Contractor articles from July 2004

Contractor archives from July 2004

The right Team for Chicago's Palmer House.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... CHICAGO -- The Palmer House Hilton needed to replace its cooling tower and called on industrial and commercial HVAC firm Team Mechanical Inc. to install the tower on the roof of the 24-floor hotel. TMI worked with manufacturers rep Maddock...

MasterFormat numbers, titles allow conversion to start.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... ALEXANDRIA, VA. -- The Construction Specifications Institute released the section numbers and titles June 9 for the upcoming 2004 edition of MasterFormat, the specifications-writing standard for most nonresidential building design and...

Shortage of skilled labor, but not competition.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... HUGE RETAILERS sell plumbing, heating and cooling products to do-it-yourselfers. Utilities enter the p-h-c market aided by rate-payer subsidies. A concern grows over a shortage of skilled labor. Onerous government regulations both stifle and...

Students may be recruited via plumbing physics course.(Industry News)(National Foundation for Energy Education)
July 1, 2004... OAK BROOK, ILL.--The mechanical contracting industry has had problems getting past obstinate high school guidance counselors, so now it's taking a different approach--get to prospective employees through their physics teachers. The...

Contractor always gives the customer what she wants.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. --"You've got to do what the customer wants," is the motto of Mike Jungers of Royalty Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning in Brea, Calif. That's tree even when it doesn't make any sense to him. Jungers recently...

Roto-Rooter jingle marks golden anniversary.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... CINCINNATI -- Just months after CONTRACTOR published its first issue in 1954, Roto-Rooter began to use its advertising jingle, "And away go troubles down the drain." Rote-Rooter said it is among the few companies to leave its jingle untouched...

55 years in the plumbing business with no regrets.(Industry News)(Interview)
July 1, 2004... Editor's note: The 55-year plumbing career of Harold H. Craig nearly coincides with the 50-year history of CONTRACTOR. He' was in business Jar himself from 1949 to 1999 in Cary, N.C., with his wife, Mildred Craig, running the office. From 1945...

RPA plans changes to streamline RadFests.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... LOVELAND COLO. -- With two regional RadFests under its belt, the Radiant Panel Association already is making plans to improve future events. The first RadFest took place in April in Madison, Wis. (May, pg. 5); the second was held May 21-22 in...

EMCOR Group has provided a gift of $150,000 to the Norwalk Education Foundation to bring the NEF Saturday Academy program to all four Norwalk (Conn.) Middle Schools.(Norwalk Education Foundation)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... * EMCOR Group has provided a gift of $150,000 to the Norwalk Education Foundation to bring the NEF Saturday Academy program to all four Norwalk (Conn.) Middle Schools. The grant will be made over three years. The program, to be renamed...

IAPMO.
July 1, 2004... Former Black Hawk Pilot and Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Michael J. Durant will deliver the keynote address at IAPMO's 75th Annual Education and Business Conference at 1 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Reno (Nev.) Hilton. One of the pilots shot down in...

Nexstar will conduct its next Money Masters seminar Aug. 20-21 in Waterloo, Ind., to discuss the successful fundamentals of running an independent service contracting business and to visit service contractor Gibson's Heating & Plumbing.
July 1, 2004... Nexstar will conduct its next Money Masters seminar Aug. 20-21 in Waterloo, Ind., to discuss the successful fundamentals of running an independent service contracting business and to visit service contractor Gibson's Heating & Plumbing. The...

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America will launch a nationwide project with its chapters this fall to provide assistance to the elderly and disadvantaged.
July 1, 2004... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America will launch a nationwide project with its chapters this fall to provide assistance to the elderly and disadvantaged. The first "Heat the Country" program will take place Oct. 23. Working with local...

Eljer Plumbingware.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Beginning in August, Eljer Plumbingware is launching a $ 1 million "I Want It All" consumer advertising campaign to support its wholesaler showrooms and plumbing contractor customers. The ads will running in six magazines.

Bras Craft.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Brass Craft has recently won a "Cool Products Award" at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference for its company's Safety+PLUS Advantage gas connection system, which utilizes a magnet-based excess-flow valve design that automatically shuts off the...

Lochinvar earns safety award.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... LEBANON, TENN. -- Lochinvar Corp. has earned Tennessee's top award for workplace safety. The Governor's Award is issued by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to honor the companies that post 800,000 man-hours without a...

Valuable advice can come from conventions.(Schmitt On Management)
July 1, 2004... WE ARE HEADING for the fall season when many contractor associations hold their annual meetings. If you have even the slightest thought that you are going to continue to be a contractor in this industry, now is the time to join up, start to...

The Saturday night bath becomes a status symbol.(Forum)
July 1, 2004... FIFTY YEARS AGO, in 1954, it was business as usual in the bathroom products industry. The industry was maturing as the population was moving away from "the Saturday night bath" to more regular bathing habits. In the United States,...

Top 5 things to look for in estimators.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2004... OAKLAND, CALIF. -- I was hoping that Kent Craig could please help me. I am a recruiter with Princeton Search Group, and I am working a new desk--Construction. I was doing my due diligence in learning the industry when I came across Kent's name....

Rising to the challenge: despite its conservative reputation, the plumbing industry has brought big changes to the U.S. market since 1954.(Plumbing Trends)
July 1, 2004... In 1954 a faucet was a simple affair consisting of a screw valve and a washer in a chrome-plated or galvanized steel housing. The valve delivered hot or cold water, period. There were two plumbing showrooms in New York City--with products...

Solar domestic hot water pre-heating.(Eatherton On Hydronics)
July 1, 2004... SOLAR DOMESTIC HOT water preheating has been around for centuries. A search of solar collector patents shows patents being applied for back as early as the 1800s. Solar has been used since long before that. Man has always been intrigued with...

Illingworth is GC's top sub.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... MILWAUKEE -- CG Schmidt, a leading general contractor and construction manager in Wisconsin, has named mechanical services contractor Illingworth Corp. its Subcontractor of the Year. Illingworth is a subsidiary of EMCOR Group. For each of...

Industry needs education at every level.(Hydronic Systems)(Panel Discussion)
July 1, 2004... A LIVELY exchange between a general contractor and a consulting engineer was a highlight during the Hydronics Roundtable in a debate over the chief obstacles to contractors trying to increase their hydronic heating business. The second...

Making cell phones indispensable for techs.(Feldmans On Computers)
July 1, 2004... IT'S 10 A.M. Do you know where your technicians are and what they are doing? As more and more contractors and their service personnel carry and use mobile phones to streamline daily operations, innovative solution providers are delivering...

Traditional estate plans enrich the IRS.(Blackman On Taxes)
July 1, 2004... THIS IS A TAX WAR story, told in a U.S. Tax Court memorandum opinion case. In 1989, Robert II. Lurie, a successful entrepreneur and very wealthy man, was diagnosed with cancer. He planned his estate, creating a traditional revocable trust...

Rules for creating a successful PM career.(Craig On Project Management)(Column)
July 1, 2004... I CAN'T THINK of a catchy opening line, so let's jump right into my list of rules for creating a successful career in project management. Don't make your project management career the centerpiece of your life. If you decide the only...

American Standard companies congratulate CONTRACTOR on 50 years of service.(Advertorial)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... Five years before CONTRACTOR launched in 1954, American Standard celebrated its 50th anniversary as the world's largest producer of bathroom and kitchen fixtures and fittings. Not long after the Standard Sanitary Corporation merged with...

PHCC sponsors VICA contest.(Industry News)(The SkillsUSA Championships)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors)(VICA National Leadership & Skills Conference)
July 1, 2004... KANSAS CITY, MO. -- Six winners of the residential plumbing contest of the Skills-USA Championships in plumbing were announced June 25 at the Skills USA-VICA National Leadership & Skills Conference here. Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors...

Burnham hydronics revs up slot car promotion.(Forum)
July 1, 2004... LANCASTER, PA. -- Through July 31, plumbing and heating contractors throughout North America that purchase a Burnham V8, Revolution, Series 2PV, Independence PV or Spirit boiler from a participating Burnham Hydronics distributor can receive a...

SARS statement sent to WHO.(Industry News)(International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)(World Health Organization)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... ONTARIO, CALIF.--The World Plumbing Council and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials in June sent the consensus statement developed during and after the International SARS Symposium in February to the World Health...

AGC releases book.(Associated General Contractors )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... WASHINGTON -- Associated General Contractors of America has released its new "Project Delivery Systems for Construction" textbook in an effort to help clarify industry terminology and practice as it relates to construction project delivery. ...

This section of the magazine has seen the most changes since 1954.(Impact products)(Editorial)
July 1, 2004... Products have been a constant source of innovation and surprise. More often than not consumer demand drives those changes, from the "convenience" craze of the 1950s to today's "high-end" customers. Sometimes new products come from the...

The single-handle faucet.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Alfred Moen was an engineering student at the University of Washington when he accidentally burned his hands with water from a conventional, two-handled faucet. It got him thinking. Moen eventually devised and patented a number of...

The 1.6 gpf toilet.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Low-flow toilets have been marketed in the United States since the early 1980s. By 1992, 17 states had established a standard of 1.6 gpf for replacement toilets and those installed in new construction. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 established...

The pressure balancing shower valve.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Invented in 1939 by Paul C. Symmons, this innovation is now a standard feature in most American homes. Hot water and cold water exert pressure on opposite ends of a hydraulic piston to create a balanced mix; if pressure at one end drops, so...

The tankless water heater.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Technological innovations now allow for units that can effectively heat water on demand, instead of having a large tank of heated water on standby, whether it's needed or not. The result: a more compact, energy efficient way to heat. ...

The garbage disposal.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Early models of the disposer (essentially a domestic grinder pump) were not integrated with the sink--they were separate units placed over the drain. While invented by John Hammes in 1927, the disposer took off in the 1950s, and became so...

CPVC plastic pipe and pex tubing.(Innovations)(Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Thermoplastic piping got a big boost during the metal shortages of World War II. While quick to catch on in Europe and Japan, it didn't take off in America until the 1960s and 1970s. Today it is prized for its durability, flexibility and...

The reciprocating saw.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... This essential part of any plumber's toolkit get its name from the reciprocating mechanism that delivers a short, fast stroke. Prior to the invention of the Sawzall by engineer Ed Ristow, contractors were forced to use drills with reciprocating...

The electronic sensor valve.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... This staple of institutional applications works via a solenoid, activated when the user blocks or unblocks an IR beam. The first models were installed in toilet stalls at O'Hare Airport, Chicago, in the 1980s. Now, they are used on toilets,...

The acrylic/fiberglass bathtub.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... For decades, the cast-iron, clawfoot tub was king. Then in the 1950s, new materials allowed for a lighter, more affordable, colorful, space-saving idea of what a bathtub could be, and helped usher in the new concept of "bathroom decor." ...

The jetted whirlpool tub.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... In 1948, Candido Jacuzzi designed an aerating pump that could be used in a bathtub to provide hydrotherapy for his son who had contracted rheumatoid arthritis. In 1968, the company he founded brought to market the first fully integrated...

The condensing boiler.(Innovations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The combination of an extra heat exchanger, variable-speed, high-pressure blowers and solid state control logic to monitor load means that modern condensing boilers can typically deliver efficiencies of 94% or higher. Yet another example of...

The Islandia triple-use lavatory bowl.(editor's choice)
July 1, 2004... THE ISLANDIA TRIPLEUSE LAVATORY BOWL is available in a decorative, petal-textured pattern. It can be used as a vessel bowl mounted on a lavatory countertop; as a drop-in lavatory sink; or as an undermount. It measures approximately 18" X 15" X...

The water-gate water shut-off tool.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE WATER-GATE WATER SHUT-OFF TOOL allows the user to change out a valve, solder or glue fittings, make waterline repairs and test lines under pressure, without draining the lines. The tool inserts into copper, steel, PVC and CPVC pipe...

The S1214 sink in stainless steel.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE S1214 SINK IN STAINLESS STEEL is ideal for bar sink areas or food preparation installations. Fabricated from 16 gauge type 304 stainless steel, it is durable and resistant to stains and discoloration. It can be installed as either a...

The type D50 pressure-reducing regulator.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE TYPE D50 PRESSURE-REDUCING REGULATOR is a rugged and economical choice for use on steam irons, autoclaves, laundry mangles, single radiators, steam tables, vulcanizers, and a wide variety of steam, water and gas applications. Offered in a...

Pi Tape gauges.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * PI TAPE GAUGES are used for measuring tire diameters of round and out-of-round forms quickly, precisely and economically. Available in either inches (accurate to within +/-.001") or millimeters (accurate to within +/-.03mm up to 3,600 mm),...

The model 2 modular production welding system.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE MODEL 2 MODULAR PRODUCTION WELDING SYSTEM is designed for applications requiring a heavy-duty, in-place welding system. It features ball-screw positioning slides, and can be set up in a number of different configurations. It is intended...

The tool tote with shoulder strap.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE TOOL TOTE WITH SHOULDER STRAP is made of rugged, double-layered, 600 X 300 denier polyester to resist wear and tear on the job site. Measuring 15.5" long by 7.5" wide by 10" high, it includes five interior pockets, seven exterior pockets...

This new line of corzan PVC check valves.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THIS NEW LINE OF CORZAN PVC CHECK VALVES is for use in applications that require high temperature- and corrosion-resistance. The diaphragm design of these valves provides a positive, leak-free seal even in a non-flowing condition. ...

Cleanboot footwear.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * CLEANBOOT FOOTWEAR slips over workboots to protect carpeting and flooring from dirt and marking. It eliminates the need for plumbers or other trade workers to take off their boots when entering the homes or places of business of customers....

This stainless steel clamp.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THIS STAINLESS STEEL CLAMP provides a secure PEX connection to resist temperature changes and water pressure. Designed for use with Dura-Pex piping and Dura-Pro fittings, the clamp creates a pressure-tight connection between the clamp and the...

The memoirs faucet.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE MEMOIRS FAUCET is available in both Classic and Stately designs. It is now accented with new deco handles, inspired by the faucets of the '20s and '30s. The handles and the lift rod emulate the flared look of the spout and handle bases...

The proline of products for light commercial drainage.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE PROLINE OF PRODUCTS FOR LIGHT COMMERCIAL DRAINAGE includes floor drains, floor sinks, roof drains, interceptors, cleanouts, hydrants, shower drains and other drainage specialties. Watts Drainage CIRCLE 112 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

This 18-V. 5-piece combo kit.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THIS 18-V. 5-PIECE COMBO KIT includes a bonus jig saw. The kit comes with an hammer drill/driver that features a two-speed gearbox; a circular saw with a 45[degrees] positive stop; a reciprocating saw with tool-less blade exchange system; a...

The sygef plus piping and fusion system.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE SYGEF PLUS PIPING AND FUSION SYSTEM is designed for ultra-pure water applications, such as semiconductor fabrication. The larger-size piping system allows the contractor to install fewer lines while delivering the same or higher volumes...

The LV21 balanced thermostatic steam trap.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE LV21 BALANCED THERMOSTATIC STEAM TRAP features a high air venting capability and light condensate capacity for steam mains, tracing and process equipment. It has a patented "fail open" design for critical tracing service. The valve head...

A full line of stackable pipe mounting collars.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * A FULL LINE OF STACKABLE PIPE MOUNTING COLLARS is now offered that features nylon bushings to compensate for thermal expansion and vibration. The collars have a two-piece design with flats on both outside surfaces which are drilled and...

The series 2119V diaphragm vacuum pump.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE SERIES 2119V DIAPHRAGM VACUUM PUMP is designed to provide trouble-free service in Class B steam autoclaves. A combination of engineered resin and die-cast aluminum construction provides maximum durability. All wetted aluminum parts are...

The ZA24RSG line of grinding wheels.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE ZA24RSG LINE OF GRINDING WHEELS are made of a special grain formula that includes Zirconia blended with aluminum oxide. The line delivers aggressive, faster cutting action with fewer wheels needed. The wheels are softer, for less chatter...

The Xlerator electric hand dryer.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE XLERATOR ELECTRIC HAND DRYER saves time and energy with warm high-speed drying. The easy-to-install unit is designed to resist chips, and lower maintenance costs. It features one-piece, die-cast construction, an automatic reset...

This new vacuum breaker.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THIS NEW VACUUM BREAKER has a chrome-plated brass body and lead-free brass castings. The spill-resistant, in-line breaker also features large arrows to indicate the direction of water flow. An integral check valve prevents damage to the unit...

The handy-stand.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE HANDY-STAND turns the company's popular handheld drain cleaners into practical countertop or floor machines. The ergonomically balanced stand fits the Super-Vee, Power-Vee and Handylectric. It can be easily positioned horizontally or...

The compact 100-B battery pressing tool.(Products)
July 1, 2004... * THE COMPACT 100-B BATTERY PRESSING TOOL is designed for making pressed connections on smaller sized copper and plastic tubing Built especially for use in tight, hard-to-reach areas, both the tool and its jaws are smaller than those of many...

50 years of industry innovations: what are the top ones?(PHCC News)
July 1, 2004... FOR MORE THAN 120 years, members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC) have been a powerful influence on industry issues and trends. And, they have used innovations in plumbing, HVACR and business technology...

New pipe hanger catalog release first since company name change.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... NEW PIPE HANGER CATALOG RELEASE FIRST SINCE COMPANY NAME CHANGE. The most comprehensive catalog of pipe hangers and supports available to the industry has been published by Anvil. Anvil, formerly known as Grinnell, is the recognized world...

Affordable underground boring with the BorZit system.(Literature showcase)
July 1, 2004... AFFORDABLE UNDERGROUND BORING WITH THE BORZIT SYSTEM. BorZit lays pipe under sidewalks, driveways or streets faster with less effort for under $250! Bores a 2", 3" or 5" hole at 1 foot per minute with amazing accuracy. Can bore up to 60 feet...

Bryan boiler's new full line brochure describes.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... BRYAN BOILER'S NEW FULL LINE BROCHURE DESCRIBES their gas, oil and dual-fuel fired hot water and steam boilers, electric hot water and steam boilers, water heaters and related equipment. The boilers are available in sizes from 250,000 to...

Charlotte Pipe transition fittings brochure.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... CHARLOTTE PIPE TRANSITION FITTINGS BROCHURE With Charlotte Pipe's new IPS to CTS reducing tees, bushings and transition bushings, you can now more easily join FlowGuard Gold[R] CPVC pipe and fittings to Corzan[R] CPVC pipe and fittings to...

Charlotte Pipe cast iron technical manual.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... CHARLOTTE PIPE CAST IRON TECHNICAL MANUAL As the leading manufacturer of cast iron soil pipe and fittings, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry can be your one-stop source for all your cast iron piping system needs. We manufacture a full line of...

Elkay expands offering of Quick-Clip sinks to meet contractor demand.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... ELKAY EXPANDS OFFERING OF QUICK-CLIP SINKS TO MEET CONTRACTOR DEMAND. Elkay's Quick-Clip[R] above-the-counter sink installation system has been so successful for contractors that the company has doubled its offering of this time-saving...

General's award-winning AutoCut[TM] copper tube cutter.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... GENERAL'S AWARD-WINNING AUTOCUT[TM] COPPER TUBE CUTTER is now available in a new 1" size. It slices tubing in tight spots--even with less than 1" of clearance from the wall when doing stub-out work. It also sports a cast aluminum casing for...

The Hot-Rodder[TM] packs power into a light weight design.(Literature Showchase)
July 1, 2004... THE HOT-RODDER[TM] PACKS POWER INTO A LIGHT WEIGHT DESIGN. The portable sectional drain cleaner is able to remove clogs in large lines and long runs. The rugged 1/4 hp motor spins 10' or 15' cable sections at 715 rpm--clearing up to 10"...

Lorenz new cut-to-length 20" flexible connector.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... LORENZ NEW CUT-TO-LENGTH 20" FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR can be cut to the exact length you need for a professional installation every time. No more need to deal with multiple lengths. The Lorenz Connector is the perfect solution for any professional...

A product summary brochure is now available from Red-White Valve Corp.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... A PRODUCT SUMMARY BROCHURE IS NOW AVAILABLE FROM RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. Featuring brief descriptions of every product we offer with photos, it is an excellent resource for contractors. Includes all important data you will need to know about our...

The new Amtrol data sheet.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... THE NEW AMTROL DATA SHEET features the company's SmartControl temperature control unit. The sheet highlights the unit's benefits which include a tamper-resistant setting and adjustable post-purge function that produces energy savings of up to...

Pipe joining products.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... PIPE JOINING PRODUCTS Gentec soldering, brazing and heating products include a complete line of air gas apparatus. The line includes quick and screw connect tips with soft and swirl flames, auto-ignite torches, utility gauges, refrigerant...

The new 2003 power tools, tooling and abrasives catalog.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... THE NEW 2003 POWER TOOLS, TOOLING AND ABRASIVES CATALOG is now available. The full-color, 96-page catalog features an expanded abrasives section that details the company's extensive selection of bits, blades, abrasives and accessories. In...

This new 16-page brochure.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... THIS NEW 16-PAGE BROCHURE details the company's line of heat exchanger solutions. It features plate heat exchangers, plate heat exchanger innovations, spiral heat exchangers, welded heat exchangers, plate coil exchangers and brazed heat...

Electronic FlowHood.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... ELECTRONIC FLOWHOOD The new electronic digital readout FlowHood offers increased accuracy and speed in the measurement of air flows from 30-2,500 cfm. Software automatically corrects for back pressure and density changes due to altitude. Direct...

New literature describes Sloan's side mount operator.(Literature Showcase)
July 1, 2004... NEW LITERATURE DESCRIBES SLOAN'S SIDE MOUNT OPERATOR, an electronic conversion kit for diaphragm style urinals and water closets. The SMO easily converts any manual flushometer to a water-saving sensor-operated fixture without having to...

Staying responsive to new opportunities.(contractor periodical)(Editorial)
July 1, 2004... LET'S KEEP 1954 in perspective. As proud as we are of our 50th anniversary, the start of CONTRACTOR was not the most newsworthy event of the year. That honor would have to go the Supreme Court's decision in the Brown vs. Board of Education...