Abstract: A thin cardboard container is provided for holding drinking straws during both shipping of the straws and dispensing of the straws in a restaurant or the like. The container includes a straw-supporting inclined wall (34) which extends at a downward incline from the top-rear of the container to the bottom-front, to urge the straws to move out of a gap (16) at the bottom of the front wall of the container. When the bottom of the front wall is deflected inwardly, it passes over a single straw to enable grasping and removal of the single straw. A closing wall (14) which extends up from the bottom wall, can be pivoted from a closed position wherein it extends vertically to close the gap at the bottom of the front wall, to an open position wherein it permits access to a straw lying forward of the bottom wall. The closing wall includes a pair of tabs (40,42) at either side for retaining it in both its closed and open positions.

Abstract: An auxiliary cable having a plurality of wires and connecting terminals at each end provides electrical connections between an electronic ignition control unit and engine starting elements to permit starting a vehicle internal combustion engine despite a malfunctioning spark timing control unit. The cable includes five insulated wire conductor leads with a receptacle at one end which mates with an external plug on the electronic ignition control unit and a plug on the other end which engages a receptacle connected to the engine starting elements.