limited vertical adjustment.

Abstract: A cattle handling system comprises a plurality of stall dividers positioned side by side and extending generally parallel to each other. Brackets for mounting the stall dividers are connected directly to a concrete slab and allow for connection of the stall dividers to the brackets in a one man operation without the need for embedding vertical members in the slab. The position of the brackets are located on the concrete slab by use of a mounting jig. The brackets may have a vertical adjustment allowing for an increase or decrease in the working height of the stall dividers.

Abstract: A cattle handling system comprises a plurality of stall dividers positioned side by side and extending generally parallel to each other. Brackets for mounting the stall dividers are connected directly to a concrete slab and allow for connection of the stall dividers to the brackets in a one man operation without the need for embedding vertical members in the slab. The position of the brackets are located on the concrete slab by use of a mounting jig. The brackets may have a vertical adjustment allowing for an increase or decrease in the working height of the stall dividers.

Abstract: A fence-covering system for covering the openings in fence structures, such as an animal corral or arena. According to one aspect, a fence-covering system includes one or more removable fence-covering members that snap-fit onto the existing rails of a fence. Each fence-covering member can include an upper rail-engaging end portion that engages a horizontal rail of the fence, a lower rail-engaging end portion that engages another horizontal rail of the fence, and a generally flat panel member that covers the openings between the rails. According to another aspect, a fence-covering system comprises a sheet of a strong, flexible material, such as a fabric or fabric-like material, that is wrapped around the rails of a fence.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises an upper assembly having a securing receptor with a guide track, a lower assembly having a securing receptor with a guide track, a bi-fold partition having a top portion and a bottom portion wherein the top portion is received by the upper assembly and the bottom portion is secured by the lower assembly. In a preferred construction, the bottom portion of the partition further has a cooperatively attached pin or foot bolt that is generally received by the lower assembly. When the partition is secured in such a fashion, the partition forms a compartment often referred to as a tack room. To release the partition, the pin is pulled in upward direction and the partition slid out of the lower and upper assembly wherein the partition can be folded and stored along the sidewall of the trailer and in essence removes the tack room sub-compartmentalization.

Abstract: An elevated-beam cow stall assembly employs angle brackets each installed on a respective vertical post. Support stanchions formed of a vertical rail, with upper and receiver members affixed at upper and lower ends of the rail, are attached to the back plates of the angle brackets, and the back plates also support the horizontal support beam. Tubular stall dividers each have an upper and a lower horizontal rail, the ends of which are mounted into the receivers of the stanchions. Additional stanchions may be affixed, i.e., with U-bolts, at intermediate locations along the horizontal beam, and these stanchions also support associated stall dividers. Neck rails may be attached to the upper rails of the dividers, and brisket rails or brisket pipes may be supported on the lower rails of the dividers. This construction permits an unobstructed space below the horizontal beam to give the cow some freedom of movement for lying down and rising.

Abstract: A method for serving animals, such as milking dairy animals, allowed to go loose in an enclosed area, with animal stalls with a robot. The stalls have entrance and exit gates that are controlled. A service area includes at least three stationary animals stalls around a robot to form a central robot inner area. The robot is associated with the controller for the gates and is capable of moving to and serving each one of the animal stalls. A strolling area is arranged between the outer border of the enclosed area and the central robot area with animal stalls that is divided into subareas in various ways by the use of separators that may include controlled one-way passing gates for the animals.

Abstract: A cattle handling system comprises a plurality of stall dividers positioned side by side and extending generally parallel to each other. Brackets for mounting the stall dividers are connected directly to a concrete slab and allow for connection of the stall dividers to the brackets in a one man operation without the need for embedding vertical members in the slab. The position of the brackets are located on the concrete slab by use of a mounting jig. The brackets may have a vertical adjustment allowing for an increase or decrease in the working height of the stall dividers.

Abstract: A free stall divider which eliminates the need for structural elements in front of each free stall, thereby increasing the space in front of each animal and minimizes the structural elements at the side of each animal thoroughly allowing each animal to position its head comfortably to either side while lying in the stall. The free stall divider comprises a base, at least one mounting member, and at least one dividing element. All of the structural elements required to retain the dividing element upright are mounted to the base. When an animal is in a stall, therefore, all of the mounting members are located to the side of the animal. Therefore, no obstructions prevent the animal from moving in a forward direction.

Abstract: A free stall divider which eliminates the need for structural elements in front of each free stall, thereby increasing the space in front of each animal and minimizes the structural elements at the side of each animal thoroughly allowing each animal to position its head comfortably to either side while lying in the stall. The free stall divider comprises a base, at least one mounting member, and at least one dividing element. All of the structural elements required to retain the dividing element upright are mounted to the base. When an animal is in a stall, therefore, all of the mounting members are located to the side of the animal. Therefore, no obstructions prevent the animal from moving in a forward direction.

Abstract: A bird feeder with electronic squirrel deterrence that includes a bottom, a top, a swivelling hanger, a reservoir for storing bird feed and at least one feeding opening disposed in the reservoir. Feeding roosts having a perch are received in the feeding openings and inserts, having selectively sized beak openings and selectively sized feed baffles are received by the feeding roosts in order to accommodate birds of various species. In one embodiment, the bird feeder includes correction circuit for administering an electrostatic shock to a squirrel. The roost, the bottom, and the top include conductive surfaces which form an open circuit. The circuit is closed when an animal such as a squirrel makes contact with the conductive surfaces and one of the feeding roosts and delivers a mild electrical shock to the animal.

Abstract: A bird feeder has a vertical feed container with a top, an open bottom, and a continuous sidewall. A feed tray is positioned below the open bottom in spaced relation thereto and extends outwardly from the sidewall. The feed tray has an open top and an open perimeter edge. A perch is mounted on the tray and is located below the upper perimeter edge. A transparent hood element is mounted on and extends around the feed container. It has a lower edge which is positioned below the upper perimeter edge of the tray and above the perch. This permits the perch to dwell below the hood in the clear visibility of the birds which will attract the birds to fly within the hood, locate themselves on the perch, and feed themselves from the tray. The perch has a diameter less than the lower diameter of the hood to provide a space between the outer perimeter of the perch and the outer perimeter of the lower edge of the hood for the birds to move through to land on the perch.

Abstract: A cylindrical rodent repelling bird feeder 11 having an annular perch 13 around the feeder and an electric motor 33 geared to the perch. The perch is coupled to the electric motor and the electric motor is reciprocatively mounted in the bird feeder so that when a rodent 47 of excessive weight alights upon the perch the motor is pulled against a resistance spring 41 and a switch 38 is caused to close, thereby engaging the motor which rotates the perch to dislodge the rodent therefrom.

Abstract: Wave curb for the cow stand of a diagonal or herringone milking parlor is formed of an elongated sheet metal strip. The side edges are each bent over about 180 degrees to form unitary beads on the side edges. The strip is bent in alternate curves in the longitudinal direction so as to form a succession of alternate arcuate bights, preferably with a wavelength of about 36 to 42 inches. Preferably, the strip is stainless steel or galvanized steel, and has a finished length of about 36 to 144 inches. The sheet metal workpiece is inserted into a wave curb bending apparatus which simultaneously forms a first pair of opposite arcuate bights. Then the workpiece is moved longitudinally in the wave curb bending apparatus; and a second pair of opposite arcuate bights is formed in the sheet metal workpiece.

Abstract: An adjustable shield installed on a pole or tree to prevent squirrels and other animals from climbing beyond the assembled shield when the shield is wrapped around the pole or tree, including a conical member extending outward from the pole or tree, wherein the shield provides no convenient surface upon which the animal can grasp to continue upward the pole or tree, an inner and outer edge, two side edges and a center assembly made up of a plurality of projections or fingers.

Abstract: A collapsible feeder for birds, squirrels and the like is disclosed and comprises a disk-shaped upper support plate having a central feed fill opening formed therein. A cover selectively closes the central feed fill opening. A truncated, conical-shaped collapsible metal mesh wall is secured to the upper support plate and extends downwardly and outwardly therefrom. The lower end of the mesh wall is closed by means of a conical-shaped lower support plate which is perforated. A perch ring is provided at the lower end of the feeder to enable animals to perch thereon. The mesh wall has a plurality of diamond-shaped openings formed therein. The feeder may be selectively collapsed for shipment and storage. An inverted U-shaped hanger bracket is secured to the upper support plate for supporting the feeder in an upright position below a support bracket, tree branch or the like.

Abstract: A load-activated electronic animal control system is provided for detecting an animal load across actuating conductors. In response to detecting such a load, an electrical stimulus is delivered to the animal load across the actuating conductors. The control system may be used on avian structures such as bird feeding or nesting structures or on electric fences for livestock or other animals. Specifically, a load-activated electronic animal control system delivers an electrical stimulus to animals greater than a predetermined size when such animals contact defined actuating surfaces of the structure. Prior to activation, the control system maintains the system circuitry in a low-power state. Further, the electrical stimulus is only delivered to the actuating surfaces when a load is detected across such actuating surfaces.

Abstract: A bird feeder that prevents animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and rodents from gaining access to feed in the bird feeder. The bird feeder protects the feed from wind, rain, and snow. The bird feeder includes a housing that is rotatably attached to a support shaft allowing at least 360 degrees of rotation. The housing includes a plurality of angled plates that cause the housing to spin when the animal contacts one of the plates. A feed tray is rigidly attached to the support shaft and remains upright and stationary within the housing while the housing rotates about the support shaft. A bird can fly through an opening directly to the feed tray. Transparent sides of the housing allows a person to watch the bird.

Abstract: A reversibly collapsible wild game feeder for containing and making available feed for the feeding of wild game including birds, squirrels or the like. The feeder has a generally cylindrical, durable bag having top and bottom ends. The bag is comprised of flexible, durable mesh that allows birds, squirrels or the like to perch and feed anywhere on the exterior of the bag without damaging the mesh. The feeder is self standing when placed on the bottom end and may be hung from a horizontal support. The empty feeder collapses to a fraction of its full height for storage and shipment.

Abstract: The invention comprises a flexible sheet of material that is formed into a cylindrical shape thus acquiring with it an internal spring tension. The device may be placed as a sleeve over a pole or post thus serving to dislodge climbing animals when they look to ascend the device by compressing it along its length and in turn receiving an equal and opposite force of instant recoil.

Abstract: A free stall divider which eliminates the need for structural elements in front of each free stall, thereby increasing the space in front of each animal and minimizes the structural elements at the side of each animal thoroughly allowing each animal to position its head comfortably to either side while lying in the stall. The free stall divider comprises a base, at least one mounting member, and at least one dividing element. All of the structural elements required to retain the dividing element upright are mounted to the base. When an animal is in a stall, therefore, all of the mounting members are located to the side of the animal. Therefore, no obstructions prevent the animal from moving in a forward direction.

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: A bird feeder having an inner feed containing tube with a removable top, fixed bottom and feed access openings therein, an outer tube shrouding the inner tube and having feed access openings therein and an upper and lower position. In the upper position the feed access openings in the inner and outer tubes are aligned and when the outer tube moves downwardly relative to the outer tube the access openings are closed. A lever is pivotally connected to the fixed bottom and operatively connected to the outer tube. A biasing element urges the lever to pivot in a direction to move the outer member to its upper position.

Abstract: A selective nectar dispensing system for use with a bird feeder. The nectar dispensing system includes a pivot assembly which has a counterweight at one end and a feeding port restricting portion at another end. The pivot assembly is operable between a closed blocking position and an open feeding position. The counterweight normally biases the restricting portion to the closed blocking position and has a mass selected to both permit a feeding bird to move the restricting portion towards the open feeding position and to prevent movement of the restricting portion by an insect, thus providing selective access to the feeding port. The feeding port restricting portion is urged away from the feeding port against the force of the counterweight. Access to the feeding port is provided only when the feeding port restricting portion is urged away from the feeding port by the beak of a feeding bird in one embodiment and by the weight of the bird in another embodiment.

Abstract: A bird feeder with electronic squirrel deterrence that includes a base, a top, a swivelling hanger, a reservoir for storing bird feed and a plurality of feeding holes disposed in the reservoir. Conductive feeding roosts are received in the feeding holes and inserts, having selectively sized beak openings and selectively sized feed baffles are received by the feeding roosts in order to accommodate birds of various species. Further, the base and the top include conductive surfaces. The feeding roosts and the conductive surfaces on the top and the base are in an electronic network that forms an open circuit. The circuit is closed when an animal such as a squirrel makes contact with the conductive surfaces and one of the feeding roosts and delivers a mild electrical shock to the animal.

Abstract: A squirrel-proof bird feeder is provided including a housing having a cut out formed therein for defining a ledge and allowing access to the interior space. A squirrel guard is provided including a pivot frame residing within a single plane and defined by a pair of linear elongated side bars. At least one dowel is coupled between first ends of the side bars. A weighted bar is coupled between second ends of the side bars and has a weight less than that of an average squirrel. A center of each side bar is pivotally coupled to a central extent of opposite sides of a side wall of the housing. By this structure, the dowels remain level with the bottom face of the housing only when supporting an animal with a weight less than that of the average squirrel. The squirrel guard further includes at least one stanchion each coupled to an associated one of the side bars and a cover plate. The cover plate is coupled to the stanchion such that it resides above the pivot frame.

Abstract: A hanger harp formed of metal tubing having an upper tubing surface and an upstanding hook affixed thereto and a downwardly depending hook affixed thereto, the downwardly depending hook for positioning of a bird feeder, the harp hanger having a battery source secured thereto and connected to the harp hanger and the bird feeder, such that the distance between the hanger harp and the bird feeder would be bridged by an animal larger than a bird, and thus present an electrical shock to this animal thereby deterring this animal from invading the food supply designated for the birds.

Abstract: A squirrel-proof post is composed of a post, supporting a bird feeder or bird house, an annular sleeve, a set of springs, and a means of securing the springs to both the platform supporting the bird feeder or house and to the sleeve. The set of springs will be naturally somewhat elongated due to the weight of the sleeve. When the squirrel climbs up the post and onto the sleeve or else jumps from the ground onto the sleeve, the additional weight will cause the sleeve to begin to slide down the post at a rate approximating free fall. This sudden and rapid acceleration induces the squirrel to immediately jump off the sleeve, returning to the ground unharmed. The reduction in weight acting in opposition to the restoring force of the springs will rapidly result in the return of the sleeve toward its equilibrium position.

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a cylindrical body having an open top and an open bottom for holding a supply of birdseed and a cap covering the open top. A feeding platform is disposed below the open bottom and has a diameter sufficiently large to permit birds to perch thereon and feed as if ground feeding. The platform defines with the open bottom a peripheral opening for the delivery of birdseed to the platform. The platform is also vertically adjustable with respect to the open bottom of the cylindrical body for varying the height of the peripheral opening to regulate birdseed flow therethrough. A conical member is centrally positioned on an upper surface of the platform and affixed thereto. The base of the conical member has a diameter marginally smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body and the cone member projects vertically into the open bottom for directing the birdseed from the interior of the body to the peripheral opening.

Abstract: A bird feeder adapted to be suspended from the branch of a tree. The bird feeder includes a tube assembly (including a lower tube and an upper tube telescopically engaged therein) and a base plate extending radially outwardly therefrom and on which a feed holding can is mounted. A cone is fixedly attached to the upper tube and positioned in vertically spaced relation above the base plate, thereby serving as a hood to the base plate and feed holding can. The cone and upper tube are supported in position by a series of elongated, resilient tines which are fixedly secured at one end to the can and with their opposite ends being in contacting, supporting relation to the inwardly facing surface of the cone. The tines permit the cone together with the upper tube, to be forced downwardly along the longitudinal axis of the tube assembly in the event of a squirrel climbing on it trying to gain access to the feed, thereby denying the squirrel access to the feed.

Abstract: A squirrel-resistant bird feeder includes an inner seed-containing cylinder having a central upwardly-extending rod for mounting on a support and side openings for providing bird access to the seed. A hollow cylinder having a top surface with a central opening from about which a central hollow baffle depends controls seed levels while passing seed to lower dispensers. A relatively-movable outer cylinder guards the inner seed-containing cylinder and has side openings which align with the inner cylinder side openings when in its normal or home position to which it is urged by a tension spring. A squirrel alighting on the bird feeder moves the outer cylinder relative to the inner one against the tension of a spring to where their side openings are nonaligned to preclude squirrel access to the inner cylinder seed. A pin and slot arrangement insures opening aligment in the home position. The outer cylinder is formed of gnaw resistant materials.

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-feed recycler having a base frame (1) with a screen (2) and a pole attachment (6) for a bird-feeder pole (4). The base frame is sized, shaped and structured for positioning either under a bird feeder (3) at a base of a pole, on a pole at a desired height or under a bird feeder suspended from an object such as a limb (11) of a tree or part of a structure (10). A bird-feeder perch (12) can be positioned at a design distance from a bird-feeder trough (13) to catch feces of birds eating from the bird-feeder trough.

Abstract: A squirrel proof bird feeder having a cable for suspending the bird feeder from a tree, an open circular upper platform, an annular feeder suspended from the platform and a trap above a free lower end portion of the cable between the platform and the feeder. The open circular platform and cable passing through the platform mislead squirrels into believing that they can descend on the cable through the platform onto the trap and descend from the trap to reach the feeder. When a squirrel contacts the trap, one or more of the resiliently mounted segments rotates to eject the squirrel either off of the periphery or through the center of the trap. The feeder has an annular portion for storing birdseed and a lower open tray portion for feeding a portion of the birdseed to birds. The lower tray is automatically replenished by birdseed which is stored in the annular portion of the feeder.

Abstract: A squirrel proof bird feeder comprises a frame 102, a feed chute 112 inside and fixed to frame 102, and a rotatable feed chute cover 114 disposed between frame 102 and feed chute 112. The feed chute has two feed trays 116, 117, and the feed chute cover has two perches 124, 125. Two weights 146, 152, bias the feed chute cover to the normal feeding position. When a bird or other animal exceeding a predetermined weight alights on the perch, the feed chute cover rotates, blocking access to the respective feed tray and dislodging the animal, Different feed may be used in each of the feed trays by use of a divider plate 113. The weights may be adjusted to discriminate different weight birds for each feed tray. A second embodiment of the feeder comprises a single feed tray and one weight.

Abstract: There is disclosed a safety strip for horses and other animals to prevent casting. The strip may be attached to the walls of corrals and other structures that are used to contain horses and other animals. The strip may comprise a series of raised conical projections which provide a frictional surface for a horse to use as leverage to enable the horse to raise itself to an upright position within the confines of a narrow corral. The strips may be made in sizes that allow them to be used in a variety of differently sized and shaped walls. Apertures in the strips provide a method for mounting them to the walls by the use of nails for example.