Abstract: Elongated fastener driving apparatuses are disclosed. The drivers are operable to quickly and accurately install fasteners from a standing position on, for example, a floor surface.

Abstract: A tether line is mounted in a retriever and, when a water vessel is launched into the water, the retriever applies a tension force to the tether line. After the water vessel is launched, the tension on the tether line pulls the water vessel from its launched floating position towards the stationary object. The retriever is rotatably mounted on the water vessel or the stationary object such that it will pivot around a vertical axis and point in a direction towards and along the tether line. A spool mounted on the structural unit holds the tether line, and an electrical or mechanical motor, such as a spring B-motor, places a torque on the spool and a tension on the tether line. After the water vessel is launched, the tension force from the motor pulls the water vessel from a launched position to the stationary object.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a camera or other device to a hollow pole includes an L-shaped member, attached to the device, with a vertical surface that engages the outer surface of the pole and a horizontal surface that rests on the top surface of the pole while a downwardly-projecting member slides into the top of the pole allowing the device to hang stably on the pole during alignment. A bolt passes axially through the downwardly projecting member and engages a gripping member. The downwardly-projecting member and gripping member have mating surfaces inclined relative to the axis of the bolt, so that when the bolt is tightened, the gripping member slides laterally to engage against the inner surface of the pole. A cover plate engages the outer surface of the opposite side of the pole and is secured to the L-shaped to fully secure the assembly.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a camera or other device to a hollow pole includes an L-shaped member, attached to the device, with a vertical surface that engages the outer surface of the pole and a horizontal surface that rests on the top surface of the pole while a downwardly-projecting member slides into the top of the pole allowing the device to hang stably on the pole during alignment. A bolt passes axially through the downwardly projecting member and engages a gripping member. The downwardly-projecting member and gripping member have mating surfaces inclined relative to the axis of the bolt, so that when the bolt is tightened, the gripping member slides laterally to engage against the inner surface of the pole. A cover plate engages the outer surface of the opposite side of the pole and is secured to the L-shaped to fully secure the assembly.

Abstract: A milking liner includes an integrated short air tube and short milk tube. In one configuration, the pulsation air is delivered through the bead of the milking liner directly inside the shell through a plurality of outlets. The disclosure also provides alignment features that assist the person assembling a milking liner and shell. The features limit rotation between the liner and the shell. The liner includes a short air tube that extends beyond a short milk tube with each having a sealing bead. The sealing beads are offset from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modular apparatuses for manipulation of animals and to methods of manipulating animals with the modular apparatuses of the invention. A modular apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: (a) a main support fixed to a stationary point, (b) a number of arms, each of said arms comprising a proximal end and a distal end, each changeable arm having a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein said proximal end is pivotally mounted to the main support for rotation thereof about a first pivot axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and (c) one or more end of arm changeable tools, wherein said one or more end of arm changeable tools are pivotally coupled to the distal ends of each arm for rotation thereof about a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A milking liner includes an integrated short air tube and short milk tube. In one configuration, the pulsation air is delivered through the bead of the milking liner directly inside the shell through a plurality of outlets. The disclosure also provides alignment features that assist the person assembling a milking liner and shell. The features limit rotation between the liner and the shell. The liner includes a short air tube that extends beyond a short milk tube with each having a sealing bead. The sealing beads are offset from each other.

Abstract: A milking liner includes an integrated short air tube and short milk tube. In one configuration, the pulsation air is delivered through the bead of the milking liner directly inside the shell through a plurality of outlets. The disclosure also provides alignment features that assist the person assembling a milking liner and shell. The features limit rotation between the liner and the shell. The liner includes a short air tube that extends beyond a short milk tube with each having a sealing bead. The sealing beads are offset from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a detection device, system and/or method for locating the position of at least an object present in space, such as the position of a teat of an animal. The device may include an array of sensors. Each sensor in the array may incorporate a transmitter-receiver pair. The transmitter and receiver within each pair may be disposed at an angle, to detect an object in space, through the use of signals. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more detection devices and may be utilized to detect one or more objects present invention space. The device of the present invention may be used in a system for milking dairy animals.

Abstract: A milking liner includes an integrated short air tube and short milk tube. In one configuration, the pulsation air is delivered through the bead of the milking liner directly inside the shell through a plurality of outlets. The disclosure also provides alignment features that assist the person assembling a milking liner and shell. The features limit rotation between the liner and the shell. The liner includes a short air tube that extends beyond a short milk tube with each having a sealing bead. The sealing beads are offset from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modular apparatuses for manipulation of animals and to methods of manipulating animals with the modular apparatuses of the invention. A modular apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: (a) a main support fixed to a stationary point, (b) a number of arms, each of said arms comprising a proximal end and a distal end, each changeable arm having a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein said proximal end is pivotally mounted to the main support for rotation thereof about a first pivot axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and (c) one or more end of arm changeable tools, wherein said one or more end of arm changeable tools are pivotally coupled to the distal ends of each arm for rotation thereof about a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a detection device, system and/or method for locating the position of at least an object present in space, such as the position of a teat of an animal. The device may include an array of sensors. Each sensor in the array may incorporate a transmitter-receiver pair. The transmitter and receiver within each pair may be disposed at an angle, to detect an object in space, through the use of signals. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more detection devices and may be utilized to detect one or more objects present invention space. The device of the present invention may be used in a system for milking dairy animals.