Abstract: A livestock feeder includes a sidewall with a top and a bottom. The sidewall forms an enclosure adapted for receiving feed. Rim and base rings are provided adjacent to the sidewall top and bottom, and a medial ring is located generally intermediate the rim and base rings. The rings can assume various geometric configurations, including circular and polygonal, which configurations define a footprint of the feeder. The rings are maintained in spaced, generally parallel relation by an upper tier of support bars extending between and connected to the rim and medial rings and a lower tier or space or bars extending between and connected to the base and medial rings. The rings comprise multiple sections which can be joined together mechanically with telescopic corrections, by welding or by adhesive. The spacer bars can likewise be connected to the rings by various connection techniques. The feeder components can be formed by extrusion, rotational molding or other suitable manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A filter unit in a fluid circuit associated with a machine tool that uses machining fluid is maintained by counting the number of times the machine tool is operated and automatically servicing the filter unit, as by backflushing, after the machine tool has been used a preset number of times. A filter unit control unit counts the number of uses of the machine tool and moves valve units in the filter unit from an operational configuration to a backwash configuration and controls the timing and operation of the filter unit maintenance cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for stringing static wire to a utility pole. The apparatus comprises a body having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from the base portion in generally opposing directions. Each of the arms has a sleeve attached to its distal end, the sleeves having a generally vertical receiver and an upper bearing surface. Each sleeve receives a jackscrew, the jackscrews having a lower end with a flange sized and shaped so as to be receivable by a coupler of a standard stringing dolly. A nut is threaded on each jackscrew proximate its upper end and bears against the respective sleeve upper bearing surface. A jack handle is provided for turning the nuts and thereby raising and lowering the jackscrews.

Abstract: A method of protecting structures and articles from environmental exposure uses a semi-permanent or temporary in situ formed film or tarp to cover the protected articles. The film is environmentally safe and biodegradable. The film also may function as a release film to protect surfaces, such as aircraft wings and refrigeration surfaces, from ice accumulation and may act as a confining barrier to control particulate materials during transportation.

Abstract: A method of protecting structures and articles from environmental exposure uses a semi-permanent or temporary in situ formed film or tarp to cover the protected articles. The film is environmentally safe and biodegradable. The film also may function as a release film to protect surfaces, such as aircraft wings and refrigeration surfaces, from ice accumulation and may act as a confining barrier to control particulate materials during transportation.