Abstract: The invention is a microporous layer to be used in metal forming processes providing lower friction and improved resistance against galling. The layer is a thin, porous metallic film, which is electrochemically deposited on a metallic substrate, whereafter one of the metals of the deposited film is selectively removed by chemical etching, thereby leaving a micro- or even nanoporous layer on the surface of the substrate, which enhances lubricant entrapment leading to improved lubrication during metal forming processes.

Abstract: In rows of mink cages in mink farms it is characteristic that the animals relieve nature in the same end of the cages in which the animals' drinking valves are mounted, and the surplus water from the drinking valves, therefore, gets mixed with the manure, whereby the required manure tanks have to be much larger than necessary for the mere collection of the manure. According to the invention the drinking valves (4) are designed so as to produce a minimum of surplus water, but it is an associated risk that the valves may then fail to function in case of even quite small foreign bodies occurring in the watering water.

Abstract: Dry feeding of minks if usually effected by means of self feeding dispensers, from which the animals may eat freely and as desired. In connection with the invention it has been found that the animals thrive considerably better if they are feeded by measured small fodder portions some 6-8 times per 24 hours and noticeably mostly during the evening and night hours. For avoiding costs of manual attendence during these hours an associated automatic feeding system is used, comprising automatically operated dispensers in the single cages.