Abstract: A telescoping field marker which is retractable into a compact storage position. The inventive device includes a bracket structure attachable to an implement frame, an inner arm having a lumen pivotally attached to the bracket structure, a hydraulic cylinder attached between said bracket structure and said inner arm, a hydraulic motor within the inner arm adjacent the bracket structure, an outer arm slidably positioned within the lumen of the inner arm, and a threaded shaft connected to the hydraulic motor and threadably connected to a proximal end of the outer arm for extending and retracting the outer arm with respect to the inner arm. A marking disc is attached to a distal end of the outer arm for marking a ground surface. The outer arm is free to move upwardly and downwardly when fully extended thereby compensating for uneven terrain. The hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic motor are preferably fluidly connected in series so as to operate simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for positioning an upright with a desired orientation in order to mount thereon a superstructure such as a post of a pylon. The device is characterized by a frame, and a rotation mechanism connected to the frame for rotation in a plane round a standing axis, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises coupling means for coupling the upright thereto at the desired angle of inclination.

Abstract: A field marker is mounted on the rear corner of the seeder or cultivator frame so that its weight is supported by the packer wheels or support wheel axles at the rear of the frame, thus minimizing the imbalance and uneven seeding that will occur with marker mounted on the front corner. The marker arm is slidably extensible to avoid complex knee-action joints and the mechanisms required to operate them.

Abstract: A detector for measuring a thickness of a powder on a surface includes a body; a device extending from the body for facilitating holding the body on the surface; and a plurality of teeth extending from the body and spaced from each other along the plane, each of the teeth being defined by two walls extending from the body so as to form a distinct line of intersection extending perpendicular to the plane at a point remote from the body, each of the teeth being of a different length.

Abstract: The device comprises a pipe (1), in which a shaft (20) of a marking component (2) can be moved. The pipe (1) has a soil anchor (4) at the bottom. The component (2) has a head (21) at the top and can be lifted from a lowered position, in which the head (21) lies next to the top face (14) of the pipe (1) into the lifted position shown against the force of a spring (3). In the lifted position, the component (2) can be stopped by means of a bayonet lock. The device is inserted into the ground vertically at a measuring, e.g., on a soccer field, such that in the lowered position, the top (25) of the head (21) is flush with the ground surface. If the markings on the field need to be renewed, the corresponding components (2) are lifted and stopped. A cord is stretched between two components (2), along which cord a straight line can be marked, or a circle can be drawn with a cord around one of the components (2). The marking of the field can thus be rationalized and expensive re-measuring can be avoided.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a structure such as a bridge has been severely damaged by an earthquake or other disturbance such as a flood. The method is designed to be carried out by unsophisticated persons immediately after such disturbance so that unnecessary delays will not be caused by the closing of bridges and the like which are not severely damaged. The method involves affixing a target to one portion of the structural member such as a span and affixing a pointer on another structural member such as a column. Preferably the target and pointer are positioned in such a way that a safe or unsafe determination can be easily made by the viewer.

Abstract: An adjustable batter board used in locating forms and trenches for pouring foundations and constructing walls includes an elongated tubular cross member having holes passing from a top to a bottom surface at each end of the cross member for receiving reinforcing rods therethrough. The rods pass through the top and bottom holes within the tubular cross member and through an eye of an eyebolt positioned within the tubular cross member and aligned with the top and bottom holes. With the rods driven into the ground at desired locations, adjustment of the batter board to a desired vertical location on the rods is made and the eyebolts at each end of the member are forced outwardly toward a tube end through the tightening of a nut at the eyebolt threaded end for biasing the rod against a hole side wall and thus securing the batter board the rods.

Abstract: An adjustable grade stick and method of using the same are used to identify a reference line. The grade stick has a shaft that is adjustable along its length. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft has two sections where one section lies within the other in a variably telescoping manner. A locking device is provided to lock the relative positions of the first and second sections of the shaft. A hook is located at one end of the shaft to mount the shaft on the ceiling of the mine tunnel. A sighting ring is located at the other end of the shaft and has an inner aperture which acts as a marker for a reference point. A calibration scale is located on the shaft for positioning the sighting means at a predetermined location. The reference line is sighted from the sighting rings of a pair of grade sticks.

Abstract: A support is disclosed for adjustably supporting a distal end of a measuring cord relative to a ground surface. The support includes a body member having a longitudinally extending slot. A first and a second pin is slidably disposed within the first and second apertures in the body member with the first and second pins being able to be driven into the ground surface to vertically position the body member relative to the ground surface. A hook is slidably mounted within the slot for supporting the distal end of the measuring cord and for horizontally positioning the distal end of the measuring cord relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: In a longwall mining operation, a panel to be extracted is formed in a seam of mine material by longitudinally extending headgate and tailgate entries with the panel beginning in a set-up room and ending at a termination line in a recovery room. The recovery room is developed in two stages and is supported by primary and secondary roof support systems that include mechanical roof bolt assemblies, roof trusses, and channel members. The effectiveness of the roof support systems to support the overlying rock strata and withstand the abutment pressure exerted on the strata by the advancing longwall face as it approaches the recovery room is monitored by an instrumentation plan. Data gathered from the instruments is continually monitored as the longwall panel recovery operation progresses.

Abstract: A device and method for remotely measuring movement between opposed walls in dangerous situations such as unstable mining excavations is described. A spring loaded telescopic pole which can be handled in its contracted form by a remote arm or gantry is placed in position and a holding pin securing the two halves of the pole is extracted so that the pole extends into engagement with the opposed walls of the excavation or other situation. A linear or rotary potentiometer is provided between the two halves of the pole to measure any extensive or compressive movement of the spring loaded poles and produce an output signal representative thereof. The output signal can be read at a safe distance using any convenient readout system.

Abstract: A monitoring device for indicating relative motion between first and second structural members. The motion monitoring device includes a first component with a base and a markable indicator member. The markable indicator is disposed on the top surface of the base, and the bottom surface of the base is fixedly mounted to the first structural member. The second component includes a base, a support arm and a marking indicator member. The second component base, which is fixedly mounted to the second structural member, is connected to one end of the support arm. The other end of the support arm is connected to the marking indicator member. The first component and the second component are operationally alignable upon mounting to the respective first and second structural members such that the markable indicator member and the marking indicator member achieve contact therebetween.

Abstract: Information of the type, number, burying depth and direction of a pipe or other objects buried in the ground is identified on the ground surface. There is provided a buried marker comprising an identifying plate having indicia thereon and an interconnect band for interconnecting the identifying plate to the object buried in the ground. The position where the pipe or other object is buried is thus easily identified.

Abstract: The Grass Length Measuring Device is a hand tool for use by groundskeepers to more precisely measure the height of grass growing above the soil. The tool is configured as a tool body having two or more soil penetrating points and a plurality of soil surface reference teeth projecting outwardly from the tool body. The soil penetrating points are sharp and readily penetrate the soil under moderate hand pressure. The soil surface reference teeth have blunt tips that, under moderate hand pressure, will readily push aside the thatch but will not readily penetrate the soil. The soil reference teeth rests upon the soil surface and establishes a soil surface reference. One or more gauge surfaces on the tool body are aligned with the soil surface reference to permit measurement of grass height above soil.

Abstract: The present invention is a bifold field marker. The marker utilizes a marking disc mounted on the distal end of an arm. This arm is coupled to a mounting bracket which, in turn, is connected to an implement's tool bar. The arm is articulated at a central knuckle to allow the marker to fold. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the mounting bracket and the arm to push or pull the arm about a main pin or hinge. The main pin or hinge on the mounting bracket is oriented at a 45 degree angle in both the horizontal and vertical planes. This allows the hydraulic cylinder to pivot the arm about the 45 degree axis and fold the arm simultaneously until the marker is positioned in a compact orientation along the side of the implement.

Abstract: A strata movement indicator includes at least two lengths of suspension wire respectively for remote and near anchors locatable in the same borehole. Each wire carries a cylinder provided with indicator markings, the cylinders being moveable with respect to one another and to a reference tube fixed in the mouth of the borehole. Relative movement of the cylinders with respect to one another and/or to the reference tube indicates the degree of strata movement.

Abstract: A device to permit marking of edges of a garden and the like is provided employing a flexible retractable tape mounted relative to a housing, wherein the housing is arranged to slidably receive a first flat post along a rear wall of the housing, with a round post through an opening within the tape to permit ease of length measuring relative to a garden scenario.

Abstract: A planting spacer and planting depth defining device includes a central rod on which a block is slidably mounted to define the depth of plant-receiving planting holes. A ruler is slidably received in the block and is used to define the spacing between plant-receiving holes. The plant-receiving holes are defined by forcing a point of the rod into the ground at the location marked using the ruler. The block is positioned on the rod element at a location to set the depth of the plant-receiving hole when the rod element point is forced into the soil until the block engages the soil.

Abstract: An instrument and method for measuring the invert of a sewer pipe relative to a manhole employs a horizontal bar which spans the manhole and rests upon its rim. A sight rod is slideably mounted on a sleeve fixed to the bar. The sleeve has adjustments for mounting the bar in true vertical and plumb position with a spirit level. Removably connected to the lower end of the rod is an arm which extends laterally and below the rod at its distal end. The rod is lowered until the distal end of the arm contacts the invert of the pipe. The vertical distance between the bottom of the arm at contact with the invert and the intersection of the rod with the bottom of the horizontal bar yields the desired elevation. It may be read directly off the sight rod when the rod is specially marked with corrected graduations.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining smoothness of a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a distance wheel for determining distance travelled along the surface and two laterally spaced inclination sensors which produce signals indicative of inclination of the apparatus at locations along the surface over which the apparatus travels.

Abstract: A slope monitoring device includes a cable anchored at one end to the sloped wall of an open pit mine, dump, or the like. The cable extends over an idler pulley at the top of the sloped wall and passes around a further pulley coupled to an optical shaft encoder which generates a digital signal corresponding to the angular position of the pulley. The cable is engaged by a clutch and is wound about a play-off reel, each secured to a weighted sleeve slidingly extending about a vertical post. The weighted sleeve maintains tension upon the cable, while the clutch allows additional cable to be played off of the reel when tension is increased due to movement of the wall. The shaft encoder information, along with the temperature, battery condition, and cable condition, are transmitted by radio to a remote location for processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating measurement of street grades from a top of curb (TC) planar line by a single person, including a pair of hook units, each having a rigid frame structure forming a top segment for resting on a top surface of a respective curb structure, a back segment for engaging a back surface of the curb structure, and a front segment extending from the top segment downwardly and away from the back segment for balancing the unit and for engaging various contoured front curb surfaces. One of the hook units includes a locking spool for tensioning a string line that is connected to the other hook unit. The string line is threaded from the spool unit through an opening in the frame structure in the top segment, the string line extending in contact with the top of the curb, and through a slot in the front segment, the line extending directly toward the opposite curb.

Abstract: Device for positioning of a drill bit (1) at a positioning plane (2). A drill rig (3) is provided with two video cameras (9) for sensing the position of a light source (8) adjacent the drill bit. The video cameras are aligned in parallel. The image fields of the video cameras are displaced such relative to each other that the light source gives two points (20,21) on a monitor (10) common to the two cameras if the light source is situated outside the positioning plane and one point (11) if the light source is situated in the positioning plane.

Abstract: A method wherein a light emitting device, such as a laser, is used to precisely measure strike measurements of planar geologic features; for example, bedding planes, fractures, or fold axes. A pre-existing survey line between two spads is first located on a plan view map of the mine. A tape measure is placed between the two located spads in the mine. A laser is then placed on the planar surface to be measured, and the instrument leveled. The laser unit in the instrument is activated and the beam located at its intersection with the tape measure. The location point of the laser unit on the wall of the mine is marked on a mine map, the point on the tape where the beam intersects the tape is marked on a mine map, and a line is drawn between the two points. This line defines the strike of the planar feature relative to the survey line.

Abstract: An adjustable foundation locating device used to position or locate forms and trenches needed for pouring concrete foundations. The device uses a horizontal member which is supported by a stake driven into the ground. The horizontal member may be moved up or down the stake until it is located at a desirable height and then secured in place by tightening a bolt threaded into a bracket attached to the horizontal member. Sleeve members may be slid back and forth along the longitudinal length of the horizontal member until they are properly located and then secured in place by tightening bolts threaded into the sleeve members. Strings may then be tied to the sleeve members and pulled taut between two devices located at opposite ends of a trench needed for a concrete foundation. The strings may then be used as guides to position or locate the trench or a concrete form needed for pouring the concrete foundation. A stabilizing member may be used to help secure the horizontal member to the stake.

Abstract: A pipeline bend detector pig for measuring the changes in direction of a pipeline having a first pig body assembly with an imaginary longitudinal axis and spaced apart resilient cups for supporting the pig body assembly in a pipeline so that the axis thereof is at least approximately the axis of the pipeline and for impeding flow of fluid past the pig so that the pig is propelled by fluid flow through the pipeline, and a second pig body assembly also having an imaginary logitudinal axis and means for support thereof within a pipeline so that the axis thereof is at least approximately the axis of the pipeline, a universal joint connecting the front end of the second pig body assembly to the rear end of the first pig body assembly and an integrator plate and finger assembly with the first pig body assembly arranged so that the fingers are deflected upon the deflection of the internal wall of the pipeline to thereby deflect an integrator plate, an instrument responding to the deflection of the integrator plate,

Abstract: A transducer is placed in a telescopic strut and connected to a roof cam and a floor cam. The cams are pivoted to a roof support and a constant load is applied to the cams by a gas spring. As convergence takes place a transducer in the telescopic strut records the relative movement between the floor and roof and transmits this as an electrical signal for analysis.

Abstract: A surveying and mapping implement indicates the level differences of the ground over which it travels, in relation to the distance travelled. It comprises a carriage consisting of a swivelling front wheel, two center wheels attached to the outside of a U-shaped vertical frame, and two rear wheels connected to the U-shaped frame by means of a thill and a universal joint positioned co-extensive with the axis of the center wheels. The universal joint permits the rear wheels to move up and down and sideways, as well as to twist in relation to the center wheels. The wheel base between the center wheels and the front wheel is identical with that between the center wheels and the rear wheels, in order to facilitate calculations.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for positioning a tilt meter (12) in a horizontal plane (14) and maintaining it horizontal despite temperature changes, with greater precision than heretofore. Leveling screws 25-27 which hold the upper surface (18) of a base member (16) precisely horizontal, are engaged with nuts (21-23) attached to the base member, where the nuts are made of the same material as the screws, to eliminate tilting of the base member with temperature changes, due to different nuts engaging a screw at a different height. The nuts are attached to the upper surface (18) of the base member, to further avoid imprecision. The curved glass bubble tubes (60) are mounted in V-grooves (80) in four point contact therewith.

Abstract: A method for surveying in which the surveying instrument may be positioned in substantially more locations than with prior art surveying methods. The surveying method employs a separate point at which a compass is positioned. The bearing of the object to be located relative to the compass is measured. The distance between a surveying instrument and this object is determined by setting the bearing of the surveying instrument equal to the bearing of the compass, measuring the distance between the compass and the surveying instrument, measuring the angle formed between the compass and surveying instrument and object and instrument, and then determining the distance between the surveying instrument and object using trigonometric principles.

Abstract: A combined centerline target and grade checker apparatus (10) for use in aligning the centerline of a pipe segment (200) and checking the grade of a pipe trench (1), wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a target unit (12) and a support unit (13) which are moveably and operatively associated with a framework unit (11) such that the apparatus (10) can be used in conjuction with a laser beam generating device (100) to function both as a grade checking device and a centerline target device.

Abstract: A one-man field survey instrument for conducting small scale engineering surveys. The instrument automatically measures relative vertical and horizontal angles as it is moved over the terrain. The measurements are thereafter processed to prepare a topographical survey. Alternative configurations are disclosed as are methods for using the instrument.

Abstract: A vertical alignment apparatus has a light and a light fixture attached to a cable to be lowered into the cylinder to be aligned. A disk mounted on top of the light fixture and centered about the light fixture and the cable causes the light emitted from the light fixture to form a halo between the disk and the wall of the cylinder. A tripod on top of the cylinder movingly centers the light, light fixture and disk in the cylinder. The method of the invention involves lowering the apparatus into the cylinder. The light fixture is activated to create a halo of light around the disk. The light fixture is then raised up the casing, and the casing is adjusted until the halo has circular consistency.

Abstract: Probe and method for determining the curvature of an elongated opening such as a borehole in the earth. The probe includes an axially extending flexible shaft and two pairs of sensing wires arranged in quadrature about the shaft for axial movement relative to each other upon bending of the probe. The relative axial positions of the sensing wires on opposite sides of the flexible shaft are monitored to determine the curvature of the borehole.

Abstract: A bar for temporarily securing to the housing of a construction laser so as to be able to measure accurately off to one side so that a plumb line can be established when there is an obstruction above the laser housing. The bar has means for a quick disconnect fitting on the handle of the laser.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position of a hollow section system which is pressed forward. Measuring apparatus are arranged one behind the other in the hollow section system. Measuring points are also provided. Each measuring apparatus has a light source for marking the position, a position detector, and an optical system. The measuring apparatus are arranged in such a way that the projection of the light source of each measuring apparatus takes place to the position detector of the respective adjacent measuring apparatus. The measuring apparatus are connected to each other for the transmission, and receiving, of signals present at the position detectors. The coordinates of the measuring apparatus can be determined from the signals, and from this the spatial position of the hollow section system can be determined.

Abstract: A drilling method of drilling an imaginary facing for excavating a curved tunnel such that the imaginary facing is nonparallel to an existing facing. The drilling method includes the steps of obtaining a first equation for transformation between a primary coordinate system defined with respect to the imaginary facing and a secondary coordinate system defined with respect to the existing facing, transforming a primary drilling pattern of the primary coordinate system into a secondary drilling pattern of the secondary coordinate system, obtaining a second equation for transformation between the secondary coordinate system and a final coordinate system defined with respect to a drilling vehicle, and transforming the secondary drilling pattern to a final drilling pattern of the final coordinate system.

Abstract: A universal measuring gauge for geological structures is disclosed, having an application part including an arm and a gib, which is normally attached to it on one side, the arm being, on the other side, shaped into a universal bearing journal (pin), which passes through the bearing bush; two opposite axes equipped, on their ends, with normally fixed inclination indicators, radiate from the bush center; a suspension part including two vertical discs with a protractor scale, pivoted on the mentioned axes and firmly connected with the suspension, the lower suspension part being equipped with a transparent horizontal protractor scale and in the center of the lower suspension part, the upper half-bush of the bearing is formed, the bearing being passed by a hollow pin, carrying the transparent horizontal disc with indices, the hollow pin being axially and radially guided (glided) in the upper and lower half-bushes of the bearing; and an orientation part containing the mentioned lower half-bush, where the lower need

Abstract: A temperature-compensated borehole extensometer comprises a coaxial remotely anchored assembly of a rod and tube formed of materials having disparate linear coefficients of expansion, said assembly being associated with comparator transducers sensitive to relative linear movement of the rod and tube components under the influence of temperatures.

Abstract: A guide alignment measuring device for mine skips, cages, elevators and other conveyance systems. The device measures misalignment of one or more guides used in vertical shafts or incline shafts in various types of mining operations, elevator shafts and similar operations where materials and personnel are raised and lowered.

Abstract: An extensometer for measuring changes in the vertical distance between the roof and floor of a mine opening which comprises; a pair of rigid telescoping members, a tension spring securing said members to each other in a telescoping relationship, a hook for attaching a non-extensible cable to each of said members, and an indicator for determining telescopic movement of said members. The extensometer of this invention is utilized by securing one of said telescoping members to the roof of the mine and the other telescoping member to the floor of the mine with the axis of said members being disposed along the vertical. The telescoping members are secured, under tension, to the mine roof and floor by means of a non-extendible cable such as a steel cable. The indicator for determining the telescopic movement of the members may be a pair of lugs or flanges or other indicating marks, each member of which pair is affixed to a separate telescoping member.

Abstract: A level characterized wherein two guide frames are arranged within a base member one above the other so that they cross each other at right angles. The guide frames are provided with internal rolling-contact surfaces each shaped as an upward-curving circular arc, respectively, the lowest parts of the rolling-contact surfaces being positioned at the point at which the guide frames cross, and the interiors thereof being visible through top surfaces thereof. Balls are contained rotatably in the two guide frames, respectively. The ball in the upper guide frame is formed so as to have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the ball in the lower guide frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of a pressed-ahead hollow-section line, especially with any desired three dimensional curvature, and having measuring points permanently and securely arranged in the hollow-section line. The three dimensional position of the measuring points, e.g. signal emitters, is detected by automatic sensing devices e.g. cameras, having remote control or long-distance transmission, and being arranged in the hollow-section line.

Abstract: A sensor (16) is affixed to a piece of rotatable equipment (10). The sensor has a rolling member (26) freely moveable within a cage member (18). In operation, the rolling member (26) contacts electrically conductive surfaces (28,30) disposed about the interior of the cage member. By determining which particular pair of surfaces are currently in contact with the rolling member, the orientation of the cage member with respect to the horizontal is known. The preferred embodiment utilizes a resistor network (34) and an electrical measuring device (48) for making this determination.

Abstract: The specification discloses a device for detecting movement of two portions of a structure relative one another. The device comprises a first disc defining a radial scale and fixedly securable to the first portion of the structure and a second disc fixedly securable to the second portion of the structure. A telescoping linear scale extends between and is pivotally secured to the center of the radial scale and to the second disc. Consequently, the angular orientation of the telescoping scale with respect to the first disc is displayed on the radial scale; and the distance between the disc members is displayed on the linear scale, providing a measurement of movement between the structural portions. Also disclosed is a method of detecting structure movement comprising securing the device to the two portions of the structure and monitoring subsequent readings displayed on the radial and linear scales.

Abstract: A device for producing a plane of light includes a ring flash and/or halogen lamps mounted in a casing defining an inner peripheral aperture slot and an outer peripheral aperture slot coplanar with the inner slot. The device is used in surveying structures and in particular for optically producing photographically recorded tunnel sections. The light plane emitted from the device has high intensity and resolution and serves to illuminate a line profile of the tunnel in the light plane. The photographic image obtained has good contrast and quality and permits on-line numerical analysis to detect deformations.

Abstract: A tilt meter comprises two tilt sensors (110 and 110S, see FIG. 7) in a housing (105). Each sensor acts as two variable resistors (R.sub.s), which together with two fixed resistors (R.sub.F) form a Wheatstone bridge (25), driven by a square wave signal from a drive source (30). The output of the bridge is fed to an electronic circuit (35) which includes a synchronized switch (43) to cut out the spikes (50), which the bridge outputs at the transitions of the square wave. The output of the electronic circuit is a DC signal, whose amplitude indicates tilt magnitude and polarity indicates direction of tilt. The housing (105) is supported on a support surface (102S) by means of 15 legs (116, 117) threaded into nuts of the same metal, and which has a very low thermal coefficient of expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a topographical surveying instrument, comprising:a horizontal table bearing a shaft perpendicular to the plane of the table,a device adapted to rotate on the shaft and comprising:a generator of a light beam perpendicular to the axis of the shaft,a measuring tape unwindable parallel to the beam,a ruler for plotting on the table.The invention is more particularly applicable to an apparatus for surveying conspicuous points inside premises.

Abstract: A device for alerting miners of an unsafe condition existing in mine shafts includes a surface-engaging member, a chamber-defining member having a compressible medium therein, and a plunger connected between the surface-engaging member and chamber-defining member. The plunger is slidably engaged with the chamber at one end in contact with the compressible medium therein so that the plunger moves in response to a compression force applied to the surface engaging member and applies pressure on the compressible medium. A switch for actuating an alarm in response to a predetermined amount of movement between the surface-engaging member and the chamber-defining member, is provided and a visual indicator operatively associated with the compressible medium is utilized so as to set the switch to establish the predetermined amount of movement necessary to actuate the alarm.

Abstract: An improved tilt meter mechanism characterized by a pyramidal pendulum support for a tilt sensor, and means for leveling the support to zero the sensor. A pair of motor driven gibs movable along vertical rails are provided, and a biasing mechanism urges angled faces of the support firmly against the gibs. To zero the tilt sensor, the motors associated with the gibs are individually actuated to move the gibs in directions substantially normal to the X-Y measurement plane of the sensor to bring the X-Y measurement plane into alignment with a gravitationally normal reference plane.