Abstract: This invention relates to a method of delivering a water-based explosive by feeding a water-based explosive and a fluid non-explosive carrier into a tubular delivery member in order that the water-based explosive defines a plurality of bodies separated from each other by the carrier. The method further includes the step of feeding the bodies of water-based explosive separated by the carrier through the tubular delivery member to a point of delivery. The invention also relates to a system for delivering a water-based explosive especially to a system for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: This invention provides a handgun assembly such as a rifle (9) which has a barrel assembly (24) including a cluster of barrels each supporting a longitudinal arrangement of aerodynamically shaped, directional projectiles (15) and interposed propellant charges (16) whereby the barrel assembly has longitudinal arrays or layers or projectiles and interposed propellant charges. Ignition means is provided for selectively igniting the propellant charges (16) including for simultaneously igniting the propellant charges in the leading layer of projectiles to provide a shotgun-like blast.

Abstract: A power indicating setter system monitors the power level of a fuze setter coil of a fuze setter system for a gun operable to fire inductively-fuzed shells. The fuze setter system transmits a carrier signal that induces magnetic field power in the fuze setter coil. The strength of the magnetic field power correlates to reliability of the fuze setter system to transmit fuzing data to the shells. The fuze setter coil induces a signal in an adjacent induction element. Circuitry, coupled to the induction element, operates to compare the signal to a calibrated signal produced by the circuitry. The circuitry, by a power indicator, functions to indicate to an operator when the value of the signal is greater than the calibrated value. The power indicator indicates during operation of the gun, thereby informing the operator of the reliability of the fuze setter system to transmit fuzing data to the shells.

Abstract: A vacuum brake booster comprising a vacuum chamber (16) and a working chamber (18), separated by a movable wall (14) coupled to a housing (22). A control valve (20) includes a first valve seat (40) formed on a displacement valve member (38) and cooperating with a first valve seat member (42), to control a supply of atmospheric pressure to the working chamber. A rear side of the valve member is constantly subjected to pressure in the working chamber. When the valve member is displaced more than a predetermined distance in the actuating direction relative to the housing, a front side of the valve member is subjected to pressure in the vacuum chamber, such that a differential pressure acts on the valve member, to hold the valve member in a displaced position until pressure equalization between the first and rear sides of the valve member is effected.

Abstract: A valve and position control system integrable with a clamp having at least one clamp arm moveable between a clamped position and a released position in response to movement of an actuator between first and second end limits of travel controlled by differential fluid pressure in first and second chambers located on opposite sides of the actuator. The system allows selective setting of at least one of the clamped position and the released position at an actuator position between the first and second end limits of travel of the actuator. The system selectively controls the speed of actuator movement as the actuator moves between the first and second end limits of travel. Preferably, the system also selectively controls the speed of actuator movement as the actuator approaches at least one of the first and second end limits of travel to provide a soft touch clamp action. The system selectively adjusts pressurized fluid within the first and second chambers independent of one another.

Abstract: A hydraulic boom control system has two valves controlling linear hydraulic actuators, one for pivoting a hoist boom relative to a machine and one for pivoting a stick boom relative to the hoist boom. The bore sides of the actuators are hydraulically connected and the rod side of the hoist actuator is connected to the first port of the first valve and to the second port of the second valve. Operating the first valve moves the boom end generally horizontally and operating the second valve moves it generally vertically.

Abstract: A piston for use in a fluid displacement apparatus includes a head portion and a connecting portion. The head portion has a cylindrical shape and a hollow structure. The head portion comprises an end portion and a cylindrical portion. The end portion fixedly connected to the cylindrical portion. The connecting portion extends from an end surface of the cylindrical portion and couples the piston with a moving source. A pair of apertures are formed through the end surface of the cylindrical portion adjacent to connecting portion. A rib is formed between the pair of apertures. The strength of a circumference portion of the apertures may be increased by the rib. As a result, when the fluid displacement apparatus is operated under a high load, the occurrence of cracks at the circumference portion(s) of the aperture(s) may be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention finds applicability in barrel assemblies defining a ring shaped cavity that is to be fluidly sealed from a central bore. Current barrel assemblies, such as those used in hydraulic pumps, are made from castings. This can be undesirable due to long production time and difficulty in producing consistent components. The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of these problems by disclosing a barrel assembly and a method for making the same wherein the barrel and the plug are manufactured from the same material, or from materials having similar coefficients of thermal expansion. Thus, upon pump operation and optional heat treatment of the assembled barrel assembly, both the barrel and the plug will expand in a similar manner. The present invention finds application in axial piston pumps, especially for high pressure hydraulic systems, and other two piece components having a cavity requiring a seal.

Abstract: An actuator for use with a lift truck having an extendible mast includes an elongated housing and an axial bore formed in said housing. The bore has a first end and a second end. A ram is slidably and sealingly mounted in the bore for axial movement between an extended position and a retracted position, and has one end disposed in the bore and an opposing end extending out of the bore second end. A pressure ring is slidably and sealingly mounted in the bore between the ram one end and the bore second end, wherein filling the bore with a fluid causes the ram to move from the retracted position toward the extended position, and engagement of the ram one end with the pressure ring traps fluid between the pressure ring and the bore second end to resist movement of the ram toward the extended position. In a preferred embodiment the ram one end includes a piston plug body with an axial piston plug bore formed in the piston plug body.

Abstract: A piston assembly for heavy duty diesel engine applications comprises a piston having pin bosses formed with pin bores for the accommodations of a wrist pin. The wrist pin is fabricated of steel and is extendable through the small end bore of a steel connecting rod and the bores of the piston body for coupling the piston body to the connecting rod. In lieu of a conventional Cu—Pb—Sn bushing usually pressed into the small end bore, a coating of manganese phosphate is applied to either the pin or small end bore of the connecting rod and pin bosses to provide the necessary tribological properties therebetween. The porous coating absorbs and entraps lubricating oil, creating a still lubricant squeeze film between the steel running surfaces under heavy load.

Abstract: A control device for the closing and opening of the extraction chamber (5) of a coffeemaking machine of the espresso type. The extraction chamber (5) comprises two parts (3, 4) movable relative to each other by an electric motor (6) to open or close the extraction chamber (5). The device comprises: elements for measuring the intensity of the supply current of the motor (6) at least during the closing phase of the extraction chamber (5); elements for detecting a drop in the derivative relative to the current supply time below a predetermined threshold, permitting detecting the optimum closed position for the extraction chamber (5), so as to stop the movement of the movable parts (3, 4) when this position is reached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preserving and dispensing wine or champagne. The apparatus provides a housing having a container support for holding wine or champagne bottles, a plurality of removable stoppers for insertion in the bottles, a nitrogen generator for generating a nitrogen rich gas from air, a nitrogen storage tank for storing the generated nitrogen rich gas, a cooling system for cooling certain bottles and dispensers for providing wine or champagne from the bottles to a user. The nitrogen generator draws in ambient air, adsorbs the oxygen from the air and stores nitrogen rich gas in the nitrogen storage tank. The nitrogen storage tank supplies the nitrogen rich gas to the bottles for preserving the wine or champagne. The stoppers include a nitrogen line and a supply line. The nitrogen line communicates nitrogen rich gas into the bottles and the supply line communicates wine or champagne from the bottles to the dispensers.

Abstract: A wire frame for supporting a beverage can having at least one top opening and containing a desired flavored beverage in an upright position and for supporting a roasting fowl. The frame supports a beverage can to be inserted into the central cavity of a fowl that has been cleaned and seasoned as desired. The frame holds the beverage can and the whole fowl in a substantially vertical position for roasting. As the beverage heats during roasting the flavor of the beverage is imparted to the fowl.

Abstract: A segmented elongate, hollow convection pipe formed with an angled mid portion which extends through the body cavity of stuffed poultry during cooking. The device is provided in plural individual sections of tubing that are serially joined in a nested fashion. Overall length of the device can be grossly adjusted by selecting greater or fewer numbers of sections of tubing to form the device, and finely adjusted by telescopically sliding the sections relative to each other. The angled mid portion may be provided as a fixed angle, or provided as a selectively adjustable angle to accommodate anatomical differences in poultry. Overall cooking time of both the poultry and the stuffing is uniform and reduced as a result of cooking from the inside as well as the outside. A method is provided for using the convection pipe to safely, quickly, and uniformly cook a raw, stuffed poultry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum valve including a lid, a depression defined on the lid, a boss formed on the lid at a bottom of the depression, a rotary cover rotatably arranged in the depression, and a closure member detachably coupled to the rotary cover.

Abstract: A process for operating a workpiece transport system for a press arrangement includes driving, the system by at least one driving device which can be held in a stoppage position with a braking device. By application of a predefined torque by the driving device, the functioning of the braking device is checked.

Abstract: A nine-cylinder satellite printing unit includes printing stations having a first, second, third and fourth transfer cylinder which a web passes through. The transfer cylinders are capable of being stopped when the printing assembly is switched off. A distance between each of the first and second transfer cylinders, the second and third transfer cylinders, and the third and fourth transfer cylinder is shorter than the distance between the first and fourth transfer cylinder. A guide roller keeps a supplied portion of the web away from the first transfer cylinder and another guide roller keeps a discharged portion web away from the fourth transfer cylinder when the first and fourth printing cylinders are respectively in print thrown-off positions.

Abstract: Two ink applicators, each with an ink roll and an ink chamber, for supplying ink to a print roll, and one or more applicator adjustment mechanisms for retracting one ink applicator away from the print roll while the other ink applicator contacts and supplies ink to the print roll. The applicator adjustment mechanisms has eccentric bearings and gears, a primary actuator operates each applicator adjustment mechanism, and a secondary actuator operates a travel limiting mechanism connected to the primary actuator. Alternatively, one or more actuators operate one or more pivot arms, with the ink applicators mounted thereon, for engaging or retracting the ink applicators. A main drive rotates the print roll and the ink rolls, a registration adjustment mechanism with differential gearing permits adjusting the print roll rate of rotation, and an idle drive mechanism with clutches and motors permits rotating the ink rolls independently of the main drive.

Abstract: A crease plow folder for folding a sheet or continuous web of sheets comprises a non-twisting, holding and transporting mechanism for holding and transporting the sheet or continuous web of sheets in a non-twisting fashion during folding of the sheet. The crease plow folder first creates, at a score line in the sheet or sheets, a rolling fold by directing the sheet or sheets between a centerline-twisted bar and a pressure bar. The rolling fold is then converted into a creased fold by moving the sheet or sheets between a crease roller and an idler roller, thereby generating a change in direction that results in the crease. A controller and associated sensors are included for monitoring the progress of the sheet through the plow folder and for detecting any skewing of an entering sheet.

Abstract: A printing unit is provided for a web-fed rotary printing machine, having a plurality of cylinders with associated drive motor, an additional device for printing an at least two guide elements. At least one cylinder is a plate cylinder. At least one guide element corresponds to the plate cylinder and is operably arranged in the printing unit for determining a setting path of the corresponding plate cylinder relative to the other cylinders. This guide element extends as far as the additional device for printing.

Abstract: The delivery for a sheet-processing machine, such as a sheet-fed rotary printing press, has several braking devices which are movable transverse to a sheet transport direction. The delivery also has a sheet guiding elements that respectively cover the interspaces between adjacent braking devices at a level of the top edges. The sheet guiding devices are formed from a flexible tape material. The length of the tape transverse to the direction of sheet transport and seen from above is adjustable to the spacing between the adjacent braking devices.

Abstract: A device for fixing a flexible plate having angled or beveled suspension edges to a cylinder utilizes a plurality of fastening elements located in a cylinder groove situated radially inwardly of a fastening slit. The fastening elements are engageable with the suspension legs under the influence of spring forces. Separate fastening elements can be used to engage the leading plate suspension leg depending on the direction of rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a rubber coated cylinder (10) mounted in an offset printing machine for transferring the print from a printing plate cylinder (11) to a paper web (12) running in contact with the rubber coated cylinder, while the offset printing machine is running. The surface of the rubber coated cylinder is brushed by means of a brush (16) which extends in parallel with the cylinder and has substantially the length thereof and which is engaged with the rubber coating and imparted an axially reciprocating movement for loosening the contaminants and distribution thereof over the surface of the cylinder. Washing liquid is sprayed onto the surface of the rubber coated cylinder from a ramp (14) mounted in parallel with the cylinder and having a number of spray nozzles distributed along the ramp for dissolving the contaminants. Washing liquid and contaminants are removed from the surface of the cylinder by means of the paper web running through the offset printing machine.

Abstract: A blanket washer for the cleaning of cylinders in a printing press comprises a cleaning unit containing rolls for a cleaning cloth, which is to be transferred past an external pad unit on the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit has a front profile for the mounting of one or more pad units in different positions thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for guiding a print carrier upon feeding the print carrier to and guiding the print carrier away from a form cylinder of a rotary printing machine. Guide elements for the print carrier are disposed axially parallel to the form cylinder. The guide elements are disposed in two groups. One group serves to pull the print carrier into the printing unit, while the other group assists in the removal of the print carrier from the printing unit of the rotary printing machine. The guide elements assisting the feeding-in and exchanging of the print carrier are protected against contact with the print carrier by throw-on elements during exchange of a print carrier. A printing unit in a rotary printing machine having the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a printing machine having a positioning device with a cylinder that is adjustable into different positions along an adjustment path and cooperating with a cylinder for guiding printing material, which includes performing at least two of the following method steps of adjusting the rotational angle of the cylinder guiding the printing material into a given position; adjusting the rotational angle of the cylinder that is adjustable along the adjustment path into a given position; adjusting the circumferential register of the cylinder that is adjustable along the adjustment path; and adjusting the cylinder that is adjustable along the adjustment path, from a first cylinder position into a second cylinder position along the adjustment path.

Abstract: An initiator header subassembly for an inflation device, such as “air bag” safety system, includes an electrically conductive grounding tab having an outer perimeter, and a mass of an insulating material secured atop the grounding tab, the mass of an insulating material having a top surface, a bottom surface and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The initiator header subassembly includes two electrically conductive pins extending completely through the grounding tab and the mass of an insulating material. A first one of the electrically conductive pins is electrically interconnected with the grounding tab and a second one of the electrically conductive pins is electrically isolated from the grounding tab. The sidewall of the mass of an insulating material is in substantial alignment with the outer perimeter of the grounding tab.

Abstract: The invention is a separation system for releasably securing first and second structural members together along mating edges thereof. For example, the segments of a launch vehicle faring used to protect the payload until orbit is reached. In detail, the invention includes a plurality of latches with each latch including a male portion mounted in proximity the edge of the first structural member and a female portion mounted on the second structural member in proximity to the edge thereof. A locking device is mounted on the second structural member in proximity to the edge thereof, movable from a locked position securing the male portion to the female portion to a second position unlocking the male portion from the female portion. An actuation device is provided for sequentially moving the locking device of each latch from the first position to the second position, unlocking the male portions from the female portions of the plurality of latches.

Abstract: A power supply system for an electrically propelled vehicle equipped with electric traction motors and including an autonomous power supply system which can be recharged on board the vehicle for supplying power to the electric traction motors. At least one station is provided with an electrical power supply system connected to a mains electrical power supply network and connection arrangements for electrically connecting the autonomous power supply system of the vehicle to the power supply system of the station, on approaching the station, in order to charge the autonomous power supply device when the vehicle is stopped in the station. The autonomous power supply system on board the vehicle includes a battery of supercapacitors and the power supply system of the station includes an energy accumulating kinetic system.

Abstract: A ring protector for preventing unauthorized access through the dome port openings of a railcar dome. The ring protector defines a plurality of approximately equally spaced holes. The ring protector has an opened position in which each of the dome port openings is in-line with one of the access holes and a closed position in which each of the port openings is not in-line with one of the access holes. The ring protector is adapted to be rotatable from the opened position to the closed position.

Abstract: A contour following machine for altering the edge of a material, which includes a horizontal work surface, a dial plate, through which a vacuum may be drawn, situated on the horizontal work surface, an edge-altering device, a rotary table upon which the edge-altering device is positioned, and a cut-out channel through which a connection between the dial plate and the vacuum is established. The edge-altering device is located at an end of the horizontal work surface and the cut-out channel extends to a far end of the cut-out channel positioned beyond a center point of the horizontal work surface. The dial plate can be moved to any position between the far end of the cut-out channel and the edge-altering device end of the cut-out channel. The edge-altering device may be a sewing machine, a knife, or a water jet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for the manufacture of a garment. A web of fabric including opposing web side edges is provided. The web of fabric is intermittently cut, thereby forming edges defining neck openings in the web fabric. The web of fabric is cut, thereby defining discrete garment-sized pieces. Each of the discrete garment-sized pieces of the web of fabric includes at least one neck opening, a front panel having a pair of opposing garment side edges, a back panel having a pair of opposing garment side edges, two opposing garment end portions, and a pair of opposing piece side edges. The opposing piece side edges of the discrete garment-sized piece are proximate a pair of opposing garment bottom edges of the garment. The discrete garment-sized piece of the web of fabric is folded, whereby one of the garment bottom edges of the pair of opposing garment bottom edges is brought into contact with the other garment bottom edge.

Abstract: A window for a support structure, such as a hull of a freighter or tanker or other large ship having clips, studs, glue and protective ultraviolet paint.

Abstract: A combined outrigger and fishing rod holder for a boat having built-in fishing rod holders has a base with an upper section and a lower section where the lower section fits within a fishing rod holder on the boat and the upper section has a holder to receive and support the lower end of a fishing rod, a boom that is attached to the base and that is adjustable and extends outwardly from the boat, a clip attached to a pulley on the boom for holding a fishing line during trolling, the clip being positionable at any location along the boom.

Abstract: An assembly for repelling birds from a selected area and having a rotor rotatably mounted on the distal end of a support member, the proximate end of which is fixed within the selected area. Fins and vents on the rotor are responsive to wind currents to rotate the rotor and generate bird repelling noises and visual effects. The fins may include light reflective and/or other design indicia.

Abstract: A detachable vehicle trailer hitch display flag apparatus, the trailer hitch of the type having a removable towing ball. The apparatus comprises an elongated, preferably tubular flagstaff having a display flag attached or releasably attachable to an upper end portion thereof and an elongated straight support shaft adapted at a lower end thereof to be releasably attachable to the trailer hitch in upwardly extending and upright orientation in place of the towing ball when it is removed. A lower end of the flagstaff is slidably engageable over the support shaft in coaxial upwardly extending alignment with the support shaft. A releasable locking arrangement holds the flagstaff and the support shaft together while the apparatus is in use.

Abstract: A drinking straw incorporates a sugar indicator section. When the straw is inserted into the drink, the indicator section changes color upon detection of sugar in the drink. This enables rapid and accurate detection of sugar in the drink. The sugar indicator straw may instead be formed as a drinking straw insert. The insert incorporates a “sleeve” through which a straw may be inserted. Then, when the straw is inserted into the drink, the insert changes color upon detection of sugar. The insert may then be disposed of. Further, the indicator may be incorporated in a drinking cup, preferably of the disposable kind. A section of the cup's wall is made porous, and the indicator is provided over the porous part. When liquid passes through the porous part, the indicator changes color if the liquid contains sugar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring system, especially for display devices in the automobile technology, with at least one first and one second separately actuated control, as well as a first and second driven shaft (17, 19) which can be rotationally fixed to a display element. The second driven shaft (19) of the second control is co-axially driven by the driven shaft (17) which is designed as a hollow shaft in the first control and the second driven shaft (19) protrudes above the end of the first driven shaft (17).

Abstract: A device moves and orients spraying nozzles (4) inside a coating pan (1). The spraying nozzles (4) are carried, arranged in a line, by a shaft (5), which rotates on a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of the rotating drum (1). The shaft (5) is supported by a support frame (7), which is fastened to a bar (10), which is rotated to adjust the distance between the spraying nozzles (4) and the free surface (20) of said mass of articles (2) being treated. The shaft (5) is fastened to the lever mechanism (16,17) of a positioning member (15) for changing the inclination of the spraying nozzles (4), so as to maintain constant their orientation with respect to said free surface (20) of the mass of articles (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to the rearing of insects, especially for the therapeutic application of the secretion of fly larvae (maggots). The eggs of the flies are stored and/or transported in a container under conditions that inhibit their development. For application, the eggs are removed from the development-inhibiting conditions and placed under conditions in which they can be reared and fed so that the maggots hatch out, grow and secrete the secretion to be applied.

Abstract: The teatcup includes a teat inlet end and a milk discharge end, a liner insertable within and supported by the teatcup and having a teat inlet opening at the teat inlet end of the teatcup, characterized by a milk chamber within the milk discharge end of the teatcup, a milk discharge tube extending sideways through a side wall portion of the chamber and being adapted for discharging milk from the chamber via a suction tube arranged in the chamber and having a milk inlet opening adjacent to a bottom surface in the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that prevents a pet from tipping over a food dish. The dish is placed in an open framework having a lid that covers only a portion of the dish, allowing a pet to access the dish for feeding. The apparatus includes spikes to anchor the framework into the ground. Additionally, the apparatus includes extensions, to adjust the height of the dish above the ground.

Abstract: A device 10 for storing and dispensing feed 98 to an animal at predetermined times includes enclosure 12 including a plurality of compartments 16, each including a hingedly attached, downwardly opening bottom door 17 having a storage position for supporting feed and an open position for dispensing feed, a latch assembly 20 associated with each compartment 16 including latch 21 supporting its associated door 17, and latch activation mechanism 40. Each latch 21, in its supported position, may rotate upward for upward re-setting passage of door 17. Latch activation mechanism 40 includes movable ratchet bar 61 including trips 64 for activating latches 21 and rungs 63. Reciprocating assembly 70 includes solenoid 71 for moving ratchet bar 61 and timer 101 for activating solenoid 71 predetermined times. Down-stop 90 prevents reverse movement of ratchet bar 61. Up-stop 80 limits the upward movement of ratchet bar rung 63. Right and left compartment latch assembly shafts 22, 32 are co-axial with one inside the other.

Abstract: A ferris wheel-like structure for feeding birds or acting as a planter which may be supported in one of a myriad of positions.

Abstract: A live fish transport system is described herein. In particular, a modular live fish transport tote, an oxygen delivery system, an automated water treatment and delivery apparatus, and a chemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution are described. Methods of making and using these components, either alone or in combination with each other, are also described.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a treatment material to an animal comprising an elongated, flexible, resilient, hollow brace member and an elongated, hollow swing element. These components are made of conventional CPVC pipe having an outside diameter of about ⅝ inch. The brace member is about 5 feet long and the swing element is about 2.5 feet long. An end of the swing element is swingably connected to and end of the brace member using a piece of rope. The opposite ends of a plurality of brace members are implanted in the ground in a predetermined plot at an angle of about 60° such that the swing elements dangle from the upper ends of the brace members. An insecticide gel is applied to the outer surfaces of the swing elements and brace members and a feed for the animal is spread on the ground in the plot. When the animal feeds, the brace members bend and the swing elements swing around so as to spread the insecticide gel all over the skin of the animal including its underside and lower leg areas.

Abstract: A toy for an animal, the toy having a first flexible sheet having a first outer periphery; a second flexible sheet having a second outer periphery; and connectors for joining at least three portions of the first and second sheets, the portions being located adjacent to the first outer periphery of the first sheet and the second outer periphery of the second sheet, the connectors forming openings between each of the portions, and the connectors forming a cavity between the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet, the cavity being formed within the portions joined to one another, and the openings having a given length defined by the size of each of the connectors and the total number of the connectors; wherein the openings are sized to permit passage of a favorite object therethrough.

Abstract: An improved laser pet toy that entertains pets, especially cats. The pet toy comprises a housing containing a laser source which projects a laser beam into a mirror. In turn, the mirror forecasts the beam through a transparent window set in the housing and projects the beam onto an opaque surface. The random movement of the beam is provided by the motion of the pivoting mirrors which is driven by a motor and a plurality of arm members.

Abstract: A treat dispensing toy having a noise producing unit. In one embodiment, the noise producing unit includes a recording and playback capability. The toy has an exit allowing treats to be dispensed when the toy is manipulated by a user. The toy selectively produces a noise when it is manipulated by the user. A ring closure member is secured to the exit and restricts the size of the exit. One or more barriers are disposed about the interior of the toy such that egress of the treats is retarded by the one or more barriers. A cover for the toy can be used to reconfigure and/or refurbish the appearance of the toy. In one form, the cover is affixed to the toy housing by the ring closure. The toy housing can be any of a number of shapes, including, for example, a ball or a bone.

Abstract: Protective apparel (10) for a domestic animal is provided. The protective apparel (10) generally includes a collar (15), a forward piece (20) for fit about an intermediate trunk region of an animal's anatomy, and a hind piece (30) detachably coupled to the forward piece (20) for covering a hind region of the domestic animal's anatomy. The forward piece (20) includes first and second panel portions (21, 22) joined one to the other, and a coupling portion (26, 28) extending from at least one of the panel portions (21, 22) for releasably engaging the collar (15). The hind piece (30) includes first and second end portions (31, 32) between which an intermediate portion (34) extends. The end portions (31, 32) respectively couple in detachable manner to the panel portions (21, 22) of the forward piece (20). The intermediate portion (34) defines a protective panel (340) for absorbent capture of waste excreted by the domestic animal.