Abstract: A tile leveler contains a pressing seat, a retainer, and a direction changing unit. The pressing seat includes a protruded post extending upwardly from a top thereof, a threaded orifice defined in the protruded post, and a rotary extension extending outwardly from the protruded post. The retainer includes a connecting column formed on a top thereof, a connection rod defined on a middle section thereof, an inserting plate arranged on a bottom thereof, and two retaining portions, wherein each retaining portion is formed on each of two sides of a top of the inserting plate. The direction changing unit includes a first direction changer and a second direction changer which contact with each other. The first direction changer has a first recess, a first slot, and first outer threads. The second direction changer has a second recess, a second slot, and second outer threads.

Abstract: A method and associated device for enrichment of Neél-magnetic particles from a dispersion of Brown-magnetic particles and Neél-magnetic particles. The device and method use ferromagnetic separation particles having a mean diameter of 100 to 250 ?m located in a alternating magnetic field. The ferromagnetic separation particles have a magnetically and chemically inert coating.

Abstract: The invention provides a hoof angle measuring device for use on horses. A base is configured to be held against the bottom of a horse hoof and a pivoting arm can then be aligned with the forward edge of the hoof to define the hoof angle. Without physical or electrical contact with the base or arm, an enclosed sensor detects relative angular position between the base and arm. Supporting circuitry also provided in an enclosure accepts signal voltage from the sensor and provides a protected digital display of the measured angle magnitude for the user.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for diagnosing equine hoof and leg pathology. With the hoof to be diagnosed on the ground and in a load bearing position, sectors of the hoof are sequentially raised by application of a wedge to the bottom of the hoof where the wedge extends radially beneath the sector from the center of the hoof. Elevating a first sector of the foot stretches and adds tension to the connective tissue in the region diagonal to the sector that is elevated. At the same time, the joint surface and connective tissue in the region above the raised sector will be compressed during the elevating process. Following observation and measurement of the horse's response to the raising of the first sector, the foot sector diagonally opposite to the first sector is similarly raised and the horse's response is observed and measured. The discomfort or relief that is observed offers specific guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Unbalanced feet are known to cause lameness in horses. A trimming template, when attached securely around the exterior hoof wall with predetermined and precise measurements, will guide the farrier's hoof-cutting tools to trim the foot into perfect balance. This device looks like an oversized flat horseshoe with a hinge about half way between the toe and the heel on each side, allowing both heels to swing out or in. On the inside, protruding nail-type pins will penetrate into the hoof wall when the device is closed therearound between the coronary band and the foot's ground surface. Attached to one heel is an expanding strap that snaps onto the other heel to hold the device in place. Tool hardened steel construction withstands wear and tear. This device encircles the hoof wall, then locks solidly into place and stays attached to the foot to guide farrier tools for quick and accurate trimming.

Abstract: A flat transparent overlay for measurement of equine foot x-rays employs a flat lower edge for alignment with a ground surface and an anterior edge angled to approximate a hoof distal wall. A first sight ring positions the tool over a tip of an image of a third phalanx. Six interrelated scales are provided for measurement of the palmar cortex, distal sole thickness, break-over distance and coronet band to extensor process distance, and in conjunction with a second site ring, center of rotation and palmar sole thickness. A first protractor element is centered posterior on the first sight ring for measurement of the palmar angle. A dual scale extends from the angled anterior edge portion with a measurement line for measurement of the hoof-lamella zone. A second protractor element is posterior to and centered on the second sight ring for measurement of a pastern angle.

Abstract: A hoof pick measure tool that includes a hoof pick and a measuring body. The hoof pick may be used to remove foreign material from a horse's hoof. Additionally, the hoof pick measure tool further includes the measuring body. The measuring body includes at least one set of indicia linear measurement lines that allows a user to evaluate changes in dimensions of areas in the horse's hoof.

Abstract: A farrier's tool and a method of using the tool for preparing the hoof of a horse to receive a shoe. The tool is, in one aspect, a goniometer used for determining the angle of heel-toe taper when preparing a horse's hoof to receive a shoe. After the angle between the anterior surface of the first phalanx of the foot and the anterior surface of the hoof is determined, the ground-facing surface of the hoof is beveled by means of a trimming tool at an angle determined by the goniometer to reduce uneven pressure on the underlying coffin bone and to balance the tension on the tendons and ligaments in the horse's foot, particularly during locomotion. The method provides, inter alia, means for accurately aligning the hoof capsule with the coffin bone in the hoof.

Abstract: A template and method for sizing horseshoes. The template includes a plate against which ground-contacting portion of a horse's hoof is placed. The plate has a plurality of adjustment members thereon. Each adjustment member is individually movable from a first position remote from a perimeter of said hoof, to a second position adjacent the perimeter. When the adjustment members are all in the second position, they are locked into position. The adjustment members define a region that is generally shaped to conform to the perimeter of the horse's hoof. The farrier works a horseshoe until the shoe is able to be received within the region defined by the adjustment members. The worked horseshoe may then be nailed to the horse's hoof.

Abstract: The present invention is a visual aid for balancing and aligning the equine hoof. Unlike previous devices that consider only the ground surface when balancing the hoof capsule, this invention utilizes coronet band and hoof capsule deformation as the start point for rebalancing giving it a top down approach. This wrap-around device is superimposed upon a live hoof capsule for measurement and visualization. The invention is flexible, resilient, and adjustable allowing for proper placement and utilization on all equine hooves. A posterior attaching mechanism is incorporated into the device for added stability. On the surface of the device are various markings with which measurements are made.

Abstract: The present invention is a visual aid for balancing and aligning the equine hoof. Unlike previous devices that consider only the ground surface when balancing the hoof capsule, this invention utilizes coronet band and hoof capsule deformation as the start point for rebalancing giving it a top down approach. This wrap-around device is superimposed upon a live hoof capsule for measurement and visualization. The invention is flexible, resilient, and adjustable allowing for proper placement and utilization on all equine hooves. A posterior attaching mechanism may be incorporated into the device for added stability. On the surface of the device are various markings with which measurements are made.

Abstract: A flat transparent overlay for measurement of equine parasgital foot section x-rays is provided with a flat lower edge for parallel alignment with a ground surface and at least a portion of an anterior edge angled at an inclination approximating a hoof distal wall. A first sight ring is provided for positioning of the tool over a tip of a third phalanx image. A first scale extends posterior at a selected angle from the first sight ring for measurement of the palmar cortex. A second scale depends from the first sight ring substantially perpendicular to the lower edge for measurement of the distal sole thickness. A third scale extends anterior perpendicular to the second scale for measurement of the break-over distance. A first protractor element is centered posterior on the first sight ring for measurement of the palmar angle.

Abstract: A farrier's tool and a method of using the tool for preparing the hoof of a horse to receive a shoe. The tool is, in one aspect, a goniometer used for determining the angle of heel-toe taper when preparing a horse's hoof to receive a shoe. After the angle between the anterior surface of the first phalanx of the foot and the anterior surface of the hoof is determined, the ground-facing surface of the hoof is beveled by means of a trimming tool at an angle determined by the goniometer to reduce uneven pressure on the underlying coffin bone and to balance the tension on the tendons and ligaments in the horse's foot, particularly during locomotion. The method provides, inter alia, means for accurately aligning the hoof capsule with the coffin bone in the hoof.

Abstract: A trim guide used by farriers for the hooves of animals. The trim guide has a shank with a bend. At one end of the shank is positioned an anchor, ideally configured as an “X”. The anchor rests on the flexor tendons. A leveling bar is attached to the opposing end of said shank and forms a “T” with said shank. A leveling bulb is secured near or on the leveling bar allowing proper measurement on the level of the hoof to be easily determined.

Abstract: A farrier's measurement instrument is disclosed to use in locating the preferred position for affixing a shoe to the bottom of a horse's hoof. The invention is comprised of a base of a rectilinear shape with a lower surface, a flange disposed orthogonally to the base at one end of the base, such that a long edge of the flange is aligned with the lower surface of the base, a slot disposed centrally and longitudinally within the base, wherein the slot extends to the edge of the base opposite the flange, a sliding rule which can slide longitudinally within the slot and has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface of the base forming a planar lower surface of the farrier's measurement instrument, and a first and a second measurement scales disposed on the lower surface of the farrier's measurement instrument. The increment of the graduations of the second measurement scale is either directly or inversely three times proportional to those of the first measurement scale.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for use in trimming and shoeing a hoof includes a substantially planar base having a top surface and a bottom surface. A heel member is coupled to the base. At least one radio-opaque marker is rigidly coupled to said top surface of said base. In use, a hoof is positioned on the base, with the hoof resting on the top surface and a heel portion of the hoof placed against the heel member. A side view radiographic image of the hoof positioned on the base is made, with the at least one radio-opaque marker being visible therein. Accurate hoof measurements and location determinations may then be obtained, with reference to the at least one radio-opaque marker in the radiographic image.

Abstract: A farrier's sighting instrument is designed as a portable, lightweight tool, easily carried by a farrier. It comprises a flat, transparent plate of a rectangular configuration, and sized to overlie the foot of a horse. The plate has a plurality of parallel indicia line sets on it, with the line sets arranged perpendicular to one edge of the plate. The lines in the line sets are spaced from one another by a uniform distance. A stop plate is attached to the one edge, and extends above the top surface of the flat transparent plate, with the stop plate located in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the parallel indicia lines.

Abstract: The farrier's instrument includes a vertical rod, preferably with an elongated marking slot therein, a spaced pair of horizontal plates slideably connected to the vertical rod through the slot and lockable in place, and a rear rod, the upper end of which is pivotably connected to the upper end of the vertical rod, and which extends downwardly and rearwardly therefrom at an acute angle. The upper end of the rear rod is expanded and defines a slot in which a pointer connected to the upper end of the vertical rod extends for marking the exact angle between the two rods, by reference to indicia lining the slot. Preferably the pointer acts as a limit bar, and a spring is connected to the rear rod for biasing it toward the vertical rod. The plates may include indicia to measure the medial/lateral assymmetry of a horse's hoof.

Abstract: The instrument includes first and second parallel bars interconnected by a post perpendicular thereto. The first bar is adapted to be placed against the underside of a horse's hoof while the second bar is placed against the rear of the first joint of the foot adjacent the hoof. In this position the second bar is about perpendicular to the post. The second bar bears a heel brace in the form of a flat plate which projects rearwardly therefrom at an angle of about 27.degree. to the perpendicular line from the second bar. A screw and fitting releasably connect the first bar to the post and the second bar is hinged to one end of the post for rotation therearound while maintaining its parallel position with the first bar. The heel brace bears against the intersection of the hoof and first joint at the rear thereof when the instrument is in place, and cooperates with the second bar in preventing slippage of the instrument during measuring of the hoof. The first bar is set at a tilted angle of about 60.degree.

Abstract: A farrier's equine hoof-sizer characterized by its adaptation to an equine's individual hooves for purposes of sizing in shoeing. The sizer is extensible to a straight line for portability. It is lightweight, durable and of such construction that in the sizing of hooves of various lateral configuration, the measurement may be sustained in semi-rigidity for comparative guidance in the farrier's shaping of the shoe. It is adaptable to either cold or hot shoeing.

Abstract: An equine leg conformation is altered by bracing the hoof against shifting movement while standing on a supporting surface, wedging the hoof to tilt it with respect to the surface into an attitude which serves to provide a desired altered leg configuration, and altering the support for the leg to provide a hoof attitude in normal use equivalent to the aforesaid attitude. Apparatus for use in altering the leg conformation includes a base providing a supporting surface for the hoof, means on the base for bracing the hoof against shifting movement, and wedge means advanceable on the base in the direction of the bracing means for tilting the hoof with respect to the supporting surface into an attitude which serves to provide a desired leg conformation.

Abstract: The hoof alignment apparatus for measuring the size and determining the shape of a horse's hoof. The apparatus comprises a pair of pivotal arms which may be closed around the outer hoof wall whereby longitudinal and circumferential measurements may be made of the hoof. The apparatus includes a straightedge member for determining the hoof length at various positions around the hoof and for measuring the angle of the wall with respect to the base of the hoof.