Abstract: A suspension assembly includes an axle pivoting plate mounted to the frame at a first pivot point and rotationally fixed to the axle. Also included is a connection arm having a first end onto which the wheel is mounted and a second end for rotationally fixing the axle to the connection arm. An actuator is pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point, and is pivotally connected to the axle pivoting plate at a third pivot point. The first pivot point, the second pivot point and the third pivot point are all located below the lower surface of the side rail. When the actuator is extended, the axle pivoting plate pivots about the first pivot point causing the axle and connection arm to swing rearwardly and rotate, causing the wheel to move vertically with respect to the frame to displace the trailer to a lowered position.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes an axle pivoting plate mounted to the frame at a first pivot point and rotationally fixed to the axle. Also included is a connection arm having a first end onto which the wheel is mounted and a second end for rotationally fixing the axle to the connection arm. An actuator is pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point, and is pivotally connected to the axle pivoting plate at a third pivot point. The first pivot point, the second pivot point and the third pivot point are all located below the lower surface of the side rail. When the actuator is extended, the axle pivoting plate pivots about the first pivot point causing the axle and connection arm to swing rearwardly and rotate, causing the wheel to move vertically with respect to the frame to displace the trailer to a lowered position.

Abstract: The invention describes processes for the production of basic aluminum compounds, including aluminum chlorohydrate, basic zirconium compounds, and basic aluminum zirconium compounds. The process produces products of a wide range of basicities. The products formed by the present invention are comprised of low molecular weight species characteristic of enhanced efficacy antiperspirant salt compositions. The products of this process are suitable for use as water purification agents, as binders in catalyst applications, and in antiperspirant applications. In addition, the invention is directed to the products made by the disclosed process.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: A modular system facilitates packaging, marking, handling, sterilizing, tracking, tagging and storing small components such as surgical screws. A small, suitably cylindrical or similar cell receives a screw or other component and seats the component in a predetermined orientation. A complementary cap is adapted to engage the cell from above, closing the top and retaining the component in the cell. The cap is also adapted for use as a tool for handling the cell and the component contained therein. A coupling between the cell and the the cap allows the cap to be snapped securely on the cell under manual pressure; the coupling is further adapted to release on application of sufficient bending moment across the co-axis of the cell and cap.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system are described for tracking and managing animals and/or food products. These embodiments can include entering into a computer system identification data for animals and location data for locations occupied by the animals. This data can be collected, for example, by a data service provider and transmitted to a data trustee. The data trustee may filter the data into official data and non-official data. The official data may be sent to an official database. When a public health issue arises, such as an occurrence of mad cow disease, the government may use an identifier for a diseased animal or a location identifier to request a trace report from the data trustee. The data trustee may then use the official data to provide a report showing, for example, which animals have commingled with the diseased animal. Based on this report, other sick or potentially sick animals can be treated, quarantined, or slaughtered.

Abstract: A durable, clear, protective cover for a device having a touch screen, keypad, or other user interface. The cover protects the device without interfering with the ability to use the device. The protective cover is constructed by vacuum-forming a thin sheet of transparent polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on the front and at least a portion of the sides of a mold made of the target device. Accordingly, the protective cover made from a single piece of material will have the topography matching the device, which facilitates in the continued usability of the device when the protective cover is disposed on the device. Furthermore, the protective cover fits securely on the device such that no adhesives or other mechanisms are required to secure the protective cover onto the device, nor are any tools required to install or remove the protective cover.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for cleaning a surgically prepared working surface comprises a body portion adapted to supply pressurized fluid (preferably carbon dioxide gas) to the surgically prepared working surface and aspirate surface debris dislodged from the surgically prepared working surface. The apparatus further comprises a head portion adapted to constrain the supplied pressurized fluid to flow substantially along the surgically prepared working surface to dislodge debris there from when the head portion is in contact with the surgically prepared working surface. The dislodged surface debris are aspirated by the body portion. A second embodiment includes a Venturi-assisted cleaning head and is operable with or without an external source of vacuum.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for tracking the human scapula during shoulder surgery, by a trackable device fixed to the coracoid process of the scapula. A device of the invention allows a trackable target to be fixed to the coracoid process by bone screws and an anchor. In one embodiment, a releasable coupling is provided between the anchor and the trackable target.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for cleaning a surgically prepared working surface comprises a body portion adapted to supply pressurized fluid (preferably carbon dioxide gas) to the surgically prepared working surface and aspirate surface debris dislodged from the surgically prepared working surface. The apparatus further comprises a head portion adapted to constrain the supplied pressurized fluid to flow substantially along the surgically prepared working surface to dislodge debris there from when the head portion is in contact with the surgically prepared working surface. The dislodged surface debris are aspirated by the body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for cleaning a surgically prepared bony concavity includes a body portion adapted to supply pressurized fluid (preferably carbon dioxide gas) to the concavity and aspirate surface debris. The apparatus further comprises a head having an orifice with a plane, circular rim having a diameter less than that of the bony concavity. A method for cleaning a surgically prepared, concave, generally hemispherical bony cavity includes the steps of: covering a region of the hemispherical bony concavity with a cleaning head; supplying a pressurized fluid to the region covered by the cleaning head, and collecting the pressurized fluid from the covered region with a surface debris aspirator coupled to the cleaning head. A cleaning head having a generally circular orifice substantially seals and encloses a spherical zone to be cleaned.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.