Abstract: A highly sensitive low loss and low flow fluid flow switch is coupled with an automatic timer and/or optional transmitter to indicate the flow of gas to an appliance and to automatically start a reminder timer to turn the appliance off. After a preset time limit has expired, the timer either sounds an alarm or wirelessly triggers an alarm in a remote location. The receiver portion of the wireless timer may be mounted directly to the appliance (grill handle), so that the timer automatically resets when activity (cover opening or closing) is detected, indicating the appliance is still in use. An alarm can also be configured to sound when the grill is attempted to be ignited with the cover closed, thereby avoiding a potential explosion. A biasing attraction magnet is incorporated in the fluid flow switch to offset either the force of gravity or a return spring in order to extend performance to low pressure and low flow applications.

Abstract: A highly sensitive low loss and low flow fluid flow switch is coupled with an automatic timer and/or optional transmitter to indicate the flow of gas to an appliance and to automatically start a reminder timer to turn the appliance off. After a preset time limit has expired, the timer either sounds an alarm or wirelessly triggers an alarm in a remote location. The receiver portion of the wireless timer may be mounted directly to the appliance (grill handle), so that the timer automatically resets when activity (cover opening or closing) is detected, indicating the appliance is still in use. An alarm can also be configured to sound when the grill is attempted to be ignited with the cover closed, thereby avoiding a potential explosion. A biasing attraction magnet is incorporated in the fluid flow switch to offset either the force of gravity or a return spring in order to extend performance to low pressure and low flow applications.

Abstract: A fitting connectable to an end portion of a pipe generally includes a housing configured for receiving at least part of the end portion of the pipe into the housing, and an insert member disposed at least partly within the housing. The insert member is configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the pipe when at least part of the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing. A retention member is movable relative to the housing for selectively connecting the fitting to the end portion of the pipe. The retention member is movable to press at least part of the end portion of the pipe against at least part of the insert member to help secure the fitting to the end portion of the pipe when the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing.

Abstract: A structural support device in the form of a push pier capable of use in high load-bearing capacity applications involving significant lateral load conditions, the push pier having a lead section with a ground penetrating friction collar, and one or more extension members that are machine fabricated with an integrally formed hardened alloy steel coupling section that is adapted to mate with the push pier lead section or another similarly constructed extension shaft. The hardened coupling section is formed of heat-treated and hardened alloy steel which is quenched and tempered to a yield and tensile strength substantially exceeding that of the main tubular shaft section to which it is connected, and inertia friction welded thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a trash bag in a container is disclosed, where the apparatus has a removable and replaceable scented bag retaining element which extends outwardly from the main body of the apparatus. The main body has a pair of spaced channel arms that receive, guide and support the retaining element in proper position against the main body, and the replaceable scented retaining element has a releasable locking tab which is received by and locks within a slot in the main body of the apparatus. A central membrane of the retaining element has a number of slits that form a number of flexible flaps which deform when pressed to received and retain the trash bag. The main body is adhesively mountable to the outer surface of the container.

Abstract: A display apparatus having a pair of polarizers with an optical rotator therebetween, one of the polarizers being a variable polarizer which is independently operated to alternate between substantially orthogonal states of polarization and cause the display to rapidly alternate between a normal positive and inverted negative image, creating a combined neutral image that in indecipherable to the naked eye. Shutter eyewear synchronized with the variable polarizer is used to extract the positive image for viewing by an intended viewer. In another embodiment, both polarizers of the display apparatus are independently variable, which allows for viewing of the desired image using passive polarized eyewear or eyewear incorporating synchronized variable polarizing rotators. Faster independent operation of the variable polarizers provide for flicker-free viewing of the desired image and convenient switching between normal and secure modes of operation, without physical alteration of the display.

Abstract: A helical anchor capable of use in high load-bearing capacity applications involving extreme drive torque conditions, the anchor having a main drive shaft machine fabricated with an integrally formed hardened alloy steel coupling section that is adapted to mate with a similarly hardened and integrally formed corresponding coupling section of an extension shaft. The coupling sections are formed of seamless high-carbon heat-treated alloy steel which is quenched and tempered to a yield and tensile strength approximating 135,000 psi, and inertia friction welded to the hot-finished seamless alloy steel tubing utilized in the formation of the remainder of the drive and extension shafts.

Abstract: A bell and spigot coupling system is provided for joining corrugated plastic pipe which improves the coupling's sealing capability with increasing hydrostatic pressure, and causes a substantial component of the force generated therefrom to be absorbed axially through the coupled sections of adjoining pipe. The spigot end of one pipe which is received within a bell coupler for an adjoining pipe terminates in a small annular bed-forming rib which forms a gasket bed that holds a gasket compressed against a radially extending gasket sealing surface of the bell coupler. Inward protruding latches formed in the bell coupler engage the adjoining section of corrugated pipe to resist axial separation and hold the gasket compressed against the sealing surface of the bell coupler. The sealing surface of the bell coupler contours the spigot end of the adjoining pipe and forms radially constricting pathways at opposite sides of the gasket.