Abstract: An aqueous composition includes silica particles with a particle size distribution and particle structure that improve water retention and exchange characteristics of the aqueous composition. The aqueous silica composition includes silica network particles and water. The silica network particles comprise main particles and bridging particles that form chains between adjacent main particles. The main particles have a particle size greater than the particle size of the bridging particles. Because of the silica network particles, the aqueous composition is capable of wetting a hydrophobic substrate more than pure liquid water. The silica network particles are generated in water by a method in which an aqueous sodium silicate solution is subjected to vigorous agitation in air, followed by periods of circulation through magnetic fields of alternating direction and further periodic agitation exposed to the air. An aqueous composition of the silica network particles can be beneficially used as a hydrating agent.

Abstract: An aqueous composition including silica particles with a particle size distribution and particle structure that improve the water retention and exchange characteristics of the aqueous composition is provided. The aqueous silica composition includes silica network particles and water. The silica network particles comprise main particles and bridging particles that form chains between adjacent main particles. The main particles have a particle size greater than the particle size of the bridging particles. Because of the presence of the silica network particles, the aqueous composition is capable of wetting a hydrophobic substrate more than pure liquid water. The silica network particles are generated in water by a method in which an aqueous sodium silicate solution is subjected to vigorous agitation in air, followed by periods of circulation through magnetic fields of alternating direction and further periodic agitation exposed to the air. An apparatus for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: A method of conducting a racing event and a hybrid sporting event and game show based on the sporting event. Robotic jockeys are used to control racing animals, preferably miniature horses or Hackney ponies, in a racing event made up of one or more races. Players holding race cards that contain pairings of a race identification and an indicium identifying an animal in the corresponding race. The players may win individual races or the entire event or both, depending upon the outcome of the races, the content of the race cards held by the players, and other factors. The animal-identifying indicium borne by each animal may be selected by chance prior to each race. Race cards may be distributed in advance of the event, either at the racing facility where the event is held, at remote locations such as supermarkets, or both. The event may be broadcast live, and winners may be present at the event, or in the broadcast audience, or both.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling by radio the movement of one or more animals simultaneously by one or more operators. Robotic control is provided for manipulation of reins, and of a crop, spurs and knee pads to contact the animal to simulate a crop, spurs and the knees of a rider. Joy stick control is provided for the reins, while the other functions are governed using pushbuttons. High torque rotary output servomechanisms, coupled with the physical design of the various elements, provides for good simulation of a human rider. Video and two-way audio communications are provided. In its various embodiments, the apparatus is useful for training animals, for remotely controlling animals, and for securing an area.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling by radio the movement of one or more animals simultaneously by one or more operators. Robotic control is provided for manipulation of reins, and for means to contact the animal to simulate a crop, spurs and the knees of a rider. Joy stick control is provided for the reins, while the other functions are governed using pushbuttons. High torque rotary output servomechanisms, coupled with the physical design of the various elements, provides for good simulation of a human rider. Video and two-way audio communications are provided. In its various embodiments, the apparatus is useful for training animals, for remotely controlling animals, and for securing an area.