Abstract: A measurement device and/or system for measuring a material length, such as for a human-operated cutting device, includes an elongate band located in a band housing. The elongate band can be extended from the band housing under tension in response to a catch attached to an end of the elongate band grabbing onto an end of a material that is extended beyond an opening at which the catch is located. A computing unit can calculate a length of the material using length data acquired by one or more length acquisition devices, and a measurement interface can provide a user with information corresponding to the calculated length in order to assist the user with accurately cutting the material at a desired location.

Abstract: A cutting guide for a saw includes a blade lying in a cutting plane. The cutting guide includes a bracket configured to be removably rotationally attached to the saw. The bracket includes a light clamp, a saw clamp, and a light emitter contained therein a sealed housing. The saw clamp is configured to removably rotationally attach the bracket to the saw, and the light emitter is removably attached to the bracket via the light clamp. The saw clamp is configured to rotate the light emitter in a pivot plane about a pivot axis parallel to the cutting plane. The saw clamp includes a first portion and a second portion each configured with female cylindrical surfaces to clamp to a grasping handle of the saw. The light clamp is a compression clamp configured to hold the light emitter in place. The light emitter includes a laser.

Abstract: A measurement device and/or system for measuring a material length, such as for a human-operated cutting device, includes an elongate band located in a band housing. The elongate band can be extended from the band housing under tension in response to a catch attached to an end of the elongate band grabbing onto an end of a material that is extended beyond an opening at which the catch is located. A computing unit can calculate a length of the material using length data acquired by one or more length acquisition devices, and a measurement interface can provide a user with information corresponding to the calculated length in order to assist the user with accurately cutting the material at a desired location.

Abstract: A guide member for an oscillating power tool includes an attachment portion configured to be removably attached to a housing of the power tool and a guide portion that extends from the attachment portion. The guide portion includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a guide surface. When the attachment portion is attached to the housing of the power tool, the guide portion is configured to extend beyond the housing in a first direction to position the leading edge portion a predetermined distance apart from the oscillation axis, the predetermined distance being greater than a distance that an accessory tool attached to the power tool extends.

Abstract: A telescoping measuring apparatus for releasable attachment to a cutting apparatus provides a telescoping body having plural elongate axially aligned rods having measuring indicia thereon, a first clamp assembly and a second clamp assembly for releasable attachment of the measuring apparatus at a position above a cutting apparatus and a marking index to provide a length measurement from a cutting apparatus cutting element.

Abstract: An apparatus for the accurate and efficient fabrication of individualized cortical allograft bone implants from graft material, such as cortical struts, in particular as used in cervical and lumbar allografts. The apparatus includes a base and an overhanging hood affixed to the base with a channel running therethrough, where the channel has an irregular shape defined by the graft material used for fabricating the resulting allografts. The hood further includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal cutting guides that are specifically angled based on the allografts needed. Graft material is inserted into the channel between the base and hood, and a blade or other medical instrument is inserted into the cutting guides for cutting and fabricating the allograft from the graft material.

Abstract: An accessory attachment system for a power tool having an elongated housing with a nose portion, an output shaft to which a cutting blade that oscillates through a small angle is attached, the attachment comprising, an accessory interface removably mounted to the nose portion of the housing and a depth guide attachment rotatably mounted to the accessory interface, the depth guide attachment further comprising a relatively thin body portion having a generally circular first opening with a center axis generally parallel to the output shaft, the body portion fitting on the accessory interface and being rotatable thereon and having a second circular opening transverse to the first opening center axis, a depth guide member adjustably mounted on the body portion and having an offset outer end portion, and a locking member configured to secure the depth guide member in a desired position.

Abstract: A linear gauging device when attached to a chain saw bar will facilitate in the accurate measurement and swift successive cutting of a log into pre-determined uniform lengths of firewood. A chainsaw attachment consisting of an elongated resilient rod having one end fitted with a stabilizing cup and a locking stud, when extended through a single bore in the chainsaw bar, allows the effortless attachment to any chain saw bar. The locking stud fitted with a bore to receive a modified cotter pin thus performing a failsafe means of attachment. The rod is extended perpendicular to the cutting plane and lengthwise to the log. The opposing end of the rod is fitted with a large disc, when firmly locked against the end of the log, will position the chain saw cutting bar in the exact location of the measured length of cut. In contrast to the fixed measured length of the gauging rod, a variable length rod can be manufactured consisting of two rods, a hollowed outer rod and a telescoping inter rod.

Abstract: A rod cutter and method of measuring rod length and then cutting, and including two telescoping handles operable with only longitudinal force on the handles. The cutting precision is effective by a gauge that aligns with the cutting line on the rod and then positions the rod in the cutter according to that alignment. Storage for the gauge is provided on the cutter.

Abstract: A linear gauging device when attached to a chain saw bar will facilitate in the accurate measurement and swift successive cutting of a log into pre-determined uniform lengths of firewood. A chainsaw attachment consisting of an elongated resilient rod having one end fitted with a powerful magnet and an anti-slip locking stud, when extended through a single bore in the chainsaw bar, allows the effortless attachment to any chain saw bar. The locking stud fitted with a bore to receive a modified cotter pin thus performing a failsafe means of attachment. The said rod extended perpendicular to the cutting plane and lengthwise to the log. The opposing end of the rod is fitted with a large disc, when firmly locked against the end of the log, will position the chain saw cutting bar in the exact location of the measured length of cut. In contrast to the fixed measured length of the gauging rod, a variable length rod can be manufactured consisting of two rods, a hollowed outer rod and a telescoping inter rod.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a distance measuring device for use with a power tool having an alignment area for receiving a work piece, comprises a measuring sensor proximate to said alignment area that produces a first signal corresponding to longitudinal motion of the work piece within the alignment area; a processor that receives the first signal, determines a longitudinal distance traveled by the work piece within the alignment area from the first signal, and outputs a second signal corresponding to the longitudinal distance traveled by said work piece within said alignment area; and a display receiving the second signal from the processor and providing an alpha-numeric representation of the distance traveled by the work piece within the alignment area.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided having a marking feature to facilitate the cutting of materials at desired lengths. The tool includes a laser that provides a beam for marking the material at a determined length based on the angle that the beam forms with the cutting axis of the tool. The tool may be configured so that the beam can be emitted on either side of the tool. The tool may be reconfigured so that the angle of the beam relative to the cutting axis of the tool is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A Framing Rafter Square Attachment. The attachment cooperates with a conventional rafter or framing square to make the repetitive cutting of lengths of framing lumber (such as for blocking) much easier and faster to accomplish. The attachment allows the position of die framing square as held by the attachment to be adjustable so that it can accommodate a wide variety of circular saw fence configuration. The attachment is extendable and retractable so that the attachment has both a compact size for storage, while at the same time being able to accommodate longer cuts. A drag clip may be provided to allow the user to selectively pinch a piece of wood with the attachment so that the pinched piece of wood can then be repositioned for another cut without the user having to set down either the circular saw or the attachment. Finally, the attachment has a subassembly that allows the user to easily cut a piece of lumber to fit a preexisting length or opening.

Abstract: A system for measuring and cutting includes a portable measuring unit and a cutting unit. The measuring unit includes a transmitter and a measuring processor in communication with the transmitter. The measuring unit includes a first retractable tape measure having a first variable resistance wire and a sensor, the measuring processor having programming for determining first distance data and for transmitting that data. The cutting unit includes a saw and a receiver for receiving the first distance data transmitted from the measuring unit. The cutting unit includes a second tape measure with a second variable resistance wire, sensor, and processor for determining a second distance. When the second distance measurement is equal to the first distance measurement, an indicator is actuated so the user knows to actuate the saw to cut the workpiece. The system, therefore, eliminates inaccurate measurements and the need to remember or record measurements.

Abstract: A tile saw guide apparatus comprising a right-angle triangle shaped guide body and an attachment structure. The right-angle triangle shaped guide body includes a tile receiving space accessible through a first non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. A first tile engaging edge defining the tile receiving space extends substantially perpendicular to the first non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. A second tile engaging edge defining the tile receiving space extends substantially perpendicular to a second non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. The attachment structure is fixedly attached to the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. The attachment structure is configured for fixedly securing the guide body to a table of a tile saw and extends across the hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus having tool cutting edge detecting unit for detecting a cutting edge position of a tool mounted on a tool rest, comprises detection signal determining unit for determining, as effective, only a detection signal that is first inputted from among a plurality of detection signals which are continuously inputted from the tool cutting edge detecting unit. A signal which is detected until a preset time is elapsed after a first signal is received when the tool comes into contact with the touch sensor, and/or until the tool moves a predetermined distance, is determined as erroneous detection by the detection signal determining unit, and the signal is disenabled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring an item to be cut on a saw. The apparatus includes a backstop attached to a support surface, a first measuring means attached to the backstop for providing a lateral measurement of distance from a cutting means, a second measuring means for providing a measurement beyond a length of the backstop, and a third measuring means attached to the backstop for providing a measurement for vertical adjustment of the second measuring means. In one embodiment, the first and second measuring means are linear measurement scales, such as rulers, and the third measuring means, in yet another embodiment, is a coilable tape measure.

Abstract: A hand tool grinding jig is described for use in co-operation with a grinding wheel. The jig has a tool clamp for clamping a hand tool and a leg is pivotally connected to the clamp to allow the angle between the leg and the clamp to be adjusted. An end of the leg remote from the clamp provides a pivot point for engagement in a pivot receiver of a pivot support member that is located adjacent to the grinding wheel. The pivot receiver is disposed so that, when a tool is in the tool clamp and the pivot point is provided in the pivot receiver, the pivotal axis between the leg and the clamp is further from the grinding wheel than the pivot receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an alignment device for aligning a punch tool to punch a design into a sheet media comprised of a clip, where the clip is comprised of first and second resilient arms meeting at a connection point. A first guide edge is disposed angularly from the first resilient arm, such that when the punch tool is secured in the clip between the first and second resilient arms and the sheet media is placed along the first guide edge, the punch tool is positioned to punch a design into the sheet media. Additionally, a second guide edge may be disposed angularly from the second resilient arm, such that when the punch tool is secured in the clip between the first and second resilient arms and the sheet media is placed along the first and second guide edges, the punch tool is positioned to punch a design into the sheet media.

Abstract: It is a miter saw table that has adjustable measuring tapes. The tape sections can be calibrated so that the zero point on the tape is always set at the outer surface of the blade. This is done by using slidable wings that can be secured to a base. The wings a readjusted until the built-in tapes match a control tape. Once the wings are set, cuts can be made quickly by either setting a stop at the precise distance needed, or by sliding the board under the blade until the end of the board aligns with the desired measurement. The board can then be accurately cut without having to measure and mark the board first. Moreover, if the blade is changed during the course of work. The measuring system can be quickly re-calibrated to the thickness of the new blade and cuts can immediately be resumed.

Abstract: An improved hollow grinder bevel angle control wherein a height-attitude coupling mechanism links the height and attitude motions of an adjustable tool-rest, and a scale on a stationary portion of the grinder cooperates with a pointer on the height-attitude coupling mechanism to indicate a relationship between bevel angle and grinding wheel radius. The coupling mechanism is implemented with a linkage mechanism that provides a wide range of tool-rest adjustment, subject to the height-attitude relationship defined by the linkage. The pointer is mounted for rotation with the linkage mechanism about its fixed pivot point, and is user-adjustable so that a dimension from the fixed pivot point to the tip of the pointer coincides with the radius of the grinder wheel. The bevel angle scale is stationary with respect to movement of the linkage mechanism, and arranged so that the tip of the pointer sweeps across the scale as the linkage mechanism is adjusted through its full range of movement.

Abstract: Chain saws and similar wood cutting equipment are equipped with a measuring device that permits accurate cutting of multiple pieces of equal length. The device is a non-expanding beam of focused light directed away from the saw at an angle relative to the cutting portion of the saw, and its use is achieved by positioning the saw at a location at which the light beam intersects the end of the length to be cut, the angle of the light beam determining the length.

Abstract: A guide for a hand held power cutting tool of the type having a blade extending through a base plate, includes a stem element having distance gradations thereon and a cutting tool guide piece attached to an end of the stem element. A shoe element is provided for engaging surfaces of a work piece and an anvil element is adjustably connected to the shoe element whereby the anvil element is movable longitudinally with respect to the shoe element. The anvil element engages an upper surface of the shoe element to form an opening therewith through which the stem element slidably passes so that the stem element is adjustable longitudinally with respect to the opening to position the guide piece at a location whereby when an edge of the base plate engages a front face of the guide piece, the blade will cut the work piece at a desired length.

Abstract: The combination saw guide and gauge permits the use of a powered saw such as a circular, jig, or reciprocating saw to make cuts with precision presently requiring a table saw with a circular saw blade. The combination saw guide and gauge comprises a scale with at least one uppeer jaw that, in combination with at least one screw, serves to clamp the device to the base of the powered saw. The scale comprises a base, gradations, and at least one clearance into which a guide member can be inserted. The at least one clearance can be an aperture, a slot, or a groove. The gradations serve as a means of measurement. A purpose served by said means of measurement is enabling setting a width of material to be cut. The device is clampable onto a powered saw base such as is common to, but not restricted to, a circular, jib, or reciprocating saw. An optional guide flange on the scale permits a sawer to grasp and help guide the scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting baseboard molding to join two adjacent pieces in an inside comer provides a plate constructed with at least one patterned cutting edge having a contour which conforms to the front face of a baseboard molding. A plate support is adapted to carry the plate, and is in turn itself carried by a clamping apparatus of known type which typically combines features of a vise and a table. The baseboard molding to be cut is carried adjacent to the plate support within the clamping apparatus. Upper and lower angle boards may be used to support the baseboard molding to be cut at a slight angle from perpendicular to the blade making the cut, in a manner that allows a slight bevel to be made in the cut. A cutting device such as a router is then traced along the patterned cutting edge, thereby cutting off an end of a first piece of baseboard molding in a contour which corresponds to the face of a second piece of baseboard molding.

Abstract: A positioning system adapted for guiding a cutting tool for a portable machine tool such as a router with respect to a workpiece for the purpose of machining the workpiece. The system comprises a rigid slide beam having an elongated configuration, an inner connecting end adapted to be rigidly coupled to the tool, and an outer end defining the length of the rigid slide beam, the rigid slide beam comprising a hollow extruded member. The system also comprises a carriage positioning system adapted to be adjustably secured in positions along the length of the rigid slide beam. The carriage positioning system is coupled to the rigid slide beam in a manner to substantially prevent rotational movement between the carriage positioning system and the rigid slide beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a power saw guide for use with a power saw having a sole plate with a fence-following surface spaced a set distance from a sawing plane of the power saw. The power saw guide comprising a long leg and a short leg that are mutually orthogonal legs defining an "L" shape. A permanently attached fence is located along the outer edge of each leg defining a sole-sliding edge to guide the fence-following surface of the saw. Each fence is located on opposite surfaces of the guide Opposite the sole-sliding edge of the fence, is a plank-contact edge that makes contact with plank edge and ensures the cutting of the plank is done perpendicular to the length. An apron gusset extends beyond the intersection of the legs in both mutually orthogonal directions. The apron gusset is aligned with the plank-contact edges of the fences. Since the set distance for each power saw is different, the apron gusset initially has a length that exceeds the set distance.

Abstract: A combination carpenter's square and saw guide, and a conversion kit for converting an existing carpenter's square to such combination, utilizes a standard L-shaped square with a channel mounted on each leg of the square and extended in the same direction so that the channels are each extended in the X or Y direction and are on opposite faces of the flat carpenter's square. A rod is axially slidably inserted into each channel, and the distal end of the rod is extended out beyond the corner of the square a distance equal to the distance between the sole plate of a circular hand saw and the plane of the blade, and fixed in this position. The resulting tool is a carpenter's square which also acts as a convenient saw guide, as the workman can back off the square until the tip of the rod aligns with a pencil mark made at the cut line, and use the square for a saw fence.

Abstract: A ruler attachment device for a chain saw. The device includes a ruler telescopingly received in a tubular member so that it may be compactly stowed when not in use. The tubular member is attached to a bracket, which is attached to the chain saw housing, so as to pivot between a first position in which the tubular member is normal to the chain saw housing for measuring length of wood being cut and a second position in which the tubular member may be compactly, quickly, and easily stowed out of the way alongside the chain saw housing without removing the attachment from the chain saw, yet be easily and quickly pivoted back to the first position to be put back into use.

Abstract: A mounting device for a telescopic ball-bar has a hexagonal shank retained in jaws of a chuck on a spindle of a lathe. A supporting bracket extending from the shank carries a magnetic socket in one of a plurality of locations, and receivably mounts one end of the ball-bar for universal pivotal motion. The configuration of the bracket, the spacing between the socket and the shank, and the orientation of the socket, are such that the other end of the ball-bar, which is universally pivotally mounted to the tool post of the lathe, may execute a circular trajectory of greater than 180.degree., which trajectory intersects the axis of rotation of the lathe.

Abstract: A miter box is provided with a simple demountable and adjustable board stop which operates in conjunction with the horizontal upper edge of the miter box backstop to position a board, such as a piece of cove molding, in an acute vertical angular position with respect to the miter box table which allows the board to be cut at the compound angle required for a mitered butt joint in which the cut pieces are mounted at the same relative angle in which they are positioned in the miter box. The box also includes a simple frictional locking mechanism to set the pivotable saw carriage in any selected horizontal angular position over the full range provided by the miter box.

Abstract: An edge finder held on the end of a spindle of a milling machine is provided with a flat on the outer cylindrical surface of the working end member thereof. When the edge of a work piece mounted on the table of the milling machine is slowly advanced by a machinist to contact the rotating end member, the flat thereon produces an audible clicking sound each revolution of the spindle. Moreover, upon contact, the flat on the rotating working end member causes it to vibrate radially thereby enhancing the sidewise jump thereof and making it easier for the jump to be observed by the machinist.

Abstract: A log gauge for a chain saw is provided which enables an operator to repeatedly cut approximately equal lengths of firewood logs with only a minimal amount of effort being required to visually measure the logs. This accomplished by a mirror that is affixed to one leg of a frame member while the other leg is secured to the handle of the chain saw. The mirror is adjusted by an adjusting bolt so the operator can align on a visual indicator relative to the image of the end of the log in the mirror with respect to a scribed line on the mirror. One embodiment of the frame is formed by utilizing a unitary flexible plastic frame with a C-shaped bridge having a reduced cross sectional area that allows one leg to flex relative to the other thereby allowing the operator to adjust the mirror for different lengths of logs.

Abstract: A measuring and guiding attachment for a chain saw includes a plurality of parts and is easily stored and deployed. The attachment has a swing arm assembly that is mounted on a front handle bar of the chain saw and a caliper plate attached to the distal end of that swing arm assembly. The swing arm assembly includes an end mortise and tenon joint and a telescoping joint, and the caliper plate is movably attached to the swing arm assembly so that the attachment has a plurality of degrees of freedom. A limit stop assembly is also included to permit further adjustment of the attachment.

Abstract: A pregauging tool for the stop assembly of a cutting device wherein the pregauging tool has a scale having an elongated configuration and opposed substantially parallel longitudinal edges. At least one series of graduations extends longitudinally along the scale and a flange member is mounted at the end of the scale associated with the zero index of the graduations. The flange member has a linear first side adapted for securement along a cutting plane of the cutting device. An indicator member is slideably fit to the scale and has a cantilevered abutment arm extending in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal dimension of the scale. The abutment arm has a lead end defining a registration plane for reading of the scale graduations, and has a trail end spaced apart from the lead end by a distance equivalent to the portion of the graduations covered by the flange member.