Abstract: An apparatus for removing coil springs having a first upright handle member terminating on its upper end with a threaded drive block for accommodating a steel screw threadable through the drive block and movable along the threaded shaft. There is provided a first spring block secured to the upper face of the drive block for accommodating a first end of a coil spring. There is a second spring block on an end portion of the steel drive screw for accommodating the second end of the coil spring, so that rotation of the drive screw expands or retracts the distance between the first and second spring blocks, and would expand or retract the spring in sufficient distance to remove or replace the spring. There is further provided a guide plate below the second spring block, having a slot for accommodating a first bar for pushing or pulling a spring out of engagement and for accommodating a second bar having a member for pushing or pulling a spring out of engagement or pulling a cotter pin out of engagement.

Abstract: Hydraulic assembly tool having a tool fixed portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The tool fixed portion includes a hydraulic cylinder having a fluid pressure port at the proximal end of the tool fixed portion. The fluid pressure port is for receiving a fluid having a controllable pressure. The tool fixed portion includes a fixed jaw. The tool also has a moveable portion including a moveable jaw and a piston disposed in the hydraulic cylinder, the piston receiving a hydraulic force from the pressurized fluid. There is a compression spring engaging the tool fixed portion and the tool moveable portion, the compression spring urging the tool moveable portion including the moveable jaw in a direction opposite the direction of the hydraulic force.

Abstract: A kit for both removal of a camshaft from a cylinder block and for installation of a camshaft into a cylinder block includes a minimum of six unitary, molded plastic camshaft guides, an extraction tool, and a pilot to be attached to a rear face of the camshaft in order to provide additional support. Each camshaft guide has a generally C-shaped body and is constructed and arranged to fit onto a corresponding one of the camshaft lobes. Due to the “beyond center” configuration of each camshaft guide, a significant pulling force is required to remove each guide from its corresponding camshaft lobe. Each guide includes an internally-threaded hole which mates with a threaded end on the extraction tool and the extraction tool is used to manually pull each guide off of its corresponding lobe. The pilot includes a generally cylindrical body and a rod inserted therethrough having a threaded tip at one end and an enlarged head at the opposite end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high voltage powerline repair which includes temporarily attaching a template to a yoke plate which supports a plurality of powerlines from a tower. The template connects to winch lines which are positioned by the template on opposite sides of the yoke plate directly above a powerline. The winch lines extend from the template to a hand winch and from the hand winch to attachments with the powerline on opposite sides of the yoke plate. These hand winches are concurrently operated to draw the powerline on either side of the yoke plate angularly upward toward the template to break the tension on the powerline.

Abstract: A golf club head has a weight compartment within a hollow interior, and a weight member that is injected into the weight compartment subsequent to formation of the body of the golf club head. The preferred weight member is bismuth. The golf club head has a body that has a volume between 140 cubic centimeters and 350 cubic centimeters. The body of the golf club head weighs between 140 grams and 215 grams.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and handling parts for a packaging container comprises the steps of producing a number of tops in the form of pairwise reversed tops, separating the pairs one from another and providing them with closure arrangements. The tops may be manufactured by blow molding an extruded hose of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A roof curb installation tool has a pair of sliding hinged hooks for lifting the edge of a metal roof panel, and a pair of clamping tangs which can be secured to a vertical roof seam while a curb is being installed at a hole in the roof.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head that has a read head with a track width includes the steps of depositing a read track width defining material layer on a read sensor material layer; forming a bi-layer photoresist mask on the read track width defining material layer that masks a read track width defining layer portion of the read track width defining material layer; removing by reactive ion etching (RIE) a portion of the read track width defining material layer not masked by the photoresist mask to form the read track width defining layer portion with exposed first and second side edges that are spaced apart a distance equal to the track width; removing by ion milling a first portion of the read sensor material layer not masked by the read track width defining layer portion to form a second portion of the read sensor material layer with exposed first and second side edges that have a width equal to the track width; depositing hard bias and lead material layers on the photoresist mask in contact with the firs

Abstract: A first rotor and a second rotor are prepared. The first rotor has a resistor and inner-peripheral and outer-peripheral electrodes respectively connected to end portions of this resistor. The second rotor has a resistor and inner-peripheral and outer-peripheral electrodes symmetrical with those of the first rotor, provided at a position corresponding to that obtained by rotating the first rotor about the axis of the first rotor by an angle of 180° with respect to the first rotor. A variable resistor selectively uses either one of the first rotor and second rotor. This makes it possible to provide a variable resistor which requires few parts. Also, this makes it possible to reduce the kinds of bending operations that must be performed on the terminals.

Abstract: A plug cap and a method for attaching the plug cap which prevents the occurrence of depressions on a spark plug screw thread and in a cylindrical section of the plug cap. The plug cap includes a spring pin having a straight section which engages a groove in the conductive cylindrical section of the plug cap. The plug cap also has an identifying part on its exterior which indicates the direction in which the straight section is oriented. The plug cap is installed on the spark plug in a way which orients the straight section of the spring pin in a direction parallel to the principle vibration axis of the engine. The base of the plug cap groove may also be cut to a width which dampens the effect of vibrations causing translation of the straight section within the groove. The groove sidewalls may be angled to aid in removal of the plug cap.

Abstract: A method for attaching an integrated circuit to a flexible circuit which includes the acts of providing an integrated circuit having a plurality of contact pads formed upon a surface thereof; providing a flexible circuit possessing a plurality of contact bumps formed integral to a surface area; and attaching the integrated circuit to the flexible circuit by fusing at least some of the contact bumps of the flexible circuit to at least some of the contact pads of the integrated circuit. The contact bumps have a shape which mitigates local stress buildup within the contact bumps after attachment of the contact bumps to the contact pads, so as to enhance the reliability of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A high-frequency circuit board free from variations in transmission impedance and having the desired characteristics is produced. A surface of a resin substrate is activated to form a roughened surface, and a thin-wall pattern of an electrically conductive metal is formed directly on the roughened surface of the resin substrate.

Abstract: To enable vias to be arranged at an improved density and ensure good electrical connection between conductor wiring patterns in the adjoining insulating layers, a process of producing a multilayer circuit board having multiple layers of conductor wiring patterns with insulating layers intervening therebetween, the insulating layers having vias extending therethrough to provide electrical connection between the conductor wiring patterns, the process comprising the steps of: providing a circuit board having a conductor wiring pattern formed on one side thereof; forming an insulating layer covering the conductor wiring pattern and said one side of the circuit board; forming a viahole extending through the insulating layer to the conductor wiring pattern, the viahole having a bottom defined by an exposed portion of the conductor wiring pattern; forming a recess in the insulating layer, the recess extending from an orifice of the viahole in the same pattern as another conductor wiring pattern which will be formed

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an insulation displacement contact dimple comprising the steps of. (a) positioning a metal element between a first concave upper die and a first convex lower die having a radius to form a dimple shape in the medial element; (b) positioning the dimple shaped metal element formed in step (a) between a second concave upper die and second convex lower die having a radius smaller than the radius of the first convex lower die to reform the dimple shaped metal element formed in step (a); and (c) positioning the dimple shaped metal element formed in step (b) between a third concave upper die and a third convex lower die having a radius larger than the radius of the second convex lower die. A contact dimple manufactured by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an annular liner for a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine. The combustion chamber has a dome including a fuel nozzle for delivering fuel to the combustion chamber. A metal piece is formed into an annular section constituting at least a portion of the liner and having at least one seam extending generally axially with respect to an axial centerline of the liner. An upstream end of the liner is machined to have a registration feature for connecting the liner to the combustion chamber dome in at least one predetermined orientation with respect to the dome. Further, the method includes ensuring the registration feature and the seam are located relative to each other on the liner so the seam is at a preselected position with respect to the combustion chamber dome when the liner is connected to the combustion chamber dome in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a fuel injector having a valve plunger reciprocable in a guide tube for movement from a closed position engaging a valve seat to an open position engaging a valve stop by energizing of a solenoid coil to move the plunger against a biasing spring, wherein the method includes setting the valve stop at a position effective to establish the desired valve stroke, and fixing the valve stop to the guide tube by first laser spot welding the valve stop in the guide tube to fix the position of the valve stop without changing the set gap, and then laser seam welding the valve stop in the guide tube at an axial location beyond the spot welds, relative to a plunger-engagable end of the valve stop, to provide a hermetic seal around the valve stop.

Abstract: A method is provided for repairing an article having a fissure in a metallic overlay environmental resistant coating that includes the element Al, for example an overlay coating of the MCrAlY type. The method depletes more than about 90 wt. % of the Al from an exposed coating surface within the fissure and from a coating outer surface adjacent the fissure, to a depth of at least about 7 mils, without removal of the coating and while substantially maintaining the coating thickness. Thereafter, the fissure is repaired.

Abstract: A process for making a fluid-tight connection between a tube and a plate-shaped member. The process entails inserting one end of a tube into a correspondingly-sized hole in a plate-shaped member so that the tube end contacts the plate-shaped member and extends beyond a surface of the plate-shaped member. A mandrel is then inserted and pressed into the tube end while heating the mandrel to a temperature sufficient to soften and deform the tube end and increase contact between the tube end and the plate-shaped member, such that the tube is secured to the plate-shaped member and a fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A method of diminishing the size of the cross section of an opening of a first hollow device located in an undersea flow pipe through which passes a fluid flow uses a second hollow device to be inserted into the undersea flow pipe, the second hollow device being provided with a leading portion and a trailing portion, the leading portion being of a smaller external diameter than the trailing portion, the second hollow device being provided with a passage extending longitudinally theretrough. Next a foam pig is inserted immediately after the second hollow device. Urged by the fluid flow, the foam pig displaces the second hollow device along said undersea flow pipe, until the second hollow device encounters the first hollow device. The leading portion of the second hollow device is then inserted into an opening of the first device, thereby diminishing the size of a cross section of the opening.

Abstract: A nozzle plate, particularly for fuel injection valves, with at least one flow path which has at least one supply opening, which path includes a ring gap which opens into a ring-shaped exit opening, as well as a method for the production of such a nozzle plate. For the nozzle plate, it is provided that the flow path has a ring channel assigned to the supply opening, which channel makes a transition into a cylinder-shaped ring gap with a cross-section which narrows in the region of the exit opening. The production of the nozzle plate takes place in that a cavity mold corresponding to the flow path through the nozzle plate is produced, that a layer embedding the cavity mold is galvanically deposited, and that the cavity mold is removed from the galvanically deposited layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a gear assembly 108 which allows for the relatively efficient transfer of energy. Assembly 108 is created by forming a first member 10 and a second member 40, by placing pinion support members 80 within the second member 40, by placing gear assemblies or pinions 63 upon each of the pinion support members 80, and by coupling the pinion support members 80 to the first member 10, thereby forming gear assembly 108.

Abstract: In-line razor-blade shaving devices feature two sets of razor blade strips pointing inwardly in opposite directions. The devices are designed for safely and rapidly shaving hair from large body portions such as legs and arms. Each device features an elongated handle arranged in line with an elongated bi-directional razor blade head. Each set of razor blade strips in the head may be provided with one or more straight razor-sharp edges, which point in the same direction, while the blade edges of the two sets point inwardly toward from one another, generally in opposite directions. The edges of blade strips of the two sets may be arranged in one common working plane, or each set may be in its own working plane, with the planes at an angle to one another. The working planes are defined by the elongated front and rear guard surfaces of the blade-edge guarding system on the face of the razor head. These guard surfaces contact a user's skin before and after the razor-sharp edges to help ensure safe shaving.

Abstract: A knife includes a handle, a blade, and a light-emitting member disposed in the interior of the handle such that the light-emitting member emits light at the time when the blade is folded out of the handle, and such that the light-emitting member stops emitting light at the time when the blade is folded into the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pair of fastening strap scissors including two blades pivoted with each other and each having a first end formed with a cutting section and a second secured with a respective handle. The cutting section of each of the two blades is formed with an oblique blade edge and has a distal end formed with a bent hook. The bent hook has a distal end formed with a hook tip located outside of the blade edge. An oblique guide face is formed on the bent hook and located between the blade edge of the cutting section and the hook tip of the bent hook of the cutting section. An insertion angle is formed on the connection of the guide face and the blade edge so as to clip a fastening strap, thereby facilitating the work of cutting the fastening strap.

Abstract: A folding knife with a safety for blade is provided. When a blade of the folding knife is in an extended position for use, a slip switch of the safety for blade could be moved to a safety lock position to depress a lock member for a lower rod portion of the latter to engage into a first locking hole on the blade, so that the blade would not turn back into a handle of the folding knife even when a blade lock of the knife is unexpectedly separated from the blade. And, when the slip switch is moved to the safety lock position when the blade is in a folded position in the handle, the lower rod portion of the lock member would engage into a second locking hole on the blade to prevent the blade from unexpectedly turning out of the handle.

Abstract: A manually operable hair-cutting tool is disclosed wherein a plurality of paired cutting blades operate together simultaneously to achieve cutting or thinning of hair. The hair-cutting tool preferably comprises three pairs of elongated cutting blades, the pairs separate from each other but provided with an element of being connected together at a pivot point and thereby forming a combination of a central pair of cutting blades and two outer pairs of cutting blades, such that the cutting blades operate together through movement of actuating handles on the central pair of cutting blades around the pivot point. The outer pairs of cutting blades can optionally be removed for operation of the hair-cutting tool as a traditional pair of scissors and for ease of sharpening.

Abstract: A pair of hairdressing scissors comprises two cutting members pivotally connected together. Each cutting member comprises a handle at a first end thereof and a blade at a second end thereof. At least one first positioning hole is defined in a side of a first one of the handles. At least one second positioning hole is defined in a side of a second one of the handles. At least one first engaging member is secured to the other side of the first handle. At least one second engaging member is secured to the other side of the second handle. An end of each of the first and the second engaging members of one pair of hairdressing scissors is releasably force fitted into an associated one of the first and second positioning holes of another pair of hairdressing scissors.

Abstract: A lopping apparatus includes a first handle having a first blade storage compartment. The lopping apparatus further includes a first blade member connected to the first handle, the first blade member having a first cutting portion. The lopping apparatus additionally includes a second handle having a second blade storage compartment. Moreover, the lopping apparatus includes a second blade member connected to the second handle, the second blade member having a second cutting portion. The lopping apparatus additionally includes a first connecting link pivotally coupled to both (i) the first handle at a first pivot location which defines a first pivot axis, and (ii) the second handle at a second pivot location which defines a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis define a line L. The lopping apparatus is positionable in a lopping mode of operation and a storage mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention describes a cutting knife for a cutting tool for cutting through adhesive beads on glass panes of vehicles, having a cross section that is bent into a U-shape and comprises a first limb, configured as the attachment part, with a receiving opening for attachment to an oscillating drive, and a second limb that is configured as the cutting part and is joined via an intermediate part to the attachment part of the cutting knife, the intermediate part and the cutting part being shaped such that a distance exists in the radial direction between the center point of the receiving opening and at least one cutting edge. The cutting part has, in a middle region between its outer free end and its angled transition to the intermediate part, a lesser width than at the transition and at the outer end. This results in a reduced susceptibility to breakage.

Abstract: The invention is an electric knife that runs on a battery or by use of a corded power converter. The handle housing has an electric reciprocating motor activated by a power button located on the handle of the knife. Different sizes and shapes of knife blades, dependent on the task, can be inserted into a locking slot in the front of the motorized head, and only released by a heavy-duty lock knife release button. The motorized head is powered directly by an electric motor located directly behind it in the handle.

Abstract: A monofilament string trimmer line exhibiting reduced noise and reduced drag has a uniform oval cross section throughout its length. The monofilament line is spirally twisted about its longitudinal axis over at least a portion of its length to reduce noise production and drag.

Abstract: Protective sheath for saw teeth of a handsaw, including a base section, a protective slat and multiple magnetic members. The base section has an upper edge and a lower edge marked with British and metric system scales. The protective slat integrally extends from the lower edge of the base section to define a protective slot. The multiple magnetic members are inlaid in the base section beside the protective slot at predetermined positions for attracting the saw blade. This invention has a better attractively fixing effect. The protective sheath is applicable to different kinds of handsaws with various patterns of handles. In addition, the protective sheath also serves as a ruler.

Abstract: A safety razor is disclosed. In this razor, the head of the handle allows a blade cartridge to move on the curved skin while being smoothly, sensitively and elastically rotated around the hinged points. The razor is also provided with separate elastic biasing members for respectively allowing the desired elastic swinging action of the blade cartridge relative to the head and allowing an easy attachment or removal of the blade cartridge relative to the head. In the safety razor, the hinged points of the cartridge are positioned at the front end of the head at a position below the central axis of the cartridge, thus allowing the cartridge to be rotatable backward around the hinged points at an enlarged swing angle when a user unconsciously and excessively presses the cartridge against the skin while shaving.

Abstract: A high-precision device for providing positioning, registration and displacement includes a two-dimensional table for providing positioning and displacement, and a registration unit for bringing markers into registration with one another. The registration unit is attached to a carriage of the table via flexible articulated supports and can be moved by several, preferably seven, drives. The device can be used as a work table for reduction projectors and scanning electron microscopes, for example for investigating structural properties of materials.

Abstract: A pulley alignment tool for checking the centerline alignment between a driving pulley and a driven pulley which are connected by a V-belt includes a targeting laser which is constructed and arranged to generate a beam of light which will be directed from a location adjacent the driving pulley to a location on the surface of the driven pulley. The targeting laser is mounted in a holder and the holder is constructed and arranged for attachment into the groove of the driving pulley. As a preliminary step, the V-belt which initially connects the driving pulley and driven pulley is removed, thereby making the driving pulley groove accessible for mounting the holder. An elastic cord is used to encircle the driving pulley and is connected to opposite ends of the holder in order to maintain the holder in a fixed position on the surface of the driving pulley. The targeting laser is used to check the centerline alignment between the driving and driven pulleys.

Abstract: The invention is a new building tool for leveling a flat surface while removing irregularities in the surface by sanding. The tool, named a “rasping level,” integrates into one instrument the functions of leveling and sanding a surface. The rasping level consists of a frame, levels positioned on the top surface of the frame, and sandpaper on the under surface (second surface) of the frame. Along the lengthwise edges of the top surface of the frame are “grippers” for holding and manipulating the tool. The frame and grippers are made of light weight but rigid material. The levels may be typical spirit levels that are used to measure the level and plumb of wall surfaces. Heavy grit sandpaper covers the under surface of the frame. The sandpaper is attached to the under surface of the frame by aerosol adhesive or semipermanent liquid adhesive. Worn-out sandpaper can be removed and replaced by fresh sandpaper as needed.

Abstract: A dual chalk line device for marking straight lines in construction applications. The dual chalk line device includes a housing with a pair of separable sections and a pair of openings. Each of the sections has a sidewall, a pair of opposite ends, and a pair of side edges extending between the ends. A divider panel is positioned between the sections of the housing to separate the housing into a pair of compartments. A first spool is rotatably disposed in one of the compartments of the housing. A second spool is rotatably disposed in another of the compartments of the housing. Each of the spools has a quantity of line wrapped therearound. A pair of handles are mounted to the spools and positioned outside the housing. The handles permit external rotation of the spools.

Abstract: A see-thru engineering instrument has markings defining sets of longitudinal reference lines along its length. The reference lines are disposed inwardly of the side edges, and define segmentation patterns distinct to each set, distinguishing lines of the respective sets from each other. Lines of respective sets are preferably interposed each between respective lines of ones of another set or sets. Line segments in a single instrument, of the like illustrated, can define discrete measurable distances of any one, up to all, of {fraction (1/16)}, ⅛, {fraction (3/16)}, ¼, ½, ¾, {fraction (13/16)}, ⅞ and {fraction (15/16)} inch. The back surface of the instrument preferably has a matte finish. The width of the instrument is greater than 3 inches, preferably about 4 inches. The length is greater than 12 inches, preferably about 13 inches. The thickness is preferably about {fraction (1/16)} inch. The length/width ratio is at least {fraction (2/1)}.

Abstract: A force characterization device utilizes a flexure having a compliant portion and a solid portion. During operation of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) on the solid portion of the flexure, a first capacitance probe detects displacement of the solid portion of the flexure in a first dimension and a second capacitance probe detects displacement of the solid portion of the flexure in a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension. The detected displacements in the first and second dimensions of the solid portion of the flexure are correlated to forces applied to the flexure in the first and second dimensions based on the detected displacements and the predetermined spring constant of the compliant portion of the flexure. A total applied force is determined based on the forces applied to the flexure in the first and second dimensions. The flexure may be utilized for touch-trigger operations or scanning operations of the CMM.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a scanning system comprising a machine and a measuring probe, includes the steps of error mapping the system statically and qualifying the stylus tip so that the system will provide accurate measurements, determining the positions of a number of datum points on the surface of an artefact with the probe stylus in contact with the workpiece and at zero deflection normal to the surface, scanning the surface through the datum points at a nominal stylus deflection and at the maximum speed which provides repeatable position measurements to make a second determination of the positions of the datum points, determining the errors attributable to the scanning process by subtracting the positions obtained in the first and second determinations, and storing the error values for correction of subsequent measurements of similar artefacts.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the amount by which the centerline of a shaft disposed in a vessel is offset from the central vertical axis of the vessel, and for measuring the height of such shaft above the inside bottom of the vessel. Apparatus includes a shaft centerline offset measurement device, a shaft height measurement device, and a control/display console. Each measurement device includes a transducer or optical encoder for sensing a displaced position of a biased plunger to which a code strip is mounted. The devices may be combined into a single shaft offset and height measurement device. Improved methods include calculating shaft offset based on a plurality of readings from the transducer, and applying trigonometric relationships. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in the verification of paddle or basket shafts utilized in dissolution testing stations, so that the dissolution testing protocol complies with government agency guidelines.

Abstract: A template 10 can be used to mark or scribe either a single gang opening or a dual gang opening for mounting an electrical box in a wall. The template is especially adapted to mark openings for “old work” boxes mounted directly to drywall. The template 10 includes a vertical level 16 and a horizontal level 18 protruding from the front face of the template 10 so that the template can be squared in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation. The level are mounted in housings 20, 30 that protrude far enough to form finger grips. The openings are cut around the periphery of the template and vertical slots 38, 44 are provided intermediate the sides of the template to form an opening for a single gang box. A dual gang box opening can be marked primarily using the peripheral edges of the template 10.

Abstract: Data obtained by rotating a set of sensors attached to rotatable parts or the like, in order to perform an alignment of such rotatable parts, is organized in three dimensional vector form (triplets). Two components of such a three dimensional vector will relate to observed apparent geometrical shifts and one component relates to an angle of rotation. In order to arrive at an improved “best fit” when evaluating the data, a three dimensional analysis is performed, based on the concept of an elliptical helix, and using spatial filtering or a neural network. For spatial filtering, three dimensional Fourier transforms are used.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the apical angle of a countersink (3). A jig (5) positions a probe (8) with preferably three branches (11) that rest against the inner surface of the countersink. A contact lever (12) pivots on at least one branch, and rests axially inside the countersink. A dial (13) communicates with the contact lever by way of a sensor (14). The sensor rests against the contact lever remote from the articulation (15) between the lever and the branches.

Abstract: A constant pressure mechanism of a probe for urging the probe in a predetermined direction by virtue of elastic force of a spring is provided. The mechanism comprises a circular pulley rotatably supported around a central axis by an instrument stationary portion, a rotation force urging mechanism for urging the pulley in the predetermined direction, and a first wire adjoining the pulley to the probe. The rotation force urging mechanism comprises a spiral pulley coaxial with and capable of combined rotation with the circular pulley, and a second wire connecting the spiral pulley to the spring. The other end of the spring is connected to the instrument stationary portion. Strict contact pressure of the probe is maintained throughout its motion.

Abstract: An inexpensive and easily used gauge for accurately gauging the position of a tool is described. The gauge includes at least one fixed or adjustable gauging reference positioned relative to the table or other work locating datum of the power tool. The gauging reference has a conductive surface to be brought into contact with the working element of the tool. A gauge for measuring the angle of a tool is also described with a gauging reference that contacts the tool in a plane parallel to the plane of motion of the working elements of the tool. An LED and battery are connected in series and to the gauging reference and to a second contact node. The second node of the normally open circuit is insulated from the gauging reference but arranged for contact with a conductive path to the working elements of the tool. When the gauging reference and the contact are in conductive engagement with the tool an LED emits light indicating that the working element of the tool is in the correct position.

Abstract: A siding application tool and a method for installing siding using the tool is described. The tool includes an overlap portion 14 having upper and lower ends, an L-shaped hook portion 10 with an upper bearing surface 12a that forms a generally right-angle hook with the overlap portion, an L-shaped retainer portion 16 with a lower bearing surface 12b that forms a generally right-angle retainer with the overlap portion, and a plate member 18, which may optionally include a slot 20 configured to accept the tongue of a tape measure.

Abstract: An integrated marker and tape measure (20) which include a flexible tape and recoil assembly (24) and a marking mechanism (40). A desired tape dimension is aligned with a fixed indicator on the housing and a mark is made at the indicator on a surface being measured. The tool makes a linear mark by means of a simple button press which slidably moves the marking mechanism (40) across the surface. There is also included the option to have a braking mechanism, a locking mechanism, a level (120), a lens (118), a light (112), a marking template (122), and a means to add and subtract these optional features. The marking mechanism (40) can be exchanged with other marking mechanisms utilizing a variety of marking media.

Abstract: A pneumatic hair-conditioner system has a vacuum pump (1, 4, 6, 30) attached predeterminedly to a hair processor (2, 25, 28, 29, 31) which employs airflow to the vacuum pump for predetermined hair processing by the hair processor. The vacuum pump and the hair processor can be either a dedicated-process conditioner with permanently integral attachment and pneumatic communication of a single select processor for predeterminedly limited hair-processing use or a multi-process conditioner with detachable attachment and integral communication of a plurality of select processors for predeterminedly multiple hair-processing uses. Optionally, the vacuum pump can be reversible for blowing instead of sucking air in pneumatic communication with the hair processor. For blowing, application of heat also is optional.

Abstract: A micropore drying apparatus having a variable wet flow resistance. The flow resistance preferably decreases in the machine direction. The micropore drying apparatus may comprise a single integral unit having an decreasing wet flow resistance from the beginning to the end of the unit. Alternatively, the micropore drying apparatus may comprise a plurality of discrete units, each unit having a successively lesser flow resistance than that of the preceding unit. Alternatively, a hybrid arrangement may be used wherein each discrete unit has a successively decreasing flow resistance within that unit. The micropore drying apparatus may comprise one or more micropore drying media. The micropore drying media have pores which allow air flow therethrough. The pores are disposed in a grid, to form a field of pores. The decreasing flow resistance may preferably be provided by adjusting one or more of said pores, which affect the flow resistance through a single pore or through the entire field of the pores.