Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source which includes an energized ground lead are described. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect electrical energy in the ground lead combined with a miswiring condition in the hot and common leads. A tester embodiment is also illustrated. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is energized and whether the hot and common leads are reversed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source which includes an energized ground lead are described. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect electrical energy in the ground lead combined with a miswiring condition in the hot and common leads. A tester embodiment is also illustrated. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is energized and whether the hot and common leads are reversed.

Abstract: A new and improved window assembly includes a window frame, and a window sash having an open-tilted and a closed position. The window sash has pivot pins that engage kidney shaped receptacles located on the window frame. The kidney shaped receptacles permit movement of the window sash into the open-tilted or closed position. The design of the present invention minimizes the parts needed to assemble the window assembly making such a window assembly cheaper to manufacture and easier to assemble.

Abstract: A window assembly is disclosed that allows a person to easily clean the exterior side of a windowpane, and prolongs the life of the window assembly. A window assembly (200) according to the present invention comprises a fixed window frame (202), tilt-latch assemblies (1, 2), and upper and lower window sashes (203, 204) comprised of a plurality of window sash rails, wherein each window sash rail has an outer wall (302), a front wall (300), and a rear wall (304). The tilt-latch assemblies (1, 2) secure the upper and lower window sashes (203, 204) within the fixed window frame (202). The tilt-latch assembly (1) is inserted into a slot (301) that is located on the outer wall (302) of the window sash rail for receiving a tilt-latch assembly (1). A lip (314) is located between a corner edge (212), wherein two sash rails meet to form a corner, and the outer edge (310) of the slot (308). The (314) can help prevent stress failure of the window sash rail.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source are described. Protection is provided against miswiring conditions that causes the putative ground line of the electrical source to be either electrically energized or to be electrically open. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect if the electrical source is miswired and operate one or more devices which physically interrupt electrical continuity to one or more of the electrical lines of the appliance if a miswiring is detected. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is electrically equivalent to the putative hot line of the source, and if it is, then interrupting electrical continuity between the electrical source and the appliance.

Abstract: A sash member for housing a glass unit for a window or door comprising a main body and a non-separable glazing member extruded together with said main body as a single unit. The glazing member moves between an unlocked position and a locked position relative to the main body. A hinge preferably connects the non-separable glazing member to the main body, so as to allow movement of the glazing member between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrally reinforced plastic molded components and products, such as patio door assemblies. In particular, a reinforced unitary patio door frame is disclosed having a plurality of sash members integrally molded and connected to one another, one of the plurality of sash members having an integrally molded reinforcing bar and a plastic retention member integrally formed with the frame, in which the plastic retention member holds the reinforcing bar within the frame. The disclosures herein are also applicable to methods of making such a reinforced unitary patio door frame as well as other types of objects requiring reinforcing members, such as windows, benches, or tables.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide vibration-free steered-beam antennas using a module to accommodate segregated de and rf signals. A phase-shifter element is disposed within an interior of the module. A radiating element is provided, and an rf interface is adapted to couple energy between the phase-shifter element and the radiating element. The rf interface is disposed entirely within the interior of the module and is adapted to provide an rf interface with the module substantially only through the radiating element. A dc interface is adapted to couple energy between the phase-shifter element and an electrical connection element disposed exterior to the module.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source are described. Protection is provided against miswiring conditions that cause the putative ground line of the electrical source to be either electrically energized or to be electrically open. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect if the electrical source is miswired and operate one or more switches which preclude electrical continuity to one or more of the electrical lines of the appliance if a miswiring is detected. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is electrically energized, and if it is, then precluding electrical continuity between the putative ground of the electrical source and the ground of the appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source are described. Protection is provided against miswiring conditions that causes the putative ground line of the electrical source to be either electrically energized or to be electrically open. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect if the electrical source is miswired and operate one or more devices which physically interrupt electrical continuity to one or more of the electrical lines of the appliance if a miswiring is detected. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is electrically equivalent to the putative hot line of the source, and if it is, then interrupting electrical continuity between the electrical source and the appliance.

Abstract: A new and improved window assembly includes a window frame, and a window sash having an open-tilted and a closed position. The window sash has pivot pins that engage kidney shaped receptacles located on the window frame. The kidney shaped receptacles permit movement of the window sash into the open-tilted or closed position. The design of the present invention minimizes the parts needed to assemble the window assembly making such a window assembly cheaper to manufacture and easier to assemble.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a window opening includes an elongated frame member made of roll-formed stock material having top and bottom edges, and a first wall extending between the top and bottom edges. The frame assembly includes a latch positioned adjacent the first wall and between the top and bottom edges of the frame member. The latch is slidable between extended and retracted positions. The first wall of the elongated frame member has a hole for accessing the latch. A lift inserted into the hole is engageable for selectively moving the frame assembly relative to a fixed window frame.

Abstract: A method for glazing a sash frame and a sash frame for insulated glass windows are disclosed wherein both sides of the sash frame, are glazed from one side of the sash, eliminating the requirement for flipping the sash during manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source are described. Protection is provided against miswiring conditions that causes the putative ground line of the electrical source to be either electrically energized or to be electrically open. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect if the electrical source is miswired and operate one or more switches which preclude electrical continuity to one or more of the electrical lines of the appliance if a miswiring is detected. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is electrically energized, and if it is, then precluding electrical continuity between the putative ground of the electrical source and the ground of the appliance.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus has a remotely adjustable cable feed control. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a rotatable cable drum that carries a drain cleaning cable. Also included is a cable advancing mechanism. The cable is adapted to pass from the cable drum and through the cable advancing mechanism. The cable is also adapted to rotate about its feed or longitudinal axis when the cable drum is rotated. The cable advancing mechanism includes a plurality of rollers for engaging the cable. The rollers are selectively adjustable among a cable displacing position and a neutral position. A guide conduit assembly is coupled to the cable advancing mechanism. The rollers may be selectively adjusted between the cable displacing and the neutral positions by an operator remotely rotating the guide conduit.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a window opening includes an elongated frame member made of roll-formed stock material having top and bottom edges, and a first wall extending between the top and bottom edges. The frame assembly includes a latch positioned adjacent the first wall and between the top and bottom edges of the frame member. The latch is slidable between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus comprises an auger for insertion into a drain pipe or conduit which is adapted to rupture or dislodge debris therein; a motorized drive for causing rotational motion of the auger, which motorized drive is associated with a receptacle for the storage and distribution of the auger therefrom; and a remote power feed device affixed to the motorized drive by a guide tube in which the auger is extended. The remote power feed selectively engages the external surface of the auger and translates the rotational movement of the auger caused by the motorized drive into lateral movement through the interaction of angularly mounted or threaded engagement means. A guide conduit is rotatably mounted within the guide tube, encircling the auger therein. The guide conduit is mounted to the rotatable auger containment receptacle and the motorized drive, but is freely rotatably displaced within the guide tube.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus has a remotely adjustable cable feed control. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a rotatable cable drum that carries a drain cleaning cable. Also included is a cable advancing mechanism. The cable is adapted to pass from the cable drum and through the cable advancing mechanism. The cable is also adapted to rotate about its feed or longitudinal axis when the cable drum is rotated. The cable advancing mechanism includes a plurality of rollers for engaging the cable. The rollers are selectively adjustable among a cable displacing position and a neutral position. A guide conduit assembly is coupled to the cable advancing mechanism. The rollers may be selectively adjusted between the cable displacing and the neutral positions by an operator remotely rotating the guide conduit.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus which feeds a drain cleaning snake from a rotating drum through a flexible guide tube and a manually operable cable feed device is provided at the outer end of the guide tube for selectively axially advancing or retracting the snake relative to the cable drum during rotation of the drum. The inner end of the guide tube is supported directly on the cable drum with a bearing for relative rotation between the cable drum and the guide tube. The cable feed device includes a stop protruding from its housing which is positioned for engaging an actuating lever to thereby limit the pivotal extent of the levers displacement away from the housing in order to prevent accidental dislodgement of the drive actuator which is engaged by the lever to operate the cable feed device.

Abstract: A muntin connector includes male and female connecting members each having a length, a thickness, and a width greater than the thickness. The connecting members are configured to be assembled together in a direction transverse to the length and width directions so that the connecting members cannot be disassembled by pulling apart in the length direction.