Abstract: A splice module for use in fiber optic cable alignment and splicing devices is disclosed, having a multi-piece v-groove module and, in one embodiment, a separately disposable electrode module such that in use only the electrode module needs to be replaced after each fiber optic cable splicing operation. The v-groove module comprises three pieces of nonconductive ceramic material held together with an adhesive. The three pieces provide for a precision v-groove for fiber optic cable alignment during mechanical splicing or fusion splicing. The electrode module includes a nonconductive ceramic with plated electrode circuit and an adhesive for mounting in the v-groove module. The electrode module provides the arc for fusing fiber optic cable and is designed to be user replaceable and inexpensive. Also disclosed is a tool and method for the easy user replacement of the electrode module of the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for securing a door in its open position. A cylinder is provided having a first hook and loop type fastener attached to one end. The cylinder is attached to a wall mountable door stop. A second hook and loop type fastener is attached to the door. The second hook and loop type fastener aligns with and is adapted to make contact with the first hook and loop type fastener when the door is fully open, thereby securing the door in its open position. The second hook and loop type fastener includes an adhesive backing. The second hook and loop type fastener becomes attached to the door by first attaching the first hook and loop fastener to the second hook and loop fastener, and then opening the door so that the door makes contact with the adhesive backing of the second hook and loop type fastener. The door is then at least partially closed and the second hook and loop type fastener becomes detached from the first hook and loop type fastener and attached to the door.

Abstract: An animal feeder is comprised of a feed hopper for the containment of animal feed and having feed discharge drums located in a lower section of the hopper. The drums are provided with feed transport cavities to transport feed from the hopper to a feed trough disposed below the hopper. The drum is maintained at a predetermined inoperative position by means of a weighted bar element which is actuated by an animal to displace the drum and transfer feed from the hopper to the feed trough. A feed arresting bar is horizontally secured at a predetermined location in each feed transport cavity to obstruct free flow of feed when the drum is in motion to a discharge position.

Abstract: A shoulder strap repositioner, which may also be referred to as an “adjuster,” for repositioning or deflecting away from the face of a child the diagonally-extending shoulder strap component of a vehicle seat belt assembly of the type having a lap belt and a diagonally-extending shoulder strap. In an exemplary embodiment, the repositioner includes a body positionable against the torso of a seated person. The body in turn includes a center section having opposed front and rear surfaces, and left and right side wings likewise having opposed front and rear surfaces. Each of the side wings is joined to the center section at the top and bottom, so that inner edges of the side wings and side edges of the center section cooperate to define a pair of laterally spaced generally vertically-extending slots in the body, the slots having closed peripheries. During use, the lap belt and shoulder strap pass through the slots.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for simultaneously extruding two triple-wall pipes. A first extruder is connected to a first die in order to form the inner and outer wall of a first pipe and a second extruder is connected to a second die in order to form the inner and outer walls of a second pipe. A third extruder is connected to a Y-block which splits the output from a third extruder into two channels, one leading to the first die in order to form the foam core middle wall of the first pipe and the second leading to the second die in order to form the foam core middle wall of the second pipe.

Abstract: A three-batch method for the precision loading of coal into the individual railroad cars of a moving train, and a loadout system implementing the method. For each railcar, three successive batches are made up and discharged from a single weigh bin. The loadout rate of a single-batch system is approached, but at a significantly reduced facility cost. The first batch is large enough to fill the front of the railcar and to establish a "plugged flow condition," allowing the second batch to be made up and discharged while maintaining a constant load profile in the railcar. After the weigh bin is emptied of the second batch, the third batch is made up and discharged. The third batch is made up with greater precision than the first and second batches.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for use with a marine cleat which may be attached to a boat. The bracket is in the form of a rod having first and second ends. The first end of the rod is bent into a Z shape or S shape configuration for engagement with the marine cleat so that the rod is secured to the cleat. The second end is adapted to receive an accessory, such as a lantern.

Abstract: A hand-held reciprocating power tool, such as a reciprocating saw, wherein the angle of the reciprocation motion axis with reference to the longitudinal axis of the power tool motor housing is adjustable. Within a motor housing there is a motor driving a motor shaft which rotates on a motor shaft axis generally along the longitudinal axis. A nosepiece includes a nosepiece base portion fixed to the motor housing, and a nosepiece movable portion rotably mounted to the nosepiece base portion. The nosepiece moveable portion can be positionally adjusted relative to the nosepiece base portion over an angle of at least 180.degree. by rotation on a nosepiece axis which is perpendicular to the motor shaft axis. A reciprocating element is supported by the nosepiece moveable portion.

Abstract: There is provided a humidity controlled piano including a housing containing piano sound board. The housing further contains humidifier and dehumidifier apparatus. The housing includes a partial enclosure formed by a substantially rigid top and sides. The rigid enclosure has an open end. A moisture impervious aperture free sheet substantially covers the open end so that the relative humidity within the housing may be controlled.

Abstract: A straight-sawn shake (10) for roof and wall cladding is described. The shake (10) is comprised of a flat wooden board piece (11) of substantially predetermined thickness throughout. The wooden board piece (11) has opposed flat, substantially parallel, sawn surfaces (12,12') and parallel straight side sawn edges (13,13') and at least a straight sawn transverse rear end edge (14). The front end edge (14') may be a straight end edge or may have a decorative design. The board piece (11) is cut from a raw log piece (32) of predetermined length in block form (31). The method of fabricating the straight-sawn shake (10) and the apparatus (25) is also described.

Abstract: A disposable face mask with improved moisture control characteristics to reduce the uncomfortable buildup of perspiration and to avoid fogging of eyeglasses or an attached eyeshield. The mask body includes at least an inner layer, worn next to the wearer's face, and a generally coextensive outer layer. An absorbent core is located between the layers, of lesser extent than the mask layers, and positioned so that at least a portion of an intermediate region of the mask is unobstructed by the absorbent core. As examples, the absorbent core may be made of wood pulp or wood pulp blend nonwoven, either of which may be impregnated with super absorbent (SAP). As another example, the absorbent core may be made of peat moss. The absorbent core may be made of a woven material such as cotton, a nonwoven material with absorbent characteristics, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A multilayer sheet made of an outer layer comprising polyethylene, a finely granulated material and a pigment, a middle layer comprising polyethylene, which may contain a finely granulated material and a pigment, and an inner layer which contains a polyethylene and which may also contain a filler and a pigment. The multilayer sheet feels like and has at least some of the properties of paper.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for effecting sample-specific cycles for the environmental conditioning of material samples, such as cotton samples, prior to testing; and for the environmental conditioning of testing laboratory space, a sub-space or "oasis zone" within the testing laboratory space and/or a test zone within a testing machine. A sensor measures at least one material property of the sample, such as moisture content of a cotton sample. Based on the material property, a sample-specific conditioning cycle is determined and effected by driving through the sample a gas flow conditioned as to at least one parameter which affects properties of the sample, such as a temperature, relative humidity, and volume per unit time, and all of which are relevant in the case of a cotton sample.

Abstract: A method for loading a moving railroad car from front to back with a target weight of particulate material from a loading unit having a silo and first and second weigh bin, which bin means have a combined material weight capacity of less than the target weight, the method comprising the steps of: (a) making a first charge of material into the first bin; (b) discharging a first quantity of material from the first bin into a forward portion of the car; (c) making a second charge of material into the first bin; (d) discharging a second quantity of material from the first bin into a rearward portion of the car, wherein the weights of the first and second quantities are determined and, as a combined weight, is less than the target weight; (e) making a charge of material into the second bin; (f) discharging from the second bin into the car a topping quantity of material equal in weight, to within about 0.