Abstract: A feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink or both as feed to animals in metered portions. The metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing the feed. An entrance door provides access to the feed unit. A feed supplying device supplies a predetermined amount of feed to the feed unit for the animal which is to be fed at the feed unit as determined by an animal identification device which is disposed at the feed unit and detects an identifying transponder on the relevant animal. The feed unit and therefore the feed therein is measured by its angular displacement relative to the device otherwise. Specifically, rolls are provided to measure the amount of pivoting or rotation relative to the device otherwise.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus comprises a frame being arranged to be supported to a suitable support structure, a stationary bowl member having an open bottom end being arranged to hold feed and a rotatable plate at the open bottom end of the bowl member. An adjustment mechanism being arranged for spacing the plate from the bottom end of the bowl member such that rotation of the plate releases the feed onto the plate for feeding.

Abstract: This invention features a combination squeeze toy and chew toy for an animal, such as a dog, comprising an assemblage of a first formed material and second formed material, having different material properties. Said first material forming article body portion, hereinafter named as “toy body portion,” comprised of resiliently deformable, soft elastomeric latex, vinyl or like material. Said second material forming article chew portion, hereinafter known as “toy chewable portion” comprised of substantially rigid or semi rigid thermal plastic polymer, nylon or like material. The toy body portion is hollow, having interior space and preferably spherical in shape. The toy chewable portion is substantially solid in form and preferably cylindrical in shape. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, said toy body portion has said toy chewable portion located centrally through said toy body portion and protruding through each side thereof.

Abstract: A target tracking device for target tracking missiles having an electro-optical seeker assembly mounted in a missile structure through gimbals. The seeker assembly responds to target radiation and provides target deviation signals. Actuators, controlled by the target deviation signals, cause the seeker assembly to track the target. The electro-optical seeker assembly is pivotally mounted in the missile structure about a roll axis and a pitch axis only, the pitch axis being orthogonal to the roll axis. First and second pick-offs, providing pick-off signals, are provided for picking off angles of rotation of the seeker assembly about the roll and pitch axes. A structure-fixed inertial sensor unit is provided for measuring the angular rates about three mutually orthogonal axes and providing angular rate signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-softening tungsten alloy having the general formula: W100-pAiBjCkDe wherein W is tungsten; A is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, chromium and cobalt; B is in or more elements selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, niobium and tantalum; C is one or more of the elements selected from the groups consisting of titanium and aluminum; D is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of boron, carbon, and silicon; i is from about 5 to about 8 weight percent; j is from 0 to about 4 weight percent; k is from about 0.1 to about 4 weight percent; 1 is from 0 to about 0.1 weight percent; and p is greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent and less than or equal to about 20 weight percent. In this alloy p is approximately equal to the sum of i, j, k and 1. A method of preparing this alloy and a kinetic energy penetrator manufactured from it are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hijacking prevention system which employs a gas which can render everyone in the passenger compartment temporarily unconscious in the event a hijacking occurs. A single switch, hidden in the cockpit and easily accessible to the pilot while flying the plane, would activate the flow of the gas through the existing venting system, while simultaneously locking and/or sealing the cockpit door, and deploying air masks connected to a separate source of fresh air for the pilots. Each of the crew members, and a selected one of the passengers, e.g., an air Marshall or security agent, would be equipped with a transmitter alerting the pilots to the need of deploying the system.

Abstract: A fish hook formed of plastic having metal or other material embedded into, or applied to, or formed on the point thereof to increase the ability of the hook to penetrate the mouth of a fish. The metal or other material either forms the point of the hook or is a friction-modifying agent which decreases the resistance to penetration of the hook.

Abstract: A slam latch assembly for a trailer having an interior surface defined by a front, a first sidewall, a back, and a second sidewall and the trailer further having a partition with a first end hinged to the trailer first sidewall and a distal end comprising a housing having an interior cavity and an aperture for accessing the cavity wherein the housing is attached to the second sidewall such that the housing is contained in the second sidewall and the aperture is generally flush with the trailer interior surface; and a latching mechanism attached to and contained in the interior cavity of the housing and accessible through the housing aperture wherein the latching mechanism is adapted to selectively secure and release the distal end of the partition.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching a canopy to a vehicle, such as an aircraft, is provided. The system includes first and second sections. The first section attaches to the second section with a portion of the canopy being secured between the attached first and second sections. The canopy is molded to conform with the secured first and second sections. In one embodiment, the canopy is molded to include one or more fastener receiving holes with or without bushings. In another embodiment, the first or second sections include one or more channels for receiving an inflatable bladder. The first or second sections are configured to be received by the vehicle.

Abstract: Gas generant filter assemblies and related combinations, including airbag inflator devices, are provided which assemblies include a tubular wall portion with a sleeve member and a central opening adapted to at least in part contain a supply of gas generant material reactable to produce reaction products including a quantity of gas. The assemblies also include a closure such as disposed within the central opening at the second end of the central opening. The sleeve member is shapeable to form a plurality of retention tabs effective to secure the closure within the central opening at the second end.

Abstract: A method of making steel beams in accordance with the present invention comprises sending web fabrication information to a web cutting station indicative of web sizes needed to make webs for steel beams and indicative of a web discharge sequence in which the webs are to be discharged from the cutting station. Steel plate is cut at the cutting station to form webs having the indicated web sizes. A series of the webs are transported from the cutting station to a beam station according to the web discharge sequence. Flange fabrication information is sent to a flange station indicative of flange sizes needed to make flanges for the beams and a flange discharge sequence in which the flanges are to be discharged from the flange station corresponding to the web discharge sequence. Steel stock is cut so as to form flanges having the indicated flange sizes. The flanges are transported to the beam station according to the flange discharge sequence so as to match the flanges with an associated one of the webs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heavy duty suspension system including a frame and a pair of spaced apart trailing arms. The trailing arms each include a forward portion pivotally supported by the frame and extending longitudinally to a rearward portion. An axle has opposing end portions pivotally supported respectively on the trailing arms. A V-rod includes first and second spaced apart ends extending to a common third end with the first and second ends preferably pivotally attached to the frame. The third end is preferably pivotally attached to the axle. The V-rod provides lateral stability and defines a pinion angle with the trailing arms. Preferably, the longitudinal length of the V-rod and the length of the trailing arm from the pivotal attachment on the frame to the pivotal attachment on the axle are of equal length to provide a constant pinion angle during movement of the suspension system.

Abstract: A modular airbag cushion system adaptable to different vehicle platform configurations comprises i) a plurality of separate, interconnectable inflatable airbag cushions each of which comprises at least one port for transmitting gas; ii) an optional connector for transmitting gas comprising a tube having a coaxial opening at at least one end, said tube being between and connected with at least two of said airbag cushions to provide a gas-tight connection between said ports; and iii) a gas source in communication with at least one of said ports for inflating said cushions in response to a signal. By varying the length of the connector or the ports, the system can be adapted to a variety of vehicle configurations using cushions of essentially the same length to protect outboard vehicle occupants from injurious contact with exposed interior sides of the vehicle in a crash.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing weed growth or reducing pests involving applying to plant producing media particulate materials to a depth of at least about 1 cm, wherein the plant producing media to the depth comprises about 1% by weight or more and about 25% by weight or less of the applied particulate materials Also disclosed are methods of reducing weed growth involving applying to plant producing media or unwanted vegetation a film of particulate materials, wherein the film has a thickness of about 1 ?m or more and about 5 mm or less.

Abstract: In a method and a system wherein an animal (10) at birth is provided with at least one electronic tag (20), comprising communicating means and an identification code, the code represents a specific location in a network-connected database (60,) being updated wirelessly (50) from the tag (20) to at least one receiver (40) connected to the position determining means and a time determining means and in connection with said network, registering time—and positioning information related to the animal (10). Additional information about the animal is provided to the database (60). The registered information is utilized for authorizing at least one of slaughtering and distributing actions for the purpose of at least one of meat production, meat product manufacturing and breeding.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension is provided for use in a heavy-duty vehicle. The suspension includes a frame and a pair of spaced apart trailing arms that each include a forward portion pivotally supported by the frame. The trailing arms extend longitudinally from the forward portion to a rearward portion. An anti-roll bar includes opposing end portions and a central portion transverse to and extending between the end portions. The end portions are respectively arranged longitudinally along a portion of the trailing arms and are pivotally secured respectively to the trailing arms. The end portions may be secured to the trailing arms by threaded fasteners and further supported on the trailing arm by a bracket having a bushing. At least a portion of the end portion is received in a pocket or channel in the trailing arm so that the end portion does not extend below the trailing arm.

Abstract: Active flow control devices and methods are disclosed for improving the aerodynamic efficiency of airfoils. The devices and methods pertain to applying intermittent suction or intake of low-energy boundary layer fluid into airfoils in a manner delaying or eliminating boundary layer separation.

Abstract: An automated docking system for space vehicles that includes a plurality of antennas on each of a target vehicle and a chase vehicle. A pseudo random code is transmitted via one of the antennas located on one of the vehicles and received by one of the antennas located on the other vehicle. The pseudo random code is then sent back to the original vehicle via transmissions from the plurality of antennas on the second vehicle and received by the plurality of antennas on the original vehicle. The distance from each of the antennas on the other vehicle to each of the antennas on the originating vehicle can be measured in this fashion. The antennas on each of the vehicles are located in a spaced-apart arrangement so that the angular orientation or attitude of each of the vehicles to each other can also be determined. A plurality of video cameras is provided on the exterior of one of the vehicles and video information from these cameras is transmitted to the other vehicle for display to operators in that vehicle.

Abstract: An animal water trough having a cover structure which fits within the trough and preferably adapted to float on the surface of trough water to substantially cover the whole water surface area. Receptacles or channels are provided in the cover. Apertures, which communicate with the water trough, are provided in the channel walls to convey water from the trough into the receptacle or channel. Preferably, a substance dispenser is located in the cover, which feeds substances into the trough water.

Abstract: An improved poultry bedding litter composition includes byproduct or waste material from citrus juice extraction. The citrus peel byproduct or waste litter containing compositions improve poultry characteristics and enhance feed conversion when compared with traditional poultry bedding litters. They also reduce ammonia formation and are very beneficial in addressing litter beetle problems.