Abstract: A measuring system for horse races or training. The measuring system including at least one base station on a horse track or around the horse track, and at least one transponder module placed on at least one movable object, which is composed by a jockey and a horse of the jockey, in order to establish a wireless communication with the base station(s). The transponder module is placed on the body of the jockey, and preferably at the back of the jockey or a visible up-part of the horse.

Abstract: A device having a housing (2) and a rotary element (4) mounted in the housing (2) such that it can be rotated and axially shifted (14). In order to reduce bearing loads in the rotary element (4), with eccentric loading of the rotary element (4), the device provides at least one first support surface (6) on an end side (8) of the rotary element (4) and a second support surface (10) axially, opposite (40) the first support surface (6) on the housing (2). The rotary element (4) is then mounted in the housing (2) in such a way that, with the impact of an axial force (12) on the rotary element (4), the axial shiftability (14) of the rotary element (4) is limited by the support (16) of the first support surface (6) on the second support surface (10).

Abstract: A marker is provided for a swimming lane extending a length of a pool. The pool includes sidewalls connecting end walls for defining a swimming area holding water. The marker comprises a line and means for suspending the line over the water in the swimming area. The line provides a visual indication of the position of the swimming lane in the swimming area.

Abstract: A method of clamping elongate elements in a parallel piggybacked arrangement during subsea laying of the elements is disclosed. The method includes opposed reciprocating jaws which force together clamp segments around the elongate elements to assemble a piggybacking clamp. The piggybacking clamp applies clamping forces to the elongate elements.

Abstract: A guide system configured to guide a pipeline from a laying vessel onto the bed of a body of water has a float unit; a trolley, which is housed inside the frame, is selectively connectable to a pipeline spanning a given or designated path between the laying vessel and the bed of the body of water, and is configured to roll along the pipeline, parallel to the given or designated path; and at least one motor connected to the trolley) to selectively adjust the distance between the float unit and the laying vessel.

Abstract: A calf chute tailgate particularly suited for use in calf roping competitions is disclosed. The tailgate has a pair of upright bars that are mounted to the entry of the calf chute using a pair of four-bar linkages so that during opening and closing of the gate the bars retain their upright orientation resulting a calf chute gate that is fully open across its full height permitting easy access to the chute by calves of any size and shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for a weave trainer for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave trainer includes a rail with a set of adjustable poles. Attached to the rail are telescoping legs extending away from the centerline of the rail. The legs are grooved for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In one such embodiment, the legs are removable. In another embodiment, the angle of the projection is adjustable such that the engaged poles are movable to selected angles from vertical. In another embodiment, two rails are connected by a hinge that allows the two rails to fold.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for detecting a physical contact within a specified area of at least one piece of dog agility equipment for the purpose of improving the training and judging involved in the sport of dog agility. A notification of a proper detected physical contact can be provided using a physical indicator, such as a light or a sound, or an electromagnetic signal, configured to be received by an electronic device.

Abstract: A rail system for a turf track allows for a simple and efficient reconfiguration of the rails to define a course over only a portion of the track. The rail system includes an inner rail and an outer rail, and further includes a series of intermediate posts for supporting a further rail that is adjustable to serve as either an inner rail or an outer rail in order to define a limited course over a portion of the track.

Abstract: A method for training an animal to proceed through an enclosure begins with the act of providing a generally clear or translucent enclosure having a first end, which serves as an entrance and a second end, which serves as an exit. A trainer encourages the animal to enter the entrance and can walk alongside the enclosure allowing the animal to generally observe the trainer to reduce any apprehension and to generally encourage the animal to proceed through the enclosure. Subsequently, the clear or translucent enclosure is replaced with an opaque enclosure once the animal has gained sufficient experience and comfort with the clear and/or translucent enclosure.

Abstract: An automated animal-training system is provided, which includes an enclosure device for the animal, an arrangement for adjustably fixing the location of the animal within the enclosure device, and an actuation mechanism for moving the automated animal-training system. In order to simulate real racing situations for the animals, the arrangement for adjustably fixing the location of the animal within the enclosure device is controlled by one or more motors movable on sliding rails. Furthermore, a mechanism is provided for suspending the animal in the training device in case the animal trips.

Abstract: A system and method for studying a test subject includes monitoring the test subject as it traverses through a programmable maze. The test subject may be under the influence of experimental drugs or genetic manipulation. The dynamic maze can be changed automatically or manually to test the abilities of the test subject. The dynamic maze comprises of a starting point, an ending point, and an electronically programmable floor capable of constructing various obstacles and passageways. The programmable floor may be programmed by a human user using an interface, or it may be programmed by an automated control system that programs the maze in accordance with the ability of the test subject to traverse the maze. Various devices are incorporated with the use of the maze to monitor the activities and welfare of the test subject.

Abstract: A dog performance apparatus and method for competition trial runs has an enclosed area divided into a series of communicating passages forming an endless convoluted course that each dog must run. Distributed in series along the course are a number of obstacles the dog must traverse. The obstacles may include tunnels, jumps, apertured partitions, hurdles, A-frames, teeters, and constricting arches. A lure attached to an endless cord loop is remotely pulled along the course by a mechanism. Guides direct the lure through the course in such fashion as to encourage the dog to properly traverse the obstacles in the passage. The time the dog takes to make the run is measured.

Abstract: A starter assembly which is used to provide a staggered running start for horses racing around an oval track comprises a base portion which mounts the assembly in a vehicle moving at the front of the race and a gating system comprising a central gate member which is located between a pair of corresponding gate arms. The central gate member is pivotally secured to the base portion for swinging the central gate member from a race starting position extending diagonally of the track, and after the race has started, to a ready to fold position perpendicular the track with the gate arms in line with the central gate member. The gate arms are then folded forwardly in a balanced manner at opposite ends of the central gate member.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a pet animal structure for insertion into a transparent tank. The structure is in a single piece with upper and lower body parts. The lower body part has floors for movement of the animal and the upper body part has a shoulder which overhangs the lower body part. The upper body part when the structure is inserted an appropriate size tank, closes and extends into the top opening to the tank with the shoulder below the top opening so as to protect top regions of walls of the tank. Preferably, the upper body part has a downward facing support surface for supporting the structure upon a top edge of the tank so that the bottom of the structure is spaced from the bottom of the tank. Also advantageously, the floors are positioned to prevent the animal from gnawing at the shoulder while providing freedom for the animal to move between the structure and the tank when standing upon the bottom of the tank.