Abstract: A hoof block is provided that joins with a livestock hoof via an adhesive. The block can include a body bounded by an interior edge and a curvilinear exterior edge approximating an outer edge of the hoof and multiple shearing polygonal apertures extending through the body. Each of the shearing apertures can have a pointed end and can lay along a reference line that can be disposed at an angle, for example, 30-60 degrees inclusive relative to the interior edge. The apertures can be joined with bridges that shear through the body when the hoof block becomes removed from the hoof and encounters a pump impeller in a livestock facility. The block can break into pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller, and yet can support the standing and walking loads of the livestock while on the hoof. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: A hoof block is provided that joins with a livestock hoof via an adhesive. The block can include a body bounded by an interior edge and a curvilinear exterior edge approximating an outer edge of the hoof and multiple shearing polygonal apertures extending through the body. Each of the shearing apertures can have a pointed end and can lay along a reference line that can be disposed at an angle, for example, 30-60 degrees inclusive relative to the interior edge. The apertures can be joined with bridges that shear through the body when the hoof block becomes removed from the hoof and encounters a pump impeller in a livestock facility. The block can break into pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller, and yet can support the standing and walking loads of the livestock while on the hoof. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: An elongated structural barrier is provided including a base, a first panel extending upward from the base, a first sealer wall extending downward and transversely to the base, a second panel joined with the first panel and extending upwardly, a lower wedge extending upward from the base adjacent the first sealer wall, and a core compartment bounded by the lower wedge and the panels, with an open face defined above the lower wedge and offering a view into the core compartment. The lower wedge can include a flange to produce a first cavity of the compartment, in which an intumescent core can be positioned and configured to expand into a second cavity of the compartment when it swells. A second flange can oppose the first flange to further secure the core in the first cavity, and can form a bloom gap therebetween. A related method of use also is provided.

Abstract: An elongated gap filler is provided including a first panel and a second panel in a V configuration joined at an apex, a first extension wall extending from the first panel, a first sealer wall extending downward and transversely to the first extension wall, and a second extension wall extending from the second panel. The first sealer wall can seal against a surface of a wall and set a depth of insertion of the first and second panels and first extension wall into a gap between building surfaces, e.g., a wall top and a ceiling or roof. The second extension wall can be arcuate and can bend against the ceiling or roof. The first sealer wall can be arcuate and can bend against a vertical wall surface. The apex can include a U-shaped groove to enhance articulation of the panels. A related method of use also is provided.

Abstract: An elongated gap filler is provided including a first panel and a second panel in a V configuration joined at an apex, a first extension wall extending from the first panel, a first sealer wall extending downward and transversely to the first extension wall, and a second extension wall extending from the second panel. The first sealer wall can seal against a surface of a wall and set a depth of insertion of the first and second panels and first extension wall into a gap between building surfaces, e.g., a wall top and a ceiling or roof. The second extension wall can be arcuate and can bend against the ceiling or roof. The first sealer wall can be arcuate and can bend against a vertical wall surface. The apex can include a U-shaped groove to enhance articulation of the panels. A related method of use also is provided.

Abstract: A vane, for a projectile such as an archery arrow, including a ribbon strip having a leading ribbon edge that is twisted to induce spin of the projectile during its flight. The vane can include a base that mounts to a projectile surface. The ribbon strip can extend upward from the base and can be semi-rigid but flexible. The ribbon strip can include an intermediate portion spaced a distance from and free from attachment to the projectile surface so as to form a gap under the intermediate portion. The ribbon strip can include a second ribbon end that is attached to the base rearward of the first end. It also can include a fin that extends upward from the base within a gap between the ribbon strip and base. The ribbon strip alternatively can include a cantilevered second ribbon end that is free from attachment to the base and projectile.

Abstract: A vane, for a projectile such as an archery arrow, including a ribbon strip having a leading ribbon edge that is twisted to induce spin of the projectile during its flight. The vane can include a base that mounts to a projectile surface. The ribbon strip can extend upward from the base and can be semi-rigid but flexible. The ribbon strip can include an intermediate portion spaced a distance from and free from attachment to the projectile surface so as to form a gap under the intermediate portion. The ribbon strip can include a second ribbon end that is attached to the base rearward of the first end. It also can include a fin that extends upward from the base within a gap between the ribbon strip and base. The ribbon strip alternatively can include a cantilevered second ribbon end that is free from attachment to the base and projectile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite arrow vane for mounting to a projectile. The composite arrow vane is constructed of a composite material that includes a polymer matrix around structural elements. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix may be a thermoplastic polyurethane. The structural elements compounded into the polymer may be voids, hollow glass beads or just about any structure having a weight per unit volume that is less than the weight per unit volume of the polymer matrix. Advantageously, the composite material allows for reduced dimensions of the composite arrow vane because the increased tensile strength of the material allows for size reductions without significantly compromising vane performance. Similarly, the lighter weight per unit volume of the composite material as compared to a homogeneous polymer allows for increased flight speed of the projectile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite arrow vane for mounting to a projectile. The composite arrow vane is constructed of a composite material that includes a polymer matrix around structural elements. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix may be a thermoplastic polyurethane. The structural elements compounded into the polymer may be voids, hollow glass beads or just about any structure having a weight per unit volume that is less than the weight per unit volume of the polymer matrix. Advantageously, the composite material allows for reduced dimensions of the composite arrow vane because the increased tensile strength of the material allows for size reductions without significantly compromising vane performance. Similarly, the lighter weight per unit volume of the composite material as compared to a homogeneous polymer allows for increased flight speed of the projectile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vane that can be attached to an arrow shaft to provide substantial stabilization in arrow flight through increased drag and arrow shaft spin. Embodiments of the inventive vane do not significantly increase the weight of an arrow and/or create a high probability of clearance problems with bow components. The vane is approximately 3.997 inches long and 0.327 inches high including the base height. The vane fin is approximately 0.28 inches high. Some embodiments may have a length approximately 2.997 inches long. An advantage of some embodiments is that the vane may be applied to an arrow shaft in a helical fashion.