Abstract: A slide carrier includes: a base support; and a slide platform having a surface that is parallel to a first plane defined by a first vector and a second vector, wherein a vector extending in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity is normal with respect to a second plane defined by a third vector and a fourth vector, an angle between the first vector and the third vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees, and an angle between the second vector and the fourth vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A hot-air generating tool for use with heat-shrink tubing in electrical wiring applications device includes a heat source such as a disposable butane lighter, a body member having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion adapted for releasable capture of the heat source, and the top portion including an exhaust nozzle oriented over the heat source and adapted to direct a stream of air over the heat source. A heat reflector member is connected to the body member by a reflector arm and is adapted to deflect the heated air stream from the heat source and exhaust nozzle to a target area. A mouth piece member is connected to the exhaust nozzle by a length of tubing, so that when a user ignites the heat source and delivers a stream of air through the mouth piece, the air is delivered through the exhaust nozzle, over the heat source, and towards the target area.

Abstract: A telephone system (10) having an automatic call distributor (12a-c) for receiving calls and distributing the calls to at least one ubiquitous agent associated with the automatic call distributor (12a-c), a switch (20) connected to the automatic call distributor (12a-c), and a device (16) for controlling the switch (20) for connecting the switch (20) to the ubiquitous agents.

Abstract: A graduated-load spring washer system for screws and threaded fasteners uses a deflection coil spring of slightly less than one coil with special end configurations for anti-marring. A cross-section of the coil spring is substantially trapezoidal, with the outer periphery thickness being the dimension of the trapezoid base and larger than the inner thickness dimension. When placed under the head of a threaded fastener and flattened upon tightening of the fastener, the device maintains a large tailored preload to prevent loosening even during and after stress relaxation and creep, and eliminates the need for a usual flat washer below the coil to prevent marring. The device also eliminates requirement for use of torque application measuring tools because preload can be determined by sight or tactile sensing.