Abstract: In or for use in a razor blade unit having two parallel blades (14) and an interposed spacer (15), a flexible spacer having spaced transverse ribs with the ribs on one side offset from the ribs on the other side.

Abstract: A saw blade adjusting mechanism, which includes a first tightening up rod and a second tightening up rod fastened to the frame assembly of a hack saw at two opposite ends by nuts to hold the saw blade, a rotary adjusting knob mounted around the first tightening up rod and forced by a first spring to mesh with a toothed through hole on the front end of the frame assembly of the hack saw, a gear mounted around the second tightening up rod and forced by a second spring to disengage from the locating block, wherein the first and second tightening up rods are moved synchronously when the rotary adjusting knob is turned to change the angular position of the saw blade.

Abstract: A mechanized coping saw has a frame and handle attached thereto, the frame including a U-shaped portion with opposite leg sections having outward ends, a cavity formed within the U-shaped portion, and apertures proximate the outward ends of the leg sections which open into the cavity. An endless blade travels through the cavity of the U-shaped portion around rotating elements with a portion of the blade extending straight between the leg sections to define an exposed blade cutting section, A power drive system drives the blade through the cavity. The invention uses a pair of guide rollers which are placed along the profiled edge of a molding piece to steadily guide the blade cutting section for precise coping of the molding piece. The rollers are adjustable to provide for a variety of different cutting angles and situations.

Abstract: A device for precisely adjusting an optical sight on a small arm or a hand firearm, characterized by an adjusting plate (2) mounted on the arm and having a slot, a sight holder (3) with a bottom plate (3.sup.a) having a plug (16) formed at its bottom side which when being in engagement with the slot allows a horizontal turn and a vertical tilt of the sight holder (3) relative to the adjusting plate (2), and a set-up for fixing the sight holder (3) in a definite turning and tilting position with respect to the adjusting plate (2).

Abstract: A sight system is provided including a peep adapted to attach to a bow string and a sight adapted to attach to a bow. The sight includes a sight bracket for attaching to the bow, an adjustable pendulum holder engaging the sight bracket and including a low friction bearing, a pendulum sight pivotally attached to the pendulum holder on the low friction bearing, the pendulum including a sight pin for accurate sighting on a target, and an elongate guard connected to the sight bracket and extending around the pendulum sight for protecting the pendulum sight. The guard can be aligned with the perimeter of the view through the peep and thus is useful for coarse and fine sighting on a target, which facilitates quick and error-free aiming of the bow, even under low light conditions.

Abstract: A level includes a compass member fixedly mounted within the level, the level having spirit levels positioned on opposed sides of the compass, and the compass having a rotatable ring arranged to provide for angular deflection relative to a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An interlocking screed level and method comprising a rectangularly-shaped screed section having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, and a first and second end. A rectangular preform extension member of a lesser dimension than the exterior boundary of the screed section extends axially from the first end of the screed section. A rectangular joint recess extends axially from the exterior of the second end of the screed section and has a depth commensurate with the length of the extension member with a boundary of minimally less than the extension member for receiving extension members of adjoining screed sections. A first lock component is located at the first end of the screed section and a second lock component is located at the second end of the screed section. A bottom surface for planing concrete surfaces is provided. A level gage is provided in the top surface for ensuring levelness of the concrete surface.

Abstract: An improved combination square set is provided. It has a square head, a center head, a protractor head and a blade. The improvement is the blade which can be a grooved L-square rule, a grooved T-square rule, a grooved try square and a grooved flat straight rule, so that the improved combination square set can be used to measure and mark quadrants on round stock, the angle of a drill press table and angles on a flat board.

Abstract: A square for laying out and marking run and rise lines on supporting stringers for a staircase has a rake bar connected to slots near the ends of blades of the square. Markings showing a range of horizontal run distances are placed on the outer edge of the long blade of the square, and markings showing vertical rise distances are given on the outer edge of the short blade. The rake bar has a contact surface perpendicular to the plane of the square and has one end alignable with a marking corresponding to a selected run distance and the other end alignable with a rise distance marking. Once aligned, the bar is held in position against the blades by a pair of bolts. Placement of the adjusted tool with the rake bar contact surface flush against a side edge surface of a stringer results in outer edges of the blades being put in positions where horizontal and vertical cuts are to be made in the stringer.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring a profile of a strip of material produced in a reversing mill in which a direction of travel of the strip is reversible includes a single thickness gauge that measures the thickness of the strip and generates the thickness signals, and a moving device coupled to the gauge. The moving device controllably moves the gauge transversely to the strip so that the gauge measures the thickness of the strip and different points across a width of the strip in one pass of the strip through the gauge. The moving device maintains the gauge in a stationary position in another pass of the strip through the gauge such that the gauge measures the thickness of the strip and different points along the longitudinal lines of the strip. The measurements of the thickness of the strip at the different points are interpreted into profile data. This profile data can be either displayed or used by a mill computer to control the processing of the strip.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting and guiding a movable member of a machine along an axis "X" relative to a support member of the machine. The assembly includes first and second slide surfaces on the support member lying in planes which intersect with each other and extend parallel to the "X" axis, a pair of pneumatic bearing pads are fixed to the movable member and are slidable on respective slide surfaces. A third slide surface is formed on the support member and extends parallel to the "X" axis in a plane inclined to the planes including the first and second slide surfaces. A third bearing pad is fixed to the movable member and is slidable on the third surface in an arrangement to balance the loads exerted by the first and second bearing pads.

Abstract: A measuring machine includes a base, a portal movable on the base along a first horizontal axis and having a cross-member extending along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first, a carriage carried by the cross-member and movable along the second axis on a guide formed on the cross-member, and a measuring head carried by the carriage and movable relative thereto along a third, vertical axis; the guide defines a main slide plane inclined at 45.degree.

Abstract: A miniature clothes dryer is adapted to operate in combination with a portable hair dryer that includes a heating element, an air blower for passing air across the heating element and a hot air outlet nozzle. The clothes dryer comprises a dryer housing having an inlet opening to receive and retain the outlet nozzle of the portable hair dryer. The housing also has an outlet opening for discharging air and a door for the insertion and removal of items of clothing. Mounted for rotation within the housing is a clothes drying drum having walls for supporting and tumbling the clothes which are inserted through the housing door. Drive means with an electric motor are provided for rotating the drum. The drum walls have a plurality of openings for the passage of air and the housing has a plurality of baffles for directing hot air from the nozzle of a hair dryer at the inlet opening to the inside of the drum, and from the inside of the drum to the outlet opening.

Abstract: A method of drying plastically deformable metal structures using high frequency energy in a frequency range greater than 10 MHz. The highly efficient drying of the invention is accomplished by shielding the structure from the electrodes using a material whose dielectric constant is greater than that of air.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying articles, especially ceramic articles comprises a mould (14) For supporting the article to be dried, a turntable (10) For supporting and rotating the mould and at least one nozzle (18) For directing heated air on to the article (12), especially near its periphery.

Abstract: A dryer section in a paper machine for drying a paper web, having normal dryer groups with a single-wire draw in which drying cylinders are arranged in an upper row and reversing cylinders in a lower row. The dryer section has at least one inverted dryer groups in which drying cylinders are arranged in a lower row and reversing cylinders are arranged in an upper row. In view of making the dryer section more compact, intensifying the evaporation, reducing the transverse shrinkage of the web, and/or improving the runnability of the web, the drying cylinder and/or the reversing cylinder or roll placed in connection with the transfer over the gap between the groups is/are placed so that its/their height position is displaced as compared with the other cylinders in the same group. In an inverted group, an upper reversing cylinder is arranged in connection with blower devices for drying air for the web.

Abstract: A drying machine has a predrying operation. In the predrying operation before heated air is supplied to the drying chamber to dry clothes in the drying chamber, the drum repeats the rotation of the clockwise and counterclockwise alternately in a short cycle, so that entwined clothes are got loose. During the predrying operation, cool air is supplied to the drying chamber. Then the heated air is supplied to the drying chamber, so that clothes are dried.

Abstract: An insole for articles of footwear comprises an apertured top layer formed from a non-absorbent, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material which is affixed to a stabilizing layer formed of a non-woven material. The stabilizing layer, in turn, is affixed to a barrier layer and/or a cushioning layer to form insoles for articles of footwear intended for different activities.

Abstract: A roller shoe includes a shoe upper having a first sole mounting a second sole, with the second sole including a plurality of spaced parallel roller cylinders mounted to the second sole projecting therefrom to provide for a rolling surface relative to an underlying surface, with forward and rear ends of the second sole having brake resilient lugs projecting therefrom.

Abstract: An arch support is provided for treatment of problems arising from the displacement of the cuboid-navicular arch, the support comprising a base portion having a rear edge and a front edge, a top portion raised above the base, a first surface sloping upwardly and forwardly from the base rear edge to the top portion, and a second surface sloping downwardly and forwardly from the top portion to the base front edge, wherein the maximum depth of the arch support is in the region of the top portion adjacent the first surface for engaging the cuboid-navicular arch of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a needlework pattern display and visual guiding device. The device provides a mechanism for displaying a needlework pattern, and a mechanism for releasably attaching the pattern display mechanism to a needlework stretching apparatus. The device includes a mechanism for visually guiding a user to a desired position on the pattern, and a mechanism for attaching the guiding mechanism to the pattern display mechanism. Patterns affixed upon stretching apparatus can be displayed in varying positions in closest proximity to needleworking, while guiding the eyes, with minimal effort, to specific pattern symbols, thereby markedly reducing eye and neck strain while significantly increasing speed.

Abstract: A display device including a transparent base having a plurality of card holders in place thereon. The holders include a transparent front face member and back joined in a yieldable manner to permit flexing for insertion and removal of the card or other article to be displayed. The holders are secured to the base by a spacer with an adhesive which does not alter the transparency of the holder and base to which it is secured. The front face member and back of each holder are joined by a flexible common edge which biases the face member toward the article displayed to retain same in place.

Abstract: An indicator for attachment to the hook of a moulded plastics garment hanger is disclosed. The indicator has a body, moulded from plastics material, with spaced flat sides forming a cavity which is dimensioned to receive a top web of the hook. The body engages the web at the ends of the opening to the cavity to retain the indicator in position of the web. The body also has slots in the sides adapted for engagement by abutments on the web to retain the indicator in position on the hook.

Abstract: A numeric display has a background and seven panels positioned to form a stylized FIG. 8. The seven panels include four vertical panels, each revoluably mounted about a horizontal axle, and three horizontal panels each revoluably mounted about a vertical axis. The axis of each of said seven bars pass substantially through the geometric center the panel. The panels each have a front face and a back face. The front face of the panels contrasts optically with the background. The rear face optically melds with the background.

Abstract: A kit retrofits a conventional exit sign, which normally uses internally mounted incandescent or fluorescent lamps, to operate using multiple LED sources in a group or assembly on a board. Indicia lighting is accomplished substantially indirectly through reflection of light from the LED sources. The LED source is electrically powered through an adapter that fits into the socket of the original incandescent lamp or fluorescent lamp, which is removed in the retrofit process. Metalized plastic light reflective panels are provided in the kit for adhesively connecting to inner surfaces of the enclosure for improved lighting efficiency of the indicia. Reduction of energy consumption by 10 or 20 times is coupled with virtually zero maintenance costs over long periods of time.

Abstract: An identification board for a combat vehicle mounts to a panel of the vehe within a generally planar space envelope at the panel. The board comprises a pair of upright channels having an open upper end and a closed lower end, faciae oriented at an oblique angle to a horizontal reference plane and gradins oblique to the faciae and alternated with the faciae. The faciae and the gradins together defining sheet edge zones closely and slidingly fit with the channels. First faces of the faciae have a layer reflecting one or more light frequencies, and second, oppositely oriented faces of the faciae have means to render the second face less reflective of the light frequencies than the layer.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprising a U-shaped member having a bore extending through a bight portion along an axis perpendicular thereto where the bore is characterized by having a polysided cross section adapted to coact with a polysided plug having preselected dimensions so that the plug may fit within the bore. The bore and the plug have tapered complementary sides so that a snug fit is provided. The number of sides may be infinite so as to produce a bore having a circular cross section.

Abstract: The loader contains a flat case provided at its top end with two detention ips keeping back the cartridges in the latter whereas they can still be taken up by the recoil slide of the arm by pushing them forward in a transversal direction of the case, outside the case, a mobile feeder in the case, and a spring provided between this feeder and the lower end of the case. The top side of the feeder contains a front part extending more or less in the above-mentioned transversal direction and a back part which is inclined with regard to the front part toward the lower end in the direction of the back partition, whereby this partition contains a fixed exterior part and a mobile interior part, whereby the above-mentioned spring rests upon this interior part, the top end of the latter being provided with at least one protrusion situated at the height of the upper detention lips when the interior part is in the inserted position.

Abstract: A nightstick and shell-firing device having a club portion and a handle portion. The club portion has an internal barrel, and the handle portion is movable to actuate a shell-firing mechanism contained within the handle portion. The shell-firing mechanism has a firing pin and trigger pivotally mounted to engage the firing pin, and a mechanical stop in the handle to pivotally release the trigger engagement when the handle is pulled rearwardly. A safety device that is quickly and easily manipulated is incorporated to prevent unintended firing of the shell.

Abstract: An auxiliary safety device intended for use as a magazine safety with a semi-automatic pistol of the Makarov design, said pistol being a blowback-operated, magazine-fed that is operable in double-action or single-action modes. The pistol's factory-original parts include a sear that pivots with respect to the pistol's frame about an axis that is defined by a transverse support post. The pistol has a sear cam that operates on the hammer in double-action operation, and operates on the sear in single-action operation. The auxiliary safety device includes two parts, the first being a relatively thin structural plate having front and rear portions. A relatively large and generally circular opening is located about midway between the front and rear portions; the opening is large enough to fit around and rotate with respect to the transverse post.

Abstract: A laminated rifle stock includes first and second layers cut from a wood blank having growth rings. The second layer is rotated about a longitudinal axis thereof or widthwise with respect to the first layer such that the growth rings of the first layer substantially mirror the growth rings of the second layer.

Abstract: A laser gunsight for semiautomatic hand guns is disclosed. The laser circuitry, diode and lens are contained in a cylindrical shaft which replaces the usual recoil spring guide. Electrical power for the sight is supplied from either of two pairs of batteries mounted in plastic panels in the gun handle. Current is carried through conductive strips embedded in the plastic panels, The slide return and cross bar which are electrically insulated from the gun frame, and an electrically insulated longitudinal pin in the cylindrical shaft. An on-off push button switch on one side of the handle makes or breaks contact with the conductive strips in the plastic panel. The circuit is completed through the gun frame and magazine which is in conductive contact with the batteries when the magazine is mounted in the gun. When the magazine is removed for loading, the circuit is interrupted, which in combat situations serves to assure that the laser is not inadvertently activated and the user's location revealed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the deployment of branch lines used in longline fishing. A branch line deployment mechanism is provided which comprises deployment means for casting a baited branch line and drive means associated therewith. The deployment means comprises an arm connected at one end to the drive means, having at its other end means associated therewith to accommodate a baited line, such that the arm is capable of rotation about said connected end. The rotation is imparted to the arm intermittently by the drive means so as to provide a first or loading period in which the arm may be loaded with a baited line and a second or throwing period in which the arm casts the baited line.

Abstract: The invention comprises a hook provided with a shank carrying an eye for attaching a line thereto and further carrying a bend, with a pointed end for hooking a fish with the fish hook having substantially a constant diameter and an outer surface for reflective light of a first wavelength with the improvement including a first layer of decorative material having a first pigment located on a first region of the fish hook, with the first layer of decorative material conforming to the outer surface of the fish hook without adding bulk to the hook, the first layer of decorative material reflects light of a wavelength different from the reflected fight of the outer surface of the point of the hook to provide the hook with greater visual attractiveness than the point of the hook and a method of making a fish-hook lure from a fish hook having an outer surface of substantially uniform dimension including the steps of spraying a layer of a first decorative material having a first pigment along a first portion of the fi

Abstract: A fishing lure which has at least one hook and the hook or hooks are provided with a sheath-guard that serves as a sheath for the hook to prevent the hook(s) from catching on things and from entanglement with other hooks and further protects the sharpness of the hook by encasing the point of the hook. The sheath-guard, when it does not form a sheath for the hook, serves as a guard for the hook. The sheath-guard also serves numerous fish attracting functions in lures in which it is incorporated.

Abstract: A novel design for a fishing lure which makes for easy attachment to and detachment from a fishing line. The lure is preferably made with a resilient material which tends to return to its original closed shape after manual manipulation to insert a fishing line into a slit in the lure. In a second embodiment, a substantially helical slot is provided in the lure for frictional attachment to a fishing line. In another embodiment, a substantially linear slot is provided through the lure for passage therethrough of a fishing line, and the lure is provided with helical spring shaped line guides for encircling and thereby attaching the lure to the fishing line.

Abstract: A herbicide applicator has an inclined underside surface supported at a selected elevation and slope with respect to the ground. Liquid herbicide is fed at a variably controlled rate to an upper edge portion of the inclined underside surface, and the herbicide flows down the underside surface without dripping before reaching the lower edge portion of the underside surface. Preferably, the underside surface is provided by a durable, non-absorbent, structural-grade material that has been roughened to increase its liquid storage capacity, for example, by grooves, indentations, or pockets. Preferably, liquid herbicide is uniformly fed to the underside surface by a distributor having a perforated tube and a strip of porous plastic sealed within a channel so that liquid fed to the tube must exit through the pores in the porous plastic strip.

Abstract: One stile of the sash in a door or window frame has an elongated channel for an elongated trough-shaped gear case rotatably receiving a first gear in mesh with the toothed rack of a reciprocable carrier in the gear case. A bifurcated end portion of the carrier mounts a second gear which meshes with a fixed rack of the gear case and with an elongated rack which is slidable along and overlies an open side of the gear case. The first gear can be rotated by a handle to move the carrier whereby the second gear rolls along the fixed rack and causes the elongated rack to perform a movement greater than the carrier. The elongated rack is coupled to motion receiving bars in the channel of the stile.

Abstract: A door glass weatherstrip is provided for mounting on an automobile door along a belt line thereof. The weatherstrip includes a mounting base having an insert embedded therein and a lip seal which is in pressure contact with the door glass at the distal end portion thereof. A root portion of the seal lip is provided at the lower end of the mounting base. The insert is formed at the lower end thereof with a lower end extension which extends into the root portion of the seal lip for receiving a biasing force of the door glass exerted upon the seal lip. The root portion is prevented from deforming due to biasing of the door glass. High sealing ability of the door glass weatherstrip can be maintained for an extended period of time.

Abstract: The section has a tubular shape with a substantially polygonal cross-section, provided with two larger faces (1, 2) opposite to one another and two smaller faces (3, 4) forming a connection with said larger faces, which extend in abutment elements (5, 6) suitable for defining with said larger faces the inner front and the outer front, respectively, of the window or door frame. The two larger faces (1, 2) comprise respective central portions (11, 12) parallel to one another provided with flaps (13, 14) defining C-shaped cavities (15, 16) for housing and connecting various members of the window or door frame. Each larger face also comprise lateral portions (17, 19; 18, 20) converging towards the corresponding lateral portions of the other larger face until they connect with the smaller faces. The section includes a hole (21) for drainage purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a cutting edge on surgical needles having at least one abrading device and a needle holding mechanism. The abrading device includes an abrasive member such as a rotatable abrasive belt or grinding wheel. The needle holding mechanism is positioned for selectively engaging an end of at least one needle with the abrading device to provide a cutting edge on the needle.

Abstract: Point-grinding apparatus comprising frame means, workpiece transport means operably mounted on the frame means for transporting a plurality of elongated workpieces therealong, workpiece support means disposed adjacent the transport means for supporting the elongated workpieces in contact with the transport means and grinding means including an asymmetrical concave grinding surface disposed adjacent the transport means to engage workpieces supported by the workpiece supporting means, the asymmetrical concave grinding surface being configured and dimensioned such that a surface area of each workpiece which contacts the grinding surface varies relative to the position of the workpiece with respect to the grinding surface. A method for grinding needle points is also provided including the steps of, providing a rotating grinding wheel having an asymmetrical concave grinding surface and feeding at least one workpiece to a first position such that each at least one workpiece is advanced along the grinding surface.

Abstract: A portable roof and tower system of the type for building, disassembling, moving and reassembling at an intended site a covered stage from component pieces includes a plurality of movable pairs of base blocks positionable at predetermined regular spaced apart locations at the intended site. A plurality of pedestal pairs are removably fastened to each of the base block pairs at close tolerance adjustable spaced apart locations. A plurality of tower section pairs are removably fastened to and vertically extend upwardly from the plurality of base pedestal pairs. A plurality of pairs of head block sections are removably fastened at tops of the plurality of tower section pairs. A roof assembly comprising a plurality of roof trusses is constructed on-site at platform level between the plurality of opposed pairs of the towers. The roof trusses are aligned between opposed pairs of the towers and are lifted via a plurality of cable winches upwardly.

Abstract: A gutter assembly (10) for a roof including a gutter (26), a plurality of spaced hangers (28), and a leaf screen (32) over the gutter (26). Lag bolts (78) are mounted at an angle to the horizontal through aligned openings (76) in the hangers (28) and extend through the fascia board (20) into a rafter (16) or a joist (18). An embodiment shown in FIG. 4 has a removable strip (27A) for fitting on an existing gutter and having a slot (46A) to receive a leaf screen (32A). Another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provides hanger brackets (82) on a downspout (80) for mounting on screws (98) secured to a support wall.

Abstract: A system for securing a building structure, and various components of a building structure, to one another and/or to the building foundation or ground, is provided. The system includes apparatus for securing shingles against wind damage on a sloped, shingled roof; apparatus for securing the roof structure of a building to the adjacent upper wall structure; and apparatus for securing the roof structure directly to the foundation of the building or to the ground. The system is particularly adaptable to single and two story residential dwellings, such as single family homes and townhouses, and their related structures, such as garages and sheds, having sloped, shingled roofs. Installation of the complete system of the present invention provides substantial additional security for a structure against storm damage, particularly due to high winds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering for the raised surrounding edge of a roof having holders (1) and covering profiles (11), in which single-piece, angle-shaped holders (1) possess flat surfaces (5, 6) on their shanks (3, 4), which externally grip in dose contact over the end borders (9, 10) of the covering profiles (11) and hold the profiles firmly in position against the raised roof edge. The covering for the raised surrounding edge of a roof is extremely simple to assemble because, after mounting and adjustment of the holder (1), the end of the covering profile (11) is simply pushed in behind the flat surfaces of the shanks of the holder (1), eliminating any need for extra work of fastening the profile (11) to the border of the roof.

Abstract: An anchored/resilient floor system includes at least one upper flooring layer supported by spaced, parallel rows of attachment strips which are supported above a base by a plurality of compressible pads, the attachment strips being secured to the base at spaced, predetermined positions therealong in a manner which permits downward deflection under loaded conditions but prevents vertical raising of the strips beyond their initial static position. Moreover, the attachment strips are anchored in a manner which does not hold the pads in a precompressed state when the floor is unloaded. Several fastening arrangements provide for anchoring of the attachment strips with these features, including a pin/sleeve construction, a wrapped mesh construction, an angled clip construction and a transverse band construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interlock assembly for joining adjacent building panels, said assembly comprising:(a) a pair of interlock assembly elements, each assembly element having integral therewith:(i) first complementary means for matingly engaging the assembly elements in an engaged position; and(ii) second complementary means for forcing and maintaining the first complementary means in the engaged position, wherein said second complementary means are separate and disposed away from said first complementary means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display panel apparatus (19) in which a flexible panel (15) has attached rigidifying beams (20). The rigidifying beams (20) have a plurality of hinged strips (21, 22, 23) which are attached to the panel (15) along its longitudinal edge(s). Magnetic strips are provided for maintaining the beams 20 in their operative state. The rigidifyed panel (19) may be used in connection with a collapsible support framework (11). A free-standing configuration of the display panel assembly (37) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural member jacking device and method for incrementally raising or lowering a structural member. A structural member jacking device includes a first vertical support column with a repositionable stop. A second vertical support column with a repositionable connector, positioned below a structural member, is movable relative to the first support column and connected thereto by the repositionable connector. An extender is mounted on the second support column and postionable on the stop. A structural member may be raised by positioning the stop below the extender, then extending the extender against the stop, whereby the second support column is raised. The repositionable connector removably pins the first and second columns, while the extender is retracted toward the second support column. Repeating these steps results in incrementally raising the structural member. Performing these steps in a reverse manner results in lowering the structural member.