Abstract: A positioning apparatus for aligning a work piece with a forming machine includes a base, a pusher rod, a clevis pin, and a handle. The base includes a frame and a stand that has a claw portion that receives an edge of the work piece. The pusher rod protrudes through an aperture of the frame and is mechanically coupled to the clevis pin. The handle has a clevis end mechanically coupled to the clevis pin. The handle is pivotally coupled to the frame via a pivot axle. When a distal end of the pusher rod engages a contact surface of the forming machine, an input force applied to the handle causes rotation of the handle about the clevis pin and exertion of an output force on the frame via the pivot axle. The output force moves the base and the work piece away from the contact surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inertial filter 10 for filtering out particulate material in a fluid. The invention extends to a method of manufacturing an inertial filter 10. The filter 10 includes a pair of opposing baffle plates 12, 14 comprising a first baffle plate 12 and a second baffle plate 14 which are operatively in face-to-face abutment with each other such that the plates 12, 14 are in substantially parallel planes. Each baffle plate 12, 14 is in the form of a layered grille or grating in that it comprises a first (an inner) filter member 16 and a second (an outer) filter member 18. More specifically, the first baffle plate 12 includes an outer filter member 18a and an inner filter member 16a which are press-fitted over one another. Similarly, the second baffle plate 14 comprises an outer filter member 18b and an inner filter member 16b.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a complex of an acid chosen from among methionine, 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid (HMTBA) and lactic acid, and of at least one metal, starting from said acid and a mineral metal source, wherein the acid is caused to react with the mineral metal source in an extruder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auxiliary device (1) for alignment of floor boards (2) when laying plank flooring. The auxiliary device is a tensioning unit (10) with two floor-side, protruding, lower contact jaws (12, 14) for resting against board side edges. The contact jaws are joined together via a displacement guide (16) for changing of their mutual internal distance (X1, X2), and with an upper lever mechanism (18) positioned opposite the lower, floor-side contact jaws (12, 14). The lever mechanism (18) is designed according to the toggle principle and is connected to the contact jaws (12, 14) such that by pivoting of the lever mechanism (18) the contact jaws (12, 14) can be moved from a starting position with a larger distance (X1) into a tensioned position with a smaller, defined distance (X2).

Abstract: A gutter hanger system includes a gutter having an outer wall, an inner wall in spaced relation to the outer wall, and a base connecting the outer wall and the inner wall; a support surface supporting the inner wall; and a gutter hanger including opposing top and bottom ends, a coupling member located at the bottom end, and a retainer located at the top end. The gutter hanger is positioned intermediate the inner wall and the support surface, oriented in a downward direction, and the retainer is positioned atop the inner wall. A method for installing a gutter hanger system includes the steps of providing a gutter, providing a support surface to which an inner wall of the gutter is attached, inserting a gutter hanger intermediate the support surface and the inner wall of the gutter, and retaining a top end of the gutter hanger on the inner wall of the gutter.

Abstract: Jack-type tools for moving elements such as flooring elements by pulling and, alternatively, by pushing are shown and described. In an embodiment, the jack includes a base, a puller pivotably attached to the base, a ram extendable from the base, and a ram-drive mechanism in power-transmission relationship with the ram which is operative to extend the ram. The pivotably attached puller contacts a flooring element side portion during a pulling mode of operation and pivots out of the way so that the jack can push a flooring element during a pushing mode of operation. The ram extends from the base against a fixed surface such as a wall or cabinet to apply a force which pulls the flooring element with the puller to move the puller and flooring element away from the fixed surface and, alternatively, a force which pushes the flooring element by extension of the ram with the tool secured with respect to a subfloor or other support.

Abstract: A tool for assembling deck boards of a decking structure that uses pronged fasteners to secure the deck boards thereto, the pronged fasteners establishing an at least ?? gap between adjacent deck boards. The tool compresses an unsecured deck board into engagement with a set of pronged fasteners that are attached to an exposed edge of an installed deck board. The tool has a stationary jaw and a moveable jaw supported for movement relative to one another by a frame. Each jaw has a depending lip disposed on an outer edge thereof that is configured to engage one of the deck boards. The tool also has an actuating mechanism that moves the moveable jaw relative to the stationary jaw. The actuating mechanism is, preferably, manually powered, hydraulically powered, or screw driven.

Abstract: A flooring installation tool includes a base having a bottom surface configured to engage a top surface of a flooring material, and a shoe having a connection portion and a vertical surface engaging portion. The connection portion is movably connected to a gear housing supported by the base, and the vertical surface engaging portion is configured to engage a vertical surface of the flooring material. An adjuster is configured to selectively hold the shoe relative to the base in a first position or in a second position that is different from the first position.

Abstract: A tool for pressing together flooring panels to be fixed in place one relative to the other(s), wherein a first part of the tool has a foot portion for abutting against a surface, a second part of the tool has a head portion for abutting against an end one of the flooring panels, and the second part is movable relative to the first part for exerting force on the end flooring panel.

Abstract: A frame moving apparatus includes a first plate having a top side and a bottom side. A second plate has a top side and a bottom side. A plurality of gripping members is attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom sides of the first and second plates. A post extends upwardly from the top side of the first plate. A handle has a lower end attached to the top side of the second plate. An elongated member has a first end pivotally coupled to the handle and a second end attached to the post. A fixed surface is gripped with the second plate and a wall frame is gripped with the first plate. An upper end of the handle is moved toward or away from the first plate so that the wall frame is moved in a same direction as the upper end of the handle.

Abstract: A deck board straightener is taught which is comprised of a main rod part connected to a handle at one end and a flat steel plate at the opposing end. The flat plate is comprised of two shoulders that consist of the bent edges of the flat plate but could also be shoulder elements separately attached to the flat plate. The shoulders can spaced at a fixed distance apart or be made adjustable to allow for use on a varying material thickness. A securing screw can be placed through one shoulder to provide additional material securing means. A pressure jaw is attached to the flat steel plate and a quick-grip mini bar clamp in a manner that also allows for rotating movement. When in use, the pressure jaw secures material such as a deck board against the flat plate and shoulders.

Abstract: A floor board installation device comprises a cross bar, a wedge and two pins extending outwardly from the top and bottom sides of, and through, the cross bar. The wedge comprises a top curved edge and a bottom edge including a groove therein. The pins typically are spaced from one another a distance slightly larger than the width of a joist. In use, the cross bar is placed on top of two adjoining joists so that the pins are positioned on either side of a single joist. The other end of the bar merely rests on top of the adjacent joist. A force is then applied to a side edge of the wedge in a direction parallel to the length of the sub floor boards. Due to the rounded shape of the top curved edge and the flat surface of the wedge that contacts the floor board, the wedge will rotate within the cross bar so that the edge of the wedge is flush against the sub floor board and so that the curved surface of the wedge will contact the cross bar at only one point.

Abstract: A method for installing tongue-and-groove material comprises the steps of: a) placing a piece of tongue-and-groove material on an installation surface adjacent to a previously installed piece of tongue-and-groove material and/or a border member; b) pivotably securing a lever having a thrust portion and a lever end to the installation surface so that rotating the lever urges the piece of tongue-and-groove material against the previously installed piece and/or the border member; c) rotating the lever, thereby urging the piece of tongue-and-groove material against the previously installed piece and/or the border member; d) securing the piece of tongue-and-groove material to the previously installed piece, the border member, and/or the installation surface; and e) removing the lever from the installation surface.

Abstract: A cost-effective system and method for quickly and easily moving a fully loaded shelf unit is provided. The shelf unit includes first and second opposing vertical feet supporting the shelf unit on a ground surface. The system and method employ a first prying arm, a second prying arm, and a rolling device. The first and second prying arms each include a pushable member and a lifting member joined to each other. The rolling device includes first and second end supports and an intermediate cross bar extending between the end supports. The rolling device includes a pair of casters mounted to an underside of the cross bar for allowing the rolling device to be rolled along the ground surface. The end supports are located closer than the cross bar to the ground surface when the rolling device is positioned with its casters contacting the ground surface. To move the shelf unit, the prying arms are used to lift the respective vertical feet at least partially off the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for positioning planks or other articles which are to be set on a framework. The invention includes a platform having feet to stabilize the platform with respect to the framework. A connecting rod, a guide brace and a platen are all pivotally attached to the platform. The connecting rod has a proximal and distal end. The distal end of the connecting rod is attached to an end of the guide brace as well as the platen. The opposite end of the guide brace is pivotally attached to the platform. The proximal end of the connecting rod is pivotally attached to a handle assembly which in turn is pivotally connected to the platform. A rotational torque applied to the handle is transmitted by the handle assembly to the connecting rod which in turn causes the platen to apply a force to the plank or other article to be bent.

Abstract: A deck board pushing and clamping device is provided for pushing an unsecured board along its length into contact with a secured board which has been secured to a support joist, while simultaneously clamping the device to the support joist, thereby to clamp the unsecured board between the clamped device and the secured board, for one person ease in properly and efficiently securing the clamped board to the support joist with nails. The device uses a handle lever to operate a cam member onto which is attached a scissor-like pushing mechanism as well as a clamping mechanism. As the cam member is rotated with the handle lever, the scissor-like pushing mechanism moves a strike plate into contact with the unsecured board while the clamping mechanism is simultaneously raised into a clamping position around the support joist.

Abstract: A new and improved flooring installation apparatus includes a clamping assembly for clamping onto a rigid structure below a floor board to be installed. The clamping assembly is capable of clamping onto the rigid structure at a bottom edge of the rigid structure. A handle assembly is pivotally attached to the clamping assembly. The handle assembly includes a pivoting portion for pivotally attaching to the clamping assembly. The handle assembly includes a lever arm portion connected to the pivoting portion. The handle assembly includes a handle grip connected to the lever arm portion. A board pusher assembly is connected to the lever arm portion of the handle assembly, such that, when the clamping assembly is clamped onto a rigid structure, and when a force is exerted on the handle grip in a direction toward a floor board, the board pusher assembly is capable of pushing against the floor board.

Abstract: A tongue and groove press tool to assist carpenters in holding material overhead while nailing roofing material in place comprising a tongue and groove press tool to assist carpenters in holding material overhead while nailing, the held material in place comprising a base adapted to be secured to an existing stud of a structure receiving the material, the base including a channel member and a downwardly facing longitudinal extension, a rod formed of extension front and rear members, the forward end of the push rod having a support for receiving and supporting roofing material overhead to be nailed, and a handle having a grip at the lower end and a clevis at the upper end whereby when the base is secured to a stud and a handle pushed forwardly with an edge of the material to be supported is in contact with the base, then the tool will hold the material in place.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for positioning planks or other articles which are to be set on a framework. The invention includes a platform having feet to stabilize the platform with respect to the framework. A connecting rod, a guide brace and a platen are all pivotally attached to the platform. The connecting rod has a proximal and distal end. The distal end of the connecting rod is attached to an end of the guide brace as well as the platen. The opposite end of the guide brace is pivotally attached to the platform. The proximal end of the connecting rod is pivotally attached to a handle assembly which in turn is pivotally connected to the platform. A rotational torque applied to the handle is transmitted by the handle assembly to the connecting rod which in turn causes the platen to apply a force to the plank or other article to be bent.

Abstract: A board press (10) comprises a dog member (12) dimensioned and configured to grip a joist (14a) and a lever (16) attached to one end to the dog member (12) by a ball and socket mounting (18) for pivoting of lever (16) about a pivot axis P--P. The ball and socket mounting (18) enables the pivot axis to be angularly displaced about a point on pivot axis P--P, thereby permitting the user to pivot the lever (16) perpendicularly to the edge (27) of a board (26a) being pressed despite twisting of the dog member (12) on the joist (14a) during use. A method of pressing one or more boards disposed on a joist includes using the board press and pivoting the lever in a pivot plane which is kept perpendicular to the edge of the board while simultaneously twisting the dog member to seat it upon the joist.

Abstract: A jack for forcing adjoining boards or sheathing into close proximity or contact with one another and holding them in such a position while they are fastened to supporting joists or rafters. The device consists of a housing that is adapted to engage the joist or rafter. A slot is formed lengthwise in the housing and adjoins a side of the joist or rafter. A wedge is positioned in the slot so as to wedge itself between the housing and the supporting joist or rafter and hold the tool in a fixed position relative to the supporting joist or rafter. A lever is pivotally attached to the housing and has an attached pusher to engage the edge of a board or sheathing and move it into proximity or contact with an adjoining board that has been already affixed to the joist or rafter. A simple wedge or inclined plane minimizes the number of moving parts in the invention and produces a wedging force proportional to the force being used to move the board in contact with an adjoining board.

Abstract: A carpenter's tool for use in construction of wood framed structures includes an elongated handle having one end sharpened for penetration into wood and a bar pivoted to the handle adjacent the sharpened end. A sharpened member at the outer extremity of the bar has a tip extending in the direction of the sharpened end of the handle. An L-shaped hook may also be attached to the handle, preferably on the side opposite the bar side. The tool is useful in enabling one person to adjust the position of a warped or twisted wood structural member with one hand, leaving the other hand free to fasten the member in the correct position.

Abstract: A wall puller tool and method for pulling or straightening walls. The wall puller tool is comprised of a steel pin-like shaft having a sharply pointed bottom end adapted to be struck into a plywood floor or the like and a pivotable laterally extending claw-like arm at a height roughly at the top of a 2.times.4 plate and having a perpendicularly downwardly extending pointed end adapted to be struck into the plate member. The tool, after being driven into the plywood floor and with the claw-like arm driven into 2.times.4 plate member of a wall frame, is operated by the elongated handle to drag or pull the 2.times.4 plate member towards the pivot point where the tool is struck into the plywood floor a distance as desired to straighten the plate member. The tool is made of steel so that it can be struck by a hammer or other tool to drive the shaft into the plywood floor and likewise the laterally extending arm at a top surface where it can be struck by hammer to drive it into the plate member.