Abstract: A device for removing foreign particles from a source of fluid under pressure which is adaptable to be connected to a faucet or the like. It comprises one or more screens which are provided to collect the foreign particles which might include small stones, calcium deposits and the like, such that the particles cannot pass through the mesh of the screen. Such screens are mounted on a rotatable member having an exteriorly accessible handle whereby the rotatable member and screens thereon can be rotated at least ninety degrees and preferably one hundred eightly degrees so that the force of the fluid under pressure cleans off the screen and enables it to be used again to collect or intercept other additional foreign particles.

Abstract: A water flow control system for surface water on a hillside wherein down drains and terrace drains are so shaped as to have a larger cross-section at those points where larger amounts of water are to be carried. Thus the down drain or drains are progressively larger at lower elevations and terrace drains are larger closer to the down drains to which they are connected. The terrace drains are so shaped and formed in the side of the slope as to eliminate the need for terrace pads, and thus are formed with opposite edges which are aligned with and in the plane of the slope itself.

Abstract: An agglomerization system for intermixing edible ingredients comprising a chamber wherein various different edible ingredients are intermixed with steam, the latter of which is provided into the chamber through one or more manifolds. Such manifolds are horizontally disposed pipes having a plurality of openings for directing the steam in substantially the same direction as the edible dry ingredients are forced into the chamber from a hopper. A movable belt catches the fused ingredients to carry the product out of the agglomerization chamber.

Abstract: An odor control system for a holding tank of liquid and solid excrement wherein one or more pairs of electrodes formed of highly conductive material and generally rectangular in shape are mounted on opposite sides of the holding tank. A source of electrical power is connected in circuit with such electrodes through a timing device which automatically connects said electrodes to said source for a predetermined length of time and then disconnects the same for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A particle detection system for detecting the presence of a particle within a sealed enclosure. It includes a vibrator or shaker whereon is mounted an electromechanical shocking apparatus whereby an operator-actuated switch causes an armature to provide a physical or mechanical shock to the enclosure. A transducer is employed to sense the noise created by a particle within the enclosure striking a side wall thereof, and suitable indicating means are connected in circuit with such transducer to afford visual and audible indications of the presence of the particle. Means is provided for muting the indicators whenever the enclosure is shocked by the armature to prevent the indicators from responding to the noise created by such shocking.

Abstract: A chord tie for connecting together adjacent precast concrete building panels and method for tieing together such panels in contiguous relation. Such chord tie comprises an elongated anchor member having an offset portion to be embedded in the concrete during casting of the panel, and a bolt-retaining member connected to such anchor member to receive a fastening bolt. The offset portion comprises a reversely bent portion and the bolt-retaining member comprises a pair of metal straps or plates welded to the anchor member in spaced relation to receive the body of a fastening bolt. The chord tie is cast in the concrete panel, the reversely bent portion retaining the chord tie in such position, and the bolt-remaining means is positioned along the edge of the panel. Two adjacent precast panels are connected together by means of the bolt extending between adjacent chord ties and filler washers are employed therebetween.

Abstract: A blind fastener capable of providing a strong fastening force on workpieces whose composite thickness may vary from minimum to maximum within a predetermined range. It comprises a tubular sleeve and pulling mandril therewithin, such mandril having a head which is pulled against the blind end of the sleeve to cause the same to be crimped or upset against the blind side of the workpieces. The sleeve is formed with a tapered end portion which varies from maximum wall thickness at the blind end thereof to minimum thickness intermediate the length of the sleeve. The mandril is formed with a complementally-shaped taper which varies from the head of the mandril to a point intermediate the length thereof.