Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for leveling relative to a basis surface. The system includes an object having a first side confronting the basis surface and a second side opposite of the first side, a rod positioned to extend beyond the first side of the object to space the object from the basis surface and beyond a second side of the object to provide access to the rod, and first and second couplers to couple the rod and the object. Each of the first and second couplers includes a respective threaded hole threadably engaged with the rod to a position in which respective surfaces of the first and second couplers are in contact with, and rotationally stationary with respect to, the first and second sides of the object, respectively, such that rotation of the rod translates into translational displacement of the first and second couplers and the object.

Abstract: A device to aid the unloading of support elements, the support elements comprising a lower shaft and an upper shaft telescopically coupled to each other. The device includes annular first and second bodies coaxially couplable with each other. Each annular body is provided with a through-hole that allow the upper shaft to extend through the through holes. The upper shaft is also supported by the first annular body using a transversely extending member. The second annular body rests on the lower shaft. An intermediate unloading wedge is positioned between the first and the second annular bodies coupled together, and is able to slide transversally with respect thereto. The sliding of the unloading wedge causes the first annular body and the second annular body to come together or move apart in the longitudinal direction and, therefore, reduce or increase, respectively, the total length of the support element.

Abstract: An article and a process are provided for reducing the shear stress on an interface of a structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load. The article is in the form of a wedge that is forcibly placed against the sidewall of one end or both ends of the structural member. The wedge may take the form of a ring that can be placed on the inside or outside surface of a hollow cylindrical structural member. The process of forcibly placing a wedge against the sidewall at one or both ends of the structural member produces a transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall. The transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall attenuates the tendency of said sidewall to deflect when the structural member is subjected to a compressive load. A reduction in the deflection of the sidewall reduces the shear stress generated proximal to the interface of the structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load and increases the structural member load bearing capacity.

Abstract: A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.

Abstract: Two- and four-columned stands for holding vehicles aloft during dismantling include A-frame style structures having no raised horizontal cross members. The stands have improved stability and safety for dismantlers and equipment operators in the work area and provide clear access to vehicle components. Preferred stands permit adjustment to the width of the stand at the top. Distance along the length of four-columned stands can be varied to accommodate vehicles of differing lengths, or height of the stand can be adjusted. Four-columned stands include a pair of two-columned stands, each of which is wider at its ground-level base than at the top, and two horizontal ground-level links that connect the two-columned stands at their bases. Preferably a top platform of each two-columned stand includes two horizontal sliding T-beam assemblies that contact portions of a mounted vehicle and also permit width adjustment.

Abstract: A toggle device for attachment to a form-engaging assembly securable about the upper end of a concrete form. The toggle device can toggle between two different configurations. One configuration is suitable for attachment directly to a brace, and the other configuration is suitable for attachment to a nail plate on a brace. In one embodiment, the toggle device comprises a base plate to which an elongate first member is rigidly affixed. An elongate second member is connected to the first member by a sliding pivot connection. The sliding pivot connection is such that the second member can be moved from one position in which it is parallel to and overlapping with the first member, to another position in which it is generally perpendicular to the first member, to yet another position in which it is oblique to the first member.

Abstract: A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.

Abstract: A telescopic tube having an outer tube, an adjustable tube, a housing and a locking clamp. The outer tube has a top end. The adjustable tube is mounted slidably in the top end of the outer tube and has multiple locking notches. The housing is attached to the top end of the outer tube, is mounted slidably around the adjustable tube and has a central top hole, a front opening and an inner surface. The locking clamp is mounted movably in the housing and has an elongated through hole, a rear inner surface, a spring and a locking rod. The spring is mounted between the housing and the locking clamp. The locking rod is formed on and protrudes in from the rear inner surface of the elongated through hole and selectively engages a locking notch in the adjustable tube to hold the adjustable tube in place.

Abstract: A construction prop includes an outer tube and an inner tube wherein the inner tube telescopically fitted in the outer tube. The top end of the outer tube has a threaded section axially formed with a pair of slots. The inner tube is axially formed with several pairs of pinholes. A locating nut is screwed on the threaded section of the outer tube. A controlling member formed with a pair of through holes is fitted on the outer tube. A bottom end of the controlling member is rotatably connected with the locating nut. A top face of the controlling member is formed with recessed/projecting structures. An insertion pin is fitted through the slots of the outer tube and inserted in one pair of pinholes of the inner tube, and is rested on the top face of the controlling member, whereby the prop can support a horizontal moldboard.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a holder for fixedly attaching a panel to a substructure. The holder comprises a connection member capable of being fixedly connected non-rotatably to the substructure, a panel holder fixedly attached to the panel and a spacer element threadedly attaching the connection member to the panel holder. The spacer element can be axially adjusted and fixed relative to the connection member and the panel holder.

Abstract: A support post and safety fence assembly in which the post has a telescoping inner and outer tube and is supported on a threaded internal shaft coupled to a floor engaging end and ceiling engaging end preferably formed with claws that have a number of sharp penetrating points for firm engagement with a support surface. In one embodiment, a gravity lock assembly is provided for fixing the relative position of the inner and outer tubes. Dynamic adjustability of the support post is provided by internal compression springs.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a pair of overlapping cross support members extending between two opposed side rails of a bed frame is provided. The clamp assembly includes a unitary clamp body, a leg assembly pivotally secured to the clamp body and a locking plate pivotally secured to the clamp body. In order to prevent the cross support members from sliding relative to one another, the leg assembly exerts force on the overlapping cross support members. The leg assembly may comprise a first leg pivotally secured to the clamp body, a plastic insert and a foot member. Alternatively, the leg assembly may comprise a first leg nestably secured to a second leg in order to increase the length of the leg assembly.

Abstract: A telescopic tube having an outer tube, an adjustable tube, a housing and a locking clamp. The outer tube has a top end. The adjustable tube is mounted slidably in the top end of the outer tube and has multiple locking notches. The housing is attached to the top end of the outer tube, is mounted slidably around the adjustable tube and has a central top hole, a front opening and an inner surface. The locking clamp is mounted movably in the housing and has an elongated through hole, a rear inner surface, a spring and a locking rod. The spring is mounted between the housing and the locking clamp. The locking rod is formed on and protrudes in from the rear inner surface of the elongated through hole and selectively engages a locking notch in the adjustable tube to hold the adjustable tube in place.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for setting a door frame in position before adjacent walls are built and for maintaining the dimensions of the door frame during the building of the adjacent walls. The apparatus of the present invention generally includes two main components, specifically a first extension assembly and a second extension assembly. The first extension assembly and second extension assembly adjustably engage to provide a cost effective and efficient apparatus and method for setting a door frame in position before adjacent walls are built and for maintaining the dimensions of the door frame during the building of the adjacent walls. The apparatus is adjustable, lightweight, and easily portable by hand from worksite to worksite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction safety assembly. The inventive assembly comprises: safety posts with non-skid ends, which are provided with means for the rapid connection of a barrier; and, optionally, an upper jack-type safety element having a lower horizontal protrusion along an inclined plane, which is used to brace the cornice or projecting element of a building and which can also comprise the aforementioned barrier connection means. The adjustable-length barrier comprises a base which covers the lower part thereof. In this way, the invention provides a dual safety assembly of very simple construction, which can be used to guarantee the collective safety of labourers performing external and internal construction work and prevent accidents.

Abstract: An adjustable building construction shore has an inner tubular member extending internally of an outer tubular member and displaceable longitudinally of the outer tubular member, the inner and outer members having projecting and recessed longitudinal portions slidably interengaged and preventing relative rotation of the inner and outer tubular members. Openings extending transversely through the inner and outer tubular members are spaced apart longitudinally of the inner and outer tubular members, and retainer members extend through the openings for securing the inner and outer tubular members against relative longitudinal movement. A screw jack supports a lower end of the shore.

Abstract: A support assembly useful in supporting a plumbing fixture in the course of effecting connections thereto includes a base provided with a vertical tube segment supporting a nut assembly threadably engaged to a rod partly received in the segment with the upper rod end supporting an adapter conformed to the supported fixture. An offset bar fixed to the rod exterior engages a lateral recess on the segment to fix the rod in rotation as the nut assembly is turned. The assembly may include rods of differing lengths and adapters of various forms.

Abstract: A support apparatus (10) for providing a robust load bearing support for screed rails (12) during the laying of concrete in which the height of the screed rails can be accurately adjusted and supported so as to allow the screed rails to be used for carrying concrete levelling devices such as a roller beam levelling device consists of a ground engaging base block (14), a first member (22) releasably connected at its lower end to the base block and a support member (28) releasably connected to the upper end of the first member for supporting the screed rails (12) at a desired height above the ground (16) where the first member and support member combination is of adjustable length to permit adjustment of the height of the screed rails carried thereby.

Abstract: A support assembly useful in aligning and mounting a garbage disposal to the drain fitting of a sink includes a base provided with a vertical tube segment supporting a nut assembly threadably engaged to a rod partly received in the segment with the upper rod end supporting an adapter conformed to the disposal. An offset bar fixed to the rod exterior engages a lateral recess on the segment to fix the rod in rotation as the nut assembly is turned. The assembly may include rods of differing lengths and adapters of various forms.

Abstract: A pedestal adapted to support a floor panel comprising a base, support means for supporting said floor panel above said base, displaceable means operable between said base and said support means for selectively displacing said support means and said floor panel relative to said base so as to level said floor panel while said floor panel is supported by said support means.

Abstract: A device for holding a work piece over head, wherein the device is employed between a first wall support and a second wall support and the wall support are interconnected to support a ceiling support, which includes a first removable support connector for connecting the device to the first wall support, a first cross member hingedly connected to the first removable support connector at one end and having another end which is elongated and includes an inwardly extending opening thereby forming a female end, a second removable support connector for connecting the device to the second wall support generally opposing the first wall support, and a second cross member connected hingedly connected to the first removable support connector at one end and having another elongated male end which is of a size and configuration to be slidably received within the female end.

Abstract: A support arm apparatus and method for stabilizing an outward, distal portion of a thin, rigid panel attached at an inward, vertical edge opposite the outward, distal portion to a fixed vertical surface, comprising a support bar having externally threaded first and second ends and formed at an elbow angle nearer the first end; a first mounting assembly installed on the first end of the support bar for attaching the first end of the support bar to the thin panel at a first location thereon; and a second mounting assembly installed on the second end of the support bar for attaching the second end of the support bar to the fixed vertical surface at a second location thereon; wherein the externally threaded first and second ends of the support bar enable adjustment of the first and second mounting assemblies respectively along a longitudinal axis of each first and second end of the support bar to stabilize the outward, distal portion of the thin panel at a predetermined panel angle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an adjustable support brace for a pre-cast or tilt-up wall. The adjustable support brace comprises a wall mounting shoe, a floor mounting shoe, a leg member having an upper and a lower end, and a threaded support screw. The wall mounting shoe is pivotally connected to a mounting cap which is connected to the upper end of the leg member. The lower end of the leg member has an internally threaded receiving aperture which extends at least partially through the length of the leg member. The internally threaded receiving aperture receives the threaded support screw. The support screw is pivotally connected to the floor mounting shoe.

Abstract: A first tubular member (11) of an extension device (1) includes a first tubular body portion (16) provided with protruding portions (17) which are so formed on the inner surface of the first tubular body portion (16) as to protrude therefrom and extend from one axial end to the other end of the first tubular body portion (16). A second tubular member (12) which is capable of moving back and forth along the inner surface of the first tubular member (11) includes a second tubular body portion (27). A rotation prevention portion (28) adapted to come into contact with the protruding portions (17) and thereby prevent rotation of the second tubular member (12) is formed on the outer surface of the second tubular body portion (27) so as to rise therefrom. The extent to which the protruding portions (17) protrudes is nearly the same as the thickness (i.e. the height) of the rotation prevention portion (28).

Abstract: A brace for stabilizing a vehicle is provided. The brace includes a main tube including a first end and a second end and defining at least one first set of orifices. An extension tube is disposed in the main tube from the first end and defines at least one second set of orifices. The position of the extension tube is set by selectively aligning at least one set of orifices from the first set and at least one set of orifices from the second set and inserting a fastener through the aligned orifices. A vehicle anchor is removably connected to the extension tube and a footer is removably connected to the second end of the main tube. A method for using a brace to stabilize a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable length bracing device can be installed in a window frame or door frame to secure a sheet of covering material that is positioned to protect the window or door from flying debris resulting from a hurricane, tornado, or other storm. The brace device consists of two independent and moveable bars, which can be adjusted to fit the inside of a window or door opening. The adjustment is made by the use of a metal clip attached to one bar and inserted into a notch on the other bar. The ends of each bar have rubber pads to help prevent marring the window or door opening or frame and to prevent any slipping of the bracing device assembly. Once the assembly is in position, a locking metal ring holds both independent bars together to prevent movement.

Abstract: An adjustable windshield brace for boat windshields has sufficient flexibility to permit utilization on the windshields of many boat manufacturers. The brace is formed of two linearly extending members, one of which is provided with a bell to receive the other member. The belled brace member is formed with internal threading to be engageable with corresponding threads on the other brace member. The threads are finely formed to permit a linear translational movement of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch for each revolution of the brace members. Each brace member is provided with a mounting flange pivotally mounted on the respective opposing ends of the brace members to provide an attitude adjustment of the mounting flanges. Length adjustment and orientation adjustment of one mounting flange relative to the other mounting flange is accomplished by rotating the threads interengaging the two brace members.

Abstract: A yielding column for support mine roofs or the like includes a tube provided with one or more circumferential rows of slots which provide a preferred locus for buckling. A reinforcing sleeve within the tube prevents inward buckling, so that the buckled portions are easily seen.

Abstract: An adjustable hanging rod comprising a main body and at least one gliding rod with a contact element and an adjusting mechanism. The main body has a central gliding groove. The gliding rod is inserted in the gliding groove. The contact element is attached to a far end of the gliding rod for contacting a wall. The adjusting mechanism is mounted inside the main body and further comprises a gliding block, inserted in the gliding groove, a guiding rod, attached to the gliding block, a spring, put on the guiding rod between the gliding block and the gliding rod, and a fixing screw for fixing the gliding block. The position of the gliding block is adjusted, so that the gliding rod extends outward by a suitable length and suitable pressure of the contact element against the wall is maintained.

Abstract: An adjustable support bracing system for an upright structure includes a substantially vertical main frame and a support plate member pivotally secured to the main frame. The support plate extends on a first side of the main frame and provides supporting engagement of the upright structure. An adjustment device is connected to the main frame and bears on the support plate for selectively pivoting the support plate to a desired support angle. An adjustable length leg extends on a second side of the main frame opposite the first side.

Abstract: A cabinet mounting support device for supporting a cabinet at a selected height for mounting the cabinet. The cabinet mounting support device includes a base plate. A substantially hollow first tubular member is elongated and has a first end securely coupled to a top surface of the base plate such that the first tubular member is in a generally vertical orientation. The first tubular member has a plurality of pairs of opposed and aligned apertures therein extending between the first and second ends of the first tubular member. A second tubular member is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The second tubular member is substantially hollow. The first end is movably extendable into a second end of the first tubular member such that the second tubular member is telescopic with respect to the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a pair of opposed apertures therein positioned generally adjacent to the first end of the second tubular member.

Abstract: A compressible support used to support mine roofs. The compressible support generally includes a male member which adjustably engages a collar and may further include a cap and a wooden base. A post may also be provided. The male member defines ridges and grooves and the collar defines corrugations, each preferably in the form of modified buttress threads, which yield, fracture, or strip when the compressible support is subjected to additional force, decreasing the overall length of the compressible support.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising a buried housing or other article includes a frame, a plurality of support leg assemblies, a plurality of lifting members for attaching the frame to the buried housing, and a device for raising the frame, and thereby the buried housing, relative to a supporting ground surface. Preferably, the frame includes a pair of pivotally attached crossbar sections, the lifting members constitute chains, and the support leg assemblies include threaded rods and pivotable support feet. The apparatus is adapted to be supported above a buried article which is attached to the frame through the lifting members. Thereafter, the frame is lifted relative to the support leg assemblies to raise the article to enable back-filling beneath the article in order to maintain the article at a desired height upon disconnection of the apparatus.

Abstract: A skirt assembly system for use on a mobile home. The skirt assembly system includes a plurality of telescoping studs. The skirt assembly system also includes a plurality of tracks wherein the stud are secured within the tracks with an edged of the stud facing out. The skirt assembly system also includes studs fastened to a side wall of the tracks. The skirt assembly system also includes a brace connected to the telescoping studs on one side thereof and connected to a bottom of the mobile home on an opposite end of the brace.

Abstract: A roller type support frame structure includes a body connected to a post. Two end pieces respectively extend from the body and one of the end piece has a threaded hole and the other end piece has a hole defined therethrough. A core has a threaded outside for being threadedly engaged with the threaded hole, and an insertion section of the core is inserted into the hole of the second end piece. A sleeve is rotatably mounted to the core.

Abstract: A length adjustable bar for mounting within a window opening to secure a protective panel therein includes a substantially hollow outer section having an inner section telescopingly received therein. A plurality of gear teeth are longitudinally disposed on the inner section. A cam is pivotally mounted to the outer section and includes gear teeth thereon that interengage the gear teeth on the inner section when the cam is rotated to a first position. The cam is rotated with a handle having an aperture thereon that aligns with apertures on a pair of spaced tabs when the cam is placed in the first position to receive a locking means to fix the bar at a select length. The design allows the bar to be extended to substantially the same length or width of the window opening. By pivoting the handle downwardly, the geared cam extends the inner section slightly to tightly wedge the bar within the opening.

Abstract: A beam supporter has an upper outer cylinder, a lower outer cylinder, a gearbox connecting these cylinders up an down to each other, and a drive and driven bevels mating one another within the gearbox. A sleeve built in the gear box has an outer periphery integral with the driven bevel, a female threaded inner periphery, and a threaded rod is in mesh with the female thread and extends through the inner periphery. A horizontal shaft of the of the drive bevel protrudes from the gearbox to provide an operable protrusion. A sliding inner cylinder is secured to the rod up and down, so that an upper end of this cylinder slidably protrudes from an upper opening of the upper cylinder. A ring-shaped bearing may be disposed around the threaded rod and vertically slidable above the gearbox. A cap is attached to the threaded rod, so that guide sticks depending through the cap hold the bearing freely slidable up and down but always on or above the feet of the guide sticks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to support structures. The present invention in particular relates to a telescopic track as well as a telescopic mast assembly which may for example be exploited in the context of a person (e.g. patient) handling system.

Abstract: A single post adjustable support device to provide interval support to a drain piping system where the piping is required to be suspended above a roof surface at continually changing elevations due to the need to have the piping system maintain a continual and gradual slope, compensating for un-regular surface conditions of the roof surface.

Abstract: An adjustable outrigger (10) for manufactured home (60) spans between lower end (76) of main beam (70) and outer end (83) of transverse floor joist (80) for supporting outer end (83). Outrigger (10) has a longitudinal axis (21) and generally comprises an elongate central portion (20) of adjustable length, a lower end (12) adapted to be supported by lower end (76) of beam (70) such that outrigger (10) can exert a longitudinal force on beam (70) over varying vertical angles of longitudinal axis (21) and an upper end (17) adapted for supporting outer end (83) of joist (80) such that outrigger (10) can exert a longitudinal force on joist (80) over a plurality of vertical angles of longitudinal axis (21).

Abstract: A window is protected from storms by applying a rigid protective panel, such as a plywood sheet cut to size, to the window frame. The panel is held securely in place by one or more innovative elongate braces or bars that extend from one wall of the window opening to an opposed wall. The brace has a long body provided with a planar friction pad at each end. Each pad is angularly adjustable relative to the long axis of the body to conform to the angle of the wall for maximum contact. One of the friction pads is connected to the body by a spring-loaded connection that allows for a short reciprocating motion with the spring urging the pad away from the body. This enables the user to temporarily hold the panel in place with one hand, while pushing the brace in place with both pads engaging opposed walls in a panel holding position with the other hand. The brace is then more tightly and securely extended by advancing a threaded nut that forces the pad farther away from the body.

Abstract: A heat exchanger housing support for supporting a heat exchanger or coil housing and accompanying ductwork in the installation of heating and air conditioning equipment. The heat exchanger housing supports are typically used in pairs and are each characterized by a vertically-oriented support leg having a longitudinal leg cavity for receiving a threaded rod, with an adjusting nut provided on the threaded rod and a bevel gear provided on the adjusting nut. A second bevel gear is mounted on the support leg for meshing with the first bevel gear on the adjusting nut and driving the threaded rod up and down. A bottom bracket is attached to the bottom end of the support leg for resting on a supporting surface and a top bracket is fitted to a top nut threaded on the upper end of the threaded rod for engagement with the heat exchanger or coil housing.

Abstract: Upper and lower tubular components of the support members are in threaded engagement for beam support. Retainer cups secure the support member in place while a lock seats about the upper and lower components to prevent rotation after installation. An opening in the upper tubular component permits charging of the support member with concrete or other reinforcing agent.

Abstract: An adjustable truss (10) for a multi-section manufactured home (70) comprising a left section (71L) and a right section (71R); each section having a beam (72) having a lower end (75) including an inner flange (77) and an outer flange (78) and a upper end (73) supporting a transverse floor joist (80) having an end (84) at a mating seam (95). In a preferred embodiment, truss (10) comprises: a joist connector (30) is disposed under mating seam (95); jacks (20L, 20R) of adjustable length spanning respectively between the lower ends (75L, 75R) of beam (72l, 72R) and joist connector (30); a tie bar assembly (50) including an elongate bar (51) attached to beam lower ends (75); and a center jack (60) of adjustable length spanning between tie bar (51) and mating seam (95).

Abstract: A portable safety anchor for use in an aperture with side jambs such as a door or window as a tie off for a safety line. The anchor has a pair of clamps mounted on a bar longer than the aperture is wide. The clamps are T-shaped with a stem and a cross arm. The stem is adapted for contact with a first side of the wall and the cross arm has a toe and a heel. The toe is adapted for contact with the side jamb and the heel is adapted to extend beyond the side jamb on the first side of the wall. The heel has an aperture through which the bar passes. Means are provided for securing the clamps on the bar with the toes in frictional contact with the side jamb and the stem in frictional contact with the first side of the wall. A safety line is tied from the toe of one or both of the clamps such that a force applied to the safety line on the second side of the wall is transferred to the first side of the wall by the clamps.

Abstract: An outrigger (10) for a manufactured home (90) spans between lower end (76) of main beam (70) and outer end (83) of a transverse floor joist (80) and selectively provides a push (raising force) or pull (lowering force) to joist outer end (83) to level floor (86). Outrigger (10) generally comprises and an elongate portion (20) of adjustable length for spanning between beam lower end (76) and joist outer end (83) for producing an outward force, and a bracket (50) attached to beam lower end (76) and a nut (65) fastening elongate portion (20) to bracket (50) for producing an inward force.

Abstract: The adjustable length strut (25) includes an elongated strut plate (26) having a rectilinear C-shaped in cross-section support tube (32) and a mounting plate (36). An externally threaded rectilinear shaft (52) has its proximal end (56) inserted telescopically into the support tube (32). The threaded nut (62) mounted on the shaft engages the distal bearing edge (50) of the support tube, and rotation of the nut causes the shaft to distend from the tube for engagement with an I-beam (18) of the manufactured building structure. The chisel end (60) of the threaded shaft avoids rotation of the shaft with respect to the I-beam, so that rotation of the adjustable nut (62) provides accurate movement of the shaft out of the tube. The amount of the proximal end (56) of the shaft protruding into the support tube (32) can be visually determined by viewing through the elongated slot (42) of the support tube (32).