Abstract: Cement compositions containing biowaste ash and methods of cementing in subterranean formations using such cement compositions. Examples of suitable biowaste ash include agricultural waste ash, municipal waste ash, waste-water treatment waste ash, animal waste ash, non-human-non-animal industrial waste ash, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extrudable hydraulic or non-hydraulic binding composition with improved properties with respect to crack formation and a method of making such a composition. The invention further relates to a method of decreasing or avoiding the formation of cracks of an extruded hydraulic or non-hydraulic binding composition and to a method of making an extruded article having less or no cracks. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a cellulose ether providing an extrudable hydraulic or non-hydraulic binding composition with improved properties with respect to crack formation.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, aged brushite is combined with calcium sulfate hemihydrate and water to make a gypsum slurry. Aged brushite slurry behaves similarly to calcium sulfate dihydrate to act as a seed crystal and rapidly initiate crystallization. The brushite slurry does not require the addition of a coating to maintain its activity over time compared to calcium sulfate dihydrate set accelerators. A gypsum-based product made using brushite slurry as the set accelerator is a second embodiment. The product has the brushite molecules integrated as part of the calcium sulfate dihydrate matrix and is distributed throughout the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified sulphur composition comprising: a first modified sulphur prepared by admixing molten elemental sulphur with one or more olefinic sulphur modifiers selected from, for example, the group consisting of norbornenes, dicyclopentadiene, cyclopentadiene, oligomers of dicyclopentadiene; and a second modified sulphur prepared by admixing molten elemental sulphur with one or more olefinic sulphur modifiers selected from styrene and derivatives thereof, dicyclopentadiene, cyclopentadiene, dipentene, oligomers of dicyclopentadiene, naphthalene and limonene. The first modified sulphur is different than the second modified sulphur.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the manufacturing of synthetic pozzolan with desirable color properties. Feed material is dried, crushed, and preheated in a drier crusher. The dry, crushed material is collected and fed to a calciner where it is heated to become a synthetic pozzolan. The synthetic pozzolan is then fed to a cooler where it is maintained for a least a portion of the cooling step in a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: A lap cushion, for supporting an electronic device on a users lap, provides thermal insulation and cooling airflow between the electronic device and the user. The cushion further includes a shield positioned between the top surface and the electronic device where the shield is electrically-conductive and electrically-grounded so as to provide radiation absorption of RF electromagnetic radiation emanating from the electronic device.

Abstract: A pallet having a three dimensional body exhibiting a generally planar upper surface and a plurality of depth extending underside portions defining a plurality of spaced apart forklift receiving apertures. A plurality of impact absorbing members are positioned at spaced locations about a perimeter of the body. A structural defining inner grid includes pluralities of spaced apart and crosswise extending ribs for supporting inner extending reinforcing members seating within pockets defined in said ribs and including at least one of lengthwise and diagonal extending members.

Abstract: A pedestal which comprises a horizontal component and one or more vertical components which fit into open channels or fit over straight projections in the upper surface of the horizontal component. The pedestals are particularly useful in the catering and hospitality industry for supporting food and beverage containers, tableware, flower vases and sculptures.

Abstract: A ground lock is formed of a main shaft having a first latching structure near its upper end and a ground fastener at its lower end. A mating member provides a cooperative latching structure and slides on the main shaft between raised and lowered positions. In one of the raised or lowered positions, the two latching structures are latchable, allowing the mating member to drive the main shaft to engage or disengage the ground fastener. In the other of the raised or lowered positions, the second latching structure is non-latchable with the first latching structure such that the main shaft is disabled from driving the ground fastener.

Abstract: A method and system of feeding fuel into a gasifier are provided. The feed injector system includes a first injector port assembly including a plurality of annular channels substantially concentric about a longitudinal axis that define corresponding fluid flow paths that direct a flow of fluid substantially axially therethrough from a respective source to a reaction zone and a second injector port assembly including a flow port surrounded by a plurality of auxiliary ports spaced about a circumference of the flow port, the plurality of auxiliary ports communicatively coupled to a toroidal passage configured to receive a flow of fluid and channel the flow of fluid to the auxiliary ports such that the flow of fluid is discharged from the auxiliary ports having an axial flow component, a radially inward flow component, and a circumferential flow component.

Abstract: A bottom ash discharging device for a coal-fired boiler including: a clinker case, installed between a bottom ash hopper outlet of the coal-fired boiler and a bottom ash conveyer, an impact bar including a plurality of heat-resistant metal rods supporting inside the clinker case, a clinker crusher, installed above the impact bar for crushing the clinker, and a guiding device, installed between the bottom ash hopper outlet and the clinker crusher for limiting the clinker to drop into the clinker crushing area of the clinker crusher. The bottom ash discharging device ensures that the clinkers drop from the bottom ash hopper outlet to the rear area of the clinker crusher, and that the impact bar can be replaced and repaired without stopping the coal-fired boiler.

Abstract: A method of selective catalytic NOX reduction in a power boiler and a power boiler with selective catalytic NOX reduction. Fuel is combusted in a furnace of the boiler and a flue gas stream that includes NOX is generated. The flue gas stream is conducted from the furnace along a flue gas channel to a stack. The flue gas stream is cooled in a heat recovery area, including an economizer section, arranged in the flue gas channel. At least a portion of the NOX is reduced to N2 in an NOX catalyst arranged in the flue gas channel downstream of the economizer section. The flue gas is further cooled, and heated air is generated in a gas-to-air heater arranged in the flue gas channel downstream of the economizer section and upstream of the NOX catalyst. The gas-to-air heater may be a tubular air heater or a heat exchanger with a recirculating heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A vessel for towing a towed body in or on a body of water is disclosed. The vessel includes a vessel, a tow arm mechanism carried by the vessel, a towed body linked to the tow arm mechanism, and at least one sensor carried by either the vessel or the towed body. The sensor generates sensor data, and a towing mechanism controller receives the sensor data and positionally adjusts the tow arm mechanism based on the data.

Abstract: A method of making a woven sailcloth comprising the steps of: selecting a first set of yarns comprising at least partially a first type of yarn; selecting a second set of yarns comprising at least partially a second type of yarn; weaving the first set of yarns and the second set of yarns such that the first set of yarns are arranged along a first direction and the second set of yarns are arranged along a second direction which is different from the first direction, choosing a chemical solution which has the property of shrinking the first type of yarn in its longitudinal direction more than the second type of yarn when the first type of yarn and the second type of yarn are exposed to said chemical solution, and exposing the woven sailcloth to said chemical solution. A sailcloth is also disclosed based on said method. A sail made from woven sail cloth is also disclosed. A laminated sailcloth comprising a layer of woven sailcloth is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for reducing maneuverability of a moving ship. The apparatus comprises a propeller fouling element, mountable upon the bow of a second ship. The proper fouling element is deployable towards a propeller of a moving ship. The invention further discloses a rudder engaging component. In one embodiment, the rudder engaging component is U-shaped for accepting a rudder within. The invention also provides a method for reducing the maneuverability of a moving ship, by providing the rudder engaging component and/or the propeller fouling element. The rudder engaging component, when present, is advanced to engage and surround the rudder of the ship. The propeller fouling element is advanced towards a propeller of a ship until it contacts the propeller; thereby reducing the maneuverability of said ship.

Abstract: A self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead latch device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead latch device further includes an upper retainer component that is coupled to an upper support structure and a lower support structure. The coupling of the upper retainer component to the support structures allow the fairlead latch device to be relocated by lifting of the device from the support structures.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a boat hull which provides a flexible line having central portion along which a plurality cleaning elements have spaced engagement with each of the plurality of cleaning elements having body from which a plurality of flexible members extend outwardly and thorough which the flexible line centrally passes and methods of using such device for cleaning a boat hull.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus of a combined boat for securely joining boat hulls of the combined boat is disclosed. Grooves (3) are provided at the peripheries of joints of the boat hulls. The fastening apparatus includes a holding band (2) with ridges (4) mating with the grooves (3), and the holding band engages via the ridges (4) with the grooves (3) so as to join the boat hulls of the combined boat together securely. The fastening apparatus of the combined boat is simple in structure, easy to manufacture, and convenient to mount and dismount.

Abstract: A folding boat includes a pair of stringer tube assemblies arranged for extending longitudinally when assembled and the stringer tubes of each pair of the assemblies connected by hinges to respective adjacent stringer tubes at the hinges. The stringer tubes assemblies are received within a waterproof skin. Frame members or butterfly frame members serve to connect to the assemblies of the stringer tubes within the skin to provide a frame for the waterproof skin. Fabric inflatable tubes are located within the skin, each having a seam for having the assembled stringer tubes assemblies nestled within when assembled in the frame.

Abstract: A slide bar for the track system of a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle comprises colored, or otherwise visually distinctive, wear indicating marks extending longitudinally along at least one of the side walls thereof. The colored wear indicating marks generally provide an indication to the operator of the vehicle that the slide bar needs to be replaced.

Abstract: An adjustable garage parking locator device is disclosed in three iterations. All iterations are distinctively unique from prior art in the device contains a vertical adjustment means that is accessible from the garage floor while the device is suspended from the ceiling. Embodiments include the ability to move the device about for adjustments to varying vehicles heights and lengths, while being designed with ease of operation and maintainability.

Abstract: The transfer of the structure of a crystal (3) having an amorphous or crystal structure to a thin layer (1) with a different structure can be achieved by the combination of a pressing (6) and a heating (7) to apply the layer onto the crystal and anneal it to crystallize it. Characteristically, wedges (5) are placed at the edges to flex the layer and give rise to cracking of the assembly and releasing the layer when the pressure ceases, which eliminates the complicated methods for withdrawing the crystal (3) or even destroying it, enables the use of the crystal (3) in several layers to be crystallized, allows a good manufacturing rate and reduces costs.

Abstract: To suppress 3D or convex growth and ensure a high flatness, an apparatus for producing an SiC single crystal includes: a container which holds an SiC solution, a portion for maintaining the solution in the container at a suitable temperature, a shaft having a lower end part acting as a portion for holding an SiC seed crystal in planar contact with an overall back surface of a crystal growth face and acting as a portion for cooling the SiC seed crystal, and a portion of the holding shaft for enabling an SiC single crystal to continuously grow at the crystal growth face by maintaining the crystal growth face brought into contact with the solution, a lower end part of the shaft having a portion for obtaining a uniform in-plane temperature distribution of the crystal growth face brought into planar contact, and a method for the same.

Abstract: An ingot production method which makes it possible to greatly restrict formation of pinholes or substantially prevent them avoids the use of substantial amounts of small-sized polycrystalline silicon chunks of polycrystalline silicon chunks, only middle-sized polycrystalline silicon chunks and large-sized polycrystalline silicon chunks. In the step of filling polycrystalline silicon, the polycrystalline silicon chunks are randomly supplied into the crucible.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a crucible which has high viscosity at high temperature, and can be used for a long time, and can be manufactured at low cost, and a method of manufacturing the same. The composite crucible 10 is characterized in the use of mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2) as the basic material of the crucible. The composite crucible 10 has the crucible body 11 made of mullite material whose main component is alumina and silica, and a transparent vitreous silica layer 12 formed on the inner surface of the crucible body 11. The thickness of the transparent vitreous silica layer 12 is smaller than that of the crucible body 11. The crucible body 11 can be formed by the slip casting method, and the transparent vitreous silica layer 12 can be formed by the thermal spraying method.

Abstract: A method for recharging raw material polycrystalline silicon which enables large chunks of polycrystalline silicon to be recharged to a CZ ingot growth process while preventing the CZ crucible from being damaged and restricting a decline of the dislocation free rate and the quality of the grown ingot. Polycrystalline silicon chunks are recharged by first forming cushioning layer silicon of smaller chunks. The cushioning layer of polycrystalline silicon chunks are deposited on a surface of the residual silicon melt in a crucible. Subsequently, large-sized polycrystalline silicon chunks are introduced onto the cushioning layer, the cushioning layer cushioning the impact due to dropping of the large-sized polycrystalline silicon chunks.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a light emitting diode, the method including: growing a first conductivity type nitride semiconductor layer and an active layer on a substrate in a first reaction chamber; transferring the substrate having the first conductivity type nitride semiconductor layer and the active layer grown thereon to a second reaction chamber; and growing a second conductivity type nitride semiconductor layer on the active layer in the second reaction chamber, wherein an atmosphere including a nitride source gas and a dopant source gas supplying a dopant to be included in the second conductivity type nitride semiconductor layer is created in an interior of the second reaction chamber prior to the transferring of the substrate to the second reaction chamber. This method improves a system's operational capability and productivity. In addition, the crystallinity and doping uniformity of semiconductor layers obtained by this method may be improved.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a crucible which has high viscosity at high temperature, can be used for a long time, and can be manufactured at low cost, and a method of manufacturing the crucible. The present invention provides a composite crucible including a vitreous silica crucible body having a sidewall portion and a bottom portion, and a reinforcement layer provided on an outer surface side of an upper end portion of the vitreous silica crucible body, wherein the reinforcement layer is made of mullite material whose main component is alumina and silica.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vitreous silica crucible which can suppress the sidewall lowering of the crucible under high temperature during pulling a silicon single crystal, and a method of manufacturing such a vitreous silica crucible. The vitreous silica crucible 10 includes an opaque vitreous silica layer 11 provided on the outer surface side of the crucible and containing numerous bubbles, and a transparent vitreous silica layer 12 provided on the inner surface side. The opaque vitreous silica layer 11 includes a first opaque vitreous silica portion 11a provided on the crucible upper portion, and a second opaque vitreous silica portion 11b provided on the crucible lower portion. The specific gravity of the second opaque vitreous silica portion 11b is 1.7 to 2.1, and the specific gravity of the first opaque vitreous silica portion 11a is 1.4 to 1.8, and smaller than that of the second opaque vitreous silica portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a liquid, semi-liquid or semi-solid food product. The apparatus comprises a fixed volume chamber for receiving the food product under a positive pressure, the chamber being defined by chamber walls, one of the chamber walls being provided with an outlet orifice for depositing the food product, the outlet orifice being provided with a first sealing surface. The apparatus also comprises a valve spindle arranged for reciprocating movement within the chamber, the length direction of the valve spindle extending substantially perpendicular to the chamber wall in which the outlet orifice is provided, a first end of the valve spindle being provided with a second sealing surface. The second sealing surface of the valve spindle is arranged for abutting the first sealing surface of the outlet orifice to thereby close the outlet orifice.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an application device. The application device has an application roller to apply a treatment liquid onto a recording medium before an image is formed on the recording medium. The application roller has a core member serving as a rotation shaft of the application roller and an elastic surface member disposed around the core member. The core member has a plurality of convex ring portions formed along a circumferential direction of the core member around a circumferential surface of the core member and a plurality of concave ring portions formed between the plurality of convex ring portions. The convex ring portions and the concave ring portions are alternately arranged.

Abstract: A coating device includes a shell, a plurality of shaft groups, a plurality of first bases, a second base, and a driving device. The shell defines a coating chamber. The shaft groups are parallelly arranged in a first circle and housed in the coating chamber. Each shaft group includes a plurality of holding shafts parallelly arranged in a second circle and configured for holding workpieces. The first bases are housed in the coating chamber and surround the shaft groups. The second base is housed in the coating chamber and surrounded by the shaft groups. The first and second bases are configured for receiving targets. The driving device is configured for driving each holding shaft to spin.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a support, a wrist joint rotatably connected to the support, a distal joint rotatably connected to the wrist joint, a first driving mechanism driving the wrist joint, and a second driving mechanism driving the distal joint. The first driving mechanism comprises a first input shaft connected to the wrist joint via two bevel gears, and the first driving mechanism drives the wrist joint to rotate relative to the support. The second driving mechanism comprises a second input shaft connected to the distal joint via at least four bevel gears, and the second driving mechanism drives the distal joint to rotate relative to the wrist joint. The robot arm is sealed and defines a conduit for allowing a plurality of pipes and cables to pass through.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus includes: a process chamber capable of reducing a pressure; a transport unit, provided in the process chamber, for transporting a plurality of substrates; a gas supply unit for supplying a gas to process the substrates in the process chamber; a substrate processing unit for processing the substrates placed on the transport unit; a detection unit for detecting a substrate interval between adjacent substrates out of the plurality of substrates; and a control unit for controlling, based on the substrate interval detected by the detection unit, a supply amount of the gas to be supplied by the gas supply unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a thin-film laminate prevents loosening of a strip-shaped flexible substrate at the time of conveying or misalignment of the strip-shaped flexible substrate with respect to a winding roller at the time of winding. In the apparatus, a strip-shaped flexible substrate in a lateral direction is conveyed by positioning longitudinally the width direction of the strip-shaped flexible substrate wound in a roll shape. The apparatus includes a deposition device having a deposition chamber for forming a thin film on the strip-shaped flexible substrate, a winding roll for winding a thin-film laminate, and an adjustment roller to prevent a loosening or misalignment of the strip-shaped flexible substrate between a pair of grip rollers and the winding roll, and the pair of grip rollers arranged in front of the adjustment roller to convey the thin-film laminate while maintaining a given height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a thermal barrier coating system in communication with at least a portion of at least one substrate. The method includes: depositing a first bond coat on at least a portion of at least one substrate; depositing a first thermal barrier coat disposed on the bond coat; whereby the deposition occurs in one or more chambers to form the thermal barrier coating system; and wherein the deposition of the first bond coat (or subsequent bond coats) and the deposition of the first thermal barrier coat (or subsequent thermal barrier coats) is performed without out-of chamber handling of the thermal barrier coating system.

Abstract: A PCVD apparatus including an insulative covering disposed to surround at least a portion of the substrate tube and provide external heating of the substrate tube during the deposition process. The insulative covering functions to capture and retain the external thermal energy created by the plasma process. As a result, the areas of the substrate tube that are removed from the current location of the plasma absorb this captured thermal energy and remain at an essentially constant temperature until the next pass of the work coil.

Abstract: A plasma-generation device with electron cyclotron resonance, includes two adjacent sealed vacuum chambers configured to contain plasmas, an injector configured to inject a high-frequency wave into the chambers, a magnetic structure to generate a magnetic field in the chambers including a plurality of parallelepipedal permanent magnets and generating at least two plasmas according to the magnetic field lines, the module of the magnetic field having a magnetic mirror configuration with at least one electron cyclotron resonance area per plasma, the magnetic structure including at least one permanent magnet contributing to the formation of a plasma in each one of the chambers, such that the chambers share the same at least one permanent magnet on the common wall thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a film forming apparatus for forming a polyimide film on a substrate by supplying a first raw material gas formed as aromatic acid dianhydride and a second raw material gas formed as aromatic diamine to the substrate maintained within a film forming container, and thermally polymerizing the supplied first and second raw material gases on a surface of the substrate. The apparatus includes: a substrate maintaining unit within the film forming container; a substrate heating unit configured to heat the substrate; a supply mechanism within the film forming container, configured to include a supply pipe with supply holes for supplying the first and second raw material gases to the interior of the film forming container through the supply holes; and a controller configured to control the substrate maintaining unit, the substrate heating unit, and the supply mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotation/revolution type vapor phase growth apparatus that can maintain constant flow rates of a purge gas and a raw material gas when a raw material gas introducing direction is set to be the same as a susceptor rotation introducing direction. Inside a hollow drive shaft 12 supporting and rotating a disk-shaped susceptor 13, a raw material gas supply tube 20 is coaxially disposed, and between the hollow drive shaft and the raw material gas supply tube, a purge gas flow path 21 is formed. Additionally, in a purge gas introducing nozzle introducing a purge gas in an outer circumferential direction of a flow channel 18 from the purge gas flow path, a gas introducing path 19c is formed in a direction parallel to an upper surface of the susceptor in such a manner as to make a vertical dimension of the gas introducing path constant.

Abstract: An injector for a vacuum evaporation source includes an injection duct (1) having a longitudinal axis (11) and an inlet port (2) able to be connected to a vacuum evaporation source, and at least one nozzle (3) for diffusing a vaporized material, the nozzle (3) having a lateral face (4), and an upper face (5). The nozzle (3) includes a main channel (6) emerging outside the injection duct (1) and at least a lateral feeding channel (7) connecting the interior of the injection duct (1) to the main channel (6). The lateral feeding channel (7) has a lateral orifice (8) emerging inside the injection duct (1) through the lateral face (4) of the nozzle (3) for avoiding the clogging of the nozzle (3) by oxidized materials.

Abstract: A raw material supplying device includes a raw material supplying pipe including a vertically extending rising pipe. The device further includes a first raw material discharging pipe which is provided to branch from the lower end of the rising pipe. The device further includes a cleaning fluid supplying pipe configured to supply one of purge gas and cleaning solution in order to extrude and discharge liquid raw material in the raw material supplying pipe to the first raw material discharging pipe. The device further includes a first raw material supplying valve and a first raw material discharging valve which are respectively provided in the side of the repository and the first raw material discharging pipe other than a connection portion of the raw material supplying pipe with the first raw material discharging pipe. The device further includes a cleaning fluid supplying valve provided in the cleaning fluid supplying pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide vapor deposition tools. In one example, a vapor deposition tool includes housing. A substrate support is positioned within the housing and configured to support a substrate. A backing plate is positioned above the substrate support. A showerhead is positioned between the substrate support and the backing plate and has a plurality of openings therethrough. A fluid trap member is positioned around a periphery of the showerhead. A fluid trap member actuator is coupled to the fluid trap member and configured to move the fluid trap member between first and second positions relative to the backing plate.

Abstract: A milk sampling apparatus and method receives milk from a milking machine and discharges discrete samples of the milk for analysis. In the method, milk is collected in a chamber, excess milk is emptied from the chamber by an emptying parts which reduces the milk in the chamber to a predetermined level, and milk samples of predetermined quantity are successively discharged through respective outlets located at different heights within the chamber and which are opened in turn from the uppermost outlet to the lowermost outlet.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for indicating an undesired detachment of a milking member from an animal in a milking stall. The arrangement includes a removing device adapted to detach the milking member from the animal and move the detached milking member to a parking position when the milking process has been completed, and a supervision device adapted to supervise when the milking member has been detached from the animal before the milking process has been completed. When the milking member has been detached from the animal before the milking process has been completed, the removing device is adapted to move the undesirably detached milking member to an indicating position located at a distance from the parking position.

Abstract: A treat dispensing system to dispense treats to animals, includes a treat dispenser controlled by a user controller. The treat dispenser includes a housing having an interior and at least one aperture to dispense treats. A treat advancer advances a treat from a storage area to a chute, for example via an actuator, controlled by an advancer controller. The advancer controller is controlled by a treat dispenser controller, which is in turn controlled by the user controller. The user controller may comprise a remote control, cordless telephone, cellular telephone, PDA, network connected desktop or laptop computer. The treat dispenser controller may include a camera and loudspeaker. The user can remotely initiate the advancer to align the treat storage with the chute so that a treat held within the treat storage area is dispensed via the aperture to the external environment.

Abstract: A trough comprises elongate trough body (12) and at least one elongate support element (14, 15). The trough body comprises at least one longitudinal side wall portion (18,19) and a bottom portion (16) which are integral with one another, or attacked to one another along respective longitudinal edges. The support element extends along the outer face of the side wall portion, lower than an upper edge of the side wall portion but higher than the bottom portion. The support element may be restrained from moving outward, away from a longitudinal trough centreline, by connecting a restraint located inside the trough to the support element. The side wall portion is maintained upright partly by tension in the support element or in the restraint.

Abstract: An aquarium assembly comprising a housing having an interior floor, the housing including one or more apertures, and an aquarium operatively arranged within the housing such that the aquarium is visible through the one or more apertures, where the aquarium matingly engages the interior floor when the aquarium is nested within the housing.

Abstract: Devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods related to animal enclosure latches. Specifically, the disclosed devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods relate to animal enclosure latches having a slide bolt and a pendant, where the operation of the slide bolt and pendant require separate movements, thus decreasing the likelihood that an animal may open the latch.

Abstract: An edible pet chew having a non-branching body configured to at least partially enclose an open space between portions of the body, and is preferably in the form of a ring with a central opening. The width or thickness of the chew is sized to fit within the mouth of pet of pre-determined size for chewing action, but the overall dimension of the chew is such that the chew cannot be swallowed whole by the pet. One or more lines of weakness may also be formed in the body of the pet chew to serve as pre-determined fracture lines along which the pet chew will break into smaller pieces. The pet chew may be formed of segments that are sized to provide a recommended single portion for the pet.