Abstract: A vertically adjustable pedestal for a boat accessory includes a hollow outer column and an inner column positioned within the outer column. The inner and outer columns are longitudinally slidable with respect to one another. A plate is captured between the inner and outer columns. The plate is laterally adjustable to create a frictional force between the inner and outer columns that prevents lateral movement therebetween. One of the inner and outer columns is configured to be coupled to a supporting surface of a boat. The other of the inner and outer columns is configured to be coupled to the boat accessory. A lifting actuator is provided with an extender rod having an anti-buckling plate provided thereabout. The lifting actuator raises and lowers the inner or outer column that is coupled to the boat accessory.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable pedestal for a boat accessory includes a hollow outer column and an inner column positioned within the outer column. The inner and outer columns are longitudinally slidable with respect to one another. A plate is captured between the inner and outer columns. The plate is laterally adjustable to create a frictional force between the inner and outer columns that prevents lateral movement therebetween. One of the inner and outer columns is configured to be coupled to a supporting surface of a boat. The other of the inner and outer columns is configured to be coupled to the boat accessory. A lifting actuator is provided with an extender rod having an anti-buckling plate provided thereabout. The lifting actuator raises and lowers the inner or outer column that is coupled to the boat accessory.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations is provided.

Abstract: A sprinkler head assembly has a stamped mounting element for supporting a thermally activated triggering member in a sprinkler head assembly, and a method forms the same. The mounting element comprises a central base including a seat for supporting the triggering member. A first pair of arms, having a longitudinal extent, extend from a first face of the base at an angle less than 180 degrees. A second pair of arms, having a longitudinal extent, extend from the first face of the base at an angle less than 180 degrees. The longitudinal extent of at least one of the arms is greater than the longitudinal extent of the other arms to define a recess for cooperatively engaging the sprinkler head assembly. The mounting element is stamped from generally planar stock to form arms having varied lengths and, thus, create a saddle-shaped recess that slidably mounts on a frame of the sprinkler head assembly.

Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a powdered metal base including external threads for threadably engaging a water pipe, and a stamped metal frame attached to the base. The base defines a passageway for receiving water from the water pipe and an opening to the passageway. The powdered metal base is infiltrated with copper or vacuum infiltrated anaerobic resin to provide a hydrostatically leak tight composition capable of withstanding 700 psi. A deflector is attached to the frame for distributing water dispensed from the opening. A circular plate or circular spring sealingly covers the opening, and a pip is engaged with the frame creating a space therebetween. A frangible bulb is positioned in the space between the Belleville spring. The frangible bulb is made of a temperature-sensitive material that fractures at a predetermined temperature and thus allows water pressure from water in the water pipe to unseat the spring and thus spray water.

Abstract: An in-line check valve includes a housing defining a cavity with an inlet and an outlet, a removable seat attachable to the inlet, a piston movably positioned in the housing and including a seal that operably engages the seat, and a spring positioned around the piston for biasing the piston into engagement with the seat. The piston defines a surface impinged on by fluid flowing therethrough so that the differential pressure across the valve in a given flow range is less than the opening pressure. The housing defines a plurality of lugs which retain the piston within the housing and permit servicing of the seal.

Abstract: A check valve assembly adapted for use in a fire protection system includes a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, a seat and a chamber. A clapper or valve element is mounted within the chamber for movement towards and away from the seat. A parallelogram linkage supports the clapper. A pair of draw bars extend diagonally between opposed links. Each draw bar defines a stop. A coil spring encircles the draw bars and engages the stops. Expansion of the coil spring forces the draw bars apart and resiliently biases the clapper or valve element against the valve seat.