Abstract: Workpieces such as sand-casted automobile engine blocks are cleaned by advancing a series of such workpieces axially into one end of an elongate barrel that holds the workpieces and rotates or tumbles them in the path of impinging streams of particles. The workpieces are advanced from one end of the barrel to the other by oscillating the barrel along the longitudinal axis of the barrel. By this technique, workpieces can be advanced through the barrel without the need to push the workpieces against each other, or without the need to provide workpiece-engaging and advancing mechanisms.

Abstract: A faucet manifold according to the invention is adapted to be mounted on a countertop over openings through which access can be had to water-conveying conduits. The manifold includes a cover in the form of a plate overlying the openings. The plate is spaced from the surface of the countertop by a skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the plate. The plate includes three vertically oriented sleeves. Valve members are disposed in two of the sleeves and a spout assembly is connected to one of the sleeves. Water is directed into the valve-containing sleeves through tubes connected to openings formed in the sleeves. The valve-containing sleeves are connected to the spout-supporting sleeve by tubes connected to additional openings formed in the sleeves. All of the components of the manifold can be manufactured inexpensively, many of them in stamping operations. The invention eliminates the need to form parts in casting operations, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A building form into which concrete may be poured to form a column or similar structure includes a plurality of stacked form units having interconnected expandable and contractible joints. The application of a vertically upward force to the joints of the uppermost form unit causes all the units to move together, first laterally outwardly and then upwardly to strip the form from the column. The form thereafter may be moved to another location where the joints of the form units may be contracted to provide a form for pouring another column. The joints include movable portions which are cammed outwardly or inwardly depending on the direction of vertical movement of a central, vertically movable portion.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide reactions occurring during carbon electrode use in the production of aluminum can be decreased by contacting the outer surface of the calcined coke with elemental sulfur prior to the formation of the coke into an electrode.

Abstract: A work conveyor sprocket and link assembly includes a sprocket having a body member. The body member includes a plurality of radially extending teeth connected by arcuate root portions. The body member further includes shoulder portions which extend outwardly from the sides of the body member. The link assembly includes a plurality of individual links connected to each other by link pins. Conveyor slats are secured to one side of the links; small flanges project from the other side of the links. Fasteners are connected to the flanges in order to retain the link pins in place. When assembled, the links engage both the teeth and the shoulder portions so as to distribute applied forces over a large area.