Abstract: A composite building stud for providing combined advantages of wood and metal studs. The composite stud includes a generally elongated and U-shaped frame member defining a base channel. The composite stud also includes a core component made of wood retainable in the base channel. The substantially rectangular configuration core component includes an insertion recess section forming a fifth wall thereof to allow insertion of the core component in the base channel both by sliding the core component longitudinally from an end section of the frame member and by a snap-like movement or action at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the frame member.

Abstract: A multistage proportional valve for controlling the pressure of a fluid inside a container includes a fluid outflow passageway having an exhaust opening, an actuatable fluid inflow passageway having an intake opening and an actuatable exhaust cover for selectively closing said exhaust opening. The fluid outflow passageway, actuatable fluid inflow passageway and actuatable exhaust cover are interconnected and configured such that in response to an actuating force reaching a first pre-determined threshold the valve displaces the exhaust cover to allow the fluid inside the container to exhaust there from through the fluid outflow passageway. In response to the actuating force reaching a second pre-determined threshold the valve displaces the fluid inflow passageway to allow pressurized fluid to flow there through inside the container.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a tool includes a body with two ends and a fluid filled passageway, which extends between the ends, one end of the body cooperates with a work piece. An actuating member is movably connected to one end of the body, communicates with the fluid in the passageway, and has a surface, which cooperates with the work piece. Another actuating member is movably connected to the other end of the body and communicates with the fluid, and moves the fluid against the first actuating member to extend it. The fluid is locked against the first actuating member so that it retains the work piece in the body end.