Abstract: A rotary sprinkler is provided having a stationary base portion, with a water inlet for attachment to a conventional garden hose, and a vertically oriented water outlet having a body portion rotatably secured thereto. A plurality of generally cylindrical arms extend radially from the body portion, with each arm having a nozzle unit disposed on the distal end thereof. Each nozzle unit includes a plurality of nozzles formed therein, and may be selectively positioned longitudinally so as to expose a different number of such nozzles to the water supply. The nozzle unit may be rotated relative to its respective arm, so that the water discharged through the nozzles operates to drive the body/arm assembly about the base. The rotational velocity of the body/arm assembly may be controlled by the user of the sprinkler by adjusting the rotational orientation of the plurality of nozzle units.

Abstract: A ceiling fan is provided, having an electric motor with separate stationary and rotating members, the outer extremities of the rotating member being defined by upper, lower, and side surfaces, with a plurality of radially extending blades being secured to the upper surface. The ceiling fan also includes a tube member securable to the stationary member of the motor for pivotally suspending the ceiling fan from the ceiling, and at least one electrical switch for selectively controlling the operation of the motor. A unitary housing is provided, securable to the stationary member of the motor, for enclosing at least the lower and side surfaces of the motor in a first compartment thereof, and enclosing the electrical switch in a second compartment thereof.

Abstract: An automobile wheel alignment method and apparatus are provided for duplicating the pre-determined readings for the parameters of camber, caster, and toe, and allowing for the precise adjustment of such parameters at a location remote from the conventional alignment machine. First, second, and third indicators are provided, along with a gauge element, for duplicating the readings for camber, caster, and toe. Also provided are a housing for containing the indicators, and mounting means for removably securing the housing to a hub assembly after the wheel has been removed.

Abstract: A cutting deck mounting system for use on a riding lawn mower is disclosed, having a front linkage attached to a front portion of the cutting deck and to the frame of the mower, a plurality of mounting brackets disposed on the rear axle housing, a rear linkage having a first portion secured to the cutting deck and a second portion slidably disposed in the mounting brackets, and height adjustment members for selectively raising and lowering the cutting deck. The front and rear linkages are operative to maintain the cutting deck in a substantially constant horizontal orientation relative to the ground regardless of the cutting height. The rear linkages also operates to maintain the cutting deck laterally parallel to the axles during operation of the mower. The disclosed mounting system allows torsional flexing of the frame along its longitudinal axis without significantly affecting the orientation of the cutting deck relative to the ground.

Abstract: An automatically disengaging locking device is provided for use on a container having a hinged lid pivotable between open and closed positions. The locking device consists of a housing mounted to the side surface of the container, and a latch securable to the lid having a portion which extends through an opening in the housing when the lid is closed. The locking device further includes a keeper element disposed within the housing for engaging the lower portion of the latch to secure the lid in its closed position, a manual release mechanism comprising a plunger for allowing the selective disengagement of the keeper from the latch, and an automatic release mechanism operative to disengage the keeper from the latch when the container is moved for emptying. IN a first embodiment the automatic release mechanism comprises a pendulum, and in a second embodiment the automatic release mechanism comprises a rolling keeper pin.

Abstract: A spray gun for use with a source of pressurized liquid provided through a supply hose is disclosed having a body with hose connection means at the rear portion thereof and a pistol grip-style handle extending therefrom. The body has a longitudinally passageway extending from the hose connection means to the longitudinally opposed fluid dispensing end of the body. Disposed within the passageway is a plunger, slidably movable between opened and closed positions to selectively allow the dispensing of fluid through the exiting end of the body. The plunger includes a longitudinally bore partially therethrough, the rear portion of the bore being in fluid communication with the hose connections means, and radial bores providing fluid communication between the front end of the longitudinal bore and the internal passageway of the body.

Abstract: A riding mower is provided having a generally conventional engine, seat, frame, cutting deck and hydrostatic transmission. The cutting deck may be vertically adjusted for a plurality of cutting height settings, and may be locked in its uppermost setting and returned to the pre-selected cutting height, by selective operation of a foot-operated pedal. Linkage connects the pedal to the deck and to a variable-height adjustment link. A transmission speed control includes a handle protruding upwardly adjacent the seat, connected to a transverse control rod with a distal end operatively secured to the conventional speed adjustment mechanism of the transmission. Positioned adjacent the distal end of the control rod is a friction-generating device which engages the rod and prevents unintentional movement thereof. A grass collection bag is included with a blower mounted on the cutting deck for providind an enhanced airflow from the cutting deck through the duct leading to the bag.

Abstract: A pilot operated, balanced piston relief valve is provided with a body having a flow passageway therethrough and a main valve disposed therein, a pilot valve secured to the body and responsive to the pressure of fluid within the flow passage through the body, and a selective valve disposed between the body and the pilot valve for selectively discharging fluid from the body through a vent without requiring actuation of the pilot valve. In a preferred embodiment, the selective valve comprises an electrically actuatable cartridge valve secured within a manifold, with passageways formed through the manifold for providing fluid communication between the pilot valve, the main valve, and the vent.

Abstract: A ceiling fan blade is provided having a generally rigid unitary frame, with three areas for secure attachment to a conventional blade iron providing three points of attachment. A flexible, weather-resistant cover is removably secured to the frame by hook-and-loop fastening material. The attachment areas are angularly offset from the plane of the blade to increase the blade's angle of attack as it moves through the air during normal use.

Abstract: A harness for securing a fender to a boat, particularly a competition ski boat, is disclosed which includes an elongated strap member having at least two shorter strap members transversely disposed across one end of the elongated member to retain the boat fender and means for forming a loop from the opposite end of the elongated member for attaching the harness to a ski pylon or other hardware affixed to the floor of the boat. The length of the elongated member can be adjusted so that when the boat fender is suspended over the side of the boat the fender remains stationary along the side of the boat in a position which is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the water.

Abstract: A terminal block having a front face and a rear face is provided. An array of counterbores are formed in the terminal block which extend between the faces and define abutment surfaces therein. The counterbores are positioned so that the portion of greater diameter is adjacent the rear face. The counterbores are adapted to receive terminal contacts via the rear face so that the female end of the terminal contacts rest near the front face. Grooves are formed in the rear face which connect selected counterbores. The selected counterbores received one type of terminal contact having a male end of reduced length. A face plate having apertures formed therein is removably secured to the rear face. The apertures are aligned with only the counterbores receiving another type of terminal contact having a male end which extends beyond the rear face to allow the male ends to pass. Ground wires are passed along the grooves and contact the male end of the one type terminal contacts.