Abstract: Embodiments can include a self-reacting friction stir weld (“FSW”) tool. The device can be configured to be portable and produce full penetration welds in situ. The FSW tool can include a system that cuts out a portion of the structure surrounding a defective portion of the structure. A work-piece can be inserted within the removed portion and friction stir welded to the structure via the FSW tool. A superior repair as compared to merely welding the defect can be achieved by replacing a portion of the structure surrounding the defect as opposed to merely welding the defect (e.g., the crack). A controlled geometric shaped weld beam can be generated for the interface between the work-piece and the structure, which may led to a stronger, more reliable weld.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor that comprises a series of shaped rotor blades whose circumferential section forms a standard NACA four-digit airfoil. Said rotor can be inserted in a stirring device that also comprises a stator, on whose inner surface shaped stator blades are positioned, whose circumferential section forms a standard NACA four-digit airfoil.

Abstract: An improved structure of a circle-cutting tool has an outer ring seat having a round hollow groove and a placing surface. A rotary disc is pivoted into the round hollow groove of the outer ring seat for rotation in relation to the outer ring seat, and has a top surface, bottom surface, outer ring portion and central portion. An elongated through groove penetrates through the top and bottom surfaces of the rotary disc in an elongated shape. The elongated through groove is set in a way to be extended from the central portion of the rotary disc to the outer ring portion. An adjustable elastic cutting assembly is pivoted into the elongated through groove in a slidable state in relation to the elongated through groove.

Abstract: The current marking gauges, mortise gauges and circle marking gauges on the market require use of a ruler to measure distances prior to marking, which is inconvenient and time consuming. Moreover, the accuracy of the marked dimension is inexact due to the low accuracy of using a ruler. Furthermore, parallax error created by transferring the measured distance between the rule and the gauges also needs to be accounted for, which reduces accuracy even further. This present invention helps to improve the accuracy of the measurement and marking of the gauges, increases efficiency, convenience, saves time and is easy to use. The new product is a digital multifunctional marking gauge, that includes a Digital Unit, Main Slider, Beam, Display, Fixed Pin, Adjustable Pin, Adjustment Slider, Fence, Calibration Frame, Calibration bar, Setting Block, Scriber, Set function button of the Digital Unit, Locking Screw, Fixing Screws and related components.

Abstract: A method for designing a structure or the like is provided in which an arbitrary curve is approximately drawn using a circular segment. This method includes the steps of: setting a straight line which connects one end of a desired curve and the other end thereof; setting an intersection point of the curve and a perpendicular to the straight line at a middle point thereof; obtaining a distance between the intersection point and the middle point, and a length of a straight-line segment from each of the one end and the other end of the curve up to the middle point; setting a curvature radius of a circular segment which approximates the desired curve in association with these distance and length, and acquiring a radius center point of the circular segment; and setting a circular segment from the one end up to the other end of the curve by using this center point as the center thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are an arc-drawing assisting apparatus and a tape measure including the arc-drawing assisting apparatus. The an arc-drawing assisting apparatus, which is disposed at a tape of a tape measure so as to allow a user to draw a circle or an arc by using the tape measure, includes an upper case having a graduation checking part for checking graduations of the tape, the graduations checking part being formed at one surface of an upper portion of the upper case and a center adjusting member which is rotatably assembled with the upper case and includes a lower case having an assembling protuberance, which has a center fixing pin protruding downward, formed at a lower end of the lower case.

Abstract: A device for establishing an area of incision on a breast includes a positioning component adapted to be positioned on or adjacent to a nipple areola complex of the breast and a template component connected to the positioning component. The template component includes at least one substantially arcuate-shaped stencil to facilitate a curved incision marking or curved incision on the breast. The device may include an elongated member connecting the template component to the positioning component. The template component may be pivotally attached to the elongated member and may be adjusted to move along the length of the elongated member. The positioning component may be substantially circular or substantially semi-circular. One or more handles may be attached to the device. A method for utilizing the aforementioned device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary disc assembly for use with a cutting tool to cut circles from a material. The rotary disc assembly includes an outer ring frame having an inner flange and a rotary disc, rotatably attached to the inner flange of the outer ring frame. The rotary disc has a radial channel so that when it is placed on the material and the cutting tool is inserted into the radial channel and affixed therein, and when the cutting tool and the rotary disc are rotated relative to the outer ring frame, the material is cut to form a circle.

Abstract: A detachable microscope pen mount for marking a microscope slide includes an attachment collar configured to secure to an objective lens, a lever secured to the attachment collar, a pen holder secured to the lever, and a pen secured to the pen holder and having a pen tip, where activating the lever moves the pen tip into a field of view and lowers the pen tip onto the microscope slide. Also disclosed is a method of marking a microscope slide includes identifying an object of interest in a field of view, positioning the object of interest in a center of the field of view, inserting a pen having a pen tip along a trough into a center of the trough, lowering the pen tip onto the microscope slide, and marking the microscope slide by tracing the inside of the center of the trough.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus is provided having a housing, a rotating mechanism and a drawing mechanism. The housing has a circumferential ring gear located within an interior portion of the housing. The rotating mechanism is rotatably mounted within the housing and has a motor operatively connected to a drive gear. The drive gear rotates about a drive axis and is positioned for engagement with the ring gear. The drawing mechanism is pivotally mounted on the rotating mechanism, and has a drawing implement holder connected to the drive gear by a connector. The connector is mounted to a portion of the drive gear that is spaced away from the drive axis. Upon rotation of the rotating mechanism with respect to the housing, the drawing implement holder mechanism pivots with respect to the rotating mechanism. Also provided is a method of drawing using such drawing apparatus.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus is provided having a housing, a rotating mechanism and a drawing mechanism. The housing has a circumferential ring gear located within an interior portion of the housing. The rotating mechanism is rotatably mounted within the housing and has a motor operatively connected to a drive gear. The drive gear rotates about a drive axis and is positioned for engagement with the ring gear. The drawing mechanism is pivotally mounted on the rotating mechanism, and has a drawing implement holder connected to the drive gear by a connector. The connector is mounted to a portion of the drive gear that is spaced away from the drive axis. Upon rotation of the rotating mechanism with respect to the housing, the drawing implement holder mechanism pivots with respect to the rotating mechanism. Also provided is a method of drawing using such drawing apparatus.

Abstract: A tool used to position and attach various marking instruments to an arc forming device such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,443,B1, previously disclosed and used here for reference purposes only.

Abstract: An apparatus of a radius table with spokes which supports a glass pane. The glass pane centered by a centering system. The spokes having a measuring device which is urged into contact with the glass pane thereby allowing determination of the required length of a false hollow muntin bar for formation of a muntin bar pattern within a multi-pane window unit. The cut muntin bars placed proximal spokes. A radial template placed proximal the placed muntin bars to secure the muntin bars to the radial template by muntin clamps. The radial template with attached muntin bars removed from the radius table and transported for fabrication of a multi-pane window unit.

Abstract: An apparatus of a radius table with spokes which supports a glass pane. The glass pane centered by a centering system. The spokes having a measuring device which is urged into contact with the glass pane thereby allowing determination of the required length of a false hollow muntin bar for formation of a muntin bar pattern within a multi-pane window unit. The cut muntin bars placed proximal spokes. A radial template placed proximal the placed muntin bars to secure the muntin bars to the radial template by muntin clamps. The radial template with attached muntin bars removed from the radius table and transported for fabrication of a multi-pane window unit.

Abstract: A method for designing an elliptical structure with an outline of an approximate elliptic curve, which is generated by connecting circular segments to one another, and an elliptical structure created on said method.

Abstract: A measuring instrument is described for application to the end of a circular member, such as a pipe, to locate the precise center of such circular member, and project it to a distant surface.

Abstract: A tile measuring device includes a reference bar member having a bottom side with a gap gauge extending therefrom. A plurality of shafts extends through the reference bar member and terminating in a flexible contact bar conformable to an obstruction. Each shaft of the plurality of shafts is independently slidable through the reference bar member and held in position by a brake mechanism.

Abstract: A pattern making jig for a quilting machine of the type having a sewing machine moveably mounted on a table includes a pair of jig rails securable to the table and a jig body selectively moveable along the jig rails. A stationary gear is fixedly connected to the jig body. A pinion gear carrier rotatably connected to the jig body carries a pinion gear which is engageable with the stationary gear for orbital movement thereabout. The pinion gear carrier is adjustable to accommodate pinion gears of various sizes. A stylus wheel operably connected to the pinion gear has a plurality of stylus receivers formed therein. A stylus secured to the sewing machine is receivable in any one of the stylus receivers in the stylus wheel.

Abstract: An angle cutting transfer tool for determining and delineating the midline axis of a joint onto a workpiece for cutting on a saw. The transfer tool includes two leg members pivotally connected together at one end. Pivotally attached to the inside edge of each leg member is a blade. During use, the two leg members are placed between two adjoining substructure surfaces upon which the two workpieces are to be joined. The transfer tool is then removed and one leg member is longitudinally aligned over a template. The blades are then rotated until they intersect at an equidistant point along one edge of the blades. A line is then drawn on the template from the center axis of the transfer tool to the intersecting point of the blades which delineates the midline axis of the joint. The miter or table saw is then adjusted so that the blade cuts along the line that delineates the midline axis of the joint. The workpieces are then selected and cut with the saw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for routing radii and for producing full-scale layouts is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a guide of smaller radius than the work, a carriage adapted to trace the guide, and a trammel adjustably extending from the carriage. The trammel is adapted to mount a tool for performing the work at the desired radius. The trammel extension corresponds to the difference between the radius of the work and the radius of the guide. The apparatus thus provides a simple method for working with large radius work pieces within confined spaces. Further, the device is usable by one worker and produces accurate results. Finally, the device is inexpensive to produce and may be adjusted to work with virtually any size radius.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the separation of round or elliptical bodies from the surrounding material or for annular shaped bodies from the material sorrounding the OD as well as the material confined by the ID. The method applies to non-metallic substances under special consideration of glass.

Abstract: A marking machine including a frame, an arm articulated on the frame about an axis of articulation, and a marking tool movably mounted on the arm, The marking tool is movable in translation with respect to the arm.

Abstract: A jig apparatus that allows one to cut arches in a work piece quickly and efficiently. It is comprised of a bar that has sliding adjustable clamps that secure a cable which go around pulleys on a router or other cutting device that when the cable is pulled taut, creates a path for the router or other cutting device to follow while it cuts thus cutting an arch into the work piece. Prior to this apparatus one would have to cut this arch with a template which had been previously tooled. This jig apparatus creates a template and cut all in one step.

Abstract: An apparatus for rendering ovals of adjustable sizes and ellipticity upon various materials. An oval cutter comprises a clickerplate for adjusting the ellipticity of ovals in a single movement. The clickerplate can be rotated about a base using a knob mounted on the clickerplate. One embodiment of this invention comprises a storage compartment in the knob which can hold, for example, extra blades. A further embodiment of this invention comprises an arm that translates through the clickerplate and a swivel plate used for setting the overall size of the oval by locking the arm at a set length. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, ovals can be rendered in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction and an arrow can indicate the direction in which the apparatus is set to render ovals.

Abstract: A device and method to quickly and easily layout various features of a basketball court, including the key area, free throw line, jump circle and three point line, in relation to the location of the backboard, including two cord-like members interconnected by a ring-like member having additional ring-like members at each end of the cord-like members. The cord-like members are flexible, facilitating easy transport and storage of the device, and inextensible. The various ring-like members can be colored or otherwise made to be distinguishable from each other to simplify the process of laying out the various basketball court features. A pivot tool is also provided to facilitate the user's use of the device. Additional cord-like and ring-like members can be provided to assist locating and designating the end and side lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings. The preferred form of the apparatus includes a marking device having a body member. The body member includes a channel for receiving a guide member. The apparatus further includes a guide member to guide movement of the marking device along a predetermined path. The guide member is flexible so that it can be positioned on floor coverings in various configurations. The marking device includes a marking implement to mark floor coverings as the marking device is moved along the guide member. The preferred method is performed on site, i.e. at the site of the installation. Further, the preferred method is such that it can be performed relatively expeditiously and with great precision. Moreover, the preferred method can be performed with great accuracy without the need for a highly trained artisan.

Abstract: A device for forming straight and curved score lines in sheet material. The device has a scoring plate with a top surface with a number of spaced apart curved grooves formed on the top surface thereof. Each of the spaced apart scoring grooves has different radii of curvature. An optional overlay template portion has a number of spaced apart curved slots formed therein. The overlay template portion is adapted to overlay the scoring plate such that the spaced apart curved slots align with the grooves on the scoring plate when placed thereon. A scoring tool with a tip sized to fit into the grooves in the scoring plate and the slots in the optional template overlay portion is provided for scoring the sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of laminated plastic activity boards that allow the individual to visualize and have interactive exploration of conic sections and their definitions. This allows for more class time to be spent investigating the concept of conic sections opposed to teachers lecturing and the students having to memorize them. The user is able to notice patterns which develop while drawing specific sets of conic sections by forming conjectures based on the observed outcomes of the activities. Each activity board has a reusable laminated surface which allows the ink used from a marker to be visible but not permanent. The surface can be wiped clean with a moist paper towel once the activity is completed. There are a total of four activity boards which operate independently of each other and contain different concepts. The four boards teach principles relating to the circle, ellipse, parabola and hyperbola.