Abstract: An identification device wherein a flexible elongated strap is adapted for disposition into encircling relation about an extremity of an animal, such as, the legs or neck, comprising at least opposite ends of the strap composed of a heat-fusible, inelastic material. Opposite ends of the strap are temporarily secured as a preliminary to permanent fastening, and temporary securing means in the form of complementary fastening members at opposite ends of the strap operate to secure opposite ends in overlapping relation to one another. A partially embedded heating element in one end of the strap projects in contacting relation with the other end and has a melting point above that of the material of the opposite ends so that when current is applied thereto sufficient to melt the strap, it will simultaneously fuse opposite ends of the strap together.

Abstract: A milking unit support and detacher mechanism for supporting a milking unit when the milking unit is attached to a cow for milking. The milking unit support and detacher mechanism includes a milking unit support arm movable between a first position wherein the arm extends outwardly for supporting a milking unit when the milking unit is attached to a cow for milking. The milking unit support and detacher mechanism also includes means for supporting the milking unit support arm for movement between the first position and the second position, and means for retracting the milking unit and for moving the milking unit support arm from the second position to the first position, the retracting means including a flexible retracting member connected to the milking unit, and means for pulling on the flexible retracting member.

Abstract: A milk volume metering method and apparatus is particularly suitable for use in automated or semiautomated milking systems of the type which will permit computerized monitoring of the total volumes produced by each cow, flow capacity, and conductivity, temperature of each cow during the milking operation. Other functions can be closely monitored and controlled preliminary to, during and after the milking operation.

Abstract: Cartridges containing a tray retained flexible disc with the tray locked to the cartridge housing are accepted so that the tray is unlocked and withdrawn from the cartridge housing into an operating position internal to a receiver. The cartridge housing is held in a relatively fixed position so that it cannot be removed from the receiver unless the tray has been properly returned to the cartridge housing and again locked therein. The flexible disc is automatically clamped into a spindle arrangement and rotary motion applied thereto when a detector indicates that the disc is in the proper operating position. The tray is returned to the cartridge housing in essentially a reverse sequence from the loading operaton but with additional means for insuring that the disc has stopped rotation prior to return to the tray and is properly seated on the tray prior to its return to the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A sector formatting and record addressing scheme and associated electronic recording and detection control systems for a removable cartridge disc used in a magnetic information storage unit. Indelible sector mark and record address/format information are electronically pre-recorded on the disc at the factory using a high precision cartridge writer. This cartridge writer phase-locks the recording clock to a magnetically recorded clocking disc rotating on the same shaft as the disc via an associated position transducer to write an exact number of bytes on each track having a precise physical relationship to each other. Separate recording clocks having a wide bit-frequency spectral separation are used to write sector mark and address/format data to provide maximum sector detection reliability. The cartridge writer control system computes the optimum length of sector code for the customer-specified record size.

Abstract: A flexible or "floppy" disc such as is used for data storage is retained within an enclosure that substantially protects it from contaminants or damage from handling while not in use but still permits ready access to the disc by a machine. A hub nests the disc in a bore on a tray which is received by an envelope-type of housing so that a complete enclosure is provided. The flat surfaces of the housing act to retain the disc hub within the bore while in the cartridge. A latching arrangement between the tray and the housing permits either manual or machine release of the tray. The entire housing containing the tray and the disc is readily adapted to loading within a machine by means of a hub-engaging spindle to lift the disc from the tray after it has been removed from the housing. Strategically located ridges guide the disc hub into proper tray engagement when the disc is stored in the cartridge. A plurality of slots on the tray augment air flow under the disc.