Abstract: The present invention involves a single layered printed fabric for applying a printed fabric pattern to an object. The printed fabric has a predetermined shape corresponding to the printed fabric pattern. The printed fabric includes first and second portions disposed adjacent each other, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The third portion is printed on the first and second portions, wherein the third portion represents a simulated stitch attaching the first portion to the second portion. The fourth portion is printed on the first portion, wherein the fourth portion represents a simulated stitch hole to simulate an appearance of a hole through which the stitch disposes to simulate an appearance that the first portion is a top layer stitched onto the second portion which is a bottom layer.

Abstract: A seal for a chambered doctor blade (10) of a printing machine, in the form of a rubber-elastic body, which is inserted at the end of the chambered doctor blade in a seal holder (18) and lies against the periphery of a roller (12) against which the chambered doctor blade is placed, wherein the part of the seal (20) taken up in the seal holder (18), is constructed as a solid, rectangular support (22), which lies, with one end face, with a smooth surface (42), in contact with the chambered doctor blade (10) and is surrounded at the three remaining sides by continuous tolerance equalization lips (44).

Abstract: Self inking stamp with a stamp housing (1) for receiving a stamp platen (2) with a printing element (3) which by a swivel mechanism (5) may be swivelingly moved within the housing from a position in which the printing element engages a stamp pad (4) into a printing position, the stamp platen being actuatable by an actuator (6) stretching over the housing and coupled to the stamp platen, the actuator being latchable in a latching position of the stamp with the stamp housing by latching elements (7″), the latching elements being formed at the free ends of a separate bow (7) which may be snap-fitted over the actuator and forming an upper display window (S) of the actuator and the latching elements of which may be moved into engagement with latching elements (1″) of the housing through recesses (6″) in the side walls (6′) of the actuator.

Abstract: A form roller for use in an offset lithographic printing press comprises a stationary shaft and an eccentric roller supported on the shaft for rotation around the shaft and for oscillation along the length of the shaft. One or more cams are mounted on the shaft for controlling the operation of the rollers therealong. The exterior surface of the roller comprises an impregnated elastomeric material.

Abstract: A seal for a chambered doctor blade (10) of a printing machine, in the form of a rubber-elastic body, which is inserted at the end of the chambered doctor blade in a seal holder (18) and, with an obliquely applied lip (24), lies against the periphery of a roller (12), against which the chambered doctor blade is placed, wherein the seal (20) has a second lip (24), which forms a V-shaped cross section with the first.

Abstract: The invention concerns a printing blanket for a cylinder of a printing machine, specifically of offset type, including a ground or polished or even molded lithographic layer, at least one reinforcing layer and at least one compressible layer. According to the invention, at least one surface property of the invention, namely the overall surface energy of the blanket, the surface energy with a polar character of the blanket or the average roughness of the blanket varies on the outer surface of the blanket crosswise. The invention is applicable for any indirect printing process, especially offset printing as function.

Abstract: Exothermic reaction mixtures are electrically ignited with a low cost foil strip of two conductive strips separated by a layer of insulation. One or more holes are formed in the ignitor to create shaped spark plasma on one side and a venting plasma on the opposite side of the hole. The spark with low energy requirements is sufficient to ignite exothermic reactions for welding, casting and other uses. The ignitor may be part of reusable crucibles and molds, or expendable packages, containers, and molds, or smaller squibs for igniting larger charges. The ignitor may be immersed in or substantially adjacent the charge of exothermic material. The spark forming hole or holes is made and shaped by a punch in a simple and low cost manner. The ignitor eliminates the need for starting powders or materials and flint gun ignitors.

Abstract: An initiator includes a casing, a reactant disposed in the casing, and electrodes arranged to contact the reactant. The reactant contains an electrically conductive substance in a manner such that once a voltage is applied to the electrodes, an electric current flows through the electrically conductive substance, thereby initiating a reaction of the reactant. The initiator is easily manufactured with low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A frangible projectile for gun ammunition wherein the projectile includes a core formed from one or more metal powders which are pressed into a self-supporting compact and incorporated into a metal jacket. The metal jacket is initially cup-shaped (generally cylindrical in overall geometry) with an open end and a closed end. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the closed end of the jacket becomes the trailing end of the projectile. In another embodiment, the closed end of the jacket becomes the leading end of the projectile. In either embodiment, that surface of the closed end of the jacket which faces inwardly of the volume of the jacket is indented and stressed over substantially its entire area in accordance with a pattern which enhances the frangibility of this closed end of the projectile when the projectile strikes a target.

Abstract: A railroad clip applicator system for efficiently securing a fastening clip to a receiver bracket of a crosstie. The railroad clip applicator system includes a housing, a handle structure attached to the housing, an actuator secured within the housing, an engaging structure attached to the actuator for engaging a fastening clip, and a pair of lower arms extending from the housing to engage a lower side of a rail. The engaging structure is comprised of a pair of guide pins slidably positioned within the housing, and an engaging member having a center member and a rear member for engaging the rear portion of the fastening clip. The actuator forces the engaging structure forwardly thereby causing the fastening clip to slide within the tapered slot of the receiver bracket until the fastening clip is fully secured upon the receiver bracket.

Abstract: Robotic, preferably cylindrical equipment having the capacity to move within a pipeline or other confined space in both directions and to carry out miscellaneous operations, pulling along an umbilical and carrying accessories, tools, or materials. It includes two identical modules joined by a rotary joint connecting the pistons of hydraulic or pneumatic propulsive piston systems. Each module includes a propulsive piston system which is responsible for the longitudinal movement of module, a positioning tower on which are mounted wheels having a non-reversing system and means for rotating positioning tower through one hundred and eighty degrees with reference to its vertical axis, reversing the direction of movement of equipment. Through the development or attachment of interfaces it is possible to bring tools, equipment, devices or materials to a remote location within a pipeline having bends within the limits of the standards for clearing obstructions, making inspections and other operations.

Abstract: An electrical energy capture system for use in connection with a hybrid energy off highway vehicle system of a off highway vehicle. The hybrid energy off highway vehicle system includes an off highway vehicle, a primary power source, and an off highway vehicle traction motor propelling the off highway vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The off highway vehicle traction motor has a dynamic braking mode of operation generating electrical energy. The electrical energy capture system includes an energy management processor carried on the off highway vehicle. The capture system also includes an off highway vehicle electric generator connected to and driven by the primary power source for selectively supplying primary electric power, wherein the generator is responsive to said processor. An electrical energy storage device is carried on a off highway vehicle and is in electrical communication with the off highway vehicle traction motor.

Abstract: An electroless gold plating solution is provided in which an amount of gold deposited by a displacement reaction is at least 15 &mgr;g/cm2, and the electroless gold plating solution includes a reducing agent that is oxidized by gold, and a reducing agent that is of the same type as or is a different type from the above reducing agent and is oxidized by a substrate metal. The solution can form a uniform gold coating having good adhesion and low porosity in one step.

Abstract: An ink set and a recording method are provided according to which light-fastness is good, and color reproducibility, clogging properties and other properties are satisfied, by using an ink set comprising inks each of which contains at least a dye, a water-soluble organic solvent and water, the ink set comprising a combination of magenta ink that contains a specific dye, yellow ink and cyan ink.

Abstract: An aqueous ink-jet ink composition for printing on offset media is disclosed comprising an ink colorant, an effective amount of at least one surfactant, and an effective amount of at least one aprotic polar solvent wherein the solvent is comprised of molecules having a molecular weight from 40 to 1500. Optionally, an effective amount of a non-aprotic polar solvent can be added. The aqueous ink-jet inks of the present invention are effective for printing on many commercially available offset papers and other media.

Abstract: A method of selecting a dye for use with a spreading vehicle can comprise the steps of evaluating a first dye having polar atoms and a second dye having polar atoms to determine a first polarity index and a second polarity index, respectively; and selecting the first dye or the second dye for inclusion in the spreading vehicle based upon a comparison of the first polarity index and the second polarity index. Further, a method of evaluating a dye and formulating an ink-jet ink can comprise the steps of providing a spreading ink-jet ink vehicle; selecting a dye to be evaluated for inclusion in the spreading ink-jet ink vehicle; determining the ratio of polar atoms to carbon atoms within the dye; selecting a desired polarity index ratio range; and admixing the dye with the spreading ink-jet ink vehicle if the ratio is within the desired polarity index ratio range.

Abstract: A composition for improving grip between the hands and a tool or implement is provided, which comprises a chlorinated paraffin, a dispersing agent, and a solvent in an amount up to and including about 3.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. A method of making the composition in the form of a dry powder, as well as a method of using the dry powder to improve friction or grip on the hands, are also provided.

Abstract: A weatherproofing composition containing an aqueous aminofunctional polyorganosiloxane emulsion, an aqueous organic polymer emulsion, a colorant and a particulate filler is useful for weatherproofing exterior wood and masonry surfaces.

Abstract: A powder coating material or powder coating dispersion (powder slurry) comprising at least one hydrophilic effect pigment, and the use thereof.

Abstract: Provided are an improved structural material for bullet traps and the like, a method of producing it, and a structure comprising it. The material is suitable for entraining and immobilizing projectiles and fine particles in a sticky gel. It is prepared by mixing cement with a thickener to form a dry mixture. Water is mixed with a fine aggregate in a mixer. The dry mixture is combined with the aqueous mixture in the mixer to form a slurry. Calcium phosphate and an aluminum compound are added, mixing each separately until homogeneous. The density of the mixture is measured and an aqueous foam is added to adjust the density to a pre-specified level. Fibers are mixed into the adjusted mixture to form a homogeneous slurry that may be poured into a mold or in place at a construction site. Upon curing, the material may be used as a structural component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight clay which can be easily molded into a given shape, exhibits proper lightweight characteristics and storing characteristics, and can be manufactured at a low cost, and a manufacturing method thereof. In such a lightweight clay and the manufacturing method thereof, an average particle size of the organic hollow micro spheres is set to a value which falls within a range of 15 to 150 &mgr;m and, an addition quantity of the organic hollow micro spheres is set to a value which falls within a range of 0.1 to 6 weight % with respect to a total quantity of the lightweight clay, and whiteness degree(WL) measured in accordance with JIS L 0803 is set to not less than 50.

Abstract: An additive for elaboration of ecological permeable concretes. The additive containing from about 24.5% to 28.2% by weight.of a mixture made of dispersing agents, from about 3.3% to 3.8% by weight of a humectant agent, from 0 to about 1% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, from 0 to about 3% by weight basis of a bactericidal agent, from about 3.3% to 3.8% by weight of hydroxypropylethyl or methylcellulose from 0 to about 0.3% by weight of an antifoaming agent and from about 55.8% to 64.2% by weight of a highly reactive non-crystalline calcinated silica aluminant.

Abstract: A gypsum-based building material comprising gypsum as the main material and an anthraquinone compound incorporated.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of organic fibres having a melting point lower than 300° C., an average length l more than 1 mm and a diameter Ø not more than 200 &mgr;m, in ultra high performance concrete for improving the concrete fire resistance, the amount of organic fibres being such that their volume ranges between 0.1 and 3% of the concrete volume after setting and the concrete having a compressive strength at 28 days of at least 120 Mpa, a bending strength of at least 20 Mpa, and a spread value in non-hardened state of at least 150 mm, the values being for a concrete preserved at 20° C., the concrete consisting of a particularly hardened cement matrix wherein metal fibres are dispersed.

Abstract: A sorbent conditioning and direct feed apparatus is provided for direct feeding of a conditioned solid sorbent to a combustor 12. The sorbent conditioning and direct feed apparatus includes raw solid sorbent storage means 102, particle size reducing means 112 for reducing the particle size of solid sorbent supplied thereto from a relatively larger coarse particle size to a relatively smaller fine particle size, metering means 108 for metering the supply of raw solid sorbent from the raw solid sorbent storage means to the particle size reducing means 112, and transport means 118 for transporting solid sorbent which has been conditioned by the particle size reducing means 112 to the combustor 12, whereby conditioned solid sorbent is fed to the combustor 12 without any intermediate storage of the solid sorbent between the raw solid sorbent storage means 102 and the transport means 118.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system for watercraft comprising: a direction control system including a rudder position sensor; a helm control system including at least one of; a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal and a torque sensor to produce and transmit a helm torque sensor signal. The system also includes a watercraft speed sensor and a master control unit in operable communication with the watercraft speed sensor, the helm control system, and the direction control system. The master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the watercraft speed signal, the helm torque sensor signal and the helm position signal. The master control unit includes a torque control process for generating the helm command signal, based on the helm torque sensor signal, the helm position signal and the watercraft speed signal.

Abstract: A power steering assist system for a watercraft includes a hydraulically actuated steering cylinder assembly and a helm. The helm has a high pressure port being coupled to a fluid pressure source, a return port coupled to a reservoir, and a metering port coupled to a second chamber of the steering cylinder. A control valve assembly in the helm is switchable between at least first and second states to alternatively couple a metering element in the helm to the high pressure and return ports of the helm, respectively, hence alternatively permitting pressurized fluid to flow into the metering port from the metering element to steer the watercraft in a first direction and from the metering port into the metering element to steer the watercraft in a second direction. The system is simple, compact, reliable, and still usable in watercraft having multiple engines and/or multiple helms.

Abstract: A platform structure surrounded by water is disclosed. The platform structure is put together with hollow tubes passing through recesses and internal passages of inflated sacks floating on the water surface, so as to hold a stretched net underwater, thereby providing an underwater platform. The apparatus additionally provides above the water platforms in the form of floating inflatable sacks, which also serve as bumpers having cushioned surfaces in opposite sides of the underwater platform, so that sudden waves do not thrust the underwater platform users against a rigid structure. The apparatus is designed to be disassembled and compactly stored inside the trunk of an automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle back-up guide comprised of a lever arm which defines an abutting arm and a spacing arm angled relative to each other. The lever arm is pivotally mounted to a mounting means to the rear side of the vehicle. As the vehicle is backing-up and closing in on an object, the abuttting arm, which has a distal end projecting substantiually away from the vehicle, makes contact with the object and this automatically moves the spacing arm outwardly thus giving a visual indication of the relative distance of the vehicle to the object.

Abstract: The detonation of e.g. a grenade or another explosive body is simulated by the evaporation of a liquid and subsequent ejection through a nozzle 17, thereby forming a cloud of vapor at the location of the detonation. The device includes an evaporator 10 heated e.g. by combustion means. The heating system 14 is designed to produce the heat for a continuous evaporation of a liquid in the evaporator. The liquid is preferably a mixture of ethylene glycol in water. It is thereby possible to simplify the handling and application and to reduce the danger potential.

Abstract: An indicator knob assembly 10 is provided including a translucent base 26 including an outer surface 14 having an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24, a halo section 40 located on the lower portion24, an appliqué element 28 mounted on the translucent base 26, and an opaque over mold 30 mounted on the appliqué element 28 and covering a portion of the outer surface 14 not including the halo section 40.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for selectively destroying dividing cells in living tissue formed of dividing cells and non-dividing cells. The dividing cells contain polarizable intracellular members and during late anaphase or telophase, the dividing cells are connected to one another by a cleavage furrow. According to the present method the living tissue is subjected to electric field conditions sufficient to cause movement of the polarizable intracellular members toward the cleavage furrow in response to a non-homogenous electric field being induced in the dividing cells. The non-homogenous electric field produces an increased density electric field in the region of the cleavage furrow. The movement of the polarizable intracellular members towards the cleavage furrow causes the break down thereof which results in destruction of the dividing cells, while the non-dividing cells of the living tissue remain intact.

Abstract: In the CZ process using a cooling member surrounding a single crystal, the cooling member is permitted to effectively serve to increase a pulling speed. Cracks of the single crystal due to excessive cooling are prevented to occur. A high crystal quality is acquired. In order to realize these objects, the temperature of the inner peripheral surface of the cooling member 6 opposing to the outer peripheral surface of the single crystal 4 is restricted to 500° C. or below, even in the lower end, the temperature of which becomes the highest. To achieve this restriction, the thickness T of the cooling member 5 is 10 to 50 mm. The height H of the cooling member 6 is 0.1 to 1.5 times the diameter D of the single crystal 4.

Abstract: The present invention reduces temperature gradient in the direction of the radius of solidified ingots of silicon immediately after solidification, which has serious influences on the quality as a solar cell and improves the quality. Silicon raw materials are melted inside a bottomless crucible 3 combined with an induction coil 2 by electromagnetic induction heating. The silicon melt 19 formed inside the bottomless crucible 3 is allowed to descend and solidified ingots of silicon 12 are manufactured continuously. Plasma heating by a transferred plasma arc torch 9 is also used for melting the silicon raw materials. The plasma arc torch 9 is moved for scanning along the inner surface of the bottomless crucible 3 in the horizontal direction. A plasma electrode on the solidified ingot side to generate transferred plasma arc is allowed to contact the surface of the solidified ingot at positions where the temperature of the solidified ingot becomes 500 to 900° C.

Abstract: An automated macromolecular crystallization screening system wherein a multiplicity of reagent mixes are produced. A multiplicity of analysis plates is produced utilizing the reagent mixes combined with a sample. The analysis plates are incubated to promote growth of crystals. Images of the crystals are made. The images are analyzed with regard to suitability of the crystals for analysis by x-ray crystallography. A design of reagent mixes is produced based upon the expected suitability of the crystals for analysis by x-ray crystallography. A second multiplicity of mixes of the reagent components is produced utilizing the design and a second multiplicity of reagent mixes is used for a second round of automated macromolecular crystallization screening. In one embodiment the multiplicity of reagent mixes are produced by a random selection of reagent components.

Abstract: An electronic or optoelectronic device fabricated from a crystalline material in which a parameter of a bandgap characteristic of said crystalline material has been modified locally by introducing distortions on an atomic scale in the lattice structure of said crystalline material and the electronic and/or optoelectronic parameters of said device are dependent on the modification of said bandgap is exemplified by a radiation emissive optoelectronic semiconductor device which comprises a junction (10) formed from a p-type layer (11) and an n-type layer (12), both formed from indirect bandgap semiconductor material. The p-type layer (11) contains an array of dislocation loops which create a strain field to confine spatially and promote radiative recombination of the charge carriers.

Abstract: A high-purity silicon monoxide vapor deposition material which, in the formation of a film by vapor deposition, is effective in inhibiting splashino, and which has an average bulk density of 2.0 g/cml and a Vickers hardness of 500 or hiolier; a process for producing a high-purity silicon monoxide vapor deposition mate-rial consisting of SiO and metal impurities as the remainder, the total amount of the impurities beinc, 50 ppm or smaller, which comprises conducting a degassinc, treatment in a raw-material chamber at a temperature lower than the sublimation temperature of silicon monoxide, raising the temperature to sublimate silicon monoxide, and depositing the silicon monoxide on a substrate in a deposition chamber.

Abstract: Polysilicon dendrites are grown by depositing silicon on a polysilicon rod or other substrate. Surface temperature is increased to a temperature at which needle-like dendrites develop due to the deposition of silicon from silicon-containing molecules in the surrounding reactor atmosphere. Thereafter, the surface temperature is gradually reduced so that silicon that deposits on the needle-like dendrites causes the dendrites to grow and assume a generally flared shape.

Abstract: A crystal forming apparatus and method for using the apparatus, the apparatus including a plate and a film. The plate has a site adapted to hold a screening solution. The film is adjacent to the plate. The film seals the site and is adapted to contain a precipitant solution inside the site with an air gap between the screening solution and the precipitant solution. In a preferred embodiment, the film is transparent. In another preferred embodiment, the plate comprises a second transparent film supported by a lattice structure and the precipitant solution is sandwiched between the two films.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for applying a coating to an implantable device. The implantable device can include depots formed in the outer surface thereof to receive the coating. The coating can include a polymer and a solvent applicable to the surface of the implantable device including the depots. The application of the composition is performed under a pressure, which can reduce the surface tension and/or molecular adhesion force of the composition. The reduced surface tension and/or adhesion force allows gas bubbles within the depots to be removed while the composition is being driven into the depots.

Abstract: Proposed is an apparatus for the spray treatment of printed circuit boards. It has conveyor means for conveying the printed circuit boards (2) with a horizontally oriented PCB surface plane. Provided above the plane of conveyance (7) is a nozzle device (16) for spraying the top surface (13) of the printed circuit boards (2) with a liquid treatment medium. The apparatus is equipped with a suction device (26) that permits the sprayed-on treatment medium to be suctioned off from the top surface (13) of the printed circuit boards (2) during the spray process. In this manner the treatment medium is prevented from backing up, and a high-quality treatment process is ensured.

Abstract: A device for fabricating an alignment layer includes a chamber, a conveying means, deposition device, and an ion beam alignment device. The conveying means is arranged in the chamber and serves to carry the substrate. The deposition device is arranged above the conveying means in the chamber and serves to form the layer. The ion beam alignment device is arranged above the conveying means in the chamber, and serves to perform the alignment of the layer. The deposition device and the ion beam alignment device can be replaced with an ion beam deposition/alignment device so that the formation and alignment of the layer can be performed in a chamber.

Abstract: First through fourth film formation chambers PC1 to PC4 are disposed in the periphery of a transfer chamber TC. If, for example, the ratio of the time required to form gate insulating films to the time required to form the silicon film as a semiconductor film is 1:3, a silicon nitride film and silicon oxide film are formed in the first through third film formation films PC1 to PC3 to become gate insulating films, and an amorphous silicon layer is formed in the fourth film formation chamber PC4 to become an active region. This makes it possible to perform formation of the amorphous silicon layer, which requires film cleaning, in a film formation chamber different from the film formation chamber for other films, and to manufacture thin-film transistors at high productivity.

Abstract: Aperture masks and deposition techniques for using aperture masks are described. In addition, techniques for creating aperture masks and other techniques for using the aperture masks are described. The various techniques can be particularly useful in creating circuit elements for electronic displays and low-cost integrated circuits such as radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits. In addition, the techniques can be advantageous in the fabrication of integrated circuits incorporating organic semiconductors, which typically are not compatible with wet processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for growing thin-films onto a substrate by exposing the substrate to alternate surface reactions of vapor-phase reactants for forming a thin-film onto the, substrate by means of said surface reactions. The apparatus comprises a vacuum vessel (1), a reaction chamber (2) with a reaction space into which the substrate can be transferred and which has infred channels (6) for feeding therein the reactants used in said thin-film growth process, as well as outlet channels (4) for discharging gaseous reaction products and excess reactants'. According to the invention, said reaction chamber comprises a base part (9, 10) mounted stationary in respect to the interior of said vacuum vessel (1) and a movable part (18) adapted to be sealably closable against said'base part of said reaction chamber. The invention makes it possible to improve the cleanliness of the substrate load chamber and to reduce the degree of substrate contamination.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabricating apparatus having a structure, which facilitates a loading and unloading operation of wafers while having a low effect by a high temperature during a heat treatment. The semiconductor fabricating apparatus includes a plurality of ring-shaped holder having brims and recessed portions, the brims for mounting the to-be-processed wafers thereon, thereby performing the required heat treatment. A tweezer plate of a wafer loading-transferring device is inserted onto the recessed portion or taken out therefrom, and the inserted tweezer plate is ascended or descended, so that the wafer can be inserted on the brims or taken out therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering predetermined dosages of fluid to egg injection devices are provided and include drawing fluid from a fluid source into a syringe barrel via inlet tubing in fluid communication with the fluid source and with the syringe barrel, and dispensing a predetermined dosage of fluid from the syringe barrel to an egg injection device via outlet tubing in fluid communication with the egg injection device and with the syringe barrel. The outlet tubing is closed (e.g., pinched closed) during the drawing step, and the inlet tubing is closed (e.g., pinched closed) during the dispensing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detection of a deviating behaviour of a milking animal (101) during milking procedure comprising a sequence in an automatic milking system (100), comprising a robot (105) having a process for positioning teat cups (106). The method comprising the steps of: obtaining an identity of said animal (101), retrieving information related to said animal 101 from a memory (111), said information comprising a reference value derived from a previous milking procedure sequence, registering a value, related to said robot (105), from the present milking procedure sequence, comparing each reference value with the registered value in an analyser (112), and issuing of a warning signal if any of said registered values deviates from the corresponding reference value more than a predetermined deviation value, whereby the process for positioning the teat cups (106) is used for determining if the milking animal (101) deviates from a normal behaviour.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of milking animals which uses an implement having a moveable floor on which the animals are milked in milking spaces. The animals enter and exit the floor via automatic gates. The invention involves automatic adjustment of the speed to the moveable floor first, on an estimated milking time of the animals presently in a milk flow mode, i.e. attached to a milking unit and second whether milking units have been attached to the animals before leaving an attachment zone, where the milking units are attached to the animals, either manually or automatically by a robot. The speed of the movable floor is primarily adjusted with the aim at optimizing the occupancy rate of the implement for milking animals with respect to the first condition. The second condition places constraint on when a speed increase is permitted.

Abstract: A method of making a tubular member such as a bird feeder hopper having offset members extending integrally from the inside surface of the peripheral wall thereof into an internal cavity. A sheet-like member is initially formed with a plurality of wall sections interconnected by integral hinges and the offset members integrally formed on one surface thereof. The sheet-like element can then be folded or pivoted about the integral hinges to form the peripheral wall of the tubular member, with the offset members extending into the internal cavity defined thereby and the edge portions of the end sections secured as by heat sealing, complementary locking members, or a combination thereof.