Abstract: Ripper apparatus of the type wherein a ripper blade is releasably fixed in place through a shank pocket slot of a pivotal tool bar, wherein a replaceable wear plate forms the front side of the shank pocket to reduce wear of the shank pocket. The tool bar may be provided in several forms.

Abstract: Valve apparatus for controlling flow of particulate material, such as sand or other abrasive material, from a tank or hopper. The valve has a unitary plunger which is movable axially with respect to a lateral particulate material inlet between positions closing and opening the inlet, the plunger being moved by rotation of a threaded portion of the plunger through an internally threaded cap or bonnet opening. The valve body passage through which the plunger is disposed, and the plunger itself, are formed to have abrasion-resistant surfaces. A lateral air pipe nipple sealed to the valve body receives the abrasive material flowing through the valve for use in sand blasting operations.

Abstract: Method for neutralizing waste cooling pond waters of wet process phosphoric acid plants, and for neutralizing similar waste waters from phosphate complexes, wherein neutralization is performed in two stages and wherein the flocculent precipitate from the second neutralization stage is disposed of by dissolving it in incoming untreated waste water prior to the first neutralization stage. Neutralization in the first neutralization stage is accomplished by addition of limestone to the waste water, and neutralization in the second neutralization stage is accomplished by addition of limestone to the water phase from the first neutralization stage. The precipitate from the first neutralization stage is readily separable from the liquid phase, and is suitable for disposal in the gypsum stack of a wet process phosphoric acid plant. The fully neutralized water meets federal and state requirements for disposal in surface and underground water systems as to pH and as to fluoride and phosphate content.

Abstract: Louver structures having horizontally disposed overlapped members, whereby in one disposition, the louver structure sheds precipitation at one of its sides, and in reversed inverted disposition, the louver structure sheds precipitation at the other of its sides, in said one disposition the louver elements projecting from a wall in which the louver structure is installed, and in said reversed inverted disposition the louver elements being recessed into the wall in which the louver structure is installed.

Abstract: Pipe welding clamp apparatus, including a pair of clamp assemblies, one being of conventional design and the other being of a special design permitting access to the axial space between the clamp assemblies so that internal welding assemblies may be disposed partly within said axial space and partly at a location opposite said special clamp assembly from said axial space. Each welding assembly includes a relatively large welding electrode reel and an electrode feeder at said location, communicated with a torch assembly in said axial space through a flexible tube. Each torch assembly includes means for torch position adjustments angularly and radially, and includes novel means for oscillating the torch so that a wider root weld is formed which will bridge the welding gap between adjacent pipe ends in spite of torch position misalignment and in spite of irregularities in pipe alignment and welding gap width. Novel clamp locator means and wheel support means are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in balancing the blades of ceiling fans, wherein the pitch angles of the blades and the dihedral angles of the blades are measured and corrected, if necessary, by use of a beam of light reflected from a mirror temporarily flushly affixed to each blade, and wherein indexes are provided for measuring and correcting, if necessary, the circular angularities between the blades. Blades may be tested both individually or in sets connected to a hub.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for welding, wherein during welding the welding electrode is oscillated laterally of the weld path, and the welding current pulse frequency and oscillation frequency are correlated whereby weld metal droplets are deposited when the electrode is at its limit of movement away from center at each side of the weld path. During each cycle of oscillation of the welding electrode, a controlled number of weld metal droplets is deposited at each side of the weld path. An electrical circuit controls the electrode oscillation frequency and the welding current pulse frequency to be in correlation, and controls the number of weld metal droplets deposited at the opposite sides of the weld during each oscillation of the welding electrode.

Abstract: Welding backup shoe apparatus, wherein plural backup shoes are carried side-by-side on flexible bands, each backup shoe being resiliently biased outwardly so that the backup shoes are resiliently pressed against the inner side of a weld joint between end-to-end pipe sections to prevent blowthrough of weld metal through the joint during welding and to dissipate heat from the weld metal. A pair of bands, each carrying a plurality of backup shoes, are supported by the shoes of a welding clamp, the bands being disposed at the upper and lower interior of the pipes to be expanded outwardly when the welding clamp shoes are expanded and to be retracted inwardly when the welding clamp shoes are retracted.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for double jointing pipe, wherein a first pipe section is moved onto a pipe support roller assembly and moved lengthwise over a boom which carries a pipe clamp and internal welder at its end. A second section of pipe is then moved onto the pipe support roller assembly and moved lengthwise into engagement with the first pipe section. After the first and second pipe sections have been properly aligned and the clamps expanded to hold the pipe sections in welding positions, the pipe sections are rotated simultaneously while both internal and external welds are made simultaneously. A cap weld may also be formed with the pipes clamped as described, or the pipes may be moved to another support roller assembly and the cap weld made while the connected pipe sections are on the second support roller assembly. The methods and apparatus disclosed result in considerable savings as to both the cost of equipment and operating costs.

Abstract: Welding methods and apparatus, wherein a welding electrode is oscillated by a motor-driven oscillator in back and forth movements transverse to a weld joint, and an alternating welding current is supplied to the welding electrode in timed relation with the welding tip oscillations so that weld metal is deposited along opposite sides of the weld joint in parallel paths without deposit of weld metal at the center of the weld joint.

Abstract: Traveling carriage apparatus, adapted to travel along a track disposed about or upon an object, to carry a device such as a welding torch to do work upon the object or upon other apparatus supported thereby. The apparatus is hinged end-to-end, preferably having three hinged-together portions, the angularity at the hinges being adjustable so that the apparatus may travel along a track which is either curved or flat. The apparatus is supported by track-engaging sets of wheels at its opposite ends. A retractable drive wheel assembly is carried by one of the hinged portions of the apparatus.

Abstract: Hay handling apparatus, by use of which baled hay may be lifted and transported, stacked and unstacked, in a simple and dependable manner. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to a standard front end loader of a tractor, without requirement for additional hydraulic cylinders or controls other than those provided with the loader for operation of the apparatus. A frame body carries horizontally disposed elongated sharpened bars in the form of spikes adapted to pierce through bales of hay so that the hay may be lifted and transported, and includes means for imposing pressure against the bales of hay for withdrawal of the bars from the bales of hay. The apparatus is made in sizes so that stacked bales of hay may be handled, and is designed such that by its use baled hay may be stacked within an enclosed space, such as in a barn, completely to the ceiling thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling fluid flow wherein, according to the methods, a pressure-actuated main valve is conditioned to operate by fluid pressure actuation of a pilot valve, which closes a fluid flow passage through the main valve so that the main valve may then be actuated by fluid pressure. The apparatus is a self-piloting check valve apparatus, disclosed in three embodiments, wherein dual valves are provided. One of the valves serves as a pilot valve and is shown in the form of a spring-biased check valve, closing of which permits closing of a main ball valve adapted to withstand highly elevated pressures. The sealing elements of the valve are fully protected during flow periods whereby fluid erosion is prevented. Full opening flow passages are provided through the valves in each embodiment of the apparatus.

Abstract: Pipe welding clamp including pipe end spacing means, for holding pipes disposed end to end for welding, and for spacing the pipe ends apart by a small distance during welding. Two clamp assemblies are provided, one for each pipe end, the clamp assemblies being individually expanded and set by forces applied through axially movable sleeve assemblies and toggles connected between the sleeve assemblies and radially disposed clamp elements. The sleeves are moved for setting and retracting the clamp assemblies by fluid cylinders. An additional fluid cylinder is adapted to move one clamp assembly relative the other to provide spacing between the pipe ends after setting of the clamps, the pipe end spacing being controlled at circularly spaced points around the apparatus by screw-adjustable spacing stops.

Abstract: Track apparatus, consisting of a circular track adapted to be affixed end-to-end around a pipe, usually adjacent an end thereof, to support a carriage apparatus for travel about the pipe, welding equipment, or the like, being mounted on the carriage apparatus for use in welding the pipe to another pipe abutted end-to-end therewith, or for other similar purposes. The track is supported by circularly spaced crossbars each provided with inwardly projecting spring biased pins upon which the crossbars are supported. A latch device for affixing the ends of the track together is provided. The track has frictional engagement means around its outwardly facing surface for engagement by drive wheels of the carriage apparatus.

Abstract: Attic fans and apparatus for supporting the drive motors of attic fans, the attic fans being of the type having a housing connected around the sides of a rectilinear aperture through a wall, usually the ceiling of a home or building, the housing having a circular opening within which radially disposed fan blades mounted on a central shaft are rotated. In the attic fan shown herein, the blades are supported between spaced plates rotatively carried on the shaft. The shaft is supported at its lower end by a plurality of radially disposed supports, and is supported at its upper end by a single radial disposed support. The drive motor is supported at one side of the circular opening through the housing by a rod extending from the upper radial support to the housing. A support plate element pivotally connected to the rod has upper and lower inturned portions which engage the motor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improving building heating and cooling, wherein relatively cooler air is circulated upwardly from adjacent the floor of a room or other space. The upwardly projected relatively cooler air displaces relatively warmer air from the upper part of the room or space, and the warmer air is displaced to a lower level, thereby tending to equalize the air temperatures at different levels of the room or space. The apparatus used for air circulation is adapted for use also in periods when cooling is required, as in summer, in a disposition to propel air horizontally. The apparatus structure includes adjustable legs permitting use of the fan or blower in dual positions.

Abstract: Fishing apparatus, including a relatively short tubular cylinder around which fishing line is wound, the cylinder having a diametric crossbar adapted to be held by one of the hands of the user. The cylinder may have a raised rib or flange around each of its ends to assist in retaining the line thereon. At one side of the cylinder, an inwardly flared recess is provided adjacent the end of the crossbar, whereby the crossbar may be grasped by the fingers of one hand while the thumb of that hand is disposed in the flared recess in a position to be useful in controlling the line. Mirror image flared recesses may be provided, one at each end of the crossbar, in positions whereby one may be used when the drum is held in one hand and the other may be used when the drum is held in the opposite hand. The apparatus is, therefore, adapted for use by either righthanded or lefthanded persons. Casting of the line is accomplished by swinging the free end of the line in a circle and then releasing it at a rapid velocity.

Abstract: A game in which a game board is provided on which is depicted plural routes of attack against defenders of the Alamo. In the case of each attacker the game is played in three phases of play. The chances of the defender in defense of the Alamo are different for each of the three phases of play. An attacker must progress through the siege phase and through the assault phase before attaining the last stand phase. Each route of attack against the Alamo consists of a series of squares along which an attacker moves, certain of the squares bearing indicia indicating a procedure or happening to which the attacker may be subjected. The defender and each attacker is initially supplied with a plurality of markers each representing a person or soldier. Advances of the attackers are controlled by throws of dice, and loss of persons or soldiers in each defending and attacking force is controlled by throws of dice.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling fluid flow wherein, according to the methods, a pressure-actuated main valve is conditioned to operate by fluid pressure actuation of a pilot valve, which closes a fluid flow passage through the main valve so that the main valve may then be actuated by fluid pressure. The apparatus is a self-piloting check valve apparatus, disclosed in three embodiments, wherein dual valves are provided. One of the valves serves as a pilot valve and is shown in the form of a spring-biased check valve, closing of which permits closing of a main ball valve adapted to withstand highly elevated pressures. The sealing elements of the valve are fully protected during flow periods whereby fluid erosion is prevented. Full opening flow passages are provided through the valves in each embodiment of the apparatus.