Abstract: Systems for cleaning, sanitizing and stimulating the udder or teats of milk-producing animals include a hand-held washer. The hand-held washer has an ergonomical handle and a trigger that engages a valve and releases sanitizing wash and compressed air when actuated. An airmotor within the washer engages spindles and powers conveyance of teat belts mounted on the spindles. Teat belts with flaps clean and stimulate the teat present in the top opening of the washer. Air is also injected for drying. The teat belts are effective in removing sand from the animal when animals are raised in a sandy bedding environment and are advantageously durable. Methods of using the washer for preparing the animals are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for cleaning, sanitizing and stimulating the udder or teats of milk-producing animals include a hand-held washer. The hand-held washer has an ergonomical handle and a trigger that engages a valve and releases sanitizing wash and compressed air when actuated. An airmotor within the washer engages spindles and powers conveyance of teat belts mounted on the spindles. Teat belts with flaps clean and stimulate the teat present in the top opening of the washer. Air is also injected for drying. The teat belts are effective in removing sand from the animal when animals are raised in a sandy bedding environment and are advantageously durable. Methods of using the washer for preparing the animals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bait cover to control the exposure of bait to wildlife by providing a selected quantity of bait on a ground surface and positioning the bait cover, comprising a movable cover in sufficient proximity to the bait such that the movable cover covers the bait in a first position and exposes the bait sufficiently for wildlife to feed on in a second position; a swing arm connected to the movable cover; and a controller connected to the base end of the swing arm to control movement of the swing arm and the movable cover between a covered and uncovered position, wherein the controller includes an automatic timer to control operation of the bait cover.

Abstract: A chain link is attachable to forward and rearward links of identical construction to form a chain. The chain link includes a left and a right sidewall that each include a rearward and a forward plate with the forward plate inwardly offset from the rearward plate. Each rearward plate has a slotted aperture. A connecting pin having a rim at each end is inserted into a first portion of the slotted aperture which is sufficiently large for the rim to pass therethrough. The connecting pin has a connecting shoulder that extends inwardly from each rim and which engages a second portion of the slotted aperture in a snap fit engagement. The forward plates of each sidewall each have open ended slots for engaging a forward link. A rearward link engages a portion of the shoulder of the connecting pin. A roller is disposed between the two sidewalls freely rotating on the connecting pin.

Abstract: The present invention includes a multiple abrasive belt apparatus in which endless abrasive belts are movable in a circuitous manner. Discrete belt assemblies each including an abrasive belt are mounted on a support structure and a single motor is used to run all of the discrete belt assemblies. A jack shaft is operatively connected to the motor by a first drive belt, and then in turn is operatively connected to first and second drive shafts by second and third drive belts. The first and second drive shafts are operatively connected, each to two discrete belt assemblies such that motive force is transferred from a single motor to four discrete belt assemblies.

Abstract: An improved drive mechanism for a conveyor. An endless belt is mounted for travel on the frame of the conveyor and is driven by a drive unit. The drive unit includes a supporting structure or housing that carries a power source, such as a motor. The output shaft of the motor is connected by a flexible drive member to a pair of drive spindles that support the conveyor belt. The drive unit also includes a pair of belt tensioning spindles which are journaled for rotation on slides that are mounted for movement on the supporting structure of the drive unit. A drive mechanism, such as a fluid cylinder, is operably connected to the slides to move the slides in unison to tension the belt.