Abstract: A staircase that is collapsible and hinged to the side of a vehicle allowing it to be folded up against the side of the vehicle for travel on roads. A pair of guide rods are connected at one end to the vehicle and at the opposite end to staircase for stabilizing the staircase when it rests upon an uneven ground. A pin is attached to the vehicle and can be inserted through a hole in the staircase locking the staircase when folded up.

Abstract: A tender box adapted for use with a crane or other hoist device for providing an elevated working area. The tender box includes a frame and a platform with upper and lower decks. The lower deck provides a storage area for material and equipment and the upper deck defines a work area. The tender box includes a detachable test weight, which is located beneath the lower deck, and side arms and spacers, which space the tender box from the face of a vertical structure.

Abstract: Articles, such as apples, to be sorted by size, float in water along a main channel. Depending upon the depths to which the apples penetrate below the surface of the water, the apples may be diverted into one of a plurality of side channels by endless belts positioned at respectively different depths beneath the surface of the water.

Abstract: The present invention involves a hydraulic device for immobilizing the wheel of a stationary trailer. The locking brake is spliced into a brake line of a trailer carrying a surge brake system and allows an individual to manually activate the trailer brake when the trailer is stopped. The brake device includes a housing block with a cylindrical bore and a spring biased piston. A shank is connected to the piston and provides a manual handle for shifting the position between an inner and outer position. In the outer position, brake fluid may flow from the brake system actuating device. In its inner position, brake fluid is prevented from flowing from the actuating device and is pressurized to lock each brake. The housing block also includes a pivotally secured lock pin which engages a hole on the shank to secure the shank to the housing block. In this manner, the brakes of the trailer may be secured in a locked position.

Abstract: A connector for an integrated circuit (IC) chip to secure the IC chip during testing. The connector includes a unique latching system with a pivotal contact pad carried beneath a latch plate for self-adjusting alignment prior to engaging the leads of the IC chip. The latching system also includes an actuator and hook member pivotally connected to the latch plate in an over center movement fashion to increase the clamping force uniformly across IC leads.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly including a diaphragm assembly which is conformed to the poppet and which moves therewith. The poppet is integral with or mounted to the pole piece of the solenoid. The poppet is shaped to conform to the shape of the valve seat. The valve seat has an annular groove to allow flushing of the valve in both open and closed positions.

Abstract: An improved durable and damage resistant carry-on case having a built-in travel cart capable of being towed by itself or with several pieces of luggage. The handle of the cart can be retracted for convenient storage.

Abstract: A liquid filtration system which includes a filter vessel having a liquid inlet and an outlet. A filter basket Is positioned in the vessel between the inlet and outlet and a filter bag is mounted on the filter basket. The bag includes a mounting ring which seats against the basket and against a smooth inner side wall of the vessel to prevent fluid leakage.

Abstract: An illuminated sign assembly for use on a communications antenna tower. The sign assembly encloses the antenna tower. The sign assembly is mounted to the exterior of the antenna tower by paired support arms connected to the tower legs. The support arms provide an open area between the sign assembly and the tower face. A lighting panel is mounted to the exterior face of the tower within the open area. The sign assembly includes fabric side panels secured to side panel frames carried by the support arms and curved corner sections, which completely enclose the antenna tower.

Abstract: A support arm for supporting a power screwdriver or similar device. The support arm prevents the transmission of the rotational force generated by the screwdriver to the hands and wrists of the operator. The support arm includes an internal lock plate secured to an extensible rod, which is disposed within a generally square outer housing. The internal lock includes a pair of generally square lock plates mounted on either side of a Teflon.RTM. guide sleeve, which acts as a slide bearing. The sides of the lock plates are flat and are used to abut against the interior flat surfaces to prevent the extensible rod from rotating inside the housing. A pair of universal joints are connected to the housing and rod to permit limited pivotal movement. The support arm may be mounted to a shiftable carriage, which rides on a transverse railing.

Abstract: An improved carry-on case having a built-in travel cart capable of being towed by itself or with several pieces of luggage. The handle of the cart can be retracted for convenient storage. The handle forms a part of a wheel assembly which can be selectively secured to the case having two positions to enable the case to be towed or used as a lift.

Abstract: A valve for regulating the flow of materials which are made up substantially of magnetic particles. The valve includes an outer housing and a core assembly secured within the housing to define an annular flow passage therebetween. The core assembly supports an improved magnet/coil assembly. The magnet/coil assembly includes a permanent magnet positioned between a pair of pole pieces and has an electromagnetic coil surrounding the permanent magnet. When energized, the coil establishes a counteracting magnetic field to cancel the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, which allows an open flow condition in the valve. An annular cavity is defined between the permanent magnet and the coil, which provides for a flux leakage path for the permanent magnet. During an open condition, the flux from the permanent magnet is shunted across the cavity to reduce the flux to be counteracted by the coil's magnetic field and therefore reduce the power consumed by the valve.

Abstract: A drill rig which is equipped with one or more safety mechanisms designed to prevent injuries to rig operators. In a first embodiment, the safety mechanism includes a barrier which is shiftably mounted to the rig and surrounds the drilling tool when the barrier is in the closed position. The barrier includes a key member which must be fitted into a sensor-equipped keyhole in the rig for the drilling tools to operate. A brake may also be connected to the drill spindle to stop rotation until the barrier is closed. In a second embodiment, a sensor is connected to a delay timer. The sensor is also connected to the clutch and transmission and alerts the operator that the clutch is disengaged but the transmission is not in neutral by sounding a warning buzzer after a predetermined time. If the operator fails to actuate a disconnect switch by shifting to a neutral position within a second predetermined time, a second delay timer activates to shut off the engine.