Abstract: A horseshoe with spikes and a method for making the spikes. The horseshoe has a ground engaging surface provided with first and second series of substantially parallel V-shaped grooves. The first series of substantially parallel V-shaped grooves define a first series of axes and the second series of substantially parallel V-shaped grooves define a second series of axes intersecting the first series of axes at an angle, thereby defining a plurality of pyramid-like spikes on the at least one portion of the ground engaging surface.

Abstract: An absorbent mat useful for treating pet excreta has a flat shape and comprises an absorbing base material comprising at least one of plant fiber and pulp, an antimicrobial surface active agent or a combination of a surface active agent and an antimicrobial agent, and at least one of a binder, a crosslinking agent and water, the absorbent mat having a thickness of 3 mm or greater, a bulk density of 0.05 to 0.3 g/cm3, a saturated water absorption of 2 g/1 g or more, and a rate of water absorption of 30 sec or shorter.

Abstract: In a method and system for measuring mobility of a tested animal, a lower float portion of a float member floats on a liquid body disposed in a container. An upper detected portion of the float member vertically opposite to the lower float portion is disposed above the liquid body. The tested animal is placed in the liquid body such that movement of the tested animal in the liquid body results in surface waves of the liquid body and that the upper, detected portion moves according to the surface waves reaching the lower float portion. Positions of the upper detected portion are optically detected during a time period. Position information of the tested animal in the liquid body is then determined from the detected positions.

Abstract: A control surface drive system having a plurality of actuator assemblies are coupled to first and second supply lines and to a return line. The first and second supply lines are connected to a source of hydraulic fluid. At least one of the actuator assemblies has a hydraulic actuator movably connectable to an aircraft control surface. A flow control assembly is connected to the return line and to at least one of the first and second supply lines. A bypass line is in fluid communication with the first and second supply lines and positioned to recycle the hydraulic fluid from one of the first and second supply lines back into the other one of the first and second supply lines when the hydraulic actuator moves toward the first position. A computer controller operatively interconnects the plurality of actuator assemblies and the flow control assembly. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract.

Abstract: The preset invention discloses and claims a frangible projectile and method for delivering a wide array of selected agents to a target from stand-off distances. The frangible projectile includes fluorescent or optical powders and provides a method for covertly marking and detecting a target of interest. Alternately, the frangible projectile includes inert nano-powders and provides a method for preventing a high-order detonation of a target containing explosive material from stand-off distances.

Abstract: An animal water bowl assembly is maintained clean by allowing a bowl to dry out after a use period, before refilling. Uses include: birdbath and pet and farm animal watering. Two bowls can be coordinated so that one is in use with water while one is drying out. A two-faced assembly with oppositely facing bowls can automatically coordinate the steps for the two bowls. The process of filling a bowl, allowing it to be used, emptying it, filling another, allowing it to be used while the first dries out, can be automated with an actuator and a controller. An animal water bowl assembly has at least two bowls, with means for coordinating the filling and use and drying steps. As an example, a two faced bowl is rotatable around an axis. An electronic controller opens a valve to provide power to a hydraulic actuator, which flips the two faced bowl to empty the first and present the second for filling. Filling with water occurs automatically, also using water from the hydraulic source.

Abstract: An animal separating fence used in vehicles includes two posts each have a top sucking member and a bottom sucking member for respectively positioning the fence between the ceiling and the floor of the vehicle. Two sleeves are mounted to each of the posts and each sleeve includes two extensions and a passage is defined through each of the extensions. Two side walls extend from each of the extensions and a space is between the two side walls and communicates with the passage. Two transverse tubes extend through the passages of the extensions. A locking member is pivotably connected between the two side walls of each of the extensions and each locking member has a cam head which is pivoted to press the transverse tube to position the transverse tubes.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a pet chew, comprising: a first layer including at least a portion of animal hide from a first species of animal; and a second layer including at least a portion of animal hide from a second species of animal; wherein the first layer and the second layer are arranged adjacent one another to form the pet chew; and wherein the first species of animal and the second species of animal are different. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a pet chew, comprising: a first layer including at least a portion of animal hide from a first species of animal; and a second layer including at least a portion of animal hide from a second species of animal; wherein the first layer and the second layer are arranged adjacent one another to form the pet chew; wherein the first species of animal is bovine and the second species of animal is swine; and wherein the first layer and the second layer are rolled to form a generally cylindrical pet chew.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system includes an airbag and an inflator. An impact absorbing member is disposed at an upper part of the folded airbag, which is disposed along a roof side rail, at positions other than that of a center pillar, and an impact absorbing member is disposed at a lower part of the folded airbag at the position of the center pillar. This arrangement ensures that there is a distance between the airbag and the upper end of a center pillar garnish, thereby making it difficult for the deploying airbag to catch on the upper end of the garnish, and the impact absorbing member can guide the deploying airbag toward the occupant compartment, thereby more reliably preventing it from catching on the upper end of the garnish.

Abstract: An improved equestrian saddle creates an angle of separation between the stirrup and the body of the horse to aid the insertion of the rider's foot. A fender conforms to the shape of an attached molded plate. As a result, the stirrup strap is twisted, turning the associated stirrup away from the horse. The molded plate is intended to be shaped by a user, maintain its shape during normal use conditions, and be re-shaped by the user at will. Alternatively, the plate could be molded into a permanent shape and attached to the fender. In yet another embodiment, the plate could be shaped by the user and then made rigid by the user. The plate is preferably inserted into a pocket in the fender structure.

Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species.

Abstract: In a flap operating system, left and right actuators for operating left and right flaps are synchronized with each other by left and right pulleys and first and second synchronizing cables wound in an X-shape around the left and right pulleys. If one of the hydraulic actuators fall into a free failure or fails due to sticking, a difference is generated between the rotational angles of the left and right pulleys. When the difference exceeds a threshold value, the operations of the left and right actuators are stopped, whereby an excessive load is previously prevented from being applied to a main wing structure or the flap operating system.

Abstract: A teatcup liner series, having n liners L1 through Ln, enables selection of faster milking or less liner slip. A liner and/or the series is provided with variable groove width and/or material. A cost advantaged manufacturing method is provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns an igniter plug for a pyrotechnic device, in particular a hand-launch or mechanical launch grenade, comprising a body (104) provided with a control mechanism including a fly-off lever (101) and a percussion mechanism (128) co-operating with a primary pyrotechnic module (105) for initiating the charge (119) of the associated device. The invention is characterised in that it further comprises a lock (150) engaged with the lever (101), in storage position, to prevent the fly-off lever (101) from moving towards its release position, the lock (150) being configured to impose, when the igniter plug is activated, an initial movement of the lever (101) countering its displacement required for releasing the percussion mechanism (128), so as to disengage the lock (150) and the fly-off lever (101).

Abstract: A method of forming a stabilizer bar is provided that includes the steps of roll forming sheet metal coil into a continuous tube. Next, a first portion of the continuous tube is flattened. The first portion of the continuous tube is sheared to define a first end. Next, a second portion of the continuous tube is flattened. The continuous tube is sheared at the second portion to define a final unit length with a second end opposite the first end. That is, the length is sheared from the rest of the continuous tube. The final length is the length is needed to form a single stabilizer bar. Finally, the final unit length is deformed into the desired stabilizer bar shape.

Abstract: A readily attachable window assembly for efficient installation and maintenance of aircraft windows is provided. The aircraft has a sidewall having an inner perimeter that defines an opening. The window assembly includes an outer window frame. A center window frame is attached to the outer window frame, and an inner window frame is attached to the center window frame. The inner window frame is readily attachable to the sidewall adjacent to the opening of the inner perimeter. The inner window frame includes a releasable coupling mechanism that includes first and second engaging mechanisms that positionally lock the first mechanism to the second mechanism via a torsion spring assembly and engageable teeth of each mechanism. The first engaging mechanism is locked onto the sidewall when torque is applied through at least one pinhole. The window assembly is disengaged by disengaging the first and second engaging mechanisms via a disengagement tab.

Abstract: A device (10′) for storing and dispensing feed (98) to an animal at predetermined times includes enclosure (12) including a plurality of compartments (16), each including a hinged downwardly opening bottom door (17) having a storage position for supporting feed (98) and an open position for dispensing feed (98), a latch assembly (120) including a latch (121) supporting its associated door (17), and a connector (142) for each compartment (16), movable from a storage position to a dispensing position. A connector release assembly (160) includes a trip (162) for disengaging each connector (142), including a movable ratchet bar (61) including cams (163) and rungs (63). Reciprocating assembly (70) includes solenoid (71) moving pull arm (73) for moving ratchet bar (61) and timer (101) for activating solenoid (71) at predetermined times. Down-stop (90) prevents reverse movement of ratchet bar (61). Up-stop (80) limits the upward movement of ratchet bar rung (63).

Abstract: A control system and method for automatic control of an air vehicle during catapult launch includes a first pitch axis partition that includes an altitude hold control loop and a vertical rate control loop, and a second pitch axis partition that includes a constant throttle airspeed hold control loop. The control system also includes a vertical acceleration command select loop. The altitude hold control loop and the vertical rate control loop cooperatively determine a vertical rate loop vertical acceleration command. The constant throttle airspeed hold control loop determines a constant throttle airspeed hold vertical acceleration command. The vertical acceleration command select loop selects one of either the vertical rate loop vertical acceleration command or the constant throttle airspeed hold vertical acceleration command. A flight control system of the air vehicle drives the air vehicle to the selected vertical acceleration command.

Abstract: A replenishable pest control apparatus includes a housing having at least one component, such as a surface or shelf, treated with a residual pesticide and at least one other component treated with or configured to contain, an attractant. Each of the components is configured to be replenished by re-treating the component with an appropriate attractant and/or pesticide, by refilling a reservoir, by replacing a depleted component with a pretreated component, or a combination thereof. The attractant is not required to be toxic, and may comprise any appropriate/desired attractant, such as a food source, an odor attractant, a visual attractant, an acoustic attractant, a pheromone, or a combination thereof. The pesticide may be any appropriate/desired pesticide for the type of pest to be controlled.

Abstract: A bullet has a core with a leading end defining a cavity. A jacket surrounds the core and exposes the cavity. A nose element is at least partly received within the cavity. The nose element may be a plastic ball with an exposed nose surface that smoothly transitions to an adjacent portion of the jacket. The cavity may be a conically tapered cavity, and the nose element may enclose a chamber portion of the cavity. The core is formed of a ductile material, and may be a soft lead material of high purity.