Abstract: A resilient annular transition collar is provided for roadway structures, including manholes and catch basins, which acts as a flexible transition between the rigid structure or frame of the manhole and the semi-rigid structure of the asphalt paving. The resilient transition collar absorbs any movement of the pavement during expansion and contraction and this absorption avoids the prior art problems of break-up, cracking and separation between manhole and pavement. Risers or adjusting rings may be employed in conjunction with the transition collar to ensure a flush fit between the pavement surface and the upper surface of the transition collar. A mold structure for forming the collars includes heat transfer studs to provide an increased production rate.

Abstract: Polystyrene beads or beads of other thermoplastic material are expanded to a consolidated foam structure in a hollow cavity of a marine float or other structure by providing the beads with a uniform coating of a saturated brine solution or other aqueous solution of water-soluble salt and exposing the solution to microwave energy to boil the solutioln and thereby heat the beads to cause expansion and fusion to a foam structure.

Abstract: Floating structures, for example, for recreational aquatic activities, comprises a plurality of individual uniquely-constructed modular flotation units constructed to permit any desired freeboard dimension and/or buoyancy characteristics.

Abstract: Floating structures, for example, for recreational aquatic activities, comprises a plurality of individual uniquely-constructed modular flotation units constructed to permit any desired freeboard dimension and/or buoyancy characteristics.

Abstract: A steel pallet comprises overlying deck-board panels (14, 116) and transversely directed stringer elements (12, 114). The elements are interconnected through one-piece spring steel clips (46, 112) mounted to the deck-board panels (14, 116) and received through transverse slots (18, 20; 134) in the stringer elements (12, 114).

Abstract: A knock-down pallet is constructed of a plurality of releasably interlocking aluminum members of one of two types. A unique fastening device is used to achieve, in simple manner without special tools or skill, the interlocking of a plurality of spaced-parallel deck-forming members to two, three or more spaced and parallel stringer members of rectangular cross-section to provide a one- or two-deck two-way or four-way pallet construction. A stop means prevents longitudinal movement of the deck members transverse of the stringer members. A fence structure formed of similar releasably interlocking members also is described.

Abstract: A plant growing unit comprises a plant growing portion and a fertilizer-producing portion containing earthworms. The earthworms produce the fertilizer from vegetable matter and the fertilizer is used for growing the plants, preferably by the hydroponic technique. In a preferred embodiment, the fertilizer-producing portion is constructed also to permit the behavioral pattern of the worms to be observed.

Abstract: A pallet of the knock-down type constructed of a plurality of releasably interlocking parts comprising spaced stringer elements of rectangular cross-section and a plurality of spaced parallel deck-forming members is improved with respect to strength and other factors by providing end caps in each end of each stringer element which act as part of the fastening arrangement of the end deck-forming member.

Abstract: A readily assemblable and collapsible floating or standing dock is constructed of a plurality of transversely-extending elongate aluminum deck forming members releasably connected, through a simple interlocking fastening arrangement, to parallel elongate aluminum side rail members provided at each longitudinal side of the dock. Aluminum end rails are releasably interconnected between the side rail members to provide a rigid frame structure. An aluminum bumper rail extends along each longitudinal side of the dock with portions overlying the ends of the deck-forming members and portions releasably connected to the elongate aluminum side rail members.

Abstract: A knock-down pallet is constructed of a plurality of releasably interlocking aluminum members of one of two types. A unique fastening device is used to achieve, in simple manner without special tools or skill, the interlocking of a plurality of spaced-parallel deck-forming members to two, three or more spaced and parallel stringer members of rectangular cross-section to provide a one- or two-deck two-way or four-way pallet construction. A stop means prevents longitudinal movement of the deck members transverse of the stringer members. A fence structure formed of similar releasably interlocking members also is described.

Abstract: A knock-down pallet is constructed of a plurality of releasably interlocking aluminum members of one of two types. A unique fastening device is used to achieve, in simple manner without special tools or skill, the interlocking of a plurality of spaced-parallel deck-forming members to two, three or more spaced and parallel stringer members of rectangular cross-section to provide a one-or two-deck two-way or four-way pallet construction. A stop means prevents longitudinal movement of the deck members transverse of the stringer members.

Abstract: An etch timing device for timing the etching of aluminum products and the like includes support members for supporting aluminum foil therebetween in a bath of etchant, the aluminum foil having dimensions corresponding to the quantity of aluminum to be etched in the bath. One of the support members is in a fixed position while the other is movable vertically relative to the first member. The movable support member is connected to the lower end of a rod which is slidably mounted in a hollow elongate body member mounted in association with the bath. The upper end of the rod extends above the height of the body member when the aluminum foil is supported and includes a visual indicator and stop means, typically a ring integrally formed with the upper end of the rod. When the ring moves downwardly upon dissolving of the aluminum foil, this provides a visual indication to the operator that the required etching has been completed.