Abstract: An inflatable, elastic fixation device is provided for adjustable orthopedic fixation. The device is adapted for fastening onto a section of a body, to a desired clearance; and inflating to desired levels of stiffness and tightness. Adjustments may be made when the device is first applied, as well as with time and with activity. The fixation device may be removed for washing or treatment and reapplied. When inflated, the device is rigid, and operative as a structural element for redistributing loads to lessen a pressure on the section of body or to prevent it.

Abstract: A method and apparati of automatic sexing of a one-day-old chick which includes inducing the chick to lose its equilibrium and voluntarily spread its wings. An example of an apparatus which causes chick disequilibrium includes a cup with a rim, a funnel removably seated on the rim, and a free-rolling ball inside the cup. A second example of such an apparatus includes a conveyer belt, a mechanical vibrator attached to the surface of the conveyer belt, and two poles for supporting the spread wings. A third example of such an apparatus includes a passageway enclosed on both sides whose bottom is attached to an oscillator. The wings are caused to be spread so that chick sexing can be performed by photographing the chick, applying appropriate image processing to the photograph, identifying the sex of the chick from the processed photograph, weighing the chick, and processing chicks based on sex and weight. Preferably, the chick is photographed in blue light, using a digital camera.

Abstract: A method and apparati of automatic sexing of a one-day-old chick which includes inducing the chick to lose its equilibrium and voluntarily spread its wings. An example of an apparatus which causes chick disequilibrium includes a cup with a rim, a funnel removably seated on the rim, and a free-rolling ball inside the cup. A second example of such an apparatus includes a conveyer belt, a mechanical vibrator attached to the surface of the conveyer belt, and two poles for supporting the spread wings. A third example of such an apparatus includes a passageway enclosed on both sides whose bottom is attached to an oscillator. The wings are caused to be spread so that chick sexing can be performed by photographing the chick, applying appropriate image processing to the photograph, identifying the sex of the chick from the processed photograph, weighing the chick, and processing chicks based on sex and weight. Preferably, the chick is photographed in blue light, using a digital camera.

Abstract: A harness-type device is disclosed for collecting the waste products of an animal, such as a dog. The harness includes a collection bag which is in appropriate contact with the animal's body when the harness is worn to collect all the waste products. Several embodiments are shown which, preferably, may include i) flexible straps for comfortably retaining the harness, ii) adjustment according to the size of the animal, and iii) a strap which encircles the tail.

Abstract: An hydraulic power transmission circuit comprises a high-pressure section and a low-pressure section, which together include (a) an internal or external combustion free-piston engine to each of whose pistons is attached one piston pump, the pump piston and the engine piston being rigidly connected for the purpose of joint axial motion; (b) at least one rotary motor or linear actuator adapted to be driven by the hydraulic fluid pressurized by the said piston pumps; (c) valve means for directing the hydraulic fluid to and from the motors or actuators; (d) a charge pump; (e) accumulator means for balancing the fluctuations of pressure and quantity of the hydraulic fluid; and (f) means for controlling the operation of the free-piston engine, said means comprising a rotary auxiliary hydraulic motor of the positive displacement type in the low-pressure section of the circuit, which motor is provided with transmission means for driving a rotary distributor at a number of revolutions governed by the frequency of the