Abstract: A device for locating and marking the optimum position of the center of a hole for receiving a stoma in a hernia support, said device being in the form of work piece provided with a pattern for identifying and recording the optimum position for placing of the center of the hole provides a simple device and method for an easy determination and marking of the site for a customized hole in standard hernia trousers.

Abstract: The quilting tool has a transparent, parallelogram plate and a first set of guidelines. The plate has at least a first major surface, a second major surface, a first side, a second side parallel to the first side, a third side and a fourth side parallel to the third side. The first set of guidelines has at least a plurality of individual guidelines imprinted on the first major surface of the plate. The individual guidelines are parallel to the first side of the plate and extend from the third side to the fourth side of the plate. The individual guidelines are spaced from the first side based on the equation (FB/NP)+(2×SA). FB is the finished block edge length. NP is the number of patches wanted along FB. SA is the seam allowance.

Abstract: The present device is a guide for positioning a heat-applied item over a garment, such as a t-shirt, or a nonwearable, such as a towel. The guide comprises a substantially flat sheet including a center line indicator, a plurality of longitudinal rule lines, a plurality of lateral rule lines, at least one pair of collar alignment rule lines, two wing sections, and a plurality of sleeve alignment rule lines. The guide includes intersecting longitudinal and lateral slots whereby the heat-applied item may be placed under the guide and positioned relative to the guide and garment by manual manipulation thereof through the slots. Another feature of the guide includes a plurality of vertical offset spacers fixed to the bottom surface of the sheet, such that a gap is formed between the guide and the garment for facilitating movement of the heat-applied item there between.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in cutting material using electric scissors or a similar tool includes an elongate cutting channel extending along a support surface. Opposing lower sections of side walls generally adjacent to a bottom of the channel are generally parallel and define a lower region of the channel therebetween having a generally uniform width for receiving a counter-blade of the electric scissors and allowing sliding movement of the counter-blade along the length of the channel. An upper region of the channel has a width greater than the width of the lower region of the channel for receiving a shearing blade of the scissors and permitting the oscillating movement of the shearing blade with respect to the counter-blade when the counter-blade is received in the lower region of the channel.

Abstract: A stencil assembly for marking paving required grade levels in a paving operation includes a front plate, a back plate and a support member, the support member being used to support the front and back plates on top of a curb. The front plate and the back respectively, carry finish grade level indicia, and sub par grade level indicia. The front and back plates can be relatively positioned one with respect to the other to present positioning of indicia at the levels where finish grade and sub par grade are to be located. The levels are marked on a side face of the curb so that sub par layer of, e.g., crushed stone can be applied up to the sub par grade level marking followed by applying the finish layer of, e.g., bituminous paving material up to the finish grade level, curb reveal at the outside face of the curb being a remaining distance between the finish grade level and the top of the curb.

Abstract: A cutting board having a number of integral cutting guide lines for assisting an operator (chef) of a knife in cutting a foodstuff (e.g., vegetables) into uniform pieces of at least one predetermined size.

Abstract: This invention relates to a removable gridded stabilizer and a method for producing accurately sewn piecework. More specifically, the method involves the use of a removable stabilizer having a grid onto which pieces of fabric may be aligned, adhered, and sewn. Fabric pieces may be adhered into place according to the grid spaces of the stabilizer, then the stabilizer may be folded along the grid lines and sewn with a seam allowance. After sufficient pieces have been sewn together, the stabilizer may be removed.

Abstract: Improvements in the instruments for drawing lines using grooves providing the presentation of lines that may be drawn by placing a sheet of paper over the presentation and engaging the sheet of paper with the point of a writing tool with sufficient force to press the engaged part of the paper into a selected groove and then moving the writing tool point within the line, depositing pencil lead or ink from the end of the writing tool on the paper that is pressed into the selected groove to form a line on the paper. The improvements include the provision of registration marks on a clipboard which has the presentation of grooves for lines to be drawn on the upper side of the clipboard, the registration marks acting as guidelines for the precise placement of the sheet of paper on which lines are to be drawn and its retention in that placement by a clip attached to the end of the clipboard and engaging the end of the sheet of paper for such retention.

Abstract: A non-structural shear wall nailing template bears a pattern of shear wall nailing pattern markings. The template is made of an inexpensive sheeting material that will not interfere with the further construction of the building if the template remains in-situ after construction of the shear wall. In one example, the template is a strip. The strip bears lettering that indicates the type of nailing pattern to which the nailing pattern markings conform. After fixing the template to one or more sheathing panels such that the template is aligned in a predefined way with respect to framing members behind the panel(s), nails are driven at the locations of the markings on the template. By driving a nail at the location of each template marking, the shear wall is constructed with proper nail spacing. A set of templates is provided to facilitate nailing in different shear wall nailing patterns.

Abstract: A rotational and translational microposition apparatus includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor and a linear motor. The first rotary motor surmounts an upstanding bracket mounted to a support surface. A rigid link having a right angle bend formed in it interconnects the first and second rotary motors to one another. A first end of the rigid link is secured to an output shaft of the first rotary motor and a second end of the rigid link is secured to a mounting plate to which is secured the second rotary motor. A linear motor has an output shaft connected to the output shaft of the second rotary motor. Selective operation of the three motors enables a probe to be positioned in an infinite plurality of positions that collectively form a cone where the tip of the probe is coincident with the vertex of the cone.

Abstract: The present device is a guide for positioning a heat-applied item over a garment, such as a t-shirt, or a nonwearable, such as a towel. The guide comprises a substantially flat sheet including a center line indicator, a plurality of longitudinal rule lines, a plurality of lateral rule lines, at least one pair of collar alignment rule lines, two wing sections, and a plurality of sleeve alignment rule lines. The guide includes intersecting longitudinal and lateral slots whereby the heat-applied item may be placed under the guide and positioned relative to the guide and garment by manual manipulation thereof through the slots. Another feature of the guide includes a plurality of vertical offset spacers fixed to the bottom surface of the sheet, such that a gap is formed between the guide and the garment for facilitating movement of the heat-applied item there between.

Abstract: Provided are systems for transferring a composition, the systems comprising a transparent grid substrate; lines on a surface of the transparent grid substrate, the lines comprising symmetrical grid lines and a proportional border around the symmetrical grid lines; said symmetrical lines being of an equal number vertically as horizontally, creating rectangles in the same proportion as the proportional border, thereby making a proportional grid. The systems further comprise a substantially uninterrupted transparent surface that receives a composition related to a scene, the scene viewed through the substantially uninterrupted transparent surface and the transparent grid substrate. The transparent grid substrate and substantially uninterrupted transparent surface are coupled such that the symmetrical grid lines and proportional border facilitate drawing the composition directly on the substantially uninterrupted surface in direct proportion to the size of a final substrate.

Abstract: Construction templates, as well as methods of use that employ construction templates, are described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise construction specifications printed on substantially dimensionally stable material. Functions of the construction templates include, but are not limited to, (i) indicating the substantially exact locations for installing building components, (ii) protecting floors and other building components from water or weather damage during building construction, and, (iii) providing a barrier to, and containment for, construction debris that could otherwise contaminate or infiltrate a building under construction. Some embodiments comprise elongated construction templates that attach to wall plates to facilitate wall construction. Other embodiments comprise construction templates that attach to the floors of nascent buildings to display construction specifications that facilitate further building construction.

Abstract: A graphing template includes a substantially square shaped, rigid piece of planar material. The planar material includes two elongated openings extending through the planar material and intersecting to form an origin and define four quadrants. The elongated openings are sufficiently large to accommodate a tip of a writing instrument such that a two dimensional graph may be generated by depositing the template onto a writing surface and thereafter inserting the tip of the writing instrument into the elongated openings and marking upon the writing surface to form an “x” axis and a “y” axis. The planar material includes an array of circularly-shaped holes located equidistance from one another in each quadrant and extending through the planar material. These circularly-shaped holes are arranged in equidistance rows and columns and are positioned in groups in the four quadrants.

Abstract: Construction templates, as well as systems and methods of use that employ the construction templates, are described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise construction specifications printed on substantially dimensionally stable material. Functions of the construction templates include, but are not limited to, (i) indicating the substantially exact locations for installing building components, (ii) providing other construction specifications, (iii) protecting floors and other building components from water or weather damage during building construction, and, (iv) providing a barrier to, and containment for, construction debris that could otherwise contaminate or infiltrate a building under construction. Some embodiments comprise elongated construction templates that attach to wall plates to facilitate wall construction, or attach to other structures, such as beams or joists, to depict where other building components attach to the other structures.

Abstract: A sewing aid for marking a fabric with a marking device is disclosed. A non-opaque template includes a front surface, a back surface, and a peripheral edge having at least a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge. A first notch of a first shape and a second notch of a second shape are formed in the top and bottom edges of the template, respectively. Each notch may further include indicia thereon, the indicia generally being parallel to the top and bottom edges of the template. In use, the fabric may be marked in the shapes by using the top or bottom edge of the template as a guide for the marking device. Corresponding notches may be marked against a garment template, and cut in the fabric for pieces of a garment. As such, the notches indicate proper alignment of the pieces for sewing. Each first indicia, second indicia, third indicia, and fourth indicia may be used as a guide to ensure the top or bottom edges of the template are parallel with the edge of the template.

Abstract: The template for ruling index cards is a guide for marking a number of parallel lines on an unruled writing surface, such as a 3?×5? index card. The template has a number of parallel slits spaced at predesignated distances from each other. Preferably, a template with horizontal slits is used in combination with a template having vertical slits to form a grid with horizontal and vertical rules for blocking letters, i.e., for creating blocks, which ensure uniform size and spacing of letters drawn on the index card. The template may be used to form a grid on a marking substrate, which is used as a guide for marking sweepstakes entries on the substrate. A transparency may be laid over the substrate, and cutouts formed corresponding to the entries to form a template for sweepstakes entries from the transparency.

Abstract: A template is provided that aids quilt member fabrication. More specifically, a template is provided for selective interconnection to layered fabric members wherein the template indicates the location for sewing and cutting individual fabric pieces that make up the layered fabric thereby yielding a composite quilt member.

Abstract: A transparent measuring device with enhanced visibility lines formed on a transparent substrate having opposing planar front and back surfaces and with at least one opaque line formed on one of the front and back surfaces and at least one transparent line formed on one of the front and back surfaces to be colinear with the at least one opaque line to present a composite line where the transparent line permits viewing of material on which the device is placed while highlighting the at least one opaque line for enhanced visibility. The transparent line may be formed of excitable pigment that reacts to light, such as a black light, or that retains luminance after exposure to light.

Abstract: A laser guided work device including a work board having a work surface, a line producing laser projecting a line on the work surface, and a linear motion device engaging the laser to the work board. The linear motion device translates the laser relative to the work surface along at least one dimension. The line is oriented perpendicular to the at least one dimension such that the line moves relative to the work surface when the linear motion device translates the laser along the at least one dimension.

Abstract: A coloring book for method is provided creating a picture 51 by different layered stencils with the steps of: Lining up the border stencil holes 21 or holes marked for lining up, then coloring each stencil page for each individual color of the picture. When all colors or pages are colored the master page 20 will have a completed picture 51.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming and applying a wrap sheet to a hardcover for a bound book, including a planar guide having a width and length selected such that the planar guide can be uses as a template for cutting the wrap sheet. A reticule is disposed on the planar guide, with the guide being preferably transparent in at least the region of the reticule, for aligning the guide over the uncut wrap sheet. Anti-skid members are disposed on one side of the planar guide so that the guide will not tend to move during the cutting. A lip member is disposed on a surface of the guide, opposite the anti-skid members, which is used to assist in aligning the guide over the hardcover so that the guide can also be used for positioning and securing the cut wrap sheet onto the hardcover.

Abstract: A guide for freehand writing or similar graphics comprises a writing support that eliminates the task of drawing lines and then erasing them in order to write on a straight line. The writing support forms a forgiving visual line that recedes when writing letters with descenders such as g, j, p, q, and y. In the preferred embodiment, the writing support is a plurality of loops of flexible material extending from a base.

Abstract: Markers, methods of marking, and marking systems for use in association with images are disclosed. One marker is removable with a targeted design and metric dimensions inscribed on a clear plastic flap. This marker is attached adjacent to an area of interest with the target placed in such a manner to precisely pin point out an observed abnormality. A paper label at one edge is available for written comments and directions for further studies. The marker can be removed without damage to the image(s).

Abstract: A template for locating the placement of the vents for an HVAC system is provided. The template includes a body defining a first set of parallel edges. Further, the body defines longitudinal and latitudinal walls of a rectangular aperture. The longitudinal walls run parallel to the first set of parallel edges and the latitudinal walls run perpendicular to the first set of parallel edges. The rectangular aperture is useable to define a location of a vent for an HVAC system on at least one of a floor or wall. At least one adjustment aperture is defined by the body beside at least one of the latitudinal or longitudinal walls to accommodate the defining of a location for a vent having at least one of different width or length than provided by the rectangular aperture.

Abstract: A template set includes a first template for drawing the contour of a three-dimensional shape and a second template for drawing the visible and invisible edges of the three-dimensional shape. The first template has a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture has a periphery circumscribing an area, the periphery representing the contour of a pictorial representation of a three-dimensional shape. The second template has a plurality of sets of linear apertures, wherein each set of linear apertures corresponds to a respective aperture in the first template. The linear apertures include continuous linear apertures which are used to draw solid lines representing visible edges within the contour, and intermittent linear apertures which are used to draw dashed lines representing hidden edges within the contour.

Abstract: Self measuring roll goods includes a pliable substrate, a front surface, and a rear surface. The rear surface includes fiducial markings to facilitate the quick and easy measurement of the roll goods. The fiducial markings include an array of symbols, and at least a portion of the peripheral edges of the symbols are spaced apart from the peripheral edges of adjacent symbols. The pitch of the array defines a gross measurement scale. In a particular embodiment, the peripheral edges of the symbols intersect tangentially. In another particular embodiment, the symbols are completely spaced apart. Examples of the symbols include closed curves, polygons, and linear symbols. Optionally, marks on the perimeters of the symbols and/or the vertices of the symbols provide a fine measurement scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a template for determining the shape and size construction materials should be cut to substantially match an irregularly shaped area to be covered by the construction materials. The template is a single layer material having lines that permit snapping off parts of the template without a cutting instrument. The template also has pegs on periphery edges of the template to assist in positioning the template. The invention also relates to a method of installing construction materials into an irregularly shaped area with the template.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses associated with measuring and profile tools utilized in crafts, particularly in the design of quilts. More specifically, the invention provides an improved measuring tool that incorporates a variety of undulating profiles and is useful in the construction of quilts of other items of craftsmanship that incorporate non-linear, undulating, curving or wavy profiles.

Abstract: A quilting ruler is square or rectangular in shape and has first, second, third and fourth edges with a first set of equally spaced rulings running parallel to the first and third edges of the ruler and at right angles to a second set of equally spaced rulings running parallel to the second and fourth edges of the ruler. The first line of the first set of rulings is spaced from the first edge of the ruler by a different interval from the interval by which the last line of that set of rulings is spaced from the third edge of the ruler, and the distance of each line of the first set of rulings from the first edge and of each line of the second set of rulings from the second edge is marked so as to be visible when the first and second edges of the ruler are in use and the distance of each line of the first set of rulings from the third edge and of each line of the second set of rulings from the fourth edge is marked so as to be visible when the third and fourth edges of the ruler are in use.

Abstract: A jig assembly for use with work piece and a hand-held power tool having a cutting bit includes a first member and at least one insert. The first member has a first opening and is configured to be positioned adjacent a first side of the work piece. The at least one insert is configured to fit within the first opening in the first member and includes a second opening. At least one of the first opening and second opening is configured to allow a portion of the hand-held power tool to pass therethrough to contact the work piece and to act as a guide for the hand-held power tool as it removes material from the work piece.

Abstract: A combination layout tool especially for use in larger building projects that can be used repeatedly to accurately produce different angles and cuts or layouts. The tool is provided with incremental angle slots in radial alignment with a notch in one side edge for producing incremental angles, one or more rafter tail/ridgecut patterns in the side edge, angled slots in alignment with the short side of the patterns, tread and riser slots and an associated tread and riser hole in spaced relation from one another for laying out treads and risers for building stairs, a pivot point receiving hole and a plurality of incrementally spaced marker receiving holes for drawing different diameter circles, and/or one or more stud layout slots in the side edge for making stud layouts for framed walls.

Abstract: Multiple sensors may be attached to a substrate to measure conditions at different points. Positioning the sensors accurately may be achieved using a template to establish sensor position. A pre-fabricated kit including a template, sensors and a cable assembly may be easily transported so that sensors may be attached in the field.

Abstract: A template provides a quick and accurate method for marking locations of conduit entry holes to be formed in an electrical panelboard. The template is a rectangular sheet that is divided into longitudinal spacer zones, transverse spacer zones, a longitudinal marking zone and graduated marking zones. Each of the marking zones has multiple apertures used in making marks on the electrical panelboard to identify hole locations.

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: A transparent measuring device with enhanced visibility lines formed on a transparent substrate having opposing planar front and back surfaces and with at least one opaque line formed on one of the front and back surfaces and at least one transparent line formed on one of the front and back surfaces to be colinear with the at least one opaque line to present a composite line where the transparent line permits viewing of material on which the device is placed while highlighting the at least one opaque line for enhanced visibility. The transparent line may be formed of excitable pigment that reacts to light, such as a black light, or that retains luminance after exposure to light.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for gauging a thickness of fiber. Included is a structure including a plurality of indicators and a plurality of numerical indicia. Such indicators each have a unique uniform thickness. Moreover, the numerical indicia each indicate a number of units of thickness (i.e. wraps per inch, etc.) correlating with the uniform thickness of the associated one of the indicators.

Abstract: A template for use as a guide for cutting and placing tile for residential or commercial use, and a process for using same, is disclosed. Before using the template, a user would need to locate the center of the area onto which tiles would be placed and mark this center location. A user would place the template against the surface to which tiles would eventually be placed and then mark the template with a center mark, indication the eventual corner mark, A user would then be able to use the template to diagram the location of all necessary tiles, whether they be straight tiles or they be cut up tiles. A user would then be able to easily set the tiles by first placing the template against the required surface, and then, fixedly attaching the tiles to the template.

Abstract: A guide for steadying the path of a cutting tool and enabling force to be applied to compress a workpiece on opposing sides of the path of the tool.

Abstract: A medical measuring apparatus for measuring a lumen of an intracorporeal passage as it appears in an image wherein the apparatus preferably includes a measuring adjunct and an object to image retainer. The measuring adjunct preferably includes at least one geometric figure outline having a border formed by a portion of the measuring adjunct such that an aperture having a geometric shape is defined for measuring the lumen of the intracorporeal passage. The at least one geometric figure outline preferably includes a corresponding measurement specification (for example, in the metric system). In at least one embodiment, the at least one geometric figure outline is preferably utilized to measure an occlusion associated with the intracorporeal passage (for example, a renal tumor). The object to image retainer is for housing the measuring adjunct and compensates for a magnification ratio relating to the intracorporeal passage and the intracorporeal passage as it appears in the image.

Abstract: My railroad design templates depict a turnout of a given size by its exact frog angle so that the centerline of the diverging side of the turnout can be accurately drawn from the turnout point of intersection (TOPI). This methodology of using a template to depict a turnout of a given size by its exact frog angle has never been done before and should assist railroad track designers during the design of preliminary track layouts on a drawing. My railroad design templates also combine all the various degree of curves, various size turnouts, various scales and protractor all on one template. This unique combination of various track design elements on a template has never been accomplished before and should be a convenience to railroad track designers. My railroad design templates also allow the track designer to indicate the point of switch (PS) and last-long tie (LLT) locations on their drawings.

Abstract: A sheet of transparent or opaque soft vinyl or plastic is customized for use as a table or tablecloth protector by selecting one of a variety of different size color-coded paper patterns and using the pattern as a template, to cut the protective sheet to the size of the table or tablecloth to be protected. The protective sheet may be flannel backed and/or may have a quilted surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring cables of varying diameters to be used in a wire bundle. The apparatus involves a support platform having a groove formed therein which is laid out to have at least one U-shaped turnaround portion. The groove is further canted such that it opens at an angle of about 4.85° away from an interior area defined by the U-shaped arc. This allows cables of varying diameters to be placed in the groove during measuring and automatically compensates for the differences in diameter of the cables. Thus, each cable laid into the groove and measured in accordance with the length of the groove will have the same length, regardless of differences in the diameters of the cables.

Abstract: Method for using a mounting template and a mounting template for mounting a clock of any kind or size. The mounting template has a center hole used as a guide to align the center of the clock in a preselected position on the mounting surface. The mounting template is used to locate reference points and mount numbers or objects from a clock on a mounting surface. This device provides a greatly simplified solution to the very first problem in the layout of a clock.

Abstract: A planting template sheet apparatus for, and method of planting flowers, shrubs, bulbs or seeds through apertures in the template sheet, and the apertures adjoin indicia indicating specific plant locations, and the type of plant, as indicated on a template index page.

Abstract: A template provides a quick and accurate method for marking locations of conduit entry holes to be formed in an electrical panelboard. The template is a rectangular sheet that is divided into longitudinal spacer zones, transverse spacer zones, a longitudinal marking zone and graduated marking zones. Each of the marking zones has multiple apertures used in making marks on the electrical panelboard to identify hole locations.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a flexible, clear-ruled tile template having substantially the same dimensions as the piece of tile 14 being laid. The present invention 10 is made of a flexible material so that it can be bent against objects 32 such as walls. The property of transparency allows the user 12 to more clearly see the space 16 being measured and a grid pattern 24 affixed thereon allows the user to extend the proposed measurement across the entire tile to see what the proposed cut tile will look like. The present invention 10 has the American standard of inches 22 marked on three sides with each inch further broken down by a common measure such as eighths or sixteenths. On the fourth edge a metal plate 20 has been attached that can be used as a straight edge or cutting edge.

Abstract: Method for using a mounting template and a mounting template for mounting a clock of any kind or size. The mounting template has a center hole used as a guide to align the center of the clock in a preselected position on the mounting surface. The mounting template is used to locate reference points and mount numbers or objects from a clock on a mounting surface. This device provides a greatly simplified solution to the very first problem in the layout of a clock.

Abstract: An envelope or package cutting system for cutting a material having a surface. The envelope cutting system includes a cutting unit and at least one template having the opening that is the shape of an unfolded envelope. The cutting unit includes a frame, a blade adjustment assembly and a blade assembly which are coupled to the frame. The blade assembly is positioned at least partially within the frame such that a longitudinal axis of the blade assembly is substantially perpendicular to a lower support surface of the frame. The blade assembly includes a blade retainer and a blade connected to the retainer. A rigid collar of the retainer is configured to operatively engage at least one of a periphery and the edge of the opening of the template thereby enabling the blade to cut a shape in the cutting material which assimilates the shape of an unfolded envelope.

Abstract: A stencil clip is used to apply a pattern onto an extruded concrete curb having a curved cross-sectional profile. The stencil clip is made of stiff but resiliently flexible sheet material pre-formed to match the cross-sectional profile of an upper portion of the curb, and may have at least one cut-out portion to define a decorative pattern or indicia. Alternatively, the stencil clip may be solid to serve as a blanking or masking stencil. The stencil has handle portions at its edges permitting the stencil to be clipped on and off the curb.