Abstract: The disclosure involves a transfer switch having a stationary frame and a front terminal matrix for connection to circuit boards undergoing test. There are two stationary connectors mounted on the switch frame. A platform is supported by the frame for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. Such platform has two movable connectors thereon and when the platform is in the first position, one of the movable connectors engages or "plug-connects" to one of the stationary connectors. When the platform is in the second position, the other movable connector plug connects to the other stationary connector. The stationary connectors are electrically coupled to respective test devices, e.g., a load board and a signal bus. Thus, the boards under test can be connected to one or the other of the test devices by shifting the position of the platform. A new method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A soil-sampling tool extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a barrel having a soil-penetrating distal end, and a cap for closing the end. In the improvement, the barrel has a seal surface spaced from the end and also has a tapered lead portion between the surface and the end. The lateral dimension of the lead portion is less than that of the seal surface. The cap includes an abutment face and a seal spaced therefrom. The barrel seal surface is spaced from the barrel end by a dimension not greater than that between the cap seal and its abutment face. In a highly preferred embodiment, the barrel has a stop shoulder between the barrel seal surface and the barrel end. The cap includes a lip bearing against the stop shoulder and a tapered cap face substantially contacting the barrel face of the tapered lead portion. The tool also relates to a new method.

Abstract: A tray for storing a container housing a film cartridge used in the Advanced Photo System is disclosed. The container has a rectangular, flat card member with a box-like blister member attached thereto for holding the film cartridge. The tray has a pair of retention members configured as a pair of parallel guide slots for sliding engagement with the container edges. A barrier at one end of the tray limits sliding movement of such container with respect to the tray. A new storage chest for holding multiple containers and a new method for making a tray are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device with a housing, the open front of which is fitted with a closed front frame consisting of frame arms and corner connectors. For the easy fitting of components designed for ease of handling, vertical grip rods are fitted to both vertical sides of the front frame via two spacers and a design holder with a clamping strip is fitted to one grip rod by means of clamps.

Abstract: A canopy light has a housing with a lower portion terminating in an opening, and also has a reflector in the housing. In the improvement, the lower housing portion includes a pair of spaced mounting members and the reflector includes a mounting lip affixed below the mounting members. The reflector body extends above the mounting members and is dimensioned to permit the reflector to be removed downwardly through the housing opening. A ballast assembly is above the reflector and is mounted on ballast supports inside the housing. The ballast assembly platform and the ballast supports are configured so that the ballast assembly can be lifted upwardly away from the supports (preferably without having to remove or loosen any fasteners) and then lowered downwardly through the housing opening. A new method for servicing a ballast assembly using access only through the housing opening (i.e., without having to gain access to the top of the housing) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An environmental test apparatus has a thermal chamber for stress testing electronic products and a wall separating the thermal chamber from ambient air around the apparatus. In the improvement, the wall comprises a pair of barrier walls having a flexible partition interposed between them. The barrier walls and the flexible partition substantially isolate the ambient air from the thermal chamber. The apparatus also includes a platform in the ambient air and a feedthrough card extending from the platform through the flexible partition into the thermal chamber.In one, more specific embodiment, the barrier walls are below the thermal chamber and the platform is below the barrier walls. In other embodiments, the barrier walls are lateral to the thermal chamber and the apparatus includes one or two racks, also lateral to such chamber. One or respective platforms are supported on the rack(s).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved wear-resistant sprue bushing typically for use in plastic injection molding operations. The sprue bushing has a body member, a nozzle seat and a wear-resistant liner. The sprue bushing shortens cycle times by facilitating cooling and has an increased service life.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit has first and second pumps coupled to first and second directional valves, each controlling work mechanisms such as a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic motor. The directional valves are in a valve assembly having a fluid passage through it. The passage includes first and second input ports and a passage closure intermediate the ports to prevent cross-feeding of the pumps. The first valve is connected to the passage between the first port and the closure and the first pump flows fluid to the first port. Similarly, the second valve is connected to the passage between the second port and the closure and the second pump flows fluid to the second port. In a more-specific embodiment, the second pump is a variable displacement pump and the first pump is a fixed displacement pump also connected to a power steering system through a priority valve. Thus, the first pump flows fluid to the power steering system as well as to the first port.

Abstract: An in-line skate and wheel particularly useful on a skating surface made of ice are provided. The in-line skate of the present invention includes a series of wheels aligned in a single row. The wheel of the present invention includes a circular body with a concave contact surface formed around the outer circumference of the circular body such that the concave contact surface and the wheel body form a pair of skating edges which engage the ice surface during skating. The wheels can be removed from the in-line roller skate and be replaced by a series of conventional rubber wheels for use on pavement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catch for a door, especially a switchboard door, with a lock plate which can be secured to the door and bears a door lock and a bolt cover guided adjustably on the lock plate which can be secured in a position covering the door lock by means of a cover lock. Complete sealing with substantially increased security against unauthorized access to the door lock is attained in that the door lock takes the form of a casement lock and the cover lock that of a cylinder lock, a partial cover is secured to the lock plate which overlaps with the bolt cover in the locked position at the contact point and forms a sealed lock cover, and a cover for the cylinder lock is rotatably fitted on the bolt cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic transfer switch (ATS) having "operate," "test" and "isolate" positions for the switch per se. A handle selects one of the positions and a mechanical linkage couples the ATS and the handle to one another. In the improvement, the linkage has first and second members for applying motive force to the switch. The mechanical linkage has first and second rotary driver devices in engagement with the first and second members, respectively, thereby providing redundant switch-positioning mechanisms. The new ATS may be combined with a bypass switch having "normal," "auto" and "emergency" contact positions. A switch interlock linkage extends between the transfer switch and the bypass switch and includes a bypass plate and a transfer plate coupled to one another by a bar. The bypass switch includes a pivot-mounted first bypass interlock member obstructing substantial movement of the bypass plate when the bypass switch electrical contacts are in the "normal" position.

Abstract: Improved roofworker support apparatus for placement on slanted roof structures with varying peak angles, and including a pair of peak-adjustable elongate assemblies independently deployable on the roof structure in spaced substantially parallel positions extending up the roof, each including and at least one elongate crosspiece removably supportable across the elongate assemblies. The elongate assemblies include an elongate roof-contact member, and overpeak member, an adjustment member between the overpeak member and the roof-contact member and adjustable to set the elongate roof-contact member and overpeak member at desired angle to accommodate roof peak angles, and at least one crosspiece-support member affixed to the elongate roof-contact member. Highly preferred embodiments include certain extension members.

Abstract: A simplified brake control system comprises a source of pressurized fluid, a spring-set brake with a hydraulic release mechanism and a control valve connected between the brake and the source. The control valve has a valve body and a flow control mechanism in the body and mounted for movement between a first (solenoid-energized) position and a second (solenoid-de-energized) position. A one-way check valve is built into the valve body. How the system operates depends upon two factors, namely, (a) whether the valve flow control mechanism is in its first or its second position, and (b) the relationship of the pressure of the source, i.e., the first pressure, and the second pressure in the release mechanism. When the flow control mechanism is in the first position, the release mechanism may be pressurized for brake release. And when such mechanism is in the second position, the release mechanism is vented to the reservoir through the brake port, the second passage and the drain port.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions which are dispensed as initial-stage foams and which post-foam upon spreading during use, thereby exhibiting multiple levels of foam. Each such composition includes a foamable utilitarian constituent, a liquid post-foaming agent, and a compressed gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for permitting the pitch of a dozer blade to change automatically during blade use includes a blade member including a housing having a housing wall and a blade attachment portion. An anchor member including a rod is telescoped to the housing and has a rod attachment portion and a retainer attached to the rod. A compression spring is in the housing and exerts force on the wall and the retainer. The rod and blade attachment portions are thereby urged closer to one another and the blade is automatically tipped rearwardly to a "semi-carry" position. During digging with the blade lower edge, the spring allows the blade to tip forwardly. A method for automatically adjusting the blade pitch is also included.

Abstract: A pressure washer is powered by a prime mover, e.g., an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, and has a flow control valve. The valve has a housing containing a piston assembly and the assembly has a mechanism coupled to it for controlling prime mover power. The piston assembly includes a first piston sealing against the housing and dividing the housing interior into two chambers. Such first piston is spring-biased to a first position during periods when no output flow is being demanded from the washer. The assembly also has a second piston spring-biased to seal against the first piston during periods of no flow. When flow is demanded by opening the nozzle, the pressure in the second chamber diminishes. And when the difference between the pressure in the second chamber and that in the first chamber exceeds a predetermined value, the assembly shifts to a second position, causing the mechanism to actuate the prime mover.

Abstract: An improved cleat structure for mounting a cleat onto a shoe wherein the cleat structure is comprised of a mounting base having integral connector and head portions wherein the connector portion is attached to the sole of the shoe and a ground-contact member is removably engaged with the head portion of the mounting base.

Abstract: A method for making a builder's tool such as a rafter square includes severing a segment from an elongate strip of material, forming a plurality of holes in the segment and marking the segment with dimensional indicia. The segment is then divided into two semi-finished components which are finish-machined to make two of the tools. In more specific aspects of the method, the forming step includes forming, in sequence, first and second sets of holes. The second set of holes includes a tool-receiving hole and the dividing step includes moving a cutting tool along the tool-receiving hole. Most preferably, the method is carried out using a press having a bed with first, second and third work stations, a movable platen carrying first and second hole-punching tools above the first and second work stations, respectively, and a marking tool above the third work station.

Abstract: A removable security bar apparatus for preventing ingress to a building opening such as a window or door. The apparatus includes a grille and moveable latch remote from the opening. The apparatus may be quickly removed from the opening and used as a ladder to exit the building through the opening in the event of an emergency.