Abstract: A tape measure, also called a “tape rule” and a “coilable rule,” includes a coilable rule housing and a retractable measuring blade with a free end that extends out of the housing. A finger-protecting component connected to the housing provides a bearing surface beneath the measuring blade for a person to place against and slide along an edge of a sheet of drywall as the person uses the tape measure in combination with a utility knife or other cutting tool to make a longitudinally extending cut in the sheet of drywall parallel to the edge of the sheet of drywall. The finger-protecting component preferably includes a nail-receiving hole enabling the user to rotatably fix the tape measure at the center of a desired arc with a nail in order to use the tape measure in conjunction with the utility knife for purposes of cutting an arc of a desired radius in a sheet of drywall.

Abstract: A method of forming a mixture of powdered material and water includes the step of providing a hopper, a holding tank, a tube intermediate the hopper and the holding tank, and an air-powered auger arranged to feed powdered material from the hopper through the tube to the holding tank. The method proceeds by adding powdered material to the hopper, supplying water to the tube, and operating the auger to feed the powdered material into the tube, to mix it with water in the tube, and then to push the mixture out of the tube to the holding tank. For drywall texturing applications, the mixture may then be delivered from the holding tank under pressure to a spray nozzle. An apparatus for forming a mixture of powdered material and water includes a hopper, a holding tank, a tube intermediate the hopper and the holding tank, and an auger extending from the hopper into the tube.