Abstract: Aspects for utilizing a seawater fluid to optimize egg-production characteristics are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided, which includes identifying a desired optimization, determining a corresponding seawater to non-seawater ratio, and generating a seawater fluid according to the ratio. An egg-cultivation method is also provided, which includes ascertaining a desired optimization, selecting a corresponding seawater to non-seawater ratio, and providing a seawater fluid comprising the ratio to a hen. In another egg-cultivation method, hens are provided with a mixed feed comprising a feed to seawater-mineralized produce ratio selected according to a desired optimization. A method to grow produce is also provided, which includes mineralizing soil with a seawater fluid comprising a seawater to non-seawater ratio corresponding to a preferred optimization.

Abstract: Aspects for utilizing a seawater fluid to optimize egg-production characteristics are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided, which includes identifying a desired optimization, determining a corresponding seawater to non-seawater ratio, and generating a seawater fluid according to the ratio. An egg-cultivation method is also provided, which includes ascertaining a desired optimization, selecting a corresponding seawater to non-seawater ratio, and providing a seawater fluid comprising the ratio to a hen. In another egg-cultivation method, hens are provided with a mixed feed comprising a feed to seawater-mineralized produce ratio selected according to a desired optimization. A method to grow produce is also provided, which includes mineralizing soil with a seawater fluid comprising a seawater to non-seawater ratio corresponding to a preferred optimization.

Abstract: Techniques for transmission of message fragments between Object Request Brokers operating in distributed object oriented environments. The techniques provide an elegant mechanism for fragmentation of messages into sub-messages. In one embodiment, a fragment-offset is provided as a means for determining the location of data bytes in sub-messages with respect to the original message that has been fragmented. During the construction and transmission of sub-messages, the fragment-offset can be updated to indicate the current offset with respect to the original message. Accordingly, in contrast to conventional techniques, a significant amount of computations or bookkeeping to track of several other variables (e.g., number of fragments constructed, total number of bytes constructed, etc.) are not required. As will appreciated, the headers of the sub-messages need not be of the same size. Similarly, the data portions of the sub-messages can vary in size.

Abstract: A mixer (10) for mixing molten metal in a kettle is disclosed. The mixer (10) broadly includes a housing (12), a drive train assembly (14) supported on the housing (12), and an impeller assembly (16) rotatably coupled to the drive train assembly (14). The drive train assembly (14) broadly includes a power source (18), a rotatable shaft (20), and a transmission (22) drivingly connecting the power source (18) and the shaft (20). The housing (12) is a self-contained unit that supports the mixer (10) and includes an upper housing section (24) that is shiftable relative to a lower housing section (26) between a raised position and a lowered positioned. The transmission (22) includes an endless belt (118) than entrains a fan (122) fixed to the shaft (20). The fan (122) forces a stream of air over bearings (106,108) that support the shaft (20) and over the power source (18) when the shaft (20) is rotated.

Abstract: A mixer (10) for mixing molten metal in a kettle is disclosed. The mixer (10) broadly includes a housing (12), a drive train assembly (14) supported on the housing (12), and an impeller assembly (16) rotatably coupled to the drive train assembly (14). The drive train assembly (14) broadly includes a power source (18), a rotatable shaft (20), and a transmission (22) drivingly connecting the power source (18) and the shaft (20). The housing (12) is a self-contained unit that supports the mixer (10) and includes an upper housing section (24) that is shiftable relative to a lower housing section (26) between a raised position and a lowered positioned. The transmission (22) includes an endless belt (118) than entrains a fan (122) fixed to the shaft (20). The fan (122) forces a stream of air over bearings (106,108) that support the shaft (20) and over the power source (18) when the shaft (20) is rotated.

Abstract: A cleaner (10) for cleaning dross off of the surface of ingot-filled-molds (F) moving along a conveyor (C) is disclosed. The cleaner (10) includes a boom (14) pivotally mounted to a base (12), an arm (16) housed at least partially within the boom (14) and pivotally mounted thereto, a cutting blade (18) slidably mounted on the arm (16) and a rotatable brush (20) pivotally mounted to a brush arm (132). The cutting blade (18) is driven by a piston and cylinder assembly (112) pivotally coupled between the blade (18) and the arm (16). The arm (16) is pivoted by a piston and cylinder unit (120) coupled between the arm (16) and the boom (14). The brush (20) is pivoted by a piston and cylinder combination (168) coupled between the brush (20) and the brush arm (132).

Abstract: A cleaner (10) for cleaning dross off of the surface of ingot-filled-molds (F) moving along a conveyor (C) is disclosed. The cleaner (10) includes a boom (14) pivotally mounted to a base (12), an arm (16) housed at least partially within the boom (14) and pivotally mounted thereto, a cutting blade (18) slidably mounted on the arm (16) and a rotatable brush (20) pivotally mounted to a brush arm (132). The cutting blade (18) is driven by a piston and cylinder assembly (112) pivotally coupled between the blade (18) and the arm (16). The arm (16) is pivoted by a piston and cylinder unit (120) coupled between the arm (16) and the boom (14). The brush (20) is pivoted by a piston and cylinder combination (168) coupled between the brush (20) and the brush arm (132).

Abstract: Techniques for transmission of message fragments between Object Request Brokers operating in distributed object oriented environments. The techniques provide an elegant mechanism for fragmentation of messages into sub-messages. In one embodiment, a fragment-offset is provided as a means for determining the location of data bytes in sub-messages with respect to the original message that has been fragmented. During the construction and transmission of sub-messages, the fragment-offset can be updated to indicate the current offset with respect to the original message. Accordingly, in contrast to conventional techniques, a significant amount of computations or bookkeeping to track of several other variables (e.g., number of fragments constructed, total number of bytes constructed, etc.) are not required. As will appreciated, the headers of the sub-messages need not be of the same size. Similarly, the data portions of the sub-messages can vary in size.

Abstract: A stacker (10) for picking up objects (12) from a first location (14) and stacking the objects at a second location (16) is disclosed. The stacker (10) includes a vertically extending support column (18), a swing arm (20) pivotally mounted to the support column about a vertical axis, and a pick-up head (22) suspended from the end of the swing arm. The support column (18) includes a stationary inner boom (24) configured for attachment to a floor or support base, an outer boom (28) telescopically received over the inner boom, and a hydraulic cylinder (30) for raising and lowering the outer boom relative to the inner boom. The swing arm (20) is coupled with the outer boom (28) so that the swing arm and pick-up head (22) are raised and lowered by the hydraulic cylinder (30).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for coupling a cutting tool (12) to a vehicle (14) such as a tractor that permits the cutting tool (12) to pivot to a released position when it contacts an obstruction (38) and that returns the cutting tool (12) to its cutting position at a controlled speed after the cutting tool has cleared the obstruction is disclosed. The coupling apparatus (10) includes a frame (18) pivotally coupled to the vehicle (14) and fixedly coupled with the cutting tool(12) and a rotary actuator (18) for pivoting the frame (16) and the cutting tool (12) between their cutting and released positions at a controlled speed.

Abstract: A telescopic boom including an elongated hollow outer boom, an elongated inner boom telescopically received within the outer boom, and guidance structure for guiding the inner boom for telescopic movement is provided. The guidance structure includes a plurality of guide rails attached to the interior corners of the outer boom, a first roller assembly attached to one end of the inner boom, and a second roller assembly attached to one end of the outer boom. The first roller assembly includes a plurality of wheels mounted on axles for engaging the guide rails. Each of the wheels includes an arcuate rail-engaging portion which presents a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of the guide rails. The second roller assembly includes a pair of roller bars positioned on opposed sides of one end of the outer boom for guiding the inner boom during telescopic movement. Each of the roller bars extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the outer boom and is rotatably mounted on an elongated shaft.