Abstract: A conveyor comprises laterally spaced apart lifting/holding slats (12) and laterally spaced apart conveying slats (10) between the lifting/holding slats (12). The conveying slats (10) are advanced in a first direction for conveying a load and are retracted in a second direction for returning them to a start position. The lifting/holding slats (12) have lower portions (62) which reciprocate and upper portions (60) which move up and down. Cams (96, 98) operate in response to longitudinal movement of the lower slat members (62) to raise and lower the upper slat members (60). One end of the upper slat members (60) is connected to a fixed structure (18?) by a pivoting link (110) which pivots to permit up and down movement of the slat member (62) while preventing lengthwise movement of the slat member (62).

Abstract: A trailer (T) and a dock (D) are provided with substantially identical slat conveyors (10, 12). Each conveyor (10, 12) has alternating conveyor slats (36, 36?) and lifting/holding slats (38, 38?). The trailer (T) is backed up to the dock (D). Upper portions of the lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) are coupled together at their ends. The confronting ends of the conveying slats (36, 36?) are also coupled together. A mechanism carried by the dock (D) raises and lowers the upper portions of the two sets of lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) a drive mechanism carried by the dock (D) where it reciprocates both sets of conveying slats (36, 36?).

Abstract: A base structure (10) for a reciprocating slat conveyor is formed from a plurality of cellular base sections (18) that are connected by tongue and groove joints (28, 30). Each section is constructed from a lower wall (20), an upper wall (22) placed vertically above the lower wall (20), first and second opposite side portions (22, 24) connected to the upper and lower walls (22, 20) and a plurality of divider walls (26) spaced apart between the side portions (22, 24) and extending vertically between the upper and lower walls (20, 22). Each base section (18) comprises at least one elongated guide beam (36) that extends upwardly from the upper wall (22). The guide beam (36) has a top (42) on which an elongated bearing (14) is placed. The bearing (14) snaps onto the top (20) and a conveyor slat (16) snaps onto the bearing (14).

Abstract: A plurality of containers (32) are pitiable into tubular shelves (22). The containers (32) are cylindrical in shape and are sized so that they can be pushed sideways into a slot-like opening (26) in the tubular shelf (22). The containers (32) cam open the slot opening (26) both when they are pushed into the tubular shelves (22) and pulled out from the tubular shelves (22). End portions of the tubular shelves (22) fit within sockets (24) formed in, or on axles formed on, the side walls (16, 18) of a storage rack (10).

Abstract: A floor/ceiling 10 has downwardly extending ribs (14) separated by downwardly opening channels (16). The floor/ceiling member (10) sits down on a horizontal header (32) that is on top of a building wall that extends perpendicular to the ribs (14) and the channels (16). A preformed wall panel (24) has a lower strip portion (26) that is connected to a side flange (36) on the header (32). Preformed wall panel (24) has upwardly directed peaks (28) and upwardly opening valleys (30). The peaks (28) are sized and shaped to snuggly fit within the ceiling channels (16). The valleys (30) are sized and shaped to snuggly receive the ribs (14) when the peaks (28) are in the channels (16). A continuous lower strip portion of the preformed wall panel (24) is connected to the flange (36) of the header (32), below the ribs (14). The peaks (28) extend into and block or close off the channel openings formed in and by the channel (16) above the web (38).

Abstract: A reciprocating slat conveyor includes a plurality of side-by-side support beams (12) and conveyor slats (14) which fit onto the support beam (12). The support beams (12) are constructed from metal. The conveyor slats (14) are constructed from plastic. In one embodiment (FIGS. 1-4) the plastic slats (12) are snapped fit onto the support beams (12). In some other embodiments (FIGS. 6 and 7) the conveyor slats (110, 112) are slid lengthwise onto the support beams (102).

Abstract: One or more diagonal brace beam sections (26) extend between a pair of connectors (32). One of the connectors is placed inside of a first stud (14) that opens towards a closed side of the next stud (14) the second connector member (32) abuts against the web of the second stud (14). The connectors (32) are connected to the studs (14) by screw fasteners or some other suitable form of fasteners. The several diagonal brace beam sections (26) form an internal brace beam for the wall that extends from an upper corner at one end of the wall downwardly to a lower corner at the opposite end of the wall.

Abstract: A connection for releasable connecting confronting first and second portions of first and second members. The first portion has a first passageway has a second portion has a second passageway. An elongated coupler member is in the first passageway. A shim projects endwise outwardly from the first portion on one side of the first passageway. A coupler member is extendable endwise outwardly from the first passageway beyond the shim. When so extended, the coupler member is insertable into an entry portion of the second passageway. The first portion is movable relatively towards the second portion when the coupler member is extended. The extended coupler portion is moved into and through the entry portion of the second passageway. The shim is moved into the entry portion of the second passageway along side the coupler member.

Abstract: Separate manifold blocks are connected to the ends of tubular piston rod end portions of linear hydraulic motors that are parts of a drive assembly for a reciprocating slat conveyor. The manifold blocks are removably connected together by bolts and when connected complete passageways in the manifold block assembly that connect the linear hydraulic motors with each other and with pressure and return conduits. The end portions of the linear hydraulic motors are connected to transverse mounting frame members by spaced apart clamp assemblies. The clamp connections stiffen the end portions of the linear hydraulic motors and minimize deflection at the centers of the linear hydraulic motors.

Abstract: Fixed conveyor slats (12) in the nature of beams extend over a window in a support framework (70, 72, 74, 76, 86, 88) for the movable and fixed slats (10, 12) of the reciprocating slat conveyor. The fixed slats (12) support the movable slats (10), including in the region of the window. The fixed and movable slats (12, 10) are box beams, providing them with strength and stiffness in the region of the window. The fixed slats (12) are covered by planks of bearing material (46). Side portions (14, 16) of the movable slats (10) set down on side portions (50, 48) of the planks of bearing material (46). The planks of bearing material (46) are connected at one end only to the fixed slats (12). The bearing material (46) is capable of withstanding the heat of hot asphalt concrete and protects the fixed slats (12) from contact with the asphalt concrete.

Abstract: A plurality of containers (32) are pitiable into tubular shelves (22). The containers (32) are cylindrical in shape and are sized so that they can be pushed sideways into a slot-like opening (26) in the tubular shelf (22). The containers (32) cam open the slot opening (26) both when they are pushed into the tubular shelves (22) and pulled out from the tubular shelves (22). End portions of the tubular shelves (22) fit within sockets (24) formed in, or on axles formed on, the side walls (16, 18) of a storage rack (10).

Abstract: The lower portion (12) of a water toy (10) is buoyant and floats on a body of water (FIG. 1). An upper portion (14) of the toy includes an inner cavity (32) sides to receive the head (34) of a user. The user sights through a sight opening (30) in the upper portion (14). The user's hands are on the controls (64) for a pair of water guns (38,40). When the user depresses the triggers (54) the water guns (38,40) pump water up through the water guns (38, 40) and discharge the water in the form of streams at some target selected by the user. The upper portion (14) is inflatable to give it stand up rigidity.

Abstract: An elongated plastic slide bearing (10) comprises a top (30), sidewalls (32, 34) depending from the top (30), and connecting to walls (36, 44, 48 and 38, 46, 50) that form laterally inwardly extending recesses (40, 42). Lock ribs (62, 64) extend upwardly and inwardly from the inner walls (44, 46) of the recesses (40, 42) to upper edges (66, 68). The upper edges (66, 68) are spaced below the bearing top (30). The bearing (10) is adapted to be set down onto a support beam (14) that includes laterally outwardly projecting lock flanges (22, 24) at its top. The lock ribs (62, 64) contact the lock flanges (22, 24). When the bearing (10) is pushed downwardly, the lock ribs (62, 64) bend outwardly and allow the lock ribs (62, 64) to move into a position below the lock flanges (22, 24). When that happens, the lock ribs (62, 64) assume substantially unstressed positions in which their upper edges (66, 68) are below the lock flanges (22, 24).

Abstract: Corner seal sockets (26) are formed at the end of apex seal slots (58) formed in a rotor (10). A twisted split washer spring (70) is positioned in each socket (26) between the base wall (28) of the socket (26) and the inner end of the corner seal (16). The springs (70) bias the outer end surfaces of the corner seals (16) against the inner side surfaces of the housing sidewalls (20, 22). A radial apex seal slot (32) is formed in each corner seal (16). The base (38) of each slot (32) is substantially semi cylindrical in shape. It and the cylindrical peripheral surface (44) of the corner seal (16) form an arch shaped bight that connects side portions of the corner seals (16) together. End portions of the apex seals (18) extend into the apex seal slots (32) in the corner seals (16). The end portions of the apex seal biasing spring (60) contacts spring abutments (52, 54) which project radially inwardly from the outer ends of the apex seal (18).

Abstract: A power supply housing (12) is mounted inside of a computer housing (10). Housing (12). It includes components (34) that generate heat when the computer is being used. The power supply housing (12) is sealed in order to make it leak proof. A radiator is positioned outside of the power supply housing (12). It includes a coil assembly having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to an outlet leading out from the power supply housing (12). The outlet is connected to the inlet of the power supply housing (12). During use of the computer, a cooling fluid is circulated through the coil assembly of the radiator and the power supply housing (12). A fan is positioned outwardly of the radiator and is used to cool the cooling fluid when it is in the coil assembly of the radiator.

Abstract: A plurality of pouch bodies (14, 16, 18) are supported side-by-side from an assembly that includes a manifold block (26). The manifold block (26) includes an inlet manifold (28) and an outlet manifold (30). A liquid coolant (e.g. water) is delivered into the inlet manifold (28) via an inlet fitting (32). The liquid flows from the inlet manifold (28) into and through inlet passageways (36) which connect the inlet manifold (28) with inlet fittings (22) leading into a common end of the pouch bodies (14, 16, 18). The cooling liquid flows into the pouch bodies (14, 16, 18) and through them to outlet fittings (24) at the opposite ends of the pouch bodies (14, 16, 18). The coolant flows from the outlet fittings (24) through outlet conduits (38) to and into the outlet manifold (30). The coolant flows from outlet manifold 30 out through an outlet port (34). Electronic components to be cooled are placed between the pouch bodies (14, 16, 18).

Abstract: Corner seal sockets (26) are formed at the end of apex seal slots (58) formed in a rotor (10). A twisted split washer spring (70) is positioned in each socket (26) between the base wall (28) of the socket (26) and the inner end of the corner seal (16). The springs (70) bias the outer end surfaces of the corner seals (16) against the inner side surfaces of the housing sidewalls (20, 22). A radial apex seal slot (32) is formed in each corner seal (16). The base (38) of each slot (32) is substantially semi cylindrical in shape. It and the cylindrical peripheral surface (44) of the corner seal (16) form an arch shaped bight that connects side portions of the corner seals (16) together. End portions of the apex seals (18) extend into the apex seal slots (32) in the corner seals (16). The end portions of the apex seal biasing spring (60) contacts spring abutments (52, 54) which project radially inwardly from the outer ends of the apex seal (18).

Abstract: Fixed conveyor slats (12) in the nature of beams extend over a window in support framework (53, 100, 102, 116, 118) for the movable and fixed slats (10, 12) in a reciprocating slat conveyor. The fixed slats (12) support the movable slats (20), including in the region of the window. The movable slats (10) are in the nature of box beams, providing them with strength and stiffness in the region of the window. At the rear end of the conveyor, the movable slats (10) move onto support brackets (120) which prevent the rear end portions of the slats (10) from being damaged when they are in a position overhanging a rear wall (84) and material is dropped from above down onto the rear end portions of the slats (10).

Abstract: A screw (114) is rotated to move a head (110, 110?) against a first squeeze bar (30) and through a threaded opening (114) in a second squeeze bar (32), for moving the squeeze bars (30, 32) relatively together. This movement rotates cam bars (100, 102, 104, 106) in position, causing them to move a lower spread bar (24) away from an upper spread bar (22). This pulls downwardly on a bolt (16) which is connected to the lower spread bar (24). As the bolt (16) moves downwardly, its head (18) pushes downwardly on an upper clamp member (52?), moving it towards a lower clamp member (54?). This firmly clamps bottom flanges (78, 80) on a conveyor slat (70) between the upper and lower clamps member (52?, 54?), firmly securing the slat (70) to a transverse drive beam (56?).