Abstract: A digging tooth assembly has first and second wedged members retaining a digging tooth tip on a tooth base. The improvement comprises a tension member, e.g., a bolt, coupled to the first member and engaging the second member. The bolt has an adjustable effective length so that the first member can be drawn into wedged engagement with the second member. Other aspects of the invention involve a method for assembling a digging tooth assembly having an apertured tooth tip on an apertured, supporting tooth base. The method includes the steps of inserting a first wedge-like member into the aperture, inserting a second wedge-like member into the aperture and drawing the first member upward into wedged engagement with the second member.

Abstract: A filter component having a substantially rigid support core and a filter element. The core includes a projecting first anchoring rib and the filter element (which is substantially flat in a repose position) has first and second spaced end panels. At least the first end panel of the element is attached to the anchoring rib when the element is mounted on the component. Element-component attachment is, in one aspect, by panel-mounted hook-like devices which attach to the rib. Attachment devices may also be embodied as clip mechanisms or rivet-like fasteners. A retaining tab on the component platform fits into a tab notch on the filter element when the element is mounted on the component.

Abstract: An improved ground-driven dethatching apparatus having at least two sets of independently rotating sets of dethatching tines. Each tine set is positioned along an independently rotating tine shaft which is rotated by a separate drive linkage and ground-engaging wheel. This arrangement ensures adequate torque to rotate the shafts and uniform dethatching when changing directions. The dethatcher automatically adjusts tine height, for example, in response to obstructions or variations in ground conditions.

Abstract: A fluid pump has an integral filament-wound housing bonded to internal parts of the pump. The pump housing is made of composite material (such as fiberglass strands coated with epoxy resin) wound about an adapter, pumping members and an output flange. Once hardened, the housing, adapter, pumping members and output flange are permanently bonded together to form a unitary structure. Pump efficiency is greatly enhanced because the pump housing forms a fluid-tight seal between (a) pumping members and (b) between pumping members and the housing and further prevents rotation of the pumping members in response to torque forces during pump operation.

Abstract: A cooking-type elongate bar burner having a plurality of gas flow apertures and a top surface is defined in part by a stiffening ridge and by a pair of laterally extending flanges. The apertures are beneath the flanges and thereby substantially protected from grease clogging. The burner is roll formed of a single piece of sheet material and is configured to directly accept a gas flow control valve. Also a unique "intra-burner" cross-over ignition arrangement and a method for making the new burner by roll forming are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to apatite flotation reagents which can be used simultaneously with silica collectors in a coflotation process without problems of incompatibility between the apatite flotation reagent and the silica collectors. The apatite flotation reagent includes soya lecithin. The soya lecithin can be used as an apatite collector by itself or can be blended with a phosphate ester, preferably an ethylene oxide modified alcohol based phosphate ester. In an additional embodiment, the apatite flotation reagent can be solely comprised of a phosphate ester, preferably an ethylene oxide modified alcohol based phosphate ester.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crane hoist system having a hoist drum, a drum drive motor and control and power circuit limit switches. The improvement involves a first trip bar coupled to the power circuit limit switch and a second trip bar coupled to the control circuit limit switch. The bars are-vertically aligned and both are pivot mounted at their corresponding ends. The second trip bar is mounted for movement independently of the first trip bar. If the control circuit limit switch fails to function as the second bar is moved a suitable distance upward, such bar contacts and lifts the first bar which, in turn, trips the power limit switch. In one embodiment, both bars are straight and elongate and in another, the second bar is "U" shaped.

Abstract: Disclosed are new features relating to a brush-supported carpet cleaning machine of the type having counter-revolving brushes. Such features include a new handle mounting and latching arrangement which simplifies handle mounting and de-mounting, which helps support the weight of a handle-mounted vacuum pod and which promotes a high degree of machine self-propulsion. The pod is attached to the machine handle by a novel gudgeon-and-pintle mechanism. Such features also include a new support device, preferably brush-mounted, which helps prevent the machine shroud from snagging carpet if the machine should "wallow" or "yaw" in operation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing storage batteries including: molding plastic to integrally preform bottom and side walls and partitions to form first, last and at least two middle cells, the bottom wall having upwardly projecting ridges with upper edges below the electrolyte fill level forming positive and negative wells which extend to the partitions and are in alignment with the negative and positive wells, respectively, of the adjacent cells; placing an intercell connector across each partition below the fill level to be held by the case in position extending from one middle-cell well to a well in the adjacent cell; pouring molten lead into each well, the lead in each well of each middle cell engaging an intercell connector; inserting a cell group of plates into each cell, the plates having lower portions immersed in the molten lead in the wells before hardening; and closing the container by sealing a top wall to the side walls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear paper-grasping guide for entering data. Such guide includes a generally planar guide body having a paper contact surface and a retention tongue displaced from the body and also having a retention surface. The surfaces are substantially coplanar so that the guide securely grasps and is positionally retained on a paper sheet interposed between the body and the tongue. The new guide may have any of several other features including a bevelled edge for permitting angled viewing of text, an edge with a computer function template therealong, a colored edge directing the eye of the user to the line of text to be entered, a translucent strip to help discern the next line of text to be entered and/or indicia for setting up vertical columns.

Abstract: A bucket dump block, used on dragline buckets, has side frames and a rotatable rope-guiding sheave. In the improvement, each side frame has a separate ring-like support section extending toward the other side frame and abutting the support section of such other side frame. The sheave is supported by and rotates about such support sections. The sheave rides on an annular anti-friction member retained on a sleeve into which the support sections are press-fitted. The dump block (which is devoid of provisions for lubrication) has a minimum number of parts and is easy to manufacture and repair.

Abstract: The new method relates to a machinery assembly having (a) a housing, (b) an eccentric confined in the housing, (c) a shaft extending into the eccentric and (d) a shaft axis of rotation. A method for moving the shaft with respect to the housing includes the steps of applying a support force at a point on the housing so that such force places the housing substantially in equilibrium with respect to the axis. A withdrawing force is then applied to the shaft in a direction generally parallel to the axis. A jacking mechanism contacts the housing at a point to apply a support force to such housing. The force magnitude and direction place the housing substantially in equilibrium with respect to the axis to reduce or eliminate frictional forces.

Abstract: This invention relates to emulsion compositions which are used as auto spray waxes or rinse or drying aids in automatic car washes. The inventive emulsion replaces mineral seal oil of prior art emulsions with more environmentally acceptable simple esters of natural fatty acids having the general structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R--C is from an acid moiety having approximately 12-26 carbon atoms, and R' is from an alcohol moiety having approximately 1-5 carbon atoms. In an additional embodiment, the emulsion composition can include an amine oxide coupling solvent or solubilizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure apparatus for use in analyzing the leak integrity of a fluid dispensing system such as a system used to dispense gasoline from an underground storage tank into a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one pressure device (e.g., a pressure gauge and/or a quick-connect fitting) having its own enclosure. The apparatus has an additional containment structure substantially surrounding the device enclosure so that inadvertent fluid leaks are captured by the structure. Also disclosed is a fluid dispensing system incorporating one or more apparatus. The apparatus is particularly useful for carrying out periodic inspections of the system to help assure that it is substantially leak-free.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for comminuting lawn refuse and having a refuse-receiving hopper with a hopper opening. An aspect of the invention involves a vacuum adapter attached to the hopper and substantially spanning the opening. The adapter has a collar for removably receiving a vacuum hose in air flow communication with the hopper. Preferably, the hose is a ribbed irrigation hose which is widely available at low cost. The hose is retained by a diaphgragm-like resilient member so that the hose readily pivots 360.degree. and is securely retained. Other aspects of the invention involve a closure for the branch feed tube, a novel engine mounting arrangement and a unique strut mount which substantially lessens the tendency of the machine to "walk" during operation.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a material handling machine such as a lattice-type portal crane having an elongate lattice girder suspended from a girder beam by a first and second support links. In turn, the girder beam is supported at an elevation by a pair of legs. The improvement comprises a force transfer link coupling the support links so that forces transferred between the girder beam and either leg are isolated from the girder. The girder, which is triangular-shaped, has a top apex-like chord member and a pair of lower chord members. The support links and the force transfer link support the girder at the lower chord members and the top chord member is spaced (and therefore, isolated) from the girder beam.