Abstract: A shower curtain holding assembly is provided for preventing a shower curtain from billowing into contact with a person taking a shower. The shower curtain holding assembly includes a pole member having a first end and a second end. A first hook member is coupled to the first end of the pole member. Similarly, a second hook member is coupled to the second end of the pole member. The first hook member and the second hook member are designed for coupling to a support structure such that the pole member is supported adjacent to a shower curtain to restrict movement of the shower curtain inwardly towards a person showering. In an embodiment, one end of the pole member is pivotally coupled to a wall adjacent to the shower curtain for semi-permanent installation.

Abstract: A sharpener apparatus includes a base, a linear bearing assembly mounted on the base, and a support block carried by the bearing assembly for reciprocating movement along a rectilinear path relative to the base. A planar abrasive surface underlies the support block which has one or more open channels for receiving workpieces in sliding relation with the longitudinal axes of the workpiece preferably inclined to the abrasive surface. A pusher member is supported by the support block adjacent each channel for applying a constant force longitudinally of the corresponding workpiece to urge its tip against the abrasive surface. Manual or powered reciprocating movement of the support block effects an abrasive action of the workpiece tips against the abrasive surface to form a highly accurate and repeatable tip geometry, such as a chisel point, on each workpiece.

Abstract: A method for forming an adherent protective coating on articles, particularly pipes for burial in the ground where they will be subject to corrosion, which comprises wrapping a hot impregnated fabric strip spirally around the article, the said fabric, which is preferably of glass fibre, being impregnated with a hot, molten adhesive, e.g. coal tar or bitumen and forming a sheathing of a plastics material bonded to the impregnated fabric, preferably by winding a strip of polyvinyl chloride sheet over the wrapped article.

Abstract: A foamable synthetic plastic composition such as a polyurethane is foamed in place around a pipe within a tubular former disposed concentrically about the pipe while the former moves longitudinally along the pipe. Conditions are regulated to form an external skin on the foam. A hot melt glue or similar composition is applied as an outer sealer onto the foam within the tubular former. Preferably a spiral wrapping of polyethylene film or the like is applied while the sealer is still hot and adhesive, and an aluminum jacket may be applied on top of the spiral wrapping.