Abstract: A shortening hook for strands of round link chain. A safety body is arranged in the mouth of the hook. The safety body is moveable by hand against the tension of a reset spring from the area of the mouth of the hook transversely to the trajectory motion of the hook. An operating link projects into the mouth of the hook and is arranged at the end section of the safety body. This operating link can be pressed back when the hook shaft takes hold so that the safety body frees up the mouth area.

Abstract: A fastener arrangement includes a fastener, a slider, and an injection-molded end stop. The fastener includes first and second tracks. The first track includes a first profile, and the second track includes a second profile for interlocking with the first profile. The fastener extends between first and second ends. The slider is slidably mounted to the fastener for movement between the first and second ends. The injection-molded end stop is located at at least one of the first and second ends. The end stop terminates the movement of the slider at the one of the first and second ends. The end stop includes interior plastic material disposed in an interior of the fastener between the first and second profiles. The one of the first and second ends includes a cut edge at an angle relative to an axis of the fastener extending between the first and second ends. The end stop may include exterior plastic material along an exterior of the fastener outside the first and second profiles and covering the cut edge.

Abstract: A clip fastener includes a base and a clip head that is distant from the base. The clip head includes a barb having a rounded outer surface including a ramp that increases in diameter towards the base. An elongate clip neck connects the base with the clip head. The clip neck has sufficient resilience under compressive forces exerted on the rounded outer surface of the barb to permit movement of the barb. The clip may be formed as an individual unit for use in fastening operations, or it may be molded into component structures, such as fan carriers for computer fans.

Abstract: A buckle of an IC heat dissipating device for installing a heat dissipating fin device to a top surface of an IC located in an IC socket comprises a pair of clamping arms; a supporting frame being fixed to a top of the heat dissipating fin device; and an operation rod having a camshaft and a lever for rotating the camshaft. The camshaft passes through the supporting frame and is capable of rotating freely. In operation position, the cam of the camshaft will eject the pivotal connection of the clamping arms and the clamping arms will bend and deform. By the restoring force of these clamping arms, the ears at two ends of the clamping arms have sufficient forces to hook the hooks at two sides of the IC socket. In installing the present invention, the user only needs to press an operation portion slightly.

Abstract: A two-piece harness retainer is adapted to hold a pair of harness straps in side-by-side relation. A tether is provided to limit pivoting movement of a pivotable latch arm included in one of the pieces included in the harness retainer.

Abstract: A plastic buckle having a male plug with a respectively downwardly and an upwardly flexing pair of arms which snap into place within recesses in a female socket during the insertion of the male plug within the female socket, during which insertion guides on the female socket extend into the paths of flexing movement of the male plug arms to both assist in the tracking movement of the male plug within the female socket and also to stop the extent of the flexing movements so as not to exceed a limit which would cause breakage of the plastic construction material of the male plug arms.

Abstract: A fastener for lace includes an upper plate, a lower plate and first, second, third and fourth rods extending between the upper and lower plates. The upper and lower plates both include a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first and second rods extend between the first lateral edge of the upper plate and the first lateral edge of the lower plate. The third and fourth rods extend between the second lateral edge of the upper plate and the second lateral edge of the lower plate. A first length of lace is wound about the first rod and directed past the second rod. A second length of lace is wound about the third rod and directed past the fourth rod.

Abstract: An artificial underwater memorializing catacomb and reef system and evocative environment for a visitor is made from one or more urns containing cremated remains imbedded at least partway within a plurality of concrete forms, whereby the concrete forms are interlocked and/or stacked to form the catacomb. The catacomb includes tunnels and underwater enclosed spaces accessible to visitors. The tunnels and the enclosed spaces may be accessed by intermediate openings or through tunnel entrances. The catacomb is formed by mixing a concrete mixture, placing one or more molds for the forms on a vessel and pouring the mixture into the molds. One or more urns containing cremated remains is then interposed at least partway within the molds before the mixture sets, thereby forming one or more concrete forms when the mixture sets. The mixture is allowed to set, and the concrete forms are placed underwater in a stacked and interlocking orientation.

Abstract: A method of constructing a swivel hook. The method comprises the steps of: forming a hook body by way of a stamping process; forming a swivel connector by means of a forging process; placing a first washer having a rectangular shaped right angled bore over a rectangular stem on the hook body; inserting the rectangular stem of the hook body through a circular bore in a first end of the swivel connector; placing a second washer having a generally rectangular shaped right angled bore over the rectangular stem of the hook body and into abutment with the swivel connector such that the end of the stem extends through the second washer; and, thereafter, peening the tip of the rectangular stem extending through the second washer to secure the second washer in place over the rectangular stem.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of ceramic device comprising the steps of forming by layer accumulation of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer, and an upper electrode on a substrate using a mixture of photosensitive resin and metal or piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic; and patterning by light exposure at a single time, thereby, producing a ceramic device of high shape ratio can be produced and precision degree is very high so as to produce a ceramic device very precise in arrangement between layers or with infrastructure so that another effect may be made to systematically prevent the short between upper and lower electrodes.

Abstract: A method for forming film bulk acoustic resonator devices includes depositing a first portion of a first electrode, and a piezoelectric layer onto the substrate. The method includes removing a portion of the substrate under the piezoelectric layer and under the portion of the first electrode, and depositing a second portion of the first electrode onto the piezoelectric film layer and onto the first portion of the first electrode.

Abstract: A hydraulic installation tool for installing fasteners is provided, that includes a housing having a first portion adapted to receive a drawbar and a second portion adapted to receive a piston, a gland and a retaining ring. A generally L-shaped drawbar is disposed in the first portion of the housing and a piston, a gland and a retaining ring is disposed in the second portion of the housing. The hydraulic installation tool is useful in securing lockbolt or swage type fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a continuous track onto a track-driven vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first curved track engaging member, a second curved track engaging member and an elongated member connecting the first and second curved track engaging members in opposed relation. A method of installing a flexible drive track around the drive mechanism on a track-driven vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A method for connecting a headrest guide tube in a vehicle seat frame comprises the steps of forming a hole in the seat frame, inserting a headrest guide tube into the hole, axially compressing the tube to form a pair of rings on opposite sides of the frame wall, and then axially crushing the rings to form a pair of beads tightly clamping the headrest guide tube to the seat frame. During the crushing process, a portion of the headrest guide tube is bulged into a notch in the hole in the seat frame to prevent the guide tube from rotating with respect to the seat frame.

Abstract: A drive shaft is produced from an aluminum alloy torque tube and aluminum alloy yokes that are pressed into each end section of the torque tube and welded to the end of the torque tube. Each end section is reduced in diameter and joined to a larger central section by a transition section. The end sections and transition sections are formed by swaging the ends of an aluminum alloy tube blank radially inwardly in two stages. The transition sections include an annular rib in the form of a concentric circular band located midway between inner and outer conical portions. The annular ribs stiffen the transition sections to reduce oil canning and noise.

Abstract: A method of attaching a logistics rail to a trailer sidewall is disclosed. The trailer sidewall includes an inner skin, an outer skin, a member mounted between the inner and outer skins, and a core between the inner and outer skins. A vertical channel is formed between the inner skin and the member. The inner skin is cut to expose the channel. Thereafter, the logistics rail is inserted within the member. The logistics rail has a plurality of slots therethrough so that items can be attached to the trailer sidewall. Finally, the logistics rail is attached to the member.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a mobile computer metal shell is provided that includes the step of punching or forging a metal sheet to form a shell. Then, the step of milling and drilling is performed to form a shaped shell. Fitting members are next fixedly secured to the shaped shell at locations corresponding to the computer parts to be held, by means of adhesive bonding or welding. After the installation of the positioning members in the shaped shell, a plastic cover sheet is applied on the shaped shell.

Abstract: A loop hanger for a seat belt (10) which slidably hangs a seat belt webbing (S) is provided with a base member (20) made of a metal plate and having a slot (21) through which the seat belt webbing (S) is moved, wherein the slot (21) is constituted with a long side portion (21a) extending in a generally horizontal direction and a pair of left and right short side portions (21b) communicating with left and right end portions of the long side portion (21a) and extending downwardly, a portion of the base member (20) surrounded by the long side portion (21a) and the pair of short side portions (21b) is curved smoothly from a side of the long side portion (21a) in a generally C-shaped sectional configuration, and a curved face (21f) formed by curving the portion of the base member (20) serves as a portion (20a) through which the seat belt webbing (S) is turned back. Accordingly, anti-gum up property can be improved largely.

Abstract: A method for forming a cavity structure provided with a thin bottom plate is comprises the following steps. The first step is to deform plastically a part of a metal plate so as to form a cavity on one surface of a metal plate wherein the cavity has an oddly bottom surface provided with subsections being different from each other in depth. Simultaneously a protrusion is formed on the other surface of the metal plate by shifting an amount of metal corresponding to the cavity into the protrusion wherein the protrusion has substantially similar figure to the cavity. Then a coupling section, which keeps the protrusion integral with the metal plate, is formed so as to make the protrusion smaller than the cavity. And the protrusion is removed from the metal plate so as to make the other surface of the metal plate flat and to form the bottom plate of the cavity thin while remaining the coupling section.

Abstract: A casing and a lid which are supplied to a casing/lid supply machine are fed to a main assembly line where a light-shielding sheet is mounted on the casing and a film cover supplied from a film cover assembly line is mounted in the casing. Pressers supplied from a presser assembly line are mounted on the lid. The casing and the lid are combined with each other, completing a film case. The film case manufacturing system is capable of efficiently manufacturing highly accurate film cases and is relatively compact in structure.

Abstract: In a device for measuring the filling level, thermoelements (20) are used which are disposed on a sheet-shaped support (25). The thermoelements (20) consist of two different materials and are disposed in two rows (71, 72) placed side by side. Two adjacent thermoelements (20) of said rows (71, 72) have a common junction point (23) that is heated. Both rows (71, 72) of thermoelements also have two additional junction points that are cold. A first group of thermoelements (20) is disposed with their supports (25) in the interior of the container and operate as measuring detectors. A second group of thermoelements (20) serves as reference sensors since they regulate the heat flow impinging upon the junctions points (23) relative to a defined reference voltage.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an antenna and a radio frequency transponder. The method comprises the steps of (1) forming a paste comprising metal powder, polymeric material, and solvent; and (2) screening the paste through a screen onto a substrate. Additional steps couple electrical components to the paste and dry the paste.

Abstract: An electronic surface mount package provides a one piece construction package (with an open bottom) with one or more terminal pins molded into the package. Each of the pins have a notched post upon which a wire is wound which is from a toroid transformer carried within the package. Each of the posts are notched so their respective wires are separate from one another so as to prevent arcing. The case is opened at the bottom which prevents harm from expansion or cracking.

Abstract: A free layer for a spin valve sensor includes a cobalt iron (CoFe) film which has an easy axis oriented perpendicular to an air bearing surface (ABS) of a read head and a nickel iron (NiFe) film which has an easy axis oriented parallel to the ABS and parallel to the major planes of the thin film layers. In a further embodiment the free layer is annealed at a high temperature in the presence of a field which is oriented perpendicular to the ABS.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head includes a lower shielding layer composed of a magnetic material; a nonmagnetic MR gap layer on the lower shielding layer; a magnetoresistive element layer in the MR gap layer facing a recording medium; a lower core layer composed of a magnetic material on the MR gap layer; an upper core layer composed of a magnetic material being opposed to the lower core layer with a nonmagnetic gap layer therebetween at the surface facing the recording medium; and a coil layer for inducing a recording magnetic field in the lower core layer and the upper core layer. Alternatively, a thin film magnetic head further includes a first magnetic material layer in the rear of the lower shielding layer, magnetically separated from the lower shielding layer. A method of fabricating the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a permanent magnet body is provided. The method includes providing a first precursor body comprising a plurality of blocks and magnetizing the first precursor body to form a first permanent magnet body. A recoil magnetization pulse may be applied to the permanent magnet body after the magnetization. The precursor body may be heated during magnetization. A power supply containing a battery may be used to energize a pulsed magnet used to magnetize the precursor body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet print head with a substrate defining an ink aperture. A number of ink energizing elements are located on the major surface of the substrate. A barrier layer is connected to the upper surface, and peripherally encloses an ink manifold. The barrier encompasses the ink aperture. An orifice plate is connected to the barrier layer, spaced apart from the substrate's major surface, enclosing the ink manifold. The plate defines a number of orifices, each associated with a respective ink energizing element. The ink manifold is an elongated chamber having opposed ends defined by end wall portions of the barrier layer. The barrier end wall portions each have an intermediate end wall portion protruding into the manifold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine and a method for assembling blower wheels. The machine comprises a drive motor rotatably coupled to a first die, whereon a plurality of blower wheel components reside. A second die is oppositely disposed from the first die, and is operable to engage one or more of the plurality of blower wheel components. A transfer gear assembly rotatably couples the first die and the second die, wherein a rotation of the first die generally transfers to the second die, and wherein the rotation of first die and the second die is generally synchronized. A two-stage press is coupled to the first die and the second die, and is operable to axially compress the blower wheel components between the first die and the second die. A deforming member is operable to deform the hub during the compression of the blower wheel components. One or more springs couple the second die to the press, wherein the second die is operable to axially translate with respect to the press.

Abstract: In the invention, there is provided an apparatus for mounting electronic components in which a plurality of mounting heads pick up electronic components concurrently from a plurality of component feeding units for mounting the electronic components on a print circuit board, with assured pick-up and holding of the electronic components. The component feeding units 3 do not always have an identical pick-up position 10 among all the units 3 used in a mounting operation because of the variation in the manufacturing and the mounting of the units. The shift due to the variation along the direction of feeding, the Y direction, is corrected by moving the position of the nozzle 21 along the Y direction with a controlled rotation of the mounting head 7 around an horizontal axis using the nozzle selection motor 22 for selecting the nozzle 21.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting one or more electric components on a circuit substrate, the apparatus including a nozzle moving device which moves a suction nozzle having an end surface that applies a suction to an electric component and thereby holds the component, in a direction intersecting an axis line of the suction nozzle, and an elevating and lowering device which elevates and lowers the suction nozzle so that the suction nozzle performs at least one of sucking and holding the electric component and mounting the component on the circuit substrate, the elevating and lowering device including a movable member, and a connecting device which connects the movable member to the suction nozzle such that the suction nozzle continues moving while the movable member continues moving, the connecting device including a downward-movement control device which changes, while the apparatus performs an electric-component mounting operation, at least one of a position of an end of a downward movement of the suction nozzle cau

Abstract: A method of making a patterned laminate includes ablating through a portion of a metallic layer with a laser, to form a pattern in the metallic layer, where the metallic layer is on and in contact with an insulating substrate. The patterned laminate may be patterned to form electrodes, and can be formed into an electrochemical sensor strip.

Abstract: A Z-axis electrical contact may be formed using a resinous deposit containing conductive particles which may align along surface regions to form an electrical conduction path over the resinous material. If the resinous material is thermoplastic, the material may be heated to mechanically bond to contact surfaces. Advantageously, the resinous material may be formed by forcing a resinous matrix containing conductive particles through an annular opening in a stencil. The resulting member allows surfaces to be contacted which may be irregular or may be covered by native oxide layers.

Abstract: A method for detecting misalignment of layers of a multi-layer circuit board. A plurality of layers of electrically insulating material are formed. At least one artwork feature is formed on a surface of at least one of the layers of electrically insulating material in the vicinity of at least one edge of the at least one layer of electrically insulating material. At least one reference point is formed on the at least one layer of electrically insulating material. The layers of electrically insulating material are joined together. The at least one artwork feature is exposed by removing a portion of the at least one layer of electrically insulating material. A location of the at least one artwork feature relative to the at least one reference point is visually determined, thereby detecting misalignment of the layers of electrically insulating material.

Abstract: A process for producing a printed wiring board, particularly an interposer for a chip size package, which comprises the steps of (1) forming an outer insulator layer 22 having outer via-holes 24 on a substrate 32, (2) forming conducting passages 31 through the outer via-holes 24 by plating with metal up to substantially the same level as the upper surface of the outer insulator layer 22, (3) forming a thin metal film 29 on the outer insulator layer 22 and on the conducting passages 31, (4) forming a conductor layer 21 in a prescribed circuit pattern on the thin metal film 29 by plating, (5) removing the part of the thin metal film 29 on which the conductor layer 21 is not formed, (6) forming an inner insulator layer 23 on the conductor layer 21, and (7) removing the substrate 32. The outer insulator layer is formed with flatness to secure good adhesion to a semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a multilayer interconnected substrate is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a structure having a dielectric substrate having a first substantially planar surface and an opposing second substantially planar surface. A first conductive layer is disposed on the first substantially planar surface of the dielectric substrate, and an interface is present between the first conductive layer and the dielectric substrate. A blind via site is formed in the structure, and through the dielectric substrate to the interface between the first conductive layer and the dielectric substrate. The blind via site is filled with a conductive material by an electrolytic plating process.

Abstract: A press-fitting unit includes a vertically movable press blade for press-fitting a stripped end of an electrical wire to a terminal disposed in a connector. A connector retaining bar movable in a horizontal direction is disposed to be opposed to the press blade. The retaining bar is provided with a plurality of connector receiving recesses in parallel to respectively hold a connector with a press-fit terminal. A wire chuck is disposed so as to opposing to the rear part of the press blade. The wire chuck is horizontally movable along a horizontal guide to a side of the press blade so as to holding the wire. Alternatively, the connector retaining bar is fixed to the apparatus by a frame and a transfer mechanism can carry the press-fitting unit along the bar in a horizontal direction. In addition, the apparatus may have a pair or two pairs of the upper and lower symmetrical press-fitting units; and the connector retaining bar is disposed between the upper and lower press-fitting units.

Abstract: In this method, a ground wire 2 is overlaid on a shield wire 1 in cross. Next, overlapping portions of the shield wire 1 and the ground wire 2 are interposed between an upper resin tip 13 and a lower resin tip 14. By executing a first ultrasonic oscillation while inserting a projection 7a of an ultrasonic horn 7 into a through hole 13b of the tip 13, outside rinds 1d, 2b of the wires 1, 2 are removed in the vicinity of the overlapping portions. Next, by arranging a low-melting metal 15 and a resin piece 16 on a contact between the braided wire 1c and the core line 2a and executing a second ultrasonic oscillation, the contact can be brazed with the mutual welding of the tips 13, 14.

Abstract: A torque converter comprises an impeller shell, a pump impeller integrally formed with the impeller shell, a turbine runner, a stator, a front cover, and at least one of a flanged portion through which a driving power of an engine is transmitted and a ring gear for a starter. The flanged portion is formed on an outer peripheral portion of an outer hull that includes the impeller shell and the front cover. A pilot boss portion is disposed at an axial portion of the front cover and is adapted to be fitted to a crank shaft of the engine, and a sleeve-like oil pump driving shaft is disposed at an axial portion of the impeller shell and is adapted to drive an oil pump. The pilot boss portion is formed integrally with the front cover through a plastic working operation, and the flanged portion formed at a front portion of the outer periphery of the front cover is increased in thickness through a plastic working operation that forms the flanged portion as a lamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the production of double-walled hollow sections by means of internal high-pressure forming, a first hollow section being inserted into a second hollow section, after which the double-walled hollow section thus formed is subjected to high internal fluid pressure in such a way in an internal high-pressure forming die that the double-walled hollow section is expanded. During this process, an air gap is formed between the first, inner, hollow section and the second, outer, hollow section.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical fluid ejector that is easily fabricated in a standard polysilicon surface micromachining process is disclosed, which can be batch fabricated at low cost using existing external foundry capabilities. In addition, the surface micromachining process has proven to be compatible with integrated microelectronics, allowing for the monolithic integration of the actuator with addressing electronics. A voltage drive mode and a charge drive mode for the power source actuating a deformable membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: One or more force application members (e.g., a force transmission member and/or a hydraulic force application member) may be employed to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., a preload and/or a compression) to an adjustable spacer of a bearing assembly. The hydraulic force application member may provide a first stage of the adjustment to the spacer, and the force transmission member may be threadingly rotated to apply a second stage of the adjustment to the spacer. An additional force application member may (e.g., contemporaneously) oppose at least one of the force application members in the providing of the adjustment to the spacer. This opposing force may cause a gap between certain surfaces (e.g., in a press) until the adjustment to the spacer is completed. The closure of the gap may serve to indicate the completion of the desired adjustment to the spacer. A housing rotatable on a portion of the bearing assembly may be prevented from rotating at the closure of the gap.

Abstract: A tool manipulating device includes a combination of depth setting, length adjusting and workpiece clamp members provided on a longitudinal hand-held handle. The depth setting member has a blade assembly that extends perpendicular to the hand-held handle. The blade assembly is capable of rotating onto itself after penetrating into a workpiece to be stripped from its jacket at a predetermined depth to produce a ring cut and an axial cut of the workpiece upon sequentially rotating and axially pulling the cable relative to the handle.

Abstract: Hedge shears has a pair of hands, a pair of blades and a rotatable connector secured between the handles and the blades. Each handle has a handle drive slot and each blade has a blade drive slot. The rotatable connector consists of two connecting plates. Each connecting plate has an elongated hole defined in the connecting plate and has a transverse abutting plate formed on an edge of the connecting plate adjacent to the transverse abutting plate of the other connecting plate. A pivot hole is defined in each abutting plate, and a shaft passes through the pivot holes. Two shaft hubs hold opposite ends of the shaft, and a pin secured under each hub passes through the drive slots in the handles or the blades. The blades are able to rotate around the shaft and be operated by the handles by moving the shaft longitudinally.

Abstract: A rotary knife having an annular blade, a split blade housing for supporting the blade for rotation, a handle assembly including a head member for supporting the split blade housing, and a clamping assembly including a clamp body for clamping the split blade housing to the head member. A portion of the split blade housing is provided with an area of scoring along a bearing surface that bears against the clamp body. Similarly, the clamp body is provided with an area of scoring along a bearing surface that bears against the blade housing bearing surface. The areas of scoring coact to inhibit movement of one end of the split blade housing with respect to a second end of the split blade housing when the split blade housing is clamped to the head member.

Abstract: A cutlery center including a support block having at least one knife blade-receiving cavity and a battery charging stand for an electric knife affixed to the support block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a child resistant, disposable, premeasured dosage spoon. It includes a bowl portion having a premeasured dosage volume bowl, a front end for oral insertion, a back end. It also includes a handle portion having a front end and a back end, wherein the back end is hingedly connected to the back end of the bowl portion and folds over onto said bowl portion to reduce the overall length of the spoon. There is also a child resistant mechanism having a male segment and a female segment adapted to interlock with one another, and adapted to require at least a two step movement for release of interlock with one another. One of the male segment and the female segment is located on the front of said bowl portion and the other of said male segment and said female segment being located on said front of said bowl portion and the other is located on the front end of the handle portion so as to enable them to interlock when the handle portion is folded over onto the bowl portion.

Abstract: Two different eccentric shaft portions are formed on a secondary shaft. A contact plate has two different contact portions which are selectively brought into contact with two eccentric shaft portions of the secondary shaft. The contact plate is attached to a guide sleeve. A plunger is slidably coupled in the guide sleeve. A saw blade, attached to a front end of the plunger, causes an orbital motion according to a phase difference between two eccentric shaft portions regardless of attached direction (i.e., normal or upside-down) of the saw blade.

Abstract: A manually operated device for measuring the height of a protrusion or raised area on the sidewalls of tires has a thin U-shaped body with a pair of spaced parallel legs and a cross member extending therebetween. A thin rigid metal scale is frictionally slidably mounted within a channel formed in the cross member and has a top edge which aligns with a flat top surface of the cross member at the start of a measuring procedure and has a bottom edge which lies in a plane extending between the free ends of the spaced legs. A stop bolt extends through an elongated slot formed in the scale for limiting the sliding movement of the scale within the channel. Engagement of the bottom edge of the scale with the protrusion automatically moves the scale in the channel to provide the height of the protrusion by measurement indicia on the scale aligning with a top surface of a raised central portion of the cross member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and cutting pipes to extract and install piping in industrial plants is characterized by the use of lasers on a ring for aligning the cutting tool. By adjusting the ring so that beams from the lasers strike specified targets at a remote location corresponding with a pipe end, a cutting location is defined so that the trimmed end of a first pipe will properly align with a remote pipe. When the pipes welded together, their ends will match, thereby minimizing stress in the pipe. A cutting tool can be provided directly on the ring so that the pipe can be cut without removing the ring.

Abstract: The specification discloses a leveling rod, including attachments therefor, and their method of employment. The leveling rod comprises an elongated base rail member having generally opposing front and rear longitudinal surfaces, generally opposing lateral surfaces, an upper end, and a lower end comprising a foot portion, and an elongated sliding rail member having generally opposing front and rear surfaces, generally opposing lateral surfaces, and upper and lower ends. The front surface of the base rail member and the rear surface of the sliding rail member each have one or the other of complementary tongue and groove portions whereby the base and sliding rail members are slidingly interconnected in lapped relation, and the sliding rail member is further selectively fixedly positionable along the base rail member in a plurality of positions. An elongated, self-supporting measuring insert is removably mateable with the front surface of the sliding rail member.