Abstract: An adjustable height mounting pedestal for public or coin telephones comprises a tubular post having a plurality of knockouts at varying heights ranging from a drive-up curbside height to a standard handicap access height. A backboard mounting enclosure includes an opening therein that conforms to the peripheral configuration of the telephone for which the mounting is adapted. The configuration of the backboard extends about the telephone housing forward of the rear edge of the front housing of the telephone so as to protect the telephone from prying tools. The backboard and post include dividers for dividing the space within the backboard and post into electrically isolated channels for telephone wiring and for power wiring. Adjustable channels fit within selected knocked-out openings in the post when a particular height for the backboard is selected. The mounting channels and backboard are temporarily supported during assembly, to facilitate assembly by a single worker.

Abstract: A telephone hook switch assembly has a housing which defines first and second cavities and a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. A hook switch lever is mounted on the shaft and is rotatable therewith in the first housing cavity. A switch assembly having snap-action switches is positioned in the second housing cavity. The snap-action switches open and close in a predetermined sequence in response to rotation of the hook switch lever. The assembly provides superior isolation of the electrical contacts from environmental contaminants and is more rugged than conventional leaf spring and program card arrangements.

Abstract: A movable chick guard adapted for use with a conveyor feeder of the type having a conveying chain movable in a feed trough, includes a bracket, an elongated kicker member having an upturned forward end, and a depending leg member secured at the rear end of the kicker member to the bracket. The kicker member is pivotally secured to the bracket for movement between a first position at which it rides on the conveying chain to kick small chicks off the conveying chain and a second position at which it lies on a conveyor corner housing. When in the second position, the kicker member tends to keep mature chickens from sitting on the housing and the depending leg member blocks the opening to the housing.

Abstract: A manure shield is provided for multi-tier poultry cages, and the like, wherein the lower tiers of cages have an exposed area positioned directly below the adjacent upper cage tier. The shield comprises a substantially continuous, rigid support panel, having its lower edge attached to the uppermost edge of one of the lower cage tiers, and extends upwardly and laterally therefrom at an acute angle to a position adjacent the bottom of the upper cage tier. A sheet of flexible, substantially imperforate material is positioned over the upper side of the support panel to prevent manure droppings from entering the lower tier of cages. The flexible sheet is mounted over the support panel, such that vibrations and other movements in the cages are transmitted by the support panel to the flexible sheet, whereby manure droppings stuck to the flexible sheet are disjoined therefrom by the vibrations, and in turn slide off of the shield into a collection pit.

Abstract: A chick cage system particularly adapted for the raising of chicks into pullets including upper and lower cage rows, the upper cage rows overlying the lower cage rows for approximately one-half of their width. The feed trough in the lower cage is offset laterally from beneath the upper cages so as not to be contaminated by falling manure. The upper cages, within which the chicks are started, include a barrier for reducing the size of the cage and a feed saver mechanism swingable with the barrier. The troughs run centrally of the cages to permit bird access thereto from both sides.

Abstract: A reinforcement member for use in conjunction with multi-tiered layer cage assemblies. The member is fitted between the diverging back walls of the uppermost rows of cages. It is formed from a metal channel having tabs formed in its ends, the tabs receiving individual wires forming the cage back walls.