Abstract: Methods and systems for failure prediction using analysis of oil or other lubricant. Raw data about feature(s) of each of a plurality of particles filtered from a fluid sample are used to categorize each particle into one of a plurality of categories, each category being defined by one or more of: chemical composition, size and morphology. Particle physical characteristics in each category are quantified to obtain a set of categorized data. The categorized data are compared with historical data. Results of the comparing are evaluated to generate a prediction of any failure or mechanism of failure.

Abstract: A contour roll former capable of operating with different sets of pairs of roll forming heads depending on the type of extruded profile to be produced. The contour roll former includes pairs of heads mounted on carriages capable of sliding horizontally back and forth along a direction transverse to the forming line, so that it is possible to replace one set with another with minimum handling, requiring only horizontal movement of the carriages.

Abstract: The invention concerns a contour roll former capable of operating with different sets of pairs forming heads (P1i, P2i) depending on the type of extruded profile to be produced. Said contour roll former is characterized in that said pairs of heads (P1i, P2i) are mounted on carriages (Ci capable of sliding both ways along a direction (T) transverse to the forming line, so that it is possible to replace one set with another with minimum handling.

Abstract: A system to be employed in a automated method and apparatus for milking animals such as cows wherein the milking apparatus is computer controlled to apply and remove teat cups from the teats of the animals being milked. The apparatus includes an animal recognition system which is communication with the computer whereby it is determined whether or not an animal that approaches or enters a milking compartment will be milked. This determination depended on the number of animals that have been milked after the latest milking turn of an animal that has reported to a milking compartment to be milked. Unless the number of interim milkings exceeds a predetermined numerical value, that animal would not again be milked. The herd of animals to be milked are divided into groups based on their currently expected milk yields as stored in the computer.

Abstract: In a method of automatically milking animals that are allowed to move about freely in an area intended therefor and to visit individually a milking parlour provided with a milking robot and an animal identification system, an animal is recognized at a visit in the milking parlour and milked when since its previous milking at least a predetermined time has elapsed. The animals are classified in groups, an individual predetermined time being allotted to each group. The classification of the animals in groups is altered in the course of time on the basis of the current physical condition and/or the currently expected milk yield of the animals.

Abstract: The cutting end or head of a helically grooved drill bit is of generally hemispherical shape and has four cutting lips, two of which are disposed in end-to-end relationship at the point S of the bit. The cutting angle of the edge of each lip is evolutive, varying from 0.degree. at the point S to a value, determined experimentally in accordance with the material to be machined, at a position P at the intersection of the cutting edge with the end of the outer diameter d of the bit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which promotes and enhances the development of microorganisms in the ground, which microorganisms are indispensible for promoting the growth of vegetation, including plants and trees, by recycling water and circulating air to the zone in which the roots of the vegetation are located. The apparatus includes a relatively severely flared, frustoconical skirt portion which is adapted to cap the roots of vegetation within the ground. It also incorporates a small, generally cylindrical collar which extends above the ground and which surrounds the trunk of the vegetation being protected. A plurality of drains, formed by channels along the interior surface of the skirt and collar, extend over the length of generatrices of the apparatus and serve to conduct water and air to the roots of the vegetation. The apparatus is formed by two identical members, each of which has a dimension greater than one-half of the collar and one-half of the skirt.

Abstract: The substance results from the combination of an old cooled manure of which the fermentation is terminated, seeded with fresh animal dejections, particularly from sheep. This mixture is slightly wetted and held in an air-tight chamber, for example in thick plastic envelope, perfectly sealed, and at a mean temperature. Said substance, which is like a compost, is of a dark color without any particular smell, slightly pasty, releasing a blackish juice when it is sprinkled with water, after having deposited said substance on the soil at the foot of the vegetable to be treated.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a container feed device feeding containers one-by-one to a filling station in which station the filling opening of the container is contained in a vertical plane. An artificial insemination straw feed device feeds straws one-by-one to the filling station in a horizontal position in which the straw is perpendicular to said plane and disposed in front of the opening in a space adjacent to said plane and on the side of said plane opposed to the container. A charging device shifts the straws one-by-one longitudinally of the straw to a position inside the container at the filling station. The apparatus is particularly advantageous for grouping straws in containers in the form of test-tubes inside a cryogenic vessel.