Abstract: A multicolor printing method and system including a master making device having plurality of removable ink drums replaceable with each other and a printing device. The plurality of removable ink drums are fed with respective masters to be used for printing, by fixed master feeding devices smaller in number than the removable ink drums. The removable ink drums fed with respective masters are then used by the printing device for printing onto paper. The method and system provides multicolor printing with lower cost, reduced size and accurate registration between the respective masters, as compared to conventional methods and systems.

Abstract: To prevents a displacement of a screen mask accompanying with a movement of a squeegee and an oxidization of a printing agent, a printing agent sweeping drum (1) has closed both end portions, has a supporting shaft (2) inserted to a center portion thereof, has a lower end portion partly opened, is made rotatable with respect to the supporting shaft, oscillates along a moving direction of the squeegee via a movement of the supporting shaft (2), moves downward at a movement starting end position, moves upward at a terminal end position, and rotates at a predetermined angle in an opposite direction at a predetermined timing at the starting end position and the terminal end position, a squeegee (4) inclined at a predetermined angle and moving upward and downward at a predetermined timing being arranged within the printing agent sweeping drum 1, a squeegee (10) and a printing agent extruding plate (11) being attached to a lower end of the squeegee holder (4) and a nitrogen gas (17) being charged into the printing

Abstract: A device for transmitting rotary motion to a plate-holding impression cylinder of a plate mounting machine for flexographic printing, comprising a backup roll which can be actuated rotatably by a first motor; a beam, which is provided with crescent-shaped rests for rotatably supporting end pivots of the impression cylinder; a gear coaxial to the impression cylinder and rotatably supported by a head associated with the beam; and a hollow transmission shaft engaging at one end, one of the pivots and, at the other end, the gear; the transmission shaft being movable coaxially to the gear between a retracted disengagement configuration and a protruding engagement configuration in which the impression cylinder is actuatable.

Abstract: In an apparatus for imprinting an unmarked foil with images which are to be arranged within sections of the foil of a predetermined length L, including a printing device, a foil section transport device for moving the foil stepwise in sections of the length L, a cutting device for cutting the foil into the sections and a foil buffer arrangement accommodating a varying length of the foil between the printing device and the transport device, a foil motion sensor is arranged at the exit of the buffer arrangement for sensing the foil movement out of the buffer arrangement and controlling accordingly the speed of the printing device and a foil length sensor is arranged in the buffer arrangement and providing a print initiation signal when the foil length between the end of the foil in the cutting device and the printing device is a predetermined multiple of the foil section length L.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing residual particles from an imaging surface, including: a cleaning blade having an edge adapted to remove the residual particles from the imaging surface; a vibrating member, connected to said cleaning blade, for vibrating said cleaning blade at a predefine frequency to cause stress in contact points between individual residual particles which are in contact with imaging surface thereby improving releasing of residual particles from the imaging surface.

Abstract: There is provided a lithographic plate material with which a lithographic plate is prepared by the hot-melt transfer recording method utilizing an ink ribbon. The lithographic plate material has an image-receptive layer for hot-melt transfer recording that has a water retention property or can be imparted with a water retention property on a support, and the image-receptive layer has a surface roughness (JIS-B06011994) of 0.15 &mgr;m or more in terms of arithmetic mean deviation Ra and 1.00-3.00 &mgr;m in terms of 10-point height of irregularities Rz. It shows good transfer of the ink layer of ink ribbon and excellent fixation of the ink layer, and it enables production of a printing plate having excellent printing durability.

Abstract: A method for making a printing plate including a step of forming a hydrophobic image area on at least a part of a hydrophilic surface of a plate. The plate surface contains a photocatalyst and the image area is formed by using an organic compound which is decomposed and removed by the irradiation of light having a higher energy than the band gap energy of the photocatalyst.

Abstract: A method for controlling color on press during printing utilizing spectral measurements is disclosed. When a color-difference is exceeded the measured spectral reflectance values of a test area are compared with the corresponding target reflectance values from which a spectral reflectance difference is established. A linear equation is used to relate the spectral reflectance difference to solid ink density or ink layer thickness differences for ink regulation utilizing an on-line empirically established correction matrix such that the spectral reflectance difference is minimized. The control method is applicable to both process and non-process colors.

Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.

Abstract: A fuze for a munition adapted to prevent unintended arming thereof. The fuze incorporates an arming screw having a keyed portion and a centrifugal locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the arming screw unless the fuze mechanism is in a rapidly spinning condition such as that experienced when the fuze and its associated munition are deployed from an airborne rocket or artillery shell, and thus spinning at a rate of at least several thousand rpm. The centrifugal locking mechanism includes a pair of locking members which are biased by biasing elements into engagement with the keyed portion of the arming screw. This prevents the arming screw from being accidentally unscrewed from an inertia weight within the fuze, thus placing the fuze in an unintended armed condition.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a circuit arrangement for driving an occupant protection system gas generator whose ignition process can be influenced by a magnetic field; this is based on a switching control principle, with the load coil generating the magnetic field being itself used as a component part of the switching control. For a fast reduction of the magnetic field and thus for accelerating the ignition process, a resistor may by connected into the free-wheeling branch, which is bridged in normal operation. Alternatively, it is possible to effect a return feed of the energy stored in the coil into the self-sufficiency capacitor.

Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge formed from a mixture of powdered heavy metal and a powdered metal binder. The liner is formed by compression of the mixture into a liner body shape. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises a range of 90 to 97 percent by weight of powdered heavy metal, and 10 to 3 percent by weight of the powdered metal binder. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a lubricant is intermixed with the powdered metal binder to aid in the formation of the shaped charge liner. The preferred powdered heavy metal is tungsten, and the preferred powdered metal binder is copper. The powdered metal binder can be comprised of other malleable ductile metals such as bismuth, zinc, tin, uranium, silver, gold, antimony, cobalt, zinc alloys, tin alloys, nickel, or palladium.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in non-lethal applications comprising an anterior portion and a posterior portion, the posterior portion comprising a recycling mechanism including a moveable member in the form of a piston or cylinder, slideably engaged respectively with a cylinder or a piston, gas generating means for providing gas within the cartridge, the gas generating means being initiatable by the primer on firing of the firearm to propel the moveable member in a rearward direction against the breech block so as to recycle the firearm, the anterior portion having a gas passage therethrough and being provided with a nose portion which is suitable for receiving a projectile; an expansion chamber being provided between the moveable member and the anterior portion, a source of energetic material located in the anterior portion forward of the gas channel, a percussion means of cross sectional dimension slightly smaller than the gas channel and moveable therein the energetic material being initiatable by a shock or pressu

Abstract: A plastic, cup-shaped, multi-petal sabot housing a sub-caliber projectile for use such as in shotgun cartridges. The sabot engages the rifling of the shotgun barrel and transfers the spin to the projectile. A reinforcement disk is advantageously at least partially embedded in a sabot base and has a central aperture and a plurality of additional apertures. Sabot base material extends through the additional apertures. Advantageously, in its relaxed condition, each sabot petal includes a protrusion from its inboard surface for engaging a projectile ogive. The protrusion and its contact area with the projectile are fractions of the local petal width.

Abstract: The rail transport system may generally be an elevated rail system that may be located along existing transportation right of ways such as roads, railroads, rivers, etc. While the system is generally structured for elevated roadways, it may also have surface or ground level elements. The system uses rail sections and rail switch sections having two load rail elements to carry automobile carrier cars and passenger cars. Guide rails are attached to the load rail elements by upstanding guide rail supports.

Abstract: A transport system includes a traveling rail (1) which constitutes a transport route and a transport body (3) which is capable of traveling on the traveling rail in the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail. Flexible drive tubes (5) are arranged on the traveling rail in the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail. The transport body includes a traveling wheel (4) which is capable of rolling on the traveling rail and drive wheels (2) which are capable of rolling on the drive tubes upon receiving the rotational drive power generated by pressure of a pressure medium supplied to the drive tubes while depressing the drive tubes. The traveling rail includes a plurality of transport sections and the transport body is capable of receiving a rotational drive force from the drive tubes at every transport sections. If necessary, a transport route changeover switch which changes over the transport route can be provided between the transport sections.

Abstract: A desk providing a work surface and having a top, a bottom, a perimeter edge, and a U-shaped channel disposed below the top of the work surface adjacent the perimeter edge. The U-shaped channel includes a vertical member extending downwardly from the work surface proximate the perimeter edge, a bridge member, and a back member extending upwardly from the bridge member and spaced from the vertical member. A plurality of legs are attached to the bottom of the work surface to support the work surface a predetermined distance above a floor. The desk may be fitted with a return rotatably attached to at least one of the plurality of legs such that the return can be rotated under the work surface when not in use.

Abstract: A pallet made up of a first base part which is attached to a second base part. The first base part is formed by a first sheet, which has a first fold line symmetrical to a first sheet center line. The first sheet is further divided by thirteen fold lines on each side of the first fold line. The first sheet, when folded at the fold lines, forms the first base part. The second sheet has seven symmetrical fold lines on each side of a second sheet center line. The second sheet, when folded along the fold lines, forms the second base part. To assemble the pallet, the first sheet is folded along the thirteen lines on each side of and symmetric to the first sheet center line, and on the center line, the second sheet is folded along the seven lines on each side of and symmetric to the second sheet center line, and the folded first sheet is attached to the folded second sheet to form the pallet.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an article of manufacture for supporting a load. The article can be employed to store a load under static conditions for an extended period of time, and can also serve as a platform for supporting the stored load while the load is being lifted from one location and transported to and placed in another location. The article is comprised of a plurality of separate planar elements which are releasably, but rigidly, connected each to the other to facilitate transport, assembly, repair and replacement of the parts. In one aspect, the article is comprised of a load contacting component featuring a structural system comprised of ribs located in one of the said planar elements inserted into and stabilized by slots located in another of the said planar elements. In another aspect, the load contacting component can be releasably attached to another of the said planar elements to form a rackable pallet capable of supporting a load in an open rack drive-through storage system.

Abstract: Method and device (10) for marking objects (100), particularly for marking objects in banknote cassettes (1) or in other valuable object storage spaces. There is used a container (60) which can be punctured or otherwise opened and which is placed adjacent the object/objects (100) to be marked. The device includes means (13) which is caused to puncture or otherwise open the container (60) when necessary, so as to enable the content (61) of the container to come into contact with the object/objects (100) and therewith mark said object/objects and/or render the same useless. The marking device (10) and the container (60) fitted thereto are placed in the upper region of the space (1) so that the container is able to come into contact with said object/objects (100) at least partially with the aid of gravity. The puncturing means/opening means (13) is released from an active rest position when an alarm is triggered, so as to slit or otherwise open the container (60) in a guillotine fashion.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a solid fuel pulverizer and exhauster system includes replacing the bowl drive motor 38 with a new drive motor which is operable to drivingly rotate the bowl 12 at the pre-retrofit speed but which provides relatively more horsepower than the replaced bowl drive motor 38 and replacing the original exhauster fan coupling with a new exhauster fan gear set 46, 48 which effects rotation of the exhauster fan 30 at a relatively higher rotational speed than the pre-retrofit speed. A solid fuel pulverizer and exhauster system of the present invention acting in cooperative association with a fuel-fired steam generating power plant includes an exhauster fan transmission assembly 50, 52 operable to translate the rotation of the drive shaft 54 of the exhauster fan drive motor 44 through ninety (90) degrees to thereby effect rotation of the fan by the exhauster fan drive motor 44.

Abstract: An automatic spring-reset shank for agricultural use has a high retaining force and an improved trip clearance. The field use position of the shank is defined by a saddle in the mount weldment. The raised position of the shank is defined by the upper edge of a slot in a vertical guide plate for the shank assembly, located in the mounting weldment. The shank assembly pivots about a location which is below and forward of the transverse frame member or toolbar to which it is mounted. The action line of the spring is located at an angle of approximately 65° above the horizontal, and it is inclined rearwardly and upwardly, never crossing the horizontal axis (i.e., center) of the main pivot.

Abstract: A vacuum seed metering assembly for evenly distributing seeds from a seed hopper includes a rotating perforated drum and a pair of stationary walls forming a suction area and a release area inside the drum. The suction area is adjacent a seed hopper such that individual seeds are held to apertures in the drum by suction as the apertures pass by the seed hopper. As the drum rotates, each seed is released into an associated distribution tube when the aperture passes into the release area.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a threading device is disclosed. The sewing machine comprises a needle bar having a needle attached to a lower end thereof. The needle has a needle eye and a threading shaft has a threading member mounted to the lower end thereof. The threading member has a threading hook, a drive motor for vertically moving the threading shaft along the needle bar, guide means for guiding and rotating the threading shaft at a threading position as the threading shaft is vertically moved, and a regulating member for deciding the threading position of the threading shaft. The threading shaft is moved down and stopped at the threading position and is axially rotated to pass the threading hook through the needle eye. The threading shaft is maintained in this state until a return signal is given such that the drive motor is driven again to pull the threading hook out of the needle eye and move up the threading shaft.

Abstract: An actuating device intended for a sewing device or sewing machine includes a material pressing device for holding down the material to be sewn during stitch formation and transport, and at least one linear motor which serves as regulating element for the material pressing device. The drive rod of the actuating element is connected to the material pressing device so as to control the pressure the pressing device exerts on the material to be sewn. The drive rod is linked to the pressing device via at least one elastic low-mass coupling element and the pressing device can be placed by the linear motor back and forth between a raised and a lowered position.

Abstract: A monitor is provided for a bobbin thread on double thread lockstitch sewing machines. This is preferably a sewing machine with a rotating hook with a bobbin housing accommodating the lower thread reserve. The monitor includes a revolution sensor which sends a pulse per revolution of the main shaft of the machine to a microcomputer. An infrared laser light transmitter sends a detection beam directed toward a bobbin. The beam is reflected by the bobbin or by the roll of a residual thread length to a receiver and is sent by the latter to the microcomputer in the form of signals for processing, evaluation and/or forwarding. The microcomputer is adapted to compare the different signal patterns with a detection threshold (DS) to generate signals for controlling the sewing machine. A controllable power source is connected to the microcomputer for the occasional, stepwise reduction of the output of the infrared laser light transmitter.

Abstract: In a method of operating a sewing machine for joining a jacket part (38) to a sleeve part (39), a sewing machine is employed, which has an operating and control unit. The desired stitch length and the length (la1 to ld1) of sections (a1 to d1) of the jacket part (38) and the length (la2 to ld2) of the sections (a2 to d2) of the sleeve part (39) that are allocated to the sections (a1 to d1) are fed into the operating and control unit. The required control pulses for the necessary feed drives are determined therefrom for each section (a1/a2 to d1/d2).

Abstract: A folding pontoon boat which can be folded to a lesser width unfolded to a greater operating width. The boat can be launched in the folded configuration, unfolded on the water, and subsequently refolded to the reduced width on the water. The boat comprises pontoons, deck members, jamb plates at the inner sides of the deck members, and a hinge connecting inner sides of the deck members to each other. The jamb plates provide sufficient structure that the deck members are self-supporting and can support normal deck loading at the hinge without additional superstructure above the deck to support the hinge structure. A motor mount at the rear of the boat maintains a constant orientation as the boat is folded and unfolded between the reduced width configuration and the greater width configuration.

Abstract: The invention applies to installing and/or removing a steerable propulsion pod for a ship having two of said steerable propulsion pods, each pod comprising a bulb suspended from the ship by a fin. The device comprises a cradle for receiving the pod to be moved, which cradle is situated between two arms of a buoyant beam, one end of each arm being rigidly secured to said cradle, the other end of a first arm being provided with a coupling hinged about a horizontal pin for coupling it to the fin of the other pod in place on the ship, the other end of the second arm being provided with a coupling hinged about a horizontal pin and about a vertical pin for coupling the second arm to an auxiliary vessel.

Abstract: A method for designing and constructing original hull designs, and the hulls produced by this method. Directed particularly at frame-based hulls, the method introduces a systemizes the design process so that both the design work and the construction work can be completed in less time. It is based on a Single Frame Curve template generated early in the process and then used to draw every one of the frames in the lines drawing. Later, a full-scale version of the template is used in lofting the lines drawing and in creating the physical frames themselves. It introduces consistency and goodness checks into the creation of original designs, funneling the designer's creativity into the production of a new boat of original design in a relatively short time, a new boat that is hydrodynamically smooth as a consequence of the interrelations imposed between and among the template-based frames.

Abstract: A sailboat spar track cleaner for cleaning a sail track on a mast or other spar comprises a U-shaped housing that fits over the track, with adjustable track cleaners having abrasive contact surfaces extending inwardly from the sides of the housing into contact with the track. An adjustable spacer attached to a back of the U-shaped housing bears against the track and controls the position of the housing so that the track cleaning elements are properly aligned with grooves in the track. The track cleaner is mountable on a track in a sailboat and movable along the length of the track using conventional lines, such as the halyard and a downhaul in the case of a mast.

Abstract: A marine steering system operable in either power steering or manual hydraulic modes. The system employs a modified helm pump having a single rotatable input shaft connectable to a steering wheel and dual hydraulic and electronic output. An encoder, such as an optical incremental encoder or hall effect device, is mechanically coupled to the input shaft for generating an electronic steering control signal representative of the change in position of the steering wheel. In the power steering mode, the electronic steering signal is processed by an amplifier controlling the operation of an auxiliary pumpset connected to the rudder steering cylinder. A bypass manifold disposed between the helm pump and the steering cylinder disables the hydraulic steering system in the power steering mode. In the event of power failure, the bypass manifold valves are opened and the system automatically switches to manual hydraulic steering.

Abstract: A single hoisting mechanism is positioned on a turret of either an external or an internal turret mooring system for a FSO or FPSO vessel and is releasably securable to each of a plurality of anchor leg chains. The mechanism is mounted for angular rotation about the center-line of the turret in order that the hoist can be angularly aligned and selectively engaged with each of the anchor leg chains or riser/umbilicals spaced around the turret.

Abstract: A telescoping spar structure designed to be scalable for use with very large floating platforms to relatively small floating platforms includes a platform/hull for supporting a payload; a telescoping spar attached to the platform/hull that includes several interlocking tubes extending from a shallow end to a deep end of the spar, the tubes configured to telescope in and out of adjacent tubes such that the tubes are nestable together in a stowed configuration; a buoyancy chamber attached to the spar between shallow and deep ends of the spar; and, a damping chamber attached to the spar between the buoyancy chamber and the deep end of the spar, the damping chamber including: a first compartment for entraining a volume of water, a second compartment for enclosing deployment ballast, and a release mechanism for jettisoning the deployment ballast from the second compartment after the spar structure is deployed, enabling the platform to rise to an operational height relative to the waterline.

Abstract: A critical temperature warning apparatus and method to monitor the thermal history of a product such as a memory card. The apparatus comprises a critical temperature indicator, which is externally attached to a product to be monitored. The indicator indicates if the product has experienced a critical temperature. The critical temperature indicator may comprise a patterned array of wax, the wax having a melting point equal to the critical temperature. If the pattern of wax has been destroyed leaving a molten wax residue, then this indicates that the product has experienced a critical temperature. The critical temperature indicator may also include thermographic inks for indicating that a critical temperature has been experienced.

Abstract: In an oxide film forming apparatus for a semiconductor device preprocessing time to measure concentration can be greatly shortened, and the oxide film can be formed with supreme reproducibility in stable manufacturing stages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma CVD method for forming a plasma from a deposition material gas by application of an electric power, and thereby forming a film on a deposition target object in the plasma, wherein the formation of the plasma from the material gas is performed by applying an RF power and a DC power, and the DC power is applied to an electrode carrying the deposition target object. The present invention also provides a plasma CVD apparatus for forming a plasma from a deposition material gas by applying an electric power from the power applying means, and thereby forming a film on a deposition target object by exposing the deposition target object to the plasma, wherein the power applying means includes RF power applying means and DC power applying means, and the DC power applying means applies an electric power to the electrode carrying the deposition target object.

Abstract: A hanging tray bird feeder including a self-aligning supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism includes a pair of hangers pivotally attached to opposite sides of the bird feeder and a hook slidably mounted to each of the hangers. When the hook is pulled upwardly and away from the bird feeder, the hook pulls each of the hangers outwardly from within the bird feeder into continuously aligned, extended positions above the feeder that allow the feeder to always be positioned in a level configuration when the bird feeder is attached to a tree limb by the hook.

Abstract: An animal feeder that is suspended alongside a tree trunk or other structure and utilizes the energy produced by live squirrels to dispense granular feed from a storage hopper to deer and other animals on the ground. The feeder assembly consists of a tubular feed container with a horizontal platform mounted on the bottom, a port hole for allowing feed particles to spill out onto the platform, and a simple agitating device that sweeps feed particles off the platform to the ground below. The agitating device is activated by the force generated by the weight and momentum of squirrels leaping back and forth from the tree trunk to the platform. The feeder works only during daytime hours when squirrels are active, and it cannot be accessed by any wildlife except squirrels and birds. If shelled corn is mainly used in the feeder, very little of it will be consumed by the squirrels themselves.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for improving the raising of pre-adult anadromous fish, or preparing pre-adult anadromous fish for transfer to seawater. The methods involve adding at least one Polyvalent Cation Sensing Receptor (PVCR) modulator to the freshwater in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed comprises an amount of NaCl sufficient to contribute to a significantly increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the pre-adult anadromous fish.

Abstract: A reef rack system for aquariums is provided, which includes a ledge supported by first and second removably attached posts having first and second lengths, respectively. The posts each include a first channel having a first width extending along the length of the post on a first side of the post and a second channel having the first width extending along the length of the post on a second side of the post opposite to the first side of the post. The posts also have a first plurality of protruding ridges along the length of the post on a third side of the post between the first and second channels and a second plurality of protruding ridges extending along the length of the post on a fourth side of the post between the first and second channels, the fourth side of the post being opposite to the third side of the post. The ledge includes a frame, a first attachment frame attached to the frame, and a second attachment frame.

Abstract: A pet restraining harness sytem for restraining a pet traveling in a vehicle having a seat belt with a buckle. The pet restraining harness sytem includes a retraint assembly including at least one restraint strap that has a first end and a second end. The restraint strap is positionable about the body of the pet with the ends being releasably couplable to each other. The restraint strap is releasably securable to the seat belt of the vehicle by a securing member that is mounted on the end of the restraint strap and which is releasably securable to the buckle of the seat belt in the vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile pet-safety seat has a pet-seat nest (1) that is suspended arcuately downward intermediate horizontal rods of a nest frame (2). A rear rod (3) of the nest frame is supported vertically in a proximately horizontal attitude by detachable attachment to a top portion of a seat back (8) of a car seat (11) by a rear-rod strap (9) that is articulated to be loop-fastened to a head rest (10) of the car seat. A frame front (6) of the nest frame is supported in a horizontal attitude by a frame brace (12) having pivotally angular orientation intermediate a front rod (7) and a variably orthogonal portion (16) of the car seat. A fastener strap (17) under the pet-seat nest is affixed to the front rod and attached detachably to the head rest.

Abstract: A turkey loading apparatus (10) includes a transport conveyor (30) and a loading conveyor (50). The loading conveyor (50) is positioned underneath the transport conveyor (30) and moves from a retracted position to an extended position. The transport conveyor has a first segment (32) pivotally connected to a second segment (33). As the loading apparatus (10) is raised and lowered, the first segment (32) pivots with respect to the second segment (33). In addition, the first segment (32) moves laterally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for emptying a turkey coop of its cargo. A support structure, moveable along rails, is aligned with the coop. A moveable carriage, supported by the support structure, is moved into the coop and the turkeys are surrounded and contained therein. After the turkeys are contained within the moveable carriage, the moveable carriage is extracted from the coop and the turkeys move onto a conveyor belt that moves them away from the coop.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the front legs of an animal includes a padded base member formed to rest upon the back and shoulders of the animal. The apparatus includes a pair of elongate straps, an elbow wrap being attached to an end of each strap. Each elbow wrap includes a flexible sheet of material with opposed side edges. Hook and loop fasteners are mounted along the opposed side edges on opposite surfaces of the sheet such that the sheet may be wrapped and secured about the animals elbow. An elastic strap is attached to each elbow wrap and may be releasably coupled to the base member after the elbow wrap is secured to the animal's elbow. The apparatus includes a collar tethered to the base member which may be fitted around the animal's neck. This maintains the base member and leg wraps in position.

Abstract: A multi-directional, dynamic, and self-equalizing shock-absorbing harness system for small animals. The system has a collar, to which a length of elastic, or shock, cord is attached. The length of shock cord connects to a ring, through which passes a second shock cord that is generally perpendicular to the first shock cord. The second shock cord is attached to a body strap. A standard leash is then attached to the ring. In this way, the system is able to spread the energy of violent pulling on the leash. This energy is absorbed by the shock cords and is dissipated over the animal's body. Moreover, because the system is self-equalizing, it better enables the handler to keep the animal in proper position, making handling the pet easier.

Abstract: A heat recovery system includes a heat exchanger surrounding a flue pipe from a furnace for preheating water. The heat exchanger includes a sleeve surrounding the flue pipe to define an annular space and form a water jacket in direct contact with the flue pipe. Several water storage tanks are connected in series and mounted around the sleeve to absorb heat from the water jacket. The outer water tanks are connected to one end of the water jacket at the downstream end of the flue pipe so that water is carried sequentially through each of the water tanks and through the water jacket surrounding the flue pipe. Typically, the water jacket includes a plurality of baffles to define a tortuous path through the water jacket. A conduit for supplying water to the outer water tanks can be wrapped around the downstream end of the flue pipe in a spiral manner to preheat the water prior to feeding to the water tanks.

Abstract: A boiler for generating steam and/or hot water is provided having a tank containing water, an outlet located proximal to the top of the tank, and a return inlet located proximal to the bottom of the tank. A substantially horizontal combustion conduit in heat transfer relationship with the water extends through the tank proximal to the outlet. A heat source in communication with the combustion conduit heats and drives the heated gas into the combustion conduit. A set of fire conduits in heat transfer relationship with the water and in communication with the combustion conduit, extend though said tank below the combustion conduit. When heated gas is driven into the combustion conduit, the heated gas flows through the combustion conduit, and then flows downwardly and then in a substantially transverse through the fire conduits, and heat is transferred to the water as the heated gas flows through the combustion conduit and fire conduits.