Abstract: Interlocking, stackable articles of furniture are disclosed. The individual components may be used separately, interlocked end to end, stacked in various orientations to create shelving structures, or stacked vertically as a single upstanding unit.

Abstract: A tabletop for outdoor use is disclosed. The tabletop is formed of a plastic support frame and plastic sheet, which form a U-shaped space. The tabletop is reinforced with a metal frame within the U-shaped space, with the remainder of the space filled with a foam material. The table may further include a coloring layer which resembles stone material for decorative purposes. The coloring layer is attached to the plate by a resin layer and may include an optional fiber mesh embedded within the resin.

Abstract: A chamber for treating waste material includes a substantially closed chamber which is horizontally elongate with a conveyor provided within the chamber oriented generally horizontally and defining an upper portion and a lower portion with a series of paddles arranged to move material along the upper portion of the conveyor. A material supporting surface formed of ceramic material is provided between the upper portion and the lower portion of the conveyor. The material supporting surface is generally U-shaped and forms a channel through which the paddles move along the upper portion of the conveyor. The material supporting surface is carried by a plurality of metal horizontal support members which are cooled by a fluid. The paddles are asymmetrically oriented with respect to the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for eliminating undesirable vegetation in agricultural crop cultivation environment includes a rigid frame and a plurality of nozzles secured to the frame for applying liquid. A power source is mounted on the rigid frame and is connected to the power source of a vehicle employed in the agricultural crop cultivation environment and employed for moving the apparatus. A motor operable pump is connected to a source of the liquid and to the nozzles for delivering the liquid under pressure and a steam generator is provided for heating the liquid. Optional coulters and sweeps are also provided for destroying the root portion of the undesirable vegetation.

Abstract: A sewing machine including an input unit that inputs a thread cut instruction; a thread cutting mechanism that cuts a needle thread and a bobbin thread based on the thread cut instruction; a feed dog vertically moving mechanism that vertically drives a feed dog for feeding a workpiece cloth; a feed dog activating switch unit that switches the feed dog between an active state in which the feed dog is vertically driven by the feed dog vertically moving mechanism and an inactive state in which an upper surface of the feed dog is positioned in a lowered position below an upper surface of a needle plate provided in a sewing machine bed; and a control unit that drives the thread cutting mechanism based on the thread cut instruction inputted from the input unit and that controls the feed dog activating switch unit to switch the feed dog to the inactive state in which the feed dog is positioned in the lowered position.

Abstract: A sewing machine including a needle-swing mechanism that swings a needle bar; a cloth-feed mechanism that feeds a workpiece cloth by a feed dog; an imaging unit that captures an image of a baseline drawn on a surface of the workpiece cloth; a baseline-color detection portion that detects a baseline color of the baseline based on an image data of the baseline captured by the imaging unit; a first storage portion storing a mapping of a plurality of baseline colors to stitch data of a plurality of normal patterns; and a control portion that forms normal pattern stitches along the baseline by reading stitch data corresponding to the baseline color detected by the baseline-color detection portion from the first storage portion and controlling the needle-swing mechanism and the cloth-feed mechanism based on the stitch data read.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes needlebars for a sewing operation using a plurality of needle threads, a spool pin stand having a plurality of spool pins to which thread spools corresponding to the needlebars are attachable, respectively, thread passage defining members located on a thread passage extending from the spool pin stand to the needlebars, a storage unit storing sewing data including at least thread color information about colors of the needle threads, thread supply display units located on the spool pin stand so as to correspond to the spool pins respectively, the thread supply display units displaying the thread colors in a color-variable manner, respectively, and a thread color information display control unit controlling the thread supply display units based on the thread color information read from the sewing data storage unit, so that thread colors corresponding to the spool pins are displayed by the thread supply display units, respectively.

Abstract: Combination quilted patterns of which at least one component pattern is continuous are sewn on a multi-layered web of material with the sewing heads on one bridge as the material is advanced longitudinally. The bridge might or might not also move longitudinally. Simultaneously, different patterns, either continuous or discontinuous, are sewn with another independently moveable bridge. The continuous patterns extend substantially the lengths of quilted panels on a web, and may extend without thread cuts or tacks along the web across the lengths of more than one panel. One pattern can be changed while the other pattern continues along the web. New patterns, intermediate quilted products and methods for quilting them are provided.

Abstract: A sewing machine including a needle bar that has a sewing needle attached in a lower end thereof; a needle-bar vertical drive mechanism that vertically moves the needle bar by a sewing machine motor via a sewing machine motor main shaft; an imaging unit that captures image of at least the sewing needle and a moving object that is in close proximity of the sewing needle; a distance calculating portion that calculates a distance between the sewing needle and the moving object based on image data captured by the imaging unit; a judging portion that makes a judgment that the distance calculated by the distance calculating portion is equal to or less than a predetermined distance; and a control portion that controls execution of a predetermined safety operation based on a judgment result of the judging portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a needle threading machine of putting a thread through an eye of a needle provided in a sewing machine, the needle treading machine comprising a thread supplying unit supplying the thread along a predetermined thread guiding path; a thread catcher comprising a hook to hook the thread, and a hook supporter extended from the hook and supporting the hook; a thread catcher driver driving the thread catcher to reciprocate allowing the hook to be inserted in and return from the eye of the needle; and a thread guiding unit hooldng the thread supplied from the thread supplying unit on the hook passed through the eye of the needle. Thus, the present invention provides a needle threading machine, in which a thread is stably hooked on a hook, thereby reducing a defective needle threading work and enhancing productivity.

Abstract: A cloth-holder frame transfer apparatus for a sewing machine includes a carriage detachably attachable to a cloth-holder frame holding workpiece cloth, a carriage driving mechanism including an actuator moving the carriage in two directions intersecting each other on a horizontal plane, an external force detector which detects an external force applied to the cloth-holder frame attached to the carriage, an assisting force output device which produces force assisting the movement of the cloth-holder frame by the external force, and a control device which controls the assisting force output device based on the external force detected by the external force detector.

Abstract: In a personal watercraft with a watercraft body including a hull forming a bottom portion and a deck covering the hull from above, a magnet box is integrally combined with a battery storage tray. The watercraft also includes an engine disposed within the watercraft body, and a saddle-type seat disposed above the engine. A magnet box, including a main box body and a lid member, sealingly stores an electromagnetic starter switch therein, and is disposed in front of a battery storage tray, in order to reduce the distance between the magnetic starter switch and a starter motor. The main box body is formed integrally with a battery storage tray which is disposed in back of the engine and fixedly disposed on a floor portion of the watercraft body. The lid member is adapted to sealingly close the main box body of the magnet box in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A small planning boat includes a filler opening for a fuel tank and an opening section that are formed on the deck of the boat body. The filler opening and the opening section are covered with a hatch cover when the hatch cover is closed. A fuel-receiving concave section is formed around the filler opening, so that the filler opening is positioned at the bottom surface section of a fuel-receiving concave section. A guide groove that declines downward from the bottom surface section on an outer side of the boat body can be formed as one piece with the fuel-receiving concave section. A storage section can also be formed inside the opening section. In addition, the filler opening can be positioned on the starboard side rearward from the opening section, and the guide groove can be formed in a section on an outer side of the opening section.

Abstract: An article has a surface topography for resisting bioadhesion of organisms and includes a base article having a surface. A composition of the surface includes a polymer. The surface has a topography comprising a pattern defined by a plurality of spaced apart features attached to or projected into the base article. The plurality of features each have at least one microscale dimension and at least one neighboring feature having a substantially different geometry. An average feature spacing between adjacent ones of the features is between 10 ?m and 100 ?m in at least a portion of the surface. The surface topography can be numerically represented using at least one sinusoidal function. In one embodiment, the surface can comprise a coating layer disposed on the base article.

Abstract: An outboard motor control system can have a first PTT switch and a second PTT switch in a first steering station and in a second steering station respectively, and a third PTT switch in a location outside of a boat hull. Operation instruction given by each PTT switch can be input to a first microcomputer of a first ECU. The first microcomputer can determine if the inputted operation instruction is to be sent to the outboard motor, based on which PTT switch the operation instruction came from, whether the main switch is ON or OFF, and which steering station has precedence in boat control.

Abstract: A sliding window for use in an opening in a supporting structure. The window comprises a plurality of glazing materials, an interior trim ring, and a housing having a plurality of tracks and at least one drain passage connecting each track to a surface on the housing. The drain passages are positioned downwardly from each track through the housing to a position on the surface of housing which is in fluid communication with an exterior environment. The components that comprise the window frame that holds the glazing materials can be economically produced from a unitary blank. The vertical orientation of the drain passages limits the possibility that the passages will become blocked, and thus unable to drain the water from the tracks. Furthermore, each drain passage connects the track directly to the exterior environment to avoid the possibility of one drain passage becoming blocked and urging water back into another track.

Abstract: A device for connecting two portions of a cremone-bolt mechanism related to parts having a different diameter of the leaf of a tilting window of the porthole type, comprising: a flat guide applied astride the two parts with a different diameter of the frame of the leaf, a longitudinal lamina slidable within the flat guide astride the two parts, a connection for the longitudinal lamina to the two mechanism portions of the two parts of the leaf. The flat guide is formed by at least three separate portions, of which a first portion to be fixed to a first one of the two parts, a second portion to be fixed to the second of the two parts, and a third inclined portion for connecting together the first and second portions.

Abstract: Provided is a watercraft launch extension, including a tow vehicle section with an elongated tube having one end configured and sized to fit a tow vehicle receiver, a hollow interior and holes bilaterally aligned in pairs at intervals along its major axis, a watercraft trailer section, including an elongated tube having one end configured to attach to a boat trailer, and an outer surface dimensioned to allow the opposite end to be inserted into the hollow interior of the tow vehicle section's elongated tube, and having one or more pair of bilaterally aligned holes positioned to align with one or more of the pairs of holes of the tow vehicle section's elongated tube, and a fastening means for fastening the tow vehicle section to the boat trailer section using at least one aligned pair of holes.

Abstract: A Fluidynamic Lift Combined Array, Technology for flying, and/or land, and/or other motor vehicles comprises: a. an aerodynamic structure of chord-telescopic smooth-united multisegment lifting wings; and/or b. a set of hydrodynamic circuits including closed loop waved tunnels each with placed inside pump impelling operative liquid and having curved elbows with lifting winglets; and c. a method of generating high lift forces in combined fluidynamic, self-boosting, accumulative, and energy integrating and conservative technology. This proposal can provide: Short, safe, convenient for people, and appropriate for planes takeoffs and landings at speeds about 20 miles per hour. Sure overcoming any difficulties connected with heavy load for land and other vehicles. High general efficiency and profound reliability in upkeeping and thrifty technology with substantial energy conservation by additional lift generated in any tense situations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for hull shells, wherein the test specimen is joined to a complementary structure with legs, having a U-shape in cross section, and at the ends of the legs there are provided lengthwise flanges in the lengthwise direction of the complementary structure with means of attaching the hull shell to the complementary structure and of applying and absorbing corrective forces, while at the borders of the complementary structure in the lengthwise direction there are provided transverse flanges for applying and absorbing of test forces in six degrees of freedom. The complementary structure (1) is formed as a soft box of composite materials and the U-shaped cross section of the complementary structure (1) consists of a horizontal straight segment (11) and two ellipsoidal segments (12) adjoining each side, forming the legs (3) of the U-shaped complementary structure (1).

Abstract: A protective device (14) for the drive unit (10) of a watercraft such as a sport motor boat, a fishing vessel or the like, especially having a Z-drive. In order to prevent barnacle infestation and fouling of the drive unit (10) while the watercraft lies in the water, the protective device (14) is configured as a housing (16) with at least two dimensionally stable housing shell parts (18), which, in the mutually connected closed state, for the seal-tight enclosure of the drive unit (10) to be protected, bear in a seal-tight manner one against the other with their closing edges (22), which correspond to one another in shape, and with an opening edge (24) against the hull of the watercraft, the housing shell parts (18) consisting of a lightproof material.

Abstract: A bracket in combination with a boat surface for holding a boat accessory on a boat includes a boat surface, a mounting plate having a first side and a second side, a slotted exterior surface extending through the first side and defined by raised portions on either side thereof, each of the raised portions having an opening therethrough, a plurality of connectors, wherein each one of the connectors extends through one of each the openings to connect the mounting plate to the boat surface, wherein the boat surface and the slotted surface and raised portions define a slotted area therebetween, and a support plate having a first end configured to be removably received and retained in the slotted area in a manner which provides a second end of the support plate to operably connect an accessory.

Abstract: Visual recognition assistance device (10) for a vehicle includes a pole section (11) provided at a corner area of the vehicle, and a plate section (12) provided at an intermediate portion or end portion of the pole section in substantially parallel relation to the ground surface. The plate section is in any one of disk, rectangular, triangular, kite and bar shapes. The plate section includes a pole-section position indicating portion (13) to point to the pole section in a highlighted fashion. The pole-section-position indicating portion may be in the form of a recessed portion, colored portion, light emitting portion, projecting portion or bar.

Abstract: A scale for a scale reading apparatus has a scale track with scale marks which form an incremental scale. The scale also has a set of reference marks. The scale has at least one additional track and different combinations of markers in the at least one additional track have different functions, for example reference mark enablers and right and left limit switches.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature gradient on the side surface of a silicon single crystal, the height of a solid-liquid interface, and the oxygen concentration in the longitudinal direction of the silicon single crystal is provided in order to manufacture a defect-free silicon single crystal whose oxygen concentration is controlled to a predetermined value rapidly and stably. By disposing a cylindrical cooler around the silicon single crystal, and adjusting the pulling speed of the silicon single crystal, the rotation speed of a crucible that stores molten silicon and the rotation speed of the silicon single crystal, and the output ratio of a multi-heater separated into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the silicon single crystal disposed around the crucible, the temperature gradient on the side surface, the height of the solid-liquid interface, and the oxygen concentration in the longitudinal direction of the silicon single crystal are controlled.

Abstract: Silicon single crystal is pulled by the Czochralski method, using an As dopant comprising a mixed sintered compact of arsenic and silicon, the molar ratio of silicon being not smaller than 35% and not greater than 55% relative to arsenic.

Abstract: A method of forming an epitaxial layer to increase flatness of an epitaxial silicon wafer is provided. In particular, a method of controlling the epitaxial layer thickness in a peripheral part of the wafer is provided. An apparatus for manufacturing an epitaxial wafer by growing an epitaxial layer with reaction of a semiconductor wafer and a source gas in a reaction furnace comprising: a pocket in which the semiconductor wafer is placed; a susceptor fixing the semiconductor; orientation-dependent control means dependent on a crystal orientation of the semiconductor wafer and/or orientation-independent control means independent from the crystal orientation of the semiconductor wafer, wherein the apparatus may improve flatness in a peripheral part of the epitaxial layer.

Abstract: System for controlling crystal growth in a Czochralski crystal growing apparatus. A magnetic field is applied within the crystal growing apparatus and varied to control a shape of the melt-solid interface where the ingot is being pulled from the melt. The shape of the melt-solid interface is formed to a desired shape in response to the varied magnetic field as a function of a length of the ingot.

Abstract: Method for an arrangement for coating a surface with particles (see FIG. 2), comprising a painting spindle, driven by an electric motor (11, 12, 13), with a spindle shaft (4) and a means (8) mounted on the latter and delivering the particles by means of centrifugal force, and which has an electric potential difference relative to the surface to be coated, and also a shaping airflow (10) deflecting the particles towards the surface. The method is characterized by that at least part of the shaping airflow (10) is conducted through the stator iron (11) of the electric motor for dissipation of heat generated in the motor.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holding and rotating mechanism for holding and rotating a substrate; a positioning member disposed on the substrate holding and rotating mechanism for positioning a substrate at a predetermined substrate holding position; a substrate transfer mechanism for transferring a substrate to the substrate holding and rotating mechanism; and a pressing unit disposed on the substrate transfer mechanism for pressing a substrate toward the positioning member.

Abstract: A current sensor for detecting a full return current is connected to a high voltage generator. A leakage current detector including current sensors for detecting a leakage current is provided at the surface of the cover of a coating machine, air passages and a paint passage. Based on current detection values obtained by the current sensors, a high voltage control unit controls a power supply voltage control unit and a high voltage to be output from the high voltage generator can be raised or dropped. By employing the current detection values, the high voltage control unit can identify and provide notification of a location where the leakage current is increased and the insulation is deteriorated, and can request an operator to perform maintenance for the pertinent location. Further, upon occurrence of the insulation being deteriorated, the high voltage control unit can stop the high voltage supply.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ascent and descent apparatus for a liquid material spray printer, which may control a distance between a subject and a spray assembly optimally. The apparatus includes a sliding member having a pair of sliders selectively reciprocating oppositely by a driving unit; a frame installed above the sliders and having an elongated guide hole corresponding to a reciprocating range of the sliders; and a pair of crosslink members installed to an upper surface of the frame to couple with the sliders through the hole and whose upper end supports a flat table. The crosslink members include a pair of unit links hinged at their substantial center, whose lower ends are respectively coupled to the slider and hinged to the frame, and upper ends are respectively hinged to the flat table and supports the flat table rotatably, whereby the flat table is lifted by reciprocation of the sliders.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling the coating of a sample are disclosed. The exemplary system may have a manufacturing device for providing a sample with one or more sample characteristics associated with one or more coating characteristics. The exemplary system may have a sample sensor for determining the one or more sample characteristics and a manufacturing controller for controlling the manufacturing device and controlling the one or more characteristics of the sample provided by the manufacturing device based on the determined one or more sample characteristics. The exemplary system may also have a coating device for providing coating to the sample with the one or more coating characteristics; a coating sensor for determining the one or more coating characteristics; and a coating controller for controlling the coating device and controlling the one or more characteristics of the coating provided by the coating device based on the determined one or more coating characteristics.

Abstract: A method for controlling a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus in a wait mode, including: obtaining information regarding a waiting time required for a product to arrive at the apparatus on a production line, the product being subjected to a predetermined process by the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus; obtaining information regarding a time required to control energy saving between lowering electric power and other energy used by the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus in the wait mode to a level at which the processing is not ready and raising the electric power and the other energy to a processable level at which the product processing is ready; and judging whether or not to execute the energy saving control of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus based on results of comparison of the required time with the waiting time and of estimation on an effect of energy saving obtained by executing the energy saving control during the waiting time.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma processing apparatus which processes a substrate by generating plasma in a process vessel by supply of radio frequency power from a radio frequency power source to at least one of a pair of vertically opposed electrodes disposed in the process vessel, the apparatus including an impedance varying circuit which is connected to at least one of the pair of electrodes and in which an impedance varying part varying impedance on the electrode side of the plasma generated in the process vessel and a resistor are connected in series.

Abstract: Plasma CVD equipment by which increase of a voltage applied on a board to be processed is suppressed, a board is prevented from being damaged and a yield is improved. In the plasma CVD equipment, a material gas is decomposed by plasma discharge in a chamber which can be depressurized, and a conductive film is formed on a board to be processed. When a cumulative number of times of film forming processes reaches a prescribed value, the inside of the chamber is dry-cleaned to be returned to the initial state.

Abstract: A device for generating excited and/or ionized particles in a plasma made of a process gas, having an inner chamber, which is implemented as cylindrical and in which a plasma zone may be generated, a coaxial internal conductor, a coaxial external conductor, an inlet, using which process gas may be supplied into the inner chamber, and an outlet using which process gas may be discharged from the inner chamber, wherein the coaxial internal conductor at least partially has a curved shape.

Abstract: A method for milking a mammal is provided by interactively and variably responding to sensed and monitored milk flow and adaptively varying one or more given milking parameters in response thereto for the individual mammal.

Abstract: A bird feeder including a container or holder for holding bird feed that has both open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports, a plurality of perches, a removable base and a manually operated latch member supported by the base. The latch member includes a plurality of latch extensions for engagement with holes in the base and a plurality of fingers for releasable engagement with the port assemblies. The feed port assembly includes a port member, an insert member for engagement with the fastener and a container for securing the port member with the insert member. A mount supports the bird feeder from below.

Abstract: A bird feeder with a magnetically supported perch includes a bird feeder with a feed hopper body having a feed access opening therein to permit feeding birds to access bird feed stored within the bird feeder and a perch assembly mounting element mounted on the feed hopper body and a magnetic perch assembly including a longitudinally elongated perch bar having inner and outer ends. The perch bar includes a perch bar magnet section adjacent the inner end thereof, the perch bar magnet section being magnetically attracted to the perch assembly mounting element such that the perch bar is releasably magnetically mounted on and extends outwards from the perch assembly mounting element whereby the perch bar magnet is adapted to serve as a perch for birds landing thereon.

Abstract: A feed pushing apparatus 1 includes a traveling body 11 which travels along a feeding path 5, a feed pushing blade 15 which is mounted to a frame 13 of the traveling body 11 and is capable of rising from the feeding path 5, and a first hydraulic cylinder 17 which is mounted to the frame of the traveling body 11, and reciprocally drives the feed pushing blade 15 between a stall 3 side and a side opposite from the stall, with movement of the traveling body 11. By reciprocating the feed blade by the first hydraulic cylinder 17, the feed positioned away from the stall can be pushed back to the stall side.

Abstract: A refrigerated pet feeding assembly with a removable thermally conductive dish designed to contain food, water or both that is continuously cooled by a thermoelectric Peltier-effect conditioning source and powered by an external dc voltage source such as a wall mount power supply or battery. The invention will maintain the contents of the feeding dish at cool refrigerated temperatures slowing the growth of bacteria.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating animal waste from litter are provided. In one form, the apparatus includes a drum that contains litter and a helical rake that is rotatable in the drum. The rake can rotate relative to the drum to reduce power requirements for the rotary rake drive. Preferably, the drum is also rotatable by turning of the rake in the drum, but only for a limited, fixed angular distance which also reduces peak power requirements for the rotary drive motor for the rake.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for raising marine fish in freshwater. 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 significant increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the marine fish.

Abstract: A fish acclimation siphon device with a rigid inverted U-shaped section which fits over the edge of an aquarium, a flexible hose attached to the outer end of the U-shaped section, and a needle valve attached to the end of the flexible hose that allows water from the aquarium to slowly mix drop by drop with the water the fish is accustomed to, after which the fish and the mixed water may be poured into the aquarium.

Abstract: A stackable cage for use with birds and animals. The stackable cage includes a ventilated enclosure having a door. The enclosure includes a bottom and a top. Each of the bottom and top having corresponding structure that interlocks with the structure of stacked cages to securely maintain the stacked relationship of the cages. The bottom of the enclosure also includes a raised floor at least partially surrounded by a channel. Bird or animal droppings migrate toward the channel to reduce the mess associated with housing animals or birds.

Abstract: A pet house, for providing convenient and comfortable accommodation for a pet, comprises a housing, which comprises a surrounding wall having a lodging room for a pet to be accommodated therein, and a roof frame which is supported on the surround wall wherein a food storage is provided within the roof frame for storing food. The pet house is capable of dispensing a food stored within the food storage and water for a pet so as to provide a complete self-sufficient pet house for a pet. A pet food that is stored within the pet food container not only provide convenience for the pet owner to store and dispense pet food for the pet, but also increases the overall weight of the pet house, so as to reduce the chances of the pet house being kicked around or tip over. The water dispenser is adapted for a hose to be connected so as to provide water for the pet to drink. The hose can easily be detached for cleaning the pet house, so as to promote cleanliness and comfort of the pet house for the pet.

Abstract: A window that is installed on a fence or gate is disclosed. The window is installed in an existing fence or gate and allows an animal to look through the fence or gate at people cars or other objects that are on the other side of the fence or gate. The window is fabricated from a single clear material and is printed marked or painted with a border that simulates a frame and or roof structure. Installation of the window requires removing a section of an existing gate or fence and installing the window over the removed section. Since the window is made from a closed surface material sound from the animal such as barking is restricted from transmitting through the window, and also prevents children from sticking their fingers or food through the window.

Abstract: An puppy comforter is disclosed having a shape in the form of an animal, the housing having a cavity with an opening accessible from the exterior, the cavity containing a microwave heatable pouch formed from a durable plastic and containing dissociated grains of Bulger wheat, together with a mechanical clock which generates a ticking sound, the combination providing comfort to an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base including fabric elements extending from the base. The fabric elements may be positioned in a channel within the base. A locking relationship may be formed between the base and the fabric. Furthermore, the base may be provided so that the fabric elements may be removable from the base.