Abstract: A line level comprises a hollow housing having a pair of end portions and a sight opening formed therein. A liquid level indicator has a pair of closed end walls and is observable through the sight opening is slidably received in the housing. A line engaging retainer arrangement is slidable into an interference fit in each of the open end portions of the housing and is engageable with each of the closed end walls of the liquid level indicator for maintaining the position of the liquid level indicator relative to the sight opening in the housing.

Abstract: A device having a top end and a bottom end is characterized by a longitudinal bore extending into the device from the bottom end a particular distance and adapted for receiving a contractor's grade stake therein, which bore is intercepted at its top end by a slot extending through the device from a one side to an opposite side thereof and configured to accept a contractor's grade line therethrough in a manner to maintain the line on the top surface of the grade stake within the bore such that a particular grade level as between at least two grade stakes which each carry a device on their top ends may be maintained via the line extending between them.

Abstract: A picture frame hanging wire applicator tool includes an elongated body member, an end member attached to and projecting transversely from an end of the body member for holding the body member in relation to a top edge of a picture frame, and a series of longitudinally-spaced apart protuberances in the form of pegs carried along a front side of the body member. Each of the pegs carried by the body member provides a means for retaining a picture frame hanging wire at an apex point which is at a known distance from the top edge of the picture frame. Indicia labels can be provided on the back side of the frame for recording the distance between the hanging wire apex point and the top edge of the picture frame for use by the end user or person who later will hang the picture frame at a desired location on a wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for the alignment of an edge of a cornerbead including a first clip for attachment to an upper edge of a section of cornerbead, a second clip for attachment to a lower portion of the edge of the cornerbead, and a line connected to the first and second clips and extending between the first and second clips. Both the first and second clips include a body, a first hook formed at one end of the body for engaging the metal lath of the cornerbead, and a second hook formed at an opposite end of the body for engaging the edge of the cornerbead. Both the first and second hooks extend outwardly from the same side of the body. The second hook is a semi-cylindrical member that has an interior area generally matching an exterior of the edge of the cornerbead. The first hook is angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the semi-cylindrical member. An arm is formed so as to extend outwardly from the body.

Abstract: A system for measuring coordinates of a vector in x,y,z Cartesian space includes a flexible non-elastic string spirally mounted upon a selectably positively and negatively rotatably tensioned drum, the drum having an axle of rotation and being positively rotatable as a function of positive increments of length of the string. Mounted co-integrally with the drum axle is a translational measurement encoder for converting rotation of the drum axle into a signal output corresponding to positive increments of extension of length of the string. Further provided is an assembly for defining an origin of the vector to be measured, the assembly including an origin member having an aperture therein for slidable accommodation of the string.

Abstract: A line is extended along a virtual optical axis of an objective lens. The line extends between a transparent plate, which is attached to the lens, and another transparent plate which is secured to a planar surface. The objective lens is part of an optical measuring instrument. An angle indicator is secured to the planar surface. The angle indicator is rotatable so that where the line touches the angle indicator, the angle between the planar surface and the virtual optical axis may be read with respect to azimuth and elevation.

Abstract: Concrete pouring and leveling devices and method of using them consisting of vertically placed rigid cylindrical tubes or pipes having reusable yokes inserted at their tops to support screed pipes placed horizontally along the predetermined desired elevation of the concrete surface.

Abstract: A layout for a static structure, such as a building or the like, is defined using a plurality of triangles and a plurality of tethering cables. The layout is effected by measuring from a property line for a starting point and for a length of a base line. The triangles and tethering cables are located and connected to define at least one angle, and further angles and lines are measured from this first angle.

Abstract: A three-dimensional homologous surveying instrument includes a base with a spherical cover mounted thereon for receiving therein a shell holder, an intermediate spherical shell and an inner spherical shell with respective zero references set in a homologous relationship with each other. The inner spherical shell rotates within the intermediate spherical shell on a first axis serving as a dynamic X-axis. The intermediate spherical shell rotates in the shell holder on a second axis perpendicularly intersecting the first axis and thus serves as a dynamic Y-axis. The cover is positioned in the base to serve as the Z-axis. Longitudinal and latitudinal scaling on the cover matches longitudinal and latitudinal scaling on the intermediate and inner shells, resulting in a three-dimensional, completely homologous surveying instrument.

Abstract: A layout tool includes an elongate rectangular shaped body having opposed upper and lower surfaces, opposed end surfaces and opposed front and rear surfaces. The layout tool is formed of a dense material and has a U-shaped handle detachably secured thereto and projecting upwardly therefrom. Anchoring pins are adjustably secured to the body to permit vertical adjustment thereof. Positioning grooves on the front, end and lower surfaces of the body to permit positioning of the chalk line during the layout operation.

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 method and apparatus for laying out foundations prior to construction. Ideally, two stakes are provided for each corner to be formed in a construction project and line extends from each corner to an adjacent corner. Each stake is configured with a clamping mechanism which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of the string associated therewith.

Abstract: A layout tool includes a container having elongate generally rectangular-shaped front and rear walls, rectangular end walls, and a horizontal bottom wall. An opening extends through the central portion of the front adjacent its lower edge and extends into and upwardly through the bottom wall. The front wall has a linear scale on the exterior surface thereof. A chalk line has one end thereof extending through the opening in the front and bottom wall and is wound upon a reel of a chalk line mechanism. A weight is positioned in the container and stabilizes the latter against movement when the chalk line is stretched, pulled taut, and snapped against a surface to form an accurately located layout line on the surface.

Abstract: A navigation device comprises a flat substrate, a compass rose carried on the substrate, an elongated cord affixed at one end to the center of the compass rose and at least one linear distance scale on the substrate having its origin coincident with the center of the compass rose. In use, the navigation device is placed on a navigation chart, so that the center of the compass rose lies over a predetermined point of origin on the chart and the North compass direction of the rose is in parallel alignment with the North direction indicated on the navigation chart. A taut length of the cord is extended from the center of the compass rose to a predetermined destination point. The desired heading direction is noted where the cord crosses the perimeter of the compass rose. The linear extent of the cord form the point of origin to the destination point is marked and placed along the distance scale. The distance to be traveled is noted on the distance scale at the extremity of the marked cord length.

Abstract: A thread meter comprising a holder for a thread reel, a counter provided with a rotary measuring wheel and guides for a thread, and an outer casing for enclosing said details. The invention is characterized in that a first guide (19) for a thread (20) is located between said holder (13) and said measuring wheel (16), that a second guide (26) for the thread is formed by said casing (4,6), which consists of a first portion (4) and a second portion (6), which are hingedly interconnected, that in the first portion (4) a recess (26) extends from an edge (27) of the wall of the first portion (4), and the second portion (6) of the casing is arranged to bridge the opening (28) of the recess (26) along said edge (27), so that a hole with closed periphery is formed, and that said wheel (16) is located along a line extending between said guides (19', 26, 30').

Abstract: A chalkline device situated on a protractor in such a manner which permits the chalkline string to extend from the centerpoint of the protractor's radius past the degree markings on the protractor. By placing the centerpoint side of the protractor on any straight surface and extending the chalkline string past the degree markings any angle measurement can, by the chalkline string, be determined and marked in the same process. The chalkline string serves as both the hand of a dial and a medium for conveyance of the chalk to the surface being marked or measured.

Abstract: A device for supporting a building line reference consists of an elongate plate member for adjustable attachment to a wall face having upper and lower parallel channels, and a vertically oriented square section hollow member, in which said reference is received, secured to a plate slidably engaged in said channels having means for locking the plate against slidable movement. Said hollow member including two horizontal pivot bars located on the inside of two adjacent walls and threaded holes formed in said other two adjacent walls and positioned above and below said pivot bars whereby the reference member may be urged against said bars and brought into vertical orientation by the adjustment of threaded bolts received in said threaded holes.

Abstract: A lip extends along the free side of the base of a protractor for suspending the protractor upside down from a guide cord. A freely hanging weight or "plumb bob" is suspended from the center point between the protractor base lines. When the plumb bob points to a predetermined angle on the protractor scale, the guide cord will be laid out along the same desired angle from the horizontal.

Abstract: A proximity comparing device for golfers for determining relative distances of golf balls from a flagstick which includes a clamping ring to releasably engage the flagstick while permitting sliding movement of the clamping ring about the periphery of the flagstick in combination with a string which has one end anchored to the clamping ring and another end received in a reel. The reel is preferably formed with an inner opening which is just slightly larger than the diameter of a ball so that adjustable amounts of string are played out or received in the reel making it a relatively simple matter to determine promptly which of two golf balls is farthest from the flagstick.

Abstract: A measuring device for use with hi-jump standards to aid jumpers in determining their in-run starting points approaching the high jump in practice or in competition. The device includes a base member having a 0 to 180 degree scale, whose end points are parallel with the cross-bar, together with a swivable arm that can be set at the desired angle. The arm includes a measuring tape attachment point so that once the angle is set, a measuring tape can be used to determine the exact starting point. The device can be integrally formed with a standard or be separately attachable to a standard.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a gauge for aligning opposite points within opposite surfaces of a normally symmetric body. The gauge comprises an elongated guidebar disposed above and upon the symmetric body. The guidebar is also perpendicularly transverse to the plane of symmetry of the symmetric body. Also included are left and right calibration assemblies which are slideably disposed upon and within opposite halves of the guidebar, each of the calibration assemblies themselves include an X- and Y-axis joystick connected, in each axis, to respective means for converting linear physical displacement of the joystick to corresponding electrical output signals.

Abstract: A pair of elongated, rigid electrical rods held by a frame in fixed parallel spaced relation to each other are connected to an ohmmeter circuit to measure linear resistance along one of the rods from a taut datum wire in contact with the rods. The other of the rods has a non-conductive pivot element at one end positioned in contact with a test surface at a point intersected by an axis parallel to said rods about which the frame is angularly displaced to bring the rods into gripping contact with the datum wire.

Abstract: A tool for use by carpenters and the like for conveniently establishing a reference line on a working surface at a predetermined angular disposition from an established base line on said surface. The tool includes an elongated member from which angle lines or cords are each adapted to extend a predetermined distance such that the intersecting terminal ends of such cords in combination with the member, form a triangle having sides of known length. Inasmuch as the length of the triangle's sides are known, the angles included thereby are also known such that a chalked line connected to the member may be utilized to establish a reference line at a known angular disposition to the member. The tool has particular utility when it is desired to establish the angular relationship of a wall to be built with respect to an already existing wall.

Abstract: A grade liner which is used in cooperation with grade stakes to determine the grade within a ditch. Means are provided for establishing a horizontal line of sight a selected rise distance "A" above a grade stake. Plumb means are provided which intersect the established horizontal sight line a given offset distance from said stake. The plumb means is calibrated such that the zero calibration is located a selected distance related to said rise distance "A" from the lower end of said plumb means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, optical means, such as a target sighting rifle scope, are utilized in establishing a desired horizontal sight line. For the plumb means, a surveyor's tape measure may be utilized when coupled to a plumb bob, the length of which bob is selectively determinable and related to the distance said sight line lies above the grade stake.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus in which two casings are connected together each housing a coiled measuring means adapted for being selectively un-coiled and withdrawn from the casing or recoiled and retracted into the casing. A sighting device is provided on one of the casings to sight a target. The sighting means includes a level for determining when the sighting device is sighting along a horizontal line and a second level is provided to indicate when the casings are also appropriately arranged relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the first said horizontal line. Triggers are provided for the two coiled measuring devices and a brake is provided for each of the measuring devices. A digital display is employed and a counting circuit is provided for indicating the amount of measuring means which is uncoiled from the two respective casings. An alarm is provided to indicate when the unwound measuring devices are off line relative to the sighting device.

Abstract: An alignment line supporting assembly is provided with releasable locking means for attachment to a rail of a railway track. Each assembly includes a pair of spaced reference line support devices having respective line support arms positioned outside the track to which are coupled respective ends of a tautly drawn string or wire. Two pairs of support assemblies are preferably provided on respective rails to establish reference lines on either side of the railway track. Measurements are made between a vehicle adapted to ride the rails and the reference line at various positions to ensure the correct alignment of the vehicle for railway operation.

Abstract: A tool for holding lines such as are used in guiding paving machines, in earth moving and leveling, and the like, comprising a stake, ordinarily a length of cylindrical metal rod or tubular stock with a ground penetrating point, a line holder of similar, lighter stock and having an offset or angulated end portion to which the line is connected, and a unique clamp for mounting the line holder on the stake with multi-mode adjustment capability.

Abstract: A grade checker is disclosed to include a vertically disposed telescopic surveying rod, having graduations. A line reel is connected to the top end of a reciprocating rod, and a line guide is connected to the bottom of the recirpocating rod. There is a bull's -eye level on the surveying rod/handle to indicate "true" vertical. A line level on the line indicates "true" horizontal. When the end of the line is connected to a grade stake, and the surveying rod is adjusted, the final grade/cut or fill requirements can be determined.

Abstract: A system for indicating or recording the profile of a roadway is disclosed having a support which can be mounted on a vehicle to travel along the roadway, grade sensors mounted on the support for providing a proportional signal indicative of the elevation of selected points along the roadway, recording or indicating means for providing a proportional indication of the elevation of the selected points and means for stabilizing the support.

Abstract: Each of four templates comprises crossed strips which define straight edges for aligning masons lines. Additional strips are fixed to, and extend perpendicularly from, one end of each of the cross strips. Notches in these additional strips define pin locations for wall and footing lines.

Abstract: A batter board for use in building construction having, in one embodiment, two vertical support members and two horizontal alignment members which together maintain a constant spacing between the support members. One of the alignment members is affixed to the support members at the upper ends thereof, while the second alignment member is movably affixed to the support members in such a manner that it may be selectively positioned along the vertical axes of the support members. A slide member is movably affixed to the second alignment member whereby the slide member may be selectively positioned substantially anywhere within the plane defined by the ends of the support members. The basic structure just described may be advantageously modified by the addition of other support and alignment members.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment device adapted to be releasably mounted to the draw bar of an automobile including a spring loaded spool from which a cable is played out to be turned around a guide pulley into a tubular guide. The tubular guide is pivotally mounted to align with the cable, concurrently articulating the wiper of a potentiometer. The potentiometer is connected to a meter inside the automobile, providing a visual indication of the angle of departure of the cable. Thus, by stretching the cable to connect to the hitch of a trailer, a remote indication on the meter will indicate the necessary direction of advancement of the automobile in order to effect alignment for coupling.