Abstract: An assembly apparatus for assembling components including a work surface, a laser projector, a computer controlling the laser projector to protect a laser image on the work surface, and an ejector lifting a completed assembly from the work surface having a retro-reflective surface within a field of view of the laser projector when the ejector is lifted, such that the laser projector scans the retro-reflective surface and the computer determines at least one of the number of completed assemblies made and the time required to make the assembly.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for assembling components including a work surface, a laser projector, a computer controlling the laser projector to protect a laser image on the work surface, and an ejector lifting a completed assembly from the work surface having a retro-reflective surface within a field of view of the laser projector when the ejector is lifted, such that the laser projector scans the retro-reflective surface and the computer determines at least one of the number of completed assemblies made and the time required to make the assembly.

Abstract: A portable weight for anchoring a line or string being used as a guide for marking pavement or for other construction type activities is disclosed. The portable weight includes a base made of a top plate and a bottom plate. A plurality of spikes project from the bottom surface of the bottom plate, with the heads of the spikes being held between the top and bottom plates. The top and bottom plates are bolted together. A T-shaped handle projects from the top surface of the top plate. An eye-bolt is fixed to the bottom plate and at least in part provides for the attachment of a string to the portable weight.

Abstract: A portable, plastic drawing template for quickly and accurately diagramming traffic intersections and accident scenes while preserving and establishing scaled curblines. Diagrams of intersections made with the disclosed template maintain the desired “square” geometrical relationship between intersecting streets or roads diagrammed. Numerous cutouts in the form of various symbols and shapes enable vehicles, topographical features, and other details to be drawn. The resilient, preferably L-shaped template has a square midsection integral with a pair of outwardly projecting, perpendicularly-oriented legs with calibrated edges. Each leg comprises a dimensioning slot and a projecting slot parallel with and spaced apart from one another for establishing critical drawing points used to align curblines. The template external and internal corners are curved differently to draw arcs of varying curvatures to be fitted to various curblines.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of an assembly, such as the components of a truss, using a laser imaging system in combination with assembly jigs. The jigs may be slidably mounted on an assembly table wherein the jigs include laser alignment indicia on a top surface of the jigs spaced a predetermined distance from a side surface of the jigs. The method includes projecting an enlarged laser generated outline of at least a portion of the components to be assembled which is spaced laterally from an outline or template of the components in the assembled position a distance equal to the distance between the laser alignment indicia and the side surface of the jigs and spaced vertically a distance equal to the distance between the indicia and the work surface. The jigs are then moved on the work surface to align the laser alignment indicia with the enlarged outline and affixed relative to the work surface.

Abstract: A measuring system for making accurate measurements when cutting building material to fit odd or uneven shapes. The measuring system comprises two types of measuring blocks. The first block is used to measure distances between two uncovered wall studs or joists, and the second block is used to measure distances between an uncovered wall stud or joist and a surface which is covered with a material such as wallboard. By nailing the blocks around the perimeter of the opening, that the building material will cover, and using a plurality of tape measures to obtain at least two measurements from two fixed points to selected points around the perimeter of the opening, accurate dimensions may be obtained regardless of how out of plumb or uneven the opening may be. The system also includes a jig for transferring these dimensions onto the material to be cut, and a tool that can be attached to the end of a tape measure to obtain an accurate mark on the material to be cut.

Abstract: First and second longitudinal body portions are hinged longitudinally together and include adjustable end extensions which adjust the width of the body portion to the width of the stair tread surface and also the riser surface, whereby to form a cutting pattern for cutting out a one-piece tread and riser portion of a stair cover when the template is laid on the cover. The template also has a front depending lip on the first longitudinal body portion for engaging a lip on the cover when forming a marking and cutting pattern for the cover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying personalized alphanumeric characters and the like to the sidewall of a tire is disclosed. The method allows a tire owner to adorn the tires with a desired name, phrase, slogan, logo, etc., quickly and at low cost. In addition, the apparatus allows the tire owner to space the characters properly on the sidewall to ensure a professional appearance.

Abstract: A garden planning kit including a book having a bottom panel, first spiral binder attached to a marginal edge of the bottom panel, second spiral binder attached to an opposite marginal edge of the bottom panel, and a plurality of transparent overlays. A first overlay is attached to the first spiral binder, and a second overlay and a third overlay are attached to the second spiral binder. All of the overlays may be moved on their respective spiral binders between a first position generally overlying the bottom panel and a second position away from the bottom panel. The first overlay depicts the plan view of the lower portion of preselected plants. The second overlay has blooms of said preselected plants at a first time of year depicted on it, and the third overlay depicts blooms of the plants at a second time of year different from the first time of year.

Abstract: A dart depth gauge comprises two flat members pivotally connected with one another. The two members have index points which are spaced from the pivot and are movable toward and away from one another by relative pivotal movement of the members. One of the members has along one edge a scale which is calibrated in terms of pattern sizes. The other member has thereon a series of curves, each of which is identified by a breast cup size. The curves are laid out so that when the members are pivoted relative to one another to bring the calibration of a selected pattern size into coincidence with a selected cup size curve, the distance between the index points is the correct depth of dart for the selected pattern size and selected cup size.