Abstract: A multiple piston and cylinder assembly is illustrated utilizing first and second transversely bifurcated segments (A) and (B) for retention by an intermediate snap ring (D) installed within a single groove (C) facilitating a sealing abutting relation between the segments utilizing a sealing and retaining member (E) wherein the segments are inserted from opposite ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: An adjustable template is illustrated having an elongated continuous guide (A) carrying a number of longitudinally spaced blocks (B) for accommodating floor tiles 25 of various widths, lengths and thicknesses. The blocks are manually adjustable on the longitudinal guides by adjustment of the threaded fasteners (C). The height of the legs (E) is vertically adjustable within receptacles (D) carried by a respective block on each side of the elongated guide (A). The method contemplates the laying of a single longitudinal row of tiles 30 while maintaining a next previously layed row of tiles 31 preparatory to laying and positioning of an additional row of tiles by movement of the apparatus across the previous longitudinal row of tiles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for joining a piston in a precise leak proof junction on a rod utilizes an axial longitudinally elongated reservoir (A) in a bore within the piston which serves as a receptacle for a bonding agent (B), an annular groove (C) in the piston rod serves to position an O-ring member (D) serving as a support for the piston and as a closure on one end of the reservoir.

Abstract: A tractor hitch engageable and disengageable by an operator without leaving a tractor seat includes an upwardly and inwardly tapering cam (A) carried by a tractor at three-point hitch locations for engagement between inwardly extending marginal guides (C) integral with a complementary substantially wedge shaped cam follower (B) carried by an implement. The method includes positioning the cam below the cam follower and then lifting the cam by raising hydraulic lift arms (D) carried by the tractor exerting a guiding action between the cam and the cam follower bringing them into interlocking relation for thereafter automatically engaging a latch (E) dislodgement of the cam from the cam follower as during transport of the implement may be avoided.

Abstract: Collection boxes and method for distributing run-off water utilize upright sides (A) with an open top for positioning at ground level with an entrance connection (B) for receiving an underground pipe, a bottom (C) communicates with a drainage opening (D) for avoiding standing water. An upright unobstructed passageway having a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the entrance connection for the pipe extends above the connection to avoid turbulence in upwardly rising run-off water, and a cover (E) permits water to overflow over a surrounding area carrying with it trash from the box. The boxes are preferably stacked or nested for conserving space during shipment.

Abstract: An applicator is illustrated for introducing a flow of chemical adjacent the roots of a plant without supplying chemical to adjacent plant material utilizing a tubular guide (A) which acts as a cover for a needle (D) which is carried by an inner tubular support (B) which carries a dispensing tube for connection to a source of pressurized chemical (F). The dispensing tube is connected through the handle (E) and a compression spring (G) is provided to urge the tubular guide (A) downwardly for acting as a guard for the needle.

Abstract: A bagging apparatus and method utilizes diverging arms (A) which extend first outwardly from a handle and thence downwardly forming a curved free outer end (B) for suspending and maintaining the bag in opened position when supported by the handle (C) for carrying a heavy load of trash or leaves without puncturing or tearing the bag. The attachment of the bag is facilitated through the use of an elastic cord (D) which entraps a cuff portion of an opened bag within converging slots (F) utilizing an enlarged portion of the elastic cord pinching the bag wedged into the slot for securement of a marginal portion of the bag within the slot.

Abstract: Tucking apparatus for weaving multiple narrow panels having a selvage on both sides of each panel upon a wire weaving machine has a cutter (B) operated by suitable linkage from a cutter cam (A) mounted upon a transverse synchronizing shaft and a forming finger cam (C) also mounted upon the synchronizing shaft which positively operates opposed forming fingers (D).

Abstract: Absorbent devices for receiving fuel spill during the filling of a fuel tank include a gasket (A) constructed from a matrix of melt blown polypropylene fibers and frictionally held upon the fuel nozzle below the handle on the spout having outer surfaces (B) for engaging an entrance to the fuel tank and a central passageway defined by compliant walls for preventing fuel surges from backing up out the fuel tank. A squeezable pillow (D) provides adhesive attachment for positioning for receiving spillage from a fuel vent.

Abstract: A battery operated, self-contained toilet alarm system may be attached to any movable member utilized for gaining access to the toilet for alerting adults in a household with small children that a toilet lid is open and thus presenting a danger of drowning or serious injury to the children utilizes a time delay switch contained in a housing (A) or as a part of a kit to deactivate the alarm for selected periods of time allowing the system to reactivate itself after the delay is over emitting a noise to alert adults within the vicinity of the toilet, even when the toilet lid is only partially open.

Abstract: A low profile trash receptacle housing carries a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced hydraulic cylinders (A) and (B) for incrementally and simultaneously supplying a downward stroke upon a horizontally disposed compaction plate (C) so that upon retraction of the compaction plate and cylinders to a raised position following a compacting cycle adequate space is provided so that a door (D) may be opened to extend inwardly for reception of trash into a lower compacting portion of the housing with guides (E) providing stability to the compaction plate at all times during the compacting cycle.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for maintaining a substantially uniform partial vacuum about a lower extremity of a wearer suffering from poor circulation in the feet includes a lower member (A) defining a boot for containing the foot of the wearer and being attached to an upper member (B). The boot is sealed at the top for maintaining the partial vacuum in the space between the boot and the wearer by a suitable sealing member (C) while a connection (D) is provided for receiving a vacuum pump for producing a partial vacuum within the boot preferably of about 1-2 psi below atmospheric pressure. A mold for custom making boots includes a mold core (E) constructed essentially of plaster about which plastic is injection molded followed by breaking away of the plaster.

Abstract: An attachment for use on an articulated boom of a back hoe has an elongated frame (A) for attachment on the boom opposite the bucket carrying an arm (B) having an elongated member receiving and positioning an elongated implement (C) opposite the open side of the bucket during a complete sequence of operation of the boom and bucket. A (D) removably secures the elongated implement on the implement receiving and positioning member for serving as a backup for the bucket gripping an object between the bucket and the implement. Thus an implement may be removably positioned in relation to the bucket of a back hoe for gripping an object therebetween for movement by the boom and for changing one implement for another upon the implement receiving and positioning members. An offset member (E) extends upwardly from the base for aiding in retracting the arm and the implement carried thereby.

Abstract: A support assembly for growing tomato plants allows ready access to the plant during the various stages of growth by utilizing interchangeable parts including post sections having a tapered member (A) on a bottom end and a tapered socket (B) on the other end for joining the sections to form continuous posts having vertically spaced seating locations (C), and horizontal supports (D) having sockets (E) which fit securely onto post sections and spaced vertically to form modules that may be stacked in vertical relation and thereby added progressively to meet the needs engendered by growth of the plant and to permit ready access to the plant.

Abstract: An air scrubber and method for cleaning a stream of air utilizes a horizontal tray (A) together with a passageway (B) for transporting air beneath the trays and directing same upwardly through a perforated bottom of the tray which is supplied with a predetermined level of water which flows over a weir from a suitable source (C) wherein the upwardly directed air agitates the water resulting in a scrubbing action which is then followed by the action of an eliminator section (D) which removes water remaining in the air stream after agitation and scrubbing.

Abstract: A tank (A) stores pre-filtered anti-freeze liquid received from a pre-filter (B) for removing hydrocarbons carried within a drain pan (C) positioned beneath a radiator in an automotive vehicle. The pre-filtered anti-freeze liquid is introduced into a cartridge filter having a closure provided by a removable plug (D) for introducing diatomaceous earth into one of a serially arranged set of filters.

Abstract: Tenter frame apparatus includes an endless chain for carrying tenter clips (A) on one side of a monorail (B) for positioning a web (W) for transport on a single pair of longitudinally aligned bearings (C) carried in horizontal alignment with the web (W), and for guidance on a stationary track (D) by a wear strip (E), first opposed wear pads (F) opposite the bearings, and second opposed wear pads (G) at the top of the monorail.