Abstract: There is disclosed a valve unit for a liquid flow sensing device of the type having a control means which is movable between first and second positions when the flow rate is respectively low and high but biased to the first position. The valve unit comprises three valve sections one of which is movable in response to movement of the control means a second of which is fixed relative to the control means and a third which is movable independently of the other two sections. The valve includes first and second ports, port connecting means, a flow passage and a diaphragm which forms part of the chamber and can close said flow passage. The third valve section can be moved so that the first port is isolated from the second port but coupled to the chamber when the control means is in the first position and moves to the second position.

Abstract: An applicator, for animal ear tags, of the type having two lever members pivoted together. The levers are formed on one side of the pivot point as handles. A body is mounted to one lever at the other side of the pivot and has a pin which normally projects therefrom. Apparatus is provided to retain a female component of an ear tag opposite the pin and this forms part of the aforementioned one lever. Within the body there is an apparatus to retract the pin from within the stem of a male component of an ear tag immediately upon the male and female components being coupled together following movement of the pin towards the retention apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid flow sensing device which comprises a weight sensitive control means movable between first and second positions though biassed towards the first position. A first valve section is provided which is movable in response to movement of the control means while a second valve section is fixed in relation to the first section. First and second ports are provided with either of the first and second sections and a third valve section is located in a cooperating relationship with said first and second sections. The third valve section has means for providing communication between the first and second ports and is movable independently of the first and second sections so that the first and second ports are isolated when the control means is in said first position and moves to the second position. Means are provided for coupling said first and third valve sections whereby as the control means reverts to the first position the first and second ports are connected.

Abstract: An identification tag for an animal which consists of a first member having a panel and projecting headed spike and a second member which has a hole of a smaller cross-sectional size that the largest cross-sectional size of the headed spike. The second member can be a flap attached to the first member. The tag is formed by passing the headed spike through a part of the ear of an animal so the panel is retained in a generally upstanding position on the ear.

Abstract: A magazine type printing head for a printing machine having at least one two part chamber with a stack of typeface carrying slugs in each part. The head has means which move an upper slug from a stack in one part of the chamber to the second part and then moves a lower slug in the second part to a printing position in the first part of the chamber. The printing head has particular application in a hot stamping machine where means to heat the slugs are provided. A dye carrying foil is conveyed adjacent the typeface of the slug or slugs in the printing position. A movable support retains an article to be stamped and presses the article together with the foil against the typeface.

Abstract: An oestrus detection device comprising an indicator carrier of flexible material which is adapted for attachment to the top rear central section of an animal between its hip-bones. An indicator is detachably mounted on the indicator carrier, and is made of flexible coloured flowable material connected through a fine orifice to at least one channel. The construction and arrangement is such that when the indicator-mounted carrier is mounted on a cow or other female animal and mating technique by a second animal is made, pressure applied by the second animal upon the sachet forces the differently-coloured material to flow along the channel or channels of the indicator for observation by a farmer.