Abstract: A metal threaded fastener is disclosed for use in outdoor or other environments where fastener rust or corrosion are to be discouraged. The fastener includes a metal head adapted for engagement with a torque wrench or the like. The head is covered by a polypropylene jacket. Raised metal protuberances below from a bottom clamping surface of the head. In one embodiment, these protuberances extend at least partly through the polypropylene jacket, but the thin covering layer of polypropylene is displaced from the protuberances during bolt installation. These protuberances provide metal-to-metal contact with a workpiece, and consequently encourage maintenance of a correct axial clamping pressure without over-torquing the mating nut.

Abstract: A bin ladder construction includes a vertical ladder up the side of a grain storage bin and an inclined ladder from the upper end of the vertical ladder to the peak of the roof of the grain storage bin. Corner pieces of particular shape and configuration interconnect the inclined and vertical ladders. The ladders have hollow rungs open at both ends, and channel members extend through and beyond the ends of a pair of hollow rungs in the vertical ladder and in the inclined ladder. Triangular brackets mount the opposite ends of hand rails to the ends of said channels.

Abstract: An improved bolt which has a head with a plurality of sharp projections extending in the direction of the shank so that the head can bite in and lock the bolt to a workpiece. A second embodiment utilizes a plastic encapsulation over the head, for example, for use with buildings wherein the openings through which the shank passes is to be sealed and in this embodiment the sharp projections cut through the plastic encapsulating material so as to bite into the workpiece and such cuts are spaced so that the edge of the encapsulating material is not completely separated from the main portion of the encapsulating material.

Abstract: There s disclosed a stariway system having a single stringer assembly and tread members which may be attached to a receiving structure by means of pre-existing through bores therein. The system may be adapted to walls having a horizontal curvature as the stringer assembly is composed of individual stringer sections which may be adjusted to allow each of the treads to be splayed along a radius of the curvature to provide a stairway having a constant tread width along the line of travel.

Abstract: When poultry or other livestock feed is stored within a bin having a conical bottom, the feed can become packed and bridge across the bin bottom opening. Under such circumstances, delivery of feed to an underlying conveyor may be erratic under some conditions. To overcome this, the present invention provides a first rotatable shaft extending upwardly along the axis of the bin bottom cone. A second shaft is joined to the first shaft by a universal joint. Mounted on the second shaft are a number of poly-sided discs. Here, these discs are equilateral triangles, and the triangle corners or points are bent out of the plane of the mediate disc portions. Arrangements are provided for locking the discs to the second shaft. If desired, a feed support disc can be carried by the first shaft below the second shaft so as to at least temporarily support feed which has been dislodged by the rotating poly-sided discs above it.

Abstract: There is disclosed a guard for the discharge opening of a grain bin which assures free flow of grain therethrough by precluding blockage of the opening by compacted grain. The guard includes a plurality of blades which are adapted to be disposed over the opening. The blades extend substantially perpendicularly to the opening and include grain engaging cutting edges for cutting and breaking-up compacted grain over the discharge opening to assure free flow of grain therethrough. The guard is also readily removable from its operative position over the discharge opening to permit complete emptying of the bin by a sweep auger.