Abstract: A hybrid vibration assembly for a concrete products machine. The assembly may include a vibration frame positioned to carry at least a portion of a mold, a stationary frame carrying the vibration frame, knocker bars supportable on the stationary frame for vertical adjustment relative to the stationary frame, and a motor connected to a vibrator mounted on the vibration frame. The assembly may also include a mechanical frame/mold clamp that alternately couples the vibration frame to the mold and decouples the vibration frame from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refill valve for use in single point battery watering systems for refilling wet cell batteries. The refill valve comprises a porous internal flame arrestor that is in the path of the liquid. Such a design is advantageous because it prevents the internal propagation of flames between battery cells through the battery watering system under dry conditions.

Abstract: A connector that forms fluid tight seals with corrugated conduit that contain longitudinally spaced annular recesses on their outer surfaces. The connector comprises a plurality of receptacles and at least one sealing ring. Each receptacle further comprises an annular protuberance that extends inwardly. To form a tight seal, a sealing ring is first inserted into each one of the receptacles on the connector. A corrugated conduit is then inserted into each of the receptacles such that the annular protuberance on each receptacle spans at least one of the annular recesses on the conduit. The sealing ring is then positioned on top of the annular protuberance on the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a manufacturing operation at a plurality of locations along the length of a flexible conduit results in a prefabricated conduit assembly having integrally joined fittings or other manufactured components. The apparatus comprises a driving mechanism, a manufacturing station, and a support device. The conduit is first fed through the manufacturing station and may move either continuously or intermittently. The manufacturing station then performs the manufacturing operation at a plurality of locations along the length of the conduit. The support device within the conduit provides structural support at the manufacturing station during the manufacturing operation and remains at a generally fixed axial and functional location while the conduit continues to move axially.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refill valve for use in single point battery watering systems for refilling wet cell batteries. The refill valve comprises a porous internal flame arrestor that is in the path of the liquid. Such a design is advantageous because it prevents the internal propagation of flames between battery cells through the battery watering system under dry conditions.

Abstract: A method for treating the surfaces and edges of a block to mimic the appearance of natural stone. The apparatus and method can treat up to four sides of a block, can be adjusted to provide varying degrees of surface and edge treatment, and useful in high volume block production equipment. Blocks are produced having a natural, weathered appearance without the damage, breakage, dust, or expense associated with conventional splitting and tumbling methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating the surfaces and edges of a block to mimic the appearance of natural stone. The apparatus and method can treat up to four sides of a block, can be adjusted to provide varying degrees of surface and edge treatment, and useful in high volume block production equipment. Blocks are produced having a natural, weathered appearance without the damage, breakage, dust, or expense associated with conventional splitting and tumbling methods.

Abstract: An improved battery refill system for filling and maintaining a number of interconnected battery cells at a predetermined level with liquid provided by an external liquid supply. The refill system includes a number of refill valves, each associated with a single battery cell, and a main supply valve which connects the battery cells to the liquid supply. Tubing is provided for connecting the battery cells in a chain or serial relationship. The tubing is fabricated from a plymeric material which, over an operating temperature range of between about -20.degree. F. and 200.degree. F., is substantially free of plasticizer bleed. The tubing is also sufficiently conformable and resilient over its service temperature range so as to remain in leak-tight engagement on both the barbed fittings and the compression fittings found in conventional battery watering systems.