Abstract: A system is disclosed employing a programmable computer system for preparing a detailed material cutting specification for cutting material and fitting the cut material into a given area. The system includes means for defining dimensions of the given area by inputting information regarding the dimensions of the given area to the programmable computer system and means for defining at least one dimension of the material by inputting information regarding the materials to the programmable computer system. The system further includes means for analyzing the dimensions of the given area as a function of the at least one dimension of the material to identify the placement of strips of the material and material fillers used in covering the given area with the material. The analyzed dimensions are reported to the user as a list indicating the quantity of material needed to cover the given area and a visual display of the material layout within the given area.

Abstract: In determine and ascertain the physical state of birds and animals in a livestock raising establishment, the batches of such creatures are weighed at certain time intervals, the information on the weight of a bird or an animal is signalled to a computer and is stored in the memory of the latter, the average weight of a number of birds or animals is calculated which gives an indication of the physical state of the respective creatures. To practice the method a weighing apparatus is used including a weighing platform, a load cell attached to the said platform and being capable of converting the pressure of the load on the platform into an electric signal, and an electronic interface adapted to receive the signal and transmit it to a computer with wiring connecting the constituents of the system.