Whilst subclass A01K provides for equipment and methods associated with the care, nurturing, handling and rearing of all animals, and the harvesting of their products, devices and accessories for milking are classified in subclass A01J. Furthermore, shoes for animals, e.g. horses, oxen and other solipeds, and associated accessories are classified in subclass A01L. Devices for maintaining the appearance and welfare of animals, e.g. washing and grooming devices, shearing equipment, dehorners, horn trainers are classified in this place, whilst veterinary equipment and methods for the medical treatment of animals are classified in subclass A61D. Subclass A01K provides for fastening and tethering/restraining equipment for animals, e.g. halters, neck-bars, leads, collars, yet equine or similar harnesses and devices used in connection therewith are classified in subclass B68B. Subclass A01K provides for new breeds of animals, irrespective of the manner of their production, including new breeds of multicellular animals, e.g. transgenic animals. It also provides for processes of obtaining such new animals. Processes and methods for genetic engineering and mutation per se are classified in subclass C12N. Where genetic engineering or mutation techniques are used to produce new breeds of animals, classification should be made in both groups A01K 67/00 and C12N 15/00. Breeding of animals not otherwise provided for is covered by group A01K 67/00, whilst instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation e.g. artificial insemination, are classified in group A61D 19/00.

Stable buildings and structural details therefor.

Shelters for animals.

Shelter and stables that may be transportable.

Partition walls and grids that may be incorporated therein.

Stables and shelters that may comprise various installations, e.g. feeders, computer or registration systems, ventilation systems.

Movable animal enclosures that may be part of stable.

Wildlife homes, self-sustaining wildlife habitat sanctuaries.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Means for dividing stable room or limiting animal spaces.

Partitions; grids; box dividers; barriers.

Partitions that may be movable, constructed from different materials or electrified.

Different ways of fastening partitions, e.g. yokes.

Doors, on or in stables or their actuation.

Doors or partitions that may serve for guiding or driving, e.g. crowd gates or for starting rodeos.

(Prefabricated) boxes which can serve as independent quarters, within stables.

Partitions may include ground-borne barriers such as thresholds.

Barriers controlling access to feeders.

Separation possibilities between liquid or solid manure.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates rearing boxes for animals.

2.

Figure 2 illustrates cattle stall fittings viewed from rear.

Fences for laterally partitioning or forming cubicle partitions in a stable.

Dividers that may consist of single bent tubes or more partitions, e.g. having a mushroom shape.

Cubicle partitions that may comprise at least one standing pipe, or footless cubicle partitions.

Partitions that may be movable, e.g. by rails.

Gate assemblies for an animal enclosure such as milking parlour.

Box installations which are adjustable between an operative and an inoperative position in or to a stable.

Different ways for coupling fences.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Gates that may be used as a fence or have a bumper system.

Gates that may be extendible, e.g. have an adjustable frame.

Non-return gates, e.g. guillotine gates, tailgates.

Sheep control means that may comprise a workstation, a race or a drafting gate.

Doors that may be automatically closing swing doors.

Devices for preventing livestock from passing through an open gate, e.g. battery operated.

Hinge locks for animal gates that may have a releasable hinge mechanism.

Gate assemblies for milking parlours that may be automatic, e.g. through a rotating turnstile.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Sorting gates used for separation of animals:

For example, turnstile-type gates or swing-gates.

Livestock traps or sorters.

Gates may be adjustable, may include an opening, e.g. for pedestrians.

Separating lactating animals in automatic milking installations by means of identification gates, switchable gates, enticement.

Gates may enable selective access to food for feeding cattle, for example, according to a feeding schedule or animal weight or size. Selective access may be provided automatically, e.g. using animal identifiers or sensors.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Crowding gates or barriers:

Barrier assemblies for driving livestock animals along a route or in a desired direction:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates a crowding gate.

2.

Shelters specially adapted for being transported and placed where needed. These shelters can be portable, collapsible, and modular, can include feeding, watering and an outdoor space and can be moved by the provision of wheels, towing hooks and the like.

These shelters are intended to be built or installed in situ for animals on the way and/or to be transported and installed in the place where needed to give shelter to animals.

This group does not cover the transport (e.g. carrying) of small-size animals (e.g. pets), which is covered by group A01K 1/0236.

This group does not cover vehicles or trailers for the transport of big-sized animals which is covered by group B60P 3/04.

Buildings for housing animals comprising a mainly circular or round shape or rotating, e.g. circular plan view or round walls. These buildings can be rotary, can comprise flat walls forming a kind of circumference, e.g hexagonal, octagonal, and decagonal, can be oval, can be connected to other structures and can be for individual or multiple animals.

Means for heating, cooling, ventilating, drying or humidifying stable rooms in general.

Methods and systems for dispersing ozone into a stable room, e.g. for the reduction of flies, odour or dust.

Climate and ventilation control means, e.g. alarm system or responsive timer.

Means of cleaning waste air:

Methods for influencing and determining the airflow, e.g. by installation of metal panels.

Specially adapted details, e.g. roof lids.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Fans or blowers, for use in stable rooms in general:

Wind diverters for fans and blowers used in stables.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Construction of air inlets or outlets in roofs, e.g. fans and ducts etc.

Methods of controlling ventilation in roofs.

Ventilation ceiling and panels therefor.

Air inlets or outlets in walls of animal housings which serve to enhance airflow or ventilation within the housings.

May be by means of sheet metal panels with vents, ventilators or valves.

Ventilating system may have a feedback control system responsive to temperature, or may be able to control humidity and movement of forced air.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Arrangement of curtain systems.

Automatic curtain systems with ventilation monitoring, control, alarm and auto-release systems.

Blinds.

Heating devices for a stall or methods for operating the same.

May include:

Heating devices may have energy saving aspects.

Ventilation heat recovery systems.

Climate control systems.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Farrowing crates, e.g. wherein piglets are raised, often include heating devices. These crates are classified in group A01K 1/0218.

Cooling stations for animals that may be automatic, e.g. by means of liquid and air flow.

Evaporative cooling systems, e.g. fan guard mounted misters.

Cleaning waste air, e.g. by means of adding pre-coated material or water spray.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Shelters specially adapted for young farm animals, especially calves. These shelters can be transportable, collapsible, modular, can include warming or cooling means, feeding, watering or an outdoor space.

Boxes for containing one calf.

Small igloos for young farm animals.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates a calf stall with extension.

2.

Figures 2 illustrates an enclosure for a farm animal shelter.

Farrowing pens, e.g. wherein piglets are raised, often include devices for preventing the sow to lie on the piglets. These pens are classified in group A01K 1/0218.

Enclosures directed for raising horses. These enclosures can include cooling or warming, feeding and/or watering and can be individual or multiple horses.

Structures to be installed in stalls for horses, e.g. to prevent crib biting.

Gates especially designed for horse stalls.

Horse protectors and safety kerbing in doors, walls or buildings, e.g. skirting or stable bank.

Collecting solid or liquid manure from stables into any container, e.g. waste treatment bags, composting boxes, (liquid) manure tanks.

Mechanical devices for removing manure from animal stalls, e.g. scraper.

Device may be automatic, e.g. vehicle.

Device for transporting manure inside the stable or stall.

Treatment of manure, e.g. drying, heating, cooling, deodorizing.

Details of channels or (slatted) floors, which are intended to collect manure or urine.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2a.

2b.

Stables and apparatus for collecting liquid animal manure, e.g. collection pit, tank etc.

Details like dung channel, inlet valve etc.

Treatment of liquid manure, e.g. heating, cooling, deodorization, etc.

Different ways of converting liquid animal waste.

Devices and methods for cleaning stable floor.

Apparatus for disposal or cleaning of waste-water.

Indoor or outdoor toilets for pets.

Cat litter boxes that may be portable or disposable:

Ready-made fillings for such toilets, may be for independent use.

Toilets may have flushing means, disinfection means.

Pet-sheets that may be absorbing, impregnated with perfume, deodorant, disinfectant or pesticide, which pet-sheets are integrated within or used directly with the litter box, cat tray, dog urinal or toilet.

Toilets that may include reward mechanisms or pet-attracting scents or features, e.g. a fire hydrant, for training animals to use toilets.

Toilets for pets that may have a feature for controlling temperature in or around the pet toilet.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates a cat bathroom box.

2.

Figure 2 illustrates a portable canine waste station.

Excrement mats or sheets, e.g. pee-pee pads, not integral to or fundamentally part of cat trays, dog urinals or toilets are classified in group A01K 1/01577.

Indoor and outdoor toilets for pets, with automatic waste removal, by means of flushing, raking which:

Sewage devices intended for use with domestic animals, or cleaning device therefor.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Arrangements in or adjacent to litter boxes or toilets which allow for the cleaning of the animal's paws and are intended to prevent debris or litter from falling onto the floor of the home.

A litter box that contains a litter tray apparatus that collects particles of litter scattered from the paws.

Paw cleaning litter mat, e.g. magnetic pet litter system.

Paw cleaning device or structure may be integral to the litter box or a separate component therefrom.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

3.

Litter boxes having an apertured partition or device for separating faeces or other solid waste from litter.

Litter boxes that may be portable.

Litter boxes that may be disposable and may have litter included.

The excrement may be separated from the litter by sifting, for example by means of:

Automated self-cleaning litter boxes:

Litter box apparatus disposing of animal waste by means of sifting.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates a litter box for recycling litter material.

2.

Paw cleaning arrangements for litter boxes are classified in group A01K 1/0112.

Scoops for litter are classified in group A01K 1/0116.

Removal of excrements in pet toilets without litter is classified in group A01K 1/011.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Pet toilets or cages with waste disposal system, by means of endless belts, a hopper, etc.

May include a washing device, or adjustable litter supply.

May be portable.

Animal toilet adapted to fit on conventional toilets.

By means of adjustable toilet seat e.g. shelf segments, etc.

Litter box max be mountable on toilet.

Foldable or collapsible litter boxes:

Barn and pit floor scrapers and details therefore, e.g. coupling etc.

Component structures, e.g. scraper blades or similar.

Scrapers or the like moving to-and-fro or step-by-step.

Details therefor, e.g. blades, hinge flap side.

Scrapers or the like may operate by means of a shoe, friction type mechanism.

Drive systems for scraper, e.g. rails, continuous cable.

Scrapers may be used on stable floor or pit.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Manure removal by means of conveyor belts.

details therefor e.g. rolling-up device, use of non-sticking material, etc.

Manure removal by means of screw conveyors, e.g. a worm conveyor, which transport the excrements away from the floor or stable.

Details therefor, e.g. a dung-collector-conveyor part.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Apparatus for conveying manure, e.g. manure transfer system, by using a piston that pushes the excrements.

The apparatus for conveying manure:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Manure removal, by means of manure loaders, manure ramps or manure elevators.

Details therefor, e.g. manure lifter with a carrying fork.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Floors for stables or shelters, or floor elements therefor.

Mats, beddings and other coverings for floors:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Floors for poultry houses are classified in groups A01K 31/007 and A01K 31/04.

Floors for stables and shelters, like grids, gratings and slatted floors.

may comprise heating device.

Details therefor, e.g. attached rubber tiles, ribbed floor, anti-slip, etc.

Attachment means for floors, e.g. locking and fastening elements, etc.

Litter or sheets for use in animal stables, cages, etc.

Means and apparatus for making litter.

Litter comprising inorganic material, e.g. deodorants, insect repelling material, dyed, ph-indicating material, etc.

Litter may be absorbent, dust reducing, odour-inhibiting, etc.

Litter may comprise clay, gypsum, aluminium sulfate, material for detecting infections, etc.

Different means of processing litter.

Litter comprising organic material, e.g. (recycled) paper, wood, straw, etc.

Litter may be absorbing, clump able, dust reducing etc.

Methods for producing litter.

Mechanical devices that allow for collecting, dispensing or otherwise handling, e.g. spreading, turning, mixing, animal bedding materials.

Mechanical devices which clean, filter, condition or disinfect animal bedding materials.

Mechanical devices may include, for example, bedding fork, scrapers, vacuums, sprayers or blowers.

Mechanical devices may be manual, automatic or autonomous.

Bedding removal and refilling system for animal cages.

May be for livestock stalls or chicken runs.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Mats and sheets for use in animal stables or cages:

Floor coverings for animal stables, which may be suitable for covering floor or walls or used as animal mattresses for lying or sleeping on.

Mats may be padded or with some cushioning to improve comfort when an animal is lying thereon.

Mats may be connectable or for individual-animal use.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Sheets or mats to be used in combination with cat trays, dog urinals or toilets for pets are classified in group A01K 1/0107.

Sheets or mats, which are independent of litter boxes, and intended solely for the collection of urine or faeces from pets are classified in group A01K 1/01577.

Sleeping mattress for pets, e.g. dogs, are classified in group A01K 1/0353.

Stand-alone mats or sheets intended solely for the collection of urine or faeces from pets, generally for use in the home. May include pheromones or other attractant features to encourage defecation thereon.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Mats or sheets that are incorporated into a litter box or dog urinal are classified in group A01K 1/0107.

Sheets or mats for use in animal stables are classified in group A01K 1/0157.

Sleeping mattresses for pets, e.g. dogs, are classified in group A01K 1/0353.

Floor heating or cooling systems for use in animal stables.

Details therefor, e.g. heating tubes.

Heating or cooling may be accomplished by means of electrical heating units, water.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates a stall floor heat exchanger for reduction of heat stress and lameness.

2.

Figure 2 illustrates the top plan cross-section of stall floor heat exchanger.

Heated sleeping mats for pets are classified in group A01K 1/0353.

Heating or cooling of pet houses or cages are classified in group A01K 1/0335.

Farrowing pens or attachments therefor.

Hog or sheep shelters or shades.

Battery cages for piglets.

Pen buildings for hogs or sheep, if specially adapted therefor.

Transport crates for pigs.

Details therefor, e.g. heating, ventilation, feeding system.

Buildings may be movable, pre-fabricated.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Box-like confinements (normally for 1 animal) for ensuring mostly undisturbed feeding or drinking of an animal.

may include an identifying system, a balance, etc.

Closure/ opening of the box may be automatic.

Boxes may be transportable.

Farrowing or weaning crates, mostly for pigs.

Details therefor, e.g. mats, side walls, piglet knee protector, etc.

Crates may include a heating device, registration device, etc.

Crates may be adjustable, collapsible, movable, etc.

Devices for preventing the sow to lie on the piglets.

Method and apparatus for rearing pigs in cages.

Battery cages may be adjustable in size, movable, collapsible, etc.

Battery cages may include heating, ventilation and/or feeding systems, etc.

Devices for transporting animals from one place to another by hand or inside a transport e.g. in automobile or trailer, by plane, by train, etc.

Transportation boxes for pets which can be collapsible, demountable, can have fastening means for mounting on the seat of an automobile and/or can be worn by the user.

Harness/Restraining system for animals which can be connected to the safety belt system.

Containing devices which can be suitable for transportation; shipping, by air, truck etc., and/or can include an animal tying device.

Rigid containers for transporting animals which can be intended for transport by hand, in automobiles, airplanes, trains, ships or shipping containers or any other means for transportation.

The boxes/cages can also have provisions for food/water, ventilation, etc.

Bags, baskets or similar not rigid/flexible containers for transporting animals which can have handles or shoulder straps for carrying and can leave parts of the animal outside.

Harnesses for transporting, carrying or lifting animals, e.g. in order to assist the animal with movement, walking or mobility. Harnesses for assisting animals with walking which fall under this place are intended to aid the animal with walking. These harnesses often have a handle or undercarriage support for supporting the animal during lifting, for example, to help the animal climb stairs.

The harnesses can be attached to a seatbelt system.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

3.

Figure 3 illustrates a multi-purpose pet harness.

Harnesses for walking animals, which do not have features for assisting the animal with walking, are classified in group A01K 27/002.

Restraining means adapted to carry animals in or on automobiles, which can be interacting with the safety belt, passenger seat, trunk or luggage compartment, trailer or the like.

The restraining means can be a box, a bag, a cage, a basket, a harness or the like which can be either connected to the safety belt or built together with it, can be adapted for transport in the trunk of an automobile or can be intended to be transported in or on a car, bus, truck or tractor.

This group only covers (road) transport in wheeled motor vehicles.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Transport in airplanes (subclass B64C), ships (subclass B63B), trains (subclasses B61B, B61D or B61K), motorbikes (subclass B62K) or bicycles (subclass B62K) are found in their respective subclass.

Restraining means specially adapted for carrying animals in or on bicycles or motorbikes, which restraining means can be a box, a bag, a cage, a basket, a harness or the like.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Means for carrying animals on the body of a person which can be on the back, the breast, or any part of the body (but not just lifted by the hands). These means can be a cage, a bag, a harness or any structure for supporting an animal.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

(Battery-) cages for lab animals, rabbits, fur animals, etc.

Details and elements therefore, e.g. doors, locks etc.

Show stand or -cages.

Cages may be movable, collapsible, portable, adjustable etc.

Cages may be adaptable to other cages.

Artificial burrows, e.g. for foxes.

Cages for laboratory animals, e.g. breeding cages:

Details therefor, e.g. cage locks.

Rack systems for cages.

Experimental structures for all animals.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Forced ventilation or air conditioning systems for moving, blowing, suctioning or otherwise actively controlling, by using powered mechanical means, the airflow delivery to or receipt from laboratory cages.

May include means for:

Forced ventilation system may include provisions for inter-cage circulation of air, or alternatively, isolated airflow to or from each cage individually.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

The Figure illustrates a forced ventilation system for laboratory animal cages.

Laboratory cages including devices integrated either externally or internally for monitoring behaviour of laboratory animals.

Integrated cage devices for monitoring:

Cages or integrated cage devices may include means for providing stimuli to the laboratory animals for testing or monitoring.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Rabbit-hutches, cages or display units:

Feeding-drinking devices for these cages.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Cat or dog houses or shelters that may be foldable, transportable or adaptable in size.

Pet crates or cages.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Pet cages specifically designed to be transported, e.g. transport boxes, are classified in group A01K 1/0236.

Animal play-units comprising entertainment areas, even if also comprising rest surfaces, are classified in group A01K 1/035.

Houses or shelters including climate control systems.

Actively controlled climate, heating, cooling, ventilation and air conditioning systems for controlling temperature and humidity of air within cat or dog houses.

May include automatic control or sensors for monitoring the temperature and humidity within or around the cat or dog house.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Dog-kennels that may be movable, collapsible, portable.

Kennels may include an exercise area, shelter.

Details therefor, e.g. door locks, isolating means, drainage systems.

Dog-hotel.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Details of caging systems.

Animal play-units, e.g. cat tower structures or small-animal, multi-purpose structures, e.g. rest and playing combined pet houses and all-in-one animal houses.

Devices offering various facilities combined, for pets, e.g. playing facilities.

Sanding facilities for, e.g. chinchilla cages.

Cage washing devices.

Brooders for quadrupeds.

Portable steps for animals, e.g. dog ramp.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Pet sheets, blankets, beds or mattresses:

Details therefor, e.g. coverings, flea and insect repelling elements.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Excrement mats for pets are classified in group A01K 1/01577.

Cat or dog houses are classified in group A01K 1/033.

Animal play-units, multi-purpose structure, e.g. rest and playing combined pet house and all-in-one animal houses are classified in group A01K 1/035.

Feeding and/or drinking devices adapted for small animal cages.

May include a control system, multiple-dosage system, toy function, etc.

Details therefor, e.g. securing apparatus, etc.

Devices may be gnaw resistant.

Means for attaching chains or the like to a fixed structure, to the ground or to a vehicle, e.g. bicycle.

Attachments for connecting a (dog) leash to another structure, e.g. to vehicle or to bicycle.

Tethering poles used in pastures.

Attachment may be fixed or movable.

The means must be other than mere hooks, eyes or the like.

Guiding rails or cables for attaching chains.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Tethering poles, while often used with leads or leashes, are distinct from leads or leashes, which are classified in group A01K 27/003.

Devices for fastening animals to stable structures: may include chains, movable braces.

Combinations of grids or other fastening means.

Devices for automatically trapping an animal, by means of automatically trapping an element around the neck of an animal.

Cattle head gate assembly, may be automatic.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Grids for fastening animals between grids.

may have no, some or only movable bars. Bars may be movable in any plane or way.

Details therefor, e.g. locking systems, feeding rack beam, anti-hanging system, etc

Devices, in particular pens or boxes, for immobilising animals, e.g. animal chute, squeezes or crushers.

May include animal head restrainer, weighing appliances.

Devices may be mountable on a vehicle, portable, adjustable in size.

The immobilisation is confining or cramping rather than fettering; lifting or overturning may be additional.

Details for these devices, e.g. doors, tail gates.

Starting boxes for rodeos, pig holders, sheep cradles, drafting gates.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Devices for tying up an animal; stanchions suspended from a structural part above, forming a movable collar-like frame.

may be automatic; self-locking.

Details therefor, e.g. alignment device, triggering mechanism, etc.

Stanchions do not form part of, nor cooperate with, a grid. They are independent of grids.

Devices for fastening chains, or similar elements around animals' necks, to the stable structure.

May be fastened around the necks or bellies of the animals.

Fastening points to stable may be movable.

Fastening element is carried by animal, independent of the stable structure.

Details therefor, e.g. hooks, halter fittings.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Devices for simultaneously releasing several fastened or confined animals.

May be released by, e.g. a chain mechanism that simultaneously retracts multiple animal restraint devices or opens multiple doors when pulled.

Animals may be fastened or confined in any manner.

Release means may be automatic or by hand, e.g. connected with door controls, or frightening means.

Parts of stable may be movable.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Hay-racks.

Open-framework barriers formed by slats, grids, bars, rails or the like, for feeding roughage, indoors or outdoors (except for poultry or small animals).

May be movable (by animal or motor), portable, collapsible or transportable.

Devices may contain a trough.

Details therefor, e.g. fastening grids.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Movable feed barriers, slides or fences for use in or outside the stable. Mainly for cattle.

by means of moving fodder to the barriers or moving the barriers to the fodder.

Barriers are movable by means of wheels, rails, guiding cables, etc.

may include a motor.

(Autonomous) trolley pushing feed back to fence.

Milking parlours or stables.

May be movable or transportable, e.g. outdoors.

Equipment except milking systems therefor, e.g. feeding devices, udder massage and cleaning devices.

Fastening devices specially adapted to milking stations.

May include cow identification or positioning methods and apparatus, e.g. including crowd gate.

Door controls for milking-parlours, if part of a whole milking parlour or stable structure.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates a system and method for milking a group of milking animals.

2.

Mobile milking parlours that may be used in barn or on pasture grounds:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Milk units arranged in carousel:

Details therefor, e.g. movement detectors, movable floor, wash-system, drive arrangements.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Fixed fences, guiding corridors and corrals for outdoor use.

Fences also may include chemicals e.g. coatings to prevent chewing such as pepper.

Corrals may be combined with shelters, etc.

Fences may serve as windbreak.

Tools for installing or dismantling fences.

Details therefor, e.g. fastening devices, wire tightening equipment, posts, etc.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

A fencing apparatus for preventing animals from climbing over a fence.

Fence with viable bands.

Fences, guiding corridors and corrals for outdoor use which may be portable, collapsible, moveable while in use, or deployable i.e. for temporary use.

Can be electric.

Illustrative example shows a portable fence with a series of upright posts comprising internal power sources.

Illustrative example shows a portable corral in a transport and an in-use position.

Special attention to documents related to movable feeding fences used outside for letting the animals (mainly cattle) advance in a field for feeding. These documents are classified in A01K 1/105.

Devices for preventing animals from passing through a gap in a fence where a road is passing. Vehicles or pedestrians may pass freely.

These devices might be grids, gates, guards, etc.

Grids may include movable parts, etc.

Gutter guards (other then mere gratings or the like), preventing cattle from stepping into gutters in stables.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

Electrical means for preventing cattle from straying from an enclosure, e.g. electrified grids, guards, mats.

Illustrative example shows an electric wire fence and an electric cattle guard formed of electrical wires.

Illustrative example shows an electrified mat.

Electric wire fencing, may be portable, movable, etc.

Components therefor, e.g. wire, tape rods, posts, etc.

Apparatus for dispensing and collecting electrified wire, may be attachable to vehicle.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

Insulators used for connecting fence posts to wire carrying the electric current are classified in

H01B 17/145.

Electrified gates.

Handles used for electric fencing.

Illustrative example of electric gate to keep in livestock and allow passage of a car.

Electric fence gate handle.

Feeders for roughage or general feed dispensing that may be transportable.

Tractor borne feeders, mainly for outdoor use.

Grating or roughage feeding corrals or barriers, transportable for outdoor use.

Mobile feeding stations that may include shelters.

Bale distributors or shredders for (outdoor) feeding.

Feeders may contain mixers, e.g. mixing, mincing, weighing devices.

Feeding wagons.

Feeding stacks.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Devices for mixing or shredding and distributing fodder.

Details therefor, e.g. cutter blade, loaders, etc.

Fodder distributors including a mixing or rotating element on a horizontal axis.

may be mountable or attachable to vehicle, e.g. tractor.

Details therefor, e.g. screws, cutting blade, scraping blades, etc.

Devices may include on or more mixing units, dispensing apparatus, etc.

Fodder distributors including a mixing or rotating element on a vertical axis.

may be mountable or attachable to vehicle, e.g. tractor.

Devices may include weighing machine, mixing container, loading mechanism etc.

Details therefor, e.g. blades, etc.

Devices including a conveyor or slide to mixing or shredding elements, including transversal and horizontal axes.

Details therefor, e.g. ejector, mixer, cutter, etc.

Devices with an endless chain or endless belt conveyor surrounding an internal area in which fodder is mixed or shredded:

Details therefor, e.g. measuring equipment, cutting member.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Feed bags or nets, mostly for horses.

Details therefor, e.g. attachments for feed bags, etc.

Bucket holders, e.g. for rearing calves, etc.

Feeding containers for animals, pig troughs, bracket for animal feeders, etc.

Devices may be portable, collapsible, etc.

Animal feed containers that are receptacles specifically designed to receive and hold feed accessible to animals via an opening in the receptacle. Feed containers found here usually have closed sides and an open top for animal access, but may also have animal access openings in the sides or bottom of the containers.

May include cover lid.

Feed troughs, typically long and shallow open-topped feed receptacles, may include reservoir.

Holder for feeding trough or pail, e.g. bucket holder.

Feeding devices, may be movable, mountable (on walls or vehicles), portable or adjustable.

Feeding devices may be automatic, may include a weighing device or lifting system.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Feed racks, which have open frameworks, e.g. open slat-work, grids, bars or rails, are classified in group A01K 1/10.

Feed troughs and feed throwers for poultry or other birds are classified in group A01K 39/014.

Transportable feeding containers:

Devices may be mountable on vehicle.

Details therefor, e.g. coupling system.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Transportable feed racks, i.e. having an open framework of bars, rails, are classified in group A01K 1/10.

Feed containers or troughs having barriers or other elements to slow the ingestion and intake of food, e.g. for livestock.

Means to slow the ingestion and intake of food may be stationary or movable, e.g. a gravity barrier that lowers with a level of food as the food is consumed.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Feeding devices for pets, e.g. cats and dogs:

Feed bowl support devices, coverings for feed bowls.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Pet feeders for using one or several times before disposal which can be intended for travelling. These pet feeders can contain food and be covered by a film before use.

Pet food containers intended for liner or a single liner therefor.

Means to hold a liner in a pet food container.

Pet containers with means for avoiding spilling the contained food.

Pet food containers with means to prevent other animals or insects from accessing the food contained. The pet food containers can have provisions for raising a height of the food container, provisions for trapping or repelling insects that attempt to access the food, surface features preventing insect access, etc.

Licking-stone holders (minerals, salt), mostly for pets and farm animals:

Details therefor, e.g. hoops for protection.

Also, liquid minerals supplement holder for licking.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Automatic feeding devices and apparatus for controlling or monitoring animal feeding:

Devices may control animal drug usage, feed components, temperature of food, mixture.

Devices may include weighing apparatus or dosage system.

Details therefor, e.g. valve, gate device for automatic feeding apparatus.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Feeding devices for poultry or other birds filling automatically are classified in group A01K 39/012.

Combined feeding and drinking appliances for poultry or other birds are classified in group A01K 39/04.

Automatic feeding devices with conveyor belts or the like.

Weighing or dosing means may be incorporated.

Devices may include apparatus for tensioning a belt, belt retainer, stop device, etc.

Devices may be adjustable.

Cleaner apparatus for feeding devices with conveyor belt.

Devices for (automatically) distributing fluid fodder, e.g. milk, slurry or paste, or other fluids, e.g. medication.

Devices may include, pumps, valves, pipes, dosage systems, containers, heaters, dispensing means (incidentally teats).

Mixing devices to prepare the fodder.

Cleaning devices therefor.

Devices may be mountable on vehicles, e.g. trolleys.

Dispensing means may include licking wheels or balls.

Supply of liquid and solid mixture of animal feedstuffs, e.g. water pipe for pig's fodder.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates a method for distributing liquid fodder.

2.

Nipple drinkers for poultry or other birds are classified in group A01K 39/0213.

Devices that supply or mix solid and liquid animal feedstuffs for dispensing to the animal.

Feeders with integrated water supply, mostly activated by animal itself, to mix with solid food in tray.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Feeding devices combined with a hopper or the like, e.g. combination hopper-trough, where feed is automatically refilled into, for example, a feed pan or trough, by gravity flow.

May include drinking device.

Devices may include, dosing, weighing or timing means, e.g. pet feeder.

Details therefor, e.g. gate mechanism, dispensing mechanism, mixer.

Self-feeding silos.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Feeding devices dispensing by dosing means, actively operated by the animal.

Dosing devices may operate by means of e.g. a counter weight, remote control, valves, ball check, nipple feeder, etc.

may be in combination with a trough unit, feed transport device, drinking device, etc.

Devices may dispense solid or liquid food.

Feeding devices dispending by means of stirring mechanisms or agitators operated by the animal.

By means of a (rotating) wheel, rotor blades, ball check, a rod, deflector, etc.

Feeding devices may include water system.

Devices may dispend solid or liquid food.

Feeding devices with access to feeding place or trough only possible through access doors or lids to be opened by the animal.

Doors or lids may be opened by means of a (reciprocating) closure unit, opened and closed by activation unit, e.g. it may be activated by the weight of an animal, a registration system using a sensor.

Doors or lids may be activated by weight of animal, a registration system (sensor), animal identification, timer.

Feeding devices may include controllable gates.

Details therefor, e.g. hinge mechanisms.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Automatic feeding devices with endless screw.

Automatic feeding devices by means of trolleys for animals in stables (including poultry if therein):

Trolleys may be movable by rails, tracks, attachable to vehicle, e.g. tractor.

Movements may be reciprocating, e.g. along a circular path.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Feed racks with movable feed barriers, slides or fences are classified in group A01K 1/105.

Feeding devices for poultry or other birds are classified in group A01K 39/01.

Feeding devices by means of mechanisms for delivery of measured doses:

Devices may include means of weighing, timing mechanisms, metering units, hoppers, conveyors or mixing devices.

Details therefor, e.g. pipes or valves.

Feeding devices for poultry or other birds filling automatically are classified in group A01K 39/012.

Automatic feeding devices with mechanics for delivery of measured doses by means of weighing.

Weighing may occur at any point of the system (starting e.g. at the silo).

Weighing of feed for animals (any kind) may be included.

Weighing may be for food delivered to but not eaten by an animal, i.e. remaining feed.

Devices may include a timing device, sensor.

Included are weighing means for controlling the duration of distribution to stations where no weighing occurs.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Feeding devices for poultry or other birds filling automatically are classified in group A01K 39/012.

Devices for automatically opening food containers for dispensing to an animal.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

1a.

1b.

1c.

Automatic feeding devices with timing mechanisms. For all kinds of animals.

Timing mechanisms must be of some specific importance.

Devices may include dosing means, weighing apparatus, etc.

Access can be given by opening lids, dispensing food, discovering bowls, switching off electric barriers, etc.

Watering equipment for animals, e.g. troughs, buckets or bowls, which can be portable, foldable, elevated or collapsible.

The watering devices can include fastening means, temperature controlling systems or anti-freeze.

Details therefor, e.g. drinking fountains, vessels or teats.

Devices may be combined with feeders.

Troughs may have water in- and outlets.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Combined feeding and drinking appliances for poultry or other birds are classified in group A01K 39/04.

Drinking bowls for animals having features preventing egress of liquid, usually for when the animal is drinking from the bowl.

Automatic watering devices, disclosing several of the features of groups A01K 7/022- A01K 7/06.

Devices may deliver medicine, disinfectants, e.g. vaccination delivery system.

Devices may comprise feeding system.

Devices may be controlled by weight or level of water, e.g. water-level regulator, etc.

Feed-moisturizing devices, without feeder characteristics.

Devices may include dosing system, filling system, identification system, time-controlling system, anti-freeze devices, etc.

Watering devices including pumps actuated by the drinking animal, e.g. piston pumps, vane pumps.

Pump may be actuated by means of a pedal, movement detector.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Watering devices where a tank aspect is included.

Details or systems for tanks or containers, e.g. connections therefor, etc.

Devices may include filters, troughs or valves, etc.

Watering devices where a heating, cooling or insulating aspect is included.

The watering devices can include anti-burst devices, e.g. expansion plugs.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Devices to deliver into the drinking water a medicine, disinfectants, supplements, minerals, vitamins or similar, e.g. vaccination delivery systems.

May include dosing mechanisms, timers, identification systems.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Automatic drinking devices actuated by floats.

Details therefor, e.g. float valve mechanism, valves, etc.

Water control valve may be adjustable.

Devices may include feeding system.

Automatic drinking devices actuated by the animal, by means of valves.

Devices may include bowl, troughs, cups, etc.

Actuation may be indirect, e.g. step-board switch.

Auxiliary features therefor, e.g. heating, fastening, etc.

Devices may be frost-proof.

Valves for liquids actuated by adult animals.

No pump present, only a valve to open the flow.

Devices for mixing or delivering liquid feed, e.g. milk substitute, to feeding devices for young animals.

Details therefor, e.g. teats, guiding means (e.g. moving grids), weighing means, mixing devices.

Devices may be movable, e.g. on stable rails.

Devices may include sensors, dry feeding system.

An additional ingredient may be added, e.g. medicine.

Buckets with suction nipples for calves.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Teats and nipples for animal feeding devices, mostly for liquid food, e.g. milk.

Teats may include a sensor for determining values, e.g. resistivity, temperature, etc.

Details therefor, e.g. valve assembly to control fluid movement, etc.

Identification marks, e.g. tags, buttons, rings, collars, for animals other than birds or fish.

Tools for applying marks, dying devices for marking animals.

ID-codes suitable for marks.

Biologically marking methods and apparatus, e.g. applying antigen.

Ear-tags for marking animals, mostly cattle.

Details therefor, e.g. locking system, security features, etc.

Ear-tags may include transponder housing, insecticide dispenser, identification system, etc.

Devices for applying ear-tags.

Ear-tag applicators, mostly for cattle:

Tag punch system for punching symbols into tags.

Details therefor, e.g. security features, locking members.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Ear-tags combined with means for taking tissue samples.

Ear tags including devices for the purposes of electronic identification of the animal.

Such devices may send (e.g. via a transmitter, transceiver or transponder) or receive (e.g. via a receiver, transceiver or transponder) signals for identifying the animal wearing the ear tag.

Electronic identification means may be used, for example, to associate monitoring data with an individual animal, or to control the movement, feeding, or other behaviour of individual animals.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates an animal identification chip.

2.

3.

Tattooing devices; small-holes punching devices.

Branding devices, e.g. branding iron.

Marking by means of freezing.

Marking by means of stamping or dying.

Marking devices for detection of mating, e.g. oestrus detector device, etc.

Marking fluids.

Marking carcasses in the above ways.

Marking may be automatic, by explosives (e.g. tattoo-gun), by hand, etc.

Devices for electronic livestock data collection, e.g. transponder systems.

Automatic coding or decoding of identity information, also registration of additional information, e.g. on milk yield, weight.

Transmission of such information, e.g. by microwaves, radio frequency.

Processing of such information, e.g. the display.

System may include automatic feeding.

Manual intervention may be involved, e.g. for actuating checking device.

Methods for locating animals.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Devices, mostly placed or inserted in the stomach of a ruminant animal, for determining the physical state of an animal, and/or identifying an animal.

Monitoring/identification system therefor.

Methods for locating animals with GPS, usually by incorporating GPS technology within animal transponders or unique identifiers.

Collars or similar articles with GPS for locating animals, e.g. locating pets outside specific areas.

Position detectors that acquire positional information using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) on the domestic animals.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Collars or similar articles for anti-evasion purpose, normally associated to one or more areas and adapted for pets, are classified in group A01K 15/023.

Collars or similar articles with anti-barking devices are classified in group A01K 15/022.

Applying substances onto or into animal's bodies, not covered by other groups, nor restricted to veterinary art.

Improving the comfort of an animal, by means of cooling, heating, watering devices, blowing air.

Grooming stands.

Devices for preventing unhealthy behaviour of animals, e.g. anti-crib-biting devices.

Improving atmosphere by, e.g. electrical field.

Cutting claws.

Wellness treatments, e.g. sauna, light therapy treatment.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Devices for cleaning, washing and/or drying animals.

may be automatic.

may be stationary, transportable or portable.

may include brushes.

The cleaning may include disinfecting, deparasitation.

Bathing devices for animals other than birds.

(Sheep-) dipping devices.

Sand-bathing devices, e.g. for chinchillas

Animal grooming devices, e.g. combs, scrapers or brushes:

Application may be for parts of the body other than the skin or fur, e.g. toothbrushes.

Hair removal with curry combs or similar.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Animal grooming devices including suction means for collecting or aiding in removing hair, fur or other debris from the animal.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

3.

Devices for applying insecticides, disinfectant or medication to animal skin (outside or in chambers):

Dust bags, e.g. for dogs.

Non-animal-actuated or non-contact animal oilers.

Fly traps.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Devices for applying fluid, liquid or powder to an animal, by which the fluid, liquid or powder is dispensed to the animal upon rubbing, scratching or other contact initiated by the animal against the device, e.g. oilers.

Liquid applicators may include reservoirs for holding treatment liquid or wicking devices for application thereof to the animal. Liquid applicator may form a barrier, e.g. doorway or partition, through or with which an animal is incumbent to make contact during travel.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates a hog oiler.

2.

Figure 2 illustrates an insecticide application structure.

Where the primary intent of an invention is for an animal to scratch itself or rub, without liquid applicator, then classification in group A01K 13/004 is appropriate.

Animal oilers without scratching action are classified in group A01K 13/003.

Post- or rod-supported devices enabling animals to rub and scratch themselves.

May be automatic (motor action), computer regulated.

May be actuated by animal.

Doors with brushes incorporated, e.g. for cats.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Tail holders, mostly for cows or horses.

Tail lengthener for horses.

Anti-kick apparatus for cows.

Horse tail braid or similar.

Protective garment or blankets for animals, e.g. support garment.

Devices for movement restriction.

Protective footwear and leg protectors for animals.

Udder and teat protectors.

Animal tail control/ protection devices.

Protective devices for scaring insects, e.g. fringes, face mask, etc.

Collars for preventing animals from licking/ biting e.g. their wounds.

Devices for protecting limbs or other parts from knocking against each other.

Artificial horns, horn protectors.