Abstract: A blade planer utilizes a centering mechanism to locate the centerline of lumber on the datum plane intermediate a pair of offset blade planer heads. The centering mechanism includes a plurality of opposed shoes which are hydraulically or mechanically linked such that displacement of one shoe from a predetermined reference yields a simultaneous equal displacement in the opposing shoe. Biased return to the reference ensures that the shoes are always centered on the datum plane regardless of the separation of the blade planer heads.

Abstract: A visor assembly utilizes a movable eye screen which passes through a slot in a forwardly extending shade element. The light-transmissive eyescreen is adjustable to a shielding and non-shielding position, where it may be locked in position.

Abstract: A visual indicator plastic cap for a telecommunications terminal pedestal includes a distinctively colored form-fitting cover member having depending sidewalls and latches which engage the watershed lip of the pedestal. A scored removable portion on the cap facilitates removing a portion of the cap material for use with a top access cable. The cap is formulated with ultraviolet absorbers to enhance its color retentiveness, so that it may remain immediately recognizable over an extended period.

Abstract: A simulated work environment ability tester utilizes an upright frame on which a plurality of projections are spaced as scale to determine a worker's range of motion. The projections cooperate with a resistively biased bar to allow evaluation of the strength and endurance of a worker to determine his suitability to perform specified tasks. A movable platform supported on the frame allows evaluation of the worker's aptitudinal skills in a simulated work station. Each member of the apparatus may be made of lightweight material and adapted for easy assembly, thereby making the device amenable to use in a variety of locations.

Abstract: A garment construction wherein a liner is held within an outer portion utilizes a plurality of straps and hook and pile fasteners to eliminate buttons, snaps and zippers and facilitate the interchangeability of liners of various insulative characteristics.

Abstract: A connection for plain end well liner pipe and the like uses a threaded pin and box having a locking reverse angle thread profile to prevent radial separation of the pin and box due to deep well pressure and make-up pressures. The connection includes a primary internal seal structure wherein a metal-to-metal interference seal is located adjacent a thermoplastic ring seal. Separation of the interference seal due to the proximity of the thermoplastic seal is prevented by the locking thread profile. An external seal uses a metal-to-metal interference seal enhanced by a locking torque shoulder seal which acts with the thread profile to prevent radial separation of the interference seal.

Abstract: A three part connector for use in connecting tap lines to energized main lines uses a plurality of fasteners to secure a tap line keeper and cap member to a body member. The fasteners are peened to prevent their inadvertent removal from the connector, thus facilitating the use of the connector. The tap line keeper may be independently used to secure the tap line to the connector to prevent unexpected tap line disconnection during the tapping process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconditioning ballast along a railroad track utilizes lateral excavators to excavate the ballast adjacent the track ahead of an undercutter which excavates beneath the track. The ballast from adjacent the track is discharged below the track without processing, while the ballast taken from beneath the track is processed by a cleaning screen to recover reuseable ballast which is discharged outwardly of the center of the track.

Abstract: A solar powered cooling apparatus utilizes a solar collector to convert radiant energy into heat stored in water. An evacuated chamber houses a dessicant bed and a sprayer which introduces an adsorbate into contact with a heat exchanger conduit extending within the chamber. Evaporation of the adsorbate in contact with the conduit cools a medium circulated within the conduit between the chamber and a chilled water reservoir. The evaporated adsorbate is adsorbed by the dessicant bed until a predetermined temperature or saturation level is reached, at which point, heated water from the solar collector is passed through heat exchanger conduits in the dessicant bed to regenerate the dessicant bed. Iterative adsorption and regeneration cycles maintain the chilled water in a desired temperature range.

Abstract: A tailgate and dump body assembly for use on dump trucks or trailers utilizes a plurality of U-shaped structural steel elements in a unitized body to prevent lateral deformation and vibration. The dump body terminates in one such element and the tailgate seats against this element when closed. The tailgate is pivotally mounted at the top to a linkage which lowers and raises the tailgate into and out of wedge-like engagement with an inclined stop member affixed to the rear of the dump body. Raising the tailgate permits it to swing open upon elevation of the dump body while lowering the tailgate into engagement with the stop member prevents inadvertent opening of the gate.

Abstract: A garment portion loader utilizes a plurality of photo-electric sensors to determine the positions of garment portions at selected stations including a delivery assembly which supplies garment portions for loading, a pick-up assembly which removes garment portions from the delivery assembly and places them on an alignment conveyor, and an alignment assembly which aligns the garment portions with a pre-established standard relative to the alignment conveyor. A rejection assembly is provided to remove garments which are not properly aligned. The loader may be controlled by a microprocessor receiving input from the sensors and controlling the various assemblies.

Abstract: A barrier for use in electrical terminal cabinets includes a set of barrier guides permanenty affixed to the rear of the cabinets and a set of inwardly extending support rails mounted to the sidewalls of the cabinet. A modular barrier assembly slidably engages the support rails and can be moved into or out of the cabinet without disassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing ballast utilizes a ditcher wheel to remove ballast from along the side of a railroad track. An undercutter is pivotally mounted to the frame of the ditcher wheel rearwardly thereof and is also pivotal about a vertical axis such that the undercutter may be placed beneath the track while supported by the ditcher wheel. A portion of the undercutter is aligned parallel to the track proximal and rearwardly of the ditcher wheel and serves to urge the ballast removed by the undercutter into the path of the ditcher wheel for removal.