Abstract: A vacuum furnace comprises a vessel having a door, a plurality of heating elements within the vessel, a vacuum system for evacuating an interior of the vessel, and a pivoting member for pivoting the vessel between a first position where the door when closed is facing substantially upward, and a second position where the door when closed is facing away from substantially upward. In a method of enabling heating a vacuum furnace, the vessel is able to pivot between two positions. In a method of operating a vacuum furnace, the vessel pivots between two positions.

Abstract: A load restraining apparatus includes a retractable fabric membrane for retaining items in position inside a semi-trailer or shipping container. A membrane carrier is removably fastened to one interior wall of the trailer and a spring-biased retractable membrane is pulled across the width of the trailer and fastened to the other interior wall. A tensioning device tensions the membrane thereby securing the cargo during shipment and preventing shifting inside the shipping container or trailer. The fore and aft adjustability and the vertical adjustability of the load restraining apparatus permit it to effectively restrain cargo of diverse size and shape.

Abstract: A load restraining apparatus includes a retractable fabric membrane for retaining items in position inside a semi-trailer or shipping container. A membrane carrier is removably fastened to one interior wall of the trailer and a spring-biased retractable membrane is pulled across the width of the trailer and fastened to the other interior wall. A tensioning device tensions the membrane thereby securing the cargo during shipment and preventing shifting inside the shipping container or trailer. The fore and aft adjustability and the vertical adjustability of the load restraining apparatus permit it to effectively restrain cargo of diverse size and shape.

Abstract: A bendable caulking nozzle extension device for use with a caulking tube having a nozzle, said device comprising an elongated tube portion extending between a proximal base portion and a distal tip portion, and having a hollow passageway defined therein. The elongated tube portion is constructed from a flexible, resilient material that may be repeatedly and forcibly deformed. An attachment means is positioned within the proximal base portion for releasably affixing said device to the nozzle of the caulking tube. A deformable stiffening element is positioned on the elongated tube portion, and is constructed of a material that allows it to be repeatedly and forcibly deformed whilst substantially retaining such deformed configuration after the removal of a deforming force. Caulking material flowing from the caulking tube flows into said hollow passageway, and out of the exit aperture of the distal tip portion to a work surface remote from the nozzle of the caulking tube.

Abstract: A bendable caulking nozzle extension device for use with a caulking tube having a nozzle, said device comprising an elongated tube portion extending between a proximal base portion and a distal tip portion, and having a hollow passageway defined therein. The elongated tube portion is constructed from a flexible, resilient material that may be repeatedly and forcibly deformed. An attachment means is positioned within the proximal base portion for releasably affixing said device to the nozzle of the caulking tube. A deformable stiffening element is positioned on the elongated tube portion, and is constructed of a material that allows it to be repeatedly and forcibly deformed whilst substantially retaining such deformed configuration after the removal of a deforming force. Caulking material flowing from the caulking tube flows into said hollow passageway, and out of the exit aperture of the distal tip portion to a work surface remote from the nozzle of the caulking tube.