Abstract: A method of straightening and reinforcing a structural member having first and second block members, each of the block members having a passage therethrough aligned with the passage of the other block member and each of the first and second block members having an inner wall displaying a face comprising a part of a surface of the structural member. The method includes the steps of exerting a force against the structural member surface whereby the structural member is moved into a straightened position, removing a section of the inner wall of one of said block members whereby an opening is formed from the structural member surface into the passage of the one block member, placing a reinforcing member in each of the block member passages, connecting the reinforcing members and securing the reinforcing members to the block members by placing grout material within the passages of the first and second block members.

Abstract: A solar collector panel is provided which has a pair of integral hook portions disposed along the longitudinal edges of the panel for corresponding contact with each pipe of a pair of adjacent solar collector pipes of a normal side-by-side solar collector pipe array. Adjacent hook members of adjacent panels cooperate to generally encompass, in a heat transfer relationship, a common pipe of successive adjacent pairs of pipes. Spring-biased fasteners attach the end panels to the main frame of the solar collector unit with the spring bias transmitted across the plurality of adjacent panels so as to introduce balancing forces to the cooperating hook members for clenching the common pipe therebetween as well as providing a solar collector panel/pipe array suspended from the main frame.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus includes a base member of rectangular form with front, rear and opposite side margins and an upper surface with a compass rose plate for affixing a drawing sheet thereon and pivotally mounted to the base member upper surface. A carriage frame is positioned generally on the upper surface of the base member and has spaced guide members slidably mounted to the base member side margins and interconnected by a crossbar for coordinated translatory movement. A parallel rule structure is supported by the carriage frame and has first and second drawing bars and first and second links forming an expansible and contractible parallelogram generally positioned atop the compass rose plate. The links are respectively mounted to the spaced guide members of the carriage frame for sliding movement therewith over the compass rose plate and for positioning the parallelogram rule structure at selected locations thereon.

Abstract: A reusable plugging dam for bowling balls is provided for retaining suitable filling compound until set or hard in and somewhat above a finger hole of the ball to be filled such that sufficient filling compound is present to allow for shrinkage during curing or hardening, and be ground and polished to conform to the spherical shape of the ball. The dam includes a body and a suction structure for securing the body to the ball and prevent seepage of the filling compound between the ball and the dam. The body has a port therethrough so as to allow filling of the finger hole with filling compound. Dams are provided for single or multiple finger holes. In addition a dam is provided for use in conjunction with another dam and in particular for filling horizontally aligned holes, this dam having a cover to retain the filling compound in the dam.

Abstract: An auxiliary tool kit for a socket wrench set is provided comprising an easy-out, an easily grippable extension with a rigid hand grip thereon, and an adapter extension for mating with an electric drill or alternatively, the kit is adapted for mating with a ratchet wrench.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process are provided which are particularly suited for treatment of sludge eminating from a metal finishing solution regeneration process, especially aluminum finishing solution. The sludge is washed on a horizontal belt vacuum filter from which a majority of the washing fluid is returned to the regeneration process. A portion of the washing water is wasted. After washing, the sludge is reslurried. Thereafter, the reslurried sludge is pumped to a reaction vessel in the presence of carbon dioxide under pressure. Sufficient carbon dioxide is provided to react with excess lime in the sludge to produce calcium carbonate and a substantially neutral pH. The sludge after carbonation is dewatered in a rotary drum vacuum filter and thereafter is suitable for placement in a landfill.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid, has a passage for fluid flow therein and open and closed positions whereby fluid flow through said passage is respectively allowed and prevented. First and second mating surfaces define a contact area therebetween when the valve assembly is in its closed position. Relief means is provided for communicating fluid from the passage with an inner portion of the contact area for operably reducing a force required to disengage the mating surfaces and open the valve assembly.

Abstract: A catheterization apparatus is provided having a catheter, a drainage hose, and a collection vessel. The catheter is of the endwelling type having a retention balloon for expansion while the head of the catheter is in the bladder or other cavity being drained thereby. The balloon when expanded comprises a plurality of wings or loops which function in cooperation with at least one aperture which communicates the interior bore or lumen of the catheter with the bladder such that the bladder cannot collapse about and occlude the aperture. In this manner, substantially little or no residual urine remains in the bladder during catheterization thereof, thus reducing significantly growth of bacteria within the bladder which would tend to cause a urinary tract infection. The catheter, hose, and vessel normally form a sealed system which is preferably only broken every 24 hours. The vessel is sized so as to accept at least a 24 hour output of urine and is preferably nonreusable.