Abstract: An electronic librarian and filing system includes an article storage unit, article locator mechanism, article retrieval mechanism, and electronic control unit. The article storage unit has a receptacle storing articles, such as individual CD's on edge, in successive side-by-side locations. The article locator mechanism disposed in the receptacle is movable relative to the successive locations to identify the location of each of the articles stored therein. The article retrieval mechanism carried with the article locator mechanism is operable to partially remove a selected one of the CD's from its location so that it can subsequently be fully removed from the receptacle by a user.

Abstract: The animal feeding and monitoring system includes an electronic identity tag having a code generator for generating a coded identifier signal uniquely associated with an animal to be identified. Electromagnetic energy from an RF field generator mounted in a feeding station is coupled into a pick-up coil in the electronic identity tag when the animal wearing the electronic identity tag approaches the feeding station. Electromagnetic energy coupled into the pick-up coil serves a source of power for the operating components of the tag. The code generator generates the coded identifier signal in response to timing pulses supplied by either an independently set RC oscillator circuit or a countdown circuit connected to the pick-up coil. A voltage detector connected to the pick-up coil is connected to gate the coded identifier signal transmissions only when sufficient power to provide error-free operation of the code generator has accumulated in the pick-up coil.

Abstract: The animal feeding and monitoring system includes an electronic identity tag having a code generator for generating a coded identifier signal uniquely associated with an animal to be identified. Electromagnetic energy from an RF field generator mounted in a feeding station is coupled into a pick-up coil in the electronic identity tag when the animal wearing the electronic identity tag approaches the feeding station. Electromagnetic energy coupled into the pick-up coil serves a source of power for the operating components of the tag. The code generator generates the coded identifier signal in response to timing pulses supplied by either an independently set RC oscillator circuit or a countdown circuit connected to the pick-up coil. A voltage detector connected to the pick-up coil is connected to gate the coded identifier signal transmissions only when sufficient power to provide error-free operation of the code generator has accumulated in the pick-up coil.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stock watering trough that is kept covered at all times when not in use by a pair of floating lid sections hingedly attached on opposite sides of a transversely-extending support therefor. The lid sections each have a crowned configuration that results in the marginal edges thereof being immersed below the level of the water upon which they float. A thermostatically-controlled immersion heater, float-actuated shut-off valve and overflow drain are all located within a protected area beneath the lids between a pair of oppositely-inclined stops for the latter. These lid sections cooperate with one another and said stop to define shields interposed between the aforementioned working parts and the drinking animals. The exposed surfaces of the trough including the lids are formed from a smooth, easily-cleaned light-colored plastic material laminated to a dark-colored backing impregnated with a heat-reflective substance, preferably ablated mica.