Abstract: A rotatable interlocking pin system to secure a plurality of fabrics together. The system includes a decorative first member, a second decorative member, and a coupling pin for rotatably joining the first and second members together to secure the plurality of fabrics. The first end is rotatably and captively received by the first member's shaft hole, while the second end pierces through the fabrics and is frictionally received by the second member's shaft hole. The members and the coupling pin are free to rotate, thus preventing the fabric from being torn, distorted, or severely damaged by the pin system. The first and second members may be constructed of a variety of decorative or simulative appearances creating coordinating or contrasting members.

Abstract: A casket and memorialization accessory combination comprises a casket comprising a casket shell having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls and a casket lid closable on the casket shell, a decorative ornament, and a keepsake box adapted to receive keepsake items therein. The casket shell and ornament are configured such that the ornament is removably attachable to the casket shell. The keepsake box and ornament are configured such that the ornament is attachable to the keepsake box. The ornament can be removed from the casket in which a deceased was displayed for viewing and attached to the keepsake box so that the keepsake box and ornament can be presented to a loved one of the deceased as a memorial to the deceased.

Abstract: A casket and memorialization accessory combination comprises a casket comprising a casket shell having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls and a casket lid closable on the casket shell, a decorative ornament, and a planter adapted to receive a plant therein. The casket shell and ornament are configured such that the ornament is removably attachable to the casket shell. The planter and ornament are configured such that the ornament is attachable to the planter. The ornament can be removed from the casket in which a deceased was displayed for viewing and attached to the planter so that the planter and ornament can be presented to a loved one of the deceased as a memorial to the deceased.

Abstract: A method of forming a sheet metal casket comprises providing a sheet metal casket shell having at least a portion of an end wall and at least a portion of a side wall and a round corner between the portion of the end wall and the portion of the side wall, and forming a generally planar corner oriented at about a 45° angle relative to the portion of the end wall and the portion of the side wall.

Abstract: A casket comprises a casket shell having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls, a casket lid closable on the casket shell, and a digital image display device mounted to an exterior of at least one of the shell and the lid for displaying digital images.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a piezoelectric ceramic device is disclosed, wherein the process includes the following steps: securing a metal plate in a mold cavity body by maintaining a binding area on a top surface of the metal plate, and that the top surface other than the binding area is enveloped, confined and secured; coating a metal paste on the binding area; placing a piezoelectric ceramic powder on the metal paste; pressing a pressing pillar on the piezoelectric ceramic powder; securing the pressing pillar in position; heating the mold cavity body so as to sinter the piezoelectric ceramic powder as a sintered body, and heating the mold cavity body so as to treat the sintered body to become a not-yet polarized piezoelectric ceramic sheet. Therefore, the same mold is employed for the piezoelectric ceramic powder sintering, the heat treatment, and the positioning and binding to the metal plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chip capacitor according to an aspect of the invention may include: preparing a capacitor lamination including a dielectric sheet formed of a composite having ceramic powder and a polymer mixed with each other, and first and second internal electrodes formed on both surfaces of the dielectric sheet at predetermined intervals; forming covering layers formed of an insulating material on both surfaces of the capacitor lamination; forming at least one first opening and at least one second opening in the capacitor lamination having the covering layers formed thereon to expose the first and second internal electrodes, respectively; forming plating layers in the first and second openings, the plating layers connected to the first and second internal electrodes; and dicing the result into chips on the basis of the first and second openings so that the plating layers formed in the first and second openings are provided as first and second external terminals.

Abstract: The thermostat installing structure is provided, according to which a thermostat can be installed stably in the circulation path of cooling medium, and the circulation path of cooling medium can be also fastened to the body of an internal combustion engine without causing any damage to the function of the thermostat. The thermostat (5) comprises a frame (12) formed integrally with an annular supporting substrate (6) having the inner circumferential edge portion serving as a valve seat (6a) and regulating a projecting head portion (7a) of an extendable rod (7), whereby the thermostat is installed between the circulation path of cooling medium and the cooling medium channel of the internal combustion engine in a manner that the circulation path of cooling medium and the internal combustion engine body are integrally fastened by fixing the thermostat at a predetermined position in the circulation path of cooling medium with the fixing means and thereafter fitting a gasket.

Abstract: A bearing remover is configured to cooperate with a puller to remove a bearing from an axle. The bearing remover includes a claw that has an opening to receive a portion of the axle, and a lip that can be inserted between the bearing and the wall. The bearing remover also includes a centering component that fits about the axle. The claw and centering component are mechanically coupled to assist in maintaining the claw about the bearing, and to transmit a force to the claw.

Abstract: A pneumatic battering ram is disclosed. The battering ram has a housing, a pressurized air tank, a ramming head, and a pivotable ramming edge. Air released from the air tank into the housing forces the ramming head outward against an enclosure to forcibly open it. Where a slug is inserted into the housing, air released from the pressurized air tank into the housing causes the slug to hit the inner surface of the ramming head, forcing it outwardly against the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of modifying an existing casting mold for a turbine moving blade having a shroud band segment with an initial coupling geometry for coupling with a further shroud band segment, the coupling geometry having an initial coupling angle of the shroud band segment relative to a circumferential direction of the turbine, includes calculating a modified coupling geometry for the shroud band segment, the modified coupling geometry including a modified coupling angle of the shroud band segment relative to the circumferential direction. The method further includes creating at least one of a removal zone and an application zone, wherein the creating of the removal zone includes removing a first amount of casting mold material from the removal zone and wherein the creating of the application zone includes applying a second amount of an additional casting mold material to the application zone, wherein the removing and the applying steps result in the casting mold having the modified coupling angle.

Abstract: A method of repairing a housing part of an aircraft engine. An existing cylindrical bore can be widened to a conical bore or a conical bore can be produced. A filler comprising a material of the same type as a material of the housing part can be prepared. The filler can have a conical peripheral surface configured to fit into the conical bore. The filler can be rotated so that material of the filler and material of the housing part heat up by rotational friction and are plastified. The filler and the housing part can be upset against each other in an axial direction. The filler can be worked so that it finishes flush with the housing part. If a cylindrical bore was initially present, a bore corresponding to the original bore can be produced through the filler.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow body having an external surface randomly provided with a large number of depressions is provided. The method includes providing the large number of depressions on the external surface of the hollow body. A profile curve of the external surface in a circumferential direction is obtained while rotating the hollow body. A frequency analysis is performed on the obtained profile curve. A quality of the hollow body is judged by comparing a result of the frequency analysis with a predetermined judgment standard.

Abstract: A method for uncoupling an interference shield from a circuit board is provided. The method includes providing a circuit board including a surface mounted component and an interference shield configured to provide shielding of the surface mounted component. The interference shield is coupled to the circuit board by a joint. Heating of the joint is effected by induction heating such that the interference shield becomes configured for displacement relative to the circuit board in response to application of a mechanical force. An apparatus for effecting the uncoupling is also provided.

Abstract: A die push-up apparatus using a vertically movable die pick-up member 22 for die-peeling, the die pick-up member 22 which pushes dies upward being disposed inside a suction holding stage 10 further toward a die feeding direction side than a die push-up member 21 for die-pickup. With the die push-up member 22 lowered, the forward end portion (with respect to the die feeding direction) of a die 1A that is to be picked up is moved to above the die push-up member 22, the die push-up member 22 is next raised so that the forward end portion of the die 1A passing thereon is peeled from the wafer sheet 2; and further with the die push-up member 22 raised, the die 1A is fed to the pickup center 5 and is picked up by a collet 4 and the rising die push-up member 21.

Abstract: A crusher tooth removal tool is provided having a guide comprising a pair of substantially parallel elongate guide members, said guide having a first end and a second end; a first wedge assembly attached at or near the first end of the guide, said first wedge assembly having a first wedge; a second wedge assembly having a second wedge, said second wedge assembly slideably attached to the guide so that the second wedge and the first wedge are facing each other; a brace fixedly attached at or near the second end of the guide; and a force exerting device connected between the second wedge assembly and the brace such that the force exerting device is operative to force the second wedge assembly along the guide towards the first wedge assembly.

Abstract: A method for hanging solar panels from a horizontal support, in one example embodiment, comprises pivotally coupling one or more solar panels to a rigid support, wherein the one or more of solar panels are free to rotate about the rigid support, the rigid support being substantially horizontal to the ground level, the one or more solar panels having a backside and front side, further comprising a counterweight rigidly attached to the backside, the counterweight tilting the one or more solar panels as to increase exposure of the front side to the sun.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling utilities is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for coupling utilities comprises a lower plate supported by a box, the plate having an aperture, at least one preloaded spring, at least one utility connection component, and a primary alignment pin projecting from a first surface of the plate; and an upper plate having a secondary alignment pin shorter than the primary alignment pin projecting from a first surface of the upper plate, an aperture and at least one utility connection component. The upper plate can move toward the lower plate with the first surfaces of the plates facing one another so that the primary alignment pin passes through the aperture in the upper plate and the secondary alignment pin passes through the aperture in the lower plate, the at least one preloaded spring is compressed, and the plates engage, coupling the utility connection components.

Abstract: A screen that conforms to the borehole shape after expansion is disclosed. The screen comprises a compliant outer layer that takes the borehole shape on expansion. The outer layer is formed having holes to permit production flow. The material that is selected preferably swells with prolonged contact to well fluids to further close off annular gaps after expansion. In an alternative embodiment, the screen is not expanded and the swelling of the material alone closes off annular gaps. The outer sleeve is placed over the screen and the screen is placed on a base pipe and initially expanded from within the base pipe to secure the components of the screen assembly for running downhole, while minimizing or eliminating any welding among the layers. A variety of expansion tools can be used to expand the screen or screens downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sealing of roof assemblies for a building structure, wherein the apparatus includes a vertically configured roller and a plurality of horizontally configured rollers to simultaneously produce a hook in the female panel edge and seal the male and female edge together is provided. Such an apparatus thus permits the utilization of any type of metal paneling to create the desired roof assembly, with the capability of providing a secure seal to increase the waterproofing and uplift protection potential thereof. The versatility permitted with such an apparatus allows for ease in placement of the targeted metal panels prior to sealing with the aforementioned increase in reliability of the ultimate roof assembly in terms of shear force protection. The method of sealing with such an apparatus is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly includes a manifold containing a plurality of hydraulic channels that direct fluid to a centralized location and a package disposed at the centralized location to measure fluid pressure at pressure ports corresponding to the hydraulic channels. The manifold assembly directs fluid to the single package rather than scattering fluid outputs to multiple sensor locations, simplifying the overall assembly configuration.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a probe needle having beams and a contactor placed on tips of the beams comprises preparing a Si wafer 20, forming a seed layer 21 on the Si wafer 20, and forming grooves in a desired shape of the beams on the seed layer 21 by patterning a photoresist 23. Subsequently, the grooves are filled up with metal-plated layers 24a, 24b to form the desired shape of beams.

Abstract: A wire protection system includes a cover configured to enclosed a wire. The cover has a plurality of spikes extending outwardly from an outer surface of the cover. The plurality of spikes is configured and spaced relative to each other to deter an animal from chewing on the cover.

Abstract: A stator winding is manufactured by a forming step, a winding step, and a expanding step. In the forming step, an S-shaped offset shape is formed on a conductor part corresponding to a coil end part. Thereby, in a coil end part, it is possible to provide an expected shape stably at the coil end part. The conductor is wound around a bobbin in the winding step. In the winding step, a twisted shape is given to the conductor parts to be the inclined part of the coil end and the conductor part to be accommodated in a slot. In the expanding step, a preform product removed from the bobbin is expanded into a shape of the stator winding.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a thin film magnetic head includes forming on a substrate magnetic head portions having a magnetoresistive element and resistance detection elements for measuring an amount of polishing; slicing the substrate to form at least one row bar; polishing the ABS of each row bar; forming rails on the polished ABS; and cutting each row bar to separate each magnetic head portion. The step of polishing the ABS includes measuring a resistance of each resistance detection element and a resistance of each magnetoresistive element; calculating an offset value between the resistance detection element and the magnetoresistive element; and calculating a final resistance of the resistance detection element by using the calculated offset value. When the resistance of the resistance detection element reaches the final resistance, polishing of the ABS of the row bar is terminated. Other methods are presented as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coil former apparatus (2) for an electrical machine, in particular for an electric motor having coil formers (3) composed of plastic, on which stator coils can be wound, with the coil formers (3) being articulated, in particular integrally formed, via hinges, in particular film hinges (4), on the outer edge of a central plastic mounting element (1).

Abstract: An electrical heater is made by first providing on a surface of a heater support a dielectric inner layer and then projecting by an inkjet-printing method droplets of an emulsion or dispersion of conductive particles in a vehicle or binder onto the dielectric layer to form thereon a continuous film. The binder or vehicle are removed and a protective dielectric outer layer is provided over the film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sealed cell includes the following steps. A step of producing an iron-based terminal cap, which includes an external terminal projecting toward the outside of the cell, a flange, and a hole in the flange, the hole having a diameter smaller on the inner side than on the outer side of the cell. A step of producing an aluminum-based safety valve, which includes a conductive contact portion projecting toward the inside of the cell, a peripheral portion, and a pin-like projection in the peripheral portion. A step of riveting the projection and the hole together by inserting the projection into the hole and crushing the tip of the projection. A step of welding the terminal cap and the safety valve by applying high-energy radiation to the part of the cap that is in the vicinity of the riveted part.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for terminating connectors onto a coaxial cable has an elongated body and an end stop and plunger on the body, the plunger being controlled by a lever arm which will axially advance the plunger toward and away from the end stop to radially compress a portion of the connector into firm crimping engagement with the end of the coaxial cable. To accommodate different lengths of connectors, a plunger permits mounting of different length adapter tips to vary the axial spacing between the adapter tips and the end stop according to the length of connector being terminated.

Abstract: A method of a double starwheel unit in multiple rows with a multi-hole manner, an instrument and the like are disclosed. The double starwheel unit has a sleeve and two starwheel parallel-arranged and connecting the sleeve. The instrument has a plate-like assembly fixture and an orientation mechanism. The plate-like assembly fixture has a plurality of strip-like tools. The method combines the strip-like tools with the plate-like assembly fixture and a plurality of module holes, presses an exterior mold on the starwheel onto upper and lower surfaces of the plate-like assembly fixture, and injects a working fluid to shape the double starwheel units. The strip-like tools are engaged or disengaged by the orientation mechanism.

Abstract: An implantable, substantially isodiametric, low resistance implantable lead having at least one electrode positioned in a stimulation/sensing portion of the lead as well as a method of manufacturing the same. At least the stimulation/sensing portion is unitized through partially surrounding and supporting insulation and conductive element(s) of the stimulation/sensing portion with a fused matrix of material having mechanical properties consistent with a body of the lead.

Abstract: Improve techniques for assembling electronic devices within housings are disclosed. The improved techniques enable distinct electrical components of an assembly to be separately inserted into a tightly constrained enclosure. After the separate electrical components have been inserted into the housing, the separate electrical components can be electrically connected. Advantageously, the improved techniques enable electrical components of an assembly to be separately inserted into a tightly constrained enclosure when a sub-assembly of such products prior to insertion is not practicable or feasible.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for identifying different fanout via configurations that can be created using fanout vias, and then arranging those fanout via configurations in an alternating manner in order to increase the amount and/or area of routing channels available to route traces to the fanout vias. According to some of these techniques, a first fanout via configuration is selected, which can connect a component pin to a first layer of a multilayer printed circuit board. Next, a second fanout via configuration is selected, which can connect a component pin to a second layer of a multilayer printed circuit board different from the first layer. When the printed circuit board is designed, lines of these vias configurations are formed to correspond to a component that will be mounted on the printed circuit board. Each line will have a series of the first fanout via configuration alternating with a series of the second fanout via configuration.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are micro-electromechanical devices and methods of fabricating them. An exemplary micro-electromechanical device can include a first dielectric layer; a buried conductive trace disposed over the first dielectric layer, such that the buried conductor trace is electrically connected to an outside power source; a second dielectric layer disposed over the buried conductive trace; at least one conductive electrode disposed over the second dielectric layer and electrically connected to the buried conductive trace; and at least one conductive membrane including membrane anchors disposed over the second dielectric layer, such that the at least one conductive membrane is electrically isolated from the at least one conductive electrode and the buried conductor trace, wherein the at least one conductive electrode is electrically connected to the power source through the buried conductive trace.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional circuit is described as follows. Firstly, a three-dimensional insulating structure having at least one uneven surface is provided. Secondly, a self-assembly film is formed on the uneven surface for completely covering the uneven surface. Next, a catalytic film is formed on the self-assembly film. Afterward, the self-assembly film and the catalytic film are patterned. Then, a three-dimensional circuit structure is formed on the catalytic film by chemical deposition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon electrode for melting an object to be melted by arc discharge, includes: a rubbing step of rubbing the surface of the carbon electrode before power is supplied with a rubbing material of the same type as the object to be melted.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated seal on a component is disclosed, comprising the steps of supplying a component having an edge portion, forming a profile on the edge portion, supplying a seal, applying a bond preparation on a surface on the edge portion, applying a bonding material on the seal, mounting the seal to the edge portion, and curing the bond. A method of assembling a stator assembly is disclosed comprising the steps of providing a vane, providing a first fairing located near a first side of the vane, the first fairing having a first seal coupled to a first edge portion of the first fairing, providing a second fairing located near a second side of the vane, the second fairing having a second seal coupled to a second edge portion of the second fairing and engaging a portion of the first seal with a portion of the second seal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid ejecting head is provided. The liquid ejecting head has nozzle openings and ejects liquid supplied through a liquid supply passage from the nozzle openings.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wick structure of a plate-type heat pipe involves providing a base plate with a heat absorbing plate and two extending plates extending from opposite ends, providing a mold covering the base plate and with a first engaging portion corresponding to the heat absorbing plate and two second engaging portions corresponding to the extending plates, and filling metal powder into a gap between the mold and the base plate. The metal powder is heated to obtain a wick structure having one part adhered to a top surface of the heat absorbing plate and two other parts adhered to top surfaces of the extending plates of the base plate. The part of the wick structure adhered to a top surface of the heat absorbing plate has a thickness smaller than that of the other parts.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plate-type heat pipe includes the steps of: offering a top plate, a base plate, a wick structure adhered to the base plate; securing the top plate onto the base plate to make the top plate contact with the base plate; offering a microwave oven which includes a cover and a heating member located at a center portion of the cover, the cover defining an opening at a side thereof to allow microwave to enter the cover, the heating member defining a chamber; putting the secured top and base plates into the chamber of the heating member and turning on the microwave oven to make the microwave produced by the microwave oven enter the cover, the heating member absorbing the microwave and transforming the microwave to heat energy to heat the plate-type heat pipe, whereby the base and top plates are heated and hermetically assembled together.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of a journal bearing assembly in a solid fuel pulverizer includes: removing a first lower journal bearing from a journal shaft and a lower bearing seat of a lower bearing housing; removing a first upper journal bearing from the shaft and an upper bearing seat of an upper bearing housing; modifying the lower and upper bearing seats; modifying lower and upper shoulders on the journal shaft; disposing the second lower and upper journal bearings on the modified lower and upper bearing seats; disposing a new journal bearing spacer between the second lower and upper journal bearings; disposing a new journal bearing collar between the upper shoulder and the second upper journal bearing; filling a cavity defined by the lower and upper journal housings with grease; and disposing a seal assembly between the shaft and one end of the upper journal housing opposite the lower journal housing to prevent the ingress of solid fuel into the cavity of the journal assembly.

Abstract: A wet shaving razor cartridge that comprises a plurality of at least five elongate blade assemblies disposed in parallel between a guard and a cap of a housing, each blade assembly having a sharp cutting edge; wherein said blade assemblies exhibit a cumulative interblade span of no greater than about 3 mm. Also, a wet shaving razor cartridge that comprise a plurality of at least four elongate blade assemblies disposed in parallel between a guard and a cap of a housing, each blade assembly having a sharp cutting edge; wherein said blade assemblies exhibit a cumulative interblade span of no greater than about 2.5 mm.

Abstract: A razor cartridge comprising a housing, a guard disposed toward a front portion of the housing, a cap disposed toward a rear portion of the housing, a plurality of bent blade assemblies, wherein at least one of the blade assemblies comprises one or more perforations along a length of the assembly. In another embodiment, a razor cartridge comprising a housing, a guard disposed toward a front portion of the housing, a cap disposed toward a rear portion of the housing, a plurality of integrally formed bent blade assemblies, wherein each of the blade assemblies comprises one or more perforations along a length of the assembly.

Abstract: A razor cartridge has a frame, a razor blade resiliently mounted in the frame, a cartridge retainer disposed around a portion of a periphery of the frame; and a separable lubrication articulately connected to the frame and selectively moveable between a forward position and a locked position. The cartridge retainer has a first portion that includes a surface that defines a skin engaging surface when the separable lubrication is in the locked position and second portions at opposed ends of the first portion that retain the blade in the frame and include means to fixedly attach the cartridge retainer to the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper structure, which is generally comprised of a long handle for handgrip and a scraping section in its front. Basically, the scraping section of the scraper is comprised of a jaw plate, a blade, a fastener and a fastening button. The front end of the scraping section extends downward or forward to form a blade slot and has a jaw base at the bottom to connect to the blade slot. The jaw plate has identical shape to the clamp jaw in the front of the jaw base. The fastener and the fastening button are combined to provide tightening and enable the clamp jaw in the front of the jaw plate to exert great pressure onto the blade and achieve quick blade replacement and assembly. Further, the fastening button can exert more force by the front hand in grasping the handle and achieve powerful scraping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vegetation cutting tool. In particular, the present invention relates to a powered vegetation cutting tool and more particularly to a linkage mechanism for a powered vegetation cutting tool. We describe a vegetation cutting tool comprising a cutting head, a motor and transmission means drivable by the motor. The cutting head includes first and second cutter members having respective cutting surfaces, wherein the first cutter member is pivotably mounted with respect to the second cutter member. Additionally, at least the first cutter member is drivable by the transmission means between a first angular position with respect to the second cutter member, in which a space is formed between the respective cutting surfaces, and a second angular position with respect to the second cutter member, in which the space between the respective cutting surfaces is closed.

Abstract: A wet shaving razor has a handle with a substantially rigid elongated gripping section extending along a longitudinal axis of the handle. An elastomer cover is joined to the elongated gripping section and includes a plurality of flexible fins having a first section having a first width and a second section having a second width that is less than the first width. The fins have a height to gap width ratio of about 1:1 to about 2:1, such that the fins have a flexed position in which one or more of the fins deflects and contacts an adjacent fin.

Abstract: An apparatus for azimuth measurements comprises an elongated housing, a plurality of gyro sensors, each of the gyro sensors having an input axis for angular velocity measurements, spherical sensor holders arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing, at least one motor for driving the sensor holders, a transmission mechanism for transmitting a rotation force from the motor to each of the sensor holders and a controller for controlling a rotation of the motor. Each of the sensor holders has one of the gyro sensors and is rotatable about a rotation axis so as to change the orientation of the input axis of the gyro sensor.

Abstract: The kit described herein may include a first measurement element capable of measuring in at least the x and y planes without substantially moving the element. The kit may further include a second measurement element capable of measuring in at least the x and y planes without substantially moving the second element. In one embodiment, the measuring element is substantially rectangular, has an internal opening and it includes at least a first axis along the x-axis and a second axis along the y-axis. In another embodiment, the measuring element comprises an “L” shape having a first axis along the x-axis and a second axis along the y-axis, wherein each axis has a length of more than 150 cm.

Abstract: An all-in-one combination layout tool is provided for marking center lines for spacing studs, marking rip lines, marking cut lines for roof rafters and staircase stringers, and other purposes. The tool comprises a rectangular base plate, an elongate locator bar with a rounded pivot corner, and two connectors to connect the locator bar to the base plate in a variety of configurations. The base plate includes multiple “pivot” points for pivotally connecting the locator bar, two strategically-placed arcuate slots for marking or making angle cuts, and two strategically placed parallel slots for configuring the tool to mark or make rip cuts. Angle markings are provided on two adjacent edges of the base plate, and 1/16-inch markings are provided on the opposite adjacent edges. The base plate is planar and has no enlarged flange or lip that would hinder its use in laying out staircase stringers.