Abstract: A check valve assembly includes a first port fitting and a second port fitting with a base secured therebetween. The base has an annular sleeve encircling a seat, the seat having a central mounting hole and one or more flow channels passing therethrough. An umbrella valve includes a flexible sealing disk having an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, a mounting stem extending from the inner surface and projecting into the mounting hole of the base, the sealing disk being movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the sealing disk sits on the seat so as to cover the one or more flow channels and a second position wherein the sealing disk is resiliently flexed so as to at least partially uncover the one or more flow channels. A retention plate is disposed between first port fitting and the seat of the base so that the retention plate sits against the outer surface of the sealing disk.

Abstract: A rail spike feeder, which may feed regular spikes, hairpin or lock spikes, and coach screws, uses a holder which receives spikes from a spike chute. The spikes do not assume any secure position from exiting the spike chute until after contact with the holder. The holder uses a four bar linkage arrangement such that the holder pivots about ends of first and second links at the same time the opposite ends of the links are swinging or pivoting about their mounts. This maintains a proper orientation for spikes moved into a spiking position whereat a spiker head, such as a spike hammer, may insert the spikes into tie plates and ties. A counterweighted finger assembly is used to maintain spike orientation as spikes are transferred from the spike chute to the holder.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing upstanding plant stalks from the ground and for mulching the stalks. The apparatus includes simplified disk mechanisms which can be adapted both to cut and mulch plant stalks.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously burying multiple strands of tubing in a plowed field. The plowed field includes spaced, elongate, generally parallel upstanding beds. A furrow lies in between each adjacent pair of beds. The apparatus buries tubing in the beds. The conduit has an oblong cross sectional area. The apparatus is designed to prevent the tubing from twisting while being buried in the beds.

Abstract: An upwardly opening generally cylindrical decorative cover including a bottom wall having a central opening formed therein is provided and the cover is upwardly displaceable over the lower portion of a dependingly supported ceiling fan motor controlling switch housing with the central opening in the bottom wall of the cover snugly receive all but the upper portion of the switch housing therethrough and the inner periphery of the bottom wall disposed about the central opening abutted against a mounting flange structure carried by an upper portion of the switch housing and removably anchored thereagainst. The upper open portion of the cover is loosely telescoped upwardly over those portions of the ceiling fan motor projecting below the blades of the ceiling fan and disposed between the blades and the dependingly supported switch housing. The bottom wall of the cover may include openings therethrough for the passage of motor cooling air therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously burying multiple strands of conduit in a plowed field. The plowed field includes spaced, elongate, generally parallel upstanding beds. A furrow lies in between each adjacent pair of beds. The apparatus buries conduit in the beds.