Abstract: A hoof block is provided that joins with a livestock hoof via an adhesive. The block can include a body bounded by an interior edge and a curvilinear exterior edge approximating an outer edge of the hoof and multiple shearing polygonal apertures extending through the body. Each of the shearing apertures can have a pointed end and can lay along a reference line that can be disposed at an angle, for example, 30-60 degrees inclusive relative to the interior edge. The apertures can be joined with bridges that shear through the body when the hoof block becomes removed from the hoof and encounters a pump impeller in a livestock facility. The block can break into pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller, and yet can support the standing and walking loads of the livestock while on the hoof. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: A hoof block is provided that joins with a livestock hoof via an adhesive. The block can include a body bounded by an interior edge and a curvilinear exterior edge approximating an outer edge of the hoof and multiple shearing polygonal apertures extending through the body. Each of the shearing apertures can have a pointed end and can lay along a reference line that can be disposed at an angle, for example, 30-60 degrees inclusive relative to the interior edge. The apertures can be joined with bridges that shear through the body when the hoof block becomes removed from the hoof and encounters a pump impeller in a livestock facility. The block can break into pieces that do not substantially impair continued operation of the pump impeller, and yet can support the standing and walking loads of the livestock while on the hoof. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: A fletching jig can include constrictor ring that, when rotated, urges a plurality of arms supporting respective vanes toward an arrow supported in the jig to fletch the arrow. The arms can extend away from a base, which can support the arrow along a central axis. The actuator ring can be disposed around the arms. The actuator ring can include a ramp that can engage multiple guide blocks adjacent the actuator ring, each guide block configured to push a respective arm toward the arrow as the ring rotates. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: A fletching jig can include constrictor ring that, when rotated, urges a plurality of arms supporting respective vanes toward an arrow supported in the jig to fletch the arrow. The arms can extend away from a base, which can support the arrow along a central axis. The actuator ring can be disposed around the arms. The actuator ring can include a ramp that can engage multiple guide blocks adjacent the actuator ring, each guide block configured to push a respective arm toward the arrow as the ring rotates. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: An elongated structural barrier is provided including a base, a first panel extending upward from the base, a first sealer wall extending downward and transversely to the base, a second panel joined with the first panel and extending upwardly, a lower wedge extending upward from the base adjacent the first sealer wall, and a core compartment bounded by the lower wedge and the panels, with an open face defined above the lower wedge and offering a view into the core compartment. The lower wedge can include a flange to produce a first cavity of the compartment, in which an intumescent core can be positioned and configured to expand into a second cavity of the compartment when it swells. A second flange can oppose the first flange to further secure the core in the first cavity, and can form a bloom gap therebetween. A related method of use also is provided.

Abstract: A vane, for a projectile such as an archery arrow, including a ribbon strip having a leading ribbon edge that is twisted to induce spin of the projectile during its flight. The vane can include a base that mounts to a projectile surface. The ribbon strip can extend upward from the base and can be semi-rigid but flexible. The ribbon strip can include an intermediate portion spaced a distance from and free from attachment to the projectile surface so as to form a gap under the intermediate portion. The ribbon strip can include a second ribbon end that is attached to the base rearward of the first end. It also can include a fin that extends upward from the base within a gap between the ribbon strip and base. The ribbon strip alternatively can include a cantilevered second ribbon end that is free from attachment to the base and projectile.

Abstract: An arrow fletching device suitable for mounting Mylar fletching vanes to the surface of an arrow. The device includes a clamp for holding the fletching in a manner that leaves a surface mounting portion of the side of the fletching exposed. Then an adhesive is applied to the exposed surface and the clamp is pressed up against the arrow to securely mount the fletching to the arrow surface. One version utilize three such clamps posited at 120 degree offsets to mount three vanes around the surface of the arrow.

Abstract: A vane, for a projectile such as an archery arrow, including a ribbon strip having a leading ribbon edge that is twisted to induce spin of the projectile during its flight. The vane can include a base that mounts to a projectile surface. The ribbon strip can extend upward from the base and can be semi-rigid but flexible. The ribbon strip can include an intermediate portion spaced a distance from and free from attachment to the projectile surface so as to form a gap under the intermediate portion. The ribbon strip can include a second ribbon end that is attached to the base rearward of the first end. It also can include a fin that extends upward from the base within a gap between the ribbon strip and base. The ribbon strip alternatively can include a cantilevered second ribbon end that is free from attachment to the base and projectile.

Abstract: An arrow fletching device suitable for mounting Mylar fletching vanes to the surface of an arrow. The device includes a clamp for holding the fletching in a manner that leaves a surface mounting portion of the side of the fletching exposed. Then an adhesive is applied to the exposed surface and the clamp is pressed up against the arrow to securely mount the fletching to the arrow surface. One version utilize three such clamps posited at 120 degree offsets to mount three vanes around the surface of the arrow.

Abstract: An immunoassay for the detection of beet sugar adulteration of sugar-containing materials such as fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates utilizes antibodies to proteinaceous components of beet sugar. These proteinaceous components have been found in all samples of beet sugar, tested, regardless of source or degree of refinement; these proteinaceous components have also been found in both crystal and invert sugars.

Abstract: A semi-automatic directory assistance system uses a directory assistance computer to help an operator at an operator position terminal find the requested directory number. The control processor, a module control unit, of a module of the system controls the establishment of part of the connection from a subscriber requesting operator assistance to the operator position. The operator at the operator position communicates with the directory assistance computer to find the requested number. After the requested number has been found, the computer sends a message to the control processor. In response to that message, the control processor causes an audio response unit to generate a directory assistance message corresponding to the desired number and causes the response unit to be connected to the subscriber.