Abstract: Provided are methods for imprinting a porous material, the methods including applying a first stamp to a porous material having an average pore size of less than about 100 ?m, the first stamp having at least a first portion having a first height, a second portion having a second height and a third portion having a third height, wherein the first height, second height and third height are different.

Abstract: A cutting insert mounting system adapted for a cutting tool in which, by using a tightening screw, a cutting insert is detachably mounted on an insert mounting seat. A central axis of a screw hole of the insert mounting seat is inclined with respect to a normal direction of a bottom wall surface of the insert mounting seat. When the cutting insert is placed on the insert mounting seat, on a virtual plane defined to expand the bottom wall surface, a central axis of the screw hole is shifted from the central axis of a through hole of the cutting insert to the side of one of two side wall surfaces of the insert mounting seat. On the virtual plane, an axis shift direction of the central axis of the screw hole and an inclination direction of the central axis of the screw hole are different.

Abstract: Provided is a vibration-proof structure capable of more effectively reducing rotational vibration of a rotating body during a cutting operation. According to a configuration of the structure, inside a main body of the rotating body, there are provided a plurality of shaft members arranged along a longitudinal direction of a rotation axis of the rotating body and at least one layer of multiple tubular members fitted over the shaft members and arranged coaxially with the rotation axis along the longitudinal direction of this rotation axis; and a boundary position between the shaft members adjacent each other in the longitudinal direction and a boundary position between the tubular members adjacent each other in the longitudinal direction are set as different positions along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A tool holder having a tool receptacle for chucking a tool shaft by frictional engagement, in which the tool receptacle comprises a plurality of annular clamping surfaces spaced apart from one another, which are intended for retaining the tool shaft by nonpositive engagement and are embodied on the inner circumference of a tube part, and the tube part has a recess in the material for varying its clamping action; the recess in the material is embodied by a plurality of annular channels extending in the circumferential direction, which are each separated from the tool receptacle by a resilient wall portion, which on its side facing away from the channel embodies the respective clamping surface.

Abstract: A magnetically mountable portable drill assembly includes a magnetic base adapted to be mountable to a working surface, a housing coupled to the magnetic base, a motor coupled to the housing, an arbor coupled to the motor for rotation by the motor, a cutter coupled to the arbor for rotation with the arbor and adapted to cut the working surface or a workpiece supported on the working surface, the magnetic base having a front surface facing the cutter, and an illuminator coupled to the magnetic base to emit light from the front surface of the magnetic base for illuminating an end of the cutter and either one of the working surface and the workpiece.

Abstract: A modular cutter head having a holder defining a threaded receiver. The cutter head can be screwed into the threaded receiver. The cutter can comprise an elongated body portion having a cutting end and cutting edge and an elongated coupling portion spaced from the cutting end, with the coupling portion comprising a core and a plurality of generally helically-extending start threads disposed circumferentially about the core. The cutter head may also include a cutting end having a chip flute and an insert seat.

Abstract: Within examples, systems and methods for forming a hole through at least one layer of a material are provided. An example cutting tool for forming such a hole may include a body, and a first portion of the body having a first diameter and a first radial rake angle. The cutting tool also includes a second portion of the body adjacent the first portion, the second portion having a second diameter and a second radial rake angle, wherein the second diameter is different than the first diameter, and wherein the second radial rake angle is different than the first radial rake angle.

Abstract: A cutting insert comprises a first surface sequentially including a first and second inclined surface. The first inclined surface is inclined toward the second surface, going inward from the edge at a first inclined angle on a basis of a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a central axis extending between the first surface and a second surface. The second inclined surface, located more inward than the first inclined surface, is inclined toward the second surface at a second inclined angle different from the first inclined angle on the basis of the perpendicular plane. An intersecting part of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface includes a first part located at a highest position in a region of the intersecting part along the second side surface. A cutting tool with the cutting insert, and a method of producing a machined product using the cutting tool are provided.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a mini-blade (1) which body (2) has an inner edge (4) in which there is, at least, one transversal tab (6) that constitutes a retention means of the mini-blade (1) in an adapter device (20); between the inner (4) and the external (3) edges, the body (2) has the sufficient extension to form clamping portions (7)(8) that allow the application of clamping peripheral tabs (30). The invention also refers to an adapter device (20) that, for the mounting of a rotary work structure (40) of pneumatic roughing down, includes clamping sets (20) composed of ending supports (21)(22) and intermediary separator supports (23), all of which have clamping transversal peripheral tabs (30) that form jaws capable of clamping the clamping positions (7)(8) of the mini-blade (1).

Abstract: A method for dressing a honing tool using a dressing tool which during the dressing operation rolls at an axial intersection angle with the honing tool. The teeth thereof which move into engagement with the teeth of the dressing tool each have an upper face which is to be dressed and tooth flanks which are also to be dressed.

Abstract: A spark erosion tool includes an electrode arranged on a tool longitudinal axis and an electrode holder aligned along and arranged on the axis and connected to the electrode. The electrode holder includes a moving device for moving the electrode relative to the electrode holder and includes a press for applying pressure transversely to the axis in the area of an imaginary hose extending in the axis. The electrode holder has a cross section corresponding essentially to the electrode. An electrode for a spark erosion tool with a cylinder surface or a spherical surface includes a groove connected to a bore. A deflecting bore can be produced in a drill string part using the spark erosion tool. The deflecting bore is curved and connects two straight flushing bores.

Abstract: An electrochemical machining tool (3) includes a tool body (10) which has an electrode (11) which is made of a flexible conductive material having a cylindrical shape extending along an axis (O), and inside which an electrolyte (W) flows toward a leading end (10a) side, and an insulating layer (12) coated on an outer circumferential surface of the electrode (11) to expose a leading end surface of the electrode (11), wherein a non-insulation section (15) which exposes the outer circumferential surface of the electrode (11) is formed on the tool body (11), and the non-insulation section (15) is surrounded by the insulating layer (12) from an axial (O) direction.

Abstract: A device for dispensing and distributing flux-free solder on a substrate comprises an elongated tool, a tool mount, an ultrasonic generator, a wire guide tube, and optionally a heat sink and a housing. The tool can be fixed to the tool mount and has a longitudinal borehole which opens into an opening on the tip of the tool. The wire guide tube extends along a central longitudinal axis through the ultrasonic generator and the tool mount, protrudes into the longitudinal borehole of the tool and reaches up to a position above the tip of the tool. The wire guide tube does not touch the tool. The ultrasonic generator is fixed to the tool mount. Advantageously, a cooling chamber which can actively be cooled is formed between an inner wall of the housing and the ultrasonic generator.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a weld are provided. The system receives a selection of a magnitude of a voltage. The system selects a first weld control algorithm when the magnitude of the voltage is in a first range of values. The system may also select a second weld control algorithm when the magnitude of the voltage is in a second range of values. The system may generate welding output power based on the first and second weld control algorithms.

Abstract: A consumable electrode gas shield arc welding torch (20) includes a torch body (21), a tip body (22) mounted to a front end of the torch body, a tip holder (23) mounted to a front end of the tip body, a spring (26) provided in the tip body (22) in contact with the front end of the torch body (21), a pressing shaft (27) provided in the tip body (22) in contact with a front end of the spring 26) and a power feed tip (28) pressed by the pressing shaft (27) and the tip holder (23). The tip (28) includes a side surface having a projection contacting with a base end (23a) of the holder (23), with a space (29) defined between an inner surface of the holder (23) and a front end (28a) of the tip (28) when the front end (28a) of the tip (28) is inserted into the holder (23).

Abstract: A consumable assembly for use in an arc welding apparatus is provided that includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle body, an insulator disposed within the nozzle body, and a nozzle insert disposed within the insulator. The nozzle insert includes an internal gas diverter. A contact tip is disposed within the nozzle assembly and includes at least one aperture extending from an exterior portion to an internal cavity, an exit orifice, a distal end face, and an exterior surface extending between the at least one aperture and the distal end portion of the contact tip. The internal gas diverter directs a flow of shield gas exiting the at least one aperture along the exterior surface of the contact tip, and a principal distance from the at least one aperture to the distal end face is varied to adjust the flow of the shield gas for improved cooling.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the temporal curve of the voltage (ue(t)) at the electrodes (3) of a spot welding gun (1) during a spot welding process as an indicator of the welding quality, wherein the electrodes (3) are fastened to gun arms (2) that can be moved relative to each other are provided. The apparatus includes a device (9) for measuring a measuring voltage (um(t)) between the electrodes (3), that measuring device (9) being connected to measuring leads (6) extending along the gun arms (2), and further includes a compensating coil (7) for measuring a compensating voltage (uk(t)) for compensating measuring errors within measuring leads.

Abstract: A method for pull testing a wire bond. The method including the steps of: (i) with a wire bonding tool, bonding an end of a wire to make a bond at a first location on a bonding surface having a conductive material, such that the bond completes an electrical circuit; (ii) clamping the wire with a wire clamp; (iii) pulling the wire with the wire clamp to apply a predetermined pulling force; (iv) detecting whether the electrical circuit is open; and (v) if the electrical circuit is open, determining that there has been a bond failure, and automatically incrementing a bond failure count.

Abstract: The laser processing head of the present disclosure includes a collimation lens, a focus lens, a first parallel plate, a first drive unit, a second parallel plate, and a second drive unit. The collimation lens collimates a laser beam having a first optical axis, and the focus lens condenses the collimated laser beam. The first parallel plate shifts the optical axis of the condensed laser beam to a second optical axis. The first drive unit rotates the first parallel plate around a first rotation axis. The second parallel plate shifts the optical axis of the laser beam shifted to the second optical axis, to a third optical axis. The second drive unit rotates the second parallel plate around a second rotation axis. The direction of the first rotation axis and the direction of the second rotation axis are identical.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing a workpiece using laser radiation, particularly for the purpose of laser ablation. At least one laser beam is provided, which is affected using at least one changeable beam forming device. The laser beam subsequently impinges upon at least one processing area of the workpiece. Using the beam forming device, at least one specified adjustable beam profile is impressed upon the laser beam at the location of the processing area configured.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing the operation of a beam emitter during material processing maintain an optimal polarization of the beam with respect to the material throughout processing—e.g., even as the beam path varies or the nature or thickness of the material changes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of hardfacing a glass mold made of cast iron, bronze, or steel comprising: machining an edge of the mold so as to form a flat surface, for example a flat spot or a chamfer; depositing a determined quantity of hardfacing material on the flat surface of the edge thereby machined, the hardfacing material comprising a metal or a metal alloy; and, simultaneously, locally welding the hardfacing material on the flat surface by means of a beam of a laser, so as to form a reinforcement zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining method, and more specifically relates to a method for joining different kinds of plates that joins at least two plate members of which materials thereof are different from each other through laser welding. For this, a method for joining different kinds of plates according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include disposing a first plate and a second plate, materials of which are different from each other, such that they are overlapped with each other, and joining the first plate and the second plate by irradiating a laser beam at a predetermined inclination angle and in a regular pattern onto the overlapped portion of the two plates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a protective barrier to fuel tank coupling apparatus are described. An example method includes coupling a barrier to an outer surface of the fuel tank, where the barrier includes a support surface and a wall protruding from the support surface to define a cavity; providing a weld pad within the cavity such that a first side of the weld pad engages the support surface; disposing a valve within the cavity of the barrier after the barrier is coupled to the outer surface such that a flange portion of the valve engages the weld pad and at least a portion of the valve is positioned in the fuel tank; and heating the weld pad and the flange portion of the valve to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of a material of the flange portion and the weld pad.

Abstract: An infrared vision sensing detection method and device for narrow-gap weld seam deviation are provided. The device includes a shaking (or rotating) arc narrow-gap welding torch, an arc current sensor, a computer image processing system, and an infrared photographing system. The infrared photographing system includes an infrared camera which acquires an infrared image of a welding region in an external triggering manner when an arc shakes (or rotates) to a position closest to the left side wall or right side wall of a groove. After computer image processing, a welding wire position and a groove edge information is extracted in real time, and a weld seam deviation is calculated according to position changes of a welding wire relative to the left side wall and the right side wall of the groove, and the weld seam deviation is output.

Abstract: A system for preloading tension in a stud using an anti-seizure spacer for tapered thread connections is provided. The system comprises a hydraulic tensioning device including a nut configured for threadably engaging the stud, a foot, a cylinder having a first bore defined therein and a surface for engaging the foot, and a piston movably positioned within the first bore, wherein a hydraulic cavity is defined therebetween. The device further includes a puller screw including male tapered threads configured for being threadably coupled with female tapered threads on the stud. The puller screw includes a head configured for engaging a surface of the piston. The system also includes a spacer positioned between the male tapered threads of the puller screw and the female tapered threads of the stud. A method for preloading tension in a stud using the spacer is also provided.

Abstract: A single mounting device is provided for each trolley riser for use with a set of shims in order to accurately align and secure a clamp to a datum. In another aspect, a generally polyhedron-shaped clamp body is used with a mounting plate to secure a clamp in different orientations relative to a manufacturing plant locator.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning system integrated with a fume extraction device is provided. The system comprises a movable work surface assembly and a manifold. The work surface assembly includes a plurality of work surfaces and a plurality of ventilation ports. Each of the plurality of ventilation ports is disposed on each of the plurality of work surfaces to ventilate the corresponding work zone. The manifold is disposed below the work surface assembly and coupled to a duct system through which fumes produced during welding or cutting are to be transported to the fume extraction device. When a workpiece placed on a work surface is positioned for welding or cutting, the manifold is aligned and in fluid communication with the ventilation port corresponding to the work surface.

Abstract: A double disc surface grinding machine (10) includes work holding section (65) for holding an inner circumferential surface of an annular work (W) at a plurality of locations. The work holding section (65) includes a plurality of holding members (66) extending radially as viewed from a rotation shaft (46). Each holding member (66) is movable outward and inward radially of the rotation shaft (46), and is contactable to the inner circumferential surface of the work (W). The position adjustment section (76) connects the rotation shaft (46) and the work holding section (65) with each other, and adjusts a position of the work holding section (65) in the radial direction of the rotation shaft (46). While the inner circumferential surface of the work (W) is held by the work holding section (65), the rotation shaft (46), the position adjustment section (76), the work holding section (65) and the work (W) are rotated integrally with each other around the rotation shaft (46).

Abstract: The invention provides a cloth taking-up device including: a platform, on which glue/cloth to be taken-up are disposed; and a clamp part movable with respect to the platform, which can clamp a roller and roll the glue/cloth to be taken-up successively onto the roller. An outside surface of the platform has an included angle of 0°-180° with respect to the horizontal plane, on which the glue/cloth to be taken-up are disposed, and the clamp part can keep the roller in parallel with the outside surface. The cloth taking-up device can avoid uneven pressure applied to the glue/cloth to be taken-up in the down-press manner, improving uniformity of taken-up glue/cloth. Meanwhile, the foreign matters on the glue/cloth to be taken-up can easily fall off, and the foreign matters on the rollers cannot drop onto the glue/cloth to be taken-up with the rotation, thereby ensuring glue/cloth taking-up quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved on-line deburring device of a wheel valve hole, having a frame, electric cylinders, an air cylinder, grinding heads, a motor, guide rails and a transmission shaft. In use, the present invention can meet the requirements for deburring the wheel valve hole; meanwhile, the device has the characteristics of high production efficiency, advanced technique, high automation degree, stable performance, etc.

Abstract: A lens blocking/deblocking method/device to adhere an ophthalmic lens to a lens holding block A method for blocking an optical lens component (100) on holding unit (200) having bottom part (230) inserted and fixed in lens machining tool (400) and an upper part (250) having upper assembling surface (210) and external side parts (241). The method provides the optical lens component (100) with layer (320) of one-side adhesive tape arranged on bottom of component (100) to cover at least partially bottom (120); (S20) providing thermoplastic material on upper assembling surface (210). The thermoplastic material is heated where a part thereof flows under moderate pressure; (S30) placing the optical lens (100) with layer (320) on thermoplastic material when the thermoplastic is softened; (S40) applying pushing force (P1) on the optical lens (100), to spread the thermoplastic between layer (320) and upper assembling surface (210) and covers external side parts (241).

Abstract: An angle grinder control system including an angle grinder control assembly. The angle grinder control assembly includes an outer-shell, a tightening-rod, an inner-shell, a control-rod, a return-spring, a trigger, and a control-rod-pin. The outer-shell includes a first-half-body-section and a second-half-body-section, where the inner-shell includes a primary-half-body-section and a secondary-half-body-section. The angle grinder control system provides a user an alternate means for controlling an angle-grinder-on/off-switch such that the angle grinder control system provides for safe use of an angle grinder in relation to the user. Embodiments of an angle grinder control system may include vents to promote cooling of the angle grinder. Additional embodiments many include a handle to aid the user in controlling and manipulating the angle grinder.

Abstract: The invention discloses a seamless flowing type finishing machine, comprising a supporting frame; the supporting frame is provided with a lower container, an upper container and a tray; the tray is movably connected with the lower container. A plurality of bolts is arranged between the lower container and the upper container for connection; springs are arranged at the connections of the bolts. The upper edge of the tray extends to the lower edge of the upper container; with the elastic force of the springs, the lower edge of the upper container clings to the upper edge of the tray so as to form a seamless connecting structure; a water outlet is arranged on the tray. A water-filling nozzle is arranged on the sidewall of the lower container. The seamless flowing type finishing machine disclosed by the invention can be used for processing of various ultra-small parts.

Abstract: To control cutting process with cutting quality to obtain product without any uncut portion on a corner portion, and to respond to a change in cutting speed. Water jet cutting performed by: inputting a cutting program, set cutting speed, cutting parameters; calculating cutting speed matching the cutting quality; calculating cutting shape from the cutting program and dividing the cutting shape into a linear portion and a corner portion; calculating a corner cutting speed for the corner portion on the basis of a shape of the corner portion within range from the calculation cutting speed to the set cutting speed, set cutting speed equal to or higher than the calculation cutting speed; set cutting speed and the corner cutting speed to the linear portion and the corner portion, respectively, in the cutting program; moving the nozzle relative to the workpiece on the basis of the cutting program assigned with cutting speeds.

Abstract: Methods include converting a residual surface stress in a component made by a metal powder additive manufacturing process. The component includes a body having an external surface and an internal opening passing at least partially through the body, the internal opening including an unused metal powder from the additive manufacturing process therein. Residual surface stress is converted in at least a portion of a body about the internal opening by applying a pressure in the internal opening using a non-compressible fluid and the unused metal powder. The method is advantageous for use with gamma primed hardened superalloys. An additively manufactured component including the stress-converted internal opening is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) has a diamond matrix including inter-bonded diamond grains and nanodiamond agglomerates within interstitial spaces in the diamond matrix. A volume percentage of the nanodiamond agglomerates in the PDC may be greater than or equal to a percolation threshold volume of the nanodiamond agglomerates in the PDC, and a remainder of the volume of the PDC may be at least substantially comprised by the diamond matrix. The PDC may be at least substantially free of metal solvent catalyst material. Earth-boring tools include one or more such PDCs. A method of manufacturing a PDC includes mixing diamond grains with nanodiamond agglomerates to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to a high-temperature/high-pressure (HTHP) sintering process to form the PDC without any substantial assistance from a metal solvent catalyst material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) and methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond tables and PDCs in a manner that facilitates removal of metal-solvent catalyst used in the manufacture of polycrystalline diamond tables of such PDCs.

Abstract: Methods for forming cutting elements, methods for forming polycrystalline compacts, and related polycrystalline compacts are disclosed. Grains of a hard material are subjected to a high-pressure, high-temperature process to form a polycrystalline compact. Inclusion of at least one relatively quick spike in system pressure or temperature during an otherwise plateaued temperature or pressure stage accommodates formation of inter-granular bonds between the grains. The brevity of the peak stage may avoid undesirable grain growth. Embodiments of the methods may also include at least one of oscillating at least one system condition (e.g., pressure, temperature) and subjecting the grains to ultrasonic or mechanical vibrations.

Abstract: A clamping tool is provided which includes a base, a clamping arm articulated to the base for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, a handle articulated to the clamping arm or base for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, a bridge element articulated to the handle or the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis, a first wedge element having a first wedge surface, and a second wedge element having a second wedge surface facing towards the first wedge surface. In a first positional range of the handle, the wedge surfaces are spaced apart. In a second positional range of the handle, the second wedge surface is supported on the first wedge surface, displacement of the first wedge element driving a displacement of the second wedge element. The bridge element is articulated to the first wedge element for pivotal movement about a fourth pivot axis.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head with a ratchet wheel rotatably received therein. A positioning unit is located in the head and is cooperated with a pawl which is engaged with the ratchet wheel. A collar is located in the head and has two notches defined in a peripheral wall of the collar. A curved groove is defined through the collar. Two toothed racks are formed along the groove. Two clamp members are located in the ratchet wheel which has two guide slots. Each clamp member has two guide rods which are located in the guide slot corresponding thereto. An engaging unit extends through the groove and is pivotably connected to a lever to securely position the clamp members when clamping an object. The two clamp members are adjusted to securely clamp the object by rotating the collar, and the object can be rotated by the ratchet wrench.

Abstract: A pipe wrench assembly includes a pair of pipe grips. A handle has a front end and a rear end. A housing is attached to the front end of the handle and is attached to each of the pipe grips adjacent to the second ends such that one of the pipe grips includes a receiving opening facing in a first direction and another of the pipe grips includes a receiving opening facing in a second direction. A ratchet drive is mounted in the housing and is mechanically coupled to each of the pipe grips such that the housing is rotatable with respect to the pipe grips. The pipe grips are movable in a ratcheting movement opposite of each other.

Abstract: An impact tool couples two or more aligned pipes to form a system of aligned pipes in a safe manner. The impact tool has a strut having opposed spaced-apart ends, an impact-delivering plate mounted on the first end of the strut, and an impact-absorbing plate mounted on the second end of the strut. The plates have an outer surface with a co-extensive rubber cover. The strut has two co-extensive elongated members extending between the plates, and a shoe is mounted on the first and second ends of the strut for securing the plates to the strut. The impact tool is heavy and powerful enough to force and couple the pipes together without the need of a sledge hammer and/or additional workmen.

Abstract: An improved tool belt hook is selectively deployable on a portable tool or device. The hook structure is deployable in selected directions or positions on the tool. A stowed position is also preferably included wherein the hook structure is substantially contained within confines of the tool body to be out of a user's way. A closely integrated pushbutton release may allow the hook to rotate between selected operative positions and automatically engage to such position. The button is easily operated while effectively remaining within confines of the tool body. The tool hook assembly is compact and low cost.

Abstract: A method to control a power tool includes the following steps: ascertaining a first rotational speed of the transmission in a first gear; ascertaining a first rotational speed of the motor when the transmission has been put into a first gear; ascertaining the selection of a first gear on the basis of the ratio of the rotational speed of the transmission and the rotational speed of the motor on the basis of a look-up table; selecting the no-load state; ascertaining the selected no-load state on the basis of the ratio of the rotational speed of the transmission and the rotational speed of the motor on the basis of a look-up table; adapting the rotational speed of the motor to a second gear on the basis of a ratio of the rotational speed of the transmission and the rotational speed of the motor on the basis of a look-up table; and selecting a second gear.

Abstract: A precision handle for hand tools has a body, an elastic element, a sheath, a pressing element, and a group of balls. The mounting protrusion protrudes axially from a rear end of the body. The elastic element is mounted in the body. The sheath is mounted around the mounting protrusion. The pressing element is mounted through and engages with the sheath. The group of balls includes a first ball and a second ball. The first ball is mounted in the mounting protrusion and abuts the elastic element. The second ball is mounted between the pressing element and the first ball. The first ball abuts against the second ball at one point of contact when the pressing element is pressed, thereby decreasing the friction between the body and the sheath. Accordingly, the precision handle for hand tools can be operated smoothly and efficiently.

Abstract: A hand tool having a step down mechanism. The hand tool includes a step down mechanism having a plate with two opposing ends. The plate also has an upper surface and a lower surface. The step down mechanism has an upper tube located near the first end and projecting from the upper surface and a lower tube located near the second end and projecting from the lower surface. The hand tool also includes an upper shaft affixed to the upper tube and a lower shaft affixed to the lower tube. The lower shaft has a hand tool implement affixed to an end of the lower shaft. The upper tube is sized and shaped to receive and hold the upper shaft and the lower tube is sized and shaped to receive and hold the lower shaft. The step down mechanism may include a handle projecting upward from the upper tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling and decoupling button and loop connections of a garment. The apparatus includes a longitudinally extending body member having a handle member extending from a first end and a pair of prongs extending from an oppositely disposed second end. One prong has a hook on its distal end and the other prong has an expanded end member on its distal end. The prongs are generally parallel with one another forming a gap therebetween such that upon insertion of the prongs into a loop, the prongs cooperate to open the loop and position the loop relative to a button such that rotation of the apparatus about an axis of rotation defined through the prongs proximate the hook and the expanded end causes the loop to be moved relative to the button, thereby coupling or decoupling the loop and the button.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing work pieces includes a body member, a first passageway, and a second passageway. The body member is configured to engage an open end of a vessel. The body member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface that enclose an interior portion. The first passageway is formed within the interior portion along a first chord of the body member extending in a first plane parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface. The first passageway terminates in a first entry aperture and a first exit aperture in the side surface. The second passageway is formed within the interior portion along a second chord of the body member extending in a second plane parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface. The second passageway terminates in a second entry aperture and a second exit aperture in the side surface.

Abstract: A collapsible mobile bench has a work surface that has opposed ends and a middle section. The opposed ends are wider than the middle section. The middle section is adapted to receive a tool. The work surface is adjustable between collapsed and raised positions, with the work surface being positionable at infinite positions between the collapsed and raised positions. A set of wheels are mounted to the work surface for transportation of the work bench. The work surface can be used as a work bench or a tool support and collapsed for transport and raised to a desired height for use.