Abstract: A hand-held sharpener device for sharpening and deburring convergent surface cutting edge implements including an elongated cylindrical body having a central area mounting a plurality of sharpener bit assemblies and opposite end areas providing hand grips for holding and moving the sharpener device across a cutting edge to be sharpened. One of the sharpener bit assemblies includes two associated sharpening bits for sharpening blades having two converging cutter surfaces and a second sharpener bit assembly includes a sharpening bit and a dummy bit for sharpening blades having only one cutting surface. The sharpener bits and the dummy bit are held and clamped in bit receiving cavities in mating sections of the sharpener body.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for treating wastewater containing biodegradable material wherein a submerged stand alone perforated cylinder reactor pod containing aerobic bacterial growth media and a draft tube with air pressure induced pumping action creates a spray or splash pattern so as to recirculated aerated liquor through the media and also to the area surrounding the cylinder pod. Free interchange of mixed and unmixed liquor is provided via the perforations in the cylindrical pod wall. Provision is also made for back flushing the media and returning mixed liquor to an area remote from the reactor pod.

Abstract: An electroplating solution may be formulated as an aqueous solution of oxalic acid, trisodium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. Such solutions may be used for both brush plating and bath plating, and are suitable for use with a variety of plating metals and substrate metals without the need to add plating metal ions to the solution in the form of metal salts, chelates or complexes.

Abstract: A compact hydraulic cylinder may include a pressure chamber and a reservoir in coaxial, in-line arrangement relative to one another. The pressure chamber and reservoir are separated from one another in use by a piston and hydraulic seal. The piston may be withdrawn to a position in which the pressure chamber and reservoir are in fluid communication through a channel formed in the wall of the cylinder, which may be used for bleeding the pressure chamber. The piston may include a actuator shaft that extends through the reservoir. A follower adjacent the distal end of the shaft seals the reservoir from the exterior of the cylinder.

Abstract: A cleat assembly having a base adapted for mounting on a surface with the base having at least one depending hollow cylindrical guide tube which extends through the mounting surface The cleat assembly includes a cleat member having a head adapted to be received by and seated on the cleat base and at least one cleat post which is received in the base guide tube and reciprocally movable therein. An elastomeric keeper member is attached to the cleat post and frictionally engages the guide tube providing infinitesimal positions of adjustment. The elastomeric keeper member in one embodiment has a faceted surface with longitudinally extending grooves to allow passage of liquids and debris. The keeper elements may be secured to the cleat posts by fasteners which serve to radially expand the elastomeric keepers. Additonal areas of cushioned frictional contact are provided between the post and guide tube to dampen rattling.

Abstract: An L-shaped platform (11) having a vertical bale gripping frame (12) and a horizontal bale support deck (13) is mounted on a transport vehicle for rotation through 90° from a transport position to a bale pick-up position. In the pick-up position, tines (17) on the gripping frame (12) engage the top of the bale (B) and hold the bale (B) with the support deck (13) in contact with an adjacent side surface. The platform (11) is rotated to return to the transport position with the bale (B) being supported by the support deck (13). The support deck (13) includes a cross conveyor (21) for discharging the bale (B) laterally for stock feeding.

Abstract: A tie strap assembly for encircling and securing bundles of articles or discrete items including a looped tie strap or elastic band and a coupler for engaging opposite ends of the strap. The coupler includes an elongated shank having hook shaped arms on one end and an open ring on the opposite end. Protrusions are provided on the ring for capturing one end of the strap and keeper arms protrude from the shank to aid in holding the opposite end of the strap on the hook shaped arms. The ring has an open center for hanging the assembly for storage.

Abstract: In one aspect, an electric cooker comprises a pan that may have a planar upper surface portion, and a lid configured such that condensation that collects on its inner surface drains outside the pan. In another aspect, a serpentine heating element may be mounted to the bottom of the pan along a course that reduces disparity in heating of the upper surface of the pan.

Abstract: A method for rapid loading of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include sliding the stacks of cartons from a pallet onto a carrier having fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck, lifting the carrier into the hold of a ship, removing the stacks of cartons from the carrier using a second load push lift truck and stowing the stack of cartons in a stowage location using the second load push lift truck. The carrier may be used to insert slings about palletless stacks of cartons positioned thereon and the stack of cartons may be moved into the hold of the ship by the ship's gear or other crane. The slings may be withdrawn from about the stack of cartons by releasing one end of the slings and using, for example, the ship's gear to draw the other slings out from around the stack of cartons.

Abstract: A flexible strap restraint assembly including a hollow tubular strap, a connector pin device for connecting the end of the strap to a suction cup base assembly. The connector pin includes an extent of reduced cross sectional area between the suction cup and the strap end providing a living hinge to allow the strap to be directed in a plurality of different directions.

Abstract: A grading attachment for a skid steer loader is provided with steerable wheels that are steered by an actuator. The blade of the grading attachment may be rotatable through 360 degrees by a motor and gear assembly. Actuators may be provided to raise, lower and tilt the blade. The actuators may be hydraulic, and may be controlled by switches mounted on sleeves that may be mounted on the control handles of the loader. The switches may control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the actuators by actuating solenoid valves.