Abstract: Apparatus for localized radial expansion of a ductile metal tube into tight engagement with a tube support sheet, e.g., for deformable member which is axially compressed by hydraulic pressure to effect radial expansion of the deformable member and the tube. The hydraulic pressure is multiplied to provide a relatively high force in a small diameter by connecting a plurality of pistons in series by rigid connecting rods having axial and radial bores for flow of pressurized fluid. The apparatus carries a probe for locating the position of the tube support sheet and a support member carrying an eccentric cam. Rotation by an operator of the support member, by rotation of a rod passing therethrough, causes the cam to frictionally engage the tube wall and wedge the support member in position to provide an abutment surface for contact by a stop member on the rod, thereby positioning the deformable member at the desired axial location to effect radial expansion of the tube.

Abstract: A method of automatically assembling wiring devices of the type having mounting straps in a continuous sequence, the disclosed wiring device being a duplex wall receptacle. A strip of the mounting strap material is fed longitudinally, being alternately moved by equal increments and stopped to place each segment of the strip progressively at a plurality of operational stations. Portions of the strip are removed to form blanks for the mounting straps which remain mutually attached at positions along each side of the strip which form end portions of the blanks and, ultimately, of the mounting straps. One or more additional strips in which ground contact blanks have been formed are fed in a direction perpendicular to that of the first strip and the ground contact blanks are staked to the mounting strap blanks and severed from their respective strips.

Abstract: A cross-head die for applying a coating layer to a filamentary member, e.g., plastic insulation to an electrical wire, includes a die body with an axial bore in which a tip holder is removably positioned with tapered surfaces of the holder in engagement with like-tapered surfaces of the bore. The holder is maintained in position by a lock nut on a threaded portion of the holder extending out of the die body. In order to assist in removal of the tip holder, an auxiliary nut, engageable with the threads on the tip holder, is provided. The threads on the collar and lock nut are right-hand, while those on the tip holder and auxiliary nut are left-hand, or vice versa. In order to remove the tip holder, the lock nut is backed off a few turns and the auxiliary nut is threaded on the tip holder until it engages the lock nut. As torque is applied to the auxiliary nut an axial force is exerted on the tip holder, pulling it free of the body bore and permitting its easy removal after both nuts are removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting rolls of overlay and base tapes, and guiding the tapes to pressure rollers after the base tape passes through a computer printer to produce an endless web of protected labels. The pressure rollers may be rotated either manually or by an electric motor. Between the printer outlet and the pressure rollers, the base tape passes through a bail mechanism which is rotationally moveable by the relative tension and slack in the base tape to operate a microswitch in the motor circuit. Both the label-making apparatus and the printer rest upon a planar base member to which the apparatus is fixedly attached.

Abstract: A tip holder for assembly in a through axial bore of a cross-head die body to hold a die tip in a predetermined position and to control flow of a molten coating material about the die tip and filamentary member which is moved axially through the die for coating purposes. An annular groove is formed about the surface of the tip holder adjacent a radial bore in the body through which the molten material is introduced. In a first embodiment, the annular groove communicates through a plurality of axial grooves in the tip holder with an annular cavity through which the material flows to the die orifice through which the filamentary member and coating material exit the die body. In a second embodiment, the material flows from the annular groove over an annular lip at the forward end of the tip holder.

Abstract: An arrow grip rest mount for attaching to the handle of an archery bow which is positionally adjustable in a lateral direction as well as being pivotal 360.degree. about an axis extending transversely and laterally of the bow handle. The mount includes an L-shaped bracket piece with the arrow rest being mounted thereon. A first elongated plate is anchored to the blow handle slightly above the arrow ledge with the plate extending rearwardly of the handle. The bracket piece includes a second plate laterally extending therefrom which is slidable back and forth within an elongated aperture formed in the rear-most half of the first plate. A circular plate is selectively rotatable within a circular aperture formed in the front half of the plate with a bolt extending therethrough and securing the mount to the handle. The circular plate is pivotal about the bolt whereby the elongated plate may be moved in a circular path while maintaining the arrow rest in an upright, operable position.

Abstract: Apparatus for removably attaching a tonneau cover to a pick-up truck bed comprises a rectangular framework formed of four individual, elongated frame members each having a longitudinally extending channel formed therein. An elongated, plastic extrusion having first and second, longitudinally extending, resilient, spaced walls is slidingly inserted within each of the channels in the frame members. A plurality of male fastening elements each having a rigid, rectangular snap portion with a trapezoidal-shaped terminal end are fixed in spaced relation to the peripheral edges of the cover. A lip is formed about each snap portion which engages first and second flanges formed on the first and second walls of the extrusion upon pressing the snap portion of a fastener in the extrusion channel formed between the first and second walls thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for removing a surface layer contaminated with radioactive and/or hazardous material and subsequently treating the waste to remove contaminants and provide an essentially contaminant-free final effluent. The contaminated material is removed by blasting the surface with a pressurized stream of air and sodium bicarbonate abrasive media, and the media is dissolved in water subsequent to the blasing operation. The resulting waste is treated in a sequence of steps including adjustment of pH, aeration and separation into primarily solid and liquid phases by precipitation of solids, which are removed for appropriate disposal. The primarily liquid phase is successively passed through a particle filter, a granulated activated carbon filter and a polishing unit to produce the clean final effluent.

Abstract: A ground fault interrupter (gfi) wiring device includes a latch member having integral abutment, latching and spring portions. In the preferred embodiment, the latch member is formed from a unitary blank of springy sheet metal, the spring portion being a leaf spring formed at one end and biasing the latch member to a latching position to maintain the moveable contact(s) in circuit-making relation with the fixed contact(s) of the device. The latch member is released to permit circuit-breaking movement of the moveable contact(s) by a solenoid having an armature with a relatively enlarged head portion to enhance speed of operation. Optionally, a spring may be provided to maintain the otherwise freely-slidable armature with its end portion in spaced relation to the latch member abutment portion so that the armature gains momentum before contacting the abutment portion to effect unlatching movement of the latch member.

Abstract: A furniture item of the type selectively positionable for use as a chair, ironing board or step ladder includes a telephone stand and/or a removably mounted child seat. Cooperatively positioned portions of the child seat and the furniture item prevent forward or rearward movement of the child seat. The telephone stand includes a support surface laterally adjacent and coplanar with the seat of the furniture item when positioned for use as a chair. A lower compartment for a telephone book, or the like, is supported between the legs of the item. A cover of the compartment includes a fixed rear section which forms the lower step when the item is positioned for use as a step ladder.

Abstract: A mechanical expansion anchor and radially expansible shell for use therein having particular application in combination with resin grouting materials. The anchor includes a conventional, tapered camming plug moveable axially upon a mine roof bolt to move the shell leaves outwardly into gripping engagement with the drill hole wall. The shell is distinguished by the provision of grooves in the outer surfaces of the shell leaves, extending between the upper and lower ends of the leaves. Components of a resin mix inserted into the drill hole in advance of the expansion anchor, carried on the end of the bolt, flow through the grooves in the outer leaf surfaces to the area below the anchor.

Abstract: A sand-blast sign-making apparatus for forming a plurality of horizontally extending and alternating grooves and peaks on the planar front surface of a degradable blank of synthetic substrate material having a non-degradable stencil removably applied thereto. The grooves and peaks are formed in the portions of the blank surrounding the stencil and are intended to simulate a naturally weathered or sand-blasted piece of wood with the peaks representing the hardest grains in the wood. A sand-blast hose is supported upon a carriage assembly which is movable simultaneously in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The hose is directed at the blank and a grille having a plurality of stock blades positioned in spaced, parallel planes is positioned between the hose and the blank.

Abstract: A vacuum-type clamping device for releasably holding a ski or other workpiece in a stationary position. The device is attached to a table by a C-clamp having the usual threaded rod. A suction cup is fixedly mounted on the non-clamping end of the rod and a nut carrying a rigid support ring having a pair of diametrically opposed contact portions is threadedly engaged with the rod. A surface of the workpiece is pressed into engagement with the upwardly facing, concave surface of the suction cup. The nut is then advanced on the threaded rod to bring the contact portions of the ring into engagement with the workpiece surface at positions on opposite sides of and spaced outwardly from the peripheral lip of the suction cup. Continued advance of the nut urges the workpiece away from the cup, thereby increasing the clamping force to the desired degree. The nut is rotated in the opposite direction to permit removal of the workpiece.

Abstract: A duplex receptacle consisting of molded plastic base and cover portions, a pair of terminals having female contacts for receiving plug blades, and a mounting strap. The terminals are formed with a minimum of bending operations from blanks cut in succession from a metal strip in a manner minimizing the distance of die progression per blank, and reducing scrap. The contacts have a configuration which enhances electrical communication with the inserted plug blades. Portions of the cover cooperate with the contacts to increase blade retention force. A portion of the mounting strap is exposed through an opening in the cover to provide further advantages. The spring arms on the terminals include structure which inhibits dislodgement of conductors connected to the receptacle by push-wire terminations.

Abstract: A recoil buffer for a semi-automatic pistol having conventional, relatively moveable slide and frame with opposing abutment surfaces limiting rearward movement of the slide in response to firing the pistol. The recoil buffer is a layer of firmly resilient material mounted in covering, contacting relation to the frame abutment surface. The layer of material is disclosed in the form of a washer mounted upon a portion of the slide return spring guide rod. In one embodiment, the washer has a through cut to permit its radial insertion over a stem portion extending between flange and head portions, and the recoil buffer may include a second, resilient washer axially inserted on the guide rod to be positioned against the forward surface of the flange, for contact by the slide abutment surface in the rearward position of the slide. In a further embodiment, the washer is axially inserted on a stem extending rearwardly from the guide rod flange.