Abstract: An elongate drainage channel capable of receiving runoff from an athletic surface is provided which includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the opposed sides of the bottom wall. The drainage channel also includes a projection extending transversely outwardly from the exterior of at least one of the sidewalls and spaced at a predetermined distance below the open top for defining a height to which a subsurface layer is applied adjacent to the drainage channel. The projection is also fracturable from the sidewall so as to act as a mechanical fuse to prevent vibratory or tamping machinery from damaging the drainage channel. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongate channel section is provided which has a bottom surface which includes end portions which are shaped as generally planar reference surfaces.

Abstract: An elongate grate capable of securing an edge portion of an artificial turf surface within a drainage channel is provided. The grate includes an elongate central portion defining a plurality of openings to permit runoff from the artificial turf surface to flow into the drainage channel. Connected to at least one exterior edge of the central portion is a downwardly extending wall portion being interior of the exterior edge for applying a downwardly directed engagement force to the edge portion of the artificial turf surface. According to another embodiment of the grate, an elongate slot is integrally defined in the central portion having a width such the edge portion of the artificial turf can be frictionally engaged therein. According to yet another embodiment, a grate is provided with a central portion positioned between opposed edge portions and defines a plurality of openings therein such that an impervious athletic surface can be formed over each of the edge portions.

Abstract: A resilient edge adapter is provided for defining an edge of a drainable athletic playing surface formed of a moldable material. The edge adapter includes a base portion for cooperably engaging an upper portion of a drainage channel and an upstanding portion extending upwardly from the base portion for restraining the moldable material when applied adjacent to the drainage channel, thereby defining an edge of the athletic playing surface. The upstanding portion may be formed of a resilient and elastically deformable material and the base portion may include an elongate continuous plug portion to cooperably engage a corresponding slot defined in the upper edge of the channel. An edge adapter is also provided which has a pair of upstanding portions extending upwardly from a base portion for forming a running track surface over both opposed edges of a grate. Associated methods for forming athletic playing surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: A drainage system includes a conduit connector which is integrally molded within a precast drainage system component in order to provide for the interconnection of a variety of drainage system components, such as drainage channel sections and catch basins. The conduit connector can include a connector body which defines an aperture of a predetermined shape and size which are selected to match and snugly engage the conduit. The connector body further includes at least one locking anchor to secure the connector body against movement relative to the precast component. The locking anchor can include a longitudinal movement resisting anchor and/or a rotational movement resisting anchor. In order to further secure the conduit connector within the precast component, the wall of the precast component is substantially continuous about the conduit connector. In addition, the connector body preferably has a predetermined thickness which is no greater than the thickness of the precast component walls.

Abstract: A drainage channel system for forming a trench is disclosed according to the present invention. The drainage channel system includes a number of precast drainage channel sections and one or more alignment keys for aligning and interlocking adjacent drainage channel sections. Each alignment key includes first and second opposed, inwardly facing jaw members shaped for longitudinally bridging across a predetermined exterior portion of adjacent first and second sidewalls, respectively, of adjacent drainage channel sections. Accordingly, each jaw member engages the predetermined exterior portions of the respective sidewalls to longitudinally interlock the drainage channel sections. In particular, each jaw member includes opposed clamping tabs having longitudinally opposed surfaces which apply a longitudinally compressive force to the adjacent drainage channel sections.

Abstract: A surface mounted device (SMD) having leads selectively solderable so that those portions of the leads extending down along the sides of the device body are not solderable. Thus, during attachment to a mother board by wave soldering, solder does not collect in the spaces between the leads and the device body, and both solder joint reliability and strength are improved.

Abstract: A fail-safe lead configuration for surface mountable chip-like polar electrical components wherein the lead of a first polarity is singulated and the lead of the second polarity is bifurcated, having the branches spaced a part such that a rotation of the device in its intended mounting location, thus reversing its polarity, or a displacement from its intended, position will result in an open circuit rather than a short circuit or other circuit failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for cooling molten cones of glass drawn from a fiber glass manufacturing bushing for the purpose of removing heat from the cones of glass during formation. The heat removal means utilized involves flat, platelike fins or bars of metal connected to a common header through which heat transfer fluid is circulating. The platelike member has incorporated therein wick material on the interior, peripheral surfaces thereof. The wick contains a liquid therein which is vaporized rapidly during heat removal and condensed within the interior of the platelike members and redeposited on the wick for continuous circulation of fluid in the fin during operation. The wick material and the fluid associated therewith contained in the platelike member is sealed in the platelike member to prevent dissipation therefrom.