Abstract: An alignment system can include at least one alignment device positioned between two flanges, the alignment device having a greater thickness on one side of the alignment device than on an opposite side of the alignment device, and the alignment device having circumferential slots through which the two flanges are coupled. A method of producing a relative angular offset between two flanges can include positioning at least one alignment device in a desired azimuthal orientation between the flanges, the alignment device including pre-formed circumferential slots which permit the alignment device to align with a bolt hole pattern of the flanges, and securing the alignment device between the flanges, thereby producing the angular offset.

Abstract: A window bird feeder. In a described embodiment, a window bird feeder includes a bird feed storage compartment bounded by an arch fastened to a base. The arch has openings therethrough for dispensing bird feed from the storage compartment onto the base. A rail on a front wall of the storage compartment separates a bird feed dispensing area of the base from a bird positioning area of the base. An upper lip and a lid of the bird feeder are configured for ease of filling the storage compartment.

Abstract: A window bird feeder. In a described embodiment, a window bird feeder includes a bird feed storage compartment bounded by an arch fastened to a base. The arch has openings therethrough for dispensing bird feed from the storage compartment onto the base. A rail on a front wall of the storage compartment separates a bird feed dispensing area of the base from a bird positioning area of the base. An upper lip and a lid of the bird feeder are configured for ease of filling the storage compartment.

Abstract: An insulating cover for outdoor faucets. In a described embodiment, an insulating cover includes inner and outer transparent housings. An insulating air space is formed between the housings. Baffles in the air space substantially prevent air flow through the air space.

Abstract: A tubing/fitting connection provides secure sealing attachment of a tubing to a fitting. In a described embodiment, a flexible tubing is connected to a non-rigid fitting using a retainer which grips both the tubing and the fitting. The retainer also internally supports the tubing, and may sealingly engage both the tubing and the fitting.

Abstract: A tubing/fitting connection provides secure sealing attachment of a tubing to a fitting. In a described embodiment, a flexible tubing is connected to a non-rigid fitting using a retainer which grips both the tubing and the fitting. The retainer also internally supports the tubing, and may sealingly engage both the tubing and the fitting.

Abstract: A water heater connection system, in a described embodiment thereof, provides insulation between a connector threaded nut and a flow tube, and isolation of a flow tube end from gas accumulated in the flow tube. The connection system provides insulation between metallic components, if needed for prevention of galvanic corrosion, and protection of the flow tube end from corrosion due to gas in the flow tube.

Abstract: A method of producing reformed crosslinked polymer articles provides reformed crosslinked articles free of visible and objectionable folds, seams and interfaces on reformed surfaces thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a product is produced by a method including the steps of extruding a silane-grafted polyethylene tube, heating an end of the tube, reforming the end of the tube to produce a radially enlarged sealing surface thereon, cooling the reformed tube, and curing the reformed tube to produce an increase in the degree of crosslinking of the polyethylene material.

Abstract: A method of producing crosslinked reformed products provides such products which are, in one embodiment, produced by the monosil process and suitable for use in potable water applications. In a described embodiment, a method includes the steps of introducing a reduced level of silane in a feed throat of an extruder, extruding a product, reforming the extruded product, and then curing the reformed product for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A tube reforming apparatus provides efficient mass production of reformed tube end portions. In a preferred embodiment, a tube reforming apparatus has a loading station, two heating stations, a forming station, and an unloading station. The loading station permits rapid loading of a series of laterally spaced apart tubes into clamping fixtures, and accurately meters a downwardly extending end portion of each tube. The heating stations permit accurate and evenly distributed heat to be applied to the end portions to make them pliable. The forming station reforms the end portions between a mating die pair, while compensating for any volume variation in the end portions. The unloading station automatically unloads the tubes from the clamping fixtures. Automation features of the apparatus permit these operations to be efficiently accomplished.

Abstract: A method of producing reformed crosslinked polymer articles provides reformed crosslinked articles free of visible and objectionable folds, seams, and interfaces on reformed surfaces thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a method includes the steps of extruding a silane-grafted polyethylene tube, heating an end of the tube, reforming the end of the tube to produce a radially enlarged sealing surface thereon, cooling the reformed tube, and curing the reformed tube to produce an increase in the degree of crosslinking of the polyethylene material.