Abstract: This invention is a composition comprising an admixture of one or more cementitious component(s) and one or more cellulosic component. The cellulosic components comprise a defined size and a defined aspect ratio and an amount of water which is within a range effective to impart characteristic in a final hardened product. Importantly, the present invention allows the reduction/elimination of the aggregate and sand content of concrete and similar material without loss of associated properties. Unexpectedly, there are significant improvements of some of the properties.

Abstract: A method of making cement clinker in a wet rotary kiln that includes providing raw material at the front of the kiln and adding a second group of materials for processing at an intermediate location along the kiln. This second group may include materials that improve the clinker and requires less energy to produce. A kiln system that employs this method and a cement clinker made by the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic binder whose main constituent is cement to which a mixture comprised of a chromate reducer and a carrier material is added for chromate reduction. The chromate reducer contains two iron(II) sulfate components, with the first component is made of filter salt from the titanium dioxide production, to which a mineral acid regulator, particularly ground limestone, is added. The second component is moist copperas. The hydraulic binder according to the invention is cost-effective and has chromate contents that are considerably lower than the legally permitted limit. The invention also relates to the use of a mixture of filter salt and copperas as a chromate reducer for reducing water-soluble chromate contents in cement.

Abstract: A mobile device bed desk both functional and decorative. An inverted yoke shaped platform of some thickness supported by it's own legs and additional legs inserted into openings at varying locations so as to give opportunity for adjustment for angle and height of the working plane of the platform and thereby placing the attached optional device at an optimal position for use. The platform is provided with cutout openings and access slots in various locations to provide a convenient option for positioning and holding electrical and peripheral device cords associated with the operation of the attached optional device. In addition said platform is provided with cutout opening at strategic locations to facilitate the cooling of the attached optional device. Applied to the surface of the platform at various locations is a textured material to allow the possible use of a computer human interface device (computer mouse).

Abstract: A collapsible infeed/outfeed table is provided with a pair of collapsible wings that are supported by struts slidably attached to the wings and pivotally attached to two pairs of elongated support legs. A pair of vertical stanchions provide a pivot point for the wings and lower ends thereof support a pair of sliding braces also connected to the extensible legs. A central roller is provided between the two wings that telescopes between an extended and a retracted position. Extensible rollers are provided at free ends of the wings such that, when extended, the table may serve as a crosscut saw support stand. With the wings retracted and the central roller raised, the table may serve as an infeed/outfeed roller support for a separate saw, such as a crosscut saw or table saw. Finally, with all of the rollers retracted and the wings extended, the table is a work table.

Abstract: Accordingly to the present invention, a portable modular table includes a main base unit of a lower frame section, an upper frame section secured to the lower frame section and a counter top removably attached to the upper frame section. The portable modular table can further include one or more attachment components for mounting to the main base unit in a number of configurations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust recycling and re-treating system and a method for the same, and in particular, to a dust recycling and re-treating system and a method for the same, which produces dusts generated from an incinerating and melting processing equipment for hazardous wastes, particularly, radioactive wastes, in a slurry form, and recycles and re-treats them within an existing melting furnace.

Abstract: A method and system transfer, cool, store, and load an ash waste product of a gasification process. Hot ash is moved toward a storage silo via one or more augers and/or conveyors. Ash may be sent through a means for reducing the size of any ash chucks, such as roller crushers. The ash may be transferred via a first auger affixed with a glycol/water indirect cooling means. The ash may then be transferred to a second auger, also having a glycol/water indirect cooling means, but further being operable to blanket the ash with an inert gas, such as slightly pressurized nitrogen. Then, the ash may be transferred to a storage silo via a continuous flow bucket conveyor. The silo and conveyor may be operable to maintain the ash blanketed with inert gas. Subsequently, the ash may be unloaded from the silo, such as into a vehicle, via a retractable spout.

Abstract: Disclosed is a burner for oxidant gasification of pulverized fuels under high pressures of e.g. 80 bar (8 MPa) and temperatures of e.g. 1200 to 1900° C. in reactors with liquid slag removal for oxygen gasification, the individual pulverized fuel supply tubes in the burner are designed such that, while retaining the entry cross-sectional area of the tube, the cross-section makes a systematic transition to a curved rectangular duct matched to the annulus. This means that fuel feeding ends immediately adjacent to the oxidant duct, and the flow rate provided in the feeding element is maintained up to the outlet, thereby ensuring trouble-free flow of the pulverized fuel and reducing the amount of inert gas required for purging the feeding element in the non-operational state.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for high temperature heat treatment of combustible material comprising a pyrolysis chamber (41) and a combustion chamber (42). The full combustion of the combustible material produces gas at high temperature that is sent to the pyrolysis chamber in order to raise the temperature of pyrolysis. This associated to the introducing water vapour, through a duct (6), and of air, through a duct (7), in pyrolysis chamber (41) produce semiwater gas that is then burnt in combustion chamber (42) by feeding a current (8) of a fluid containing oxygen to raise the combustion temperature in order to carry out the process to temperature that assures the molecular break of the totality of the toxic substances.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing fly ash comprising a heated refractory-lined vessel having a series of spaced angled rows of swirl-inducing nozzles which cause cyclonic and/or turbulent air flow of the fly ash when introduced in the vessel, thus increasing the residence time of airborne particles. Also disclosed is a method of fly ash beneficiation using the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boiler and to a method for operating a boiler. To effectively prevent damage to the boiler wall, in particular by corrosion, the flow speed characteristic of a furnace floor flow running horizontally to the furnace floor is determined, a source region of the horizontal furnace wall flow on at least one furnace wall is determined and an insulating gas is supplied to the source region of the horizontal furnace wall flow, in such a way that an insulating gas layer, which insulates the respective boiler wall from the flue gas, is created by the horizontal extension of the insulating gas with the aid of the furnace wall flow.

Abstract: This Patent is characterized for being constituted by an equipment (I) application device available in a basic model and two constructive variations, a product (P) formed by a composition of nitrogen (N); Phosphorus (P205); Potassium (K20); Calcium (Ca); Magnesium (Mg); Sodium (Na); Copper (Cu); Manganese (Mn); Iron (Fe); Zinc (Zn); Boron (B); Cobalt (Co); Sulfur (S) in variable quantities; a Water Retention Capacity or WRC and a Capacity of Cationic Change or CTC, also variable, and finally, a system or another operational way, in an individual or collective way, of plantation of seedlings (S) and application of the product (P) developed from the use of a tanker provider with a compressor and to which different hoses would be able to be connected in function of the quantity of workers work.

Abstract: The present planter unit, and planter implements using the present planter unit, include first and second discs and first and second pathways. The first and second discs may be generally planar and in a non-overlapping relation. As the planter unit is towed through a field, the first disc creates a first trench in the seedbed and the first pathway deposits a first material in the first trench. Subsequently, the second disc creates a second trench which is continuous with the first trench and partially fills the first trench. A second material is deposited in the second trench by the second pathway.

Abstract: Left and right main hoppers offset laterally from each other on opposite sides of the centerline of a seeding machine provide an operator access area between the hoppers. A third hopper located forwardly of and between the two main hoppers has a capacity less than that of each of the main hoppers for refuge or male seed. The hoppers are sized to maximize productivity. In one embodiment, first and second hoppers communicate with downstream conduit structure, and valve structure selects one or the other of the first and second hoppers for delivery of the material. The valve structure can be operated remotely and can be map based. Alternatively, selectively blockable nozzle structure is located in the first and second hoppers. Easily changeable connector structure facilitates row pattern selection and hose routing.

Abstract: A threading device includes a threading shaft holding a threading hook, a threading operation inputting mechanism from which a back-and-forth movement is given to the threading hook, a first supporting mechanism movably supporting the threading shaft in an X-axis direction, a second supporting mechanism movably supporting the threading shaft in a Y-axis direction, and a positioning mechanism which, when a movement operating portion is operated, moves the threading shaft along a path corresponding to an arrangement of each of the needles. The positioning mechanism includes a first cam mechanism which moves the threading shaft in the X-axis direction, and a second cam mechanism which moves the threading shaft in the second direction. The threading shaft is sequentially moved to positions corresponding to the arrangement of each of the needles in the horizontal directions in accordance with the operation of the movement operating portion.

Abstract: A clutch structure for a presser foot in an embroidery sewing machine is provided. The clutch structure includes a guide member, to which the presser foot drive link is rotatably connected, and through which the needle bar guide shaft passes, a spring connecting member mounted on the outer circumference of the needle bar guide shaft and inside the guide member, a resilient member mounted on the outer periphery of the spring connecting member, and a pivot member mounted inside the guide member so as to be pivotable around the needle bar guide shaft within a certain angular range by the height adjusting mechanism and the resilient member. Upon a head-interval adjusting operation, the unnecessary driving of the presser foot is prevented, so that the occurrence of vibrations and noise as well as the unnecessary wear of a needle bar, a presser foot support, and a presser foot holder can be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating the effects of shock loading on occupants, cargo and gear the apparatus located in a watercraft the apparatus having a deck positioned and arranged in said watercraft for supporting thereon said occupants, cargo and gear, a hinge communicating with said deck and said watercraft and supporting the forwardly portion of said deck and permitting said deck to move and rotate about said hinge and prevent said deck from substantial side to side movement, a dampener communicating with said deck and said hull of said watercraft the dampener positioned and arranged to move in response to said moving and rotating deck and said dampener absorbing at least a portion of the energy of said moving deck as said deck moves and rotates, and a spring communicating with said deck and said hull of said watercraft the spring positioned and arranged to support the rearwardly portion on said deck and to move in response to said moving and rotating deck the spring absorbing at lease a portion of the energy

Abstract: A mooring method for a moored vessel that comprises a first chain stopper that is fixed to the vessel and is operable to selectively couple an upper chain to the vessel. A chain tensioner is coupled to the vessel and is operable to pull the upper chain. A second chain stopper is fixed to the vessel and is operable to selectively couple the upper chain to the vessel. The chain tensioner engages the upper chain at a location between the first chain stopper and the second chain stopper.

Abstract: Herein described is a marine plant for the automatic washing of boats, characterised in that it comprises a supporting structure (1) partially submerged, means (26, 28, 41) for cleaning the boat, means (13-14, 25-26, 40) for transmitting the motion commanded by at least one motor (18, 23, 34, 39) suitable for reciprocally positioning at least part of said cleaning means (26, 28, 41) in relation to the boat (8, 30), and a command unit (200) for the operator to control the marine plant.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for large ships where a flotation member is configured to bob along the water as the ship moves and the dragging action of the ship as it partially submerges provides relative motion of a large brush member attached to the flotation member.

Abstract: A thin molded outer shell houses a foam filled interior on a watercraft float. Rollers supported by extra foam assist in the loading and unloading of watercraft.

Abstract: A horn actuator for a vehicle horn mounts to a steering wheel hub. The horn actuator has a number of support posts that each pass through a switch cup and mount into the steering wheel hub. A switch lies within the switch cup and a spring biases the switch cup away from the steering wheel hub. An air bag plate presses against the switch cup and biases the spring to cause the switch to make contact when a force is applied to the air bag. When activated, the switch relays electricity to a vehicle horn. The support posts are connected to each other by a connector portion that provides rigidity to the structure and provides a surface for wiring of the electrical switches. Additional support posts, cups and switches are connected by additional connector portions.

Abstract: The noisemaker pennant is a combination pennant or flag and a noisemaker device that enables the sports fan to simultaneously express his or her emotions at an event both visually and audibly. Waving the present noisemaker pennant serves to display the pennant or flag thereon, while simultaneously activating the noisemaker device attached thereto. The noisemaker pennant may have various types of pennants, flags, banners, etc. formed of relatively thin, flexible material, with a sports team logo, player's name, political symbol, etc., displayed thereon. The noisemaker portion may be any of various devices, including, but not limited to, clappers, ratcheting devices, bells, whistles, etc. The noisemaker portion and/or the pennant may be removably secured to the staff, to allow the user to interchangeably install different noisemakers with the pennant or flag. A handgrip is provided on the staff opposite the noisemaker end thereof.

Abstract: A tactile fire escape system for guiding individuals to a fire escape during low visibility emergencies. The tactile fire escape system includes a plurality of first tactile members attached to a wall at a height above a floor, wherein the plurality of first tactile members are comprised of a tapered structure pointing approximately along an emergency path to an exit door, a second tactile sign attached to the exit door, wherein the second tactile sign is comprised of a tapered structure pointing approximately upwardly and a plurality of third tactile members attached to the wall indicating an immediate left or right turn across the hallway or common area. The first tactile members, second tactile sign and third tactile members guide a user along an emergency path toward an exit door. An initial tactile member may also be located within a room to guide the individual toward an initial direction along the emergency path.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.

Abstract: A pressure indicating device includes a case including a gas passage, and a movable indicator carried by the case. The indicator has an end in fluid communication with the gas passage and an indicator end projectable out of a portion of the case when pressure in the gas passage is at least a predetermined minimum pressure. A spring may retract the indicator when pressure in the gas passage is below the predetermined minimum pressure.

Abstract: A caution flag apparatus for mounting on a vehicle which includes in one embodiment, a pipe bracket hinged to the side of the vehicle and pivotally attached to a flag storage pipe or tube which receives a flag and flag rod. A flag rod bracket carries the flag rod at one end and the opposite end of the flag rod bracket is attached to a hinged bracket carrying a conventional stop sign. A conventional drive motor is mounted on the side of the vehicle and causes the hinged bracket, stop sign, flag rod bracket, flag rod, pipe bracket and flag storage pipe to selectively pivot inwardly and outwardly of the vehicle in an arc. Extension of the flag storage pipe outwardly of the vehicle effects extension of the flag and the free end of the flag rod from the flag storage pipe into a deployed configuration in or near the lane of an oncoming or passing automobile.

Abstract: A tire and wheel rim assembly includes a tire supporting rim having an outward facing mounting surface and at least one tire body mounted to the rim and positioning an internal tire cavity over the rim mounting surface. A tire pressure monitoring module assembly mounts to the rim mounting surface and includes a housing having an internal pressure chamber; a pressure sensing device and/or a temperature measuring sensor within the housing pressure chamber; and an elongate connecting member extending through the housing and the rim mounting surface. A crossover pipe connects the housing pressure chamber with a remote portion of the rim. The inflation pressure in the tire cavity is transferred through the axial passageway of the crossover pipe to the pressure chamber within the module housing.

Abstract: A vehicle direction indicator system is designed to alert surrounding drivers of the intentions of the vehicle operator to continue in a forward direction. The indicator system has a plurality of indicator light end points and each end point is powered by the vehicle's electrical system and includes a housing, a light source holder and a lens attached to the front portion of the housing, and a vibration feedback element to indicate to the driver when the signal is activated. The end points may be positioned in various locations such as the grill, spoiler, side markers and the like and may simultaneously emit a color when the vehicle driver actuates the indicator system within the vehicle. The system is preferably mounted onto the front portion of the vehicle and is capable of signaling to other drivers at a four way intersection an intention to continue in a straight direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a uniformly oriented crystalline sheet, wherein a plurality of crystallites are introduced into a liquid. At least a portion of the crystallites float on the surface of the liquid, and are induced to self-orientate until they are uniformly oriented in a compact mosaic configuration, while their sintering is prevented. A uniformly oriented crystalline sheet is formed from the compact mosaic configuration, for example, by sintering the crystallites. An apparatus for forming a crystalline sheet includes a container containing a liquid, wherein a plurality of crystallites are introduced and at least a portion thereof float on the surface of the liquid without sintering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technology of growing single crystals from melts on a seed crystal. The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a universal method of growing single crystals of various chemical composition, for example, of A2B6 and A2B5 type, and also single crystals of refractory oxides, such as sapphire. The technical result of the claimed invention is its universality with regard to the material of the single crystal to be grown, enhanced performance, and improved structural finish of resulting single crystals by ruling out melt overcooling in the coursed of growing.

Abstract: A crystal growth method, comprising the steps of: a) bringing a nitrogen material into a reaction vessel in which a mixed molten liquid comprising an alkaline metal and a group-III metal; and b) growing a crystal of a group-III nitride using the mixed molten liquid and the nitrogen material brought in by the step a) in the reaction vessel, wherein a provision is made such as to prevent a vapor of the alkaline metal from dispersing out of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Precursors suitable for chemical vapour deposition, especially ALD, of hafnium oxide or zirconium oxide, have the general formula: (R1Cp)2MR2 wherein Cp represents a cyclopentadienyl ligand, R1 is H or a substituting alkyl group, alkoxy group or amido group of the Cp ligand, R2 is an alkyl group, an alkoxy group or an amido group and M is hafnium or zirconium.

Abstract: The apparatus has a crucible for storing a solution; an inner container 16 for storing a crucible; a heating container 31 for storing the inner container 16, the heating container 31 including heating elements 14, a container body 13 provided with the heating elements 14 and a lid 12 combined with the container body 13; and a pressure vessel 30 for storing the heating container 31 and for charging an atmosphere comprising at least nitrogen gas. The lid 12 has a fitting surface 12b to the container body inclined to a horizontal plane P.

Abstract: Previously a number of techniques have been used in order to form single crystal or pre-determined crystallography components and articles. Each one of these techniques has its own particular problems, including susceptibility to error. By utilisation of a bi-crystal experiment to determine melt-back length LM and by consideration of the ingress distance d from potential initiation nucleation points on a perimeter of a seed crystal, it is possible to determine a maximum ingress length d. By ensuring that the maximum ingress length d is less than or equal to a seed crystal diameter R, it is possible to project locus from potential nucleation points C1, C2 in terms of potential radii for stray grain propagation. As the seed crystal will have a known crystalline orientation, it will be possible to consider two divergent growth curves of the crystal in terms of the stray grains propagating from the point C1, C2.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying fluids such as adhesive, in particular hot melt adhesive, to a substrate. The apparatus includes a main body which can be connected to a fluid source, an application valve for selectively interrupting or enabling a flow of fluid, and a nozzle arrangement arranged on the main body for applying the fluid. The nozzle includes a distributor passage communicating with the fluid source, and the nozzle arrangement has at least one outlet opening for delivery of the fluid, which communicates with the distributor passage, and a closure body arranged movably in the distributor passage for varying the length, which can be acted upon with fluid, of the distributor passage. The distributor passage is provided in a one-piece portion of the nozzle arrangement.

Abstract: A liquid curing apparatus for a liquid transfer device includes a liquid transfer unit and a plurality of ultraviolet-emitting diodes. The liquid transfer unit transfers an ultraviolet curing liquid to a transfer target body. The plurality of ultraviolet-emitting diodes are arranged to oppose the transfer target body and emit only ultraviolet-wavelength light to irradiate the transfer target body to which the liquid has been transferred by the liquid transfer unit, thereby curing the transferred liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas feed installation for depositing barrier layers in a container. According to the invention, a balancing step is carried out using a start-up feed device (70) during transient states when the operation passes from a vacuum step, then to a step of depositing a preparatory layer and finally a step of depositing an actual barrier layer on an injector (44) inside a container (42).

Abstract: A method for using a film formation apparatus for a semiconductor process includes setting an idling state where a reaction chamber of the film formation apparatus accommodates no product target substrate therein, and then, performing a purging process of removing a contaminant present in an inner surface of the reaction chamber by causing radicals to act on the inner surface of the reaction chamber. The radicals are generated by activating a purging process gas containing oxygen and hydrogen as elements.

Abstract: A process gas line (255) for carrying WF6 gas for nucleation, a process gas line (259) for carrying WF6 gas for film deposition after nucleation are joined at a single joint (280) to a carrier gas line (256). A gas line (270) is connected to the joint (280) to carry a mixed gas of the carrier gas and WF6 gas to a processing chamber defined by a processing vessel. Sections of the carrier gas line (256) and the gas line (270) extending on the opposite sides of the joint (280) extend along a straight line, and the process gas lines (255, 259) are perpendicular to the gas line (270).

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a gallium rich gallium nitride film is described. The process comprises (a) preparing a reaction mixture containing a gallium species and a nitrogen species, the gallium species and the nitrogen species being selected such that, when they react with each other, gallium nitride is formed; and (b) growing the gallium rich gallium nitride film from the reaction mixture, by allowing the gallium species to react with the nitrogen species and to deposit gallium nitride on a substrate selected from the group consisting of silicon, glass, sapphire, quartz and crystalline materials having a lattice constant closely matched to gallium nitride, including zinc oxide, optionally with a zinc oxide buffer layer, at a temperature of from about 480° C. to about 900° C. and in the presence of a gaseous environment in which the partial pressure of oxygen is less than 10?4 Torr, wherein the ratio of gallium atoms to nitrogen atoms in the gallium rich gallium nitride film is from 1.01 to 1.20.

Abstract: A method and system for introducing a process fluid through a chamber component in a processing system is described. The chamber component comprises a chamber element having a first surface on a supply side of the chamber element and a second surface on a process side of the chamber element, wherein the process side is opposite the supply side. Furthermore, the chamber component comprises a conduit extending through the chamber element from the supply side to the process side, wherein the conduit comprises an inlet configured to receive a process fluid and an outlet configured to distribute the process fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for plasma depositing a thin layer made of a barrier material onto an inner wall container (2), this device (1) comprising: an electromagnetic wave generator (3); a cavity (5) connected to the generator (3) and made of a conductive material, and a chamber (6) located inside the cavity (5) and made of a material transparent to electromagnetic waves coming from the generator (3). This device (1) is characterized in that it comprises means (14, 15; 16) for cooling the chamber (6).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to form a thin film reproducibly in a process for forming the thin film on the inner wall surface facing a space formed in a substrate by plasma CVD. A thin film 22 is produced on an inner wall surface 20b of a substrate 20 facing a space 23 formed in the substrate 20. The substrate 20 is contained in a chamber for plasma CVD process. A gas for plasma reaction is then flown into the space 23 and a pulse voltage is applied on the substrate 20 without substantially applying a direct bias voltage on the substrate 20 to form the thin film on the inner wall surface 20b.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an inductively coupled plasma apparatus. When depositing utilizing a plasma generated from a showerhead, the plasma may not be evenly distributed to the edge of the substrate. By inductively coupling plasma to the chamber in an area corresponding to the chamber walls, the plasma distribution within the chamber may be evenly distributed and deposition upon the substrate may be substantially even. By vaporizing the processing gas prior to entry into the processing chamber, the plasma may also be even and thus contribute to an even deposition on the substrate.

Abstract: A filament, heat shield, supporting base comprised of SiC with ceramic insulators and top plate that together form an effusion assembly for use in the vacuum evaporation, molecular beam epitaxy, and ultra high vacuum deposition of epitaxial materials. The effusion assembly used together with a crucible and source material allow for the vacuum evaporation of species above 1250° C. when quantities of reactive gaseous species such as oxygen, sulphur, or reactive nitrogen are present in the deposition chamber. The relative chemical inertness of SiC even at elevated temperatures allows the SiC filament assembly to be used at high temperature especially in the presence of oxygen for the high purity epitaxial nucleation and growth layered electronic materials including semiconductors, metals, oxides, dielectric multilayer stacks, sulfides and oxides.

Abstract: In this embodiment, an interval distance between a deposition source holder 17 and an object on which deposition is performed (substrate 13) is reduced to 30 cm or less, preferably 20 cm or less, more preferably 5 to 15 cm, and a deposition source holder 17 is moved in an X direction or a Y direction in accordance with an insulator (also called a bank or a barrier) in deposition, and a shutter 15 is opened or closed to form a film. The present invention can cope with an increase in size of a deposition apparatus with a further increase in size of a substrate in the future.

Abstract: An arrangement for milking a plurality of milking animals comprises an automated milking system (11) provided with a milking robot (13) for automatically milking a milking animal; a milking system (15) provided for batchwise milking of multiple milking animals; an identification arrangement (19, 21) provided for identifying each of the plurality of milking animals prior to being milked; decision means (23) connected to the identification arrangement for deciding, for each of the plurality of milking animals, whether that milking animal should be milked by the automated milking system or by the milking system for batchwise milking; and means connected (25) to the decision means for guiding each of the plurality of milking animals to the automated milking system or to the milking system for batchwise milking depending on the decision made for that milking animal.

Abstract: A device for supporting milk and/or vacuum conduits (3, 4) for a milking machine, including a rail (10) at least one dropper (20) supported for longitudinal movement along the rail (10). The dropper (20) has a locating element (41) to position milk and/or vacuum conduits (3, 4) when in use.