Abstract: A carpet stretcher is provided with the improvement of a stabilizing apparatus and method that attaches to a carpet stretching tool to prevent the carpet stretching tool and any of its additional stretcher tubes from bending or bowing when utilized to stretch carpeting during carpet installation. The stabilizing apparatus consists of a bar with appropriate means for attachment to a carpet stretcher.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature indicating method and device. The device embodies a sealed tube containing a liquid and a float. The tube has markings on the exterior indicating temperature zones or, in the alternative, temperature gradients. The method disclosed includes inverting the tube such that the indicator drops to the bottom of the tube and freezing the device at the appropriate temperature level. In use, the device is placed right side up in a container along with other items for which the highest temperature level arrived at is desired to be known. Upon warming, the liquid in the tube melts and the float drops through the liquid to the freezing level of the liquid. By removing the device from the container and comparing the float level in the tube to the markings on the exterior of the tube, the highest temperature or temperature zone that the contents of the container were subjected can be determined.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus and a method in which a workpiece is loaded into the apparatus and the apparatus then moves and positions the workpiece in a multitude of directions based upon the directions and controls supplied to the apparatus through either a computer and applets, a programmable controller and/or through manual intervention. The apparatus can move the workpiece linearly to a predetermined position, rotate the workpiece in a continuous motion, index the workpiece incrementally and/or do any combination of those movements. The apparatus can also control other components such as turning coolant and/or quench valves on and off as desired or powering working tools such as an induction hardening coil. The workpiece is loaded directly on the center of the apparatus movement and positioning device for increased capacity loading and precision movement.

Abstract: A carpet stretcher including a power stretcher head coupled to one end of an extension pole, a power stretcher tail piece coupled to one end of a second extension pole, one or more stretcher extensions intermediate said first and second extension poles and coupled to the ends thereof remote from said head and tail piece, and a stabilizer member longitudinally disposed relative to said poles and extensions and having a plurality of spring clamping members adapted to clip onto said poles and stretcher extensions to stabilize them from distortional bowing.