Abstract: A pet care article is provided which maintains excellent sanitary conditions and is not prone to causing bedsores. This pet care article (1) is provided with an absorbent sheet (2) having liquid retention properties, and a liquid-permeable cushion material (3) arranged on the top surface of the absorbent sheet and having a thickness of greater than or equal to 5 mm. The cushion material (3) comprises a fibrous structure configured from continuous fibers made from a thermoplastic resin and having a fiber diameter of 0.01-3 mm. No ends of the continuous fibers are contained in the top of said fibrous structure, and the continuous fibers are bonded together at intersections between the continuous fibers.

Abstract: An odor treatment dispenser is disclosed for an odor. The device comprises a housing having a canister channel. An aperture traverses the housing. A canister contains an odor treatment substance positioned within the canister channel. An actuator engages the canister for dispensing the odor treatment substance through the aperture for treating the odor.

Abstract: A cat litter box mat having a planar upper layer which overlaps and covers a planar lower layer. In some embodiments, the planar upper layer includes a pair of planar upper layers. The planar upper layers are connected to the planar lower layer. A plurality of openings are formed through the upper layers and these openings increase in area from a lower surface of each upper layer to an upper surface of the upper layers. Connecting members are provided for joining additional mats placed adjacent one another.

Abstract: A mat for a bovine animal has an elastomeric body having a ground-engaging underside and a top side, the mat having a head end and a tail end. The top side has a generally planar area on which a cow may rest in use, and a portion of the generally planar area towards the head end is bounded on either side and across the head end thereof by a barrier integrally formed with the elastomeric material of the mat. The barrier projects upwardly above the generally planar area, and defines a pair of arms extending on either side of the bounded portion. The configuration of the mat encourages an animal to rest correctly on the mat, increasing comfort and reducing the chance of injury, while also avoiding the problems of hygiene and installation difficulties associated with known mats and their accessories.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described that relate to a rapid deployment communications tile. As opposed to running various data and/or power wires, a construction crew can use set of tiles that have built in data and/or power transmission capabilities. These tiles can be keyed such that they interlock together to form a relatively uniform surface, such that the surface can also be used as a floor. Further, the tiles can have hardware components that enable the data and/or power transmission capabilities. These hardware components can be environmentally protected such that their performance is not subject to environmental factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for sanitization or sterilization of, or reduction or elimination of microbes from, PFR material, in particular material for use as an animal bedding. In another aspect, the invention provides sanitized or sterilized material, and especially animal bedding material, prepared using the described compositions and methods.

Abstract: A thermodynamic pet cooling station that uses conductive properties to transfer cold temperatures from a cooling element contained within an insulated base to the surface of a platform tile, creating an efficiently cooled area where an animal my rest when he/she is subjected to dangerously hot weather. The pet cooling station is thermodynamically cooled using three integral components: a molded insulated base, structural platform tiles made from a conductive metal comprised of a planar surface with temperature-transfer cases affixed to their underside, and cooling pods, that can be pre-frozen and are reusable, containing a non-toxic liquid that is housed in either a similar conductive metal or a durable membrane that will hold its shape and efficiently transfer the frozen temperature to the temperature-transfer cases allowing thermodynamics to follow the specific pathway of interconnected metal and move the cold temperature up and across the structural platform planar surface in an efficient manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a slatted floor comprises a floor covering apparatus for placement on the individual slats of a slatted floor. Each floor covering apparatus includes an elongated elastomeric mat (410) adapted to be fitted to a floor slat. The mat has a rigid fixing base (411), a flexible core (11) and an outer skin (415). The rigid fixing base (411), the flexible core (11) and the outer skin (415) are integrally formed together. The mat has a longitudinal leg (413) at each side to locate the mat. Also a flap valve (412) is mounted on each leg and protrudes into the gap between adjacent slats.

Abstract: A cubicle (10) for an animal, a system for an arrangement within the cubicle and a method for mounting said arrangement. The cubicle (10) has an open side (12) though which the animal enters the cubicle (10) and an opposite end for the animal's head. The cubicle (10) includes a brisket board (13) for positioning the animal in the right position within the cubicle (10) and a mattress (16) placed on a cubicle floor (14) for the animal to rest on. One side of the mattress (16), and one side of the brisket board (13) are secured to the cubical floor (14) by an elongated profile (25) securing both the mattress (16) and the brisket board (13) to the floor (14).

Abstract: A large animal bedding system in which a large animal stall having a floor is provided with a bedding layer of cellulosic granules distributed across the floor of the stall. The system may include a shovel having a blade and a screen in the blade where the screen has a plurality of holes to assist in removing animal waste and agglomerated granules from the bedding layer.

Abstract: A cubicle (10) for an animal, a system for an arrangement within the cubicle and a method for mounting said arrangement. The cubicle (10) has an open side (12) though which the animal enters the cubicle (10) and an opposite end for the animal's head. The cubicle (10) includes a brisket board (13) for positioning the animal in the right position within the cubicle (10) and a mattress (16) placed on a cubicle floor (14) for the animal to rest on. One side of the mattress (16), and one side of the brisket board (13) are secured to the cubical floor (14) by an elongated profile (25) securing both the mattress (16) and the brisket board (13) to the floor (14).

Abstract: An animal bedding mixture is disclosed herein. The animal bedding mixture includes a bedding material and a bedding material additive. Bedding material is preferably straw, sawdust, sand or recycled manure solids. The bedding material additive is preferably 60-99% by weight absorbent clay powder, 0.1 to 35% by weight chlorite salt, and 0.01-35% by weight sodium bisulfate or sodium percarbonate. The bedding material additive of the present disclosure is inert when dry and neither germicidal or acidic. However, when the additive is exposed to moisture, such as animal urine, the sodium bisulfate will acidify the liquid, causing the formation of hypochlorous acid and chlorine dioxide. Hypochlorous acid and chlorine dioxide are very powerful, broad spectrum germicides that have proven efficacy against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and other micro-organisms commonly found in animal bedding.

Abstract: An animal bedding mixture is disclosed herein. The animal bedding mixture includes a bedding material and a bedding material additive. Bedding material is preferably straw, sawdust, sand or recycled manure solids. The bedding material additive is preferably 60-99% by weight absorbent clay powder, 0.1 to 35% by weight chlorite salt, and 0.01-35% by weight sodium bisulfate or sodium percarbonate. The bedding material additive of the present disclosure is inert when dry and neither germicidal or acidic. However, when the additive is exposed to moisture, such as animal urine, the sodium bisulfate will acidify the liquid, causing the formation of hypochlorous acid and chlorine dioxide. Hypochlorous acid and chlorine dioxide are very powerful, broad spectrum germicides that have proven efficacy against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and other micro-organisms commonly found in animal bedding.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a slatted floor comprises a floor covering apparatus for placement on the individual slats of a slatted floor. Each floor covering apparatus includes an elongated elastomeric mat (410) adapted to be fitted to a floor slat. The mat has a rigid fixing base (411), a flexible core (11) and an outer skin (415). The rigid fixing base (411), the flexible core (11) and the outer skin (415) are integrally formed together. The mat has a longitudinal leg (413) at each side to locate the mat. Also a flap valve (412) is mounted on each leg and protrudes into the gap between adjacent slats.

Abstract: A pet waste absorption sheet includes: a liquid-impermeable backsheet; a liquid-permeable topsheet; and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The topsheet has a chemical solution containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of perfume, deodorant, and sterilant.

Abstract: A biodegradable absorbent mat for absorbing and containing moisture including debris from pet feet, consisting of a bottom layer formed of an organic absorbent mesh composite, a top layer affixed and overlying said bottom layer, having an alternating combination of stitched paper ruffles and helically intertwined brush fibers. The organic mesh composite may be burlap or paper, treated with starch for rigidity, and then coated with a natural gum or latex to enhance friction grip and provide a moisture barrier. The configuration of the stitched paper ruffles, provide maximum exposure of the cut linear edges of the ruffles to a pet's feet. The cut linear edges wick away moisture increasing the rate of absorbency. The stitched paper ruffles provide increased capacity for absorbency and debris containment. The helically intertwined brush fibers primarily remove debris from pet feet, and also provide a secondary function of containment of debris.

Abstract: Floor covering for an animal house for beef animals and dairy animals includes an elastomeric mat which can be fixed to a floor or floot slat by screws. Rigid strips are located at the base of the mat for securing the screws which are coverable by the mat when it is fixed to the slat. The mat is designed for cleanliness and enhanced protection and comfort for animals. A flap valve forms an openable flat valve along one longitudinal edge of the mat to close a gap between adjacent slats of a slatted floor to reduce the emission of gases and fumes emanating from a tank beneath the floor. The flap valve allows waste material to pass through the slatted floor to the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to pet beds, and particularly with pet beds with a wall and a base encased in a fabric overcoat. Known pet beds have the disadvantage of needing a rimmed section to allow use by e.g., heavy dogs, and the further disadvantage that rimmed sections on walls formed from resilient materials generate high levels of waste. The object of the invention is to avoid this disadvantage, an objective met by a pet bed comprising a peripheral wall formed from a resilient material, the wall having a trapezium cross-sectional shape that diminishes in width from its upper to lower end.

Abstract: A method of cleaning bedding sand soiled with animal manure removes the bedding sand from an animal bedding area. An aqueous slurry of the bedding sand is made. The slurry is subjected to cyclonic action so as to separate the sand from the manure. The separated sand is then respread back into the animal bedding area for reuse. The clean bedding sand is free of organic contaminants such as manure, urine and milk. In addition, the bedding sand may contain inorganic contaminants such as clay and silt particles as well as fine particles which are undesirable in a bedding material. Processing the sand removes these inorganic contaminants and fine particles to produce a superior bedding sand for animals.

Abstract: Floor covering (I) for an animal house for beef animals and dairy animals comprises an elastomeric mat (2) which can be fixed to a floor or floor slat by screws (8). Rigid strips (6) are located at the base (7) of mat (2) for securing the screws (8) which are coverable by the mat when it is fixed to the slat. Mat (2) is designed for cleanliness and enhanced protection and comfort for animals. Flap valve (3) forms an openable flap valve along one longitudinal edge of the mat (2) to seal a gap between adjacent slats of a slatted floor to reduce the emission of gases and fumes emanating from a tank beneath the floor. The flap valve (3) allows waste material to pass through the slatted floor to the tank.

Abstract: An animal bedding composition and method of manufacture includes cut or shredded pieces of multiple panel corrugated cardboard kraft paper structures having an internal corrugated panel sandwiched between outer panels, and an adsorptive deodorizing ion exchange agent such as a zeolite dispersed throughout the cardboard pieces and carried on outer and inner surfaces of the pieces of cardboard and on outer and inner surfaces of the corrugations to provide a comfortable, hygienic and deodorized floor covering for animal stalls. An automated method of manufacturing the animal bedding composition is also described. The ion exchange agent attaches to surfaces of the corrugated cardboard which serves as a carrier to sanitize and deodorize a stall. The open structure of the cut corrugations provides mechanical load absorption, and a wicking action to aerate moisture from a stall.

Abstract: An animal bedding composition and method of manufacture includes cut or shredded pieces of multiple panel corrugated cardboard kraft paper structures having an internal corrugated panel sandwiched between outer panels, and an adsorptive deodorizing ion exchange agent such as a zeolite dispersed throughout the cardboard pieces and carried on outer and inner surfaces of the pieces of cardboard and on outer and inner surfaces of the corrugations to provide a comfortable, hygienic and deodorized floor covering for animal stalls. An automated method of manufacturing the animal bedding composition is also described. The ion exchange agent attaches to surfaces of the corrugated cardboard which serves as a carrier to sanitize and deodorize a stall. The open structure of the cut corrugations provides mechanical load absorption, and a wicking action to aerate moisture from a stall.

Abstract: An improved bedding for livestock of this invention provides a bed strip for livestock having at least two elastomeric belts bonded together, one on top of the other, to form at least one bed with at least two chambers, front and rear, expandable under fluid pressure, that, once properly filled with a working volume of fluid, will each attain a convex pillow-like shape. The fluid volume in the chambers is such that when an animal steps on the rear chamber of the bed the top belt makes contact with the bottom belt to provide a stable base for the animal's foot, yet, when the animal drops to its knees on the front chamber of the bed, during the process of lying down or rising to standing, the knees are supported by a fluid cushion between the top and bottom belts.

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

Abstract: An agricultural floor panel and system having a design for improved strength and cleaning is described. The floor panel is designed for support on at least two cross beams. The floor panel has two opposing edges, each edge having a plurality of flanges for supporting engagement on the cross beams and the plurality of flanges defining a plurality of recesses between adjacent flange. The flanges and recesses are adapted for interlocking engagement with corresponding flanges and recesses of an adjacent panel and also include a locking and spacing system for locking adjacent panels together while substantively maintaining a gap between the opposing edges of two adjacent panels.

Abstract: An animal bedding material that includes a layer of substantially dry ground drywall and a layer of a substantially absorbent litter material. The ground drywall layer has a concentration of greater than 10 g/ft2 and includes ground gypsum and ground paper backing. The ground drywall constituent of the bedding material helps control odor, acts as a moisture barrier, and provides a “lift” to the waste saturated litter material, which reduces compaction and extends the useful life of the bedding material.

Abstract: A venting system for an animal stall comprises a ventilation layer and an animal bedding layer. Stall flooring configurations comprising an animal bedding layer having moisture dissipating properties and a ventilation layer which circulates air through the animal bedding layer are most efficient. Additionally, a separation layer and/or an airflow dissipation layer may be included. By providing airflow through the animal bedding layer, moisture from the bedding is transferred to the air and carried away. Moisture within animal bedding encourages growth of bacteria, virus and other coliform pathogens and encourages decomposition. Specific ventilation layer examples include pipes buried in the ground and covered with gravel, clay support tiles, urethane and gravel mixture mats and finished surfaces. Perforations or porosity through the ventilation layer surface to the air passageways therein provide paths for airflow into or out of the ventilation layer.

Abstract: Animal bedding disinfecting methods and systems are disclosed that facilitate removal of contaminants and pathogens from reusable animal bedding. A disinfecting method includes: preparing soiled animal bedding for disinfecting; disinfecting the soiled animal bedding; and reusing the disinfected animal bedding. A disinfecting system for supplying at least one disinfecting medium to animal bedding includes: a cover configured to create a controlled environment around the animal bedding; and at least one disinfecting medium reservoir associated with the cover configured to supply at least one disinfecting medium to the animal bedding within the controlled environment. A disinfecting system for supplying heat to animal bedding includes a heating cover configured both to create a controlled environment around the animal bedding and to supply heat at a temperature of at least approximately 200° F. for a time period of at least approximately 5 minutes to the animal bedding.

Abstract: The present invention a cattle flooring method & apparatus comprises interlocking mats including mat sections, inter connected with interlocking webs defined at mat edges; and mat connectors forming a mat connection such that a connection is made across a mat edges by placing one mat connector adjacent a top surface of said mats and a second mat connector placed adjacent a bottom surface of said mats such that said top and upper and lower mat connectors are adapted to interlock though mat holes in said mats thereby connecting together adjacent mat sections and clamping onto said mats. The cattle flooring apparatus further includes a slat anchor including a dome member for securing said mat together with said slat anchor to a slatted floor by urging said dome member of said slat anchor through a mat opening and into a slat opening.

Abstract: A habitat for caged animals such as nesting rodents. An envelope, penetrable by gnawing or chewing, is constructed of biodegradable, edible or food grade material, which contains litter and may also contain foodstuffs, medicaments or toys.

Abstract: A kit for confining a pet within a preselected area is provided. The kit includes a pet anchoring apparatus that can be freely positioned within any environment, that is relatively devoid of obstacles and potentially impaling protrusions, and that can be varied in weight and size to accommodate the pet as well as the environment of the area in which the pet is to be confined. The kit also includes a pet pad for protecting the surface area of the environment in which the pet is confined. The kit, moreover, can include a pet feeder and also can include a pet bed, provided either separately or as an integral part of the pet.

Abstract: Animal manure is removed from a bedding material consisting of compacted and compressed pelletized sawdust particles or granules of relatively uniform size by a pellet fork specifically designed to enable the pellets or particles to sift through the tines of the fork while retaining all but the tiniest particles of manure atop the tines for disposal. The pellet fork is uniquely and specifically designed to provide an improved sifting function not previously possible with other bedding materials except when using a mechanized sifter, resulting in substantial material and labor cost savings, longer life and easier maintenance of bedding, reduction of cleaning time per stall, improved cleanliness of stalls and attendant improved health of the animals. The volume of waste and bedding removed from a horse stall during cleaning may reduce a manure pile as much as 70% compared to conventional use of straw.

Abstract: A wood based product comprises condensed natural wood fibres. The wood fibres have bulk density of about 20 lbs/ft3 or greater at moisture content of about 15% by weight or less, and each particle of the wood fibres has a particle size of less than about {fraction (3/16)} inch. By using such condensed wood fibres, the wood based product is capable of functioning as physical bedding for poultry that can absorb moisture and ammonia for a complete production cycle of commercial poultry operations.

Abstract: An animal bedding composition and method of manufacture includes cut or shredded pieces of multiple panel corrugated cardboard kraft paper structures having an internal corrugated panel sandwiched between outer panels, and an adsorptive deodorizing ion exchange agent such as a zeolite dispersed throughout the cardboard pieces and carried on outer and inner surfaces of the pieces of cardboard and on outer and inner surfaces of the corrugations to provide a comfortable, hygienic and deodorized floor covering for animal stalls. An automated method of manufacturing the animal bedding composition is also described. The ion exchange agent attaches to surfaces of the corrugated cardboard which serves as a carrier to sanitize and deodorize a stall. The open structure of the cut corrugations provides mechanical load absorption, and a wicking action to aerate moisture from a stall.

Abstract: An absorbent material for house pet animals, includes pulp fibers containing a natural or synthetic polymer and formed in a granular shape; and a solution of an amphoteric polymer having an acidic pH. The solution is added to the pulp fibers.

Abstract: A sound reducing system comprises a housing, acoustic baffle, and acoustic netting. The acoustic baffle is covered with a waterproof protective casing which protects the acoustic baffle from dirt and moisture without interfering with its acoustic properties, and allows it to be cleaned with fluids. The housing comprises an inner pan and an outer pan which are pivotally coupled. The acoustic baffle and the acoustic netting are disposed within the housing, but can be removed for cleaning when the housing is opened. When the acoustic baffle and acoustic netting members are placed back within the housing, they are protected from damage.

Abstract: A package for animal bedding which includes one or more pads or sheets of cotton within a plastic pouch is disclosed. The pads are placed within the pouch and the air from the interior of the pouch is evacuated. The pouch is then sealed. The package is also irradiated in order to provide sterile sheets to be used to line the bottom of animal cages.

Abstract: A cat litter mat having flexible, paw-engaging projections formed of thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, preferably a blend of such elastomer with low density polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enclosure for the containment of livestock. Preferably, the livestock enclosure includes a floor assembly forming a planar floor surface and an overlay assembly operably coupled to the floor assembly for selectable engagement with the floor assembly. Preferably, the overlay assembly includes a traction grid having a plurality of grid apertures extending therethrough, wherein the overlay assembly is configured to be placed adjacent the planar floor surface to provide traction for livestock placed within the enclosure. The overlay assembly is preferably configured to be moved, thereby allowing waste from the livestock to flow through the grid apertures and onto the planar floor surface to facilitate removal of said waste from the planar floor surface to clean the enclosure.

Abstract: A flexible, heated, non-allergenic mat particularly adapted for use with animals has a flexible layer of recycled crumb rubber formed under heat and pressure with resin. A reflective sheet is disposed in the flexible layer for reflecting heat. A wire forming a heating element is disposed in the flexible layer above the reflective sheet for heating the mat in response to an applied electric current. A plug and socket may be formed in an edge of the flexible layer so that adjacent mats may be electrically coupled to form a larger heated surface.

Abstract: A floor mat for livestock, comprising a thermally bonded fiber mat layer having a surface hardness (Durometer hardness) of 60 to 98 by an F-type hardness tester and having a water permeability of not more than 120 seconds.

Abstract: A bed for livestock comprises a bladder expandable under internal fluid pressure acting upon at least one flexible supporting sheet defining a supporting area, such that when the bladder is expanded, the supporting sheet assumes a generally convex shape across the supporting area. The bladder may be situated between first and second flexible sheets laminated one above the other, at least one of which is the supporting sheet. A preferred method of using the beds comprising selecting a fluid pressure or fluid volume within the bladder appropriate to a particular animal such that the point loading of that animal's foot, when standing, will press the supporting sheet into frictional contact with a stable base whereas, when the animal lies down, fluid within the bladder will be distributed such that substantially all parts of the animal's body are separated from the base by the fluid within the bladder.

Abstract: A mat for a free stall, the mat having a series of body supports and a series of connectors or spacers. The body support members are in a spaced apart relationship that defines a series of compartments. The connectors or spacers interconnect the body supports. The mat may optionally include a series of connecting strands, that threadably pass through at least one body support and one connector. In one described embodiment the body supports are a series of elongated strips of recycled tire carcasses in an approximately parallel and spaced apart relationship to each other. Each body support is spaced apart from the next body support by connectors. The described embodiment has a connector positioned near each end of elongated body support and at least one additional connector positioned approximately midway between the two connectors located near the ends of body support.

Abstract: A new washable/reusable animal bedding element for laying on the floor of a stable for providing a comfortable and hygienic bedding for an animal. The inventive device includes a core having an outer surface and a pair of opposite ends. An outer sheath is disposed around the outer surface of the core between the ends of the core.

Abstract: In a rubber-elastic floor mat for barns, in particular for use in single lair boxes, a downwardly directed web construction is provided along one of the side borders of the mat. This web construction is integral with the side border. The web construction defines underneath the mat a substantilly planar, continuous cavity which is open in downward direction and which can be filled with a layer of soft material.

Abstract: A modular flooring system for an animal housing is provided, the flooring being particularly suited to pig housings due to the structure of the flooring which minimizes spacings in which manure, and its attendant bacteria, could collect. A plurality of interconnecting interior and straight-edge panels are provided and a plurality of panel support units each unit comprising a device for fixing the unit to a substrate of the housing and a device for engaging at least one panel to support the panel over the substrate. The panels each have a rectangular frame having side, top and bottom members and a plurality of spaced horizontal and vertical members extending between the side and top and bottom members of the frame, respectively, forming a plurality of horizontal slots. Each side member comprises means for coupling the panel to an adjacent panel. In the interior panels the outer configurations of the top and bottom members are mirror images and the interior panels are rotatable.

Abstract: A mat for an animal, particularly a female mammal such as a sow comprises a main body (3) provided with a ridge (5') adapted for a sow to lie along one side thereof so that the sow's udder rests on the ridge and thus is made more accessible to piglets. The ridge (5') preferably extends along a central longitudinal axis of the mat and optionally includes a bacteriocidal agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for protecting a dog from the cold. In one implementation of the present invention, the invention is directed to a flexible pad for protecting a dog from a cold boat hull. The flexible pad is formed of an elastic material, having a first side, a second side, and at least one drainage hole.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbing, rot-, chemical-, and skid-resistant mat fastened to an inner folding frame held in place within the area of use by an outer frame adapted to be secured to any surrounding wall. The inner frame is foldable and includes attachments by which the frame and mat, after being folded over itself, can be removed from the area of use by an overhead cabling or on a specially fitted wheeled trolley.

Abstract: An absorbant animal bedding made from ground, bleached, and dried corn stalks. A method for making the animal bedding using a tub grinder for grinding raw corn stalks to ground corn stalk pieces, a spray nozzle for spraying a bleach and sanitizing solution on the ground corn stalk pieces, a dryer system for drying the ground corn stalk pieces, a fire detection and extinguishment system for detecting and extinguishing any sparks or fire in the dried corn stalks after leaving the dryer system, a cyclonic separator for separating moist air from the dried corn stalk pieces, and mechanism for removing dust before the ground stalk pieces are conveyed to a packaging location.