Abstract: A bird feeder for retaining compressed suet-seed cakes is provided having a construction permitting easier refill of the feeder as well as making it more difficult for squirrels and other animals from raiding the feeder. Two embodiments of the feeder are disclosed including a hinged side door which is kept closed under tension equal to the weight of the suspended feeder and one having foldable perches which conserves packing material and space.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprising an outer isolator tube closed at one end and open at an opposite end; at least one tubular resilient member concentrically disposed within and adhered to an inner wall of the outer isolator tube; and an inner isolator tube concentrically disposed within and adhered to an inner wall of the resilient member, the inner isolator tube member having one end extending from the open end of the outer isolator tube. A telescoping shaft insert assembly is provided having a first end concentrically received within an inner wall of the inner isolator tube and with an opposite end of the telescoping shaft assembly from the open end of the outer isolator tube. The tubular resilient member disposed between the outer and inner isolator tubes is preferably made from a polymeric material and absorbs or dampens transient noise and vibration produced by the road and sensed at the steering wheel. This results in reduced fatigue for the operator.

Abstract: A tilt-adjustable steering column assembly, comprising in combination an upper housing pivotally attached to a lower housing along a generally horizontal axis transverse to the upper and lower housings, the pivotal attachment accomplished by a pair of pins, each having a threaded intermediate shaft received in a threaded opening extending through opposite sides of the lower housing, and further having generally hemispherical pins, each received in a complementary-shaped recess formed on opposite sides of the upper housing to form a hemispherical bearing surface and preloading the upper housing in compression.

Abstract: A splint assembly is provided for use by health professionals in the positioning of a human hand. The arrangement includes a splint which is made of thermoplastic material in the shape of a hand, with open spaces between the fingers and thumb so that a glove may be placed simultaneously over the hand and splint for positioning of the hand. The cross-sectional shapes of the finger and wrist support areas resist movement of the fingers and wrist with the resistance increased or decreased by selection of thermoplastics with a higher or lower modulus of elasticity. A splint cover, made of a moisture absorbent material, acts as a cushion and prevents direct contact of the skin of the hand with the plastic material of the splint. An outer glove covering, made of a combination of stretch and/or non-stretch material, serves to maintain the position of the hand in the splint.

Abstract: A ballistic-resistant article comprising a composite panel having a plurality of layers of ballistic-resistant cloth woven from high tensile-strength fibers laminated together by an elastomeric adhesive material having oriented polymer chains. The resulting article is less than half the thickness of comparable threat level articles, is lighter than comparable threat level articles, and is buoyant.

Abstract: A tree stand comprising a stand portion adapted for releasable attachment to a loop formed from an elongated flexible member that is placed in circumferential relationship with a tree or post.