Abstract: A shaving unit and/or electric shaver having a lighting module for providing an optical heating function at a skin-contacting surface of the shaving unit is disclosed. An encapsulation arrangement for components of the lighting module using a potting material is described. The potting material encapsulates, on both an upper and lower side, a carrier to one or more lighting elements are mounted.

Abstract: A pet hair removal comb includes a comb head with a knife holder assembly, a handle assembly and a hair removal push plate. The comb head is mounted at a front end of the handle assembly; the hair removal push plate is mounted on the comb head and located at a back side of the knife holder assembly; the handle assembly is provided thereon with a button assembly; the hair removal push plate includes a push plate that is movable in up and down directions and a push part at a front end of the push plate; a connecting rod is provided between the button assembly and a back surface of the push plate; two ends of the connecting rod are respectively movably connected with the button assembly and the push plate; the button assembly slides to push, through the connecting rod, the push plate to move.

Abstract: A brushing stand operable by an animal. The stand includes a base, a tubular stand connected thereto, a body portion extending upward away therefrom, the body portion selectively adjustable up and down. The tubular stand includes an arm portion extending horizontally away from the body portion, with a hand portion at an end of the arm and extending downward. A brush motor is connected to the arm portion and releasably and pivotally attached to the brush extending downward that spins around a vertical axis and also swings around a horizontal arc. An internal fluid pathway extends from the arm portion to the base and a vacuum sucks up animal hair in proximity thereto. A proximity sensor communicates with a controller to turn on the motor and the vacuum when the animal is in proximity to the base.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an electrically operable hair removing device, such as a shaver comprising a housing, an energy source located in the housing, at least one hair removal unit and at least one electrically operated equipment, like a light source, which is movable relative to the housing. During its use, the at least one electrically operated equipment is not directly connected to the energy source located in the housing.

Abstract: An inline method for producing a spring strip profile (1) for a slatted frame that comprises at least one core strand (2) formed by a fiber-reinforced plastic and at least one thermoplastic cover layer (3) surrounding the core strand (2), comprises at least the following steps: joining multiple fibers, threads and/or filaments to form a fiber bundle (2.1); impregnating the fiber bundle (2.1) with a thermally activatable reaction resin; molding the outer contour of the fiber bundle (2.1) impregnated with the reaction resin; thermally activating the reaction resin (2.1) to form a cured core strand; introducing the core strand (2) into an extruder head (110); applying thermoplastic melt in the extruder head (110) to form the cover layer (3) on the spring strip profile (1); and cooling and calibrating the spring strip profile (1) in a cooling and calibrating device (111, 112, 113). The outer contour of the fiber bundle (2.1) is wrapped around, in a winding machine (105), by at least one thread or filament (2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scarfing type scratching pad, including a base board which includes a plurality of salients, a plurality of side boards which includes a plurality of salients and recess holes and a plurality of top boards which have a plurality of recess holes. A three-dimensional shape is created with the salients of the base board sequentially going through the recess holes of the side boards and the recess holes of the top boards, and also the salients of the side boards sequentially going through the recess holes of the top boards. By this invention, it provides a scarfing type scratching pad that can let the cats play, rest, sleep and keep their claws honed and this pad also have functions of collecting cats' hair and scratching confetti.

Abstract: An animal brushing arrangement and method wherein a support part, a brush, an electric motor and a rotation sensor are provided. The electric motor is arranged to rotate the brush about a rotation axis, and the rotation sensor is arranged to detect a rotational movement about the rotation axis that is caused by an external force applied to the brush, such as by an animal, when the motor is not operating, a detection of such a rotational movement being operative to activate the motor.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention a device for braiding horse hair while minimizing damage to the horse hair is provided. The device includes at least one semi-rigid, resilient material being intertwined with the horse hair into a braid and to form and retain the braid into a decorative shape. In an embodiment, the at least one semi-rigid, resilient material intertwined with the horse hair to form and retain a decorative shape.

Abstract: A method and system providing farm decision support relating to individual animals in a herd in a farm environment includes a brush station having a reader configured to remotely register, via identification devices, an identity of each animal visiting the brush station responsive to a detection unit detecting a repositioning of the brush from a neutral position resulting from an animal pushing against the brush. The reader unit has a detection range within which identity data can be read out from the identification device of each animal. In response to a detected repositioning of the brush, the reader unit registers the identity data from a first detected identification device within the detection range, and forwards the identity data to a processing unit via an output interface. The processing unit stores registered data representing animal visits to the brush station as decision support data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that integrates a manually operable fluid dispenser for dispensing and applying a contained fluid to clean and/or disinfect a surface or care for a pet's fur coat. The device is preferably equipped with washable and reusable cleaning pads or various combing and brushing appliances thus obviating the need for a separate cleaning cloth or brush/comb.

Abstract: An animal washing brush for washing an animal has a hand grip and a head disposed on a handle with an elongated shaft. The head has opposite or transverse surfaces facing in substantially opposite or transverse directions, including a substantially flat surface and a concave surface. Each of the flat and concave surfaces has a matrix of flexible and resilient fingers extending from the surface. The fingers have a height taller than a diameter, and a spacing on the same order of the diameter.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising at least one buffering agent, at least one chelating agent and at least one antimicrobial agent, which can be used for treating and/or preventing diseases or disorders in a variety of animals. In certain embodiments, in particular, the compositions can be used for treating and/or preventing ophthalmic and oral cavity diseases or disorders in dogs and cats and oropharyngeal and/or guttural pouch diseases or disorders in equines. In certain embodiments, the compositions can also be used for treating ophthalmic or oral cavity diseases or disorders in humans.

Abstract: A method for applying a substance to the teats of a dairy livestock comprises extending a robotic arm between the legs of a dairy livestock positioned in a stall. The method continues by rotating a linear member of a spray tool about an axis that is perpendicular to the robotic arm, wherein the linear member has a perimeter that lies within an outer perimeter of the robotic arm when the robotic arm extends between the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The method continues by discharging a substance as the linear member rotates.

Abstract: A device for delivering an agent to the skin or the hair or the fur of a recipient. In one form the device has a comb-like extent of tines which are of a carrier material that will melt on contact with skin and thereby deposit an agent that is mixed with the carrier. In other form there is an abrading material in the mixture so as to abrade the skin and thereby allow the agent to be deposited. In the latter case the agent may be an inoculant. The tines may also be placed on a glove so that the agent can be delivered by moving the tines over a selected area to deposit the agent. The device can be in the form of a finger condom having a tine strip. The methods allow delivery of the agent using the various forms of the device and to accomplish various purposes.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning tool for removing animal hair from nearly any hand-held grooming tool is disclosed. A vacuum grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning a grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support and may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the cleaning tool to the vacuum source during its engagement by a hand-held grooming tool being cleaned. This pivot-action mechanism can switch the vacuum off to a connected vacuum grooming tool and on to the cleaning tool, such that the airflow through the cleaning tool does not have to compete with any vacuum or airflow through the vacuum grooming tool during its cleaning.

Abstract: A rotary shedding blade drill attachment includes a plurality of shedding blades disposed between plates rotatable by a shaft. The rotary shedding blade drill attachment includes a plurality of shedding blades that can turn by mechanical power, such as by a cordless drill. Unlike conventional shedding blades, which includes a single blade, or a single blade in a loop, powered through manual labor, the rotary shedding blade drill attachment includes a plurality of shedding blades whose movement is powered through mechanical assistance, thus saving the user time and labor.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool is provided with a fur ejector portion that is at least partially movable relative to the teeth of the pet grooming tool and can be manually moved into engagement with fur that is wedged or lodged between the teeth. The engagement of the fur ejector portion with the fur forces the fur from the gaps between the teeth. Preferably, the fur ejector portion can be manually moved by the same hand a person uses to support and hold the grooming tool.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool is provided with a fur ejector portion that is at least partially movable relative to the teeth of the pet grooming tool and can be manually moved into engagement with fur that is wedged or lodged between the teeth. The engagement of the fur ejector portion with the fur forces the fur from the gaps between the teeth. Preferably, the fur ejector portion can be manually moved by the same hand a person uses to support and hold the grooming tool.

Abstract: A rotatable livestock brush has a rotation axis and a brush surface configured to be brought into contact with a contact region of a body of a livestock animal. The brush surface includes at least a first region having first pressure-transfer properties, and a second region having second pressure-transfer properties which differ from the first pressure-transfer properties. A plane at a right angle to the rotation axis intersects both the first and second regions. The brush has a cylinder shape with a central cylinder axis. The rotation axis is eccentric and in a position which differs from a position of the central cylinder axis. Upon rotation, the brush massages the body of the livestock animal in the contact region thereof by transferring the varying pressures onto the body of the animal by successively bringing the first and second brush surface regions into contact with the body of the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a livestock grooming device having a first canister containing a first blower that selectively imparts an airflow through an outlet of the first canister, and further having a second canister containing a second blower that selectively imparts another airflow through an outlet of the second canister. A manifold fluidly connects both outlets to a manifold outlet. A backflow preventer device between the second blower and the manifold outlet selectively prevents the airflow from the first canister from entering the outlet of the second canister.

Abstract: Apparatuses disclosed herein aid in shearing animal claws. Specifically, the present invention provides a shearing apparatus having at least one curved blade, but preferably two curved blades, allowing cutting of the animal's claw from opposite sides of the animal's claw, and at least one well for placing the animal's claw therein, wherein said two curved blades are disposed at an aperture located at the bottom of the well. The well and aperture combination stops the animal's claw from being sheared too close to nerve endings and the animal's blood supply, preventing or minimizing the incidence of injury and suffering to the animal. Methods of using the apparatus are further disclosed herein.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention a device for braiding horse hair while minimizing damage to the horse hair is provided. The device includes at least one semi-rigid, resilient material being intertwined with the horse hair into a braid and to form and retain the braid into a decorative shape. In an embodiment, the at least one semi-rigid, resilient material intertwined with the horse hair to form and retain a decorative shape.

Abstract: A method of dispensing liquid from a dispenser onto an animal. The method includes placing a tip of the dispenser on or near the skin of the animal and depressing a plunger which is movably disposed in a body of the dispenser. Depressing the plunger causes a membrane in the body to be pierced such that an opening is formed in the membrane. At least some of the liquid is dispensed through an opening of the dispenser onto the skin of the animal. In another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing liquid onto the skin of an animal. The dispenser can include a cap and a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable pet grooming aid device comprising a substantially rectangular piece of flexible fabric comprising four sides, two sides joined creating a tubular flexible body having a top face, an inner face, a head end and a tail end, the ends comprising a seam, an elastic cord threaded inside of the seam, two apertures on the top face, the apertures affording a user's hands access to the interior of the device to handle an animal inside of the device during a grooming process, the animal's head exposed outside of the device at the head end, the elastic cord securely tied around the animal's neck.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an animal's paw including a container (10) adapted to retain a cleaning agent, the container defining an opening and including a side wall, a cleaning platform (50) disposed in said container and defining a space (60) between said cleaning platform and said container side wall, and a squeegee member (85) substantially covering said opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for grooming pets 100, said tool comprising a glove 102 suitable for wearing on human hand and at least one piece of substrate sheet 106 attached to the glove. Also, the tool comprises at least one array of directional hooks 108 attached to the substrate sheet 106. The present invention also provides a method for grooming pets, which comprises placing a hand inside a grooming tool 100 and comprising and petting pet's fur coat with arrays of hooks 108 of said tool.

Abstract: An improved pet grooming tool is provided for grooming pets and removing loose or detached hair from their fur coats, while removing substantially no or acceptably little live hair and without the need to include any blade portion for engaging the loose or dead hairs. The tool can also collect the removed hair as opposed to permitting most of it to fall to the floor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the grooming tool includes an elongated handle portion having proximal and distal ends, a head portion at the distal end of the handle, and a carding portion on the head. A tool axis extends in a proximal direction from the head to the proximal end and in preferred embodiments of the invention, corresponds to the direction in which the tool is drawn across the animal's coat (the grooming direction). The grooming tool also has a plurality of tines, with a generally triangular shape when viewed from their sides or top, such that they narrow when extending from base to tip.

Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning tool for removing animal hair from nearly any hand-held grooming tool is disclosed. A vacuum grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning a grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support and may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the cleaning tool to the vacuum source during its engagement by a hand-held grooming tool being cleaned. This pivot-action mechanism can switch the vacuum off to a connected vacuum grooming tool and on to the cleaning tool, such that the airflow through the cleaning tool does not have to compete with any vacuum or airflow through the vacuum grooming tool during its cleaning.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided for applying fluid to an object, including a spray head, a fluid conduit connected to the spray head, and a driver for moving the spray head into a spray position relative to the object, wherein the spray head includes a support arm, the support arm including at least a flexible section, an actuator to cause fluid to be sprayed via the spray head, and a control mechanism that ensures that a) the spray head is moved by the driver substantially to an area of the object to be sprayed, b) the fluid is supplied to the spray head once the spray head is in position, and the fluid device actuated, and c) the spray head is withdrawn from position after spray has been supplied to the object.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes at least two substantially parallel pressure sensing members adapted to detect location of an animal foot. The apparatus also includes a system for delivering ingredients to the pressure sensing members, and a system for discharging the ingredients on the animal foot.

Abstract: A pet grooming pad, used alone, or in conjunction with pet furniture for grooming a pet cat. The grooming pad is in the form of a mat having a bottom surface for residing upon a support and a top surface of a material capable of removing and trapping animal fur. The top surface can contain a second region as well, the second region being a grooming surface in the form of a plurality of flexible nodules.

Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid onto an object using the weight of the object, such as an animal, to compress the sides of an inflatable mat together to create a source of pressurized air that operates a pump to dispense liquid on to the object from a dispensing conduit.

Abstract: A cat grooming device and method for using it. The device includes a cylinder having a shell, the shell having open ends, an exterior surface and interior surface. The interior surface is provided with a lining capable of grooming a cat passing within the cylinder. Ideally, the lining is composed of unwoven polyester fibers or directional microfibers.

Abstract: A hybrid grooming tool adapted for use in grooming a furred animal. The hybrid grooming tool includes a plurality of de-shedding blades deposed with respect to a plurality of grooming teeth. The blades include blade edges that, when the hybrid grooming tool is moved with respect to a furred animal, may pass through the fur along with the grooming teeth such that the de-shedding blades pass through matted portions of the fur. As such, the de-shedding blades may cut the matted portions to assist in the removal or untangling of the matted portions of fur. As such, the hybrid grooming tool may be utilized even on matted fur without the need to use another tool to first remove matted portions of fur from the coat of the furred animal.

Abstract: An electronic method and apparatus to externally sense and identify the position of live tissue within an animal claw, including opaque claws. The live tissue (quick) position is determined by electrical conductivity measurements along the claw, so that the claw can be cut or marked. A receptor electrode positioned on the claw measures conductivity resulting from either a source electrode placed on the animal, or from the electro-magnet field created by the ambient presence of radiated line voltage. A multi point contact electrode which does not require calibration, comprises alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections. A claw receptacle conforms the electrode to the claw.

Abstract: Disclosed is a palm-held device having a cutting assembly which exposes blades on two edges simultaneously to enable a user to cut a target's hair or fur with either edge by moving the device in the desired direction.

Abstract: A clipper for clipping nails of an animal such as a dog, or cat, that allows for the clipping of an individual nail at the desired length while preventing injury to the animal, including a clipper portion and a sensing portion which allows the nail to be localized in a desired position relative to the clipping plane of the clipper and the internal structure of the nail, wherein the sensing portion is included within circuitry that includes a signal generation portion, a signal reception portion, and a quick indicator. The animal nail is positioned near the clipper portion and the sensing portion produces a sensible signal confirming the position of the clipping plane upon the nail, particularly the quick of the nail. The user then may adjust the position of the clipper portion such that the clipping plane avoids the quick. The user then actuates the clipper portion and trims the nail.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention a device for braiding horse hair while minimizing damage to the horse hair is provided. The device includes at least one semi-rigid, resilient material being intertwined with the horse hair into a braid and to form and retain the braid into a decorative shape. In an embodiment, the at least one semi-rigid, resilient material intertwined with the horse hair to form and retain a decorative shape.

Abstract: An undercoat rake adapted for use in grooming a furred animal. The undercoat rake includes grooming teeth comprising at least two different types of grooming teeth, each having a base portion, a tip portion, and a shoulder between the base portion and the tip portion. First teeth of the two different types of grooming teeth may have a tip portion that is greater in length than the corresponding tip portion of second teeth to create a variable depth grooming profile. The disclosed structure advantageously removes undercoat fur of a furred animal that has been shed or is soon to be shed. The variable depth grooming profile has been found to be highly effective to rapidly and efficiently thin the undercoat of a furred animal.

Abstract: A pet drying and cleaning bag is made of a piece of material having two opposite ends joined together to form an open-ended material. One of the unjoined ends is kept fully open while the other unjoined end is partially joined together, leaving an opening in at least a portion of this other unjoined end. This opening may be closable and may also be elastically expandable. Some embodiments of the pet drying bag may include closure mechanisms, such as zippers or hook and loop fasteners, to provide additional openings in the bag. The bag of the present invention may be made larger to act as a beach bag, towel, and privacy changing screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid onto an object using the weight of the object, such as an animal, to compress the sides of an inflatable mat together to create a source of pressurized air that operates a pump to dispense liquid on to the object from a dispensing conduit.

Abstract: A walk over nail filing mat for pets comprising: a filing layer comprising a fiberglass sanding screen for filing and trimming a pet's nails, a bamboo backing layer comprising ½? wide slats, which allow the device to be easily rolled up for transport or storage, and a border made of fabric. The filing layer is attached to the backing layer and surrounded via the border made of fabric. The filing layer serves as a nail file to trim a pet's nails when a pet walks over the walk over nail filing mat for pets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-powered calming device for use on an animal's fur, and a method of using the same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a non-powered animal calming device comprises an anti-static material disposed on a sheet, held on a dispensing structure, wherein the anti-static material is suitable to neutralize a sustained separation of positive and negative charges in the animal's fur without the use of a power source. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of calming an animal comprises providing a non-powered animal calming device comprising an anti-static material disposed on a sheet, held in connection with a dispensing structure, contacting the animal's fur with the animal calming device, and neutralizing a sustained separation of positive and negative charges in the animal's fur without the use of a power source.

Abstract: A pet brush with a re-orientable pet brush head. The pet brush may include a mechanism controlling the brush head to brush handle orientation through a shaped connector and complementary shaped hole or receiver. The pet brush may also include a mechanism controlling the brush head to brush handle orientation through prongs and prong receptors on the brush head and brush handle.

Abstract: A method to massage and groom a four-legged animal includes the steps of providing a paw shaped glove, of selecting a vibrator that produces vibrations that are like by the animal and have a selected frequency and magnitude and that produces a sound liked by the animal and having a selected magnitude and frequency, of mounting the vibrator on the glove, and of massaging and grooming the animal with the glove.

Abstract: A grooming tool includes at least three latex surgical tubing pieces generally arranged in parallel to one another, and anchored together at corresponding opposite ends. A handle provides for a user to draw the latex surgical tubing pieces across an animal for grooming. Some embodiments of a grooming tool include a hollow shaft, a pressure cap, and a plurality of fluid dispensing comb teeth for dispensing fluid stored inside the grooming tool onto the skin or fur of an animal being groomed. Some embodiments of a grooming tool include one or more detachable grooming accessories such as a comb, brush, heating pad accessory, fluid dispensing comb, or vibrator accessory. Some detachable grooming accessories may be attached to a grooming tool in combination with another detachable grooming accessory.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool is provided with a fur ejector portion that is at least partially movable relative to the teeth of the pet grooming tool and can be manually moved into engagement with fur that is wedged or lodged between the teeth. The engagement of the fur ejector portion with the fur forces the fur from the gaps between the teeth. Preferably, the fur ejector portion can be manually moved by the same hand a person uses to support and hold the grooming tool.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool comprises a pet engageable portion formed of polymeric material and having a plurality of teeth. A method of forming a pet grooming tool comprises molding a pet engageable portion out of a first polymeric material and thereafter over-molding a handle portion to the pet engageable portion.