Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and system involving the use of a panel for protecting fenestrations in buildings such as windows and doors, from damage caused by storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, riots, and the like. Embodiments of the present invention include a substrate panel attached to a security film providing increased protection against wind-driven missiles associated with high winds with decreased weight and mitigating improper installation.

Abstract: A method for treatment using a cutting arrangement includes providing a rotor blade of a wind turbine and attaching an alignment tool to the rotor blade. The alignment tool includes at least one fixation means for fixing the alignment tool to proximate a trailing edge of the rotor blade that is a structure attachable to a first surface and a second opposing surface of the rotor blade. The alignment tool further includes at least one guiding structure operably connected to the fixation means that is configured to embrace the leading edge of the rotor blade and includes at least one groove or at least one edge that provides guidance for a cutting edge of a cutting apparatus. The method includes treating the rotor blade using the cutting apparatus, in which the cutting edge of the cutting apparatus is guided by the at least one guiding structure of the alignment tool.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and system involving the use of a panel for protecting fenestrations in buildings such as windows and doors, from damage caused by storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, riots, and the like. Embodiments of the present invention include a substrate panel attached to a security film providing increased protection against wind-driven missiles associated with high winds with decreased weight and mitigating improper installation.

Abstract: A device incorporating visible alignment features which allow the precision trimming of fabric into geometric shapes of a fixed size is disclosed. The device also allows trimming of fabric figures composed of simpler geometric shapes, including guides for rotary trimmers or other cutting implements to remove excess fabric at the seam created by the most common method of creating such figures, to produce figures of specified size and shape with no measuring required. The device incorporates a plurality of trimming slots and indexing indicators allowing it to be used to produce such figures. A method of using the device to produce multiple final fabric pieces from a single section of base fabric is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting guide includes a first guide structure having a base, a first saw support, and a second saw support. The first saw support is attached to the base and defines a first saw contact surface. The second saw support is attached to the base and defines a second saw contact surface that is spaced apart from the first saw contact surface so as to define an elongated cutting slot therebetween. The elongate cutting slot defines (i) a first slot portion, (ii) a second slot portion that is contiguous with the first slot portion, and (iii) a third slot portion that is contiguous with the second slot portion. The second slot portion is interposed between the first slot portion and the third slot portion.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a method and apparatus for outlining recessed installation of a component within a surface material. In one embodiment, the apparatus generally comprises two or more template or alignment modules adjacently disposable against the surface material and each comprising opposed edges that can be aligned with adjacently disposed edges so to define a substantially continuous spacing along these adjacently disposed edges. This spacing is generally dimensioned so to accommodate a corresponding component dimension such that, the aligned edges guide removal of surface material along the spacing to accommodate recessed installation of the component within the surface material.

Abstract: A template, such as a quilting template, is configured as a relatively thin piece of material having a first circular portion disposed at a first end of the template and a second circular portion disposed at a second end of the template. The template further includes a concave curve portion disposed between the first end and the second end along a first side edge of the template, a linear curve portion disposed between the first end and the second end along a second side edge of the template, and a set of guide markings. In use, a user can utilize the template to cut, for example, heart-shaped, flower-shaped, or leave-shaped elements, from a piece of material. With such a configuration, the template allows the user to cut a variety of differently sized and shaped elements directly from the material, without requiring the creation of multiple patterns.

Abstract: A method of imparting hair strand effects may include identifying each of a plurality of hair strands to which to apply a hair strand effect product independently and individually, the plurality of hair strands associated with an illustration of at least one type of hair strand effects and one of a plurality of hair styles, and applying the product to each of the plurality of hair strands independently and individually subsequent to identifying the plurality of hair strands. In the alternative or in combination, a hair instruction guide may be consulted, the guide having at least one strand size associated with one of the plurality of types of hair strand effects, and a strand of hair may be identified according to the at least one strand size. A system for creating a hair strand effect may include a hair strand effect product and such a hair instruction guide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a calibration and measurement system designed primarily for use in the rapid evaluation and characterization of open or visible wounds in patients. The invention in a preferred embodiment comprises a set of colored concentric rings, typically constructed of paper or synthetic paper. The practitioner removes only as many rings, from the center outward, until the entire wound is visible within the open aperture at the center of the remaining rings. The area dimensions of the wound are then read out from the size of the inner remaining ring. Photography optionally records the wound appearance and size. A related system is developed for linear dimensioning of wounds. This embodiment is also designed to standardize the color scheme for accurate photography wound description. The color scheme is also applicable to a linear device to accurately describe wound size. Embodiments of the invention are also useful in forensic and accident investigations.

Abstract: A folding template for a fitted sheet includes an elongated panel having a length slightly greater than the neutral width of an elastic end of the fitted sheet, and a width that is less than one-third the length of the fitted sheet. The panel is divided into four segments separated by a hinge configured so that the panel can be folded laterally inward with the fitted sheet engaged around the panel. In a method for folding a fitted sheet, the folding template is engaged in one elastic end of the sheet, spanning the width of the sheet. The template is repeatedly flipped over width-wise along the fitted sheet while maintaining the length of the template intact. Once the template reaches the opposite end of the sheet, the panel is folded inward on itself to a reduced configuration including the fitted sheet.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a wide variety of integrated and compact templates of the parallel lines and multi-radius curves drawing for cloth stitching. The integrated templates provide the convenience for the drawing of those parallel curves, lines, and angles focused on the same central point. The integrated templates can be designed with a wide variety of shapes consisting of many sub-shapes with different distances from the central point or the common reference point, and be manufactured by the injection molded transparent plastic in the compact and solid one-body format without any mechanical connection.

Abstract: Templates that are used to create several connected overlapping scallops made from fabric, as well as methods for making and using such templates, are described. The templates described have a plurality of evenly spaced, alternating arcs formed or cut in opposite, parallel edges of a substrate, resulting in evenly spaced, alternating semicircular tabs located on the opposite, parallel edges of the substrate. In some embodiments, the template is a die that produces cut fabric in the shape of the template. The template may be used to cut or mark material into connected semicircular arcs that may be sewn and folded to make connected scallops that may be overlapping. The resulting scallops are of uniform size and spacing, and are connected.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a method and apparatus for outlining recessed installation of a component within a surface material. In one embodiment, the apparatus generally comprises two or more template or alignment modules adjacently disposable against the surface material and each comprising opposed edges that can be aligned with adjacently disposed edges so to define a substantially continuous spacing along these adjacently disposed edges. This spacing is generally dimensioned so to accommodate a corresponding component dimension such that, the aligned edges guide removal of surface material along the spacing to accommodate recessed installation of the component within the surface material.

Abstract: The provided writer guide facilitates the operator in creating a craft project or scrap book page with the desired aesthetic effect. The writer guide emits a laser beam guide line across a medium in a position desirable to the operator. The operator may utilize the guide line for activities that may include but are not limited to writing, printing, scripting, placing, designing, creating, and positioning of components to achieve an aesthetically pleasing product.

Abstract: A garden planting aid including a biodegradable ground cover having a plurality of grid spaces formed by spaced horizontal and vertical lines. A first measure tape having a plurality of first indicia; a second measure tape having a plurality of second indicia. The first indicia are associated with columns of grid spaces and the second indicia are associated with rows of grid spaces such that each grid space has a unique designation that includes a first and second indicia. The aid includes a plan designating garden objects that can be placed at the unique designation.

Abstract: A collaboration tool is presented for accurately guiding two or more communicating users to reference common locations in similar but separate architectural drawings. The collaboration tool includes a transparent planar sheet having at least one squared corner, and a grid of squares imposed on at least one side of the transparent sheet. The grid of squares has an X axis and a Y axis originating from the at least one square corner. Each square in the grid of squares is associated with a unique X-axis designator and a unique Y-axis designator. The apparatus further includes an aperture provided within each square of the grid of squares, for allowing a marking instrument therethrough for making a mark at a designated location on an architectural drawing underneath the transparent planar sheet.

Abstract: A scoring tool comprising a base with a first edge and a second edge defining a recess; and one or more marker recesses. There is a pad capable of removably fitting into the defined recess and having one or more scoring guide lines. One or more markers having a locking mechanism capable of coupling with the marker recesses is included as is a pen assembly, capable of being removably coupled to the base and having one or more scoring tips. The scoring tool can include one or more marker guides on the first edge of the base, wherein the marker guide is a notch. The markers can include a protrusion capable of resting in the marker guide thereby securing the marker in place. The marker recess can be a hole in the base. The locking mechanism can be a retractable protrusion capable of coupling with the marker recesses.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a wide variety of integrated and compact templates of the parallel lines and multi-radius curves drawing for cloth stitching. The integrated templates provide the convenience for the drawing of those parallel curves, lines, and angles focused on the same central point. The integrated templates can be designed with a wide variety of shapes consisting of many sub-shapes with different distances from the central point or the common reference point, and be manufactured by the injection molded transparent plastic in the compact and solid one-body format without any mechanical connection.

Abstract: A drawing template set includes a planar anchor ring having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a rotary increment scale marked at least part way along the outer diameter, and a first registration interface at at least one point on the inner diameter, and a planar template having an outer diameter providing a slip fit into the inner diameter of the planar anchor ring, one or more through slots or other openings enabling a user to draw specific lines and shapes on a drawing surface to which the template may be applied, and a second registration interface on the outer diameter matching the first registration interface of the planar anchor ring, enabling the user place the planar template in the anchor ring for use, to remove it as desired, and to replace it with a different template fashioned for a different purpose.

Abstract: A template having tapered openings can be employed to enable injection of underfill material through gaps having a width less than a lateral dimension of an injector needle for the underfill material. Each tapered opening has a first lateral dimension on an upper side and a second lateral dimension on a lower side. Compliant material portions can be employed to accommodate variations in distance between the template and stacked semiconductor chips and/or an injector head. Optionally, another head can be employed to apply compressed gas to push out the underfill material after the underfill material is applied to the gaps. Multiple injector heads can be employed to simultaneously inject the underfill material at different sites. An adhesive layer can be substituted for the at least one lower compliant material portion.

Abstract: The military ribbon template is a tool for the mounting of military awards on corresponding military award ribbons. The military ribbon template includes a plate having a plurality of horizontal rows of rectangular slots formed therethrough. Each rectangular slot is configured for securely receiving an award ribbon. A first set of indicia is formed on the plate, including first sub-sets of indicia, with each first sub-set of indicia corresponding to one of the rows of slots and including an indicator corresponding to a number of awards to be mounted on the award ribbon. Additionally, a second set of indicia are formed on the plate, above each rectangular slot, and the second set of indicia includes second sub-sets of indicia, respectively indicating the type of award to be mounted on the ribbon, the number of awards, and graduations indicating the proper position of the award to be mounted on the ribbon.

Abstract: A method of imparting hair strand effects may include identifying each of a plurality of hair strands to which to apply a hair strand effect product independently and individually, the plurality of hair strands associated with an illustration of at least one type of hair strand effects and one of a plurality of hair styles, and applying the product to each of the plurality of hair strands independently and individually subsequent to identifying the plurality of hair strands. In the alternative or in combination, a hair instruction guide may be consulted, the guide having at least one strand size associated with one of the plurality of types of hair strand effects, and a strand of hair may be identified according to the at least one strand size. A system for creating a hair strand effect may include a hair strand effect product and such a hair instruction guide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable and easy to use device for measuring and cutting a starter course set for shingling a roof.

Abstract: A folding template for a fitted sheet includes an elongated panel having a length slightly greater than the neutral width of an elastic end of the fitted sheet, and a width that is less than one-third the length of the fitted sheet. The panel is divided into four segments separated by a hinge configured so that the panel can be folded laterally inward with the fitted sheet engaged around the panel. In a method for folding a fitted sheet, the folding template is engaged in one elastic end of the sheet, spanning the width of the sheet. The template is repeatedly flipped over width-wise along the fitted sheet while maintaining the length of the template intact. Once the template reaches the opposite end of the sheet, the panel is folded inward on itself to a reduced configuration including the fitted sheet.

Abstract: A combined template and ruler for use in quilting is formed from a rigid plastic material and includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tile template is provided which is comprised of a square-shaped flexible member which is preferably constructed of a non-skid rubber material. The flexible member has a plurality of alternating openings and a plurality of alternating squares provided therein. The underside of the tile template is provided with numbered fold lines. In one embodiment, the fold lines include a plurality of horizontally extending fold lines and a plurality of vertically extending fold lines. In another embodiment, the fold lines extend diagonally across the template.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for implanting medical devices. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a flexible base member that can be flexed manually to conform to a contour of an anatomy, the base member including a radioscopic indicium that has a characteristic such that, under radioscopic imaging, passage of a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation is hindered to an extent that is distinguishable from a hindrance of the electromagnetic radiation by another portion of the base member.

Abstract: A preprinted foundation for assembling a quilt block from a plurality of pieces of fabric, the foundation comprising indicia indicating an order of assembly of said pieces of fabric and a position of said fabric pieces to form the quilt block and a method of using same.

Abstract: A combined template and ruler for use in quilting is formed from a rigid plastic material and includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined template and ruler for use in quilting is formed from a rigid plastic material and includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined template and ruler for use in quilting is formed from a rigid plastic material and includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fabric measuring and cutting jig for simultaneously holding, measuring and cutting a piece of fabric preferably includes a cutting matt, a ruler pivotally connected to the cutting matt, and a pin removably positioned through two holes selected from first, second, third, fourth and fifth groups of holes, respectively, such that the ruler is pivotally displaced along the cutting matt while the proximal end of the ruler remains pivotally anchored to the pin. A fabric material is intercalated between the cutting matt and ruler wherein a cutting implement is used to cut the fabric material along a longitudinal edge of the ruler.

Abstract: A sewing template and associated method to aid in the production of components for a quilt are provided. The sewing template may include a needle position indicator and a center guide line passing through the needle position indicator. The sewing template may be constructed from a material that is operable to cling to a work surface, such as an acrylic sewing table. The sewing template may include color-coded regions to assist a quilter in producing components with various patterns. The sewing template may further include features to assist in initially aligning the template with a sewing machine and/or a sewing work surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a calibration and measurement system designed primarily for use in the rapid evaluation and characterization of open or visible wounds in patients. The invention in a preferred embodiment comprises a set of colored concentric rings, constructed of paper or synthetic material. The practitioner removes only as many rings, from the center outward, until the entire wound is visible within the open aperture at the center of the remaining rings. The area dimensions of the wound are then read out from the size of the inner remaining ring. Photography optionally records the wound appearance and size. A related system is developed for linear dimensioning of wounds. This invention is also designed to standardize the color scheme for accurate photography wound description. This color scheme is also applicable to a linear device to accurately describe wound size. The invention is also useful in forensic and accident investigations.

Abstract: A collaboration tool is presented for accurately guiding two or more communicating users to reference common locations in similar but separate architectural drawings. The collaboration tool includes a transparent planar sheet having at least one squared corner, and a grid of squares imposed on at least one side of the transparent sheet. The grid of squares has an X axis and a Y axis originating from the at least one square corner. Each square in the grid of squares is associated with a unique X-axis designator and a unique Y-axis designator. The apparatus further includes an aperture provided within each square of the grid of squares, for allowing a marking instrument therethrough for making a mark at a designated location on an architectural drawing underneath the transparent planar sheet.

Abstract: A template for use in cutting a good contained in a pan enables the baked good to be cut into a plurality of substantially equi-sized pieces. The template includes a substantially planar body including a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots. The plurality of first slots are substantially parallel and are spaced approximately equi-distantly across the body. The plurality of second slots are substantially parallel and are oriented obliquely with respect to the plurality of first slots.

Abstract: A tool for assisting a reader in grasping the thought expressed in a group of words on a page is disclosed. The tool is a flexible film card which has a window adjacent contrastingly colored film segments of the card. A group of words may be viewed through the window, and the window may then be moved by the user from one group of words to the next. The groups all around the window may be viewed through the colored segments of the card, thus allowing the reader's eyes to review and anticipate the passages of words which he has read or those which he is about to read while still focusing his attention on the group of words in the window.

Abstract: A cutting guide having a seam allowance recess and methods of cutting a piece of material with such cutting guide.

Abstract: A quilt template is disclosed for producing a plurality of quilt pieces. The quilt template comprises a template plate for positioning over a first and second layer material. A marking groove traverses the template plate and receives a writing instrument. A first cutting groove traverses the template plate and receives the cutting instrument for cutting the first and second layer of material. A second cutting groove traverses the template plate and receives the cutting instrument for cutting the first and second layer of material. The marking groove is positioned between the first cutting groove and the second cutting groove. The marking groove and the first cutting groove define a first quilt pattern on the template plate. The marking groove and the second cutting groove define a second quilt pattern on the template plate.

Abstract: It is extremely important that wall board form a tight seal between the top of wall board and when fluted deck is the roof that meets the wall board. The present invention relates to a template useful for preparing wall board or related building material to match the fluting pattern of fluted deck panels to form a seal between the decking panels and walls of a building.

Abstract: A surgical incision marking template for marking a breast with an intended incision pattern prior to surgery comprises a pliable structural portion with a guide portion. The guide portion is substantially shaped and/or shapeable into a “keyhole” pattern. The keyhole pattern corresponds to the incision pattern generally utilized for the vertical short scar and the inferior pedicle techniques for breast reduction or mastopexy surgery and comprises a generally circular pattern and a generally linear pattern, with the generally linear pattern extending downward from the generally circular pattern when the template is placed on a standing patient. The pliable nature of the structural portion not only allows the shape of the guide portion to be altered but also allows the structural portion to conform to the curvature and shape of the breast. Methods of use for the template to mark the breast are also disclosed.

Abstract: A folding template for a fitted sheet includes is a generally rigid but foldable panel that is configured to match the unfolded size and shape of the fitted sheet. The template is provided with pre-determined orthogonal fold lines that automatically direct a person to make three orthogonal folds to reduce any size fitted sheet into a tight and neatly folded rectangle. The template panel is thin enough so that it does not add significantly to the thickness of the folded sheet. The panel is formed of a material that does not buckle against the pressure of the elastic bands in the fitted sheet.

Abstract: A template and a method guide a cutting tool during cutting of a quilt block having a selected one of at least two alternate kaleidoscope patterns from a quilting blank having a given pattern of sections seamed together along seam lines intersecting at a common seam origin. The template provides right angle corners and obtuse angle corners for accommodating the alternate kaleidoscope patterns, and includes cutting guides and registration indicators which when registered with seam lines of the quilting blank locate one or more of the cutting guides for cutting one or more segments of the border of a selected kaleidoscope pattern. Indexing of the template and the quilting blank relative to one another relocates the cutting guides for cutting further segments of the border to complete the selected kaleidoscope pattern.

Abstract: A grid system apparatus comprising a substantially planar base member and an attachment member. The base member has an upper surface and a lower surface opposite of the upper surface. The attachment member is mounted to the lower surface of the base and is compatible with the lower surface of the base which facilitates releasable attachment of the base member to an outside surface. The base member and the attachment member are configured as a plurality of border members which cooperate to define a plurality of voids therebetween. The border members include a plurality of outer border members defining an outer periphery thereof, and a plurality of inner border members defining the plurality of voids. The outer border members and the inner border members interface at intersection regions.

Abstract: A pumpkin carving kit includes at least one pattern formed from a relatively thin, relatively flexible and relatively non-porous material that is substantially impervious to moisture. The pattern includes at least one cutout portion having a plurality of edges. The kit further includes a marking tool for marking an outline of the edges of the cutout portion(s) onto an exterior surface of a pumpkin. The kit further includes at least one cutting tool for carving the outline of the cutout portion(s) onto the exterior surface of the pumpkin. The kit further includes an illumination source for being positioned within the pumpkin to illuminate the cutout portion(s) when the pumpkin is viewed from an external perspective. The cutout portion(s) may define a sexually themed image and the cutting tool may include a handle portion that defines a sexually themed contour.

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 template allows a piping system installer to create a pipe fitting outline without requiring the installer to consult a manufacturer's catalog and without requiring the installer to plot dimensions with a measuring instrument. The template comprises marking holes corresponding to key locations of one or more pipe fittings. The installer marks the outline through template marking holes using a piece of chalk or other marking instrument. The installer removes the template and is left with an outline on the structure's surface comprising the pipe fitting's key locations. A set of fifty templates could cover almost all the needs of most installers with hundreds of different fitting dimensions covered in a set of fifty templates.

Abstract: It is extremely important that wall board form a tight seal between the top of wall board and when fluted deck is the roof that meets the wall board. The present invention relates to a template useful for preparing wall board or related building material to match the fluting pattern of fluted deck panels to form a seal between the decking panels and walls of a building.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an inexpensive, reusable, and compact picture leveling template where the design of the device 10 would allow the user 12 to arrange picture frames 14, shadow boxes 70, shelving 77, signage, or any objects with 2 or 3 dimensions that could be mounted on a wall 16 in a preferred arrangement in limitless aesthetic combinations on a vertical surface of any size or slope along with curved wall surfaces. The template 10 has multiple leveling guides 24, 28, 32 to assist the user 12 in leveling and spacing picture frames 14 horizontally and vertically on any vertical surface 16. The present invention 10 may be a three-part, inexpensive compact kit comprised of a planar pliable material 18 with multiple leveling lines 34, 36 inscribed thereon, a non-shear adhesive 38, and bubble levels 40 for use with a non-shear adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an inexpensive, reusable, and compact picture leveling template where the design of the device 10 would allow the user 12 to arrange picture frames 14, shadow boxes 70, shelving 77, signage, or any objects with 2 or 3 dimensions that could be mounted on a wall 16 in a preferred arrangement in limitless aesthetic combinations on a vertical surface of any size or slope along with curved wall surfaces. The template 10 has multiple leveling guides 24, 28, 32 to assist the user 12 in leveling and spacing picture frames 14 horizontally and vertically on any vertical surface 16. The present invention 10 may be a three-part, inexpensive compact kit comprised of a planar pliable material 18 with multiple leveling lines 34, 36 inscribed thereon, a non-shear adhesive 38, and bubble levels 40 for use with a non-shear adhesive.