Abstract: An improved timed-off control apparatus and method are provided to prevent excessive cycling of an electrically operated device, such as an air conditioning compressor. The timed-off control apparatus provides a predetermined timed-off period (e.g., five minutes), during which the electrically operated device is constrained to remain in an off state after the device is deactivated by a loss of power. For example, in an air conditioning system, fluctuations in power supply voltage and thermostat switch bounces may result in excessive cycling of the system compressor. By constraining the compressor to remain deactivated for the selected timed-off period, the compressor is protected against excessive cycling. In order to achieve consistent and predictable timed-off periods, a field effect transistor (FET) is used in conjunction with a resistance/capacitance (RC) circuit. When the power supply is interrupted, the FET is turned off state and remains off during the timed-off period.

Abstract: A water heating system, including both a conventional water heater and an external heat source such as a heat pump, is controlled in accordance with the present invention. The water heater includes a water storage tank, an electrically resistive heating element located in the tank, and a tank-mounted thermostat which closes in response to a demand for water heating to allow electric current flow to the heating element and which opens when the demand for water heating has been satisfied, to interrupt the electric current flow to the heating element. The external heat pump includes a water pump for circulating the water between the storage tank and the heat pump, whereby water is heated by the heat pump and returned to the tank. A current sensor is provided for sensing the flow of electric current to the heating element and a temperature sensor is located external to the water storage tank for sensing the temperature of the water entering the heat pump before the water is heated thereby.

Abstract: A ceiling-mountable light fixture adaptable for stand-alone use or use in connection with a ceiling fan is described. The fixture is mountable directly to a ceiling-mounted electrical junction box. The fixture is adapted to receive a suspension member, whereby a conventional ceiling fan may be suspended below the fixture, such that the fixture is positioned between the fan blades and the ceiling. The fixture is preferably pan-shaped, with a relatively flat base and an octagonal wall depending from the base. A distal portion of the wall is turned outwardly to define a flange which is positioned in facing contact with the ceiling when the fixture is mounted thereon. The fixture includes a central boss, which is elevated with respect to the base on a top side of the fixture, to define a recess on a bottom side thereof. The boss has a circular opening extending therethrough and an annular surface surrounding the opening.

Abstract: Plasticized sulfur compositions suitable for use as road-marking material are comprised of elemental sulfur, plasticized sulfur, a viscosity control agent and solid filler material. The plasticized sulfur is deodorized by distilling a solvent stripping agent having an initial boiling point greater than 350.degree. F. and a boiling range less than 100.degree. F. The solid filler material preferably includes substantially equal quantities of silica and calcium carbonate. Titanium dioxide is also included in the solid filler. Both white and yellow-colored paints can be manufactured according to the present invention. The yellow paint includes a yellow pigment in addition to the titanium dioxide, silica and calcium carbonate filler material. In one embodiment, lead chromate is used as the yellow pigment. In another embodiment, an organic yellow pigment, such as an arylide yellow, is used as the pigment.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor apparatus for conveying articles, such as empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles, includes first and second air ducts for supplying pneumatic pressure to move the articles along a predetermined path. The first and second air ducts are positionable on respective opposite sides of the path. The first air duct has a first plurality of vents in a laterally facing surface thereof and the second air duct has a second plurality of vents in a laterally facing surface thereof. The first and second plurality of vents cooperate to direct a flow of air on the articles to move the articles along the predetermined path and to exert a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved downstream. In one embodiment, selected ones of the first and second plurality of vents are inclined at respective predetermined angles of inclination for exerting a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A physical exercise/therapy apparatus includes a generally upstanding frame with a plurality of support bars at the top of the frame. The support bars are adapted to support a plurality of exercise pulleys, whereby a plurality of exercise devices are provided. The respective positions of the pulleys are adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of different types of muscle exercises. The frame includes a plurality of stall bars adapted to support a relatively flat board in an inclined position and a plurality of support rods spaced vertically along each side of the frame for supporting a stacking board. A guide mechanism is provided for guiding the movement of an exercise weight, such that the weight is constrained to move along a vertical axis. The guide mechanism includes inner and outer hollow members and a plate member attached to the inner hollow member.

Abstract: A tray for storing articles, such as cylindrical beverage containers, in a substantially upright position includes a bottom member and four wall members interconnected to provide an enclosure for receiving the articles. Each of the wall members has a support member protruding into the enclosure from the corresponding wall member. Each support member has a support surface which is inclined upwardly from the corresponding wall member into the enclosure. A portion of the outer surface of the bottom member adjacent to each of the wall members is also inclined upwardly and is adapted to contact the corresponding support surfaces of another tray when two or more trays are nested. A plurality of external rib members are disposed on respective outer surfaces of the wall members for contacting respective inner surfaces of the wall members of another tray when two or more trays are nested.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled cabinet is provided for maintaining and displaying plants of various types indoors. A fresh water supply, cooling system and exhaust and ventilation fans are contained in the cabinet, so that the entire system is portable. The cabinet further includes a computerized control system, which is responsive to user input commands for controlling various environmental functions, such as plant watering, temperature, humidity, air circulation and lighting. The ambient conditions within the cabinet are programmable for daytime, nighttime and seasonal cycles. The ambient temperature within the growing chamber can be maintained at a relatively constant level, or alternatively, a temperature differential can be maintained within the growing chamber to accommodate various types of plants which thrive under different temperature conditions.

Abstract: A drain valve includes a valve body, inlet and outlet ports, a first bore communicating between the inlet and outlet ports and a second bore intersecting the first bore at a right angle. A slidable member is mounted for reciprocal movement within the second bore. The slidable member includes a pin comprised of a resilient composite material, such as virgin tetrafluoroethylene, which maintains its resiliency throughout a wide range of temperatures and pressures. The diameter of the pin is slightly greater than the diameter of the second bore. As such, the pin is compressible to allow the pin to be inserted into the second bore and is expandable against inner surfaces of the valve body defining the first and second bores to provide a positive seal along substantially the entire length of the pin. An effective seal is maintained, despite variations in temperatures and pressures, to prevent leakage and accidental movement of the slidable member. A slot is cut in the pin to function as a guide slot.

Abstract: An improved cleaning apparatus for cleaning carpet, upholstery and the like includes a housing, a first storage tank removably carried in the housing for storing a liquid cleaning solution, a dispensing pump for dispensing the cleaning solution to an area to be cleaned, a vacuum motor for suctioning excess cleaning solution and other material extracted from the area, and a second storage tank removably carried in the housing for accumulating excess cleaning fluid and other material extracted from the area. Respective upper portions of the first and second storage tanks extend above the housing when the first and second storage tanks are carried therein. The first and second storage tanks are each equipped with a pair of handles to facilitate removal and replacement of the respective tanks. A quick disconnect fitting is provided for locating the first storage tank so that the first storage tank is in fluid communication with the dispensing pump.

Abstract: A vise for holding an object, such as a snow ski or water ski, in a relatively fixed position includes first, second and third support members mountable on a support surface, a plurality of rods supported in spaced parallel relation by the support members, first and second mounting members carried on the rods and first and second jaws removably mounted on the respective first and second mounting members. One of the rods is a rotatable rods having an external threaded surface. A handle is located at one end of the rotatable rod to facilitate the rotation thereof. Each of the amounting members has a plurality of bores for accommodating the passage of the respective rods therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a compressed gas supply hose to a gas pressure regulator includes first and second elbow fittings, each of which has opposed male and female ends. The male end of the first elbow fitting matingly engages a female fitting on the pressure regulator and the female end thereof is in mating engagement with a complementary male end of the second elbow fitting. The female end of the second elbow fitting is attached to a male fitting on one end of the hose. The male end of the first elbow fitting is constrained against rotation about a lateral axis, along which the male end of the first elbow fitting is connected to the pressure regulator, so that the first elbow fitting is substantially inhibited from rotation with respect to the pressure regulator. The first and second elbow fittings are rotatable with respect to one another about a vertical axis extending between the aforementioned lateral axis and another lateral axis, along which the hose is connected to the second elbow fitting.

Abstract: A truss assembly machine includes an elongated table for supporting truss members, including a plurality of wood members and a plurality of connector plates, and a pressing roller mounted for rotation about its own axis on a movable gantry above the support table. The gantry transports the roller longitudinally along the table for engaging the connector plates to embed the plates into the wood members and form the completed truss. A hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulically actuated piston carried therein is coupled to each end of the roller for selectively lifting and lowering the roller.

Abstract: An air-floated apparatus, such as a lawn mower or vacuum cleaner, includes a housing having an open bottom and an air intake opening. The housing is adapted to cooperate with a support surface beneath the housing to define a substantially enclosed chamber. At least one air impeller is provided for pressurizing air within the chamber sufficient to float the housing above the support surface. An axle and first and second support wheels mounted with the axle are coupled to a back portion of the housing by first and second attachment members. Respective first ends of the first and second attachment members are mounted for co-movement with the housing and respective second ends of the first and second attachment members are mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the axle and wheels.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus, such as a lawn mower is described comprising a substantially endless housing having an open bottom, air intake opening and a discharge port. The housing cooperates with a plate member projecting inwardly from a bottom part of the housing to define a substantially enclosed centrifuge chamber. A rotatable cutting blade is mounted in the chamber and an air impeller is provided for pressurizing air in the chamber. The plate member and impeller enhance the centrifugal movement imparted to the cuttings by the rotating cutting blade. A mulch recycling system is provided for receiving the grass cuttings and for delivering the cuttings to a predetermined location adjacent the housing for mulching. The mulch recycling system is adapted for use in connection with cutting apparatus supported by wheels, or roller members, as well as air-floated cutting apparatus.