Abstract: Apparatus for drying utensils comprises a chamber 1 and a gas-fired burner 20, such as a fully premixed burner, for firing into the chamber. Fans 30 blow air into the chamber and deflectors 31 direct air from the fans 30, via openings 43, to mix with the hot gaseous combustion products produced by the burner 20 to provide a hot mixture. A duct portion 7 directs the hot gaseous mixture from the chamber into a drying region 9 and over the utensils which pass through the drying region to be dried. The hot mixture is used to dry the utensils by direct contact.

Abstract: A drier apparatus for drying sheets of photosensitive material processed with processing solutions while the photosensitive material is being transported. Rollers are provided along a transport passage for transporting the photosensitive material, and the rollers transport the photosensitive material and dry the photosensitive material by heating. The rollers are heated by heaters, respectively. The surface temperature of each roller is detected by a temperature detector, and a controller controls the heaters in such a manner that the range of fluctuation of the surface temperature of each roller falls within a predetermined range of values on the basis of the change with time of the detected surface temperatures of the rollers.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing chamber where a heater is located. The air within the chamber is circulated by a first fan through a circulation duct. An inlet and an outlet for the outside air is located on the front surface of the dishwasher. The inlet and the outlet are connected by the outside air duct. A heat exchanger is located between the outside air duct and the circulation duct. The outside air is circulated by a second fan from the inlet to the outlet to exchange the heat between the outside air and the inside air.

Abstract: Magnetic alphanumeric characters having substantially the capability to be properly aligned to one another during display is proposed. The characters consist of magnetic materials with concentrated magnetic strength on one face. The magnetized face is glued to a thin transparent polyethelene material whose edges are cut in a zig-zag fashion. The zig-zag edges allow more than one alphanumeric character to be installed in a straight line vertically, horizontally and at an angle.

Abstract: A partitioned sign panel for billboards is provided by utilizing structural foam (high impact polystyrene) to form a 4'.times.7' rectangular sign panel. The sign panel includes raised ribs for support, double raised ribs for support and for use as cutting guides during construction of sign faces, clip channels which allow for placement of mechanical clips to connect the sides of two sign panels together, and extension ribs and slots for connecting the ends of two sign panels together.

Abstract: A closed seal member has a channel extending through it and contains a holder with locking members for the irreversible holding of an end of a flexible band of metal, which end is introduced into the channel. The other end of the band is fastened in the seal member. The flexible band carries a detachable code carrier. Both the seal member and also the code carrier fastened on the band have a code which is identical for both or is a unique code. The code carrier is fastened in such an area of the band that the seal can be closed only after removal of the code carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gun tube having a spin curve with a variable spin angle as well as a rifling force R(x) over the path of the projectile (x) through the gun tube when a projectile is fired, as well as a predetermined caliber d, projectile mass m.sub.G, mass moment of inertia J about the longitudinal axis of the projectile, gas pressure force P(x) on the projectile bottom and projectile velocity v(x). In order to realize, within the framework of manufacturing tolerances, an accurate spin curve corresponding to diverse desired characteristics of the rifling force, it is provided that the rifling force R(x) is determined according toR(x)=R.sub.max R.sub.n (x)where R.sub.max is the maximum rifling force value which is a function of a predetermined final spin angle .beta..sub.E and R.sub.

Abstract: A complete tool kit for cleaning firearms is disclosed. The tool kit utilizes a support rod constructed of rigid polymeric material. The tool kit further includes a rigid stainless steel brush, a combination brush composed of separate rigid polymeric and bronze brushes, a rotary bronze bore brush, a rigid spear point, as well as a rotary bore drying and cleaning attachment using a pair of cloth patches. The support rod is provided with threaded bores in its opposite ends for selectively mounting the noted brushes, spear point, and drying attachment in any selected positional array on the rod ends. A tubular foam rubber pad is positionable around either the support rod, an extension bar, or handle member to facilitate manipulation of a tool kit assembled from the kit. A plurality of support rod extension bars are attachable to either end of the support rod and to the facing ends of each other to increase the length of the support rod.

Abstract: A sub-base for a gun, such as a semiautomatic shotgun, that has a metal receiver. The sub-base of this invention permits a gunsight, such as a telescopic gunsight, to be removably mounted to the top of the gun's receiver with rigidity sufficient to remain in calibration permamently despite recoil. This substantial rigidity is obtained by fastening the sub-base to both sides of the receiver at their thickest parts and by angling the fasteners to maximize their holding power.

Abstract: A handle for fishing rod extends on the tubular body 10 of the fishing rod, and includes a hand-held portion 16 corresponding to the exposed part 10P of the tubular body and having bridges extending off the exposed part along the side surfaces thereof. The handle is reduced in weight, it is easy for a fishing person to hold the handle by his hand, the hand holding the handle is less likely to slip thereon, and the person can feel the bite of a fish well.

Abstract: Various arrangements and methods of attaching motion producing vanes to the bodies of fishing lures enable the vanes to oscillate across the axis of the lures as the lures move through the water. This causes lures to have unique fish attracting motions that are not achievable by lures where the vanes are immovably attached to the lure bodies.

Abstract: A modular harness device for supporting fish hooks and the like from a fishing line such that fish are prevented from swallowing the hook more than mouth deep. The device includes a vertical support shank suspended from the fishing line, at least one tubular lateral support connected to and extending laterally from the shank, and fish hook attachment structure for attaching a fish hook spaced a fixed distance from the vertical support. In one embodiment, there are two spaced coaxial lateral tubular supports with a removable guard wire or connector bar bridges the space between the supports upon insertion through the tubular lateral supports. In a further embodiment, the invention includes one or more rigid extension members removably connected to the harness for supporting a plurality of fish hooks or lures a fixed distance from the vertical support, the extension members engaging the connector bar to provide a built-in swing limit function.

Abstract: A fishing line release is described with a body and a pivoted fishing line receiving arm. The arm is pivoted at one end and is releasably held by an adjustable release clip at a remaining end. A stepped fishing line receiving surface is provided along the arm to enable selective spacing of the points of engagement for the fishing line from the pivot axis of the arm. The resulting tension forces required to release the line are thereby effected. The stepped fishing line receiving surface includes axially spaced enlarged and reduced fishing line receiving surfaces. The enlarged fishing line receiving surface includes a section thereon for abutment with the edge surface of the body when the arm is in the fishing line holding position, to clamp the fishing line in place on the body.

Abstract: A carrier for fishing lures includes a cylindrical tube having a plurality of holes along the side wall. A hook of a fishing lure may be inserted into any of the holes and positively retained when the carrier is in its normal substantially vertical position due to gravity. The shank of the lure hook will likewise depend downward to lie substantially parallel to the major axis of the cylindrical tube, and cannot be removed from the hole due to the abutting of the hook shank against the side of the tube. However, when the tube is swung to a horizontal position and twisted so the lure hook retaining holes face vertically upward, the hook shank will fall to a vertical position due to gravity to be perpendicular to the major axis of the tube. Due to the relatively small diameter of the tube, the hook may then be lifted from the retaining hole in the tube for use, or a lure may be installed for storage in the tube.

Abstract: An inexpensive rodent trap (10) is provided which may be set and emptied without a user contacting the trap (10) near a striker portion (36) of the trap (10). The trap (10) is effective for trapping a rodent (8) without bait since the trap (10) is configured such that the rodent (8) will enter the trap (10) as the rodent (8) moves along a floor (26) near a wall (14).

Abstract: The invention comprises a physical barrier which deters the entrance of snails and slugs into an enclosed area. In preferred embodiments, the barrier is a treated rigid edging (such as fencing, or benderboard of wood or plastic) or a treated flexible edging (such as a tape). The edging material has an exposed surface (e.g., at or above the soil level) which includes a particulate copper material in a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A method for plant culture including the steps of growing plants, which produce elongated flexible portions, in supported relation on a structure; permitting the flexible portions to grow; and moving the flexible portions substantially into predetermined positions relative to the plants for subsequent plant cultural practices. An apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be disposed adjacent to the plants and having a laterally projecting portion; and a mechanism for moving the flexible portions of the plants into positions overlaying the support portion of the frame extending laterally of the plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydroponic cultivation including a pneumatic pump, a pumping tank, an overflow tank, a pneumatic valve, solution distribution tubing, and a plant growing container. The configuration presented achieves the results required from such a system in that is inexpensive to develop and works effectively with low maintenance. The system has the added feature of applying air directly to the roots of the plants at selected intervals. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste water including a waste water basin and a number of wetland plants in floating containers adapted to float on the surface of waste water in the waste water basin such that the root systems of the wetland plants treat the waste water. The floating containers are constructed so that they retain soil and/or another particulate solid required to sustain and nourish the wetland plants and also so that they permit the root systems of the wetland plants to grow outwardly into the waste water to be treated. The root systems produce aerobic zones within the waster water in the waste water basin. The extent of the growth of the root systems is controlled, preferably by an adjustable platform associated with each floating container, so that the aerobic and anaerobic zones within the waste water basin are controlled and can be adjusted or varied as required.

Abstract: An improved growing tray apparatus including means for moveable positioning the tray with respect to a support surface such that the tray and/or the surface may be transferred while the tray is in use. The apparatus incorporates a side wall configuration which permits the tray to be secured on a pallet or similar support structure and moved therewith, but does not interfere with plant care and nurture. Off-season storage is also facilitated by the side wall configuration. Choice of construction material enhances the benefits available through use of this apparatus.

Abstract: A window regulating device wherein a transmission arm presents a first end hinged to a curved window of a vehicle door, and a second end connected to a slide fitted in sliding manner to a slideway having a skew axis in relation to a generating line of the window; the transmission arm being controlled by an actuating arm having one end hinged to the slideway and the opposite end connected by a spherical joint to a mid portion of the transmission arm.

Abstract: In conjunction with a conventional frame-enclosed overhead door system, a safety device for preventing the door from falling in the event that the upper rollers of the door break away from the door or become disengaged from their tracks, the invention comprises a pair of supports each having a first and second end. The first end of each support is pivotally secured to opposite side edges of the door substantially at the midpoint between the rollers on each side edge of the door. The second end of each support is pivotally secured, opposite each other, to an area of the garage adjacent to the intersection where the vertical and horizontal tracks meet. The supports are substantially equal in length and parallel to each other. In the event that the upper rollers of the door break away from the door, the supports will prevent further significant movement of the door.

Abstract: Valve grinder comprising a grinding wheel mounted on a bench, said bench also having a surface for supporting a valve stem support stand mounted a spaced distance from said grinding wheel, said valve stem support stand comprising a pair of V-blocks and valve bearings for engaging the valve stem and an end stop. Mounted on said surface by a tandem axis pivot is a chuck for gripping the valve stem, said chuck including a positive clamping collet that engages the valve stem annularly with a plurality of contact points when the collet is squeezed between a collet spool and collet cover by a collet fork. Said chuck further rotates the valve while maintaining the positive clamping on the valve stem during the grinding operation but independently of the valve support stand.

Abstract: A grinding machine has two grindstones, each of which has a grindstone shield disposed thereover. The grindstone shield is provided with a dust receiving portion in communication with a vacuum cleaner via a connecting tube. Pivoted to the grindstone shield is a worktable having an angle adjusting plate with a bevel scale disposed along the outer edge thereof. A plurality of concave retaining surfaces are constructed along the outer edge of the angle adjusting plate in such a manner that the concave retaining surfaces are corresponding in locations to a plurality of predetermined angles. The grindstone shield is further provided with a locating element engageable with the concave retaining surfaces of the worktable for facilitating the angle adjustment of the worktable. The dust produced in the grinding process is removed from the machine by the vacuum cleaner so as to prevent the dust from polluting the air at the work site.

Abstract: A hand-held sander having inserts that interchangeably fit a holder. The inserts have an exterior surface for supporting sandpaper or the like, and that surface is contoured to match a particular surface detail of a vehicle body or other workpiece. The holder includes a shell having a somewhat U-shaped cross-section defining a slot along one edge, and the insert has a spline that slides within the slot when removing or installing the insert. Either or both ends of that slot are selectively enlarged by means of a cam attached to an end member of the holder.

Abstract: An applicator pad for use with a polishing composition for removing scratches or other imperfections from plastic surfaces is disclosed which is generally tubular in shape, and has a bore therethrough to receive the finger of a user. The circumference of the pad is provided with a plurality of substantially flat working surfaces. The presently preferred embodiment is about two inches long, and has a hexagonal cross-section. Other preferred embodiments have a differing number of sides. The method of the invention is directed to removal of scratches from plastic surfaces through application of a suitable polishing composition to a pad and moving the pad across scratches or other imperfections to be removed. Among materials suitable for repair using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include eyeglasses, watch crystals, gauge faces, and compact discs.

Abstract: A rail system is used for supporting a plurality of upper and lower modular wall panels adjacent a plurality of spaced apart studs. In one aspect of the invention, the rail system includes an upper rail mounted horizontally to the studs adjacent a ceiling, a lower rail mounted horizontally to the studs adjacent an abutting surface such as a floor, bathtub, or shower pan, and a middle rail mounted horizontally to the studs between the lower and upper rails. Each rail is mountable to the studs regardless of the distance therebetween. The upper rail is adapted to receive an upper portion of the upper wall panels, the lower rail is adapted to receive a lower portion of the lower wall panels, and the middle rail is adapted to receive the upper and lower panels. In another aspect of the invention, an elongated bar is spaced apart from the middle rail and adapted to be mounted longitudinally thereto.

Abstract: A step flashing strip having a plurality of flashing segments, secured to another segment in spaced overlapping relationship by a spacer to allow for the insertion of a shingle into the overlapping region between the segments, allows for a simplified, time saving method of providing a water shedding termination of an imbricating roof at its intersection with another surface.

Abstract: A building block for dry wall construction has a body with front and rear faces, opposite end faces and top and bottom faces. One end face has a laterally projecting vertically extending rib with an arcuate outer surface, and the other end face has an arcuate recess to receive the rib of a laterally adjacent like vertically extending block in a manner permitting limited relative swivelling movement of two blocks about a vertical axis. One of the top and bottom faces has at least one projection, and the other of the top and bottom faces has a laterally extending groove to receive the at least one projection of a vertically adjacent like block in a manner to permit relative lateral adjustment of vertically adjacent blocks and prevent relative forward or rearward movement thereof.

Abstract: A child assist rail and support system is disclosed which is adapted for attachment to an existing or new handrail at a stairway. The child assist rail and support system includes a plurality of suspension elements and a strap associated with each suspension element. The strap is adapted to suspend the associated suspension element below the handrail. The strap is further adapted to position a first end of its associated suspension element proximate to said handrail of the stairway. There is an auxiliary rail positioned at a second end of each of the suspension elements. The strap is also operative to maintain the auxiliary rail in a proximate position with respect to the second end of each of the suspension elements. There is a locking element operative with the strap of each of the suspension elements. The locking element is operative with the strap and the suspension element for maintaining the auxiliary rail in a substantially stationery position with respect to the handrail of the stairway.

Abstract: A system is provided for firmly attaching roof tiles to a building. The system includes an underlayment, a layer of adhesive overlying the underlayment and a plurality of ceramic slabs for mounting on the adhesive layer. Anchors are employed for securing the ceramic slabs in a contiguous manner to the adhesive layer. These anchors include a substantially planar first flange which is embedded within the ceramic slab. A web is fixed to the first flange and extends transversely away from the first flange and beyond the ceramic slab. A substantially planar second flange is fixed to the web at a location distant from the first flange and is embedded within the adhesive layer. The first and second flanges are generally parallel and are generally symmetrical relative to the web and are substantially coextensive. In another construction, the first and second flanges define first and second perimeters and the web is attached to both of the flanges at locations substantially central of the perimeters.

Abstract: A wall in which hollow units analogous to blocks are built up in overlapping superimposed courses, each unit having two spaced parallel vertical panels of skins of rectangular form, the units being held by concealed fastening members; characterized in that each panel has edge grooves extending along its upper and lower horizontal surfaces to be contiguous with those of adjacent panels, and each fastening member has a body portion to extend between spaced panels, the ends of the body portion each having hook portions extending upwards and downwards respectively into adjacent grooves of the panel edges, while said body portion between adjacent panels has two upper lugs extending into contact with respective upper panels, and two lower lugs extending down and into contact with respective spaced lower panels, the fastening member, constituting a one piece connector and spacing member.

Abstract: An adjustable camber truss comprising an upper chord member having opposed ends and being disposed to receive a load acting in one direction; a major support structure fixed to and subtending substantially the entire length of the upper chord member, the major support structure including a major king post fixed to the upper chord member at a post position proximate the midpoint between the opposed ends and extending therefrom in the one direction to a distal end and a pair of major tension members, each major tension member having a first end fixed to the upper chord member proximate a respective one of the opposed ends thereof and an axially opposed second end slidably extending through one end of a tube fixed to the distal end of the major king post and threadably receiving a nut for selective adjustment against one end of the tube.

Abstract: A concrete floor system includes undulating sheet metal formwork for forming concrete slabs with one or more concrete ribs. The system also provides a unique type of bar chair which allows reinforcement in the form of steel rods, for example, to be dropped in place, thereby minimizing the labor required in installing the formwork.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for an improved wooden building in a zone of cold, which comprises a continuous footing having a vertical heat insulation layer along the footing and a horizontal heat insulation layer integrally formed within a slab floor, a sill anchored to the continuous footing, columns erected on the sill with frameworks such as cross-beam and partition cap elements mounted on the columns by means of a metallic joint part, a ceiling with an airtight sealing materials, a roofing, exterior and interior walls with a heat insulation, and others.

Abstract: A reversible foundation bolt holder is provided which has two separate grasping means. Each grasping means can either straddle a form adjacent a building foundation requiring a foundation bolt or may support the foundation bolt above the foundation by placement of the foundation bolt through holes therein. The two grasping means are oriented perpendicular to each other. The holes within each grasping means are of different sizes corresponding to different sized foundation bolts. The holes of each grasping means are located such that they will properly position a foundation bolt in the center of mudsills of varying dimensions. The foundation bolt holder thus has two operative orientations. One orientation locates the first grasping means straddling the form and the second grasping means supporting the foundation bolt. The second orientation locates the second grasping means straddling the form and the first grasping means supporting the foundation bolt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a panel system and method for building construction in which standing seam panels are attached to one another such that the inner flange of one panel attaches to the outer flange of an adjacent panel such that the tongue of the inner flange is received by the groove of the outer flange. Multiple panels are joined together to form wall, ceiling, and roof sections. Clips are used to secure wall sections to ceiling sections.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for packaging rolled articles. The apparatus forms a pair of packaging materials for wrapping side portions of the rolled article. Edges of the pair of packaging materials are adhered to additional packaging material which wraps a circumferential portion of the rolled article. A splicer splices a trailing end of the second packaging material to a leading end of the rolled article and a winder winds the leading end of the rolled article and the second packaging material around the periphery of the rolled article. A gusseting device gussets the pair of packaging materials along the sides of the rolled article.

Abstract: Glass bottles and other food containers or serving pieces are provided that are stronger and safer to use than present like articles, and that may easily and safely be caused to break into granules thereby reducing the bulk or volume of the used pieces. The granulation may be done at the point of consumption or use, thereby reducing storage space and bulk transportation costs. The granules are ecologically correct, innocuous as waste, and have a low litter profile.

Abstract: A carton blank includes a laminated blank body having a top and a bottom. A plurality of bottom creases are formed in the bottom of the blank body. The bottom creases define bottom flaps that are adapted to be folded and sealed to form a substantially rectangular bottom surface of a finished gable top carton. The bottom flaps are sealed together along a bottom seal that substantially bisects the bottom surface of the finished carton. A plurality of top creases are formed in the top of the blank body. The top creases define top flaps that are adapted to be folded and sealed into a gable top of the finished gable top carton, with the gable top having an upstanding longitudinal top fin. The top creases are arranged on the blank body to enable the carton blank to be folded and sealed such that the top fin of the finished gable top carton may be either parallel with, or transverse to, the bottom seal of the finished gable top carton.

Abstract: A method for the production of flexible pouches each possessing a sealed product-containing pocket and incorporating an integral collar-shaped structure located externally of the pocket to enable suspending of the pouch from a support. More specifically, the method contemplates the sequential in-line production or manufacture of such flexible pouches which are essentially constituted from a sealable, flexible packaging material and which may consist of either a single-layer film material or of a multi-layered laminate so as to enable the containment in the pouches of the most varied types of products possessing widely different properties. In addition to the foregoing, also disclosed is a flexible pouch having a sealed product-containing pocket and incorporating an integral collar-shaped structure which is produced by the inventive method.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating balloons to enable insertion thereinto of objects includes a loading ring insertable into the orifice or mouth of the balloon for stretching the orifice to allow insertion therethrough of an object into the interior of the balloon when inflated, and a balloon inflating housing for accommodating an inflated balloon. The housing includes upper and lower hemispherical shells which may be sealingly fitted together to form a complete spherical shell and to allow inflation of the balloon therewithin, and then separated to allow removal of the inflated balloon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic bag hanging allows far more than 1000 bag hangings per hour. A bag is removed from a bag bucket conveyor by its closed end and is guided, bottom forward, at an approximately right angle around a roller deflection device. The bag is grasped, first in an upright position and so as to be slightly opened already by bag opening claw pairs 23, opened, and simultaneously guided via a double-lever system to a bag filling sleeve and automatically clamped.

Abstract: A thermal shrink film is continuously pulled out and is shaped into a tubular form. Individual items to be wrapped are fed into the tubular film sequentially and overlapping marginal portions of the tubular film extending lengthwise are sealed. The tubular film is sealed and cut transversely of each of the items at the front end thereof and the tubular film is deformed inwardly by applying pressure thereto to decrease its internal volume. Then the tubular film is sealed and cut transversely of each item at the rear end thereof to form an intermediate package. The film of the intermediate package is shrunk by heating to thus shrink-wrap the item.

Abstract: A lawn mower for use both as walking operator type and riding type, having a grass cutting unit, an engine located rearwardly thereof, a driver's seat located above the engine, a floor step located over the grass cutting unit to be movable between an open position and a closed position, and right and left rear wheels driven by the engine. The rear wheels have respective stepless transmissions operable independently of each other to transmit engine drive in different speeds to the rear wheels. These transmissions are operable by shift levers located on opposite sides of the driver's seat when the lawn mower is used as the riding type, and by control levers extending rearwardly of the driver's seat when the lawn mower is used as the walking operator type.

Abstract: A mowing machine has a frame with driving wheels, which are adjustable in height, and a yoke carrying a cutter beam. The yoke is suspended from the frame such that it can move up and down with respect to the frame, and the cutter beam is swingably journalled on the yoke. The yoke and the beam are balanced by an upwardly directed spring force. Minor elevations on the ground make the cutter beam swing upwardly so that it is just the weight of the cutter beam itself which is accelerated.

Abstract: A mulch plate for mounting over the chute outlet of existing mowers to contain mower clippings so that said clippings may be drawn back under the mower for recutting by the circulation of air induced by covering the mower chute with the mulch plate.

Abstract: A hay making apparatus includes a rotor carrying demountable rigid tynes spaced about its periphery and coupled to a drive motor, preferably a hydraulic type. The rotor has an annular body of a resiliently deformable elastomeric material advantageously having a cross-sectional shape similar to that of a tire for a motor vehicle with its longitudinal axis vertically oriented. The rotor has the following: an inwardly projecting upper wall which couples the annular body flexibly to the motor; an inwardly projecting lower wall which follows undulations in the ground surface; and a vertical wall in which passages are formed for seating the tynes. In use, the tynes are held in place solely by centrifugal force and by contact with the passage walls.

Abstract: A portable cable splicing stand comprises a longitudinally elongated base frame arranged to be supported above a ground surface as by removable leg members. A pair of adjustably spaced apart upright members extend vertically from the base frame, and each supports a chain vise arranged to receive and clamp between them a desired length of cable to be spliced. One of the chain vises is mounted on the frame for rotation about the axis of the cable so that with a cable clamped by the vises, rotation of the one vise in the direction opposite the windings of the cable untwists the cable between the vises and opens spaces between the individual strands so that the terminal ends of individual cable strands may be woven therethrough easily and without significant effort. A ratchet assembly engages the rotatable vise mount to releasably lock the assembly against reverse rotation of the vise when the cable is in tensioned condition.

Abstract: A splicing apparatus and method for splicing rope, which apparatus includes a wheeled frame fitted with a splicing plate having upward-standing, spaced rope clamps for receiving and clamping rope segments to be spliced. In a preferred embodiment, a vise is also mounted on the splicing plate for removably receiving a dowel clamp which clamps one end of a dowel on the splicing plate, with the other end of the dowel supported by a cylindrical dowel keeper. A dowel is stabilized in the dowel clamp and dowel keeper and is designed to receive a length of rubber sleeve. The dowel keeper further receives a plastic cylinder or transfer tube inserted on one end of the dowel through the dowel keeper, adjacent to the rubber sleeve to facilitate rolling the rubber sleeve on the transfer tube as a rubber "donut" sleeve.