Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding a sheet of aligned parallel yarns onto a beam is described. The beam winder utilizes a circularly arced yarn spool rack that feeds each yarn to an alignment comb through associated guide tubes. The distance between each spool of yarn and the alignment comb is substantially the same for all spools of yarn, thereby equalizing the force necessary to pull them to the comb. Next, the aligned sheet of material is preshrunk using heated rollers and wound onto a beam. Multiple speed controlled stepper motors are utilized to maintain a constant low level of tension in the sheet during the shrinking process. After shrinkage, the tension level of the yarn sheet is increased as it is wrapped onto the beam. A turntable that supports two or more beams is provided to facilitate the rapid switching of beams once one beam has become full.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to determine and assess chamber inconsistency in a multi-chambered tool, especially a multi-chambered tool involved in mass production processes. Wafers produced by the tool are grouped in lots measured to obtain loss yield groups. The invention sorts yield losses to obtain a corresponding monotonic sequence. The invention then averages the monotonic sequences. If the resulting mean monotonic sequence fits with a predetermined aberration, the tool is determined to suffer from chamber inconsistency.

Abstract: A clamp for quickly, effectively and safely removing a cathode collar from an HDP deposition chamber for routine maintenance, cleaning or replacement of the collar. The clamp includes a pair of clamp plates which are capable of pivoting movement on respective ends of a connecting rod. A clamp shoe for gripping a corresponding edge of the annular collar is provided on the bottom end of each clamp plate, and a turnbuckle is fitted with a pair of threaded shafts which engage the upper end portions of the respective clamp plates. By rotating the turnbuckle, the threaded shafts are advanced away from each other against the clamp plates, which pivot on the connecting rod and cause the clamp shoes to tightly engage respective edges of the collar. The clamp is grasped to lift the collar from the chamber and replace the collar in the chamber after cleaning or maintenance.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a sequential segment joining type stator coil for use in an electric rotating machine, capable of achieving satisfactory electrical and thermal contact between end tip portion pairs of segments and basal electrodes and of realizing suitable welding even in the alignment of a large number of end tip portion pairs. For the arc welding of the end tip portion pairs of a sequential segment joining type stator coil, a large number of end tip portion pairs adjoining each other in a radial direction are held and pressed between basal electrode blocks. At this time, a circular-arc-like auxiliary electrode is put in a radial spacing between the end tip portion pairs.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve electrical insulation between a small conductor segment and large conductor segment which forms stator coils inserted into slots of stator core of a driving motor for a automobile vehicle. The axial length of the curved head 3a′ is made shorter than that of the curved head 3a. Further, the distance “d” between the border point “c” (the border point between the curved head 3a and legs 3b) and border point “c′” (the border point between the curved head 3a′ and legs 3b′) is made greater than the difference between the contraction quantity due to bending of the large segment 331 and that of the small segment 332. Thus, the contracted head 3a′ (relatively displaced toward the legs) can stay inside the head 3a, thereby improving the electrical insulation between the small conductor segment and large conductor segment.

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing system is provided which includes a production assembly line with a carrier handling system for a plurality of feeder/programming/buffer systems. The feeder/programming/buffer system has a flexible feeder mechanism for receiving unprogrammed device in a number of different manners, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the unprogrammed devices at a high rate of speed, and a buffer mechanism for providing the programmed micro devices to the carrier handling system. The carrier handling system has its own buffer section and is integrated with an assembly handling system of the production assembly line to populate the programmed devices on to the circuit boards.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing operations on at least one surface of an electronic substrate having a first surface and a second surface includes a frame, a transportation system that moves the substrate through the apparatus, a substrate support system, coupled to the frame, having a non-rigid portion that contacts and supports the substrate during an operation on the substrate, wherein the non-rigid portion allows flexure of the substrate before and during the performance of an operation on the substrate, and a device coupled to the frame that performs an operation on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Rotating vessels that are heated or cooled, often utilize stationary syphons, which provide an outlet passage for the liquid/gas media. The syphon may be supported by adding a syphon support flange to the existing stationary syphon system to provide additional support for the syphon, which helps to add service life time to the syphon and the rotary joint.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for stripping the insulation or dielectric housing from a cable or wire. The cable stripping device includes a wire guide block having a bore extending transversely therethrough and a slot which extends from an end of the block to the bore. An elongated holder is provided for receiving the wire guide block within a hollow portion of the holder. A rotary knife is disposed on a linkage assembly connected to the holder and is pivotable between an unengaged position to an engaged position, wherein the engaged position the blade extends through the slot and extends at least partially into the bore to engage with the cable or wire located within the bore, whereby in the engaged position, the knife blade is positioned to cut the insulation housing from the cable or wire as the cable or wire is pulled through the bore. A spring may be provided for biasing the wire guide block outwardly from the elongated holder.

Abstract: A set of interactive eating utensils includes a first eating utensil, such as a spoon or other piece of cutlery, and a container for containing food. The spoon or other cutlery piece has an embedded magnet that produces a magnetic field. The container is electrically operable and includes an induction coil that is electrically operatively connected to a speaker for producing sound upon the interaction of the magnetic field of the magnet and an electromagnetic field of the induction coil generated upon passing of an electric current through the coil. The container has a moveable portion that moves in response to a predetermined set of conditions, such as failure of the induction coil magnetic field to interact with first eating utensil magnetic field for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A hair trimmer having an adjustable comb actuator assembly capable of moving a comb to a number of positions between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position for varying the cutting length of the hair trimmer. The actuator assembly includes a comb carriage, a comb button, a lock spring, and a lock button.

Abstract: A hair trimmer having a clip, a releasable cutting head, and a release button operable to release the cutting head from an operating position to an open position when actuated by an operator of the hair trimmer. The clip selectively retains the cutting head in the operating position and releases the cutting head from the operating position to the open position when the release button is actuated by an operator of the hair trimmer. The clip also biases the release button to a retracted position, the release button being in the retracted position when the cutting head is in the operating position. The clip also holds the top and bottom portions of the hair trimmer body together for operation of the hair trimmer.

Abstract: The device for edge cutting of strips of material includes a groove (2) disposed in a base body (1) and passing through over the length of the base body (1) and exhibiting in each case a round blade (6) at sideways protruding arms (4) and (5) at the lower open end of the groove (2). The round blades (6) are disposed somewhat staggered relative to the longitudinal axis of the groove (2). The round blade (6) disposed in the arm (5) is disposed somewhat inclined under an angle relative to the wall of the groove (2). The round blade (6) disposed in the arm (5) separates at an angle the downwardly disposed region of the strip of material in order to generate a so-called undercut, whereby the laying work and installation can be performed more exact and simpler.

Abstract: A unique bow range finder, weighing less than {fraction (1/16)} of an once, is custom calibrated for an archer's full draw distance and a specific hunted game, or traget object. A reference line and distance marker lines based on geometric calibrations using the full draw distance and known distances of spaced apart features of a game animal are imprinted on a decal or other adhesively attached sheet material. The decal, selected for full draw distance and desired game, is removably attached to an archer's current bow sighting frame. The range finder allows targets to be ranged at full draw.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of wheel-mounting spindles respectively mounted to a pair of vertically swingable wheel support arms for being steered about respective king pin axes. During assembly of the vehicle on an assembly line, right- and left-hand laser toe gauges are mounted to the spindle shafts in a defined orientation wherein target surfaces of the gauges lie along a respective king pin axis. Length-adjustable tie-rods are coupled to the spindles and adjustable in order that a laser beam emitted from one toe gauge impinges on the target of the other toe gauge when the toe-in is within a prescribed range for resulting in steering and tire wear characteristics. The toe gauges are constructed such that the laser beam direction may be adjusted to calibrate the toe gauge for the particular vehicle being assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring lateral displacement of a casing in a vertical bore and includes an inclinometer probe, a cable, and a cable reel with electronics mounted in the reel hub. The probe contains two servo-accelerometers, a microprocessor and an electrical circuit. The servo-accelerometers provide analog signals that indicate the inclination angle of the vertical bore hole. The electrical circuit converts the analog signal from each servo-accelerometers to a digital signal which is read by the microprocessor. The microprocessor analyses the data and transmits the digital encoded data over a twisted-pair cable to a digital display unit connected to the cable reel hub. DC power for the probe is provided by the electronics in the reel hub over the same twisted-pair cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of correction parameters of a rotating swivel unit. An optical sensor (9) measuring in at least one dimension is fixed to the unit. The sensor is calibrated on a calibration body in at least three rotational positions of a rotating joint of the rotating swivel unit. At least parameters of a first parameter field are calculated, the field describing the transformation (rotation) of a sensor coordinate system (u, v, w) in the machine coordinate system (XM, YM, ZM) , and parameters of another parameter field are determined, the other field describing the shift (vector) of the sensor coordinate system in relation to the point (AB) (in the measuring arm) in the machine coordinate system.

Abstract: A dental measuring device in the form of a caliper includes a pair of elongate jaws, each having an abutment surface. The jaws are movable between a first zero position wherein the abutment surfaces are contiguous with each other and a second position wherein the abutment surfaces are displaced from each other, this displacement defining a measured distance. A distal end of each jaw and includes an arrowhead formation wherein the arrowheads at least partially overlap when the jaws are in the first position.

Abstract: A tape measure housing, and a tape measure incorporating the housing, includes a main case and an elastomeric grip element mated to the main case. The main case has first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls which help jointly define an internal chamber therewithin for housing the coilable tape blade. An elastomeric grip element having a perimeter edge is disposed over at least a portion of the top portion, at least a portion of the rear end portion of the case, and at least a portion of the first and second sidewalls. The outer surface of the first and second sidewalls is external recess-free proximate the perimeter edge of the grip element.

Abstract: A cleaning tool is used to remove residual paint from paint application devices such as paintbrushes and paint rollers. The tool uses at least two pliable extensions that extend from a base. Opposite to the extensions, a chuck adaptor is provided. A paintbrush is received by, and supported between, the extensions and a paint roller can be received by and supported over the distal ends of the extensions and a portion of the base. The chuck adaptor is secured within the chuck of a drill or spinner and rotated, preferably within a container of liquid solvent such as water or paint thinner. The pliable extensions not only flex to allow the brush handle to be inserted and removed from the tool, but during the rotation of the brush within the solvent, the extensions flex slightly to allow a translating rotation of the brush through the solvent, more completely cleaning the brush and doing so in a more expeditious manner.

Abstract: An instantaneous pressure reducing heating and drying apparatus for an object, such as a wafer, includes a pressure reducing chamber; a vacuum pump for reducing a pressure in the pressure reducing chamber to below atmospheric pressure; a drying chamber installed within the pressure reducing chamber for drying the object that is loaded in the drying chamber; a pressure regulating valve installed in a wall of the drying chamber, wherein when the pressure regulating valve is opened a pressure in the drying chamber is instantaneously reduced to the pressure of the pressure reducing chamber; and a heating means for heating the drying chamber. In operation, the vacuum pump reduces a pressure of the pressure reducing chamber to below atmospheric pressure, and the pressure regulating valve installed in a wall of the drying chamber opens thereby instantaneously reducing the pressure the drying chamber to the reduced pressure of the pressure reducing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a dryer for use with solid-form objects suitable for a continuous process production environment, such as some kinds of produce and vegetables. The apparatus uses a variable-speed accelerator belt to rapidly load objects. The dryer has a domed shaped retaining door to force objects to the perimeter of the perforated spinning drum. In operation the apparatus uses a method to vary the speed of the accelerator belt to accomplish even self-balanced stacking of the objects within the drum. The method also includes varying the drum rotation speed from a slow rotation during loading, permitting self-balancing of the contents of the drum, to a higher drying speed that extracts liquid from the objects.

Abstract: Examples of dehumidifying processes for clothes include spinning, extracting the moisture by pressure, or drying the clothes using heat and air. To dehumidify the clothes gently and economically in terms of energy consumption, a method and apparatus for dehumidifying clothes includes bringing the clothes into contact with at least one absorption body of an absorbent material. Advantageously, a rotating absorbent body is used, its sections being continuously alternately brought into contact with an item of clothing and dehumidified by pressing.

Abstract: A dryer system for automated car wash systems includes a new and improved air dryer having a fan and a rotatable nozzle at its discharge end with the nozzle orientation being controlled by a rotary actuator whose drive shaft is mounted on the axis of rotation of the nozzle. A method of using the blowers includes the use of two or more blowers that are positioned above the vehicle and oriented so the streams of concentrated air complement each other in moving liquid particles on the vehicle toward the side or end of the vehicle where they drop from the lower edges of the sides and ends of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the surface temperatures of substrates arranged on substrate supports borne by a substrate support carrier on dynamic gas cushions in a processing chamber of a CVD-reactor. The aim of the invention is to reduce or adjust the temperature variations. According to the invention, an average surface temperature value is calculated, being measured in a particularly optical manner, and the level of the gas cushions is regulated by varying the individually controlled gas flow producing the gas cushions in such a way that the variations of the measured surface temperatures in relation to the average value lies within a predetermined temperature window.

Abstract: Plastic or rubber sole structure with variational stripes, composed of a striped layer and a sole body. The striped layer and the sole body are combined by thermal pressing and injection molded. The striped layer is made in such a manner that a fabric sheet is placed in a mold and plastic or rubber material is filled onto one face of the fabric sheet and thermally pressed to combine with the fabric sheet and form a thin striped layer. Simultaneously, the surface of the fabric sheet is thermally embossed with continuous stripes. The bottom face of the fabric sheet is formed with a plastic layer or rubber layer. The sole body is made by injection molding to form the configuration of the sole. The bottom face of the sole body is recessed to form at least one connecting sink. The striped layer is snugly attached to and accommodated in the connecting sink of the sole body. Then, the striped layer is thermally integrally fused with the connecting sink of the sole body.

Abstract: A sports shoe, comprising a sole associated with an upper (3), the upper having a first flap (4a) and a second flap (4b) which cooperate with fastening means (5c), three distinct stabilizer elements (6,7,8) being associated with the sole and the upper and interacting with at least one element for connecting at least one of their ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe and the manufacture thereof that includes an inner shoe with an upper side and a lower side and a stitch-free shell. The stitch-free shell encompasses the upper side of the inner shoe. The shell may be produced in two or more pieces and subsequently joined. The shoe can also include a sole attached to the lower side of the inner shoe.

Abstract: A shoe having a plurality of interchangeable top covering for altering the appearance of a shoe. The shoe includes a shoe base and at least one top covering for the shoe. The top covering is removably affixed to the shoe base. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top covering is positioned over a top portion of the wearer's foot, in front of the wearer's ankle. The top covering may be attached by any fastening means, such as hook and pile strips, snaps, laces, or hooks. When the wearer desires, the top covering is exchanged for another top covering to alter the exterior appearance of the shoe.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a construction machine with a rapid-action coupling for coupling a tool to a boom, wherein a rapid-action coupling part is provided on the boom side and a rapid-action coupling part is provided on the tool side such that an energy circuit can be produced, and wherein the rapid-action coupling serves for automatically coupling an energy connection on the tool side to an energy connection on the boom side. According to the invention, an identification system is provided which comprises means on the tool side which serve for identifying the type and the size of the tool, as well as means on the construction machine side which serve for reading out and processing the information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a label comprising a support (2), display elements (6a-6f), and means for mounting mobile elements rotatably on the support. For at least one of the display elements, the mounting means (14, 16) extend at some distance from the centre of the element and are discontinuous along a circumferential direction around said centre.

Abstract: A divider bar for checkout counters includes a backlighting arrangement that senses motion occurring, for example, when the customers approach the checkout station or when the bar is moved for use by a customer. In the preferred embodiment the illumination serves to call attention to the advertising displayed within the divider bar. The bar is elongated and transparent with a polygonal, preferably rectangular or square cross section. At least one end of the bar has end caps equipped with a motion detector in close proximity that activate sources of illumination to emphasize advertising which can be viewed through the transparent walls of the divider bar. The circuitry and source of illumination is supported by a plate, which slides loosely and is positioned diagonally within the rectangular cross section of the bar. The transparent plate acts also to hold panels or sheets of advertising in position.

Abstract: This Information Summary relates to a product idea called “Slot Guards” which has been disclosed by Ms. Margaret R. Fountain of Gary, Ind. It is based upon information submitted by the originator along with notes from conversations with interested representatives. General marketing information tailored to “Slot Guards” has been supplied and appropriate suggestions made. Standard statistical data with a heavy orientation on material prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Bureau of the Census was utilized. This data was supplemented with more specialized information available from other basic marketing reference works, trade associations, trade publications, libraries, and other sources. The results is a reference tool which can be used to submit “Slot Guards” to industry in a logical format which stresses its positive and most appealing features.

Abstract: A display device comprising a board (1), a notice (4) comprising a sheet having a front and a back, information in text or image form being adapted to be applied e.g. by printing on the front, and means for securing the notice to the board, characterised in that the fixing means are made up of hooks and loops, the hooks extending from the main surface of the board for attaching the notice and the loops extending from the back of the notice, substantially the entire main surface of the board being covered with hooks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel system for suspending artwork, photographs, documents and other planar material for display in which one edge (the top edge of the material) instead of being attached to hinges, is positioned between opposed magnetic materials having a strong reciprocal force tightly gripping the planar material therebetween whereby the planar article is releasably mounted for display. One of each set of opposed magnetic materials is seated within a recessed area of a mounting board providing a backing for the artwork or other planar article; while the other magnetic material is seated within a mat or other planar material designed to be positioned over the face of the artwork or other planar material to be displayed. The invention is particularly useful for mounting for display priceless artwork and archival documents which can suffer irreversible degradation from the hinging techniques heretofore employed for such priceless planar materials.

Abstract: A debris retaining and retrieval tool for cleaning the barrels of rifles and especially muzzle loading black powder rifles. A serrated brass cutting blade is positioned between two spaced plastic guide discs and further between a plastic lead-in guide element and a plastic follower guide element. The elements are combined by a bolt and fastened to a ram rod. The spaced guide discs and the cutting blade entrap the scraped barrel residue of powder, plastic and lead to be carried outside the cleaned barrel for removal by a toothbrush.

Abstract: A kit for holding a fishing reel mounted against a fishing rod handle is made of two elastic sleeves. The rod handle includes two metal rings that hold the oppositely extending shoes of the reel seat against the handle. The two sleeves can be made of rubber and they slide onto the handle and onto at least a portion of the respective metal rings.

Abstract: A fishing bait comprising a plurality of fish eggs received within a semi-permeable casing material and a weight situated and concealed within the egg sac so as to help make the weight generally undetectable to a fish. The casing material is secured about the eggs to form an egg sac. The weight causes the egg sac to remain in contact with the bottom of a body of water when the fishing bait is received over the end of a hook secured to a fishing line and the fishing line is allowed to drift through a body of water.

Abstract: A spinner bait fishing lure includes a wiring harness that has a plurality of wires, each of which have a first end that connects to an eyelet of a hook and which are contained within a lure body formed around the eyelet of the hook. The wiring harness includes a central region shaped for attaching the lure to a fishing line and each of the wires include a second loop at a second end. The wires are substantially parallel between the first loop and the central region and diverge from the central region at an angle that is symmetrical about a center line of the lure body. Swivels are used to attach spinner blades to second ends of each of the wires.

Abstract: A counterweighted weedless fishing float suitable for suspending at least part of an attractant, such as live bait or an insect replica, above the surface of water in which the float is borne, and kits for assembling a variety of attractants, are provided. The float is counterweighted, and may comprise a plurality of air-trapping channels arranged within it to trap an amount of air sufficient to support the float and a connected attractant. In other embodiments, the float may comprise one or more sealed chambers to provide buoyancy. The float may be disguised as a water plant, fallen tree leaf, twig or other floating detritus or water creature. The attractant may replicate an insect such as a dragonfly, an insect larva such as a hellgrammite, or any other natural or artificial fish bait or prey.

Abstract: An insect trap is described which comprises an insect-attracting element and an insect-holding element, the insect-attracting element being a hologram, that is to say a material in the form of a film which contains the result of a holographic recording method. A cavity or an adhesive, advantageously in the form of an adhesive layer, may be used as the insect-holding element of the insect trap. The insect trap may also contain insecticides and attractants. The use of a hologram is particularly suitable for attraction of flying insect species such as the housefly, the Indian meal moth, the clothes moth, mosquitoes and the common wasp.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and formula for producing a fuel having reduced particulate emissions from an internal combustion engine. The fuel taught herein is characterized as having a cetane number ranging from about 45 to about 65, a T95 distillation property of less than about 370° C.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a flexible floral sleeve having a base portion and a skirt portion, and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a flower pot. The base portion is generally made from two flat panels substantially free of overlapping portions and the skirt portion has a plurality of overlapping portions which allow the skirt portion to expand outwardly from the upper end of the base portion.

Abstract: a starter cell for starting a plant has a first opening at the topmost portion of the cell for facilitating plant seeding and growth, a second opening at the bottommost portion of the cell for facilitating root passage for air pruning of the root, and a plurality of inward-facing ridges formed vertically along the cell walls and along any cell comers. The cell is characterized in that the ridges are strategically placed to guide developing roots to avoid twisting and balling. In some embodiment the ridges have feet to provided for stacking, for example.

Abstract: A method for gasifying carbonaceous materials to fuel gases comprises the formation of an ultra-superheated steam (USS) composition substantially containing water vapor, carbon dioxide and highly reactive free radicals thereof, at a temperature of about 2400° F. (1316° C.) to about 5000° F. (2760° C.). The USS composition comprising a high temperature clear, colorless flame is contacted with a carbonaceous material for rapid gasification/reforming thereof. The need for significant superstoichiometric steam addition for temperature control. Methods for controlling a gasification/reforming system to enhance efficiency are described. A USS burner for a fluidized bed gasification/reforming reactor, and methods of construction, are described.

Abstract: A fast start-up catalytic reformer for producing hydrogen-rich reformate from hydrocarbon fuel includes a reactor having an inlet for receiving a flow of fuel and a flow of air, a reforming catalyst disposed within a reforming chamber in the reactor, and an outlet for discharging the produced reformate stream. An ignition device within the reactor tube ignites a first lean mixture in combustion mode to generate exhaust gases to warm the catalyst which also warms the wall of the reactor adjacent the catalyst. The reactor then switches over to a rich fuel/air mixture during reforming mode. A jacket concentrically surrounds the reactor, defining a mixing chamber therebetween which communicates with the reforming chamber via openings in the wall of the reactor. Fuel entering the reformer in combustion mode is injected directly into the reforming chamber to provide rapid warming of the catalyst.

Abstract: A device for detecting an obstacle in the opening range of a closure element of a motor vehicle (10) movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane (20) or sunroof, comprises a sealing profile (30) sealing the closure element (20). The sealing profile (30) is made of an elastomeric material and secured to a frame (12) of the motor vehicle (10). In addition, the device comprises a sensor for detecting an obstacle in the opening range of the closure element (20) which includes at least one electrical conductor (40) generating an electrical field in the opening range of the closure element (20). Such a device is characterized by being comparatively cheap in production whilst featuring relatively simple assembly and maintenance.

Abstract: A vehicle window lifter includes first and second parallel guide rails, a connecting arm rigidly connecting the guide rails at a point along the rails between their ends, and cable returns defining a cable path along the rails and connecting arm. The connecting arm and guide rails form a cable path for a cable, protecting the cable while providing high rigidity and simple mounting on a vehicle door.

Abstract: Foamed thermoplastic polymeric mechanical planarization polishing pads (“MP pads”) made with supercritical fluids are presented. A supercritical fluid foaming agent is dissolved in a thermoplastic polymer. A rapid change in the solubility and volume of the supercritical fluid foaming agent in the thermoplastic polymer results in foaming of the thermoplastic polymer. Foamed thermoplastic polymeric MP pads are advantageously both significantly and uniformly porous.

Abstract: A post mounting system and method that includes individually adjustable angled gripping elements which contact the interior of a hollow post so as to hold the post firmly against a retaining wall of a base member surrounding the lower end of the post. One or more shim components having a surface area substantially the same as at least the surface area of the bottom of the base member is used to adjust the vertical angularity of a post secured to the base member. The shims may be circularly shaped with a slot extending to the center thereof for shim placement about a rod upon which the base member is mounted. There is a thicker portion of such a shim opposite the slot. Alternative embodiments include additional post reinforcing structures insertable into the interior of the hollow post to provide additional support for complying with building code requirements, such as second story dwelling uses, etc.