Abstract: A filter device includes a filter element having a body portion surrounding a hollow interior cavity with an inner surface. A sleeve assembly having a body portion is at least partially received within the hollow interior cavity of the filter element. At least one retaining mechanism is received within the hollow interior cavity of the filter element. The retaining mechanism includes a mounting portion operably coupled to an outer surface of the body portion of the sleeve assembly. The retaining mechanism further includes an upwardly extending tab having a distal end that is engaged with the inner surface of the hollow interior cavity of the filter element to retain the sleeve assembly within the hollow interior cavity of the filter element.

Abstract: A communication integration unit and method of use for forming a communications network for transmitting and receiving information between non-compatible first and second communications apparatus. The network comprises at least a first and a second member. The method comprises the steps of: providing each member with a communication integration unit for integrating and controlling the non-compatible communications apparatus. The integration unit comprises a first communications apparatus for communicating within the network. The method includes selecting a second communication apparatus for communicating outside of the network and connecting it to the integration unit. The integration unit then adapts the second communication apparatus for communication with the network.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly adapted to be coupled to a cutter head for manufacture of a gear. The cutting tool assembly includes a cutting insert and a holder adapted to couple the cutting insert to the cutting head. The holder includes a pocket defined by a back surface and at least one lip member that provides a force directed against the cutting insert toward the back surface to thereby retain the cutting insert within the pocket during cutting operations.

Abstract: A quick disconnect apparatus is shown for rapid changing of molds, spiders and grates on a machine arm of a rotational molding machine. A base plate is attached to the rotational arm of the rotational molding machine. A cooperating locking plate is attached to the mold, spider or other device to be mounted on the rotational arm. The locking plate engages the base plate by means of a slide mechanism which can be operated by tightening a single bolt. The slide mechanism includes a sliding plate which engage upstanding pins on the base plate.

Abstract: A safety and assist mechanism for a flip chute hingedly connectable to a main chute for movement about a transverse hinge axis between a stored position over the main chute and a working position as an extension to the main chute. The mechanism has a lever rigidly securable to the flip chute to rotate with the flip chute about the hinge axis. A spring is connectable to the lever and to the main chute to generate a moment about the hinge axis contra to a moment generated by the weight of the flip chute.

Abstract: A safety and assist mechanism for a flip chute hingedly connectable to a main chute for movement about a transverse hinge axis between a stored position over the main chute and a working position as an extension to the main chute. The mechanism has a lever rigidly securable to the flip chute to rotate with the flip chute about the hinge axis. A spring is connectable to the lever and to the main chute to generate a moment about the hinge axis contra to a moment generated by the weight of the flip chute.

Abstract: A bin for a sand spreading vehicle is provided with curved lower sidewalls that deliver sand to a central conveyor. The curvature of the sidewalls lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle for a given load; or permits carriage of a greater load for a given height for the center of gravity of the loaded bin.

Abstract: A bin for a sand spreading vehicle is provided with curved lower sidewalls that deliver sand to a central conveyor. The curvature of the sidewalls lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle for a given load; or permits carriage of a greater load for a given height for the center of gravity of the loaded bin.

Abstract: A bin for a sand spreading vehicle is provided with curved lower sidewalls that deliver sand to a central conveyor. The curvature of the sidewalls lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle for a given load; or permits carriage of a greater load for a given height for the center of gravity of the loaded bin.

Abstract: A building tile for covering a building surface includes a flexible backing layer having a rearward face for securing to the building surface and a forward face; and a flexible cement layer secured to the forward face. The tile preferably additionally includes adhesive material, where at least part of the rearward face is covered with the adhesive material for mounting the tile to the building surface. The flexible cement layer is preferably textured to be aesthetically appealing. The flexible cement layer preferably includes a mixture of a cement aggregate; an acrylic resin; a water-based paint; and a waterproof rubber material. The backing layer may be formed of laminate sheet material, peg board or formica sheet material.

Abstract: A conduit connector provides for the retentive termination of an electrical conduit to a junction box. The conduit connector includes the connector housing including a conduit receiving end, an opposed conductor egressing end and a central conduit passage therebetween. The housing includes opposed conduit engagement surfaces which are relatively movable towards one another to engage the conduit supported within the passage. Inwardly directed lances are struck from one of the opposed conduit engagement surfaces for biting engagement with the conduit to frictionally retain the conduit within the connector, resisting axial pullout of the conduit therefrom.

Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is shown which includes a biological filter chamber having an inlet supplied with aquarium water to be filtered, an outlet for returning filtered water to the aquarium, and an interior containing a biological filter medium. A trickle plate is located at the inlet to the biological filter chamber for supplying an even distribution of water to the filter medium. A stationary spray bar located above said trickle plate and connected to the inlet, the stationary spray bar being provided with apertures for supplying water to the trickle plate. A reservoir chamber is located below the biological filter chamber and contains a protein skimmer and one or more supplemental filter stations for further filtering the water before recirculating the water to the aquarium.