Abstract: A dual string drilling system for drilling a well bore in an earth formation, having a rotatable, tubular outer drill string and an upper rotatable, tubular inner drill string. An elongate tubular drill bit is mounted to a distal end of the outer drill string. The tubular drill bit having an interior passageway having a longitudinal axis which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer drill string. The drill bit is further provided with a cutaway portion extending through a wall of the tubular outer drill string. A lower rotatable inner drill string is coupled to the upper rotatable tubular inner drill string and is disposed within the interior passageway of the drill bit. A second drill bit is mounted to the distal of the lower inner drill string and is sized to extend beyond the drill bit mounted to the outer drill string.

Abstract: A roller cone bit is provided that includes a companion ring positioned adjacent to the seal, wherein the companion ring is formed of a porous material that is compatible with the fluid lubricating the interface between the roller cone and the bearing pin.

Abstract: A tubing shoe (10) for use on work strings in well bores as are typically utilised in oil and gas production. The shoe comprises a cylindrical body (12) upon which is arranged a reaming portion (22) including pairs of teardrop shaped raised reaming members (26), each pair being mounted oppositely, in parallel and longitudinally along the body. Adjacent pairs of members provide a funnel (42) for collecting approaching debris and a channel for grinding the debris. A nose (14) may be mounted on the end of the shoe, the nose being eccentric or including cutting blades to assist the shoe in breaking through shale and clay stone bridges. A non-aggressive stabiliser (54) in the form of helically arranged blades may also be located on shoe.

Abstract: A gripping tool having at least one body, including an associated load adaptor adapted to be connected to and interact with one of a drive head or reaction frame. A gripping assembly, carried by the body, has a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage one of an interior surface or an exterior surface of a work piece upon relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface in at least one axial direction. A grip activation assembly acts between the body and the grip surface to increase a grip ratio of radial load upon the gripping assembly relative to axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface. The grip activation assembly includes a motor driven load screw to create relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface.

Abstract: A supplementary support structure, which supports the body of a robot (1), comprises a contact component (7) which is disposed in a part near a joint (2c) on the distal end, having a hand (3) disposed thereon, of an arm (2) of the robot (1) so as to come into contact with a surface on which the robot (1) is supported, such as a floor surface, and a member which lies between the part having the contact component (7) disposed therein and the proximal end of the arm (2). Thus, the supplementary support structure can avoid an increase in the weight of the hand resulting from the support structure, thus eliminate an extra load on a driving system for the hand or the arm, and thus achieve the simplification and size reduction of the driving system. Moreover, the support structure can increase the degree of freedom of the shape or functional design of the hand and thus improve the functioning of the robot.

Abstract: A robotic system adapted to deploy from a police vehicle for inspecting a suspect vehicle has a robot unit and a carrier unit. The robot unit includes a robot base having a drive system responsive to a control unit having a robot transceiver, and a camera operably mounted on robot unit for inspecting the suspect vehicle. A primary display adapted to be operably positioned within the police vehicle functions for displaying the images from the camera. A remote control unit, also adapted to be operably positioned within the police vehicle, enables the user to operably control the control unit of the robot unit. The carrier unit includes a carrier housing that pivots between a raised position for carrying the robot unit, and a lowered position for deploying the robot unit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a floor panel provided on the bottom of the vehicle body; a floor tunnel that is formed bulging upward in the center of the floor panel in the vehicle body width; a pair of front seats that are disposed on the floor panel, outside of the floor tunnel in the vehicle body width direction; center frames that support the floor tunnel, disposed at the center in the vehicle body width and extending along the vehicle body longitudinal direction; a sub-frame provided on the bottom of the floor panel and joined to the center frames; and a fuel cell stack mounted on the sub-frame and provided under the floor tunnel.

Abstract: A drive device of a hybrid vehicle includes a motor generator and a motor generator arranged at the back of the motor generator, each rotor having a rotational center axis arranged on the same axis, a power split mechanism arranged on the same axis as a rotational center axis of a crankshaft and between the crankshaft and the motor generator, and a power control unit performing control of the motor generator. The power control unit includes a reactor arranged in a gap portion formed on one side with respect to the rotational center axis of the motor generator and between a lower side surface of the power element substrate, an outer circumferential side surface of the motor generator and an inner side surface of a case, and a capacitor arranged on the other side with respect to the rotational center axis of the motor generator.

Abstract: A battery storage device for forklifts is used in storing a battery. The battery storage device includes a vehicle frame having a battery storage room, a front support plate provided on the vehicle frame for supporting a front surface of the battery received in the battery storage room, a rear support plate provided at a rear side of the battery storage room for supporting a rear surface of the battery received in the battery storage room, the rear support plate detachably fixed to the vehicle frame in such a manner that, when detached, the rear support plate becomes movable toward or away from the front support plate in conformity with a size of the battery, and a position adjustor for position-adjustably fixing the rear support plate in one position selected from a plurality of fixing positions.

Abstract: A trolley is provided and includes at least one driven wheel and non-driven wheels. The at least one drive wheel may be moved to a position clear of the ground or to a position in which it contacts the ground with the adjacent non-driven wheels being raised off the ground. Movement between these two positions is effected by pivoting a sub-frame to which the driven wheel and the non-driven wheels are connected. During this movement, the region of the trolley above the driven wheel is first lowered and then raised slightly such that the end elevation of the support for a patient remains the same.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine. The engine includes a deceleration mechanism inside a crankcase part. A shift pedal member for actuating the deceleration mechanism of the engine is provided. An arm member has a lower part directly mounted on the shift pedal member. A link member is rotatably connected to an upper part of the arm member and connected to the deceleration mechanism of the engine.

Abstract: A small-sized vehicle (SSV) capable of inhibiting a differential unit from becoming large in a vertical direction includes an engine, a rear output shaft portion arranged to extend rearwardly of the engine and serving to transmit a driving force of the engine rearward, an intermediate shaft portion rotated by the rear output shaft portion and extended in a vehicle width direction, a rear-wheel differential unit rotated by the intermediate shaft portion and serving for differential movements of a pair of rear-wheel axle shafts connected to a pair of rear wheels.

Abstract: An automotive fuel tank storage system includes a fuel storage tank installed in a vehicle and a barrier fluid tank containing a supply of barrier fluid. A distribution system connected with the barrier fluid tank and with the fuel storage tank distributes barrier fluid about the outer periphery of the fuel contained within the storage tank in the event of a collision event, creating a boundary layer of more viscous fluid which inhibits exfiltration of the fuel from the fuel storage tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the opening of the hood (1) of the engine compartment of a vehicle, connected to the vehicle body in a hinged manner for enabling it to partially open by rotating around the rear hinge toward the front of the vehicle from a position in which the hood (1) is latched to the vehicle body by means of at least one hook (18). This device comprises an impact detector mounted at the front of the vehicle and interacting with an actuator (19, 21) for controlling the unlatching of said hook (18) and comprises means for guiding the opening of the hood (1), these means for guiding the opening of the hood (1) comprising means for guiding the rear edge (1a) of the hood (1) in an essentially vertical direction.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first transaxle incorporating a first hydraulic motor for driving a first axle, a pair of second transaxles incorporating respective second hydraulic motors for driving respective second axles, and a pump housing separated from the first transaxle and the pair of second transaxles. The pump housing incorporates a hydraulic pump. The first hydraulic motor and the pair of second hydraulic motors are fluidly connected in series to the hydraulic pump. The second hydraulic motors are fluidly connected in parallel to the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a motorcycle includes a muffler configured for attachment at a location substantially beneath a motorcycle engine. The muffler includes a first input port and a second input port. A first exhaust pipe has a first longitudinal length. The first exhaust pipe is configured for extending between and connecting the first input port and a first exhaust port of a first motorcycle engine cylinder while being substantially entirely disposed forwardly of a motorcycle engine. A second exhaust pipe has a second longitudinal length substantially equal to the first longitudinal length. The second exhaust pipe is configured for extending between and connecting the second input port and a second exhaust port of a second motorcycle engine cylinder. A motorcycle including an exhaust system is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering device for vehicles, especially construction machines, with which is simple and robust mechanically and can be precisely controlled, without possessing the disadvantages of the current state of the art. A hydraulic swivelling motor for producing the steering motion, which is connected to a variable flow rate pump with reversal of its direction of delivery.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a sound suppressor device including a first plate, a second plate in opposition to the first plate, and a connector between the first and second plates such that the first plate, the second plate, and the connector define a sealed cavity containing a gas at a pressure, wherein the device has a resonant frequency selected to vibrate out-of-phase with respect to a noise source for suppressing noise from the noise source while the noise source and the device are immersed in a liquid.

Abstract: A muffler unit for a general-purpose engine includes a muffler (40) having a maze of sound-deadening chambers (101, 102, 103) defined therein and an inlet pipe (85) disposed inside the muffler. The inlet pipe has an open end (106) connected to an exhaust port of the engine via an exhaust pipe (43), a closed end (107) opposite to the open end, and perforations (108) provided near the open end and connecting an internal space of the inlet pipe and a first sound-deadening chamber (101). The closed end of the inlet pipe is exposed to the outside air, so that exhaust gasses are cooled when the gasses impinge on the closed end of the inlet pipe.

Abstract: An auto-sensing, automatic adjusting exhaust baffle; for reducing noise emissions produced by internal combustion engines, while improving overall engine performance, i.e., torque and horsepower. The design uses a spherical shape to evacuate spent exhaust gas, thus scavenging the surrounding exhaust gases to adjust the backpressure, while reducing the noise exiting the exhaust pipe at lower rpm's. The device uses a sphere with an internal bearing; sliding linearly on a shaft and said sphere and bearing being acted upon by exhaust gasses and a compression spring mounted axially over the diameter of the shaft. The purpose of this device is to reduce noise while improving tuning of the air/fuel intake system, by adjusting backpressure of the exhaust system. The lesser amount of exhaust pressure, the less the sphere moves, as in idle to just off of idle, this results in a quiet operational mode of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a sub-muffler which needs no heat resistant material such as SUS, and which can keep its durability and sound absorbing performance even when the sub-muffler is exposed to various corrosive components in the exhaust gas. At the same time, accomplished is a low-cost manufacture, which is a challenge that sub-mufflers and sound absorbing materials commonly face. Disclosed is a sub-muffler in which a perforated exhaust pipe is arranged, and caps and an out pipe are arranged outside the perforated pipe. Sound absorbing materials are filled in the space between the perforated exhaust pipe, and the caps and the out pipe. The sub-muffler is characterized in that, among the sound absorbing materials, at least part of the sound absorbing material of the perforated pipe side is a basalt fiber for high temperature.

Abstract: Snap action valve assemblies for use in conduits of automotive exhaust systems have their operation controlled by use of inertia damper elements coupled to an axle of a rotatable valve plate of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A portable worker support bracket for releasable engagement of a work surface such as a truss member or other construction member.

Abstract: A multi-level fall protection system for a structure under construction, the structure having reinforced concrete decks including a first deck and a second deck arranged above the first deck and openings provided in the decks. The system includes bearing plates arranged in an associated opening in the first deck and having a flange portion larger than the associated opening. Lateral support blocks are arranged in an associated opening in the second deck. Vertical support posts are detachably secured at a bottom portion to an associated bearing plate and extend upwardly through an associated opening in the second deck. The vertical support posts are supported laterally by the lateral support blocks. At least one flexible support line extends between and is coupled to a pair of the vertical support posts.

Abstract: The self-elevating platform scaffolding includes a horizontal work platform suspended from a vertical mast tower and a unique lift mechanism mounted to the work platform, which raises and lowers the platform along the length of the tower. The lift mechanism uses a pinion wheel that directly engages a mast tower to raise and lower the work platform along the mast towers. The pinion wheel has a plurality of radially spaced cogs that seat within crescent shaped openings in the mast tower. The lift mechanism is mounted to the work platform adjacent the mast tower such that rotation of the pinion wheel causes the wheel to “walk” up and down the mast tower to raise and lower the platform. The geometric configuration of the pinion wheel is designed so that at least two of the cogs are always in contact with the mast tower. As the pinion wheel turns, each successive cog seats within an adjacent crescent slot in the mast tower with its contact edge bearing against the bottom edge of tower opening.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift assembly is provided. The wheelchair lift assembly includes a frame, a platform, and a lift mechanism associated with the frame. The lift mechanism includes a stabilizing arm and at least one lift arm member having a first end connected to the platform. The first end of the lift arm member pivots and translates relative to the platform as the platform is reciprocated between raised and lowered positions. The wheelchair lift assembly also includes a drive assembly. The drive assembly selectively provides a driving force to the lift mechanism without directly providing the driving force to the stabilizing arm.

Abstract: A fail-safe power control apparatus for supplying power between an energy source (4) and the motor (5) of a transport system is provided. The power control apparatus comprises a power supply circuit (6), which comprises at least one converter (7, 8) containing change-over switches (32). The power control apparatus comprises a control arrangement (24) for controlling the converter change-over switches, a data transfer bus (10), at least two controllers (1, 2) adapted to communicate with each other, and a control arrangement (11) for controlling a first braking device, and possibly a control arrangement (43) for controlling a second braking device.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a brake device is controlled by a brake control device. The brake control device has a first brake control portion for operating the brake device to stop a car as an emergency measure upon detection of an abnormality, and a second brake control portion for reducing a braking force of the brake device when a deceleration of the car becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value during emergency braking operation of the first brake control portion. The second brake control portion controls the brake device independently of the first brake control portion.

Abstract: A power supplying system for an elevator includes: a first electric storage apparatus for storing thereinto electric power derived from a commercial power supply; a charging apparatus for charging the electric power derived from the commercial power supply to the first electric storage apparatus and for controlling a current when the electric power is charged into the first electric storage apparatus; a second electric storage apparatus for storing thereinto electric power used to operate an appliance of an elevator; and a power supplying apparatus for supplying the electric power derived from the first electric storage apparatus to the second electric storage apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement and a method for controlling the power supply of the load of an elevator system. The arrangement has at least a monitoring unit and at least one controllable power source. The controllable power source is connected between the load of an elevator system and the monitoring unit such that the power supply of the load of the elevator system can be controlled by means of a control signal transmitted to the controllable power source by the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit according to the invention contains at least one input for determining the status of at least one safety switch of the elevator system. On the basis of the status of the safety switch a control signal either having pulses or being in a static state is sent with the monitoring unit to at least one controllable power source.

Abstract: A guide-rail brake (1) of an elevator and a method for controlling the brake are provided. The brake comprises a frame part fixed to the elevator car, a prong part, which contains turning jaws (3,4) that correspond to the guide rail (2) via the braking surfaces when braking, a spring (10) loading the prong part to press the braking surfaces to the guide rail, and a controllable mover, which is an electromagnet (15), which contains two pulling core pieces (17,18). The force effect of the electromagnet (15) on the prong part is opposed to the spring. In the guide-rail brake an air gap (ag) is structurally arranged between the center parts (19,20) of the pulling core pieces (17, 18) of the electromagnet of the guide-rail brake when the brake is fully energized, and a damping circuit is arranged in the coil (16) of the electromagnet (15) of the guide-rail brake to speed up operation of the guide-rail brake.

Abstract: A linkage interconnecting a brake rod with a brake lever in a brake system of a railroad freight car. A length of chain extends from an end of the brake rod, and a monolithic connecting link interconnects an opposite end of the length of chain with a brake lever, so that the brake lever can be moved by pulling the rod, and yet the brake lever is free to move toward the rod if the handbrake system is not in use to keep the brakes applied.

Abstract: A disc brake, in particular for commercial vehicles with a pivoting or displaceable brake caliper, an actuation device and at least one adjustment device on both sides of the brake disc is characterized in that the brake caliper comprises bearing housings on the underside thereof, whereby support elements, arranged on the wheel axle, engage in the bearing housings. At least one elastically-deformable spacer element is provided between bearing housing and support element.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a dynamic vibration absorber which is designed to suppress the vibrations of the piston rod of the shock absorber. The dynamic vibration absorber includes a damping mass which is formed as a dirt shield to protect the shock absorber from contaminants.

Abstract: A portable container system includes a collapsible frame, a shell attached to the frame and defining a volume, wheels attached to the bottom of the frame, and a pull bar assembly comprising a removable attachment member that removably attaches the pull bar assembly to the frame. The removable attachment member is contractible so it disengages from the frame when contracted and it engages the frame when expanded.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator and one-way clutch assembly including a segment of a stator, a one-way clutch engaged with the segment, and at least one elastically deformable element engaged with the segment and the clutch and arranged to dampen transfer of torque from the stator to the clutch. In some aspects, the clutch includes a first plate and the deformable element is engaged with the segment and the plate. The segment urges the deformable element against the first plate. The first plate is arranged to rotate in response to the urging. The segment and the first plate are arranged to rotationally lock. The first plate and a second plate, connected to a clutch hub, rotationally lock in response to the urging, and the segment and the first plate are arranged to rotationally lock following the locking of the first and second plates.

Abstract: An automatic transmission including a first clutch, a second clutch, a first drum in which a first piston of the first clutch is axially slidably received and that cooperates with the first piston to define a first oil chamber, a second drum disposed coaxially with the first drum, so as to accommodate the first drum, and in which a second piston of the second clutch is axially slidably received, the second drum cooperating with the second piston to define a second oil chamber, a first fluid supply portion for feeding a working fluid into the first oil chamber through the first drum and the second drum, to operate the first piston, and a second fluid supply portion for feeding the working fluid into the second oil chamber through the second drum, to operate the second piston, and wherein the second fluid supply portion is located radially outwardly of the first fluid supply portion.

Abstract: A clutch assembly which incorporates brushless motor technology to engage a clutch pack to cause two shafts to rotate in unison. The clutch actuation assembly includes a clutch apply member, a base plate disposed about an axis, a cam plate disposed about the axis, and at least one cam, operably associated with the base plate and the cam plate. At least one load transferring member operably associated with the at least one cam, as well as an actuator for providing relative rotation between the cam plate and the base plate about the axis, causing the at least one load transferring member to move with respect to the at least one cam, and the cam plate to translate along the axis actuating said clutch apply member.

Abstract: A disengagement assembly for disengaging a generator from an engine or gear box may include an inner ball screw having helical threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw, the inner ball screw may have interlockable teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of the gear box drive shaft. An outer ball screw may surround and may normally rotate with the inner ball screw. A helical ball track may be formed between the inner and outer ball screws. An eddy current brake may slow or stop rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw may rotate relative to the outer ball screw and slide axially toward a lock thereby disengaging the generator from the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.

Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the likelihood of an article becoming jammed in a conveyor system. The width of an article, like luggage, may be detected and the article rotated if the width is greater than a threshold value. A jammed article in the conveyance system may be detected, and repositioned by a positioner, to clear the jam. Spacing between articles in the conveyor system may also be controlled.

Abstract: A method for combining and aligning packing unit groups, having the steps of supplying, on an allocating conveyor, individual packing units and/or packing unit groups in an abutting relationship, operating a transportation conveyor downstream of the allocating conveyor with a first transportation speed, forming batches of packing units and/or packing unit groups, wherein predefined gaps are created between the batches by controlling the speed of the allocating conveyor in a corresponding manner, and transferring the batches with the gap predefined between them onto a row or layer forming conveyor, wherein the row or layer forming conveyor is operated at a second speed.

Abstract: The accessories coordinator has three separate, essentially air-tight pockets mounted on a transparent support. Each of the pockets is formed through a supplemental film that is bonded at its pocket edges to the support. The individual pockets are each provided with respective reclosable fasteners that selectively seal or provide access to the accessories stored within the pockets. The entire structure is, moreover, formed from only two polymeric sheets, the support and the supplemental film.

Abstract: A toilet utensil holder for holding toilet utensils such as a toilet brush and a plunger is shaped as a ship. The holder has a base section forming a hull of the ship, with basins for receiving the utensils, and in a preferred embodiment covers are pivoted to the base section for covering an operative end of the utensils and forming a superstructure of the ship. Handles of the utensils extend above the base portion, and in the preferred embodiment above the covers, and simulate masts or other parts of a ship. A handle may be affixed to the holder to lift and carry it.

Abstract: A beverage can having a primary fluid volume and a segregated secondary tipping container. The secondary tipping container is sealed prior to opening the beverage can so that its contents do not mix with the contents of the primary container. The beverage can has a lid with a conventional pull-tab and downward-opening hatch. The secondary tipping container is preferably attached to the underside of the lid. The tipping container has an open mouth which is preferably sealed against the underside. When the pull-tab is actuated, the hatch descends and detaches a portion of the tipping container from the lid so that the tipping container then pivots downward and spills its contents into the primary container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule closure, the cap of which comprises a receptacle (2) that is formed on the interior of the lid and that fits into the interior of a corresponding nipple part (3). An associated film-sealed container capsule (8) can be locked into the interior of the receptacle (2), with the film facing downwards (9), so that the sealing film (9) lies against the inner diameter of the cap (1). A circular shoulder that projects inwards (10) is configured in the interior of the nipple part (3) below the inserted container capsule (8). Several fixed and/or displaceable piercing and/or cutting elements (12) are formed on the inner edge (11) of said shoulder (10). A tamper-evident strip (15) is supported on a shoulder (17) that projects radially outwards below the lower cap edge of the attached cap (1). Once said strip has been removed, the cap (1) can be pushed down onto the nipple part (3), causing the piercing and/or cutting elements (12) to cut open the film (9).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for holding information storage media such as a disk (4) having an aperture therein. The apparatus includes, among other elements, a base portion and engaging means for releasably engaging the information storage media via said aperture. The engaging means includes at least one arm resiliently cantilevered to the base portion, retaining means for engaging and retaining the information storage media on the apparatus, and release means. The depression of the release means disengages the retaining means and the information storage media. A locating means is provided for receiving a security member as it is inserted beneath the engaging means in a first direction parallel to the base portion so as to inhibit operation of the release means. The locating means is arranged to locate the security member laterally as it is inserted beneath the engaging means.

Abstract: A tool layout caddy has an upstanding vertical post with a handle at one end and a base member at the other end. A receptacle for the placement and storage of tools, chalk, and other necessary items for the layout operation is secured to the vertical post. A sheath member is provided for the placement and storage of a measuring square. The base member of the caddy houses the chalk line, a chalk line reservoir for replenishing the chalk line, and a chalk line retracting mechanism. A stop marker ensures that the end section of the chalk line always remains external to the base member and, during use, a hook at the end of the chalk line may be secured to the receptacle for ease of access during layout operations.