Abstract: A kerf making machine includes a table. A slide assembly comprises first, second, and third slides. The first slide has a first stop and a first abutment on the end thereof. The second slide has a second stop oppositely positioned to the first stop. The third slide has a third abutment on the end thereof and is positioned relative to the first abutment a distance that is the exact distance of the desired distance. The slide assembly is reversed from its one side to its other side wherein the first slide, the second slide, and the third slide are positioned on the table.

Abstract: A measuring device system that provides the functions of a plurality of different measuring tools. The system has a triangular measurement member having printed indicia thereon and a first elongated slot extending along one side of the triangle and a second elongated slot extending along a second side of the triangle. An arcuate slot is connected to the second elongated slot. An elongated arm having a centrally located slot is adjustably connected to the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot or arcuate slot by connecting members. This system provides the advantage of performing a plurality of measurement functions, it replaces a plurality of tools, reduces the need for multiple tools and therefore improves efficiency.

Abstract: A trunk width measuring unit including a first contact portion attached movably in the vertical direction relative to a unit main body, the first contact portion to be brought into contact with an upper surface of a trunk of a subject, second and third contact portions attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body, a vertical width detection encoder for detecting a lowering distance of the first contact portion from an original position on the upper side of the trunk of the user to a contact point with the upper surface of the trunk, and a horizontal width detection encoder attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body by the same distance as a moving distance of the second contact portion, the horizontal width detection encoder detecting a moving distance of the third contact portion relative to the second contact portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a tool to mark a pitch or a cut line for treads and risers of a stairway, is disclosed herein. The tool includes a first member for marking a rise dimension; a second member for marking a run dimension, and a guide member for acting as a guide against a work piece, all coupled together using adjustable fasteners. The rise dimension and the run dimension are perpendicular to each other, thereby creating a pitch for stair cutouts on a stringer work piece or a pitch for a rafter rake. Individually, the first and second member are selectively adjustable with respect to the guide member to provide a wide range of rise and run dimensions, respectively, The first, second, and guide members can be loosened and repositioned to compactly stow as a composite shape for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: A device for preparing to mount a wall fixture includes a main base having opposed first and second ends and a first auxiliary base having a substantially similar configuration. The first auxiliary base is coupled to the main base and movable between a closed configuration in which the first auxiliary base is positioned substantially atop the main base and an open configuration in which the first auxiliary base is linearly adjacent the main base. The main base and first auxiliary base each define a slot extending longitudinally between respective first and second ends. Each base includes a marking member situated in a respective base slot and slidably movable therealong. Each base includes a respective locking assembly for securing a respective marking member at a desired position along a respective slot. Each marking member includes a pointed distal end for making a starter hole when depressed against a wall surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for accurately and safely cutting residential siding members. A specialized tool and saw guide system comprise two hingedly connected plates to securely hold and balance the siding member during the cutting process, as well as resilient saw guides for guiding a saw blade. The device allows for both a straight edge cut and an angled cut to match a conventional roof pitch. Additional embodiments are anticipated to provide for various angled cuts.

Abstract: A guide system comprising a plurality of guide members, where each guide member comprises an exposed surface and an intermediate portion between first and second end portions. The first end portion comprises a deformable detent member defining a detent projection. The second end portion defines at least first, second, and third detent edges defining a detent opening. The guide system operates in storage configuration and a plurality of use configurations. In the storage configuration, detent members of two guide members extend through detent opening of the two guide members. In the use configurations, a detent member extends through one of the detent openings such that longitudinal axes of the first and second guide members are substantially co-linear or perpendicular and the exposed faces of the first and second guide members are substantially coplanar.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp fixture holds overlapping legs of L-shaped carpenter framing squares in aligned relationships in fixed or sliding relationships. Outer perpendicular legs of the squares align in various ways for a variety of measuring, marking, cutting, and jigging functions. Vertical holes in the fixture allow pivotal connection of the fixture to external surfaces and to another fixture for circular and angular functions. Rigid orthogonal interconnection of two fixtures enables rectangular functions.

Abstract: Novel combination squares for magnetically retaining a magnetic rule-type blade in a blade retaining slot. Novel combination squares including an L-shaped rule-type blade.

Abstract: An adjustable jig includes rigidly formed arms that have rectilinear shapes provided with opposite edges, an elongated central opening formed therein and opposed ends abutted with adjacent arm ends. Fasteners are interfitted within the arm openings such that the arms become statically affixed to each other and are detachable from associated ones of the openings. Each fastener includes a tri-lobed nut that has a threaded bottom end. A cap is conjoined to the threaded bottom end and has an outwardly beveled perimeter converging upwardly towards a bottom surface of one of the arms. Each arm has two of the fasteners interfitted through the opening associated therewith. A level gauge is included for establishing a horizontal plane along one arm and is releasably conjoined to a top surface of one arm and positioned at an interior edge thereof.

Abstract: The invention is adapted particularly for simplifying the difficult task of measuring the openings of picture frame mats, and then transferring those measurements to a mitering machine for the purpose of accurately cutting, to the proper length, a piece of picture frame fillet molding. The invention includes at least a generally rectangular body, comprising a top plate and a base plate. A slide mechanism is slideably mated to the top plate by means of a male dovetail, which mates with the matching female dovetail. In addition, the slide mechanism is mated to the top plate by introducing the side of top plate into the slot of the slide.

Abstract: A tool for holding a framing square has a body with a pair of spaced longitudinal slots accommodating the flat legs of the framing square. Clamping devices mounted on the body clamp the body on the legs of the framing square to fix the position of the framing square on the body.

Abstract: An adjustable cutting template includes a plurality of leg members selectively engageable with each other for defining a cutting perimeter on a substantially solid surface. Each plurality of leg members includes a first portion and a second portion attached thereto and a plurality of holes formed therein and spaced along a length thereof. Select ones of the first and second portions define a plurality of male and female portions, respectively. The plurality of female portions include a plurality of lip portions integral therewith for receiving the plurality of male portions thereon so that same can be slidably positioned within the plurality of female portions. The template further includes a plurality of stop members attached to the plurality of leg members for defining a maximum distance that the plurality of leg members can be slidably engaged with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracing a contour onto a tile prior to cutting the tile includes a base member having a first longitudinal slot and a retaining lip disposed at one end thereof. A first extension member includes a second longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the base member by a fastener assembly that passes through the first and second longitudinal slots. A second extension member includes a third longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the first extension member by a second fastener assembly that passes through the second and third longitudinal slots. The second extension member includes a 45 degree angled end that terminates in a point, the point being useful for locating a point on an obstruction. The 45 degree end is used to orient the first and second extension members at a 45 degree angle with respect to a raised edge of the base member.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracing a contour onto a tile prior to cutting the tile includes a base member having a first longitudinal slot and a retaining lip disposed at one end thereof. A first extension member includes a second longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the base member by a fastener assembly that passes through the first and second longitudinal slots. A second extension member includes a third longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the first extension member by a second fastener assembly that passes through the second and third longitudinal slots. The second extension member includes a 45 degree angled end that terminates in a point, the point being useful for locating a point on an obstruction. The 45 degree end is used to orient the first and second extension members at a 45 degree angle with respect to a raised edge of the base member.

Abstract: A device for locating bowling ball gripping apertures with respect to a bowling ball weight block angle inherent to that particular bowling ball and the track of a particular bowler. One embodiment of the device includes a curved base portion adapted to substantially rest on a curved surface of a bowling ball, the perimeter of the base portion including degree indicators and the center of the base portion including a hole, at least four curved angle indicator arms adapted to substantially rest on a curved surface of the bowling ball, the angle indicator arms including length measurement indicators, the angle indicator arms connected with and extending from the curved base portion, and at least two of the angle indicator arms are adapted to rotate about the center of the curved base portion.

Abstract: A strut for a geometric modeling includes a shaft section having a first end and a second end, a first node connector element, a second node connector element, a first flexible section coupling the first node connector element and the first end, and a second flexible section coupling the second node connector element and the second end.

Abstract: An improved structure of a two dimensional positioning nailing machine is disclosed, which has a body, a positioning member and at least one positioning rule, the improved structure characterized in that the positioning member is removably attached on the body, the positioning member in an approximately reversed U shape having a first side portion, a second side portion and a head end; wherein the first side portion has an inner side and an outer side, and the second side portion has an inner side and an outer side, the outer side of the first side portion, the outer side of the second side portion and the head end having at least one positioning slot, the positioning rule capable of being inserted in the positioning slot to adjust a stroke to position distance.

Abstract: A common rafter and hip layout tool which provides a protractor portion, a common cut marking edge, a common cut marking edge pantograph arm to which is connected a bird's mouth marking arm, a seat cut marking arm connected at a right angle to the bird's mouth marking arm and a tail length marking arm. The pantograph arm and connected bird's mouth marking arm facilitates the marking of the bird's mouth cut and the seat cut. Movement of the common cut marking edge to the location indicated by the tail length marking arm facilitates the making of parallel cuts for the common rafter ridge cut and the tail cut.

Abstract: A combination leveling and marking tool for use in establishing wall support locations existing underneath a wall covering material such as dry wall or wall board material. The tool includes a central elongate extending portion having a first end and a second end and first and second elongate extending wing portions pivotally secured to the opposite ends of the central portion. The central portion and the wing portions each exhibit an opposing surface within which is defined individual pluralities of semi-circular shaped recesses. The wing portions establish a first folded position against the central portion and in which the pluralities of semi-circular recesses align to establish an extending row of circular apertures which are adapted to receive a mounting fastener in inserting fashion therethrough. The wing portions are further capable of being pivoted to a second unfolded position in which the wing portions are established in substantially perpendicular extending fashion relative to the central portion.

Abstract: A measuring device is used to orient and place portions of obstacles, such as pipes, conduits or the like and includes a framing square having an alignment bracket mounted thereon. The alignment bracket abuts one of the obstacles and one leg of the framing square is located adjacent to the other obstacle. The framing square then defines the location and path for a coupling element, such as an elbow or the like, used to couple the obstacles together.

Abstract: A laser protractor comprising two laser pointers fixed in a body to point exactly 90° apart in the same plane and a third laser pointer mounted on a movable arm rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the intersection of the first two laser pointers (as extended). The laser protractor includes leveling bubbles and degree scales on the body permitting the protractor to be accurately positioned with both fixed lasers in a horizontal plane, in a vertical plane or in any other plane as required. The laser protractor, because of its simple rugged construction, can be made inexpensively with simple off-the-shelf pointers, each battery powered with inexpensive batteries.

Abstract: A miter cutting guide apparatus is provided to aid in the making of miter cuts used on wood millwork as trim around floors, walls, doors, cabinets and the like and which can also be used on ceramics such as for tile cutting. Two miter arms are pivotally attached by a pivot locking means such as a screw. Each miter arm has a complementary base resting underneath and being guidably received by each miter arm, thereby allowing each miter arm to reciprocate along its complementary base.

Abstract: This invention is a simple device and method of measurement that employs a mechanical device having articulated transverse linkages comprising a parallelogram assembly having the first arm as one link, an opposing link, and further comprising a hub member, with transverse opposing wings each of the wings being pivotingly joined to the hub member for defining shape and indicia to determine a series of angles, and thereby be able to describe angles and arcs in order to determine the convex and concave portions of polyform shapes—in this preferred embodiment relating to animal backs and their corresponding saddles. A method and formula to adjust the shape of such a device to compensate for the weight of the rider relative to the weight of the animal as well as additional factors is also provided by this process. Additional calibration can also be refined by employing interface pressure measurement.

Abstract: A length measuring device is used for measuring a length of from a virtual intersection of the extension lines of two surfaces extending along the respective sides A1, A2 to ends of the respective sides of a bent member. The length measuring device is comprised of a rotary body 20 rotating about the virtual intersection as a center O and a scale body 30 having graduations (divisions). The rotary body 20 has a contacting side 20c with which one side of the bent member A is brought into contact, while the scale body 30 has a contacting side 30c with which the other side of the bent member A is brought into contact. The two contacting sides 20c, 30c are arranged on straight lines drawn through the virtual intersection.

Abstract: A sighting assembly for providing a reference laser beam in the course of connecting pipe segments to each other includes an elongate body in which a laser pointing course is received and which is pivotally engaged at its front end to an straight edged arm. The body may further include a magnetic compass and a level assembly, both proximate its rear end, to provide a visual indication of the azimuth and inclination thereof. These are achieved by an azimuth ring on the compass projecting into lateral cutouts in the body for manipulative convenience. In one example the arm supports two spaced posts, each including spaced projections for contacting the pipe segment, and when the arm is collapsed below the body for storage the posts are received in the cutouts.

Abstract: Embodiments of a stairway or walkway handrail construction tool are shown and described, each embodiment comprising a frame of four outer members. The members are pivotally joined at or near each end and can thus be moved to form a square or rectangle and variously-angled parallelograms. Whether used on sloping stairs or flat floors, the top and bottom members of the tool will be parallel to each other and to the corresponding stair slope or floor. Thus, the invention may be placed temporarily in the subject location, it may be adjusted up or down according to taste or other criteria to chose a particular configuration for the prospective rail, and then the inventive device may be used to mark, align, plan, and/or visualize the layout of the railing or other feature for its construction. The preferred tool may be fully collapsed to a nearly-flat configuration, to make it very portable and amenable to transport within a case such as a carpenter's level case.

Abstract: An improved angle gauge comprising a plurality of upright parallel plates hingedly connected to each other, hingedly connected to a movable linear indicator member and hingedly connected to a frame. The frame is grooved to accept a sliding indicator member imprinted with an indicia. The gauge instantly translates an angle reading taken by a forward pair of parallel plates into a linear reading provided by the slidable linear indicator. The hingedly connected forward hinge plates automatically create a flush-fit between two relative surfaces and an angle reading is instantly recorded on the indicia of the linear indicator in combination with the indicia and pointer located on the frame. A finer adjustment can be made with a manual slide button located on the linear indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented, combination level and square that has a rotating joint. In a preferred embodiment, this hand tool provides the user with many optional tools in one. The tool can be configured as a level, a T-square, a framing square, a T-bevel, or a pocket square. In a preferred embodiment, this multi-segmented combination tool also provides the user with a convenient way not only to configure a level, in one inch increments, to any length from several inches to at least ten feet in length, but also to create more than one tool at a time such as a T-level and a framing square. In other preferred embodiments, the user is provided with optional features that enable them to carry on-site a single tool that can perform all tasks needed to do general construction layout such as roof framing.

Abstract: The present invention herein called "LABEs", comprises a manipulative for assisting students in the visual understanding of the relationships of all angles in a rectangle, triangle, or other such geometric shapes relative to their side lengths, thus allowing the student to prove theorems used in the teaching of geometry. The manipulative further comprises a disk having indicia representing a 360 degree compass, the disk having a first fixed leg, bearing indicia in units of length, extending from the disk at a point adjacent the zero degree indicia mark, and a second leg, having a sleeve portion, which is pivotally attached to the center of the disk by a snap grommet, the sleeve portion being capable of accepting the fixed leg of a second LABE in a longitudinal, adjustable manner therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented, combination level and square that has a rotating joint. In a preferred embodiment, this hand tool provides the user with many optional tools in one. The tool can be configured as a level, a T-square, a framing square, a T-bevel, or a pocket square. In a preferred embodiment, this multi-segmented combination tool also provides the user with a convenient way not only to configure a level, in one inch increments, to any length from several inches to at least ten feet in length, but also to create more than one tool at a time such as a T-level and a framing square. In other preferred embodiments, the user is provided with optional features that enable them to carry on-site a single tool that can perform all tasks needed to do general construction layout such as roof framing.

Abstract: A method of measuring machine height of a surveying machine includes setting a surveying machine such that the machine center situates on a vertical line passing through a measuring point defining a crossing point between a horizontal line passing through the machine center of the surveying machine and the side of the machine as the machine height point, determining a point symmetrical with the machine center with respect to a segment connecting the machine height point and a measuring point as the machine center symmetrical point, and measuring the distance between the determined machine center symmetrical point and the measuring point as the machine height. A machine height measuring device for a surveying machine includes an elongate bar and a cursor slidably disposed on the bar such that the cursor is perpendicular to the bar. The bar has a linear scale provided thereon and a tapered tip end which allows the measuring point to be indicated as a point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for fitting tile and other building material into a mosaic pattern. A base section is connected to a slidable and rotatable rod connected to one or more cut line adjustment rods which conform to a particular pattern for cutting the tile. The base section is mounted flush with an edge and the rods are positioned to conform to an obstruction or other cut out to be cut into the tile. The adjustment rods are then fixed in place, the device is laid over a tile, and the cut lines are made on the tile by tracing the cut line pattern from the device. The tile is cut along the cut line pattern and fitted into the mosaic pattern.

Abstract: A crop, measure and scale system and a measure and scale system are provided for use in preparing an original image for processing. The crop, measure, and scale system includes first and second corner members which define an infinitely adjustable image frame. Each corner member includes a pair of diverging arms, one arm being characterized as an abscissa arm and the other as an ordinate arm, each of which includes an internally facing edge. A calculating measure is mounted on one of the corner members, such calculating measure including a slide rule with a ruler which extends between opposite edges of the cropped image, and a slide which provides for calculation of a reduction/enlargement percentage based on a predetermined desired dimensional change. The measure and scale system includes the calculating measure described above joined to an elongate member.

Abstract: A leveling device for extending a course of siding around an interior or exterior building corner includes a center link and two elongate planar arms pivotedly attached to the link. The arms are provided with alignment edges for fitting under edges of siding and aligning the siding on the building. Recesses are provided in the arms adjacent the length and a pocket is provided in the link between the hinges. The recesses and pocket space the device from a corner molding secured to the building prior to attaching siding.

Abstract: An improved versatile measuring device for measuring linear, and angular dimensions and defining relative positional parameters or coordinates between a plurality of lines, points, or surfaces on a plane and for determining and duplicating line lengths and relative angular positions of any number of lines, points or surfaces. The measuring device has protractor members each of which is rotatably and clampably attached to a connecting member which itself is linearly extendible and may also be altered to have a pivoting point about which a main arm and an extendible arm of the connecting member are pivotal and clampable with respect to each other. Each of the protractor ends also has an edge-guide slot substantially parallel to a scribe edge. Slideably mountable onto each of the edge-guide slots is at least one edge-guide pin each of which is positionally adjustable and securable within an edge-guide slot.

Abstract: A level apparatus incorporates a ruler member for making linear measurements and a level support assembly which is rotatably mounted on the ruler member. The level support assembly is mounted in the center of the ruler member and includes a pair of brackets which support a cylindrically shaped level. The level support assembly includes a circular array of indicia for making angular measurements.

Abstract: An end of a rectangular scaled straight edge is pivotally connected to an end of a rectangular unscaled straight edge. The scaled straight edge has a longitudinal slot wherein a stem is retained by a compression lock. The stem passes through a hole in one end of a flat connecting bar that is disposed between a bearing of the compression lock and the scaled straight edge. The other end of the connecting bar is pivotally connected to the unscaled straight edge. When the lock is open, the stem is slidable within the slot, thereby providing an adjustable angle between the straight edges. When the lock is closed, the position of the stem is fixed within the slot, thereby sustaining a fixed angle between the straight edges.

Abstract: A golfer's square includes a ball position pointer or the like. The ball position pointer includes an elongate substantially parallel-sided pivotable rule with a pivot end and a pointer distal to the pivot end, and the ball position pointer or the like is rightly attached to an elongate substantially parallel-sided right rule attachable to the pivotable rule, with hook and loop material such as VELCRO (Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.), to make the golfer's square. The golfer's square or the ball position pointer may be used separately in methods to assist the golfer align his stance properly. A protruding right angle edge may be provided on the right rule to faciliate orienting both rules prior to attaching same together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of typography. In this field, it is desirable to quickly and efficiently determine certain key ratios between cap height and type size of a letter in a particular typeface, in order to create various aesthetic results. In situations where variations in typeface height normally cause problems, such as: matching specimens of typeface; filling vertical spaces; and dropping caps, among others, the task of determining this ratio is complicated by the fact that typefaces with the same point size may actually differ in height, and typefaces of the same name may vary in size according to the typesetting system which produces them. In such situations, the instant invention is particularly useful.

Abstract: An angle guide device has a pair of arm members which are adjustable through a range of angles to engage adjacent edges at the corner of a piece of mat board. The device is adapted for mounting upon a triangular guide member in a mat cutting machine, and to be secured in each of a multiplicity of positions along the length of the guide member.

Abstract: A magnification calculator has a main member and a second member that moves to selected positions along the main member. One of the members has a first set of indicia, each element of which corresponds to one of the selected positions. The other member has a first reference indicator to indicate the element chosen, which is the dimension of a selected space in which a reproduction of a selected artwork portion is to be printed. The calculator includes two edge indicators on the main member, one at a fixed location and the other slidable on the main member. The second member has a second set of indicia divided into subsets, each corresponding to an element of the first set of indicia.

Abstract: A welding gauge for an insert ring on the end of a pipe with a first slide member defining a pipe engaging gauging surface and with a second slide member slidably mounted on a first slide member along a path perpendicular to the path of the gauging surface. The second slide member has a ring engaging recess which projects out over the gauging surface to hold the welding ring in place on the end of a pipe. The slide members can be locked together in any position for adjustment.

Abstract: A folding extension ruler is provided and consists of a device for extending each arm of the ruler to twice its length from middle of the arm, a device for locking each arm in its fully extended position and appropriate measuring indicia located on each arm and extending device.

Abstract: A vernier gauge has three arc members, two flat pieces and two sliding pieces. A second arc member is slidably engaging with a first arc side of a first arc member from a first end of the first arc member and a third arc member is slidably engaging with a second arc side of the first arc member from a second end of the first arc member. Each of two free ends of the second and third arc members is actively attached one of the two flat pieces each of which is slidably engaged with one of the two sliding pieces. The second, third arc members and the two flat pieces are provided with main scales and the first arc member and the two sliding pieces are provided with corresponding vernier scales. Each of the two sliding pieces is further provided with two opposite tips and a flat surface. Such gauge can permit accurately fractional readings of angles as well as inner or outer diameters of objects and of depths of objects when the flat piece is solely used.

Abstract: An elongated body is provided including opposite side portions removably secured together by transverse threaded fasteners. One set of corresponding ends of the side portions include relieved areas opening toward each other defining a cavity opening outwardly of the corresponding end of the body and along one longitudinal edge thereof. A protractor arm is pivotally mounted within the notch for movement between a retracted position received within the cavity and extending along the one edge and an extended position disposed at substantially 90.degree. relative to the elongated body. The body and protractor arm include coacting structure for adjustably limiting angular displacement of the protractor arm to the extended position and the ends of the opposite side portions of the body remote from the protractor arm include two pairs of opposing sockets formed therein in which spirit level supporting annular bodies are mounted.

Abstract: A package sizer comprising a first pair of walls defining a first pair of generally opposed, substantially parallel, planar surfaces. A second pair of walls connected to the first pair defines a second pair of generally opposed, substantially parallel, planar surfaces, the second pair of surfaces being contiguous and perpendicular to the first pair, whereby the four surfaces define a rectangular enclosure. At least one of the walls of each such pair is slidable toward and away from the other wall of that pair to vary the dimensions of the rectangular enclosure.

Abstract: A multi-member, variable configuration template (100) is provided as an aid for determining acceptable brake assembly mounting variables for an air operated, cam actuated brake assembly to be mounted on a vehicle of known configuration. The template comprises a first member (102) corresponding to the brake spider, a second member (104) corresponding to the air chamber mounting bracket, a third member (106) corresponding to the air chamber and a fourth member (108) corresponding to the slack adjuster. The second and fourth members are pivotably connected to the first member about a point (110) corresponding to the axis of the brake actuating cam, the third member is slidably mounted on the second member and the third member is removably connectable to the fourth member at a series of points on the fourth member. Various arrays (112, 116, 120 and 124) are provided to determine the brake assembly mounting variables corresponding to a particular template configuration.