Abstract: A low-leakage valve apparatus which reduces fugitive emissions from valves to the ambient atmosphere. A secondary packing chamber or gland is installed on an existing valve to intercept leakage past the valve's original primary packing gland, which otherwise would escape past the valve stem to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A flow responsive pressure regulating unloader suitable for use between a positive displacement fluid pump and a fluid consuming device connected to the pump. The unloader includes a housing having an inlet port connected to an outlet port, and a by-pass port. A fluid pressure regulating valve is connected between the inlet port and the by-pass port to limit the maximum fluid pressure at the inlet port. A flow responsive valve also is connected between the inlet port and the by-pass port. Fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port creates a pressure drop across an orifice. The pressure differential is applied across a piston to close the flow responsive valve. When flow from the outlet ceases, the pressures across the piston become equal and the fluid pressure on the flow responsive valve opens the valve to divert fluid to the by-pass port.

Abstract: An improved hinge for a collapsible ladder includes a pivot pin which has a sufficiently simple construction to permit it to be fabricated by die-casting on a cost-competitive basis. The simple construction is made possible by an improved axial detent arrangement for a shaft which rotates and slides within the hub and to which the hinge locking pins are secured. The detent arrangement includes a detent bore extending radially biased against the shaft. A suitable detent recess in the shaft is angularly aligned with the detent bore for each locking position of the shaft. Axial alignment of the bore and a recess is achieved by fully extending the shaft out of the hub against the restoring force of a bias spring in the hub. The recess and bias member are contoured to permit disengagement of the detent by rotation of the shaft but not by axially applied forces.

Abstract: A wall stand-off apparatus and method for supporting virtually any ladder adjacent to a substantially vertical surface. The novel wall stand-off apparatus of the present invention comprises a U-shaped support bar which forms two, substantially parallel legs. Each leg is provided with an extension member, such that the legs are individually adjustable in length.Two clamps are pivotally connected to the support bar. Each clamp comprises two movable, opposing jaws which are adapted to be attached to a portion of the ladder which is inserted therebetween. Each clamp includes a thumbscrew such that when a ladder's side rail or rung is inserted into the clamp, the thumbscrew may be tightened so as to firmly secure the clamp to the ladder. With both clamps properly secured to either the side rails or a rung of a ladder, the ladder may thereafter be leaned against a substantially vertical wall, with the legs of the support bar resting against the wall.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foam strip.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foamstrip.

Abstract: An adjustable sawhorse having a work platform removably mounted atop two pairs of side rails. A pair of hinges connect the side rails of each side rail pair at one end thereof. The hinges may be selectively locked or unlocked to accommodate folding and unfolding of the sawhorse from a folded configuration to an upright configuration and vice versa. Each pair of side rails is also slidably mounted on another pair of side rails to accommodate extension thereof. Locking handles are provided for each extensible set of side rails so that they may be locked into one or more extended positions. Steps are mounted between each pair of side rails to enhance the versatility and use of the sawhorse.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder is disclosed. Hinges are provided on each of the side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. Additional side rails are provided which are telescopically mounted so that the ladder can be extended to increase its height in either of the step ladder or extension ladder configurations. Each of the ladder rungs are provided with two flat stepping surfaces which are symmetrically angularly oriented with respect to the side rails of the ladder so that at least one of the surfaces of each rung will present an essentially horizontal stepping surface whenever the ladder is in an upright position, either as a step ladder or as an extension ladder, and irrespective of which end of the side rails the ladder is standing on.

Abstract: An improved foldable work stand and platform having an upper work support surface with wooden inserts therein to protect saws and the like from being damaged by accidental contact with the metal structure of the platform. The foldable work platform also includes improved structure for elevating the working surface and an adjustable stabilizer leg to maintain the work surface generally horizontal on uneven terrain. Lateral extensions of the work surface provide versatility in the work surface configuration and are easily secured in a selected orientation.

Abstract: An improved foldable work stand and platform having an upper work support surface with wooden inserts therein to protect saws and the like from being damaged by accidental contact with the metal structure of the platform. The foldable work platform also includes improved structure for elevating the working surface and an adjustable stabilizer leg to maintain the work surface generally horizontal on uneven terrain. Lateral extensions of the work surface provide versatility in the work surface configuration and are easily secured in a selected orientation.