Compass Patents (Class 33/27.02)
  • Patent number: 11275016
    Abstract: An electrochemical system for measuring the repassivation kinetics of a metallic material under sour oil field conditions comprises a housing made of the metallic material surrounding an internal space; insulating covers positioned on the housing, an electrolyte enclosed within the internal space of the housing and the insulating covers, a scratch tool including a second housing made of an insulting material that one end positioned in the electrolyte, a sample holder for holding a sample composed of the metallic material, and a pin tip positioned to scratch off a passivation film from the sample surface, and an electrical power source coupled to the housing and the sample within the scratch tool so as to generate an electric current between the housing and the sample, wherein the sample holder is movable with respect to the pin tip to create a scratch on the sample within the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nayef M. Alanazi, Muthukumar Nagu, AbdulHadi Abdullatif
  • Patent number: 11002542
    Abstract: A laser level with a measurement display window is disclosed herein. The self-leveling laser level and measurement locating instrument includes a rectangular body with multiple laser light outputs wherein the color of the light beam can be changed from either green or red. Additionally, the leveling tool can be secured to a metal surface using a magnet and can be mounted to a tripod or hand carried. The laser level also has a display window for displaying the measurement indicia acquired by the laser lines. Furthermore, the laser level is configured to take measurements either horizontally or vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffrey King
  • Patent number: 10575918
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring spacing between first and second bone screws engaged with first and second bone structures are provided. An apparatus comprises first and second arms operably engaged with a single pivot pin. The first arm includes a distal end adapted to engage the first bone screw, and a proximal end comprising a graduated scale. The second arm, operably engaged with the first arm via the single pivot pin, includes a distal end adapted to engage the second bone screw, and a proximal end comprising an indicator segment slidably engaged with the graduated scale. A position of the indicator segment relative to the graduated scale is therefore indicative of a spacing between the first and second bone screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor Seck
  • Patent number: 10293633
    Abstract: A writing instrument that comprises a writing instrument base and a focus tool is provided. The writing instrument base includes a marking system coupled with a barrel. The marking system is configured to provide writings on a writing medium, such as paper. The focus tool is coupled with the writing instrument base. The focus tool is configured to blend in with the writing base. The focus tool includes a device that engages a user's senses and reduces the negative impact of attention deficit disorders when used by the user. The fidget tool stimulates the user's vestibular system and proprioceptive senses through one or more of the following: movement, sound, smell, visual, and tactile action. The fidget tool may be discreet such that the tool is hidden or not viewable when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Lee Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10239344
    Abstract: A writing utensil system for facilitating a pair of writing utensils to be simultaneously used includes a pair of writing utensils. Each of the writing utensils may be manipulated thereby facilitating each of the writing utensils to write. A swivel unit is provided and each of the writing utensils is removably coupled thereto. The swivel unit facilitates each of the writing utensils to be simultaneously available for writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Dee Caffey
  • Patent number: 10232662
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable, gravity flow ink refill and pen, each comprising of at least one bendable portion along its length. The bendable portion acts as a concertina-type hinge to allow both the pen and refill to bend to an angle and maintain the bend imparted to it. In a preferred embodiment, the refill is flexible in structure (full or partial) and the pen having a crimped corrugated bendable portion. In an alternate embodiment, intertwined helical wires form the bendable portion for the pen, the refill or both to maintain the angle bent. Alternatively a flexible gooseneck tube is used for the bendable portion of the pen. The pen writes normally on flat surfaces and on inclined surfaces, the rear end of the pen is bent forward such that the rear is pointed upwards towards the sky. This allows ink to flow towards the tip via gravity and facilitate consistent delivery of ink at multiple writing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Vikram Aditya Swaminadhan
  • Patent number: 10150045
    Abstract: A writing instrument, comprising a tubular body having a longitudinal axis with a first and a second end, and with an opening arranged in the first end; a first building block having a body part with a substantially plane surface and one or more coupling knobs extending from the substantially plane surface, and where the first building block is fixed onto the outside of the tubular body so that the coupling knobs extend away from said longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: LEGO A/S
    Inventor: Arnaud Dubreuil
  • Patent number: 10078311
    Abstract: A digital device and a method of forming a digital device. The digital device includes a body, circuitry and a folding assembly. The body is provided with a body having a pointer end and a tail end opposite the pointer end. Circuitry is disposed within the body for sending or receiving signals representing a position of the pointer end relative to a signal receiving surface disposed on a watch. A folding assembly integral with the body permits the body to fold from a linear shape to a folded shape adapted to circumscribe at least a portion of a watch band. The body may be formed with a plurality of hinges interconnecting a plurality of segments of the body, wherein the plurality of hinges connects the body segments to permit the body to pivot from the linear shape to a geometric shape adapted to circumscribe a portion of the watch band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Liu Chong, Weijun Li, Xiao T. Xiao, Jinfan Zhu
  • Patent number: 9944111
    Abstract: The method and apparatus described herein allows for the automatic retraction and extension of the writing element of a bistable self-retaining writing instrument. The method and apparatus consists of a writing element that is joined to the end of a flexible tube or material. These are inserted through a longitudinal channel formed along the outer surface of the writing instrument and are anchored only at the end opposite the writing element. When the bistable self-retaining writing instrument transitions from a coiled to straight configuration the writing element is automatically exposed. Conversely, when pushed into its coiled configuration the writing element slides back into the channel and is thereby protected. The flexible tube or material may also act as a reservoir for a writing substrate such as ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: James Michael Elmore
  • Patent number: 9592599
    Abstract: A tool and method for measuring, marking and/or scoring drywall sheets. The tool includes a housing having front and rear housing sections forming an internal chamber; a spool rotatably mounted within the chamber; a flexible tape stored on the spool and expandable and retractable from the housing; a brake mechanism mounted on the housing and engageable to maintain the tape in an extended position; a guide mounted on a second end of the tape; and a contact device extending from the housing for marking and/or scoring the surface of the sheet. The guide is placed in abutting contact with an edge of the drywall sheet and the contact device is positioned on the exterior surface thereof. The housing is moved across the exterior surface while the guide remains in abutting contact with the edge, and the contact device marks or scores the surface as the housing is moved thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Adam Pauze
  • Patent number: 9358565
    Abstract: A marking device incorporates a pair of legs secured at one end to each other for pivotal movement with respect to each other and wherein one of the legs includes a pivot member for positioning at a pivot point located on a surface to be marked. A weight is secured to the other of said legs for contacting the surface and wherein a paint can retainer is positioned at that end of the leg for receiving a spray paint can. A hinge is secured between the paint can retainer and the leg to permit pivotal movement between the paint can retainer, the spray paint can contained therein, and a marking cane secured to said paint can retainer and paint can. A pivoting support rod is attached to the marking cane and one of the legs of the marking device and a spacer bar is pivotally secured between the two legs of the device wherein the two legs may be pivoted towards each other and the marking cane may be pivoted toward the legs to provide a collapsed marking device for convenient transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ideas Brought to Life, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Mizioch, John A. Gillam, Rachel L. Mizioch Foss
  • Patent number: 9345547
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring spacing between first and second bone screws engaged with first and second bone structures are provided. An apparatus comprises first and second arms operably engaged with a single pivot pin. The first arm includes a distal end adapted to engage the first bone screw, and a proximal end comprising a graduated scale. The second arm, operably engaged with the first arm via the single pivot pin, includes a distal end adapted to engage the second bone screw, and a proximal end comprising an indicator segment slidably engaged with the graduated scale. A position of the indicator segment relative to the graduated scale is therefore indicative of a spacing between the first and second bone screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor Seck
  • Patent number: 8806766
    Abstract: A tool for applying a circular indicia onto a surface, such as a ceiling, wall or other flat surface, with a marking implement has a base that includes a first side with a center punch projecting away therefrom. At least one marker holder is fixed with a second side of the base and configured to hold the marking implement therein, such that a marking point of the marking implement projects through a marking aperture traversing the base. A handle is selectively removable from the base and is adapted for selective engagement with the center punch to assume a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: David M. Lee
  • Patent number: 8371035
    Abstract: A combined set of interacting instruments for constructing and analyzing mathematical figures includes a ruler, an adjustable triangle assembly, a compass and a protractor. The ruler includes an elongated strip of rigid or semi-rigid plastic having a length, width and relatively thin thickness. A pivot point is provided in a general middle portion of the ruler together with three parallel longitudinally extending guideways along portions of the ruler. One of the guideways includes a positioning hole for a writing instrument to act as a compass. The triangular assembly includes two moveable elements having first and second ends with the two elements pivotally connected together at one end of each of the elements so they can be disposed in an end to end relationship. The moveable elements also have a guide follower that fits within one of the guideways in the ruler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mohammed Marzouq Khalaf Al-Mutairi
  • Patent number: 8191269
    Abstract: A line gauge device for constructing lines and contours on auto body components featuring a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm pivotally connected via a pivot component. The pivot arms can pivot toward and away from each other. The pivot component is biased to pivot the pivot arms away from each other. A threaded adjustment rod with a thumb wheel disposed in both the first and second pivot arms functions to secure the pivot arms in a particular position. A utensil holding component is disposed on the second end of the first pivot arm. A surface guide base with surface guide rollers is disposed on the second end of the second pivot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Abner Hernandez, Edith Carreno
  • Publication number: 20120079729
    Abstract: A combined set of interacting instruments for constructing and analyzing mathematical figures includes a ruler, an adjustable triangle assembly, a compass and a protractor. The ruler includes an elongated strip of rigid or semi-rigid plastic having a length, width and relatively thin thickness. A pivot point is provided in a general middle portion of the ruler together with three parallel longitudinally extending guideways along portions of the ruler. One of the guideways includes a positioning hole for a writing instrument to act as a compass. The triangular assembly includes two moveable elements having first and second ends with the two elements pivotally connected together at one end of each of the elements so they can be disposed in an end to end relationship. The moveable elements also have a guide follower that fits within one of the guideways in the ruler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Mohammed Marzouq Khalaf Al-Mutairi
  • Patent number: 8132333
    Abstract: Pair of compasses, having a first compass portion and a second compass portion which are connected together via a hinge having a locking device, which hinge comprises a hinge member mounted rotatably relative to the first or second compass portion, the locking device being spaced from the axis of rotation of the hinge member, the locking device having a threaded element generating a clamping force and cooperating with a nut (11, 12) in order to clamp the hinge member (13) in the locked state against the first and second compass portions, the clamping force acting perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hinge member (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Draw.Tec GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Seelig
  • Patent number: 8042278
    Abstract: A compass writing implement includes a compass body having two compass legs mutually pivotable between closed and splayed-out states. A writing lead is mounted in one of the compass legs. A protective cap is or can be fitted onto the free end of at least the compass leg holding the writing lead, to shield the free ends of the two compass legs in the closed state from the outside. The protective cap has a passage for the writing lead at a distal end remote from the compass body in the fitted state. The writing lead and the fitted protective cap are mutually displaceable between a release state and a retention state. In the release state, a lead tip of the writing lead protrudes through the passage of the protective cap to the outside and in the retention state, the writing lead is retracted in the interior of the protective cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Fritz Lüttgens
  • Patent number: 7937843
    Abstract: A compass includes two legs having upper ends interconnected in a leg joint and lower ends with holders for refills or styluses. An adjusting spindle penetrates the legs, in particular, in vicinity of the leg joint. The legs have carrier zones in the form of widenings serving in a region between the leg joint and the free leg ends as a base of an information bearing surface surpassing the width of the legs in their spreading plane. The information bearing surfaces are disposed on both broad sides of the compass and constructed as undivided surfaces projecting from one leg into the region of the other leg. If the compass is closed, two mounting disks of the information bearing surfaces lie congruently above one another and only two outer information bearing surfaces and can be seen. All four information bearing surfaces can be seen in the open state of the compass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Intertech Zeichengeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Günther Partes
  • Publication number: 20110000094
    Abstract: A compass includes two legs having upper ends interconnected in a leg joint and lower ends with holders for refills or styluses. An adjusting spindle penetrates the legs, in particular, in vicinity of the leg joint. The legs have carrier zones in the form of widenings serving in a region between the leg joint and the free leg ends as a base of an information bearing surface surpassing the width of the legs in their spreading plane. The information bearing surfaces are disposed on both broad sides of the compass and constructed as undivided surfaces projecting from one leg into the region of the other leg. If the compass is closed, two mounting disks of the information bearing surfaces lie congruently above one another and only two outer information bearing surfaces and can be seen. All four information bearing surfaces can be seen in the open state of the compass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: INTERTECH ZEICHENGERATE GMBH
    Inventor: Günther Partes
  • Publication number: 20100307014
    Abstract: Pair of compasses, having a first compass portion and a second compass portion which are connected together via a hinge having a locking device, which hinge comprises a hinge member mounted rotatably relative to the first or second compass portion, the locking device being spaced from the axis of rotation of the hinge member, the locking device having a threaded element generating a clamping force and cooperating with a nut (11, 12) in order to clamp the hinge member (13) in the locked state against the first and second compass portions, the clamping force acting perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hinge member (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: DRAW.TEC GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Seelig
  • Publication number: 20100139104
    Abstract: A compasses writing implement includes a compasses body having two compasses legs mutually pivotable between closed and splayed-out states. A writing lead is mounted in one of the compasses legs. A protective cap is or can be fitted onto the free end of at least the compasses leg holding the writing lead, to shield the free ends of the two compasses legs in the closed state from the outside. The protective cap has a passage for the writing lead at a distal end remote from the compasses body in the fitted state. The writing lead and the fitted protective cap are mutually displaceable between a release state and a retention state. In the release state, a lead tip of the writing lead protrudes through the passage of the protective cap to the outside and in the retention state, the writing lead is retracted in the interior of the protective cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: KUM LIMITED
    Inventor: Fritz Lüttgens
  • Publication number: 20100083514
    Abstract: An apparatus for drafting a framework for a pattern and a method of using the apparatus is presented. The apparatus includes a generally rigid planer structure. A pivot point includes a pivot point aperture extending through the rigid planer structure for enabling scribing a center point of the framework and rotating the rigid planer structure about the center point. A plurality of lines pass through the pivot point. Each of the plurality of lines includes a plurality of apertures for enabling scribing marks for forming a basis for lines in the framework. At least one line of generally equally spaced longitudinal apertures, wherein each of the longitudinal apertures is at a first fixed radial distance from the pivot point, enables scribing a circle for the framework, where the circle is scribed by rotation of the rigid planer structure about the pivot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Debra Williams
  • Publication number: 20100000101
    Abstract: A measuring compass is disclosed. The compass comprises a marking leg, a pegging leg which symmetrically form into a shape of a pencil. The upper end of the pegging leg and the marking leg is a center plate or gear module, and the bottom end is a protective cover for protecting the marking leg and the pegging leg. When the compass is not in use, the marking leg and the pegging leg are closed to each other and the protective cover caps the legs. The compass can be inserted to a pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Ming Tu
  • Patent number: 7640671
    Abstract: A measuring compass is disclosed. The compass comprises a marking leg, a pegging leg which symmetrically form into a shape of a pencil. The upper end of the pegging leg and the marking leg is a center plate or gear module, and the bottom end is a protective cover for protecting the marking leg and the pegging leg. When the compass is not in use, the marking leg and the pegging leg are closed to each other and the protective cover caps the legs. The compass can be inserted to a pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Ming Tu
  • Publication number: 20090095208
    Abstract: Current methods for station keeping an object in the ocean or body of water involve mooring assemblies or active and complex navigation and differential thrust or thrust and rudder assemblies. The embodiments herein provide a method and device for compensating for the force of water or ocean currents through the use of a hydrofoil assembly to orient a device in the water current direction, through the use of any number of devices for sensing water current force, and through the use of a motor assembly to produce sufficient thrust to compensate for water current drift. An alternate embodiment allows the method to be employed without sensing the force of the water current. The method does not require directional thrust or active rudder assemblies, is highly portable, utilizes minimal power, is light weight, is scalable, and can be operated in any body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Cardoza, William Andrew Adamez, Devin Morgan Tomlinson, Sarah Ann Benedict, Mark Henry Wolf
  • Patent number: 7490410
    Abstract: The “Pivot Pencil” is a writing instrument: carpenters pencil, mechanical pencil, pen, marking pen, etc; A Pivot Swivel Joint inserted into the center of the Wooden Outer Casing that “allows the tool to pivot in various angles”, which allows the pencil access in tight spots and around corners. If you can't reach the surface you wish to mark, you might as well guess. But the “Pivot Pencil” can take away all the guesswork. The unique pivoting design is all the accuracy you need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory R. Ordaz
  • Publication number: 20080250658
    Abstract: A compass includes a leg joint and two compass legs provided at lower ends with holders for refills or styluses and articulated with one another at upper ends. An adjusting spindle penetrates the compass legs, in particular in the vicinity of the leg joint. The compass legs are respectively provided with a carrier zone, in particular as a widening, that serves in the region between the leg joint and the free leg ends as a base of an information bearing surface surpassing the width of the compass legs in their spreading plane. The information bearing surface is disposed on at least one of the two broad sides of the compass and is constructed as an undivided surface that projects from one leg into the region of the other leg and permits the opening and closing of the legs without a gap or interspace being formed in the information bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: INTERTECH ZEICHENGERATE GMBH
    Inventor: Gunther Partes
  • Publication number: 20070245577
    Abstract: The “Pivot Pencil” is a writing instrument: carpenters pencil, mechanical pencil, pen, marking pen, etc; A Pivot Swivel Joint inserted into the center of the Wooden Outer Casing that “allows the tool to pivot in various angles”, which allows the pencil access in tight spots and around corners. If you can't reach the surface you wish to mark, you might as well guess. But the “Pivot Pencil” can take away all the guesswork. The unique pivoting design is all the accuracy you need.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory R. Ordaz
  • Patent number: 6981328
    Abstract: A safe, stable compass for making circles and ellipses, having a stable rotating platform with a variably adjustable arm that allows the device to be self-supporting upon a surface and to be easily rotated in any one of a variety of directions around a single rotating point. The invention allows persons of limited manual dexterity to apply force in one location and then to rotate the entire device around this one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Roy O. Solum
  • Patent number: 6978550
    Abstract: A protractor and ruler combination includes a main ruler having a side formed with a protractor, a secondary ruler rotatably mounted on the main ruler, and an auxiliary ruler having a side secured on the secondary ruler, so that the secondary ruler is moved in concert with the auxiliary ruler on the protractor of the main ruler. Thus, the auxiliary ruler is moved relative to the main ruler, and the secondary ruler is moved in concert with the auxiliary ruler on the protractor of the main ruler, so that the included angle between the ruler section of the main ruler and the ruler section of the auxiliary ruler is measured exactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Kun-Li Xieh
  • Patent number: 6964103
    Abstract: There is provided a compass assembly that includes a first member pivotally connected to a second member at a common end. The first member has an anchor point opposite the common end, and the second member retains a marking device opposite the common end. The compass assembly also includes a compressible cover positioned over the anchor point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Acme United Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Chudek, Marta Phillips
  • Patent number: 6918720
    Abstract: A circle forming apparatus (100) for a power tool and a method for using the apparatus provides for the formation of circles or circular apertures in a workpiece. A first arm (104) and second arm (106) are rotatably coupled, and a fastener allows a user to secure the first arm relative to the second arm. The second arm includes a pivot point (108), and the first arm includes means (102) for coupling the first arm to a power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jason R. Kopras, Cory R. Boudreau, Douglas Seals
  • Patent number: 6886263
    Abstract: Auxiliary drafting instrument combination applicable to digital board, including a base seat formed with at least one pivot hole; a compass having a pivot seat for pivotally connecting two legs, a bottom end of one of the legs being snugly pivotally fitted in the pivot hole of the base seat, the other leg being connected with an electronic pen; and a subsidiary ruler one end of which is pivotally connectable on the base seat. By means of the combination of the base seat and the compass, a circle can be input on the digital board or by means of the combination of the base seat and the subsidiary ruler, an oblique line can be input on the digital board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Hsien-Chung Chou
  • Patent number: 6871406
    Abstract: A protective member is provided for a compass device including two pivotably connected legs wherein one leg has a distal end including a projecting pin. This end also includes matching elongate slots in opposed surfaces and matching spaced grooves formed in these opposed surfaces at an upper distal portion. The member includes spaced side wall joined by an orthogonal wall. The side walls include internal shoulders at one end and internal, oppositely projecting lugs. The lugs are received in the slots in the one leg to able movement of the member between one end of the slots wherein the member is maintained in an inoperative position, and a second end wherein the member is disposed in an intermediate position. The member is pivotable about the lugs in to an operative position wherein the pin is shielded by the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Sal Robert Elia, Lori Jean Banton
  • Publication number: 20040226180
    Abstract: A safe, stable compass for making circles and ellipses, having a stable rotating platform with a variably adjustable arm that allows the device to be self-supporting upon a surface and to be easily rotated in any one of a variety of directions around a single rotating point. The invention allows persons of limited manual dexterity to apply force in one location and then to rotate the entire device around this one point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Roy O. Solum
  • Patent number: 6497051
    Abstract: A measurement device having a pair of legs. Each leg has a measurement point and a fulcrum end, the fulcrum ends providing a pivot point for the legs so that the measurement points arcuately move apart from one another. The measurement device has a transducer assembly connected to at least one of the legs which measures leg displacement and generates a distance signal. The measurement device has a programmable processing unit adapted to process the distance signal and display a distance measurement on an electronic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventors: Wayne F. Poole, Michael G. Sills
  • Publication number: 20020189113
    Abstract: Auxiliary drafting instrument combination applicable to digital board, including a base seat formed with at least one pivot hole; a compass having a pivot seat for pivotally connecting two legs, a bottom end of one of the legs being snugly pivotally fitted in the pivot hole of the base seat, the other leg being connected with an electronic pen; and a subsidiary ruler one end of which is pivotally connectable on the base seat. By means of the combination of the base seat and the compass, a circle can be input on the digital board or by means of the combination of the base seat and the subsidiary ruler, an oblique line can be input on the digital board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Hsien-Chung Chou
  • Patent number: 6430819
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for identifying the boundaries and indicia of a basketball court or street hockey rink, respectively. In a first embodiment, the measuring apparatus comprises the combination of an elongate measuring strip and the casing for containing the same. The casing is preferably attached to the base of a portable basketball backboard and hoop set such that the measuring strip may be extended therefrom and extended across the playing surface to identify the boundaries and indicia inherent to a conventional basketball court. The second embodiment likewise comprises the combination of an elongate measuring strip and the casing for housing the same, and is designed and configured to identify the boundaries and indicia of a street hockey rink. The casing is preferably formed upon the frame of a conventional street hockey goal net with the measuring strip being extensible therefrom to measure out and identify the placement of the boundaries and indicia inherent to a street hockey rink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Aldstadt, Frederick J. Grewen
  • Patent number: 6363622
    Abstract: A tape measure usable for positioning and repositioning an object on a vertical surface comprises a housing having a planar forward surface, a rearward surface spaced from the forward surface, and a cavity having an aperture therein. A flexible, retractable, coiled tape measure is mounted in the housing the working end of which extends through the aperture in the housing. A pin is provided at the distal end of the tape for marking a point on a surface. The housing has a second pin thereon which is axially moveable from an extended position to a retracted position such that it is useable as a marker when the pin is in the extended position. The rearward surface of the housing has a 360° angle measuring device for measuring the angle at which the housing is oriented with respect to an edge defined by the intersection of a side panel and the forward surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Gary S. Stratton
  • Patent number: 6311404
    Abstract: A compass assembly, a system and a method of using the compass assembly are provided. The compass assembly has a removable marking device attached to one of the legs. The other leg contains a retractable sleeve having a spring and engaging pin therein. In use, pressure is applied to the leg having the sleeve thereby pushing the engaging pin through a hole in the retractable sleeve thereby anchoring the compass and providing a point around which the compass may be spun. The marking device attached to the other leg of the compass may be removed to be changed, replaced or refilled. A marking device with various writing media, such as multiple colors or lead may be attached to the leg. Separate components of the compass may be distinctly colored to provide an instructional aid for using the compass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Paul A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6276956
    Abstract: An insulative caliper type pivotal mounting pivotally secures two elongate arms that at their free ends mount a pair of electrically conductive pointed contacts. Electrical conductors connected to the contacts extend through each of the insulative elongate arms and through the elastic pivotal mounting from which they exit as a coaxial cable. On the distal end of the coaxial cable is positioned a quick connect-disconnect jack adapted for mounting onto a complementary jack in an electronic test instrument. The separation between the pointed ends of the contacts is infinitely adjustable by means of a thumb screw having reversed threaded studs extending from the opposed sides of the center thereof into threaded pivotal mountings on each of the elongate arms. The dual point test probe may be infinitely adjusted, maintained in the predetermined separation and may be manually manipulatable by the single hand of a user when testing current, voltage drop, capacitance, inductance or the like between the contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Sencore, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Cook
  • Patent number: 6233835
    Abstract: A scribe/guide tool used as a compass and to layout stair stringers. The tool is also used in conjunction with a straightedge or a rule to function as a compass, and is most often used in pairs. A scribe means is removably inserted into the body of the tool. The tool includes a clamping means with smooth surfaces to affix the scribe/guide tool to another cooperating tool. A clamp element is moved up and down relative to the main body via a screw drive. Position indicating edges of the main body of the tool are tapered to a very narrow point to reduce the possibility of accumulated error when marking a workpiece with the tool as a guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Jacob Eugene Brown, Henry W. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6167628
    Abstract: A carpenter's gauge for use as a marking gauge or a compass includes a compass bar, a pin carrier, and a marking instrument holder. The compass bar is an elongated bar having a slot formed along its center. The pin carrier slides along the compass bar and includes a pin holder and a knob located opposite the pin holder along the compass bar. The pin holder includes a reference surface that lies substantially in line with a pin held by the pin holder. The knob allows the pin holder to be rotated between a first position where the reference surface lies parallel to the compass bar, and a second position where the reference surface lies perpendicular to the compass bar. When the reference surface lies perpendicular to the compass bar, the gauge may be used as a marking gauge or a compass by inserting a marking instrument into the marking instrument holder. Etched markings along the compass bar indicate the distance between the reference surface or pin and the marking instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve K. Jones, Mark Summers