Abstract: An alignment gage (1) for use in aligning rails (2) of conveyor systems. The apparatus comprises a pair of plate members (10) each configured for mounting on and riding finger members (21) attached to a moving carrier (20) positioned in a channel (22) of a rail of the conveyor system. Spring members (11) mounted on the plate members maintain the plate members in a spaced apart relationship with each plate member in continuous engagement with corresponding ones of the finger members in alignment with a corresponding one of the conveyor rails. Travel indicating apparatus (12) mounted on the plate members continuously measure alignment of the rails as the plate members are carried along the rails by the finger members of the conveyor system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring transducer, of the type comprising a rigid support case, a rule in the form of a thin steel tape, pretensioned and suspended at its ends in the support case and having etched thereon the graticule of a measuring scale, as well as a rule reading head mounted in the case slidable along the tape. According to the invention, at least one tensioning bar is fixed to the case at a single point and is freely expansible in respect thereof for the remaining part, through the effect of temperature, the ends of the thin tape of the rule being anchored to the ends of said bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the coplanarity of surface mounted integrated circuit components including a housing for containing necessary electrical circuitry and indicators, a socket assembly for receiving one electronic circuit package at a time and for contacting each lead of the package that is within acceptable coplanarity limits, and means for indicating those leads that are out of predetermined limits. The device also includes a spring loaded plunger assembly for facilitating insertion of a packaged IC device into the inspection socket and for applying appropriate loading force to the top surface thereof.

Abstract: A horticultural pruning template system (10) is provided for aiding a user in pruning a horticultural object (12) to some predetermined contour. A template member (14) which is substantially transparent includes first indicia (18, 20, 22 or 24) formed thereon to provide a general outline contour for a design. Second indicia (28) which may be in the form of cross-hairs intersecting at a center point may be aligned with a predetermined point on object (12). The template (14) is releasably coupled to the horticultural object (12) through a string member (30) which is looped around and tied to the trunk (34) of horticultural object (12). The opposing end of the string (30) is tied through openings (38) formed in template (14) to template member (14). The user then may view horticultural object (12) at varying angles prior to trimming or cutting the horticultural object (12) into the predetermined contour.

Abstract: A laser beam levelling instrument has a pipe length which is vertically and centrally mounted in the cover of a casing. The ends of this pipe length are pivotable, so that it can always be held in the vertical position. For this purpose two spirit levels are arranged at right angles to one another on a plate fixed to the lower end of the pipe length. The fluid in these levels is electrically conducting and the levels have electric contact points for operating a respective electric motor. The electric motors are provided with eccentric shafts which come into contact with the circumferential surface of the pipe length. If the pipe length diverges from the vertical, then the current from batteries ensures that it is brought back into the vertical position by means of the eccentric shafts. A laser light source is located in the lower part of the pipe length and a further pipe length is inserted in the upper end of the pipe length and can be rotated by a third electric motor.

Abstract: A template for use in positioning an electrical outlet box or switch box with respect to a building stud. The template releaseably supports the electrical box at a selected height and position forwardly of the face of the vertical stud.

Abstract: A device for sighting-in firearms is disclosed. The device comprises a telescope connected to a mandrel. The mandrel is sized to fit within a variety of calibers of gun bores. The mandrel has a tapered sleeve with a conical shape which centers the outside end of the sleeve in the outside end of the firearm bore. The inside end of the sleeve has a circumferentially expandable structure which allows the sleeve to be secured in the center of the bore when flared by the head of a slideable mandrel core. The telescope is connected to the mandrel with an optical arrangement through which the line of sight of the telescope is observable. The mandrel is constructed so that when the device is inserted in the bore of a firearm, the line of sight of the telescope is centered with and parallel to the axis of the mandrel, which is also the axis of the firearm bore.

Abstract: Movable jaw measuring apparatus usable for measuring widths across the flats of bolts includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, and reference marks for indicating the measurements may be in both inch and metric units. The movable jaws can also be used to measure the diameter of the bolts. Apparatus includes linear measurement indicia for measuring the length of various elements, also in both inch and metric units, if desired. Peripheral surfaces may include serrations for measuring the pitch of threads, or thread measuring indicia may be printed on surfaces.

Abstract: A multifunctional tool having elements adapted to function as a level, bevel, protractor, square, and scale. Indicia are inscribed on mutually rotatable components of the tool for determining a mitre. The tool may include a magnet on the base to hold it in position on a metal surface.

Abstract: A trueing device for use in the hanging of wallpaper, which trueing device comprises first and second jaws which are biased to a closed position for gripping a longitudinal edge of the wallpaper, first and second hand grips respectively positioned one on each of the first and the second jaws, a spirit level for enabling the trueing device to give a true vertical line, and abuting means against which the longitudinal edge of the wallpaper abuts in order that the trueing device is correctly positioned along the longitudinal edge of the wallpaper. The trueing device is such that it is operable with one hand for ease of insertion and removal of the trueing device on the wallpaper during hanging of the wallpaper.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing perforated pounce patterns from sheet material has a work-engaging surface for moving and supporting the sheet material. A tool carriage is supported adjacent, and movable relative to the work-engaging surface, and a tool mount is supported on the tool carriage and movable between elevated and lowered positions relative to the work-engaging surface. A pouncing tool is supported in the tool mount and has a tool shaft and a pouncing wheel rotatably suspended from the tool shaft. The pouncing wheel has a plurality of radially extending pins for forming a perforated path in the shape of a pounce pattern when engaged with the sheet material on the work-engaging surface. A keying member is engaged with the tool mount, and the tool shaft has a longitudinally extending keyway engageable with the keying member for fixing the orientation of the pouncing tool relative to the tool mount.

Abstract: A measuring assist device which attaches to a surveying or measuring rod to aid in, but not limited to, measuring the depths (inverts) and/or sizes (inside or outside diameters) of pipes within structures such as manholes, catch basins, inlets, valve vaults, etc.

Abstract: A marker holding device for attachment to the shaft of an ice scribe is disclosed. The device included two clamps, a first of which attaches to the shaft of the scribe, and a second of which holds the marker. The two clamps are pivotably attached to one another so that the marker may be positioned either downwardly for contact with the ice for marking the same, or upwardly away from the ice so that a conventional scribe tip on the end of the shaft can be used to scratch the ice. In a first embodiment, a pivot bolt connects the two clamps together, and is selectively loosened and tightened to allow adjustment of the marker position. A pair of stop pins are provided on one of the clamps to limit the rotation of the marker clamp relative to the scribe clamp so that the marker can be easily and quickly positioned in either the up or down position.

Abstract: Artwork often involves the placement of lettering along the arc of a circle. Practice is to use a compass to lay out the arc and then place the lettering along the arc. The arc is then erased. The present invention provides a lightbox whose platen is fitted with a vertical centerline and a pivot. Basemarks are positioned along the centerline, each at a distance from the pivot equal to the radius of a desired arc. The art sheet is placed on the platen so that the center of the desired arc falls over the pivot. The sheet is rotated about the pivot as successive letters are applied. The desired basemark is used as a position indicator for the base of each letter. The letter is oriented so that the centerline bisects it vertically. In one embodiment the pivot is adapted for use in punching a hole in the art paper.

Abstract: A method for establishing the driving direction of a motor vehicle is suggested with an electronic compass which is provided with a magnetometer having two probes being turned by 90.degree. with respect to each other and an evaluation circuit. For establishing the ground field (He) and its angle (.phi.') in a vector diagram (X,Y) at first the measuring points (M1 . . . M4) with the maximum and minimum values (x,y) of the elliptical polar frequency (O) of the magnetic field (H) measured on the magnotemeter by turning the vehicle are picked up and from this the vector of a fixed interference field (Hs) with the coordinates of the center point (P) is established as a parameter of the polar frequency (O). Thereafter, the measuring points (M5 . . . M8) of the magnetic field (H) with the maximum and minimum distances of the points on the polar frequency (O) with respect to its center point (P) are picked up and from this the length of the semiaxis (a,b) are established as parameters of the polar frequency (O).

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: Apparatus is disclosed in which a clear plastic template bears a combination of inscribed marks and aperatures adapted to cooperate with each other so as to enable a user to readily draw common geometric figures. The template further cooperates with an annexed arm which rotates with respect to the template to assist in drawing circles.

Abstract: A stack of hinged plates are employed as part of a switch assembly for a probe used to detect contact with an object such as a workpiece. In the preferred embodiment, the plates are hinged together by flat springs clamped to, but electrically insulated from, side walls of adjacent plates.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus for the purpose of separating a particular view from its surroundings and for the purpose of identifying the distance of the viewed object is disclosed. A viewing apparatus that attaches to and is used in conjunction with firearms weaponry is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by an enclosed and elongated see through hooded opening attached directly to said firearms weaponry and is used to direct and aid open sight viewing of a distant object by blocking out immediate surroundings and thereby separating the view of said object from its immediate surroundings. The apparatus is affixed with a calibrates scale designed to measure distance of a distant object according to its height. The apparatus can be affixed with additional apparatus for precise windage and elevation adjustment.

Abstract: A wave isolator (18) is provided for large format drafting plotters (10) for preventing waves in the drafting medium (16) from traveling up the platen (14) and adversely affecting the pen (20) and its operation and reducing acceleration related vertical scalloping of angled lines. Such waves in the medium are generated by the motion of the paper during the plotting operation. The wave isolator comprises at least one strip (22a) of flexible material secured to the platen and of substantially the same length. Preferably, a polyimide film is used, having a coating of a thermoset acrylic resin with additives including conductive carbon black and polyethylene. In operation, when the medium is moving upward, the wave isolator deflects under the increased inertial load, and air trapped between the medium and the platen exits at the sides of the medium, dissipating some of its energy.