Abstract: An improved arrowrest is provided having a rate of motion from a first normal position to a second actuated position is greater than the rate of return motion from the second to the first position. An arrowrest is attachable to a support shaft for the arrowrest. The support shaft is moveable between the first position and the second position. As an arrow shaft discharges over the arrowrest, the support shaft moves in one direction with less frictional resistance than in a return direction.

Abstract: A baseball pitching machine is disclosed preferably employing a counterrotating wheel type baseball launch subsystem pitching a series of baseballs and a computer controlled system for selecting the type and percentage of pitches, pitcher and batter characteristics, strike zone areas and other parameters to provide a meaningful batting training session. The pitching machine includes a ball transport subsystem including a carousel for receiving and transporting baseballs in sequence to a position adjacent the counter rotating wheels. While being transported, each baseball stops at seam orienting stations where seam rotators rotate the baseball to provide a commanded seam orientation for the particular pitch selected. The baseball is oriented by the ball orienter for insertion in the launch subsystem. A computer allows the selection by the operator of a variety of pitches, random or selected order.

Abstract: A pavement cutting machine having a rotary cutting wheel with a generally horizontal axis of rotation where rotation of the cutting wheel is selectively controlled by a clutch on either the drive shaft of the engine or a driven shaft of the cutting wheel with the clutch being activated by a deadman's switch. The machine preferably also includes a stand that enables the entire machine to be tipped forwardly about its support wheels to expose the cutting wheel so it can be serviced. The clutch preferably is an electromagnetic clutch mounted to the engine drive shaft that is selectively energized by a deadman's switch on a handle of the machine that is constructed and arranged to close upon an operator gripping handle grips of the handle. When energized or engaged, a pulley of the clutch rotates in unison with the drive shaft, transmitting torque from the engine through an endless flexible member to a driven shaft carrying the cutting wheel causing the cutting wheel to rotate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved precision cutting apparatus comprising a chuck table for holding a workpiece, and first and second cutting means each including a spindle unit having a blade attached thereto. The first and second cutting means are series-arranged with their blades opposing a predetermined distance apart, thereby cutting along two traces at one time by moving the chuck table relative to the stationary cutting means. These cutting means need not be allowed to overrun the workpiece while cutting, thus saving extra time required for overrunning which otherwise, would be required as is the case with the parallel-arrangement of two cutting means, and accordingly the dicing can be performed at an increased efficiency.

Abstract: A wire saw has a small diameter metal wire and a layer of abrasive grains firmly affixed to the wire surface by a brazed active metal bond. Preferably, the grains are present in a single layer. The grains are disposed on the surface of the wire in a preselected surface distribution. The wire saw can be made by a completely continuous process involving coating the wire with a paste of metal bond powder components combined with a fugitive liquid binder composition. Abrasive grains are deposited into a layer of the paste. Thereafter, the bond composition is fused at elevated temperature to braze the grains to the wire. The abrasive grains can include superabrasive materials, such as diamond and cubic boron nitride. Accordingly, the novel wire saw is suitable for cutting ultra thin wafers ceramic wafers with minimum waste of the work piece.

Abstract: A method of breaking a reinforced concrete pile comprising the steps of treating the reinforcement which is to be incorporated in the portion of the pile to be broken away so as to isolate the reinforcement in that portion from the concrete cast around it to form the pile, forming a hole in the pile in a transverse plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the pile in a position corresponding to the intended level of the bottom of the portion to be broken away, and applying to the concrete of the pile from within the hole forces which act towards opposite ends of the pile to split the pile in or substantially in the transverse plane.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cutting fiber-cement materials, such as planks, panels, boards, backing substrates and other materials. A fiber-cement siding cutting tool in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can have an actuator including a driver that moves along a stroke path between a release position and a cutting position. The fiber-cement siding cutting tool can also have a pair of cutting blades including a first cutting blade having a first cutting edge and a second cutting blade having a second edge. The first cutting blade is coupled to the driver to move along the stroke path between the release position and the cutting position. The second cutting blade can be positioned along the stroke path such that the first cutting edge faces the second cutting edge. The fiber-cement siding cutting machine can also include a workpiece support assembly having a first support member on a first side of the stroke path and a second support member on a second side of the stroke path.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking stove assembly includes a burner tube, a plurality of support legs and a fuel supply pipe. The burner tube is adapted to receive fuel from the fuel supply pipe through an open lower end portion of the burner tube. The fuel is ignitable within a combustion chamber of the burner tube such that a sustained flame projects upwardly through the burner tube and out from an upper end portion thereof. One support leg is fixedly mounted to the burner tube while the other support legs are pivotally mounted thereto. Each pivotally mounted support leg is pivotally movable relative to the burner tube and fixedly mounted support leg between first and second angularly-spaced positions. Each pivotally mounted support leg in the first position is disposed adjacent and in a generally parallel relationship to the fixedly mounted support leg such that the assembly is in a collapsed condition for storage and transport of the assembly.

Abstract: A smoker attachment for heating and burning smoker particles in a barbecue grill. The smoker attachment includes a housing having a side wall, end wall, and bottom wall fining a cavity therein. The bottom wall of the housing has a plurality of openings and the side walls have a plurality of corresponding cutouts adjacent the bottom wall such that the cutouts in the side walls cooperate with the openings in the bottom wall. The openings provide access to the cavity of the housing such that a conductive member within the barbecue grill is able to contact the housing adjacent the opening to position the housing within the bottom chamber of the barbecue grill. The conductive member further passes through the opening of the housing into the cavity of the housing to define a portion of the perimeter of the cavity for directly contacting and heating the smoker particles within the housing.

Abstract: An improved burner assembly for use in a gas barbecue grill having a cooking chamber and a fuel supply is disclosed. The burner assembly includes a plurality of burners forming a burner grid with at least two of the burners defining a periphery of the grid and the remaining burners confined within the interior of the grid. The periphery burners are preferably designed with a plurality of openings which direct a flame toward a center vertical plane, while the interior burners preferably direct a flame, by placement of openings, in a substantially vertical direction. Additionally, the interior burner tubes are attached to a crossover tube via a keyed connecting mechanism which prevents improper connections or assembly.

Abstract: A horizontal combined air intake and combustion gas vent terminal assembly is provided having improved wind pressure response and anti-recirculation characteristics. The terminal has a vent conduit disposed inside an air intake conduit. A scoop assembly is provided at the intake conduit inlet to increase the intake air pressure at the inlet. The vent conduit is nozzle-like to throttle combustion gases, thereby accelerating the gases and permitting the terminal to project the gases away from the intake conduit terminal. Vent conduit is disposed asymmetrically with intake conduit to further discourage mixing of intake air and combustion gases. The terminal may also be provided with a static pressure measuring means to provide an intrinsic safety shut down system within the terminal in case of blockage of the intake or vent by snow, ice or other debris.

Abstract: A heating apparatus is provided which is improved in terms of its heating efficiencies over prior commercially available patio heaters. The heating apparatus includes a burner assembly housing containing a burner assembly for igniting fuel from a fuel source. The housing has a perforated wall so that the hot gases inside the housing can escape from the housing interior with the wall heating up so as to radiate infrared heat therefrom. The apparatus has a heat efficiency system which causes substantially all of the heat emanating from the housing to be used for heating of a preselected area about the apparatus. The heat efficiency system maximizes the amount of heat that is directed in a generally downward direction into the preselected area below the housing so as to minimize the heat loss and thus the amount of fuel that is necessary for heating of the preselected area.

Abstract: A fire log arrangement for use in conjunction with a combustible fuel source and influences complete combustion of the combustible fuel. The fire log arrangement includes a first log and a second log. The first log and the second log define an interior face. The second log is spaced apart from the first log such that a fuel space is defined therebetween. The fuel space receives the combustible fuel therein and defines a fire chamber at a lower end thereof. The first log interior face and the second log interior face cooperate to induce the combustible fuel to fall inward between the first log and the second log thereby inducing a thorough combustion of the combustible fuel.

Abstract: A replaceable lens attachment system for respiratory devices and methods of use. The replaceable lens attachment system includes a face shield having rotatable attachment members and a replaceable lens. The rotatable attachment members include cams and flanges. The attachment system may further comprise a helmet respirator with support elements disposed thereon. The method includes bowing the lens and inserting it into the frame. The rotatable attachment members are rotated to urge the lens into the frame and cover the frame. The flanges and support elements provide impact resistance to the lens.

Abstract: Breathing equipment including a breathing hood to surround a wearer's head. An inner mask covers at least the wearer's mouth and nose. The equipment includes a breathing gas delivery conduit and structure to permit gas to pass from the hood to the mask. A check valve allows gas to pass from the mask to the surroundings when overpressure in the mask has reached a given value. The breathing gas is delivered to the hood and the gas passing structure permits gas to pass in both directions between the hood and the mask. The gas passing structure requires a lower overpressure in the mask for passage of gas from the mask to the hood than the pressure required for the check valve to release gas to the surroundings.

Abstract: A single-use, disposable inhaler comprising: (1) a housing open at both ends, one end forming an air inlet and the other forming an air outlet, thereby defining an air flow path through the inhaler; and (2) an internal plate spaced above and below the housing, oriented parallel to the axis of the inhaler and parallel to the air flow path. The internal plate comprises a storage cavity formed therein, located near the air inlet, in which a single dose of a pharmaceutically active compound is placed. An individual using the inhaler inhales through the air inlet, creating an air stream which lifts the powder out of the storage cavity, into the air stream, and to the user.

Abstract: A method of assisting a person to withdraw from cigarette induced nicotine dependency, comprising introducing a predetermined dose of a non-pressurized, particulate medicament comprising at least one nicotine formulation suitable for absorption into the bloodstream of the person through the alveoli and small airways of the person's lungs into a breath activated inhaler for use by said person as a cigarette substitute. A breath activated inhaler which may be used in accordance with this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respiration humidifier has a metering device (3, 10) and an electrically heated evaporator (4), which is in connection with or can be connected to the metering device (3, 10) on its inlet side (E) and with a respiratory gas channel (5), through which respiratory gas can flow, on its outlet side (A). The metering device (3, 10) feeds the amount of water necessary for humidifying the respiratory gas to a predetermined relative humidity of the respiratory gas at a predetermined respiratory gas temperature to the evaporator (4) per unit of time as a function of the amount of respiratory gas flowing through per unit of time. The evaporator (4) provides water vapor with a temperature above 134.degree. C., which heats the respiratory gas to the predetermined respiratory gas temperature on mixing with the respiratory gas to be humidified.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly for use in the mechanical ventilation of respiratory patients in which the PEEP valve and the exhalation valve are combined into a single valve mechanism, and which includes a wye in which the patient tube splits at equal angles into the ventilator tube and a tube closed off by the PEEP valve, so as to maintain the exhalation drive hose and the ventilator hose generally parallel, and avoid sharp angles in the air flow.

Abstract: Molded respirators containing an air-permeable, sorbent-particle-containing layer between air-permeable particle-retaining layers. The particle-containing layer is stretchable during shaping without tearing or significant loss of particles. At least some of the fibers in the particle-containing layer are sufficiently tacky after being formed by themselves into a particle-free web and cooled to room temperature so that the web will adhere to itself. The respirators can be molded from flat webs without the need to fabricate the particle-containing layer into a shaped preform.

Abstract: The present invention provides different size breathing masks in which single size filtration shells are attached to a single size face contacting member at the same periphery. A single size face contacting member has one, or more than one size, inner breathing opening with a narrower cut profile in the nose area than in the mouth and chin area. Such different size breathing masks would fit and provide an effective seal for more than one size of wearer.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device comprises a respiratory aid tube whose distal extremity, intended to be introduced into the windpipe of a patient, is provided with an inflatable ballonet and means for bringing the respiratory gas into the lungs of the patient by means of said tube. The device includes pressure sensors in the ballonet and at the distal end of the tube which provide signals to an electronic controller for controlling the feed of respiratory gas to the patient.

Abstract: An insufflation system that includes a first tube that inserts into a patient's airway for providing a primary flow of breathing gas to such a patient. At least one insufflation catheter is provided in or within the first tube for delivering a flow of insufflation gas to the patient. In one embodiment, the flow of insufflation gas is delivered in a first direction generally toward the patient's lungs and in a second direction generally opposite the first direction so that the flow in the second direction creates a negative stagnation pressure that substantially cancels out the positive stagnation pressure generated by flow in the first direction. In second embodiment, an exhaust vent is provided in the first tube for exhausting a flow of gas from the first tube at a rate that is equivalent to the rate at which the flow of insufflation gas is being delivered to the patient's airway, thereby preventing over-inflation of the patient's respiratory system.

Abstract: A male condom harness securely retains a conventional male condom on the penis of the wearer, thereby effectively preventing unwanted pregnancy and protecting against communicable diseases transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids. The male condom harness includes an annular retaining ring defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second end. The male condom harness further includes at least one application handle attached to the retaining ring and depending outwardly therefrom. The application handle is utilized to properly apply the male condom harness on the penis of the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the male condom harness further includes at least one retaining band attached to the retaining ring and depending generally rearwardly therefrom. In another preferred embodiment, the male condom harness further includes a pair of elongate retaining straps. Each of the retaining straps has a first end attached to the retaining ring and a second end that remains unattached.

Abstract: An electrode carrying surgical drape and method is provided. The drape includes a polymeric film having opposing surfaces and an electrode receiving aperture therethrough. An electrode is disposed in and through the electrode receiving aperture. Electrode receiving aperture patches sealingly affix portions of said electrode to each of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric film in the vicinity of the electrode receiving aperture so as to thereby form a reinforced laminate structure capable of maintaining the sterility of an established sterile field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye are provided. The apparatus is a filtering implant comprising a cellulosic membrane adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap. In its most preferred embodiment, the cellulosic membrane consists essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-.beta. linkage. The implant is of a planar, generally rectangular shape. The method involves preparing and implanting the device within the eye such that it extends from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for canalizing or boring channels, divots, trenches or holes through tissue to revascularize the region around this tissue. In one method, an electrode terminal is positioned in close proximity to a target site and a high frequency voltage difference is applied between the electrode terminal and a return electrode to volumetrically remove or ablate tissue at the target site. The electrode terminal(s) may be translated relative to the body structure during or after the application of electrical energy to sculpt a void within the body structure, such as a hole, channel, stripe, crater, divot or the like. The present invention may be useful for revascularization of a healthy meniscus, or a torn or damaged meniscus during a repair procedure.

Abstract: A cigar punch, stand and holder appliance comprised of a tube body 10 having a match stop 12 divider therein making a match holding compartment 28. A knurled cap 20 threaded to fasten securely to the top of the appliance with the top of the knurled cap having a match striking surface 26 and the bottom portion of the knurled cap having a bulls-eye cutter 22 for plugging cigars. A pocket clip with locking spring for cigar support 16 to receive a cigar support clip 18 to hold a cigar. A base mount 24 with support legs 14 extendable to erect a holding stand for cigar use.

Abstract: An instrument and method for manicuring the underside of natural, artificial and acrylic fingernails. The instrument comprises a shaft member having a first end and a second end, and an abrasive member connected to at least one of the first and second ends of the shaft member. The abrasive member having a substantially arcuate shaped abrading surface for permitting at least a portion of the abrasive member to be positioned for abrading engagement with the underside of the fingernail to file and hone the underside of the nail.

Abstract: A hair holding device includes a number of first plates and a corresponding number of second plates arranged in an annular manner. Each first plate is engaged with three second plates, and each second plate engages with three first plates. At least one of the second plates includes an extension formed on a lateral side thereof, the extension having an engaging member formed thereon. At least one of the first plates includes a slot for releasably engaging with the engaging member and allowing the engaging member to slide in the slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remedial dental floss comprising a dental floss and titanium dioxide particles of 6.0 microns or less. Depending upon the structure, formulation, and final effects desired a binder may also be used to attach, adhere or otherwise incorporate particles of titanium dioxide and other substances onto or into the dental floss. In order to provide various other qualities one or more other ingredients, compounds or substances such as fluorides, peroxide based compounds, abrading agents, other pigmenting agents, sweeteners, and flavoring agents may also be incorporated into or utilized by the remedial dental floss disclosed herein. Regular use of such a remedial dental floss will significantly reduce the interproximal staining and discolorment of dental surfaces as well as providing all other benefits normally associated with flossing in a way that is convenient, inexpensive, and safe.

Abstract: A flossing kit for providing disposable devices for flossing a user's teeth. The flossing kit includes a first flossing device comprising an elongate shaft having a pair of opposite ends and a generally V-shaped floss holder coupled to a first of the ends of the shaft. The floss holder has a pair of elongate arms each having a terminal end. An elongate filament is extended between the terminal ends of the arms of the floss holder. The shaft of the first flossing device also tapers to a toothpick point adjacent a second of the ends of the shaft.

Abstract: During a rinsing stage a first quantity of water is accumulated in a buffer reservoir and the tank is rinsed. During a washing stage a second quantity of water is accumulated and the milk tank is washed. A first period of time used for accumulating the first quantity is measured. A second period of time is determined from the measured first period of time and either the first quantity and the second quantity or the ratio between the first quantity and the second quantity. During the washing stage water is supplied during the second period of time. A flexible and reliable method of dosing the second quantity of water essentially independently of the prevailing water pressure is obtained, which does not require a correspondingly large reservoir or any instruments specially provided for measuring the second quantity of water.

Abstract: A process for treating radioactive contaminated soils to remove radioactive contaminants therefrom includes creating a suspension of particles of the soil in water, and directing the slurry to a particle size separator. The small particles including radioactive contaminants are collected and handled for radioactive waste material storage. The aqueous slurry of large soil particles is directed to separators for removing substantial amounts of water after which the particles are directed to a conveyor and spread out to a substantially uniform thickness and detected for any radioactivity. Portions of material in which radioactive particles are detected are diverted and the uncontaminated soil material is recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to efficiently clean a mat or a screen. The screen or mat is placed on or within a frame and within an enclosure; large volumes of pressurized water and/or cleaning solvent are simultaneously directed towards one or more sides of the screen or mat. Temperature sensors in combination with a heating element and ph detectors are controlled by a pre-programmed system controller to insure that the temperature of the water is maintained within a specified range and that the water recycled within the apparatus is within an acceptable limit of contamination. A preferred design of the apparatus includes a mobile frame that is moved to the initial location of the mat and then returned to the enclosure while bearing the mat. The mobile frame reduces a risk of injury to cleaning personnel. A truck may be configured to carry one or more apparatus from site to site to allow customer based site cleaning opportunities.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing deposits from a razor blade includes a quantity of cation source material, a vessel retaining a cation carrying medium, and a medium and cation permeable barrier dividing the vessel and the medium into a blade placement region and a material retaining region, for separating the quantity of cation source material from the razor blade. The cation source material preferably includes several plastic beads. The medium permeable barrier is preferably a wire mesh. The cation carrying medium preferably includes water. A method of removing deposits from a razor blade includes the steps of: providing an apparatus including a vessel containing a water medium and cation source material at least partly submerged in the water medium, and immersing the blade in the water medium for a length of time to permit cations supplied by the material to react with the deposits on the blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning parts includes a tank having an liquid inlet opening and a liquid outlet opening therein to allow a liquid, such as water to enter and drain from the tank. The tank also includes an air inlet window and an air outlet duct for allowing a flow of air to pass therethrough. An air duct having an air pump connected thereto extends across the outside of the tank between the air outlet duct and the air inlet window to provide a flow of air through the tank. A heater is in the air duct to heat the flow of air. A first overflow wall extends across and spaced from the air inlet window to provide an overflow passage for carrying away any liquid which may overflow the wall and prevent the liquid from entering the air inlet window. A second overflow wall extends across and is spaced from the air outlet duct to form an overflow passage for carrying away any liquid which may overflow the second overflow wall and prevent such liquid from entering the air outlet duct.

Abstract: A nozzle that extends telescopically upward is used to elevate a wafer without contacting the wafer. The nozzle includes a stationary hollow cylinder, closed at its lower end and open at its upper end, within which a spool is disposed to slide vertically. In its lowest position the spool is spaced from the closed bottom of the cylinder, and purified water is supplied under pressure to the space. A passage extends vertically through the spool, and the water is discharged at the upper end of the spool from the passage. As a wafer is lowered toward the upper end of the spool, the wafer partially impedes the discharge, increasing the pressure in the space below the spool. The increased pressure drives the spool and the wafer upward, but the wafer never comes into contact with the wafer because the discharge of water creates a protective cushion between them.

Abstract: A pivotal-coupling device is provided for a collapsible umbrella frame structure, which allows the pivotal coupling between the main shaft and the framing rib to be achieved without having to use supersonic wave bonder, thus making the assembly work more easy to carry out and the manufacturing cost reduced. It also allows the assembly work to be carried out manually without having to use machine tools or welding means. The pivotal-coupling device includes a first linking member affixed to the main shaft; a second linking member affixed to the framing rib, and a pivotal pin for providing a pivotal coupling of the first linking member to the second linking member, allowing the main shaft to be pivotally coupled to the framing rib. Compared to the prior art, this pivotal-coupling device is considerably simpler in structure that allows it to be formed easily through machining and further allows the assembly work to be easily carry out by hand without having to use machine tools or welding means.

Abstract: A movable device for alternatingly covering and uncovering a vehicle is shown and described. The device includes a protective cover, a structural member, a lift member, and an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid and controlling the fluid to raise and lower the cover. The protective cover is constructed to receive at least a portion of the vehicle, such as a boat or a car. The structural member has an elongated hollow extending at least partially from a first end to a bottom end and ending at a termination point. A first end of the lift member is coupled to the protective cover and a second end of the lift member is reciprocally engaged with the hollow. The lift member can move with the protective cover between a first position in which the protective cover receives at least a portion of the vehicle and a second position in which the protective cover is separated from the vehicle. The space between the second end of the lift member and the termination point of the hollow defines a chamber.

Abstract: A valve device for use downhole is described as comprising a body member and a channel through the body member through which fluid can flow. A moveable member is mounted within the body member, and comprises an obturating member for selectively obturating the channel. The moveable member is moveable between a first position in which the channel is not obturated and fluid flow through the channel is permitted, and a second position in which the channel is obturated and fluid flow through the channel is substantially prevented.A method of preventing the fluid flow downhole is also described as comprising the steps of inserting a downhole tool comprising a valve device according to the present invention downhole and moving the moveable member from the first to the second position such that the obturating member obturates the channel.

Abstract: An irrigation controller modifies sophisticated irrigation protocols using an extremely simple user control. In one aspect of a particularly preferred class of embodiments, the user control includes a simple "more/less" (increase/decrease) adjustment. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the controller automatically determines appropriate irrigation amounts, start times, durations, and frequencies. Such automatic determination may advantageously be based in part on the more/less adjustment, and in part on an external signal, such as that transmitted by a radio transmitter.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupler having a slidable piston to connect and disconnect to a standard fitting or coupling attached to suitable tubing. The coupling is slidably received by the coupler and locked in place by the piston. In the locked position, the coupling depresses a valve pin in the piston which opens a passageway in the coupler. At the same time, a depressor in the coupler depresses a valve stem in the coupling, thereby allowing bi-directional gas flow to the device being serviced from the service apparatus, or vice versa. A method of charging or discharging refrigeration apparatus with said coupler is also disclosed.

Abstract: The valve head of the present invention is designed for engaging both a Schrader and a Presta valve. It includes a housing having generally cylindrical sidewalls and a base wall. A collet is disposed within the housing. The collet has generally cylindrical sidewalls and a plurality of upwardly extending collet fingers. A generally cylindrical gasket member is disposed within the collet. The gasket is composed of a resilient material and has a valve insertion bore formed centrally therethrough. A camming lever is operably engaged to the collet and functions to pull the collet downwardly into the housing. The downward movement of the collet causes the collet fingers to move inwardly, thereby creating an inwardly directed force upon the resilient gasket such that the diameter of the gasket bore is reduced. When a Schrader valve is disposed within the gasket bore, a valve pin depression tip acts to depress the Schrader valve pin, thus permitting pumped air to flow through the Schrader valve.

Abstract: A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it and an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The interlocking feature includes a screw threaded into an aperture in the sleeve, or other coupling device, and an annular channel on the liner, positioned to receive the screw. The annular channel has an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner surface disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. The screw is moved so that it extends into the channel resting proximate to the upper surface, but clear of both said lower and inner surfaces. The screw can be removed after the valve cap has been installed. In this fashion, the liner and the sleeve are in a fixed axial position with respect to each other; however, the rotatability of the sleeve with respect to the liner is maintained, preventing removal of the liner from the stem.

Abstract: A liquid propane reserve system for providing propane to propane operated equipment including a reserve tank interconnected between a main tank and the equipment. Each tank includes a manual shutoff valve so that the main tank may first selectively be depleted of propane after which propane in the reserve tank may then be made available to the equipment without partially refilling the main tank. When the main tank is substantially full by momentarily opening both of the shutoff valves, the reserve tank is quickly refilled and held in reserve until needed by simply closing the second shutoff valve.

Abstract: A condensate drain for an automatc sprinkler system of the dry-pipe type wherein the drain includes a one piece reservoir having a central chamber and tapering inlet and outlet chambers.

Abstract: A new Bifurcated Fill Valve Assembly for permitting removal of a fill valve from a toilet tank without disturbing the seal at the toilet tank and without disconnecting the water supply line. The inventive device includes a tank fitting extended through and mounted within an opening in a wall of a toilet tank and a fill valve including a valve body having an inlet portion wherein the inlet portion of the fill valve is releasably coupled to the tank fitting within the toilet tank. As such, the fill valve can be uncoupled from the tank fitting and removed from the toilet tank while the tank fitting remains mounted within the toilet tank and coupled to a water supply conduit that supplies water to the fill valve when in use.

Abstract: A selector valve assembly has reduced size, reduced cost, and increased repeatability with improved reliability and reduced maintenance expense due to use of a silicon micromachined valve body held in a releasable housing which in turn is mounted on a manifold plate to which are attached inlet and outlet fluid carrying tubing. The manifold plate includes two metal plates bonded together by an intervening polymer film and defining thread female connection inlets for tube fittings. The micromachined valve body is connected to a pilot valve assembly providing pneumatic operation of the micro-valves in the micromachined valve body. Also, a heater is mounted on the manifold plate to maintain temperature. The micromachined valve body is held on the manifold plate by a releasable spring-loaded assembly allowing quickly replacement of the micro-valve body in case of its failure.

Abstract: Device for suction and collection of the exhaust gases of a vehicle, comprising a slotted suction duct, at least one carriage which is mobile along guide rails, with which there is integral one end of a flexible tube, by means of which the exhaust gases are sucked from the exhaust pipe of the vehicle; which device is characterised in that there are associated with the drive device of the carriage selective means for locking the drive wheel onto a shaft which is rotated by the drive device, and in that in all the operating steps, the drive wheel is always in purely rolling contact with the relative track.