Abstract: Disclosed is a cured form of calcium silicate, mainly comprising tobermorite and exhibiting a powder X-ray diffraction pattern in which the diffraction peak intensity Ib ascribed to the (220) plane of the tobermorite and the minimum diffraction intensity Ia observed in the diffraction angle range between the two diffraction peaks respectively ascribed to the (220) plane and (222) plane of the tobermorite satisfy the relationship Ib/Ia≧3.0; a differential pore distribution curve obtained by mercury porosimetry in which the logarithmic width of the pore diameter distribution as measured at a height of ¼ of the height of the maximum peak of the differential pore distribution curve is from 0.40 to 1.20, and also disclosed is a reinforced calcium silicate composite structure, and methods for producing same. The cured form of calcium silicate and the reinforced calcium silicate composite structure of the present invention which, while exhibiting an apparent specific gravity of from 0.14 to 1.

Abstract: To provide a high ductility to tensile load and compressive load and to enhance workability, the present invention provides a high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composition comprising fragments of a steel cord stranded wire accounting for 0.5 vol % or more and less than 1.5 vol % and fragments of at least one type of organic fibers accounting for 2.5 vol % or less.

Abstract: A settable composition comprising (i) a cementitious component comprising at least 25% of calcium aluminate of which at least 40% is calcium monoaluminate said cementitious component optionally containing one or more particulate fillers but containing less than 10% by weight of calcium sulphate, the % being by weight being based on the weight of the cementitious component and (ii) an aqueous emulsion of an organic polymer, the amount of (ii) in relation to (i) being such as to provide a weight ratio of polymer solids to weight of (i) of from 0.5:1 to 10:1, preferably 0.6:1 to 2.5:1 or (iii) a dispersible organic polymer and where the amount of dispersible polymer is such as to give a weight ratio of polymer to weight of (i) of from 0.5:1 to 10:1, preferably 0.6:1 to 2.5:1. The cementitious component (i) preferably contains an amount of fibre effective to improve the tensile strength of coatings obtained from the settable composition but not exceeding 5% by weight of the cementitious component (i).

Abstract: A well cementing slurry, includes a solid fraction and a liquid fraction and has a density of less than about 1500 kg/m3. The solid fraction includes a mixture of solid particulate materials including cement, having 60% to 90% by volume of the solid fraction of a first component with particles having a mean size lying in the range 20 microns to 400 microns and a density of less than 2000 kg/m3; and 10% to 30% by volume of the solid fraction of a second component having a mean particle diameter of less than 5 microns.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a concrete composition in which the amount of air entrained can be maintained stably and which is excellent in strength and durability, a concrete composition which is excellent in freeze-thaw durability owing to the good quality of foams and is excellent in air content stability with time and which can form curing products excellent in strength and durability, a method of producing such concrete composition, and a cement admixture.

Abstract: A method and cement composition is provided for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore, wherein the cement composition comprises zeolite, cementitious material, and water sufficient to form a slurry.

Abstract: A portable desk including a base having a bottom surface forming a plurality of storage compartments which define a storage space. A top portion is hingedly attached to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position. Legs are positioned at opposing end portions of the base and connected to the base to pivotally move with respect to the base between a retracted position and an extended position. Each leg preferably has an outer surface that forms a recessed, concave portion. At least one snap element locks each leg with respect to the base in the extended position and includes a tab section formed on a bottom surface of the base which interferes with or engages a support edge formed at an end portion of a corresponding leg.

Abstract: A reinforcement plate for the bottom of a pallet-like support base supported on corner and center feet and on a base frame, especially for pallet containers, is provided with a stacking aid for stacking several reinforcement plates for shipping and storage purposes.

Abstract: A Conveyorable Plastic Thermoformed Pallet, having a support member and support legs with outer walls, internal walls and inner walls, is utilized to transport product on a conveyor system. The Pallet is made using a twin-sheet thermoforming process that requires two molds for an upper sheet of thermoplastic material and a lower sheet of thermoplastic material. The upper sheet forms a top deck of the support member and the internal walls of the support legs. The lower sheet forms the underside of the support member, the inner walls of the support legs, and leg bottoms. Both sheets are fused to form the twin-sheet outer walls. The upper sheet also forms web strips which stabilize the walls of the support legs and prevent deflection of the walls.

Abstract: An attachment table that is space-saving, allows easy operation and effectively provides additional scope for application, comprised of a folding structure and a support structure; the former including two tops foldable to each other, a pivot being respectively provided at both ends on one side top to stride over a rod; and the latter being provided at an free end of another top and being retractable to allow the tops take advantage of the adjustable support structure to rest on the rod on the other side when both tops being outwardly extended.

Abstract: A worktable consists of a pedestal having an upwardly extending tubular member and a cylindrical member telescopically slideable therein. Thumbscrews along the length of the tubular member are tightenable against the surface of the tubular member to lock the upper end thereof is at the desired elevation. A tabletop having a downwardly extending tubular collar is rotatably fitted around the upper end of the cylindrical member. A flexible sleeve fitted between the inner surface of the collar and the outer surface of the tubular member creates resistance to rotation of the tabletop with respect to the pedestal. Finally, an adjustable thumbscrew extending through the collar and against the outer wall of the flexible sleeve enables an operator to vary the resistance to rotation of the top with respect to the pedestal.

Abstract: A method and system for feeding and burning pulverized fuel, such as petroleum coke, in a glass melting furnace, which includes a glass melting and a plurality of burners associated with a pair of sealed regenerative chambers disposed side-by-side which act as heat exchangers, the burners are arranged in a series of ports that are associated with the glass melting region of the furnace. The system includes means for supplying the pulverized fuel by each one of the burners for melting glass raw materials. The emissions of flue gases produced by the combustion process of the fuel in the furnace are controlled in order to maintain clean the flue gases and for reducing the emission of impurities from the fuel such as SOx, NOx and particulates.

Abstract: A method for removing foreign material such as paints and coatings from workpieces using a mobile furnace. The workpieces are flash heated so that only the surface is heated to remove the coatings without heating the core of the workpieces. Deformation of the workpiece and degradation of the thermal treatment of the workpiece material is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A seed meter for planting seeds includes a seed plate rotatably mounted within a housing. A rotary seed chamber (RSC) is mounted in the housing adjacent the seed plate and movable between first and second positions, to permit the seed plate to singularly select individual seeds from the RSC while in a first position, and to dump seed therefrom as well as blocking seeds from entering the seed plate while in a second position. A seed intake compartment having an inlet end, and a discharge end is located adjacent the RSC. A valve is located in the intake compartment to intermittently prevent seed from flowing from the inlet end to the discharge end. A power means actuates both the RSC and the valve. A wing plate on the rotary seed chamber opens and closes the discharge end as the rotary seed chamber is in its first and second positions, respectively.

Abstract: Gripper hook (1) for a lockstitch sewing machine, wherein the sewing machine comprises a vertically mounted needle (5) for an upper thread, a stitch plate and below the stitch plate a housing which houses the gripper hook (1), substantially formed into an open cylinder and rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis, a bobbin basket (4) which is concentrically supported inside the gripper hook (1) and is designed as an open cylinder for receiving a bobbin case, the bobbin case housing a bobbin for an under thread and the needle (5) in executing a stitch being brought down perpendicularly to the axis of the rotary gripper hook in front of the open part of the gripper hook (1) through an opening (11) in the wall of the bobbin basket (4) so that a gripper hook tip catches the upper thread and leads the upper thread around the bobbin basket (4), thereby forming a stitch by interaction with the under thread when the needle is brought back up, and wherein the gripper hook (1) has a cylindrical side wall (3), which is at

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pontoon boat fender that is convenient to use, easy to install and easy to secure in place. The top end of the fender defines a channel that is sized to receive the top of the fence that surrounds the perimeter of the pontoon boat. A stretchable cord is coupled to the lower end of the fender body and to a suction device that is capable of coupling to the float tube of the boat. The fender body extends at least the length of the fence and is shaped so that when it is mounted to the top of the fence the fender does not rest against the remaining portion of the fence, the floor or the rub rail. With this shape, the fender is able to absorb impacts without transferring a significant amount of destructive energy to the pontoon boat components. Moreover, in one embodiment, the fender body includes a number of generally vertical channels that assist in absorbing any impact.

Abstract: The present invention is a semicircular, sharp bow submarine with a rotating front drive propulsion unit, rear dock, top fin with a horizontally rotating wheel-shaft, and four water tanks—jet propulsion devices in the bottom. This invention is a new means in underwater travel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable kayak having a first set of inflatable tubes defining a bottom portion for contracting a body of water. The bottom portion of the present invention is attached to one or more side walls defining the sides of the kayak. The kayak of the present invention is equipped with a first area sized to receive a surfboard and a zipper or other sealing system to secure the surfboard within the first area. The surfboard providing additional rigidity and stability to the kayak of the present invention.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a personal watercraft, wherein the personal watercraft includes a cockpit configured to accommodate a user, a first item of outfitting coupled to the watercraft at least partially within the cockpit, wherein the first item of outfitting includes a first fluid-holding bladder inflatable by the user to increase the snugness of fit of the first item of outfitting on the user, a second item of outfitting coupled to the watercraft at least partially within the cockpit, wherein the second item of outfitting includes a second fluid-holding bladder inflatable by the user to increase the snugness of fit of the second item of outfitting on the user, a pump for inflating the first bladder and the second bladder, a fluid supply line connecting the first bladder and the second bladder to the pump, and a valve disposed along the fluid supply line, wherein the valve is configured to allow fluid flow from the pump to be selectively directed into at least one of the first bladder and the second bladder

Abstract: On an upper surface of a silicon (Si) substrate, an Al0.2Ga0.8N layer having a film thickness of 0.2 &mgr;m to 0.3 &mgr;m and a GaN layer having a film thickness of 0.5 &mgr;m are formed successively. The resulting substrate is set in a halide VPE apparatus so that the resulting substrate can be independently etched with HCl gas from a rear surface of the resulting substrate. While a GaN layer is epitaxially grown on the GaN layer at 900° C. by a halide vapor-phase epitaxy method, the silicon (Si) substrate, the Al0.2Ga0.8N layer and the GaN layer are removed from the rear surface by gas etching. In this manner, the GaN layer having a film thickness of about 50 &mgr;m is obtained. While a GaN layer is epitaxially grown on the GaN layer at 1050° C. by a halide vapor-phase epitaxy method, the GaN layer is removed from the rear surface by gas etching. Finally, a substrate made of the GaN layer with a film thickness of 200 &mgr;m and free from any warp and any crack is obtained.

Abstract: A crystallization apparatus includes an illumination system which illuminates a phase shifter having a phase shift portion, and irradiates a polycrystal semiconductor film or an amorphous semiconductor film with a light beam having a predetermined light intensity distribution in which a light intensity is minimum in a point area corresponding to the phase shift portion of the phase shifter, thereby forming a crystallized semiconductor film, the phase shifter has four or more even-numbered phase shift lines which intersect at a point constituting the phase shift portion. An area on one side and an area on the other side of each phase shift line have a phase difference of approximately 180 degrees.

Abstract: The single crystal of alkaline earth metal fluoride of the invention is produced by a single crystal pulling method, has a straight barrel part diameter of not less than 17 cm, preferably has a straight barrel part length of not less than 5 cm, and has a light transmittance, as measured at a wavelength of 632.8 nm, of not less than 80%, preferably 90 to 98%. Further, the main crystal growth plane of the single crystal of the invention is the {111}plane or the {100}plane. The single crystal of alkaline earth metal fluoride of the invention has a large diameter as described above, and in spite that it is in an as-grown state, the peripheral surface is not opaque and the visible light transmittance is high. Therefore, evaluation of bubbles or inclusions in the crystal becomes feasible without performing complicated machining of the crystal, and from the single crystal, a large-sized optical material having advantageous properties such as high quality and high uniformity can be cut out.

Abstract: A single crystal pulling device is composed of a cylindrical pulling furnace, a crucible disposed in the pulling furnace in which a single crystal material for a semiconductor is poured, a cylindrical vacuum vessel coaxially disposed around the pulling furnace, and a superconducting magnet composed of a plurality pairs of coils arranged inside the vacuum vessel so as to generate magnetic field. The superconducting coils are arranged on the same horizontal plane of the cylindrical vacuum vessel, and each of the paired superconducting coils includes coils set so as to oppose to each other with respect to a central axis of the cylindrical vacuum vessel so that one coil of one pair of coils and one coil of another pair of coils adjacent to that one pair of coils constitutes a set angle, directing towards the inside of the cylindrical vessel, in a range of 100° to 130°.

Abstract: A single crystal thin film and a production method therefor are provided. A method for producing a crystal epitaxial thin film comprises the steps of vaporizing a silicon alkoxide as a silicon source under atmospheric pressure to introduce the silicon alkoxide to a substrate with hydrogen chloride as a reaction promoter, and reacting ethyl silicate with oxygen to deposit a crystal on the substrate. The single crystal thin film has excellent crystalinity, and optical properties.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for at least partially decrystallizing a surface of an object. In one embodiment, a method is provided for decrystallizing a surface of an object by forming a plasma (such as by subjecting a gas to an amount of electromagnetic radiation, optionally in the presence of a plasma catalyst) and exposing the surface of the object to the plasma.

Abstract: Provided is an atomic layer deposition (ALD) apparatus in which the generation of powders is suppressed by providing a largely dedicated exhaust path for each of the reactants utilized in the ALD process. The ALD apparatus includes a reactor in which an ALD process is performed on a wafer using two or more types of reactants; reactant suppliers, each of which alternately supplies a different reactant to the reactor; and an exhaust path for each type of reactant so that the non-reacted portion of the reactants removed from the reaction chamber do not mix and react in the exhaust path.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) is dedicated to plasma buildup of an optical fiber preform (2). The apparatus comprises firstly a plasma torch (3) fed with plasma-generating gas by primary feed means (5) and arranged in such a manner as to enable a buildup material to be deposited on a primary preform (2) for building up in the presence of a silica-based material, and secondly secondary feed means (9) arranged to introduce at least one reducing element upstream from the primary preform (2), the reducing element reacting to induce reduction of the nitrogen oxides produced by the interaction between nitrogen and oxygen of the air contained in the enclosure in which buildup takes place in the presence of the plasma generated by the plasma torch (3).

Abstract: A device for direct or indirect application of liquid or viscous coating medium by way of an application system onto a material web, especially a paper or cardboard web, including a weakening device for weakening the boundary layer of air that is carried along by the application surface. The weakening device is located prior to the applicator device viewed in direction of travel of the application surface. The weakening device includes a blowing device and a suction device. The blowing device is located prior to the applicator device when viewed in direction of travel of the application surface and produces an air flow in opposite direction to the direction of travel. The suction device is located prior to the blowing device when viewed in direction of travel of the application surface and sucks off at least a portion of the air flow that is produced by the blowing device, as well as at least a portion of the boundary layer of air that is carried along by the application surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing objects includes an elevated tubular frame rail mounting a four axis robot arm with a tool such as a painting applicator. The robot is attached to a mounting base that moves along the rail permitting painting of the top and/or side of a vehicle body. Electrical power and fluid lines can be routed through the rail to the robot. Two such rails and multiple robots can be combined as a module for installation in a new or an existing painting booth.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for micron and submicron particles formation of a substance using the GAS process, comprising a particles formation vessel (22) and means for introducing a solution of the substance and a supercritical fluid into the particles formation vessel (22), wherein said means comprise a nozzle (27) having a central orifice (39) serving to carry a flow of solution, and a plurality of separate outer orifices (41) serving to carry a flow of pure supercritical fluid or a flow of supercritical fluid mixed with a modifier, such that the solvent is extracted from the solution by the supercritical fluid and precipitation of micron and submicron particles occurs. Also a process is described, carried out with such an apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved stencil/screen print quality is disclosed. The stencil or screen assists in application of a printable material onto a substrate, such as an adhesive to a semiconductor die of a semiconductor wafer during a lead-on-chip (LOC) packaging process. In one embodiment, the stencil includes a coating applied to at least one surface of a pattern of the stencil or screen to retard running of the printable material onto the surface. In another embodiment, the stencil or screen includes a second coating applied to at least one other surface of the pattern to promote spreading of the printable material onto the substrate.

Abstract: A system (10) produces patterned deposition on a substrate (14) from supercritical fluids. A delivery system (12) cooperates with a partial enclosure environment (30, 100, 200) retaining a movable substrate (14) for receiving precipitated functional material (44) along a fluid delivery path (13) from the delivery system (12). A shadow mask (22) is arranged in close proximity to the movable substrate (14) for forming the patterned deposition on the movable substrate (14).

Abstract: The equipment comprises: a plurality of vaporization sources (31) which are heated and fed with a metal which is liquefied and vaporized by said sources; and means for feeding the substrate (N) above the sources. Each source has two cavities (41A, 41B) which are aligned along the direction in which the substrate is fed, and each of said two cavities is fed by a corresponding metal wire delivered by corresponding delivery means (51, 53).

Abstract: A substrate surface is plasma cleaned and silanized in a chamber. Plasma is generated in the chamber to clean the substrate surface. Gas containing an organosilane compound is introduced into the same chamber to silanized the cleaned surface. Water is deposited on the substrate surface to facilitate silane coupling reaction. A layer of covalently bonded silane molecules having functional groups is thus produced on the substrate surface. The substrate is then cured by a baking process.

Abstract: A method for ion planting a species into a surface layer of a workpiece in a chamber, the method includes placing the workpiece in a processing zone of the chamber bounded by a chamber side wall and a chamber ceiling facing said workpiece and between a pair of ports of the chamber near generally opposite sides to the processing zone and connected together by a conduit external of the chamber. The method further includes introducing into the chamber a process gas comprising the species to be implanted, and further generating from the process gas a plasma current and causing the plasma current to oscillate in a circulatory reentrant path comprising the conduit and the processing zone.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes a plasma immersion ion implantation reactor with an enclosure having a side wall and a ceiling and defining a chamber, and a workpiece support pedestal within the chamber having a workpiece support surface facing the ceiling and defining a process region extending generally across the wafer support pedestal and confined laterally by the side wall and axially between the workpiece support pedestal and the ceiling. The enclosure has at least a first pair of openings at generally opposite sides of the process region, and a first hollow conduit outside the chamber having first and second ends connected to respective ones of the first pair of openings, so as to provide a first reentrant path extending through the conduit and across the process region.

Abstract: A plasma immersion ion implantation reactor for implanting a species into a workpiece includes an enclosure having a side wall and a ceiling defining a chamber, and a workpiece support pedestal within the chamber for supporting a workpiece having a surface layer into which the species are to be ion implanted, the workpiece support pedestal facing an interior surface of the ceiling so as to define therebetween a process region extending generally across the diameter of the wafer support pedestal. The reactor further comprises a source power applicator and an RF plasma source generator coupled to the source power applicator for inductively coupling RF source power into the chamber. A gas distribution apparatus furnishes process gas into the chamber, and a supply of process gas furnishes to the gas distribution apparatus a process gas containing the species. An RF bias generator is connected to the workpiece support pedestal and has an RF bias frequency for establishing an RF bias.

Abstract: A method for ion implanting a species into a surface layer of a workpiece in a chamber includes placing the workpiece in a processing zone of the chamber bounded by a chamber side wall and a chamber ceiling facing said workpiece and between a pair of ports of the chamber near generally opposite sides to the processing zone and connected together by a conduit external of the chamber. The method further includes introducing into the chamber a process gas comprising the species to be implanted, and further generating from the process gas a plasma current and causing the plasma current to oscillate in a circulatory reentrant path comprising the conduit and the processing zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma processing apparatus for performing a plasma processing, comprising an electromagnetic wave source for generating an electromagnetic wave, a rectangular waveguide, a plurality of slots formed in the rectangular waveguide and constituting a waveguide antenna, an electromagnetic wave radiation window consisting of a dielectric body, and a vacuum chamber, wherein a plasma is generated by an electromagnetic wave radiated from the slots into the vacuum chamber through the electromagnetic wave radiation window, the plasma processing apparatus being constructed to include an electromagnetic wave distributing waveguide portion for distributing the electromagnetic wave generated from the electromagnetic wave source into each of the waveguides, the plural waveguides being branched from the electric field plane or a plane perpendicular to the magnetic field plane of the electromagnetic wave distributing waveguide portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate support member of an FPD manufacturing apparatus comprising: a substrate support plate on which a glass substrate is horizontally put, the substrate support plate having a plurality of vertical through-holes, each of the vertical though-holes having an upper distal portion of a shape of a reverse cone; and a plurality of lift pins being inserted into the respective vertical though-holes, the lift pins 32 being moved up and down so that the substrate 40 is raised from the substrate support plate 36 or put down on the substrate support plate 36, each of the lift pins having an upper distal portion of a shape of a reverse cone to comply with the upper distal portion of the corresponding vertical through-hole.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying live eggs utilize a cup having a photodetector therewithin that overlies a portion of an egg. The egg is illuminated via a light source positioned adjacent the egg. Variations in the intensity of light passing through the egg is detected via the photodetector which generates an output signal corresponding to detected light intensity. The output signal is processed to identify cyclical and non-cyclical variations in light intensity. The egg is designated as a live egg in response to identifying cyclical and/or non-cyclical variations in light intensity.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the cleaning of a milk line during a cleaning cycle is disclosed. The device is provided with a monitoring-unit comprising a computer and a memory for storing data at least temporarily, with a thermometer for measuring the temperature of a fluid that is present or has been present in the milk line and for supplying to the monitoring-unit a temperature signal that is indicative of the measured temperature, and with a comparing device for determining whether the measured temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, the comparing device being suitable for determining the first point of time when the measured temperature has come above the threshold temperature for the first time during a cleaning cycle, and for determining the last point of time when the measured temperature has come above the threshold temperature for the last time during the same cleaning cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for producing aquatic specie for consumer consumption within a closed aquaculture system. It provides for growing algae in artificial saltwater under controlled conditions in an algae subsystem, feeding the algae to adult artemia for producing small artemia in an artemia subsystem, feeding the algae and small artemia to immature aquatic specie for producing adolescent aquatic specie in an aquatic specie nursery subsystem, and feeding the algae and small artemia to the adolescent aquatic specie to for producing adult aquatic specie in an aquatic specie growout subsystem, which are then harvested. The invention also includes a data acquisition and control subsystem for automated control of the aquaculture system. A unique filtration subsystem accepts waste from the aquatic specie subsystem, pumps the waste through a series of filters, and returns the filtered saltwater to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention involves a terrarium substrate for an animal such as a reptile, arachnid or small mammals. The substrate includes fine glass sand that is healthy and ingestible by the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cage which can be assembled easily and disassembled in a compact manner.

Abstract: An improved pet toy intended to fulfill the cardiovascular needs of pets while limiting the training necessary of the animal and the exertion necessary of the user to meet such needs. The pet toy comprises at least one section of rope, at least one object fixably engaged with the rope, and at least one slide member slidably engaged with the rope, where the slide member has a lumen of sufficient diameter to allow the rope to pass freely therethrough.

Abstract: A pendulous mobile animal amusement/exercise apparatus is disclosed; a rigid pendulum like member comprising a single arm constructed of two oblique, distally merged limbs, a load element attached proximate the lower distal end and a sway/swivel mechanism fastened proximate the upper distal end. It is securely suspended from above via the sway/swivel, attached by suitable mechanism to a rigid form such as the ceiling of a dwelling, or any other appropriate unyielding structure. A reciprocal actuator medium comprised of a shorter similar limb, with a distally attached resilient cord extending vertically downward, is affixed about said limbs free distal end to said pendulum like member intermediately and distally disposed the load mass and point of suspension. A toy/target of suitable nature to attract the particular animal is secured to the lower free end of said cord, within reach of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pet-securing device that can be affixed to a horizontal or vertical surface such as a wall or floor. The invention includes a base, a bar, and accessories that allow multiple animals, such as dogs, to be secured to the pet securing device.

Abstract: A Circular Action Control Twitch is made up of two parts, for restraining and controlling an animal while performing chores or operations such as grooming, examining, holding or administering medical services. The two parts are a solid stainless steel ring and a flexible loop. This simple construction allows for the flexible loop to be twisted around an animals lip or muzzle by rotating or twirling the solid stainless steel ring in a circular motion, any number of degrees. This allows for the Circular Action Control Twitch to be used by a single person with more control of the operation and more control of the pressure exerted to the animals lip. The solid stainless steel ring can then be snapped to the underside of the animals halter for a hands free operation. The Circular Action Control Twitch can be used on any size animal.

Abstract: The manifold includes a sleeve element (10) extending longitudinally about an axis (x), formed in one piece of plastics material and having a plurality of pairs of apertures (11, 12) distributed along the manifold. The apertures of each pair are aligned transversely with each other for engaging and locking on the manifold respective pairs of tubular metal elements (20, 30) connectable mechanically the one to the other (16) and to a branch (T) of the heating system.