Abstract: A garment pattern sizing template system comprises a sheet of transparent plastic. A plurality of radial construction lines extend from a region on the sheet at angles. A plurality of grids each have a central line with holes equally spaced along the central line and spaced lateral marking lines extending from the holes with sequential marking numbers from a lower number to a larger number with the central hole located on a radial construction line. The radial construction lines are sequentially marked with construction indicia.

Abstract: A bow sight has a plurality of subassemblies adjustably attached to a main frame to permit vertical adjustment of the cross hairs. The subassemblies lie in different planes so that when the bow sight is used with a high powered, high speed bow, two or more of the cross hairs to be stacked or closely positioned, if necessary.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a line projecting device that can project a line spanning 360 degrees onto a working surface. The line projecting device preferably comprises two line projectors back to back and a leveling device. The leveling device is used to indicate the horizontal position of the line projectors, both being in a same plane. Each line projector consists in a source of light that can direct a collimated light beam on a transparent annular cylinder. A plurality of partial reflections and refractions of the light beam inside the cylinder create a line that spans over 360 degrees on working surfaces in the line of sight of the projector.

Abstract: A three-axis physical model is used to numerically compensate for errors in measured magnetic field values in an electronic compass for operation at any orientation. This compensation method generates certain quantities that characterize the magnetic field of the Earth in the vertical plane. These quantities are used to monitor the accuracy of the electronic compass during normal operation by comparing their current values either with values obtained during the calibration procedure or with values obtained from historical averages. Significant departure from the calibration values or from the historical averages indicates a probable loss of accuracy of the compass, and the user is so alerted.

Abstract: A plumb bob system for allowing an individual to easily utilize a plumb bob in determining whether a wall is plumb. The plumb bob system includes a pole, an engaging structure attached to an upper end of the pole, a pulley rotatably positioned within the engaging structure, a spool containing a length of string passing about the pulley, and a plumb bob attached to the end of the string opposite of the spool. The engaging structure is comprised of a first member and a second member having a first edge and a second edge respectively. The first edge and second edge have a common length of radius from a center point of the pulley to provide an average upper distance (Z) of the string from the wall. The center of the plumb bob has a distance from the lower portion of the wall (X) that is compared to the upper distance (Z). If the upper distance (Z) and the lower distance (X) are equal then the wall is being constructed plumb and no modifications are required in the construction of the wall.

Abstract: The spacing tool has two spacer blades each having a hole therein, and a handle movably mounted in these holes. A gauge block is mounted to and between the spacer blades adjacent the handle. The spacing tool also has screws or other fasteners to removably retain the spacer blades to the gauge block. In the preferred embodiment, the gauge block consists of a piece of lumber from the same load or bundle of lumber as the deck boards being installed. Accurate fit of the tool over a board and accurate board spacing is therefore obtained on every project.

Abstract: A probe head 10 and a laser interferometric displacement meter 20 are provided. The probe head supports a probe 2 that is capable of contacting a workpiece 1, that is free to move in the direction of the workpiece, and drives the probe towards the workpiece. The displacement meter measures the displacement of the probe with a high accuracy without contact. The probe head 10 is also provided with a probe shaft 12 with steps 11a, 11b at intermediate portions thereof and air bearings 14a, 14b that support the probe shaft on each side of the steps. The air bearings have a high stiffness in the radial direction, and the probe shaft is made to float by using compressed air, thus the resistance of the shaft to sliding is reduced. In addition, another compressed air is supplied to the location of the step and produces a driving force in the direction of the workpiece due to the difference of cross sectional areas on each side of the step, that provides a very small load within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention involves building sheets with a plurality of grooves indented into a surface of the building sheet to provide a guide for cutting the building sheet along the grooves. Preferably, the grooves are arranged in a regularly repeating pattern and are spaced apart by a standard unit of measurement in order for a cutter to accurately size the building sheet to a precise dimension. A simple scoring knife is preferably used to score the sheet along the grooves, without the need for a straight edge, and the sheet is broken by simply bending the sheet of along the score mark. The grooves are preferably provided at a depth into the surface the sheet such that they do not substantially decrease the strength of the sheet or affect off-groove scoring. Thus, a score mark can be made between or across grooves without deflection of the mark into a groove and without breakage of the sheet along a groove when the sheet is bent.

Abstract: A method for controlling differential shrinkage during drying of ceramic honeycomb substrates by heating the ceramic honeycomb substrate with a vapor-insulating guard disposed substantially about the ceramic honeycomb substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.

Abstract: A footwear sole is provided that comprises a first layer and a display element integral with the first layer. The first layer has a lower surface and an upper surface and is at least semi-transparent such that the display element is observable through the first layer.

Abstract: An improved safety shoe for protecting a person's foot from harmful injury including a high impact resistant outer shell, an inner dense foam insert, a solid toe cap, a heel cup, an inner sole, an outer sole and a moisture dissipating material surrounding the dense foam insert. The outer shell includes a series of flexible interlocking sliding bands arranged surrounding the foot and folding under the foot between the outer sole and the inner sole. Entrance to the boot is by means of a rear opening having a flush mounted buckle for closing the boot around the foot.

Abstract: A boot is constituted, on the one hand, of a shell (1), a cuff (2) joined to the shell, the shell and the cuff presenting zones of differing rigidity (18, 19a, 27, 28). The zones of lesser rigidity (14, 16, 18) of the shell permitting the support, on the sides of the shell, of a rigid heel zone (5) extending toward the front by a lateral oblique band (10) carrying the buckles (11, 12). The rigid zone of the cuff comprises two lateral flaps (19) and at least a collar (20) wherein the rearward portion of the collar is connected to the heel by a joining component (24) regulating the flexing and the rear support. The surface of the rigid zones is minimal.

Abstract: A power transmission system for use in a snow-removing machine has a drive shaft having a first end for supporting a snow blower having a forward end and a rearward end. The drive shaft has second end disposed opposite the first end and for extension from the forward end of the snow blower. An auger transmission is connected to the second end of the drive shaft and has an auger shaft for undergoing rotation in accordance with rotation of the drive shaft. An auger is mounted on the auger shaft for rotation therewith. An overload protecting mechanism is disposed between the snow blower and the auger transmission for preventing application of a power overload between the drive shaft and the auger.

Abstract: A swivel connection for quick attachment bracket equipped excavator booms. The swivel connection has a frame that mounts onto a quick attachment bracket on an excavator or backhoe boom, and the frame pivotally mounts a second attachment bracket about a swivel axis. The second attachment bracket is adapted to fit into a frame on an implement that also is connectable to the bracket on the boom. An implement attached to the second bracket this can be pivoted relative to the frame of the swivel connection. A linear hydraulic actuator is used for controlling the pivoting movement of the second bracket relative to the frame.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ironing shoe with a fastening device for fastening and releasing the fastener of a pressing surface of an electric steam iron, with a soleplate base having soleplate openings for the discharge of steam, the underside of which is used for ironing the article needing to be ironed and the upper side of which has disposed thereon an insert arrangement having insert openings for the passage of steam from the steam iron to the soleplate openings. In order to improve the utility characteristics of the ironing shoe and in particular of the insert arrangement, it is proposed providing the insert arrangement with a capillary layer made of a moisture-absorbing material on the side close to the upper side of the soleplate base, and with an impermeable layer on the side close to the steam iron.

Abstract: A process is provided for transferring an image from an imaged transfer sheet onto a receptor using a hand iron. The process provides for an improved transfer performance.

Abstract: A device for displaying information or advertisements consisting of first and second substantially rectangular webs in superposition and connected by a fold line as well as, at least two adjacent margins by an adhesive tongue to form a pouch for retaining a flat body, and of a third rectangular web connected to one of the first and second webs along a margin thereof by a spine so that it may be folded over the pouch, the third web being connected on its surface with a fourth web consisting of a plurality of sections which may be folded into superposition and be retained between the pouch and the third web.

Abstract: A lamp includes a main body mounted on a base and formed from multiple layers of transparent wall panels that are spaced from one another by a small distance so that a narrow chamber is provided between any two adjacent layers of wall panels. Each of the narrow chambers contains a colored liquid and is provided at a bottom with an air supply port to communicate with air pumping equipment. When the pumping equipment is actuated, air bubbles are continuously produced to enter the narrow chambers, where the bubbles are flattened into irregular and clear shapes enclosed by differently colored liquids while moving upward in the narrow chambers. A light-emitting diode mounted at a bottom of the main body projects light beams to shine on the irregular floating bubbles and the color liquids in the multiple layers of narrow chambers, creating dynamic, changing and colorful views on the lamp.

Abstract: A holiday display including a base portion including a body portion having an upper end, a lower end, and side walls extending therebetween. The base portion includes a pair of arms extending outwardly from the upper end of the body portion. The base portion includes a head portion swively secured to the upper end of the body portion. An outer decorative portion is provided that is adapted for removably covering the base portion.

Abstract: A luminaire comprises a relatively thin and flat light-emitting panel (1) having a light-emitting window (2) and, opposite said light-emitting window, a rear wall (3) with opposed edge surfaces (4, 14). At least one of the edge surfaces (4) is light transmitting and associated with a plurality of light sources (5, 5′, 5″, . . . ). Light originating from the light sources (5, 5′, 5″, . . . ) is spread in the panel (1). The invention is characterized in that a plurality of deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) is provided in the panel (1) for extracting light from the panel (1) via the light emission window (2). The deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) are clustered so as to form at least one light symbol (27; 28). The configuration of the clusters (17; 18) of deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) corresponds to the shape of the light symbol (27; 28).

Abstract: A multi-position edgelit sign is described wherein a lens is removably affixable to a mounting housing assembly. A LED lightbar is mountable at different positions within the mounting housing assembly in order to properly illuminate the lens and may be mounted in various positions such that the lens may be affixed to the mounting housing assembly at different angles. Further, removable inserts are provided such that the signage on the lens may be adaptable to field specified characteristics thereby not requiring preprinted signs to be manufactured depending on these characteristics.

Abstract: A safety mechanism dedicated to a single-action type firearm, equipped with a firing system using a hammer, presented in a kit form, capable of factory assembly on the firearm, or adaptation to a firearm already in service, comprising: said hammer striking the firing pin of the firearm when firing; a hammer ring working with the hammer; a trigger-activated sear, which, during firing, releases the hammer ring; a hammer strut including a hammer spring which is compressed to cock the hammer and which, when firing, propels the hammer ring, causing the hammer to strike the firing pin; a cocking lever, which may be left/right, and which is activated manually to release the active safeties by releasing the sear, the hammer and the slide; a return spring, to return the hammer backwards into the cocked position, ready to fire single action, a cocking lever spring; a hammer spring, which is fixed thanks to a pin to the hammer strut; a pin fastened to the cocking lever and a sear spring.

Abstract: A barrel box integral with the barrel rear end, with a hinge and latch for closing with respect to a fork integral with the front end of a pressure chamber. The box being connected to a mechanism of levers for compressing a plunger of the pressure chamber, the fork including an internal fork part obtained by molding, which concentrates most of the complex configurations, tightly fit and joined to a portion of a the mouth of the pressure chamber, which is of metal tube and tightly covers the whole of the internal fork part, the barrel box being also obtained by molding, with a rear part of the barrel as an insert.

Abstract: A handgun rest suitable for field use includes a shooting platform on which the shooter rests the butt of the handgun grip and both hands. The platform connects to an adjustable extension member or assembly projecting forward from the platform, angling upwards to provide both the required amount of upward rise and forward extension to come under, and provide the rest for, the forearm or barrel of the handgun. Thus the weight of the handgun is supported fore and aft, including the shooter's wrists and arms. The forward extension is folded when not in use, creating a compact and easily transported package. A leg assembly coupled beneath the platform permits both swiveling and canting. The leg assembly includes a pair of movable legs coupled about an axle which engages a bracket movably mounted under the platform. The bracket engages a pivot about which the bracket may rotate, within constraints, relative to the platform.

Abstract: The present optical imaging device comprises an electro-optical recording device, such as a digital still camera, videotape recorder, etc, physically and optically connected to the scope sight of a firearm. The scope may be provided with a half silvered mirror at the eyepiece, which reflects a portion of the image passing through the scope to the axially offset recording device. The user of the firearm and optical system may thus continue to view the image through the scope. Other embodiments provide a small, light weight micro camera fitted to the scope eyepiece, with the camera receiving the image from the eyepiece and providing that image to the user through a rearward viewing screen. A switch may be provided to operate the system upon trigger actuation, or independently of the firearm trigger. The system is particularly valuable in sighting in a weapon or harmlessly capturing an image of an animal.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing device for use with a fishing rod which carries a fishing line, wherein the fishing device comprises: a support post; a rod holder for securely but removably holding the fishing rod and being pivotally connected to the support post; a resilient member, such as a spring, interconnected between the rod holder and support post; a support arm integrally connected to and transversely extending from the support post adjacent to the rod holder; an extension arm integrally connected to and transversely extending from the support arm so that such extension arm is spaced from the rod holder; an activating lever having a first end portion pivotally connected to the extension arm and an opposing second end portion adapted to receive a portion of the fishing line; a trigger bar having opposing first and second ends, the first end being connected to the first end portion of the activating lever so that such first end is freely turnable with respect to the first end portion; and a trigger retainin

Abstract: Presented is a humane wild animal trap device that includes a trigger mechanism having four easily assemblable elements for supporting the bait, a bottom flat sheet on which the trigger mechanism is supported when set and baited, and an enclosure the open side of which is superimposed on the flat bottom sheet and which enclosure is tilted upwardly from one end so that the elevated end rests on a selected one of the four elements included in the trigger mechanism and which element is released from a second element that supports the bait when a wild animal takes the bait, thus causing the elevated enclosure to fall onto the flat bottom sheet to trap the wild animal within the enclosure.

Abstract: A device for the manipulation of a biological material by a magnetic field is presented. The device comprises a magnetic field source coupled to a current source. The current source is of a kind supplying an electric current of at least two electrical degree shifted phases. The magnetic field source comprises a two-part inductor, each inductor part producing a coordinate varying magnetic field (CVMF). Each inductor part is formed by at least two conductors aligned in a spaced-apart relationship, wherein each of the at least two conductors is connectable to a different phase of the current source, and has two spaced-apart parts arranged such that when the conductor is connected to the current source, the electric current flows in its two parts in opposite directions, respectively. The conductors of each inductor part are arranged such that each two locally adjacent conductor parts are associated with two different phases of the electric current source.

Abstract: A planter (10) having a vertical rabbet (12) for conformally engaging a post (14). The planter comprises a sidewall (18) and a bottom wall (20) that together define a cavity (22) for receiving potting soil or other material for supporting one or more plants and/or other items. A first portion (24) of the sidewall extends into the cavity to define the rabbet. A second portion (26) of the sidewall is preferably circular in shape and tapered so that the cavity is generally frusto-conical in shape. The rabbet includes a front face (28), a first lateral face (30) and a second lateral face (32), each for confronting a corresponding face of the post.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a curvilinear lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or nonlinear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve, the curvilinear lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a non-linear upper edge or skirt extending from the lower portion.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.

Abstract: A manual release mechanism of a power actuated sliding door used typically for van applications, includes a bullet assembly interconnected between the ends of a pull member, or cable, of a powered pulley system. The bullet assembly engages and disengages within a passage of a hinge roller assembly which rides within a track of the vehicle. When disengaged, the door is free to slide without causing movement of the bullet assembly or powered pulley system. When engaged, the hinge roller assembly supports a pin which projects into the passage when in a rest position. If the bullet assembly is in the passage, the pin also projects into a groove of the bullet assembly, thereby, locking the bullet assembly within the passage and causing the hinge rolling assembly, which is pivotally connected to the door to move via operation of the powered pulley system.

Abstract: An automotive weather strip, with an extended portion formed integrally with a base portion of the weather strip, is bonded with an attachment panel of a door frame by a double-sided adhesive tape. The extended portion is formed as a substantially flat plate, so that the extended portion can be pressed uniformly and quickly by a pressing jig. Thus, the weather strip can be bonded with the attachment panel easily. In addition, only one hollow portion is provided as a seal portion, so that the configuration of the weather strip can be made so simple that it is possible to connect extruded portions of the weather strip with molded portions easily.

Abstract: A locking system for a telescopic seating system is disclosed. The system provides a means to releasably lock adjacent telescopic seating platforms together and a means to release the locking mechanism without the need for a trip bar or other like device. The locking system employs a low profile tier catch and tier catch ramp that promotes ease of use and a reduction in the possibility of damage due to individuals walking over the locking device.

Abstract: Fireproofing arrangement for an elevator landing door includes a skin plate facing toward the landing and a steel section reinforcement laid in the vertical direction of the door and attached to the skin plate. The surface of the steel section reinforcement on the side facing toward the shaft is provided with a layer of paint which becomes foamy when exposed to heat.

Abstract: A tabletop high relocateable shelter for protecting individuals from dangerous conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes and the like, that can withstand winds of approximately 450 mph. The shelter can be attached and detached from a concrete foundation. A rectangular frame that is formed from L-shaped longitudinal members are fastened together and can be anchored to the concrete foundation by hook ended anchor bolts that have exposed threaded ends that nuts can attach thereto, or by concrete type bolts made for that purpose. Removable panels can be attached to the outside of the frame to form walls and a roof using fasteners such as screws and bolts. A door can be attached to an opening in the side of the frame, and include L-shaped members that form door braces and hinge guards that allow the door to stay in a stationary closed position. Slideable latching members can further hold the door in a locked position.

Abstract: A cornice device for building structures including a crown member and a connector member. The crown member has a first end configured to attach to the roof portion of the building structure and a second end. The crown member may include an optional fascia board and an optional roof nailer member attached to the fascia board. The connector member comprises a first leg configured to cooperate with the second end of the crown member. The second leg of the connector member is configured to couple to the outer wall of the building structure. The crown member and the connector member are configured to flex during installation to accommodate for various framing variances. The cornice device also includes means for discharging water from the cornice device which is spaced apart the outer wall of the building structure so as to keep the water discharged from and off the cornice device from damaging the outer wall.

Abstract: A portable roof anchor having a slidably adjustable beam member is supported at a pivot location near a line support end and at an opposed end by a rotatably attached self-leveling counterweights. A line wrapped onto the beam member may be used as a handle for carrying the beam member to a roof top, then used to support a person or equipment over a side of the building. The counterweights have a relatively small top cross-section and a relatively large bottom cross-section so that, for any given amount of weight, a relatively large bottom surface area and a relatively tall height from the rooftop will be provided. A handle is provided near a line-deployed center-of-gravity so that the roof anchor assembly may be easily maneuvered, while the line remains over the side of the building, with one hand on the handle and a second hand cradled underneath the beam member.

Abstract: An adjustable support bracing system for an upright structure includes a substantially vertical main frame and a support plate member pivotally secured to the main frame. The support plate extends on a first side of the main frame and provides supporting engagement of the upright structure. An adjustment device is connected to the main frame and bears on the support plate for selectively pivoting the support plate to a desired support angle. An adjustable length leg extends on a second side of the main frame opposite the first side.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated service bay used for providing service access to the underside of vehicles. The service bay is fabricated as a single monolithic unit and then positioned in an excavated hole within a service building. The service bay has multiple safety cover grids that are hydraulically activated to enclose the bay's opening when not in use. An access stairway is retractable within the bay during use with a deployable safety handrail that collapses upon stairway retraction.

Abstract: A load-bearing structural member includes an elongate structure body and a strength-reinforcing flat steel strap. The structure body has a top and a bottom, and first and second opposing ends. The steel strap extends along the length of the structure body from one end to the other, and is adapted for transferring an intermediate load acting on the structure body outwardly to the opposing ends of the structure body. Anchor plates located at respective opposing ends of the structure body engage and hold the strap in tension.

Abstract: A corner bead is of the tape-on type, having an elongated metal core strip with a longitudinal arcuate nose and a pair of flanges extending outwardly from the nose at approximately a right angle. A cover strip of paper is bonded to the exterior surface of the core strip, and includes wings which project outwardly beyond the extent of the flanges. The cover strip is formed of a stock paper having high abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and which is dimensionally stable on contact with wet joint compound.

Abstract: A spacer plate for use in making a hollow floor has a plurality of truncated cone-shaped spacer elements extending from one side of the plate, and distributed in a row wise and column wise arrangement, for supporting the spacer plate from an underfloor, and also formed in the spacer plate are grooves formed in the same side of the plate as the spacer elements for holding a pipe conducting a heating or cooling medium, with the grooves surrounding at least a half of the circumference of the pipe to securely hold the pipe in place on the plate, so that the heating or cooling medium conducted through the pipe can come into heat exchange relationship not only with an upper floor laid on top of the spacer plate but also with air conducted through space existing between the spacer plate and the underfloor.

Abstract: A dry wall building system comprises courses of building blocks where the building blocks are joined end to end by keys. Each of the blocks comprising sidewalls, endwalls and at least one vertical cavity or slot, at least one first channel in the upper surfaces of the endwalls and at least one second channel in the lower surfaces of the endwalls, the arrangement and construction being such that when blocks are laid one upon another the channels and the said at least one cavity or slot of the blocks can be aligned to provide an internal network of horizontal and vertical infill passages which can be filled with a settable material to seal joints between the blocks and to provide load bearing support between respective courses of blocks. A method of manufacturing blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: The roof shingle system of the present invention includes rows of shingle elements having parallel, slanting lower edges that are aligned to divert the flow of water away from areas where high flow volumes are not desired toward areas where high flow volumes will not cause harm. Because water flowing down a surface will tend to adhere to that surface, the water flowing down the surface of the shingle system of the present invention will tend to follow the slanting lower edges of the shingle elements in the direction of the slanted edges so as to provide a way to control the flow of water on the surface of a roof.

Abstract: A concrete block comprised of a horizontal rearwardly extending surface of a suitable elevation and a vertically extending surface that extends an appropriate height above the horizontal surface, whereby the present invention allows for the association of vertical and horizontal structures and for the construction of aesthetically pleasing elevated surfaces and platforms, decorative steps and various stair and riser systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and stabilizing sunken or settled foundations, slabs, footings, etc. includes a lifting plate having a pipe section solidly secured thereto, for passing concentrically over the anchor pier used in such operations. The concentric lifting plate pipe precludes cocking or tilting of the plate relative to the anchor pier and foundation structure, thereby greatly improving the security of the lifting operation. As a result of the increased lifting plate stability provided by the present invention, only a single clamp is needed for securing the lifting assembly to the foundation. The clamp is adjustably positionable as required, to secure to a solid area of the foundation structure. The present system secures the plate to the pier using mechanical fasteners, thus precluding requirement for costly welding and other metal forming equipment. A method of raising or stabilizing a foundation or similar structure using the present apparatus, is also disclosed.