Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently generating a visible line of light on a surface such as a wall or a floor for the purpose of facilitating the layout process used in construction. Reference marking elements on the instrument correspond to the light beam's position. One or more level vials may be included for indicating vertical and horizontal, as well as a magnet for mounting and a reference bracket for a stud-finder instrument. In one embodiment the instrument is self-leveling on one axis only and is useful for projecting one or more orthogonal lines on a wall surface. The instrument, self-leveling or not, can be combined with a stud finder.

Abstract: A carpet seaming iron has two heating elements to maintain the iron at desired temperature with a minimum of temperature oscillation. One element remains energized as long as the iron is switched on, while the other is controlled by a thermostat. With proper selection of the power of the first heating element, the iron achieves a very steady, minimally-oscillating temperature by cycling the second element on and off in response to actual iron temperature during use, supplementing the first element as needed. Larger oscillations such as exhibited with single-element thermostat-controlled irons are avoided by the relatively smaller power of the second element, the only element cycled on and off, even when the thermostat is mechanical.

Abstract: A metallic coating composition and vacuum metalization process for applying the coating composition on various substrates, for example vehicle wheels, hub caps, bumpers and the like. The process is environmentally compatible and produces a decorative, wear-resistant chrome finish and comprises four stages: a cleaning or preparation stage, a base coat application stage, a two-step PVD stage, and a topcoat application stage. An organic epoxy, thermosetting powder base coat is applied to smooth the surface to a glass-like finish and to ensure adhesion of the metal coatings. A two part metal coating is then applied via a PVD process, consisting of a Ni/Cr base and a Cr layer. A protective acrylic, thermosetting topcoat is then applied to protect the metal coating layers.

Abstract: A carpet seaming iron has two heating elements to maintain the iron at desired temperature with a minimum of temperature oscillation. One element remains energized as long as the iron is switched on, while the other is controlled by a thermostat. With proper selection of the power of the first heating element, the iron achieves a very steady, minimally-oscillating temperature by cycling the second element on and off in response to actual iron temperature during use, supplementing the first element as needed. Larger oscillations such as exhibited with single-element thermostat-controlled irons are avoided by the relatively smaller power of the second element, the only element cycled on and off, even when the thermostat is mechanical.

Abstract: A portable construction layout tool generates laser beams in two or more directions related by a specific angle, such as 90°. The instrument emits two fans of light in such a way as to project a pair of lines on the floor, wall or other surface on which the instrument is mounted or placed, with the intersection of the two being visible rather than being a virtual intersection hidden beneath the instrument itself, enabling easier setup. Compared to rotating-beam instruments, the disclosed device is simpler by avoiding moving parts and provides for better visibility. In a preferred embodiment the non-collimated beam from a laser diode is used, and is passed through a cylinder lens to converge the beam on the narrower axis to generate the desired fan of light to be projected as a line.

Abstract: A portable construction layout tool generates laser beams in two or more directions related by a specific angle, such as 90°. The instrument emits two fans of light in such a way as to project a pair of lines on the floor, wall or other surface on which the instrument is mounted or placed, with the intersection of the two being visible rather than being a virtual intersection hidden beneath the instrument itself, enabling easier setup. Compared to rotating-beam instruments, the disclosed device is simpler by avoiding moving parts and provides for better visibility. In a preferred embodiment the non-collimated beam from a laser diode is used, and is passed through a cylinder lens to converge the beam on the narrower axis to generate the desired fan of light to be projected as a line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently generating a visible line of light on a surface such as a wall or a floor for the purpose of facilitating the layout process used in construction. The apparatus comprises a light beam generator projecting a beam of visible light on a surface. Reference marking elements on the instrument correspond to the light beam's position. One or more level vials may also be included for indicating vertical and horizontal, as well as a magnet for mounting and a reference bracket for a stud-finder instrument.

Abstract: A carpet seaming iron having an internal electronic temperature control circuit including a solid state temperature sensor, a power controller, and a solid state switching device is disclosed. The iron does not use a thermostat for temperature control. The iron includes a baseplate, an electrically powered heating element, a heat shield, a handle and the internally mounted control circuit. The control circuit includes a means for providing a signal to the power controller corresponding to a desired temperature of the iron. A solid state temperature sensor sends a signal to the power controller corresponding to the baseplate temperature. The power controller controls the switching device so that the amount of power supplied to the heating element is proportional to the difference between the baseplate temperature and the desired temperature. Thus as the baseplate becomes hotter, less power is supplied to the heating element, and the seaming iron maintains a stable and precise temperature.

Abstract: An improved carpet seaming electric iron of the kind used for making carpet face seams with hot melt adhesive tapes is disclosed. Improved heat transfer and control is achieved by reducing the thermal mass of the iron baseplate, and by providing a raised channel, integral with the top surface of the base plate, for mounting the heating element to efficiently transmit the heat generated by the heating element through the baseplate. A temperature control switch having a sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the baseplate at the top surface, and for controlling the flow of current to the heating element to return the baseplate to a desired temperature set by the operator. A heat shield is provided to protect the operator and carpet backings.

Abstract: A gauge including a housing mounted as a telescoping extension section in a power stretcher unit between the transfer tube and the baseplate. At one end of the housing is a connector for mating the housing to one point on the power stretcher, a chamber and a socket communicating with the chamber; at an opposite end of the housing is a movable piston which is slidably received in the socket at the first end, and a connector for mating the housing to a second point on the power stretcher. A sensing device is mounted in the chamber which senses the movement of the piston towards the chamber as occurs when a force is applied to stretch the carpet. Finally, a display, such as a gauge dial or digital display, can be connected to the sensing device for indicating to the operator of the power stretcher the force applied by the carpet stretcher to the carpet.