Abstract: A quick acting diversion valve can be constructed so that a pressure difference between the sides of a bistable diaphragm can be used to cause the diaphragm to change in configuration so as to move a valve body in a housing in order to change the manner in which passages or ports in the housing are connected.

Abstract: A construction set including a set of interlocking blocks and a container for the set which can be constructed so that at least a part of the container interlocks with the blocks. As a consequence, a structure may be erected using both the blocks and the container. Such a structure is desirable because it is significantly larger than a structure which could be created from the set of blocks alone.

Abstract: The method of affixing a fastener to a panel, said fastener comprising a body portion and a flange portion, said body portion comprising a thermoplastic material and being of a length greater than the thickness of said panel, comprising the steps of: inserting said fastener into and through said panel opening, whereby an end of said body portion of said fastener extends beyond the plane of the surface of the opposed side surface of said panel; and applying ultrasonic energy to said end of said fastener body portion for reshaping said end into a flange, said ultrasonic energy causing said end to flare over and contact said adjacent panel surface thereby sealing the panel against moisture entering the core space via the fastener installation hole.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated machine such as a dental drill can be used with a pneumatically operated indicator capable of providing an audible signal such as a whistle or horn so provide an indication if the machine is stopped or is being operated in reverse. The indicator used is operated through the use of the pneumatic fluid normally used to operate the machine.

Abstract: A simple, two piece, plastic fastener structure can be formed to include a latch receptacle having an open end leading to an internal cavity defined by front and back sides and top and bottom walls. The front and back sides are shaped so as to include openings located opposite one another. The fastener structure also includes a catch member having a body portion shaped more or less like a tongue which is capable of being inserted within the opening. When it is so inserted sloping walls on catches on the tongue will spread the front and back sides apart until such time as the catches are adjacent to the openings. At this point the sides will spring back to their original configuration so as to secure the catches in the openings so as to hold the catch member relative to the receptacle. The catch member may be released by pushing on the top and bottom walls of the receptacle so as to bow the sides outwardly until the catch member can be withdrawn from the cavity.

Abstract: A feedback type of diversion valve which can be used to sequentially "operate" or "activate" fluid responive structures such as tubes of a pillow.

Abstract: In a stacking tray combination of the kind containing a series of trays overlying one another in vertical spaced relationship and containing support means for holding said trays in that described position, the improvement is characterized by at least a portion of the support means comprising a hollow channel shaped member, which is connected to the side of a tray and which contains an open side portion; and by an insertable key means positioned within said channel shaped member, with said key means containing a key portion for linking said channel member within another portion of said support means; and with said key means further having a surface for closing the open side of said channel shaped member and together with that member simulating a thick solid post. In an additional aspect of the invention a cap is provided for covering the upper end of the channel member to add to the impression of solidness of form.

Abstract: A copy holder which is useful in holding items such as comparatively thick books can be constructed so that holdfasts capable of engaging whatever is held in the copy holder are movably mounted in openings in the copy holder. When so held these holdfasts are engaged by a conventional type spring loaded clamping member on the copy holder so that they are secured against movement as a result of such engagement.

Abstract: A pipe hanger can be constructed so as to utilize a central body portion and a separate strap. Both ends of the body portion includes a vertically extending slot; a ratchet structure is provided in one of the body portion slots. The strap is provided with an enlarged head at one of its ends so that it can be dropped through the other of the slots until it is held against further movement by the head engaging the body portion. Ratchet teeth are located on the other end of the strap so that the strap can be wrapped around a pipe and the pipe secured to the body portion by inserting this other end of the strap in the slot having the ratchet structure in the body portion.

Abstract: An expandable pipe plug can be constructed so as to use a peripherial elastomeric sleeve having an exterior surface which is adapted to seal against the interior of a pipe and a tapered internal surface which fits against a correspondingly shaped, tapered surface of a rigid expander. The tapered surfaces of the sleeve and the expander are provided with coaction threads so that as the expander is turned the sleeve will be expanded outwardly. The expander includes a stud for use with a tool such as a wrench in turning it relative to the sleeve, this stud including an internal threaded passage which is initially closed off by a knock-off disk. The passage can be used in connecting a pipe, a gauge, a valve of the like to the end of a pipe sealed off with the pipe plug.

Abstract: An elongated housing having its interior divided into a top and a bottom compartment by a perforate dividing wall can be used as a device to sterilize toothbrushes. When it is used for this purpose the top compartment is filled with water and the brush end of a toothbrush and a sterilizing composition are both introduced into the top compartment on the dividing wall as the water is allowed to drain into the bottom compartment past the brush end of the toothbrush.