Abstract: A electromechanical programmer with smooth program preselection having a rotating main cam unit for executing several operating programs, a first cam for allowing step passage with the main cam unit driven in rotation by a micromotor through a speed reduction system, and a second cam for smooth program preselection. The programmer comprises a retractable mechanical drive device for assuring a mechanical connection between the rotating main cam unit and first cam for allowing step passage under a control of the second cam for smooth program preselection.

Abstract: The invention provides artificial straw adapted to be used instead of natural straw for stable litter or the like. This artificial straw is constituted of chips made of a crystalline thermoplastic alimentary polymer having an elongation at rupture of at least 50%, said chips having, when in a flat and stretched condition, a shape and dimensions such that each chip is inscribable in a parallelepiped having a length comprised between 30 and 800 mm, a width comprised between 1 and 20 mm and a height comprised between 0.06 and 12 mm, the thickness of said chips being comprised between 0.06 and 0.8 mm.