Abstract: A hand held printer and guiding means which maintains the printer in a fixed angular orientation with respect to an article to be printed, such as an envelope, and which constrains the printer to move linearly in a series of parallel line segments whereby an address can be printed on the envelope. Also disclosed is a printer and printer control system which utilizes a two dimensional position encoder using a ball which rolls on the surface to be printed to control the printing of data stored in a RAM memory in the printer.

Abstract: A learning device for aiding a person in forming alphanumeric combinations comprises a base having a top and a bottom. A template has an insert receiving aperture formed therein. The template is removably attached to the base, and a stencil insert having a figure formed therein is removably receivable within the insert receiving aperture. Also disclosed is a method for using the present learning device.

Abstract: A template is provided for marking a picture mat blank in preparation for subsequent cutting. The template is comprised of two planar arms, a mat-opening design cut into the re-entrant corner of the arms, and graduation lines on the arms for measuring the widths of the mat borders. The template is placed in position on the back of a mat blank so that the arms are parallel with the edges of the mat blank and the edges of the mat blank line up with the appropriate graduation lines for the border widths desired. The inside edge of the template is then traced onto the mat blank with a pencil. Layout marks which show users of mat cutting machines where to start and stop cutting may also be traced. In addition, mat-opening designs incorporating cut out circles and ovals in the mat blank may be laid out using the template.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel double cut edger which is useful for facilitating the cutting of edges of double lapped wall coverings and the like. An apparatus useful for assisting in cutter edging overlapping sections of adjacent surface coverings comprising an elongated body portion with at least one straight side, and at least one slot parallel with the straight side of the elongated body portion and penetrating through and extending substantially the length of the body portion.

Abstract: A flat, ruler-like guide is shaped to be laid over the tables and scales set forth in a trucker's log book. The guide has cut-out portions which outline only those entries in the log book which the trucker needs for making certain calculations. Printed on the face of the guide are equations which the trucker follows in making these calculations.

Abstract: A template that facilitates record keeping by commercial bus and truck drivers. A plurality of parallel, elongate slots are formed in the template to guide the driver's marking pen across a page in a log book having preprinted driving periods printed thereon. A larger, vertically extending window member at the right end of the template allows the driver to record total driving hours on the page. The template is clipped to the right end of the page in use and thus also provides a book mark function.

Abstract: An adjustable template device for positioning over a sheet material for use in framing and cutting the sheet material to a selected shape comprising a plurality of slidably interconnected frame members forming a closed polygon. Each frame member comprises a guide edge for guiding a cutting blade and a socket adjacent one end of the guide edge for slidably receiving a portion of an adjacent frame member so that the guide edges of adjacent frame members form the sides and one corner of the polygon formed by the device. Each of the guide means has a plurality of detents which are engageable by a pin associated with each socket to retard relative sliding of adjacent frame members. The guide edges are preferably provided with a plurality of slots for receiving a cutting blade so that a cutting blade can extend in the slots to fully cut the corners formed by the frame members. At least some of these slots are positioned relative to the detents to ensure alignment with the adjacent cutting edge.

Abstract: A contract estimating system includes a digitizer ruler divided into a plurality of equally spaced increments. The ruler generates an output signal representing the distance along the ruler at a point touched by a hand held probe. A digitizer board carries a menu thereon including a plurality of indicia such as words, pictures and numbers representing different component parts and sizes and scale factors and generates an output signal corresponding to one of the indicia when touched by the probe. A computer automatically counts the number of each size component part and calculates the total length of pipes and similar components measured by the ruler. The results calculated by the computer can be displayed on a CRT and/or printed on a printer.

Abstract: A bar code ruler is divided into a plurality of equally spaced increments each of which is marked by a machine readable bar code number. The ruler includes a plurality of recesses along the length thereof which cooperate with a spring biased ball carried by a slide member, the ball and recesses functioning as a detent to temporarily maintain the slide member in any desired position on the ruler. A hand held bar code reader is used to scan the bar code number on the ruler next to the slide with the edge of the slide functioning as a guide. A menu is also provided which includes a plurality of bar codes representing different component parts and sizes and a plurality of scale factors. The bar code reader can read the codes on the menu and on the ruler and feeds the information to a computer which counts the number of each size component part and which calculates the total length of pipes and similar components measured by the ruler.

Abstract: A floor square for use in squaring and marking a ledger notch in the end of a floor joist and for use in marking the intended position of a ledger on a girder.

Abstract: An under layer of a mortar material such as stucco is first applied to a structural surface such as a wall or floor. Over this under layer a second layer is applied generally of a different color than the first layer. A tool having a guide bar, an elongated strip forming a measuring rod removably attached along one edge of the guide bar, a bubble level mounted thereon and a handle for manipulating the guide bar is used to form a straight edge for a mortar scratcher which is used to groove channels in the top layer of material. The measuring rod is placed in successive channels thus formed to provide a guide for the formation of subsequent such channels. The measuring rod is removably attached to the guide bar and can be selectively positioned in a vertical orientation relative thereto or in predetermined angular orientations so that the guide bar can be utilized in forming channels at right angles or acute angles relative to the channels initially formed.

Abstract: A writing template comprising a planar surface and slotted lettering guide movably mounted thereon. The lettering guide is mounted upon the planar surface for rectilinear movement along a plurality of parallel steps. The planar surface includes a clip disposed on the upper end thereof for securing paper beneath the slotted template. An indexing mechanism is also provided whereby the slotted template may be momentarily lowered for facilitating the creation of a lowercase letter such as g, j, p, q and y. In this manner penmanship may be improved and writing skills enhanced by an inexpensive writing guide which assists in the creation of both uppercase and lowercase letters.

Abstract: A scribing device and method for generating curves, the term "scribe" encompassing marking a groove on a surface such as with an awl or router, marking a surface with a writing instrument, or cutting into a surface such as with a jigsaw. In one embodiment, the scribing device comprises a generator and a scribing assembly. The generator has a generally flat, upper surface with a groove formed therein, the groove comprising one or more connected, linear or circular segments. The scribing assembly comprises a body having a lower tracing surface shaped to permit sliding movement over the upper surface of the generator. The scribing assembly also includes first and second tracers and means for mounting a scribing instrument. Each tracer includes a follower projecting downward from the tracing surface, and each follower is adapted to slide along the groove. The scribing assembly is moved such that the followers follow the groove, whereby the scribing instrument scribes the curve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating lay-out of printed work to be produced on a work processor. The apparatus includes a rectangular base sheet, a transparent cover sheet substantially equal to the base sheet in length and width; the two sheets are attached together along one edge and have magnetically actuated clamp means for attaching them together along an opposite edge. Alignment strips are provided along the base sheet and cover sheet along the top left-hand edge for aligning a work place between the two sheets. A transparent grid sheet is provided to supply indicia enabling the user to locate particular positions on a work sheet, or work piece placed between the base sheet and cover sheet. Preferably also a margin locator sheet having indicia along two edges representing the margin set points of the work processor/printer is employed with the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A mortise and tenon jig is disclosed, characterized by clamping and adjustment features for use with a router for forming blind or open mortises and tenons in a workpiece. The jig includes a fixed base and a pair of spaced parallel side walls connected therewith to define a longitudinal channel for receiving a workpiece. At least one clamping device is connected with the side walls to clamp the workpiece in a selected position within the channel. A router guide plate is connected with the side walls spaced from and parallel to the base. The router guide plate contains a longitudinal through-slot extending above and affording communication with the channel. A guide is adjustably connected with the guide plate for sliding longitudinal displacement relative to the slot. With the workpiece clamp and the guide adjusted to a selected position, a router is positioned against one end of the guide with its cutting tool arranged in and displaced relative to the slot to cut a mortise from the workpiece.