Abstract: A dockboard apparatus is disclosed in which a vertically displaceable chassis moves a pivotally mounted ramp between a vertical storing position and a horizontal working position. Skewing and binding of the chassis are prevented by a construction wherein a counterweight for the chassis is coupled to the chassis by first and second spaced hubs, such as chain sprockets, and first and second linkages, such as drive chains, connected between the chassis, hubs, and counterweight. To facilitate movement of the ramp into place, the support of the dockboard apparatus includes an upper support member having an upper rear part disposed substantially at the same level as the loading surface of the loading dock and an upper front part disposed substantially below the level of the upper rear part. This member may be embodied by an L-shaped beam with vertical and horizontal legs. The hubs are mounted on the upper front part, e.g., on the horizontal leg of the L-shaped beam.

Abstract: A sump pump comprising a sump having an inlet for the liquid to be pumped and a discharge outlet, the pump proper being received at the bottom of the sump and being driven by a vertically mounted shaft. The pump comprises two impellers each having two intakes, the impellers being mounted one above the other on the shaft and surrounded by two volutes each having one or two outlets which are connected to the inlets of a collecting manifold, the outlet of such manifold being connected to the outlet of the sump.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a branch fitting for hydraulic stack apparatuses with gyro-laminary ventilated flow for use in buildings, the fitting comprising a fitting body provided with an inlet and an outlet for connecting vertical stack portions respectively thereto. At least one branch pipe inlet is disposed in tangential relationship to the body for connecting a branch-pipe thereto, the tangential inlet serving to admit liquids which are to be evacuated into the stack, the body and the tangential inlet being constructed to maintain, at all times, a constant link between air above the liquid in the branch-pipe and air in the stack.

Abstract: Stabilizing device for compensating by restraining the relative rocking movements between an articulated railroad car body and bogie running at high speed. The device comprises, longitudinally extending across the frame of the bogie a tube having sufficient stiffness for being free of any torsion, adapted to rotate inside bearings disposed at the extremities of the frame. The tube is provided at its extremities, with two parallel crank-arms integrally connected to the tube. The extremity of each of the crank-arms is articulated to a rigid connecting member which is attached on the other hand, by means of a swivel-joint, to a corresponding car body.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling underground power cables. Cooling of underground power cables is presently effected by the circulation of water or oil through pipes within which the cables are situated. The oil or water is then circulated through air or water-cooled heat exchangers which are uniformly spaced along the transmission line. However, a substantial flow of liquid is required to extract a useful quantity of heat, and extensive equipment is necessary to effect this flow of liquid. The subject invention proposes a relatively inexpensive and more efficient apparatus to cool underground cables. The apparatus comprises an enclosed chamber adapted to extend along a portion of a length of the underground cables and adapted to be partially filled with volatile liquid.

Abstract: A portable bidet for use in conjunction with a conventional bathtub which is of simple construction and inexpensive to manufacture. Since the subject bidet is portable, it is not a permanent fixture in the bathroom and can therefore be used in existing bathrooms which have conventional bathtubs. According to the subject invention, the portable bidet is adapted, in use, to be supported in a conventional bathtub having a bottom and an outer sidewall. The bidet comprises an enclosure-forming body having an open bottom and a top, and means at said top defining a seat for a user. A support bracket is solid with said body in the general plane of said seat and projects away therefrom to be set, in use, on the top of said bathtub sidewall. A support leg is hingedly connected at one end to the body on a side thereof opposite said support bracket and adapted, in use, to rest by the other end on the bottom of said bathtub.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling underground power cables situated in a tubular cable enclosure. Cooling of underground power cables is presently effected by the circulation of water or oil through pipes within which the cables are situated. The oil or water is then circulated through air or water-cooled heat exchangers which are uniformly spaced along the transmission line. However, a substantial flow of liquid is required to extract a useful quantity of heat, and extensive equipment is necessary to effect this flow of liquid. The subject invention proposes a relatively inexpensive and more efficient apparatus to cool underground cables. The apparatus comprises an enclosed chamber adapted to enclose a portion of a length of underground power cables. A liquid supply inlet is provided to the enclosed chamber, as well as an evaporated liquid outlet from the enclosed chamber.

Abstract: Braking device for railroad bogie running at high speed, comprising a fixed part integrally connected to the frame of the bogie and a movable part suspended from the fixed part and adapted to be vertically displaced by suitable means towards a rail. The movable part is provided at its lower face with a series of electromagnets arranged above the rail. The series of electromagnets is flanked at each of its sides with a braking shoe adapted to be applied on the rail at the moment of braking in such a way that the electromagnets be placed at a relatively small distance from the rail. Means are provided for controlling the position of the braking shows as a function of the wearing of the shoe.