Abstract: A coating film to prevent a conspicuous fingerprint has a water contact angle of no less than 60° so that most of water contained in fingerprints on the coating film evaporates without forming a layer adsorbed on the coating film. Further, the coating film has lipophilicity and has a diiodomethane contact angle of no more than 45° so that the coating film exhibits enhanced affinity to fingerprints, which primarily contain oily components.

Abstract: Provided is a scale-shaped filmy fines dispersion. More specifically, scale-shaped filmy fines are subjected to a treatment for keeping the scale-shaped filmy fines from easily settling out. In the case of a metallic pigment using the scale-shaped filmy fines, the scale-shaped filmy fines are dispersed in the ink. As a result, nozzle clogging can be prevented, and the obtained print can achieve abundant metallic luster. The scale-shaped filmy fines dispersion contains, in a solvent, scale-shaped filmy fines obtained by finely grinding a simple metal, an alloy, or a metal compound. The scale-shaped filmy fines have a mean length of 0.5 ?m or more and 5.0 ?m or less, a maximum length of 10 ?m or less, a mean thickness of 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less, and an aspect ratio of 20 or more.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for beneficiation of fly ash particles comprising: determining the heat value of the fly ash particles; comparing the determined heat value of the fly ash particles with a minimum heat value K; feeding an inlet of a combustor (5) with a feed material comprising the fly ash particles and, in case the determined heat value is lower than the minimum heat value K, fuel in sufficient quantity to assure that the heat value of the raw material is greater than or equal to the minimum heat value K; supplying an upstream airflow to the combustor (5) so as to carry the feed material in suspension from the inlet to an outlet of the combustor; operating the combustor (5) at a temperature of at least 700° C.; collecting beneficiated fly ash particles from the airflow at the outlet of the combustor (5). The invention also concerns an installation for implementation of the said method.

Abstract: The invented compositions for metal cladding of components in demanding applications can include one or more of liquid and/or colloidal sodium, potassium and/or lithium silicate, clay and/or clays, a compound of hollow micro-spheres (e.g. naturally occurring and nearly ubiquitous perlite and/or a synthetic hollow micro-sphere equivalent) and/or alumina or one or more flexible or malleable or resiliently deformable, impact-resistant materials such as plastomers, elastomers and/or other plastic, rubber, plastic-like or rubber-like materials; a wetting agent consisting of one or more of water or water and ethanol for fast drying under proper safety and venting conditions; and one or more surfactants and/or dispersants.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a high-purity aqueous copper sulfonate solution and a simplified method of producing this solution. The aqueous copper sulfonate solution of the present invention is characterized in that the copper concentration therein is at least 90 g/L, the content of metal impurities is less than 10 mg/L as metal for each metal impurity, the content of chlorine is less than 10 mg/L, and the sulfonic acid is a sulfonic acid represented by the following general formula R—(SO3H)n (in the formula, R represents a lower alkyl group, lower alkylidene group, lower alkylene group, or hydroxyalkyl group and n represents 1 or 2).

Abstract: In certain examples, this invention provides an inorganic composite binder with high-temperature resistance comprising 5-12% of aluminium hydroxide, 15-35% of phosphoric acid, 0.1-1% of rare earth oxide, 5-20% of silica sol, 1-15% of polyaluminium phosphate, 1-5% of borax, based on the total weight of said binder, and the rest being water, and a method for producing the same. The binder of the example can be used in temporary protective coating layer such as the high temperature coating and the high temperature antioxidation coating layer during the heat treatment of the metal workpiece, can make it possible to form an antioxidation coating layer immediately upon directly spraying the coating onto the substrate surface of the metal at high temperature of 400-1000° C.

Abstract: A lightweight and energy saving mortar consisting of: 30-40% of Ordinary Portland cement; 2-4% of Hydrated lime; 10-20% of lightweight aggregate; 40-50% of heavyweight aggregate; and 1.0% of additive. The lightweight aggregate is a porous inorganic hollow glass material of fineness is smaller than 100 mesh. The heavyweight aggregate is Aeolian sand. During application, the mortar is diluted with water to have a viscosity suitable for mechanical spraying or manual application. The present invention employs a specific lightweight aggregate of porous inorganic hollow glass material to reduce the weight percentage of sand stone so as to decrease the weight of the mortar such that an elastic modulus of the mortar is matched with the lightweight wall object, the heat transmission coefficient is decreased, and the thermal bridge effect is minimized. Hollowing, cracking, and falling off problems are prevented. Heat and sound insulation are improved. Mechanical operation is facilitated.

Abstract: Methods involve adding sorbent components, such as calcium oxide, alumina, and silica, as well as optional halogens as part of environmental control. Use of the sorbents leads to significant reductions in sulfur and mercury emissions that otherwise would result from burning coal. Use of the sorbents leads to production of waste coal ash that, while higher in mercury; is nevertheless usable as a commercial product because the mercury in the ash is non-leaching and because the coal ash has a higher cementitious nature by virtue of the increased content of the sorbent components in the ash. Thus, the methods involve adding powders having qualities that lead to the production of a cementitious coal ash while at the same time reducing emissions from a coal burning facility.

Abstract: An additive composition comprising at least one lignosulfonate is used for reducing the amount of soot floating on mineral binding agents. Methods for reducing the amount of soot floating on mineral binding agents where an additive composition comprising at least one lignosulfonate is added to a mineral binding agent.

Abstract: A method of producing cement clinker including the steps of preheating raw meal comprising calcium carbonate in a preheating stage that is preheated by the exhaust gases of a sintering stage connected downstream in the direction of the gas flow, neutralizing the preheated raw meal, sintering the raw meal into cement clinker in a sintering stage, and cooling the cement clinker from the sintering stage in a cooling stage that cools the cement clinker with a gas. The exhaust gases of the sintering stage are combined with the exhaust gases of the neutralization, and the combined exhaust gases are conducted in an open gas circuit. The CO2 emissions are substantially reduced over known systems with CO separation, and the formation of nitrogen oxides by the combustion of atmospheric nitrogen in the oxidative environment of the sintering stage burner is almost completely prevented.

Abstract: An adjustable, vertical desk with a horizontal work surface and vertical display surface upon which is attached a computer monitor or other electronic equipment to be viewed, in a range of height positions appropriate to adults of varying heights. The horizontal work surface may also be adjusted to position a keyboard and a mouse at an appropriate hand level for adults of varying heights. The desk allows users to place electronic equipment to heights as needed to suit their stature and by so doing encourages more natural body alignment while in a standing or in a seated position. When the vertical desk is used in combination with a standard treadmill set at low speed, the vertical desk permits mild exercise without work interruption.

Abstract: A rectangular pallet that is symmetrical about its two major axes. The pallet comprises a first plastics shell and a second plastics shell. The first plastics shell is formed with a flat rim, nine or more ground engaging feet subtending below the level of the rim, the feet being arranged in respective parallel spaced apart beams extending from front to back. The first plastics shell also has plural channels running from side to side intersecting the beams running from front to back to define the feet. The second plastics shell is essentially flat and formed with a flat rim. An internal network of partitions extends between the first and second plastics shells. The rims of the first and second plastics shells are sealed to each other to form a clam and to enclose the network of partitions within the clam. In other aspects, the invention concerns a method and a system for forming the pallet.

Abstract: A linked structure for foldable table comprises a main frame, legs, props, connecting plate 1 and connecting plate 2. The main frame includes a plate body which connects multiple table plates with flexible wire on each side of the plate body. Each concave body and supporting leg is set under each end of the plate body. A connecting unit with a receiving concave is set in the concave body. The legs are set in the receiving concave of the connecting unit. Connecting plate 1 is set on the props on the connecting unit. Connecting plate 2 which set on the legs connects with connecting plate 1. The table plates are connected on each side of the plate body on main frame with flexible wire. When folding the present invention, the legs, props, connecting plate 1 and 2 are folded under the plate body through rotating the connecting unit.

Abstract: A device for reducing ash adhesion in a boiler, includes: a calculator (9) which, in the case of mixing one or more types of solid fuels, calculates and determines the mixing ratio of the solid fuels so that the resultant solid fuel mixture has a slag viscosity not lower than a reference value at a predetermined atmospheric temperature; and fuel supply amount regulators (3a, 3b) which regulate the amount of the solid fuels to be supplied to the boiler based on the mixing ratio as described above. By using this device, ash adhesion in a boiler can be easily and accurately predicted and, therefore, ash adhesion can be reduced even in the case of using various types of solid fuels including a low-grade coal as fuel.

Abstract: A combustor assembly in a coal burning power plant includes a combustor housing that defines a combustion zone in which pulverized coal is burned, at least one burner that introduces pulverized coal into the combustion zone, and an overfire air port that injects air into the combustor housing above the combustion zone, the overfire air port being generally not movable with respect to the combustor housing. The combustor assembly further includes a nozzle assembly associated with the overfire air port. The nozzle assembly includes a flow directing structure disposed within the overfire air port, which flow directing structure is tiltable with respect to the overfire air port to effect a change in a flow direction of the air being injected into the combustor housing through the overfire air port.

Abstract: A burner for a combustion apparatus, a combustion apparatus comprising such burners, and a method of operation of the same are described. The burner comprises: a fuel input conduit for supplying fuel to the burner; a combustion gas input conduit for supplying combustion gas to a first stage combustion site; an overfire gas input conduit for supplying overfire gas to a second stage combustion site; and gas supply means; wherein the gas supply means is adapted to supply gas switchably between a first mode of operation wherein air is supplied in suitable proportion to both the combustion gas input conduit and the overfire gas input conduit; and a second mode of operation wherein an oxygen containing gas other than air is supplied to the combustion gas input conduit and substantially no gas is supplied to the overfire gas input conduit.

Abstract: Foliage separator for a transplanter, and more particularly an apparatus for separating the foliage of adjacent rows of seedlings which are grown in trays having a plurality of side-by side rows of seedling cells. The foliage separator includes a rotating beater bar, the beater bar being positioned at an angle with a progressive taper, the beater bar being mounted for movement with a carriage which carries a subassembly for picking up an entire row of seedlings from a nursery tray and positioning them for hand-off to a seedling loader group. An air knife may be mounted on the same carriage, the air knife facilitating separation by keeping the seedling foliage and stems up and helping the beater bar enter between adjacent rows.

Abstract: An agricultural cart including a product metering system comprising an auger assembly extending generally along an axis non-parallel to a horizontal plane and non-perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and a holding chamber disposed at an upstream end of the auger assembly and configured to reduce pulsations within a flow of agricultural product from the auger assembly. The agricultural cart also includes an air source coupled to the product metering system and configured to transfer the agricultural product to an agricultural implement via an airflow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hopper for a seed metering system that has a series of individualized and independently controlled metering units. The hopper has a plurality of discharge openings that can be selectively opened and closed to expose an opening to a respective one of the plurality of metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus that provides effective sectional control.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed metering assembly comprised of a set of stand-alone modular seed metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus in which the number of seed metering units can be scaled to match the number of distribution headers of a seeding implement.

Abstract: A method and system enables sectional control for an air seeding system of a farm implement by exposing a main header, or selected ports of the main header, to a purging air flow when product flow through the selected ports is stopped. A plenum of air is fluidly coupled to the main header and provides a purging air flow to any exit port of the main header that has been shut off from product flow. Valves are used to selectively flow couple the exit ports of the main header to the product flow and to the purging air flow.

Abstract: A seed metering assembly for a farm implement has a meter roller that can be accessed and removed in a relatively quick manner. The seed metering assembly includes a fluted meter roller that is segmented into a number of discrete fluted sections. Each fluted section has an associated flow control member that is selectively operable to impede the flow of granular material from a seed hopper to its corresponding section of the fluted meter roller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed metering assembly that has a series of individualized and independently controlled metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus that provides effective sectional control.

Abstract: A yarn color placement system for a tufting machine including a series of different color yarns being fed to the needles of the tufting machine by yarn feed mechanisms. A backing material is fed through the tufting machine at an increased stitch rate as the needles are shifted according to the programmed pattern steps. A series of level cut loop loopers or hooks engage and pick loops of yarns from the needles, with the clips of the level cut loop loopers or hooks being selectively actuated to form cut pile tufts, while the remaining loops of yarns can be back-robbed so as to be hidden from view in the finished patterned tufted article.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method and a novel inflatable flotation device for the method which are used in association with water sports boards such as kite boards, surfboards and the like, for the purpose of uprighting the water sports boards when inverted and encouraging the water sports boards to be moved by the wind in the direction of a water sports board rider when the rider becomes separated from the water sports board.

Abstract: There is provided herein a woven sailcloth having a weight of at least about 6 and comprising warp yarns and fill yarns and having a 1% warp of at least about 80 and/or a warp efficiency of at least about 13, wherein the fill yarns are pre-crimped, and wherein the warp yarns and the fill yarns are weaved in a plain weave in which the ratio of fill yarn count to warp yarn count is about 1.1:1 to about 1.8:1 and the ratio of warp yarn density to fill yarn density is about 1.2:1 to about 1.9:1. There is also provided herein sails made from the sailcloth and a method for making the sail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rudder for maneuvering a ship-like object, the rudder comprising a main rudder blade having an upstream end and a downstream end, the rudder being rotatably mountable to the ship-like object around a rotation axis that generally extends in a vertical plane. The main rudder blade extends generally upright. The rudder comprises two generally upright extending auxiliary rudder blades connected to the main rudder blade by transverse plates. At least one of the transverse plates is oriented generally obliquely upwards towards a downstream end. The transverse plates thereby follow the orientation of the flow of water below the upwards receding aft body of the ship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for practicing towed boardsports while avoiding falls and saving time in learning, teaching, and progressing. The device consists of a rigid structure (2, 9) connected to a towing vehicle and provided with a means (3, 4) for suspending a user (5) such that the latter no longer falls. The means for suspending a user includes a rope attached to the top of the structure, at the end of which a harness for suspending the user (5) is attached. The user (5) is suspended under the device. Thus suspended, the user (5) no longer falls. The device of the invention is particularly suitable for boardsports towed by motor boats.

Abstract: An open water swim belt consisting of a flag assembly having a flag attached to a flag pole, a base assembly that is positionable about a swimmer by attaching an adjustable belt, and a transition that extends perpendicular from the base. The transition is equipped with a receiver that is capable of receiving a flag pole. The swim belt is worn by a swimmer by positioning the base assembly against the lumbar section of the swimmer's back then securing the base in position by tightening the adjustable belt. A flag may be inserted into the transition of the base assembly and include identifiers, colors and a light to enhance the visibility of the swimmer. The swim belt provides comfort and safety by allowing a flag to provide visibility of the swimmers presence to boats and other surface water craft in the area of the swimmer.

Abstract: A food product temperature and freshness monitoring device and method is provided. The device comprises a thermochromic seal or label that monitors the temperature of food stuff and alters its appearance when the food temperature rises above a predefined limit for a given period of time. The present invention provides a device with a predefined temperature for which the pigment of an imbedded material alters its color from a first color to a second color, and does not revert to its original color after passing a threshold time-temperature. The pigment is sandwiched between a layer of thermally conductive material on a first, product-facing side, followed by a thermally insulative material on a second, outward-facing side. The seal provides an indicator to determine whether food stuff has been shipped and stored in an appropriate environment to prevent spoilage. The seal monitors the food temperature, as opposed to the ambient air temperature.

Abstract: A water activated device having a lower casing with a cavity into which a spring is received, followed by a plunger and a bobbin. The lower casing attaches to an upper casing which houses a floatation member and includes a central aperture sized to allow the plunger to pass. The bobbin is sandwiched between the floatation member and the plunger. The floatation member defines a line holding dispensing spool such that one end of a line is attached to the spool and the opposite end of the line is attached to the device. The bobbin is the water sensitive trigger: when the water comes in contact with the bobbin, the bobbin starts to disintegrate losing its structural integrity, allowing force to enable the spring, forcing the plunger against the floatation member which discharges the floatation member from the upper casing. Once the floatation member is discharged, the floatation member floats to the water surface.

Abstract: A method for making an epitaxial structure is provided. The method includes following steps. A substrate having an epitaxial growth surface is provided. A buffer layer is formed on the epitaxial growth surface. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the buffer layer. An epitaxial layer is epitaxially grown on the buffer layer. The substrate is removed.

Abstract: A method for making an epitaxial structure is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. The substrate has an epitaxial growth surface for growing epitaxial layer. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the epitaxial growth surface. An epitaxial layer is epitaxially grown on the epitaxial growth surface. The carbon nanotube layer is removed. The carbon nanotube layer can be removed by heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for growing sapphire single crystals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for growing sapphire single crystals in which a high quality, long single crystal can be obtained within a short period of time upon the use of a long rectangular crucible and a long seed crystal extending in a c-axial direction. Use of the method and apparatus for growing sapphire single crystals according to the present invention can uniformly maintain the horizontal temperature at the inside of the crucible despite the use of a rectangular crucible, thereby obtaining a high-quality single crystal as well decreasing the possibility of a failure in the growth of the single crystal.

Abstract: A base for making an epitaxial structure is provided. The base includes a substrate and a carbon nanotube layer. The substrate has an epitaxial growth surface. The carbon nanotube layer is located on the epitaxial growth surface. The carbon nanotube layer defines a plurality of apertures to expose part of the epitaxial growth surface so that an epitaxial layer can grow from an exposed epitaxial growth surface and through the apertures. A method for making an epitaxial structure using the base is also provided.

Abstract: After removing deposit on a susceptor in an epitaxial growth furnace by a cleaning recipe (step S101), a first epitaxial wafer is produced by growing an epitaxial layer on a first wafer based on a process recipe A (step S102). Subsequently, a step of producing an epitaxial wafer by growing an epitaxial layer on a wafer based on a process recipe B including second control parameters set such that the epitaxial wafer has approximately the same film thickness profile as the first wafer (step S103) is repeated a plurality of times to successively produce a plurality of epitaxial wafers (step S104). The cleaning recipe, the process recipe A, and the process recipe B repeated a plurality of times are carried out repeatedly (step S105).

Abstract: A template 100 for three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate formation for use in three-dimensional thin-film solar cells. The template 100 comprises a substrate which comprises a plurality of posts 102 and a plurality of trenches 104 between said plurality of posts 102. The template 100 forms an environment for three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate formation.

Abstract: A semiconductor template having a top surface aligned along a (100) crystallographic orientation plane and an inverted pyramidal cavity defined by a plurality of walls aligned along a (111) crystallographic orientation plane. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor template by selectively removing silicon material from a silicon template to form a top surface aligned along a (100) crystallographic plane of the silicon template and a plurality of walls defining an inverted pyramidal cavity each aligned along a (111) crystallographic plane of the silicon template.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly includes an air tunnel between a frame and a mask so as to allow flow of air. Therefore, evaporation of cleaning liquid can be facilitated in gaps between the frame and the mask during cleaning and drying processes performed so as to reuse the mask frame assembly sooner. Thus, the amount of remaining cleaning liquid can be reduced so as to reduce the time necessary for preparation of a subsequent process using the mask frame assembly.

Abstract: In a division mask and a method of assembling a mask frame assembly by using the same, the division mask includes a stick body on which deposition patterns are formed, and a clamping portion which extends from the stick body outward along a longitudinal direction of the stick body, the clamping portion increasing in width from the stick body. By using this structure, since tight tension is exerted on the division mask during the assembly of a mask frame assembly due to an extension portion of the clamping portion, creases are prevented from being formed on the division mask, thus obtaining a precise mask frame assembly.

Abstract: The disclosed plasma CVD apparatus (1) is provided with a vacuum chamber (3); a pair of deposition rollers (2, 2) disposed within the vacuum chamber (3) that are connected to both poles of an AC power supply and around which a substrate (W) is wound; a gas-supplying device (5) that supplies process gas containing a source gas to a deposition zone (D) which is a portion of or all of the region that is on one side of a line linking the centers of rotation of the pair of deposition rollers (2, 2); and a magnetic-field-generating device (7) that, by means of the AC power supply being applied to each of the deposition rollers (2, 2), forms a magnetic field that causes the source gas in a predetermined region to become plasma. The magnetic-field-generating device (7) causes the source gas in the region adjacent to the surface of the portion of the pair of deposition rollers (2, 2) located within the deposition zone (D) to become plasma, forming a plasma region (P).

Abstract: A deposition source and an organic layer deposition apparatus that may be simply applied to the manufacture of large-sized display apparatuses on a mass scale and may prevent or substantially prevent deposition source nozzles from being blocked during deposition of a deposition material, thereby improving manufacturing yield and deposition efficiency. A deposition source includes a first deposition source including a plurality of first deposition source nozzles, and a second deposition source including a plurality of second deposition source nozzles wherein the plurality of first deposition source nozzles and the plurality of second deposition source nozzles are tilted toward each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical vapor deposition is disclosed. An aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for chemical vapor deposition that includes: a process chamber configured to demarcate a reaction space; a back plate placed above the reaction space and having a gas inlet in a middle thereof; a gas diffusion member arranged below and separated from the gas inlet and coupled to the back plate by a first coupling member and configured to diffuse process gas supplied through the gas inlet; a shower head placed below and separated from the back plate and the gas diffusion member and having a middle part thereof coupled to the gas diffusion member by a second coupling member and having a plurality of spray holes perforated therein; and a susceptor arranged below and separated from the shower head and supporting a substrate.

Abstract: A wildlife feeding block especially suitable for feeding deer is in the form of a log of generally cylindrical shape containing a composite of meal, corn, molasses, a preservative, an attractant, and a binder. The log has a pair of grooves disposed diametrically opposite to each other and extending the length of the log, the grooves are generally semi-circular in cross-section so as to enable the deer to feed on the log by inserting its snout into the grooves and biting off pieces of the log.

Abstract: A feeder for horses or other livestock includes a housing having a compartment with an air-permeable floor for subjacently supporting a pile of hay, or other type of livestock feed. The compartment is superiorly accessible for allowing feeding from atop the pile of hay or other type of livestock feed. A blower located downstream of the compartment can draw air downwardly through the compartment. With hay or other type of livestock feed loaded into the feed compartment, the blower can draw air downwardly through the compartment and through the floor. Thus, airborne material from the hay or other type of livestock feed is drawn away from an animal that may be feeding from the top of the compartment.

Abstract: A collection element for animal feces including a container to contain the feces collected and a shovel to collect the feces and, in a completely closed position before being used, is pocket sized and flat in shape. The collection element for animal feces is made from a single sheet of rigid or semi-rigid paper, cardboard or other analogous or comparable material, shaped and foldable along a plurality of folding lines and suitably glued on a very limited part of its surface, wherein a part of the single sheet constitutes the container selectively closable on one side, and another part constitutes the shovel, separable, in use, from the single sheet and hence from the container, along a pre-cutting line.

Abstract: A habitat enclosure comprising a removably disposed housing or outer covering shaped or otherwise configured to represent an animate object is presented. Furthermore, the outer covering is disposed in a removable, yet confronting engagement with a container, the container being viewable through a display area of the outer covering. The container also comprises a lid removably disposed relative to a basin in order to allow at least temporary access into said interior portion thereof. The enclosure further comprises one or more access channels disposed through the outer covering and into a communicative relation with the interior portion of the container in order to facilitate feeding, breathing, and/or draining or other maintenance. A lighting assembly is disposed in an illuminating relation with the container such that the apparatus may be used as a night-light or other soothing accent.

Abstract: An aquatic tank comprising a housing shaped or otherwise configured to represent an animate object is presented. Furthermore, the housing comprises a body with a display area, and a removably disposed upper head portion. A container is disposed within body of the housing and is viewable through the display area. The apparatus also comprises a lid removably disposed relative to the container in order to allow at least temporary access into said interior portion thereof. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of elongated access channels disposed within the housing in a manner such that the access channels are fluidically connected to the interior portion of the container in order to facilitate feeding, breathing, and/or draining or other maintenance. A lighting assembly is disposed in an illuminating relation with the container such that the apparatus may be used as a night-light or other soothing accent.

Abstract: A sprayer device and method to treat animal hooves by spraying concentrated foot treatment fluid directly onto the hooves. Substantially all overspray of the hoof treatment fluid is collected and recycled thereby minimizing loss of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application device for treating the teats of milk producing animals with a liquid. The device comprises a dip cup with a fluid supply conduit having an outlet through which liquid is conveyed, wherein the cross-sectional sectional area of the outlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of fluid supply conduit. In a further embodiment, a baffle is provided to deflect the treatment liquid is a desired direction around the inside of the cup. In a still further embodiment the invention a fluid supply conduit is defined at least in part by the external wall of the dip cup.