Abstract: A lift mechanism for use in raising ground trench covers includes an axially extending housing, a cam located at one end of the housing, and a latch located at the other end of the housing. Rotational cam movement drives movement of the latch between retracted and actuated positions. The cam is connected to a latch driving mechanism, which may include springs and/or cables of unequal strength and/or unequal length. A method for using the lift mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat suspension includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.

Abstract: The invention is an modified audible signal, such as a piezoelectric noise-making and audible signaling device, which further includes a hydrophobic covering material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The hydrophobic covering material is known to be water resistant, but does not effect the sound of the audible signaling device, thereby delaying or preventing the failure of the audible signaling device from water corrosion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the application of a fluoropolymer coating to the threads of an internally threaded fastener. The fastener has a body and a threaded bore extending to opposing ends of the body to define opposing first and second openings in the fastener. The fastener is moved on a conveyor along a path of travel with its threaded bore in a predetermined orientation. As the fastener moves along its path of travel, the first opening is closed by means of an obstructing member, while an air stream carrying entrained fluoropolymer powder is directed from a nozzle through the second opening and into the threaded bore. The nozzle is stationary and is located at an axially displaced position relative to the second opening of the fastener and immediately adjacent the conveyor. Preferably, the nozzle includes a diffuser which directs the air stream and entrained fluoropolymer powder into the fastener bore in a diverging pattern.

Abstract: An appliance mounting device for mounting appliances such as flat panel TVs at desirable mounting angles which, in a preferred embodiment, includes a base plate having a back panel and upper and lower flanges, one or more base brackets and associated swing brackets, a spring assembly and a spring force adjustment assembly. The base and swing brackets may be pivotally connected at one end. The spring system may be designed and configured to substantially counterbalance the weight of the appliance. The spring force adjustment assembly may include a carriage associated with the base bracket and an anchor rod to which the spring assembly is connected. Simple threaded fasteners may be employed to lock the brackets to the base plate and to adjust the spring force applied to the swing bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle seating apparatus has first and second seat suspensions and a seat assembly. The first seat suspension is located at a first longitudinal location on the vehicle and incorporates a first seat platform having a pair of seat brackets. The second seat suspension is located at a second longitudinal location on the vehicle and incorporates a second seat platform having a fixed pivot bracket. The seat assembly has first and second occupant support members, a pivot rod mounted to the support members, and at least one latch cam connected to the pivot rod. Each of the seat brackets cooperates with the seat assembly pivot rod and to permit rotation of the seat assembly from a first to a second orientation. In the first orientation the seat occupant faces one end of the vehicle. In the second orientation the seat suspension and the seat occupant faces the other end of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an appliance to a support surface comprises a first base and a second base. The first and second bases are sized to allow the first base to be nestable within the second base. The first base is movable between first and second positions with respect to said second base. In the first position, the bases are in an unlocked position and an interlocking member is disengaged; and in the second position, the interlocking member is engaged to interlock the bases.

Abstract: An optical corrosion sensor employs an optical fiber Bragg grating 20 embedded within an optical fiber 18. The grating 20 has a coating 40 made of a material, such as aluminum, which corrodes or can otherwise be removed. The coating 40 exerts forces 46 radially inward around and along the grating 20 so as to cause the wavelength bandwidth of the grating reflectivity profile to become broader and to be shifted relative to its uncoated condition. Also, the forces on the grating 20 are reduced when the coating corrodes, thereby causing the wavelength bandwidth and shift of the reflectivity profile of the grating to narrow and to return to its uncoated condition.

Abstract: In a wastewater treatment process involving in-line removal of settled solids through a submerged solids collection manifold, the invention provides devices (and methods?) for resuspending concentrated solids using hydraulic pressure waves to improve removal through the collection manifold. The pressure waves are preferably created by cycling on/off signals to the solids collection pump at a user selected frequency. In some applications resuspension is provided by air scouring. The inventions result in improved solids removal and longer run times for the treatment processes with reduced need for mechanical agitators or scrapers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable electrical outlet box assembly comprising an outlet box, an electrical outlet assembly, and an adaptor. The adaptor is located between the box and the outlet assembly and is positioned at least partially within the box. The adaptor includes opposing mounting flanges and opposing outlet assembly support tabs that are displaced from the mounting flanges. The adaptor may be adjusted to different heights, relative to the outlet box, to accommodate different thicknesses for different floor or wall covering materials. Due to the offset between the adaptor mounting flanges and the outlet support tabs, the outer surfaces of the outlet assembly will lie generally in the same plane as, or slightly recessed from the plane of the mounting flanges. The resulting outlet box installation can be used with a flush mounted cover plate which protects and secures the electrical outlet assembly.

Abstract: A process for removing organic contaminants, nutrients and suspended solids from waste water. A three-phase cycle is used, consisting of a mix fill phase, a react fill phase and a react discharge phase. The process eliminates the need for separate basins for anaerobic and anoxic conditions, appropriate time periods for a quiescent environment for solids/liquid separation and mechanical decanter devices normally required to extract the desired effluent quality in conventional sequencing batch reactor systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stationary cloth media filtration systems and devices, as well as processes and devices for uniform flow distribution and improved cloth media filter backwashing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition comprising a) at least one binder and b) at least one substance which releases gases at elevated temperature, and c) at one friction-reducing additive. With the aid of the coating compositions of the invention it is possible to fill gaps in the case of socket/pin couples or threaded-part couples for the purpose of sealing and locking. The use of the coating compositions allows disassembly of the parts without danger of seizing or jamming.

Abstract: A system for creating at least one foot insert for an individual using a neutralizer 10, a levelor 40, and a sled 60. The neutralizer has a housing, protractor, and an angularly adjustable plate capable of supporting the foot. The neutralizer is adapted to accommodate a single foot of the individual to determine the neutral angle for each foot individually. The levelor is positionable on the neutralizer and has a plurality of adjustable arms to transfer the neutral angle from the neutralizer to the levelor. The levelor is also mountable to the sled with the adjustable arms being adapted to engage an insert for transferring the neutral angle to the insert.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector, comprising a first connector segment having a laterally extending flange, and a second connector segment having a body and a pair of opposed retainers adapted to releaseably maintain the first and second connector segments in mated relationship. Each of the retainers has a lever spaced laterally from the second connector segment body, the lever being joined to the second connector segment body at a base end and having a latch at a free end. The lever is also joined to the second connector segment body by a fulcrum wall positioned intermediate the ends of the lever, an outwardly facing cam surface is provided on the lever between the fulcrum wall and the base end. A slide ring is disposed over the second connector segment retainers, the slide ring being moveable from a first position adjacent the latch of each retainer to a second position of engagement with the cam surface of each retainer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for mounting an appliance to a support surface. The invention includes a first base and a second base. The first base includes a chamber and at least one keyway aperture. The second base is sized to substantially cover the chamber and the at least one keyway. Also include on the second base is at least one locking member. The locking member is positioned on the second base to releasably engage the keyway to interlock the bases together.

Abstract: A double-paned, side-by-side sash window has two sashes that independently slide and pivot to present differently sized openings.

Abstract: In a wastewater treatment process involving in-line removal of settled solids through a submerged solids collection manifold, the invention provides devices (and methods?) for resuspending concentrated solids using hydraulic pressure waves to improve removal through the collection manifold. The pressure waves are preferably created by cycling on/off signals to the solids collection pump at a user selected frequency. In some applications resuspension is provided by air scouring. The inventions result in improved solids removal and longer run times for the treatment processes with reduced need for mechanical agitators or scrapers.