Abstract: A tool for tying knots in the necks of inflatable objects, such as balloons. The tool is an elongated member having two side surfaces, a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposing tapered ends. Each tapered end contains a recessed area in the top surface. There is a receiving slit in each recessed area. The distal portion of the receiving slit may have a "V" shape to increase ease of access of the balloon neck. The tool is made of a lubricating plastic, such as a mixture of ABS rubber and at least one of high density polyethylene, high density polypropylene, and silicone in order to decrease the friction between the tool and the ballon. To further decrease friction between the tool and the balloon, the tool contains small protrusions or dimples which decrease the surface area of contact.

Abstract: A hand tool for applying telephone plugs to a telephone line and having a pair of pivotal handle members and a replaceably jaw module mounted between the handle members with a lower telephone plug support jaw thereof fixed within a transverse slot in the lower handle member and an upper telephone plug setting jaw thereof mounted for linear movement on the lower jaw and to be closed by cam actuation thereof by the upper handle member when the handle members are squeezed.

Abstract: An electrostatic fluidized bed apparatus having a housing supporting a removable container defining a fluidizing bed and a plenum chamber and having a porous insulated partition therebetween containing an electrode. When the container is positioned in the housing of the plenum chamber is automatically connected to an air pressure source and the electrode is automatically connected to a high voltage electrical power source and vibration system contained within the housing. The container may be used as a powder storage bin when removed from the housing.

Abstract: Electrical wire conductors which project from two insulated cable end portions are received in tubular electrical connectors electrostatically precoated with electrical insulating material. Each precoated connector end portion respectively abuts and is sealed in engagement with insulation on an associated cable end portion. The precoated connectors are crimped into gripping engagement with the wire conductors therein to form a basic electrical splice. A tubular inner melt liner and a tubular outer sleeve of thermoplastic electrical insulating material are arranged in generally coaxially surrounding relation with the basic splice. Heat is applied to substantially simultaneously melt the inner liner and shrink the outer sleeve to encapsulate the basic splice.