Abstract: A backward motion stop for a car to be pulled up in a guiding device is provided and consists of a catch lever engaging in a catch rail such that it operates noiselessly. For this purpose, an induction strut is laid parallel to the catch rail and the catch lever is equipped with a magnet interacting with the induction strut so that a linear eddy current brake is formed, which exercises a slight braking force counteracting the upward motion of the car upon the catch lever, which, because of the torque linked therewith, is moved out of the catch rail, so that it essentially floats over the catch rail.

Abstract: A locomotive truck and method for distributing weight asymmetrically to axles of the truck includes a first axle of a locomotive truck uncoupled from a traction system of the locomotive and a first suspension assembly coupling the first axle to the truck for applying to the first axle a first portion of a locomotive weight. The truck also includes a second axle coupled to the traction system and a second suspension assembly coupling the second axle to the truck for applying to the second axle a second portion of the locomotive weight greater than the first portion so that weight is asymmetrically distributed to the first axle and the second axle so as to transmit a corresponding incremental amount of tractive effort for a given amount of a driving torque applied to the second axle via the traction system of the locomotive.

Abstract: A system and method for modification of a baseline ballast arrangement of a locomotive having an overall tractive effort rating based on symmetrical distribution of weight and driving torque applied by the locomotive to the respective axles of the locomotive. The system includes a locomotive truck comprising an un-powered first axle and a powered second axle. The system also includes a first suspension assembly configured to apply to the first axle a first portion of a locomotive weight and a second suspension assembly configured to apply to the second axle a second portion of the locomotive weight different from the first portion. An amount of locomotive weight allocated from the first axle to the second axle allows modification of a baseline ballast arrangement by reducing an amount of ballast in the baseline ballast arrangement corresponding to the amount of weight allocated from the first axle to the second axle.

Abstract: A kit and method for converting a locomotive from a first configuration to a second configuration having a different operational capability. The kit includes a traction assembly including a mechanical subassembly configured to mechanically couple a first axle of a truck to a traction system of the locomotive; and an electromotive subassembly configured to electromotively couple the first axle to the traction system of the locomotive via the mechanical subassembly. When the kit is installed in the locomotive, the locomotive is converted from the first configuration having the first axle uncoupled from the traction system and a second axle of the truck coupled to the traction system to the second configuration having the first axle coupled to the traction system and a second axle coupled to the traction system.

Abstract: This invention relates to bogies for railway rolling stock. In particular it relates to suspension arrangements for such bogies wherein the frame is mounted on a spring suspension arrangement. In one embodiment the spring suspension arrangement comprises two groups of springs on either side of a wheel axle (11), each group comprising an inner spring (14) and two outer fore and aft springs (15, 16). In another arrangement there are two lower springs (14) on either side of a wheel axle (11) and at least one upper spring (21) above the axle. The arrangements described provide better lateral and longitudinal stiffness and shear characteristics which, reduce hunting and wheel wear. They also enable the axles to accommodate increased loads.

Abstract: A railroad freight car may have a body for carrying lading. The body may be a gondola car body. The car body may include a decking or floor structure, and may include longitudinally extending side beams bordering the floor structure. The connection of the side beams to the floor structure may be may without the use of a dedicated side sill. The car body structure may include cross-bearers and side beam stiffeners that are joined together by structural knees. The car body may also include clean out ports to facilitate cleaning of the lading receptacle.

Abstract: An ink composition including a siloxy group-containing silazane-based compound, a colorant, and a solvent, and an ink cartridge and an inkjet recording apparatus including the ink composition.

Abstract: A thermal ink which comprises a colour former, a colour developer and a sensitizer, characterised in that the colour former comprises 3-dibutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluoran; the colour developer comprises bisphenol A; and the sensitizer comprises dimethyl terephthalate; and that the ink also comprises at least one pigment. This ink may be used in thermal papers to reduce unwanted discolouration during storage.

Abstract: An ink composition includes an anionic acrylate copolymer binder, an oxidized self-dispersible pigment, and an aqueous vehicle.

Abstract: A fluid-processing device is provided for bringing two kinds of fluids into contact to mix or react with each other. The device comprises a first supply path connected to a first feed inlet for feeding a first fluid for supplying the first fluid, and plural second supply paths connected to a second feed inlet for feeding a second fluid for supplying the second fluid; the second supply paths being arranged along supply direction of the first fluid, the second supply paths being surrounded by the first fluid, the second fluid discharged from fluid outlets of the second supply paths being brought into contact with the first fluid in the first supply path.

Abstract: A method for improving air entrainment comprising the steps of: providing a compound selected from an amphoteric, an alkyl polyglycoside, an ester, a triglyceride, a triglyceride derivative, a fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated polyhydric fatty alcohol, and mixtures thereof; dispersing the compound on a finely particulate carrier to form a treated carrier; and adding the treated carrier to a cementitious mixture is provided. A composition for improving air entrainment, including a compound selected from an amphoteric, an alkyl polyglycoside, an ester, a triglyceride, a triglyceride derivative, a fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated polyhydric fatty alcohol, and mixtures thereof, wherein the compound is dispersed on an organic particulate carrier and added to a cementitious mixture, is also provided. The composition may be incorporated into a concrete structure.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide a gas-forming agent which exhibits no hydrogen embrittlement and allows gas generation to achieve a desired amount of inflation even in the presence of nitrite, and a cement composition utilizing the agent which offers improved shrinkage compensation. [Solution] The gas-forming agent for a cement composition containing nitrite comprises a substance which produces nitrogen gas through a reaction in the cement composition.

Abstract: A first rotating plate 10 is supported on a planar base plate 4 in such a manner as to be rotatable about a spindle 8. The first rotating plate 10 has a spar gear 30 disposed along its outer periphery to which driving force for rotating the first rotating plate 10 about the spindle 8. The first rotating plate 10 has first attachment parts 40a and 40b on its top surface for attachment to a television receiver. A second rotating plate 42 is detachably attached to the first rotating plate 10. The attachment of the second rotating plate 42 is such as to permit the second rotating plate 42 to slip about the spindle 8 relative to the first rotating plate 10 when force greater than a predetermined magnitude is exerted to the second rotating plate. The second rotating plate 42 has a second attachment part 54 on its top surface for attachment to a television receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the longitudinal and angular position of a work surface support leg is disclosed. The leg passes through a channel in a cap held via a spring and pin to a base. The leg's angular position is adjusted by rotating the cap, moving a tooth through a series of mating depressions, while the longitudinal position is adjusted by moving the leg with a series of notches that mate with a locking tooth in the cap. A knob interfaces with the cap via a rotary cam having high and low steps and a matching cam rider. The low step allows separation between the cap and base and the high step locks the cap to the base, thereby locking in the adjustment setting for the leg. The invention affords superior convenience when making angular and longitudinal leg adjustments, especially for people with physical handicaps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safe device for collecting coins. It comprises a support receiving a coin box comprising a hatch controlled by an internal mechanism. The coin box comprises: a locking means making it possible to authorize its introduction and its extraction in the support; a locking means making it possible to authorize the internal mechanism to open the hatch; The internal mechanism acts on the hatch: by opening it when the locking means authorizes it and the coin box is introduced into the support; by holding it closed otherwise. The subject of the invention is also a safe method for emptying coin boxes. The invention is applied to the transfer of coins without contact.

Abstract: A method of decreasing pollutants produced in a combustion process. The method comprises combusting coal in a combustion chamber to produce at least one pollutant selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-containing pollutant, sulfuric acid, sulfur trioxide, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide, chlorine, hydroiodic acid, iodine, hydrofluoric acid, fluorine, hydrobromic acid, bromine, phosphoric acid, phosphorous pentaoxide, elemental mercury, and mercuric chloride. Oil shale particles are introduced into the combustion chamber and are combusted to produce sorbent particulates and a reductant. The at least one pollutant is contacted with at least one of the sorbent particulates and the reductant to decrease an amount of the at least one pollutant in the combustion chamber. The reductant may chemically reduce the at least one pollutant to a benign species. The sorbent particulates may adsorb or absorb the at least one pollutant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for incinerating dangerous waste, and in particular, apparatus for incinerating dangerous waste in various forms. It comprises a continuous feeding device, an incineration furnace, a flue gas quenching device, a flue gas treating device, and an online monitoring system. The continuous feeding device includes device for feeding paste, powder, and solid device. The quenching device is connected to a steam boiler and a thermal oil tank, thus achieving comprehensive utilization of the thermal energy generated during incineration of the waste. Apparatus for incinerating dangerous waste according to the present invention enables sufficient combustion of the waste, recycling of the metal oxides or noble metals from the combustion flue gas and/or sinters and/or furnace ashes, effective elimination of the concurrent degradation and re-forming of dioxins.

Abstract: A temporary casket made substantially from burnable material, having a positionable inclining mechanism inside a casket shell. The temporary casket may be inserted into a formal, traditional casket where the temporary casket shell protects the traditional casket. Inside the temporary casket, a plank is attached by a clamp or bracket to an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle between the plank and the floor of the casket shell. The mechanism also includes a vertical threaded rod that engages the clamp, allowing the rod to be rotatable and move the clamp axially along the rod to lift or lower the plank. This allows a funeral director to easily adjust the deceased to achieve the most “restful” state, and without jostling or appearing disrespectful to the deceased. After a service, the deceased, along with the temporary casket and the mechanism itself, may be cremated.

Abstract: A method for handling a substance from which a combustible gas volatilizes. A method for handling a substance from which a combustible gas volatilizes, in which, when such substance is handled inside an apparatus with a high degree of hermeticity, air is introduced into the apparatus and the substance is handled in a state in which the volatilized combustible gas is diluted to a concentration at which neither explosion nor fire occurs. With this method for handling a substance from which a combustible gas volatilizes, the combustible gas is diluted with air to a concentration at which neither explosion nor fire occurs, without using inactive gases such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide that have to be produced or purchased. Therefore, a substance from which a combustible gas volatilizes can be inexpensively and safely handled in operations such as mixing and storing.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide in combustion exhaust gas can be effectively separated and the combustion exhaust gas including the other exhaust gas components condensed through the separation of carbon dioxide can be discharged to the atmosphere. Air 7 is separated by an air separation unit 8 into oxygen 9 and other nitrogen-prevailing gas 10a. The obtained oxygen 9 and coal 1 are burned by a burner 5a of a combustion furnace 4. Exhaust gas treatment is conducted for the resultant combustion exhaust gas from the furnace 4. Then, part of the combustion exhaust gas is recirculated to the burner 5a and the remaining unrecirculated combustion exhaust gas is compressed to take out liquefied carbon dioxide 29. The other exhaust gas components 31 unliquefied through the compression is mixed and diluted with the other nitrogen-prevailing gas 10a in the separation of the oxygen 9 from the air 7 in the air separation unit 8 and is discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting energy from fiber introduced as a fuel into a vertically elongated combustion chamber having a suspension burner capable of projecting a flame down the axis of the combustion chamber with a heat collection surface located radially from the flame and below the burner, and an exhaust opening located below the flame and below at least a portion of the heat collection surface, in which the combusted fiber yields a mixture containing hot flue gas and molten ash above the exhaust opening and heat transfers therefrom to the heat collection surface prior to any substantial contact of ash to a surface of the combustion chamber, to yield a mixture containing warm flue gas and non-molten ash, that is thereafter cooled to yield a mixture containing cool flue gas and non-molten ash.

Abstract: Transplanter which can avoid skips when planting, which skips may occur when seeds in a tray row fail to grow into seedlings. This is accomplished by picking up an entire row of seedlings from a tray, transferring the seedlings to a mechanism which eliminates gaps between seedlings, and then discharging the seedlings one at time to the ground with a desired spacing between the seedlings. A novel tray indexing mechanism is provided which can index trays of varying sizes. The planting mechanism has an air knife mounted adjacent transfer disks for straightening out the foliage as stems of seedlings before they are received by the planting disks, and the planting and transfer disks may be moved towards and away from each other for seedlings of differing heights.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread feeding apparatus for an embroidering machine, comprising a thread tension adjuster including a thread tension adjusting body and a thread winding unit; a thread take-up unit including a thread retainer and oscillating to tense and release the upper thread; a thread take-out unit including a thread take-out lever and retaining the upper thread; a driver driving the thread winding unit to rotate and the thread take-out lever to reciprocate; a rotating motion transformer rotating the thread winding unit to wind the upper thread on the thread tension adjusting body; and a straight line motion transformer and moving the thread take-out lever to retain the upper thread on the thread retainer. Thus, a single driver is used for winding an upper thread and retaining the upper thread, thereby enhancing productivity. Further, the number of components is reduced.

Abstract: A water intake device is disclosed for mounting on a boat hull so that at least a peripheral portion water-side face thereof is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the boat hull. The water intake device includes a plate or screen having the water-side face and having a plurality of througbores for water uptake. The throughbores are obliquely angled with respect to the water-side face to promote water intake, and preferably are angled at approximately 20 degrees.

Abstract: A motorwell throughhull is disclosed having a central portion for threadably receiving end caps or securements thereon. The central portion is sizable, such as by being formed of a material that is easily cut such as plastic. The end caps may be formed of metal to provide a desirable aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A pontoon boat is shown which includes a frame, and a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame. The plurality of pontoons comprises two outer pontoons of substantially cylindrical configuration and a center pontoon comprising a substantially curvilinear configuration, wherein a height of the center pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer pontoons. One embodiment of the pontoon is elliptical in cross section.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle including an axi-symmetric framing system rotatable about a centerline to define a shell of revolution having a uniformly-convex outer boundary. A narrow-beam sonar array is mounted on the axi-symmetric framing system, and includes a multitude of simultaneously-fireable and/or asynchronously-fireable transducers distributed substantially evenly over a 4?-steradian viewing angle. The present invention provides the necessary configuration for a vehicle wherein an internal algorithm can compare a “new” geometry to an “old” geometry collected earlier to construct a best fit of the new world map with the old world map and locate the vehicle within the context of the new world map. This then provides a completely independent mechanism for correction of the gradual drift in x and y that is not dependent on any form of external navigation aid.

Abstract: An air inflatable watercraft, preferably having a bow and stern, and having a cockpit, a bottom area forming part of said cockpit having a through opening therein adapted to receive a human operated propulsion mechanism which can be operated from the cockpit to propel the watercraft. An air inflatable watercraft having an inflatable, airtight bow and stern, and having a bottom area between two side inflatable, airtight compartments which run essentially the length of the watercraft, upon inflation the two side compartments at least partially extend above the bottom to provide a cockpit therebetween, and the inflated bow and stern form a configuration which is adapted to be efficiently propelled, viz., adapted to cut through the water. This embodiment can be hand rowed or provided with a pedaled propulsion mechanism provided a through opening is built into the bottom.

Abstract: A retractable boat top device is disclosed having an arched canopy assembly operatively deployed in mounted attachment upon a conventional radar arch or like elevated structure on the deck of a boat. The arched canopy assembly includes a stationery roof section formed having a curved planar surface transversely mounted within the radar arch, a pair of telescoping extension arms mounted on opposite sides of the roof section, and an arched roller assembled to hold a flexible canopy material thereon and operatively connected between the outer ends of the extension arms so that the flexible canopy material may be extended and retracted relative to the stationery roof section in an arched configuration substantially in the same plane as the roof section.

Abstract: A garage stop guidance pole, including: a) a telescopic pole, b) a support spring that holds the telescopic pole, and c) a base holding the support spring and requiring no fastening to a wall or a floor. The support spring is strong enough to hold the pole straight when neither the pole nor the spring is touched by a vehicle to be guided but provides swing motion when it is bumped by the vehicle to provide indication to the vehicle driver to stop at a preferred location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a compound semiconductor epitaxial substrate having a pn junction by selective growth which is characterized by using a base substrate having an average residual strain of not more than 1.0×10?5.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for producing a single crystal of semiconductor material. The apparatus comprises a chamber and a crucible which is arranged in the chamber and is enclosed by a crucible heater, a radiation shield for shielding a growing single crystal and thermal insulation between the crucible heater and an inner wall of the chamber. The apparatus may include a resilient seal which seals a gap between the inner wall and the thermal insulation and forms an obstacle for the transport of gaseous iron carbonyls to the single crystal. The disclosure also relates to a method for producing a single crystal of semiconductor material by using the apparatus, the single crystal which is produced and a semiconductor wafer cut therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated decoration of a food product, the apparatus includes: a transporter configured to move the food product to a decoration area of the apparatus; a detector configured to detect the food product in the decoration area; a deposition mechanism disposed above the decoration area, the deposition mechanism comprising a sliding plate disposed between a first fixed plate and a second fixed plate; wherein, in a first position of the sliding plate, cavities extending though the sliding plate are aligned with cavities extending through the first fixed plate, and in a second position, the cavities extending through the sliding plate are aligned with cavities extending through the second fixed plate.

Abstract: A reactor for an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method, the reactor comprising a vacuum chamber which has a first end wall provided with a loading hatch, a second end wall provided with a rear flange, side walls/casing connecting the first and the second end walls, and at least one source material fitting for feeding source materials into the vacuum chamber of the reactors. According to the invention, at least one of the source material fittings is provided in the side wall/casing of the vacuum of the reactor.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a rotary cup disposed outside a substrate holding member to surround a substrate held on the substrate holding member and to rotate along with the substrate holding member, and having a wall portion that receives a process liquid thrown off from the substrate being rotated. Further, this apparatus includes an exhaust and drain cup disposed outside the rotary cup to surround the rotary cup and the substrate holding member, and including an annular liquid receptacle that receives the process liquid thrown off from the substrate being rotated and an inner annular space formed on an inward side from the annular liquid receptacle. An exhaust mechanism is connected to the inner annular space of the exhaust and drain cup.

Abstract: Water is sprayed from a water nozzle of a water-washing device to wash polluted air in a painting booth, and then, a liquid polymer substance having a character to adsorb a VOC is spayed from an adsorbent spraying nozzle to remove the VOC from the air. A baffle is provided in a discharge duct to prevent the VOC-contained mixed liquid mist from moving with the air. Namely, by causing the air to hit the baffle, the VOC-contained mist turns into drops. Through the water-washing by the water-washing device, VOC adsorption by the mixed liquid and mixed liquid mist removal by the baffle, the polluted air can be sufficiently purified.

Abstract: A heat treatment or heat soak furnace for use in both galvannealing and galvanizing processes including a heating apparatus configured to supply heat and remove heat. The heating apparatus may draw hot air from the exhaust of a direct fire strip annealing furnace, gas burners or electric heat exchangers as necessary. The furnace also may include a plurality of cooling mechanisms in order to ensure heat is removed and the temperature within the furnace regulated. In addition, the furnace may include baffles configured to allow portions of the interior of the furnace to be separated into different temperature zones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the unusually high rate deposition of thin film materials on a stationary or continuous substrate. The method includes the in situ generation of a neutral-enriched deposition medium that is conducive to the formation of thin film materials having a low intrinsic defect concentration at any speed. In one embodiment, the deposition medium is created by forming a plasma from an energy transferring gas; combining the plasma with a precursor gas to form a set of activated species that include ions, ion-radicals, and neutrals; and selectively excluding the species that promote the formation of defects to form the deposition medium. In another embodiment, the deposition medium is created by mixing an energy transferring gas and a precursor gas, forming a plasma from the mixture to form a set of activated species, and selectively excluding the species that promote the formation of defects.

Abstract: A sheet material dispenser for dispensing portions of sheet material to which a liquid composition has been applied includes a feed mechanism for holding and advancing the sheet material, and a drive mechanism which displaces a carriage along a path of motion. An applicator assembly, deployed on the carriage, includes at least one container containing a composition to be applied to the sheet material and at least one applicator for directing a quantity of the composition towards a surface of the sheet material. In preferred cases, each container and a corresponding applicator are combined as an interchangeable prefilled dispensing container to facilitate user replacement. A controller actuates the applicator assembly to apply a quantity of the composition to the surface of the sheet material while the drive mechanism carries the applicator assembly along the path of motion.

Abstract: Methods of depositing a silicon oxide layer on a substrate are described. The methods may include the steps of providing a substrate to a deposition chamber, generating an atomic oxygen precursor outside the deposition chamber, and introducing the atomic oxygen precursor into the chamber. The methods may also include introducing a silicon precursor to the deposition chamber, where the silicon precursor and the atomic oxygen precursor are first mixed in the chamber. The silicon precursor and the atomic oxygen precursor react to form the silicon oxide layer on the substrate, and the deposited silicon oxide layer may be annealed. Systems to deposit a silicon oxide layer on a substrate are also described.

Abstract: A susceptor capable of reducing unevenness in a film-thickness of an epitaxial film on an outer surface of a substrate wafer and a manufacturing apparatus of an epitaxial wafer are provided. The susceptor includes a wafer placement and a peripheral portion. The wafer placement is greater in size than the substrate wafer W and substantially disc-shaped. The peripheral portion is substantially in a ring-plate shape and includes: an inner circumference standing in a fashion surrounding a peripheral portion of the wafer placement; and an upper surface outwardly extending from an upper end of the inner circumference in parallel to the placement surface of the wafer placement. In the chemical vapor deposition control unit, an inner circumference has a curvature substantially similar to a curvature of the inner circumference of the peripheral portion, and the upper surface is leveled with the upper surface) of the peripheral portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vacuum chuck having an axisymmetrical and/or more uniform thermal profile are provided herein. In some embodiments, a vacuum chuck includes a body having a support surface for supporting a substrate thereupon; a plurality of axisymmetrically arranged grooves formed in the support surface, at least some of the grooves intersecting; and a plurality of chucking holes formed through the body and within the grooves, the chucking holes for fluidly coupling the grooves to a vacuum source during operation, wherein the chucking holes are disposed in non-intersecting portions of the grooves.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for the continuous cycle decoration of profiled bars for shutters and frames, or other similar objects, with a carrier film of plastic material, printed with the desired decoration with sublimable inks. The process provides for a significant number of profiled bars or decorated steel sheets to be produced per unit of time.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a spacing of a leveling plate from a chamber body comprises attaching a mounting stud that includes a stud threaded surface to the chamber body. An adjustment screw is provided that has a first threaded surface threadingly engaged with the stud threaded surface. A bushing is provided that has a bushing threaded surface threadingly engaged with a second threaded surface of the adjustment screw. The bushing is movably coupled to the leveling plate. Coarse adjustment of the spacing between the leveling plate and the chamber body is made by rotating the adjustment screw with respect to the mounting stud. The bushing is fixed to the leveling plate. Fine adjustment of the spacing between the leveling plate and the chamber body is made by rotating the adjustment screw with respect to the mounting stud and the bushing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a firefly container, comprising transparent outer walls and air holes. After putting nutrients, water, shelters, and matrixes into the viewer, fireflies can be allowed to live in it. Moreover, if a handling device is installed on the present invention, it can be used as a “firefly lantern” and provides edutainmental functions.

Abstract: A pet bed comprises a pad having seams along its edges, which permit the edges to be folded up and tied at the corners. In this manner, the pet bed may be converted back and forth between flat and closed-sided configurations.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a bird feeder having a removable tray. The removable tray may be generally circular and may have an opening that wraps around a telescoping support section. Further, the removable tray may have a convex portion which acts to counter-balance the bird feeder. The removable tray is especially useful for cleaning and/or refilling the bird feeder. The bird feeder may be collapsed in a first position for storage or transportation or may be opened telescopically in a second position for use. The bird feeder may further have a perch to allow a bird to rest while visiting the bird feeder and/or may have a concave portion on the top surface which may be used to prevent insects or other animals from accessing the bird food.

Abstract: A calf warming device having a housing that encloses a newborn calf therein. A base member of the housing comprises a heated surface while sidewalls contain scent openings. Along with the scent openings the housing has at least a transparent portion such that when the calf is warming a mother cow can not only see her calf but additionally smell her calf to ensure the mother cow does not reject the baby calf after the warming process.