Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tub for receiving water and a tile supporting surface for supporting thereon a tile to be cut. A cutting head assembly is positioned above the tile supporting surface and includes a motor driven blade. A tile hold down mechanism extends downwardly from the cutting head assembly to engage the tile and apply downward pressure thereto to hold the tile in place during the cutting process. The tile hold down mechanism may take the form of flexible hold down feet, downwardly biased rollers and/or bristle skirts. The tile supporting surface may be fabricated of a high friction material and include a plurality of nubs to cooperate with the hold down mechanism to hold the tile stationary with respect to the supporting surface during the cutting process. The tile cutting machine provides for a method of cutting tile where a user does not have to hold the tile with their hands during the cutting operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system for forming miter joints including a miter saw and an angle gauge. The miter saw includes a platform with a kerf slot and a pair of arcuate slots. Each arcuate slot includes an associated rail located on the underside of the platform. A fence is coupled to each of the rails such that the fence may be pivoted with respect to the platform. The angle measurement tool is a one-handed tool including spring loaded paddles that measure the angle between intersecting surfaces. The angle measurement tool connects to the miter saw to permit the transfer of the measured angle to the fences.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tub for receiving water and a tile supporting surface for supporting thereon a tile to be cut. A cutting head assembly is positioned above the tile supporting surface and includes a motor driven blade. A tile hold down mechanism extends downwardly from the cutting head assembly to engage the tile and apply downward pressure thereto to hold the tile in place during the cutting process. The tile hold down mechanism may take the form of flexible hold down feet, downwardly biased rollers and/or bristle skirts. The tile supporting surface may be fabricated of a high friction material and include a plurality of nubs to cooperate with the hold down mechanism to hold the tile stationary with respect to the supporting surface during the cutting process. The tile cutting machine provides for a method of cutting tile where a user does not have to hold the tile with their hands during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tub for receiving water and a tile to be cut therein. A cutting head assembly having a motor driven blade is positioned above a tile supporting surface located in the tub and is movable with respect thereto. A laser projects a line of light from the cutting head assembly down onto the tile supporting surface to provide a visual representation of a cutting path of the blade. A scale permits measurement of a tile to be cut. The laser may be used with the scale to allow a user to quickly determine cutting widths without the need to manually mark the object to be cut. A light source, such as an LED, may be incorporated in the cutting head to illuminate an interior of the tub during operation of the tile cutting machine.

Abstract: A universal socket that forms around a fastener to drive the fastener received by the universal socket generally includes a socket housing including a circumferential wall that defines a chamber having an inner periphery and an opening. The inner periphery extends through the socket housing along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of pin members is operable to be disposed in the chamber. A plate member has a first surface and a second surface that define through holes formed between the first and second surfaces. The through holes accommodate a cross-sectional diameter of a middle portion of the pin members but each of the through holes is too small to accommodate a cross-sectional diameter of a first end portion of the pin members. The plate member is operable to connect in the chamber to hold the plurality of pin members in the socket housing. A plurality of pin cap members includes frangible connections with an adjacent pin cap member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system for forming miter joints including a miter saw and an angle gauge. The miter saw includes a platform with a kerf slot and a pair of arcuate slots. Each arcuate slot includes an associated rail located on the underside of the platform. A fence is coupled to each of the rails such that the fence may be pivoted with respect to the platform. The angle measurement tool is a one-handed tool including spring loaded paddles that measure the angle between intersecting surfaces. The angle measurement tool connects to the miter saw to permit the transfer of the measured angle to the fences.

Abstract: A machine is provided for cutting tiles and similar objects of various materials. The tile cutting machine includes a tub having at least one sidewall and a bottom for holding water. A holding mat is received within the tub that includes a number of nubs extending upwardly therefrom for supporting a tile to be cut using the tile cutting machine. A cutting head assembly movable relative to the tub includes a blade and a motor for powering the blade. The blade is positionable to a depth that allows full penetration through the tile and into contact with water received within the tub, thereby providing lubrication, cooling, and dust control while the tile is being cut.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tool support assembly having at least one rail with a rail bearing associated therewith for selective movement there along. The rail bearing includes a housing having a bore therethrough. A plurality of slots are located in the housing adjacent the bore. The slots receive an axle pin having a wheel thereon to provide a roller bearing. Portions of the wheels extend into the bore and ride along an outer surface of the rail when it is received in the bore.

Abstract: A universal socket that forms around a fastener to drive the fastener received by the universal socket generally includes a socket housing including a circumferential wall that defines a chamber having an inner periphery and an opening. The inner periphery extends through the socket housing along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of pin members is operable to be disposed in the chamber. A plate member has a first surface and a second surface that define through holes formed between the first and second surfaces. The through holes accommodate a cross-sectional diameter of a middle portion of the pin members but each of the through holes is too small to accommodate a cross-sectional diameter of a first end portion of the pin members. The plate member is operable to connect in the chamber to hold the plurality of pin members in the socket housing. A plurality of pin cap members includes frangible connections with an adjacent pin cap member.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tub having at least one sidewall and a bottom for holding water. An opening may be positioned in the sidewall and selectively covered by a door. A cutting head assembly includes a cutting device having a blade and a motor for powering the blade. The cutting device is selectively coupled with a rail assembly and movable there along. A tile supporting surface is located in the tub for supporting a tile to be cut. The tile supporting surface having areas of varying heights to accommodate tiles of various sizes.

Abstract: A hand tool for gripping a workpiece can include a first lever having a first handle and a first jaw and a second lever having a second handle and a second jaw. A locking assembly can include a pivoting lever, a locking pin and a blocking member. The pivoting lever can be pivotally coupled to the second lever. The blocking member can be coupled to the first lever. The pivoting lever can be movable between an unlocked position, wherein the first and second jaw move relative to each other and a locked position, wherein the first and second jaws are fixed relative to each other. In the locked position, the locking pin can be wedged against a contact surface of the blocking member precluding relative motion of the blocking member and the pivoting lever.

Abstract: A hand tool for gripping a workpiece can include a first lever having a first handle and a first jaw and a second lever having a second handle and a second jaw. A locking assembly can include a pivoting lever, a locking pin and a blocking member. The pivoting lever can be pivotally coupled to the second lever. The blocking member can be coupled to the first lever. The pivoting lever can be movable between an unlocked position, wherein the first and second jaw move relative to each other and a locked position, wherein the first and second jaws are fixed relative to each other. In the locked position, the locking pin can be wedged against a contact surface of the blocking member precluding relative motion of the blocking member and the pivoting lever.

Abstract: A device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy. The device is configured to permit manual actuation of the switch toggle.

Abstract: A portable paint station that includes a work table and a pair of legs that are positionable in a retracted position and an extended position. In one form, the paint station provides a work surface that may be selectively positioned at two distinct heights. In another form, the paint station provides a work surface with a roller tray recess that may be selectively covered to resist the formation of a skin on paint that is located in the recess. In a further form, the paint station provides a work table with a pair of legs. At least one set of the legs has a handle aperture that may be employed to hand carry the paint station on its side. In yet another form, the paint station includes a roller tray assembly that facilitates the short-term storage of a paint roller that is loaded with paint.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tub having at least one sidewall and a bottom for holding water. An opening may be positioned in the sidewall and selectively covered by a door. A cutting head assembly includes a cutting device having a blade and a motor for powering the blade. The cutting device is selectively coupled with a rail assembly and movable there along. A tile supporting surface is located in the tub for supporting a tile to be cut. The tile supporting surface having areas of varying heights to accommodate tiles of various sizes.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tool support assembly having at least one rail with a rail bearing associated therewith for selective movement there along. The rail bearing includes a housing having a bore therethrough. A plurality of slots are located in the housing adjacent the bore. The slots receive an axle pin having a wheel thereon to provide a roller bearing. Portions of the wheels extend into the bore and ride along an outer surface of the rail when it is received in the bore.

Abstract: A tile cutting machine includes a tub for receiving water and a tile to be cut therein. A cutting head assembly having a motor driven blade is positioned above a tile supporting surface located in the tub and is movable with respect thereto. A laser projects a line of light from the cutting head assembly down onto the tile supporting surface to provide a visual representation of a cutting path of the blade. A scale permits measurement of a tile to be cut. The laser may be used with the scale to allow a user to quickly determine cutting widths without the need to manually mark the object to be cut. A light source, such as an LED, may be incorporated in the cutting head to illuminate an interior of the tub during operation of the tile cutting machine.

Abstract: A machine is provided for cutting tiles and similar objects of various materials. The tile cutting machine includes a tub having at least one sidewall and a bottom for holding water. A holding mat is received within the tub that includes a number of nubs extending upwardly therefrom for supporting a tile to be cut using the tile cutting machine. A cutting head assembly movable relative to the tub includes a blade and a motor for powering the blade. The blade is positionable to a depth that allows full penetration through the tile and into contact with water received within the tub, thereby providing lubrication, cooling, and dust control while the tile is being cut.

Abstract: A device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy. The device is configured to permit manual actuation of the switch toggle.

Abstract: A device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy. The device is configured to permit manual actuation of the switch toggle.