Abstract: A girt retainer is described for temporarily securing one end of a girt to a column clip until a second girt has been secured to the first girt and the column clip. The girt retainer comprises a threaded shank having a deformable, disk-shaped head mounted thereon. The head has at least one anti-rotation protrusion extending downwardly therefrom. The method of utilizing the girt retainer to temporarily secure one end of a girt to a column clip is also described. The retainer may also be used as a purlin connector or as a connector for connecting the overlapping ends of two elongated members.

Abstract: A concrete railroad grade crossing comprised of a precast concrete gauge panel extending between the rails and precast concrete approach panels which extend between each rail and the roadway. Elastomeric gauge seals are provided on the opposite sides of the gauge panels for sealing the space between the sides of the gauge panels and the rails. Elastomeric approach seals are provided on the inner ends of the approach panels for engagement with the outer sides of the rails. The inner end of each of the seals has a lobe formed therein which is embedded in the respective panels. Each of the lobes has an elongated bore or opening formed therein which has a rebar positioned therein. Portions of the lobe are cut away to expose the rebar. The exposed portions of the rebar are connected to DBAs in the panel by tie wires to firmly attach the seal to the panel.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tool bar comprising a center tool bar section positioned rearwardly of a pair of wing hinge tubes with wing tool bar sections being operatively pivotally secured to the outer ends of the wing hinge tubes. The tool bar includes a telescoping tongue including a latching device which prevents an inner tongue tube from sliding rearwardly with respect to an outer tongue tube. The latching device is automatically unlatched when a forwardly extending hitch is pivotally moved with respect to the tongue to a transport position. The tool bar sections are supported by vertically adjustable gauge wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A combination shoehorn and shoe counter clip is disclosed which comprises an elongated member or handle having upper and lower ends. A U-shaped horn portion is secured to the lower end of the elongated member at the forward side thereof to create a clip space therebetween. The counter of the shoe to be donned is positioned within the clip space and the individual is able to maneuver the shoe as required since the shoe is securely held in the clip space.

Abstract: An density control/anchor cable is provided on an agricultural bagging machine for engagement with the material being bagged as the material is forced past the density control/anchor cable into the bag being filled with agricultural material. The forward ends of the U-shaped density control/anchor cable are attached to first and second trolleys which are movably mounted on an I-beam positioned within the tunnel of the machine. The trolleys may be moved towards one another in tandem and away from one another in tandem from a position remote therefrom. One end of the density control/anchor cable may be selectively released from the second trolley from a position remote therefrom, thereby releasing the anchor effect of the U-shaped cable. The movement of the trolleys with respect to one another permits the precise density control of the material being packed.

Abstract: A hand-held wand is disclosed for exposing buried objects such as utility lines or the like. The wand comprises an elongated, hollow tube having upper and lower ends with first and second water supply conduits being positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the tube. The lower end of the first water supply conduit has a digging nozzle mounted thereon. The lower end of the second water supply conduit extends upwardly into the lower end of the tube to create a vacuum or suction within the lower end of the hollow tube to remove muddy water from the hole being dug. A two-way valve is connected to the upper ends of the first and second water supply lines for alternately delivering water to the water supply conduits. The intake side of the two-way valve is in fluid communication with a source of high pressure water. The upper end of the hollow tube has a mud take-off hose connected thereto which may be utilized to convey the muddy water to a location remote from the hole being dug or to a container.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic power unit is described for powering a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor positioned on a grain trailer or the like. A battery operated hydraulic pump pressurizes a hydraulic accumulator so that when needed, hydraulic fluid can be supplied from the pressurized hydraulic accumulator to a valve which in turn is connected to a hydraulic actuator or actuators.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a grip-enhancing substance onto the grip or handle of an object such as a golf club, tennis racquet, hockey stick, hammer, etc. The grip or handle of the object is inserted into the applicator by way of a selectively closable opening formed in one end thereof. The applicator is then squeezed to transfer a grip-enhancing substance contained within the applicator onto the grip or handle. The grip or handle is then removed from the interior of the applicator.

Abstract: A pump for pumping water, other liquids, or slurry mixes is described and includes an electric motor or the like positioned above the water to be pumped which has a rotatable pump shaft extending downwardly therefrom which has a drive line shaft connected thereto and which extends downwardly therefrom through a casing. A pump is secured to the lower end of the casing and includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart pump impellers mounted on a pump shaft which rotate with the drive line shaft. A discharge line extends from the lower end of the pump to a location remote from the pump. Water inlets are provided in the casing below the water line so that operation of the pump by the electric motor will cause water to be sucked into the interior of the casing and to be drawn into the interior of the pump for discharge from the lower end of the pump.

Abstract: An ornamental support pole for a luminaire is disclosed wherein the support pole is fluted to define longitudinally extending and spaced-apart flutes having radiused surfaces therebetween. The flutes are painted or coated so as to exhibit a color different than that of the radiused surfaces therebetween. The method of creating the pole structure is also described.

Abstract: An enclosed belt conveyor assembly comprising a head section, a tail section, and one or more intermediate conveyor sections assembled between the head section and the tail section. A tail pulley is mounted in the tail section and a head pulley is mounted in the head section. One or more idler pulleys are mounted in the intermediate section or sections. An endless conveyor belt is trained around the tail and head pulleys to define an upper forward run from the tail pulley to the head pulley and a lower return run from the head pulley to the tail pulley. At least one wiper element is provided on the conveyor belt which is carried by the conveyor belt in a close relationship with respect to the inner surface of the bottom wall of the intermediate conveyor section for pulling material, that has spilled onto the inner surface of the bottom wall, towards the tail section.

Abstract: A telescopic boom-mounted concrete pump is provided wherein a telescoping boom assembly is pivotally and rotatably mounted on the platform of the truck. The boom assembly includes inner, intermediate and outer boom members. A first concrete conduit which is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized concrete is mounted at one side of the inner boom member for movement therewith. A normally U-shaped flexible concrete hose has its inlet end thereof connected to the discharge end of the first concrete conduit. A rigid concrete conduit has its inlet end connected to the discharge end of the flexible concrete hose. A jib boom member in the form of a concrete discharge conduit is pivotally and rotatably connected to the outer end of the outer boom member and is in fluid communication with the rigid concrete conduit. The jib boom member may be removed from the outer end of the outer boom member and replaced with an aerial platform. A winch and sleeve is also mounted on the boom assembly.

Abstract: A hay saver insert is adapted to be removably positioned on and within a conventional cylindrical hay feeder. The insert includes an upper end portion which rests upon the upper end of the conventional feeder and a conical-shaped portion which extends downwardly into the interior of the feeder. Hay is placed within the insert and the animals have access thereto. Hay being pulled from the insert by the animals may fall into the area between the conical-shaped portion of the insert and the interior of the feeder which prevents the hay from being trampled.

Abstract: A multi-port cap dispenser for a liquid dispensing system including a liquid container which supplies liquid to a draw-off mechanism. A cap is removably mounted on the container for selectively closing the outlet opening thereof with the cap having a liquid passageway formed therein. The dip tube is fluidly connected to the lower end of the liquid passageway and extends downwardly into the liquid container. An adapter manifold is mounted on the upper end of the cap and has a plurality of discharge passageways formed therein which are in fluid communication with a, liquid compartment formed in the adapter manifold. The adapter manifold has a hollow take-off member positioned above each of the discharge passageways which is in fluid communication with the associated discharge passageways. Each of the hollow take-off members or ports have a dispensing tube secured thereto which extends to a draw-off mechanism such as a dispenser, mixing machine, etc.

Abstract: A multi-layer extended text resealable label comprising a first base layer and a second layer selectively secured thereto. The label is constructed in such a way so that when the second layer is completely separated from the first layer, the second layer is devoid of any adhesive material thereon so that the second layer may be conveniently handled without the same sticking to other materials. The second layer is also resealable onto the first layer.

Abstract: A golf ball novelty item including a spherical housing having an exterior appearance of a golf ball and which is approximately the same size as a conventional golf ball. A motion sensor is provided in the interior compartment of the golf ball which senses human intrusion into a specified area around the housing. A voice producing and emitting means is operatively connected to the motion sensor so that the voice producing and emitting means will emit a predetermined message when a human intrudes into the specified area around the housing. Preferably, a ground stake is secured to the golf ball for anchoring the golf ball.

Abstract: An archery bow holder is disclosed which may be attached to a tree stand or which may be implanted into the ground. The bow holder includes a elongated support having upper and lower ends with an externally threaded portion positioned thereon above the lower end thereof. If the bow holder is going to be used on the ground, a leg assembly is threaded onto the externally threaded portion of the support. If the bow holder is going to be used in conjunction with a tree stand, an attachment bracket assembly is threaded onto the externally threaded portion of the support with the attachment bracket assembly being secured to the tree stand.

Abstract: An ice scraper comprising an elongated handle portion having a scraper blade mounted at one end thereof and a U-shaped yoke mounted at the other end thereof. The U-shaped yoke comprises a pair of spaced-apart yoke members which have a U-shaped arm or wrist engaging member secured thereto and which extends therebetween. An optional brush may be secured to the handle portion adjacent the scraper blade but disposed oppositely thereto. The ice scraper may be used as an ice scraper or as a snow brush.

Abstract: An adjustable pneumatic density control is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable pneumatic density control comprises an inflatable bladder which is supported upon the rearward end of a flexible cable extending from the frame of the bagging machine. An air line extends to the bladder to supply air to the interior thereof to enable the size of the bladder to be selectively varied. A density control gauge or meter is imposed in the air line to enable the operator to ascertain and control the pressure within the bladder. An optional shield is also provided which extends partially around the bladder to reduce wear on the bladder and to prevent damage to the bladder.