Abstract: A device for supporting plural wire markers is disclosed. A support card supports members for insertion into a typewriter or computer printer. The support card includes a frictional engagement means for engaging the platen of the typewriter or computer printer to frictionally support the card therein.

Abstract: A solar panel module for directly mounting to a roof surface comprises a plurality of solar panels and a low profile, elongated frame including a generally flat, rectangular base having a plurality of substantially planar surfaces for supporting the under surfaces of the solar panels. The panels are removably sealed to the frames at the under surfaces thereof, rendering the upper surfaces fully free and unencumbered for receipt of incident solar radiation. The frame includes, integrally therewith, upstanding walls adjacent opposite edges of the panel supporting surfaces, defining raceway channels for concealed passage of electrical wires connected to the solar panels. The channels and walls have provision for overlapping interlocking with similarly fabricated frames for ease of installation, weather-proofing and high-density panel mounting.

Abstract: A wire marker printer is formed from a commercially available electronic calculator. The calculator having both computation and printing capabilities is modified to function as a wire marker printer. The computation capabilities are deactivated and the paper receiving chamber is modified to accept a roll of wire markers.

Abstract: A palm held tool for slitting the insulating sheath of a sheathed three-conductor electrical cable and spreading the outer conductors laterally away from the central conductor is provided. The tool comprises a housing and a pair of spaced rotary cutters, each cutter including a piercing point, a slicing edge and a curved wedge thereon. Upon rotation of the cutters, the piercing point on each cutter pierces the cable at a point in the cable and each slicing edge progressively slices the cable longitudinally unidirectionally from such pierced point between a respective outer conductor and central conductor. The curved wedge subsequently enters the slit cable progressively longitudinally unidirectionally and laterally spreads the outer conductors therealong. During a complete revolution of the cutters, the piercing points, slicing edges and curved wedges sequentially enter, pass through and exit the cable.

Abstract: A die set for deforming a ferrule or similar article comprises a first die member and a cooperable second die member movable relative to the first die member along a central axis. The first die member includes first and second die elements that are disposed on opposite sides of the central axis and that are movable laterally toward and away from each other. The movable first and second elements define an expandable and contractable die nest for receiving a ferrule therein. A spring is provided for normally urging the die elements toward each other. The transverse spacing between the first and second die elements is chosen to provide an interference fit with the ferrule such that upon insertion into the die nest the ferrule is resiliently retained therein. The second die member has an anvil portion for entering into the die nest and deforming the ferrule resiliently held therein. Release of the ferrule after deformation is effected by sliding the ferrule out from the die nest.

Abstract: Tie sensing apparatus is provided in a bundling tie applying tool for sensing presence and absence of a bundling tie on a support within the tool. The support is adjacent a tie loading apparatus in the tool whereby ties transferred from the loading apparatus are positioned thereon. The sensing apparatus, upon sensing absence of a tie on the support operates a switch that provides an indication that the tool requires replenishment of ties. The switch is operable to effectively interrupt operation of the tool until presence of ties is sensed and for actuating a light for visual indication that tie replenishment is required.

Abstract: A container of clear material is provided in a bundling tie applying tool for deflecting and collecting severed tie portions expelled from the tool through a port of egress. The container comprises a first enclosure portion attached to the housing and including a deflecting surface positioned to be in the path of tie discharge. A second enclosure portion is removably attached to the first portion to provide for disposal of accumulated severed tie portions therein. The tie container further includes means communicating with the port of egress for permitting passage therethrough while preventing feedback of discharged or deflected tie portions to the port of egress to thereby prevent clogging or jamming of the tool during operation.

Abstract: A die set comprising a pair of die members one ofwhich is provided with discretely mounted and independently laterally movable die elements cooperable with extending leg portions on the other die member to provide a variable opening die nest to assist in releasing a ferrule or similar article therefrom after the deforming operation.