Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, and a lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a line on the reference surface.

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: Various improved methods are provided for fastening two of more steel framing members together with a fastener. In one aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section such that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the underside of the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members In another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a steel tip nose for piercing the framing members and a plastic stem section, such that a portion of the stem section extending beyond the underside of the framing members expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members. In yet another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved laser level. In one embodiment, the laser level comprises a housing having a base. The laser level further comprises any combination of an anchor assembly, a suction assembly, or a magnet to be used for attaching the laser level to a surface. An adjustment assembly provides control and precision by allowing leveling or plumbing of the laser level after it attaches to the surface and by converting a relatively large rotation of an adjustment handle into a finer leveling adjustment of the laser level. In an embodiment, the laser level attaches to an auxiliary base that allows leveling of the laser level in two perpendicular planes and allows the laser level to attach to a tripod for use horizontally, vertically, and angles in between. In an embodiment, a rotary part allows selection from multiple lenses the one appropriate lens for the desired task.

Abstract: Various improved methods are provided for fastening two of more steel framing members together with a fastener. In one aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section such that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the underside of the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members In another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a steel tip nose for piercing the framing members and a plastic stem section, such that a portion of the stem section extending beyond the underside of the framing members expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members. In yet another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.

Abstract: A tamper having a foldable or pivotal handle assembly for substantially reducing the area occupied by the tamper during transportation, display, and storage of the tamper is provided. The invention particularly pertains to a tamper tool assembly that includes a pivoting handle configured to pivot between various orientations relative to a tamping base. The tamper tool assembly includes an elongated handle assembly having a collar attached to a distal end, a tamping base having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a housing member disposed on the upper surface of the tamping base, wherein the housing member comprises a plurality of clamping surfaces and a joint configured to pivotally receive the elongated handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved laser level. In one embodiment, the laser level comprises a housing having a base. The laser level further comprises any combination of an anchor assembly, a suction assembly, or a magnet to be used for attaching the laser level to a surface. An adjustment assembly provides control and precision by allowing leveling or plumbing of the laser level after it attaches to the surface and by converting a relatively large rotation of an adjustment handle into a finer leveling adjustment of the laser level. In an embodiment, the laser level attaches to an auxiliary base that allows leveling of the laser level in two perpendicular planes and allows the laser level to attach to a tripod for use horizontally, vertically, and angles in between. In an embodiment, a rotary part allows selection from multiple lenses the one appropriate lens for the desired task.

Abstract: A hangtag is provided that is capable of hanging multiple tools. The hangtag has a body portion, a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion, and a tool supporting mechanism also connected to the body portion for supporting a tool. The body portion has a front surface and a back surface. On the back surface is disposed a hangtag attachment apparatus. The hangtag attachment apparatus comprises a bracket, and an elongated attachment bar configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the bracket. The attachment bar has a length that permits it to be connected to at least two and preferably more hangtags so that multiple hangtags may be selectively connected together. In this way, tools that would otherwise be sold individually can now be sold as a set.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a workshop unit for use as a grinding center that includes a support frame having a drive motor and a multi-station tool mounted thereto. Particularly, the grinding center may be used for operations including but not limited to grinding, buffing, polishing, sanding, and cleaning. The multi-station tool includes a plurality of rotary tools, a power transfer system, and a rotary tool selecting system. The power transfer system operates through a plurality of pulleys each in communication with at least one rotary tool and the drive motor through a plurality of transmission links. The rotary tool selecting system, which includes one or more control shafts and a clutch system, allows each tool to be selectively and independently operated.

Abstract: A network based product design system and method allows product design. The system comprises a central processing unit capable of product design; at least one communication link allows selective two-way communication to the central processing means; and a network selectively interconnects and communicates the central processing unit to at least one party through the at least one communication link. Each party that is connected to the central processing unit is capable of providing input regarding a product design, the network being capable of allowing the input to be simultaneously viewed by each party so that input made by one party is capable of being accessed by at least one other party.

Abstract: A network based product design system and method allows product design. The system comprises a central processing unit is for product design; at least one communication link allows selective two-way communication to the central processing means; and a network selectively interconnects and communicates the central processing unit to at least one party through the at least one communication link. Each party that is connected to the central processing unit is capable of providing input regarding a product design, the network being capable of allowing the input to be simultaneously viewed by each party so that input made by one party is capable of being accessed by at least one other party.

Abstract: Various improved methods are provided for fastening two of more steel framing members together with a fastener. In one aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section such that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the underside of the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members In another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a steel tip nose for piercing the framing members and a plastic stem section, such that a portion of the stem section extending beyond the underside of the framing members expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members. In yet another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.

Abstract: Stearic acid monoesters and diesters of polypropylene glycol (PPG), together with a hydrocarbon diluent, give exceptional defoaming performance in mineral processing streams over defoaming compositions made with esters of other fatty acids. The defoaming ability of compositions made from stearic acid esters of PPG is further enhanced by the inclusion of a relatively small amount of a non-ionic dispersing surfactant.