Abstract: An alarm device interface system comprising a power strip interface, a communication system, and a response system. The power strip interface comprises an electrical connection for powering and/or receiving a component in the system. The communication system comprises or utilizes sensors to detect a condition and may signal the response system to respond to the condition. Selective sending of the signal can be direct from the sensors, via transfer through a control module, or manually activated. The response system receives the selectively sent signal and may utilize one or more response components to perform a variety of functions.

Abstract: A rod-straightening apparatus 28 includes a movable collet unit 30 for gripping a butt end 24 of a rod 20 to be straightened. The rod 20 extends from the collet unit 30 in a cantilevered fashion to a tip end 26 of the rod. An intermediate portion of the rod 20 is located in a straightener mechanism 32 which includes five spaced, non-rotatable, stationary, straightening blocks 96 located along one side of the intermediate portion of the rod. Four spaced, non-rotatable, movable, straightening blocks 99 are located the opposite side of the intermediate portion of the rod 20 opposite the spaces between the five stationary blocks. The movable blocks 99 are supported on a slide member 140 which is controlled to move the blocks into a position adjacent the intermediate portion of the rod 20 after the intermediate portion has been positioned adjacent the fixed blocks 96. Each of the blocks 96 and 99 is formed with a groove 106 of semi-circular cross section to form a confined passage.