Abstract: A ratchet clamp with automatic fail safe preferably includes a first clamp half, a second clamp half, a ratchet arm and a locking ratchet device. The first and second clamp halves include a substantially semi-circular shape and a V-shaped cross section. One end of the first clamp half is pivotal secured to one end of the second clamp half. The ratchet arm includes a plurality of teeth. The locking ratchet device includes a ratchet lever and a lock pawl. The ratchet arm extends from an opposing end of the first clamp half. The locking ratchet device extends from an opposing end of the second clamp half. The ratchet arm is inserted into the locking ratchet device. The ratchet lever is lifted to tighten the clamp around flanges of two pipes. The lock pawl is used to lock a position of the ratchet arm relative to the locking ratchet device.

Abstract: A flange clamp with an automatic fail safe preferably includes a first clamp half, a second clamp half, a lock lever, a hook member and a quick release pull pin. One end of the first clamp half is pivotally attached to one end of the second clamp half. A hook opening is formed on an opposing end of the first clamp half. The lock lever is pivotally retained on an opposing end of the second clamp half. The hook member includes a hook rod and a pivot block. The hook rod is threadably retained in the pivot block. The pivot block is pivotally retained by the lock lever. A mounting plate is attached to an outer surface of the second clamp half. The quick release pull pin is slidably retained in the mounting plate.

Abstract: An automated tie plate placement system preferably includes a vibratory feeder, at least one vertical translation guide, at least one knock down device, at least one rotary orientation device, at least one bottom orientation device and a programmable logic controller. The vibratory feeder is preferably mounted to a support frame of a hi-rail vehicle. The plurality of tie plates in the vibratory feeder are vibrated into the at least one vertical translation guide. A vertical guide extends past a vertical exit of the vertical translation guide. The knock down device is positioned above the vertical guide. The rotary orientation device rotates the tie plate to place a field end in front. An entrance of the bottom vertical guide may be located adjacent to the rotary orientation device. The programmable logic controller receives inputs from a plurality of sensors and actuates a motor and a plurality of actuators.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler head which comprises a fail safe seat, and is fully adjustable.

Abstract: A hole saw having efficient slug removal preferably includes a saw cup, a shank portion and a pilot cutting device. A cutting surface is formed on an open end of the saw cup. The inside surface, outside surface and cutting surface of the saw cup are given a low friction treatment. A fluoropolymer resin coating is used for the low friction treatment. The friction treatment is applied by spraying thereof on the saw cup. The saw cup is then heated to a predetermined temperature for a set period of time. The low friction treatment is cured when the saw cup is used. The shank portion is attached to a closed end of the saw cup with any suitable fastening process. The shank portion preferably retains the pilot cutting device.

Abstract: A hole saw having efficient slug removal preferably includes a saw cup, a shank portion and a pilot cutting device. A cutting surface is formed on an open end of the saw cup. The inside surface, outside surface and cutting surface of the saw cup are given a low friction treatment. A fluoropolymer resin coating is used for the low friction treatment. The friction treatment is applied by spraying thereof on the saw cup. The saw cup is then heated to a predetermined temperature for a set period of time. The low friction treatment is cured when the saw cup is used. The shank portion is attached to a closed end of the saw cup with any suitable fastening process. The shank portion preferably retains the pilot cutting device.

Abstract: A hole saw having efficient slug removal includes a saw cup, a shank portion, a spade bit, a compression spring and a contact disc. A plurality of cutting teeth are formed on an open end of the saw cup and the shank portion is attached to the other end of the saw cup with any suitable fastening process. The spade bit includes a cutting bit and a shank. A shank opening is formed through the shank portion to receive the shank of the spade bit. Preferably, a set screw or the like is used to retain the spade bit in the shank opening. The shank of the spade bit is inserted through the contact disc and then the compression spring, before insertion into the shank opening. A hole slug is ejected from the saw cup, when the hole saw is removed from a hole.

Abstract: A hole saw having efficient slug removal preferably includes a saw cup, a shank portion and a pilot cutting device. A cutting surface is formed on an open end of the saw cup. An inside surface of the saw cup is given a low friction treatment and preferably an outside surface thereof. The shank portion is retained on a closed end of the saw cup. The pilot cutting device is preferably a drill, but other cutting devices may also be used. A second embodiment of a hole saw having efficient slug removal preferably includes a saw cup, a shank portion and a pilot cutting device. The saw cup includes a prior art saw cup, at least two side openings and a cutting surface. The at least two side openings are formed through the prior art saw cup to remove a substantial portion of a side wall.

Abstract: A dual pneumatic quick-disconnect coupler preferably includes a valve body, a sealing ball and two pipe tap sleeves. The valve body includes a ball cavity that retains the sealing ball. A pipe tap nipple extends from one side of the ball cavity and two threaded holes are formed through the other side thereof. A quick-disconnect plug is threaded into one end of the pipe tap sleeve and a ball seat is formed in the other end to receive the sealing ball. An air hose with a quick-disconnect coupler is attached to one of the quick-disconnect plugs. Air traveling through the air hose will force the sealing ball to seal the unused quick-disconnect plug. A second embodiment seals each quick-disconnect coupler with a spring loaded piston. A third embodiment seals each quick-disconnect coupler with a flapper valve.