Abstract: A pole stand having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for supporting the head and neck of a wearer. The head and neck support device can have a head cover and a harness. The head cover can have a head-receiving component and a pair of neck straps. The harness can have a chest portion, an opposed back portion, and first and second attachment zones for securing the neck straps to the harness.

Abstract: An umbrella holder having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: An umbrella holder having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: An umbrella holder having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: An umbrella holder having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: An umbrella holder having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A modular plug-in electrical wiring system that includes a pair of intermatable modular units that avoids the presence of a tangled mass of bare wires and wire nuts associated with conventional receptacle systems. A first unit is secured within a wall recess, such as between a pair of building studs, while the second unit slidable engages the first unit and may be removable secured thereto. The system is versatile as it can be used for mounting electrical appliances to a wall/ceiling.

Abstract: A splice loss tester for optical fiber splices has two light launch stations and a detection station. The light launch stations each have an optical coupling block formed of acrylic or other transparent material, with a concave surface on which an arcuate segment of the fiber is lightly biased by a cylindrical anvil. A photoemitter in optical contact with the coupling block generates light at a suitable wavelength (e.g. 1550 nm). A clear silicon gel layer on the block concave surface can hasten fiber stabilization. The detection station has a similar coupling block and anvil, and a pair of photodetectors to detect light leakage in each of two directions. The light is launched or detected over a substantial arc of the fiber, i.e., about ninety degrees, and the launch and detection units are useful over a wide range of wavelengths.