Abstract: An improved low-pressure, water-heating solar panel provides easier and safer initial installation because it is more resistant to damage by workmen during that installation. Further, after installation, the solar panel is more resistant to damage by high winds because it has a low profile and does not present a gap or space into which high winds can intrude to lift, cause flapping of, and damage to the solar panel. Also, during freezing weather the improved solar panel is not damaged by freezing of retained water due to its novel internal construction which allows substantially all water to completely drain from the solar panel and prevents any puddling of retained water. Methods of manufacturing the improved solar panel are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved low-pressure, water-heating solar panel provides easier and safer initial installation because it is more resistant to damage by workmen during that installation. Further, after installation, the solar panel is more resistant to damage by high winds because it has a low profile and does not present a gap or space into which high winds can intrude to lift, cause flapping of, and damage to the solar panel. Also, during freezing weather the improved solar panel is not damaged by freezing of retained water due to its novel internal construction which allows substantially all water to completely drain from the solar panel and prevents any puddling of retained water. Methods of manufacturing the improved solar panel are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plumbing apparatus that includes an offset or tangential T-fitting providing for offsetting a branch pipe from a run pipe in end elevation view, and for the branch pipe to intersect the run pipe orthogonally in side elevation view. That is, the branch pipe may intersect the run pipe substantially tangentially, so that an arrangement of plumbing fittings and devices may be nested into a thinner wall or into a smaller dimension of space than would be the case if a conventional T-fitting were employed. By use of the inventive T-fitting a considerable savings in materials of construction may be realized in the construction of swimming pools and spas, for example. Particularly, the present inventive offset or tangential T-fitting provides for the installation of bubble jet fittings and associated piping into a comparatively thin (i.e., about 6 inches thick) dam wall between a swimming pool and spa.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is provided, comprising a continuous annular wall having therein a connection area, and an inward facing surface including a concave portion. First and second leg portions continuously, smoothly, and uninterruptedly extend from the concave portion, with a single continuous and uninterrupted taper having a continuously increasing taper rate, to spaced-apart leg ends. A concave trough portion is disposed opposite to the concave portion. A convex interface extends between each of the first and second leg ends and the trough portion, with an increased taper rate with respect to the single continuous taper, before continuously, smoothly and uninterruptedly transitioning to a decreased taper rate upon extending to the trough portion, thereby forming lateral support members for maintaining the ground conductor laterally with respect to the trough portion. Associated apparatuses and methods for connecting a ground conductor to a grounding member are also provided.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for electrically connecting a ground wire to a grounding member includes first and second clamping members cooperating along an engagement plane to apply a clamping pressure to the grounding member therebetween. One of the first and second clamping members includes opposing first and second wall members integrally formed therewith and defining an open channel therebetween, the open channel defining a ground wire ingress opening for receiving the ground wire in a direction substantially perpendicular to the engagement plane. One of the wall members defines a threaded hole for receiving a set screw extending toward the other of the wall members, whereby the ground wire laid into the open channel through the ingress opening is secured against the other of the wall members by the set screw along a ground wire axis parallel to the grounding member axis.

Abstract: An improved low-pressure, water-heating solar panel provides easier and safer initial installation because it is more resistant to damage by workmen during that installation. Further, after installation, the solar panel is more resistant to damage by high winds because it has a low profile and does not present a gap or space into which high winds can intrude to lift, flap, and damage the solar panel. Also, during freezing weather the improved solar panel is not damaged by freezing of retained water due to its novel internal construction which allows all water to completely drain from the solar panel and prevents any puddling of retained water. Methods of manufacturing the improved solar panel are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved, non-conductive electrical junction box includes a wall defining an insert recess. An insert member is received into the insert recess and defines a conduit socket in order to provide for an end portion of an electrical conduit to be joined with the junction box, providing for electrical wiring to pass between the conduit and the junction box.

Abstract: A thread cutting milling tool comprises a shank with a working portion formed with a recess for receiving a thread cutting insert. The thread cutting insert has one edge formed with a line of thread-form teeth of identical profile. The thread cutting teeth project laterally for cutting engagement with a work-piece while the tool spins about its axis. The tool also orbits within or about a work piece, and in one orbit of the tool in a helical cutting path relative to the work piece a number of complete turns of the screw-thread are formed which is equal to the number of teeth of the insert in engagement with the work-piece. A secondary cutter carried on the thread cutting milling tool provides for formation of a pilot portion or counter bore on the work piece at an end of the screw thread. The pilot portion or counter bore provides for alignment of a threaded member which is to engage the screw thread.

Abstract: A thread cutting milling tool comprises a shank with a working portion formed with a recess for receiving a thread cutting insert. The thread cutting insert has one edge formed with a line of thread-form teeth of identical profile. The thread cutting teeth project laterally for cutting engagement with a work-piece while the tool spins about its axis. The tool also orbits within or about a work piece, and in one orbit of the tool in a helical cutting path relative to the work piece a number of complete turns of the screw-thread are formed which is equal to the number of teeth of the insert in engagement with the work-piece. A secondary cutter carried on the thread cutting milling tool provides for formation of a pilot portion or counter bore on the work piece at an end of the screw thread. The pilot portion or counter bore provides for alignment of a threaded member which is to engage the screw thread.

Abstract: A high-volume, high-utility, non-conductive electrical junction box includes a back wall and four side walls in rectangular array extending from the back wall, with each side wall being jointed to the back wall and to the two adjacent side walls in order to both define an opening to the junction box, and to substantially enclose a volume therewithin. Inside of the junction box, electrical wiring and devices may be safely installed. The junction box includes internal mounting lugs that extend from the opening of the junction box toward but short of the back wall, and which thus provide an improved volume within a junction box of a standard size. Additionally, a multitude of conduit sockets may be attached to the junction box, and mutually lock to the walls of the junction box by use of a specialized multiple-engagement nut member.

Abstract: An improved, non-conductive electrical junction box assembly includes a junction box body defining at least one insert recess; and an insert member slidably received into the insert recess, defining a stepped through bore, and outwardly providing a conduit socket into which an end termination portion of an electrical conduit may be received and secured. The insert member may be adhesively secured into the insert recess, or the insert member and junction box body may include mutual latching features which engage upon insertion of the insert member into the insert recess to lock the insert member in the insert recess. Alternatively, the insert member and the insert recess may each have a portion that is generally T-shaped, and these portions may receive and engage one another to position the insert member on the junction box body. A latching feature may be included in the T-shaped insert member, and the junction box body may include features allowing unlatching and removal of the insert member.