Abstract: A cable duct has a plurality of end-to-end connectable sections, with each section being formed of two interengaging panel members. In combination, the panel members form the side walls, cover and base of each section. Each panel member includes a side wall, cover portion and base portion which are hinged together and when the panels are folded at the hinges, each panel member forms a side wall and a portion of the cover and a portion of the base. The cover portion and base portions overlap with the extent of overlapping determining the space between the side walls and the width of a section. The panel members are adjustably secured together along the base so as to provide connectable sections and thus a cable duct of varying width.

Abstract: A controlled-immersion inspection mechanism gradually immerses a planar pattern of integrated circuits or other articles into a tank filled with water to a given level; across the tank there are two spaced parallel guide tracks along which two carriages, connected by a platform, move from an entry position above the water to an inspection position. In the inspection position the platform supports the articles, in an orderly array, for scanning inspection by a focussed energy beam, preferably an ultrasonic beam. A platform drive drives the platform between its entry and inspection positions. A mesh or other removable cover that permits water to flow but stabilizes article positions may cover the articles during immersion; the mesh is usually removed before scanning.

Abstract: A bridge plate assembly for use in moving vehicles between rail cars for loading and unloading has sufficient length to span the space between adjacent rail cars and has sufficient width to accommodate vehicles of varying wheelbase. The plate assembly includes two relatively movable telescoping load bearing members, each of which includes a plurality of spaced tubular members and a support member at each end of each plate member joining the tubular members together.

Abstract: A faucet for discharging water automatically or manually includes a body which supports a single flow control valve mechanism, a manual actuation mechanism which operates the flow control valve mechanism, and an electrical actuation mechanism which operates the flow control valve mechanism independently of the automatic actuation mechanism. The faucet may be centrally mounted behind two adjacent sink bowls and positionable over each of the bowls to discharge water. Electrical detection means mounted behind one of the bowls detects the presence of a user of that bowl and automatically actuates the faucet in response thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a glide tube ring for tube-in-tube systems, pipe conduits and the like. The glide ring tube according to the invention is provided with axially spaced glides running parallel to each other whose material has the lowest possible friction coefficient, especially a plastic, preferably a fiberglass-reinforced polyethylene, polyamide or the like, in which the glide tube ring is attached to the central tube forming a closed ring that centers this tube in the protecting tube, pipe conduit or the like.

Abstract: A quick connector for forming a joint in a fluid line consists of a female connector body having a bore which receives a male member. A sleeve surrounds and is secured on the male member in close fitting relation with the male member and with the female connector body. A retainer extends between the sleeve and a radial face formed in the connector body to secure the male member in the connector body. A secondary retainer provides enhanced retention capability. An optional plug may be positioned in the bore entrance to prevent introduction of external contaminants.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for preventing the accumulation of snow and ice, and having an apertured heating mat in the form of a lattice or web. The heating mat is made of a durable weatherproof insulative polymer so that the mat may be installed on any outdoor surface, such as a driveway, walkway, or rooftop. The apertures within the lattice serve to increase the flexibility of the mat, thus allowing the mat to fit uneven surfaces. In addition, this flexibility allows the mat to be easily rolled up when not in use, the apparatus therefore only occupying minimal storage space. The heating mat is also constructed to be highly resistant to wear and may be left outdoors for the entire snow season, exposed to both the elements and frequent vehicular traffic without losing its effectiveness. Also included is a controller from which the apparatus can be set to a manual mode, in which the apparatus may be manually activated, or an automatic mode, in which the apparatus is automatically activated by snowfall.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling for a fluid line includes a hollow female connector body which receives a tubular male member with a raised annular upset. A retainer is demountably coupled to the connector body. The retainer includes two spaced beams which extend through slots in the connector body from a cross member postioned outside of the connector body. The beams are positioned between the upset and an end of the connector body, and have a relaxed spacing less than the upset diameter such that the male member is secured in the connector body. A release protrusion projects from each retainer beam between the cross member and the connector body. The release protrusions have cam surfaces cooperable with an external surface of the connector body to spread the retainer beams apart when the cross member is pressed toward the connector body.

Abstract: A faucet and sensor mounting includes a faucet spout and an elastomeric filler ring having a central opening stretchable to pass over the faucet spout to provide for positioning the filler ring on a sink deck and about a previously installed spout. There is a trim plate which has a faucet spout opening of a size to pass over the faucet spout to provide for positioning the trim plate in place on a previously installed faucet spout. The trim plate faucet spout opening is of a size to cover a portion of the filler ring with an interior portion of the filler ring extending closely about the faucet spout and outwardly through the trim plate faucet spout opening. There is a sensor opening in the trim plate spaced from the faucet spout opening and a sensor is positioned in the sensor opening. There is an anti-rotation pin opening adjacent the sensor opening and an anti-rotation pin positioned in the opening and extending into the sensor to prevent rotation thereof.

Abstract: A rail car truck has a pair of longitudinally spaced wheelsets and a pair of laterally spaced side frames which extend between and are supported by the wheelsets. A bolster extends between the side frames to support the rail car vehicle body. There is a brace which is connected to the side frames to control relative longitudinal movement therebetween. The brace includes a pair of struts which are diagonally connected to the side frame on opposite sides of the centerline thereof. The struts intersect generally centrally of the side frames and there is a clamp assembly for attaching the struts together. The clamp assembly includes a pair of clamp plates, each having a channel formed and adapted to receive a strut. Each clamp plate is welded to a strut and there are fasteners which attach the facing surfaces of the clamp plates directly to each other. The clamp plates are welded one to another. The clamp assembly inhibits relative movement between the struts in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: A plumbing part is made from a permanent core and a body cast around the core. The core is formed of a material which meets the requirements as to the permitted leachability of lead and/or other undesirable materials from the core into water flowing through it. The core material has a melting point preferably at least 200.degree. F. above that of the cast body. The core also has a coefficient of expansion which is equal to or less than that of the material forming the cast body.

Abstract: Sewage treatment apparatus comprising a tank, aeration means which serve to aerate a biomass contained within the tank when the apparatus is in use, and air compressor means which are connected to the aeration means to deliver air thereto, in which the air compressor means are in a housing that forms a barrier between the housing interior and the tank interior, to inhibit transfer of gas or other material from the tank interior to the housing interior.

Abstract: A rail car truck side frame has an upper compression member and a lower tension member, with these members being joined by integral end walls which slant upwardly and outwardly from the tension member toward the compression member. To protect the side frame from the elements of car progressors, there is a car progressor contact extending forwardly from the lower outward portion of each end wall of the side frame. The contact is formed and adapted to be contacted by and protect the side frame from the pusher of a car progressor. The car progressor contact may either be cast into the side frame or it may be a separate welded element. When the side frame is used in a frame brace truck, the car progressor contact may extend outwardly from the bracket which is attached to the side frame and supports the cross braces of the truck.

Abstract: A toy castle formed from a plurality of assembly pieces includes a front wall, two side walls and a rear wall. Four corner towers connecting the castle walls. A gate tower is connected to the front wall and extends away from the interior of the castle. A central keep is connected to the rear wall and extends into the interior of the castle. A plurality of wall walks suspended from the front, side and rear walls extend around the inside perimeter of the castle walls. Each assembly piece is formed with interlocking elongated slots for connection with other assembly pieces, such that no special tools or fasteners are required.

Abstract: A plumbing part is made from a permanent core and a body cast around the core. The core is formed of a material which meets the retirements as to the permitted leachability of lead and/or other undesirable materials from the core into water flowing through it. The core material has a melting point preferably at least 200.degree. F. above that of the cast body. The core also has a coefficient of expansion which is equal to or less than that of the material fuming the cast body.

Abstract: A faucet diverter valve for directing water to either a faucet discharge or to an alternate water flow device such as a spray includes a valve body having an inlet, a faucet outlet, and an alternate water flow device outlet. There is a chamber in the valve body with the inlet and outlets opening into the chamber. A stationary diverter valve member is positioned within the chamber. A portion of the diverter valve member and the chamber wall form a restricted water flow passage therebetween. There is a water passage in the valve member connecting the valve body inlet and the upstream side of the restricted passage. The alternate water flow device outlet is located at the downstream side of the restricted passage. The valve member has openings therein positioned adjacent to and in communication with the restricted water flow passage. There is a flow path in the valve member connecting the valve member openings and the faucet outlet.

Abstract: A noise making toy in the shape of a hammer. A handle is attached to a collapsible plastic bellows. The bellows has a striking base closing one end and an opening at its opposite end. A sphere closing the opening is attached to the striking base by a tether which may either be rigid or elastic. When the striking base of the bellows is hit against a surface, the bellows is compressed, unseating the sphere and forcing air out through the opening thus creating a noise. When the bellows returns to its uncompressed condition, the tether returns the sphere to its seated position.

Abstract: A storage rack for small articles having an elongated support bar in which are formed a multiplicity of transverse slots along the length thereof. Each slot extends from the front to the back of the support bar and each slot is open at its top but closed at its bottom. A bottom ledge extends outwardly of the slots at the front and rear edges of the support bar. A tenon on the support bar extends upwardly into the slots. Undercuts are formed in the support bar creating overhangs on opposite sides of each slot above the tenon. A multiplicity of retainer loops formed of a strip of a tough, resilient, abrasive-resistant resin are provided. Each retainer loop has a bite portion positioned outwardly of the front edge of the support bar and two legs positioned in one of the slots with each leg engaging an overhang on an opposite side of its slot and the bottom ledge.

Abstract: A small floor scrubbing machine is powered by a centrally located battery pack, with a recovery tank for used scrubbing solution comprised of connected chambers located on four sides of and beneath the batteries, and a tank for clean solution in a lid over the recovery tank and batteries. A partial partition in the chamber behind the batteries effectively divides it into two chambers. A vacuum fan draws air and used solution into one rear chamber of the recovery tank and exhausts air to atmosphere from the other rear chamber. The extended airflow path from one rear chamber to the other around three sides of the battery pack allows mist and foam to settle out of the air stream before it reaches the vacuum fan inlet. The front and rear chambers provide plenum space to reduce the airflow velocity.

Abstract: A versatile high speed slicing machine moves first and second food loaves along parallel loaf paths into a slicing station where both loaves are sliced by a cyclically driven knife blade. There are independent loaf feed drives so that slices cut from one loaf may be thicker than slices from the other. The conveyor/transfer system onto which food loaves are deposited as cut includes a receiver located below the slicing station; a lift mechanism moves the receiver down during slicing so that slices always fall about the same distance after being cut. The receiver includes a horizontal conveyor that periodically discharges groups of food loaf slices onto a deceleration conveyor, from which the groups are fed onto a multi-belt scale conveyor. The scale conveyor is aligned with two receiver grids, each grid including plural grid elements interleaved one-for-one with the scale conveyor belts. In each machine cycle a group of food loaf slices is deposited on a grid and weighed.