A vacuum cleaner device is provided that comprises an automated disposable container device configured to place an unused disposable container for collecting vacuumed debris. In accordance with some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner device may be advantageous for collecting pet waste.

An apparatus for collecting faeces characterized in that it consists of a collection container that can be used one-handed and comprises two jaws (1, 2) connected together at one end on an elastic flexible connection side (3) of the jaws (1, 2) with a rotation axis (22), which resists the closing of the jaws (1, 2), which form a hollow space when close, wherein the circumferential L-shaped edge (5) of the one jaw (2) is smaller than the circumferential L-shaped edge (4) of the other jaw (1), so that the edge of the one jaw (2) fits exactly into the edge of the other jaw (1) when the collection container closes against the reversion resistance of the elastic flexible connection side (3), and they lock in both sides with locking elements located circumferentially and to the ends of the jaws (1, 2), not being able to open again, and wherein, approximately at the centre of its main surface, each jaw (1, 2) includes a prismatic protrusion (8) whose top tip (71, 72) is parallel to the rotation axis (22) of the jaws (1, 2).

An animal waste collection assembly includes a box that has a first half that is hingedly coupled to the second half. The first half is positioned in an open position and the box may collect animal waste. A pair of wheels is provided and each of the wheels is coupled to the box. Thus, the box may be rolled along a support surface. A handle is coupled to the box and the handle may be manipulated. An actuator is coupled to the handle and the actuator may be manipulated. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the first half such that the actuator selectively urges the first half into the open position wherein the second half is configured to receive animal waste.

A system for remote care of an animal that includes a mobile robotic unit having a housing, a mobility portion coupled to the housing and operable to move the housing, an animal waste detection system configured to detect deposited animal feces, a microprocessor disposed within the housing in communication with the animal waste detection system being operable to give navigational instructions to the mobility portion to travel along a path, and collect deposited animal's feces encountered along the path.

A system for collecting waste from an area includes a robotic device including a housing, a control system within the housing, which includes a processor system and a memory system in operative connection with the processor system, a power system in operative connection with the control system, a sensor system in operative connection with the control system, one or more drive wheels (each of the drive wheels being in operative connection with a motor which is in operative connection with the power system and with the control system), a waste retrieval system in operative connection with the power system and with the control system, and a receptacle compartment within the housing. The control system includes one or more location/identification algorithms stored in the memory system and executable by the processor system to locate an object of animal waste in the area based upon data received from the sensor system. The control system further includes one or more positioning algorithms stored in memory and executable by the processor system to position the robotic device relative to the object of animal waste to enable collection of the object of animal waste via the waste retrieval system. Additionally, the control system includes one or more retrieval algorithms to actuate the waste retrieval system and control the waste retrieval system to bring the object of animal waste into the receptacle compartment.

An animal feces retrieval apparatus that is configured to facilitate the removal of animal feces for either disposal or re-use. The animal feces retrieval apparatus includes a frame that is secured to a user's back utilizing nylon shoulder straps. Operably coupled to the frame is the motor assembly wherein the motor assembly is operably coupled to a hose assembly. A controller is secured to the hose assembly and provides a user interface for control and operation of the animal feces retrieval apparatus. The controller provides a first mode and a second mode of operation of the animal feces retrieval apparatus. The motor assembly includes a motor that can be either combustible or electric. The animal feces retrieval apparatus includes a receiving receptacle having a liner configured to receive and retain incoming matter. The hose assembly includes a flexible section that facilitates directional manipulation of the nozzle of the hose assembly.

A guidance vehicle guides a dog for a walk, and includes a leash attachment, a distance sensor, and an electronic control unit. The leash attachment is configured to attach a leash that connects the dog. The distance sensor is configured to detect a dog-to-vehicle distance being a distance between the dog and the guidance vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to execute a travel control of the guidance vehicle. The electronic control unit includes, as one of modes of the travel control, a walk guidance mode that causes the guidance vehicle to automatically travel along a walk route while guiding the dog to walk. The walk guidance mode executed by the electronic control unit includes a basic walk mode that controls the dog-to-vehicle distance so as to maintain a constant distance when the dog is moving along the walk route.

Systems are described for retrieving, transporting and disposing pet waste that may reduce and/or eliminate the use of plastic bags, yet provide storage during transport until the waste may be properly disposed. The system may include a retrieval mechanism (e.g. a scoop) integrated into a handled cover assembly that may attach to and/or form a seal with a container. In operation, a user may retrieve excrement with the retrieval mechanism, then position the scoop/lid inside the container, allowing the retrieval mechanism to be inside the container. When so positioned, the waste may drop into the container for storage and transportation. The system may be comprised of rigid antimicrobial plastic with high lubricity/low frictional characteristics and/or corrosion-resistant materials for easier unloading and cleaning. The system also may utilize biodegradable bags, a second opening dump door or bag-drop door, and/or a hands-free carrying capabilities.

The preset novel animal feces collection and storage system includes a stationary garage portion and a mobile robot portion. The stationary garage portion includes a garage housing, a door operationally connected to the garage housing, a door opener assembly connected to the garage housing and operationally connected to the door, a raised platform disposed within the garage housing, a ramp extending from the raised platform toward the door, an aperture formed through the raised platform, a bin disposed below the aperture, a charge port positioned within the garage housing, a power source operationally connected to the charge port, a first microprocessor positioned within the garage housing and operationally connected to the power source, a first transceiver operationally connected to the first microprocessor and to the power source, and a weight scale operationally connected to the bin, the power source, and the first microprocessor. The robot include a housing, spaced front and real axels operationally connected to the housing, spaced wheels operationally connected to each respective axel, a motor within the housing and operationally connected to the at least one respective axel, a battery disposed within the housing and operationally connected to the motor, a power jack extending through the housing and connected to the battery, a pan assembly operationally connected to the housing, a second microprocessor, a forward sensor assembly mounted to the housing and operationally connected to the second microprocessor, a guidance unit operationally connected to the second microprocessor and to at least one respective axel, a GPS transponder operationally connected to the robot housing, and to the second microprocessor, and a transceiver operationally connected to the second microprocessor. The microprocessor receives images from the forward sensor assembly and directs the guidance unit to steer the mobile robot to feces deposits. The second microprocessor sends signals to deploy the pan assembly to pick up feces deposits for transport back to the garage housing to be deposited into the bin.

An apparatus for removing dog waste is disclosed which includes a bottom panel (235) for scooping up a piece of dog waste from a ground, a left side panel (122L) and a right side panel (122R) both attached to a back panel (223), each of the left side panel (122L), the right side panel (122R) and the back panel (223) also attached to the bottom panel (235) to form a concave space with only one front opening, and a front panel (102) pivotally connected to a top edge of the back panel (223), wherein when the front panel (102) pivots to a first position the front panel (102) reaches the bottom panel (235) and completely covers the front opening, and when the front panel (102) pivots to a second position there is a gap between the front panel (102) and the bottom panel (235) for accommodating the piece of dog waste.