Abstract: A plumb post apparatus for retaining a mason's line for laying a brick course, the apparatus comprising two vertical posts each having two legs of adjustable length that pivot outward to form stabilizers. The legs are secured to adjacent sides of the posts, thus extending at right angles to each other. The posts can be secured via spikes through base plates at the bottoms of the posts and the legs are secured in place via stakes that are pivotally secured to the ends of the legs and which can be driven into a ground surface. Levels on adjacent sides of the posts indicate when the apparatus is in level disposition.

Abstract: A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A central vial is within a topnotch formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. The frame includes an inner horizontal wall extending between the sidewalls at the notch-defining bottom edges. The central vial is supported in accurate orientation without calibration against a cental-vial reference surface formed in the inner horizontal wall parallel to the top and bottom measuring surfaces and defining a notch-bottom. An integral inner vertical wall extends between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length. A plumb-vial structure has a viewing-end region and an opposite-end region. The viewing-end region includes an elongate ramp sloping along a level-longitudinal axis toward the plumb vial with an inclination permitting vial viewing from shallow angles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the performance of displacement sensors, including inclinometers, accelerometers and linear position transducers, by reducing hysteresis.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for measuring the inclination of a roadway using highly precise digital inclinometer and a frame for holding and suspending the digital inclinometer over the width of a lane of traffic. The device and method require a single, and only a single, human operator. The device is lightweight and highly portable.

Abstract: A measuring device, for measuring a deviation of a body to determine an amount of shimming requisite for the body, includes an elongated member, a level indicating member, a gauge member and a jack screw member. The level indicating member is disposed on the elongated member. The gauge member is disposed on the elongated member, and the jack screw member is disposed adjacent to the gauge member on the elongated member. The elongated member may be placed on the body for measuring the deviation of the body to determine the amount of shimming requisite for the body. The jack screw member is capable of adjusting the elongated member on the body until the level indicating member indicates a horizontal orientation of the elongated member on the body. The gauge member is capable of measuring the deviation of the body, at the horizontal orientation of the elongated member on the body.

Abstract: Method for operating a display device driven by at least one stepping motor with display scales, having the following steps: determining suitable step widths at least in ranges affected by stroboscopic flicker effects when driving in each case one stepping motor for moving the display scale in a measuring run when starting the instrument or on request, storing the determined step widths in the form of a matching parameter, and operating the stepping motor(s) with a suitable step-width resolution in the ranges that are identified as affected by the stroboscopic flicker effects to be avoided.

Abstract: A portable electronic device provides a compass bearing display juxtaposed with or superimposed on a camera viewfinder display. The device includes an image sensor and an electronic compass. When the device is held with the image sensor pointed in a generally horizontal direction, the displayed viewfinder image from the image sensor is combined with a graphic indicating a compass bearing corresponding to the imaging axis of the image sensor. The display may be presented as a linear scale to indicate off-axis headings as well.

Abstract: A surveying instrument includes a measuring system having a component, a support, and a mounting unit that is arranged at the support. The component is mounted on the mounting unit and the support and the mounting unit are configured such that the mounting unit is adjustable relative to the support. The instrument also includes a fine inclination sensor that is arranged at the component and is configured to measure an inclination angle of the component and to output fine inclination data. The instrument further includes a coarse inclination sensor that is arranged at the component, is configured to measure the inclination angle and to output coarse inclination data, and includes an electronic acceleration sensor. The instrument additionally includes an evaluation unit that is configured to select inclination data from the coarse inclination data and the fine inclination data and an output unit that is configured to output the inclination data.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for indexing a workpiece to a tool at a predetermined angle of orientation, using a bubble level to establish a horizontal reference plane. The bubble level may be pivotally fixed to a housing of a jig which may incorporate a magnet for adhering the housing to a magnetically responsive workpiece. The bubble level may be secured at a particular pivotal orientation such that when the workpiece is held against the cutting or abrading surface of a tool, the workpiece may be manually maintained at the predetermined angle of orientation such that a ground surface disposed at a predetermined angle on the workpiece may be formed while holding the workpiece manually. The jig may incorporate an adjustable leg to assist in tightening the bubble level at the particular pivotal orientation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a lightweight north-finder. A method of using a north-finder includes a tube configured to fire munitions secured to a base in preparation of firing operations. A north-finder coupled to a tube in order to determine an azimuth and elevation. The north-finder is rotated ninety degrees about an axis parallel to the tube in order to confirm the determined azimuth and elevation. The determined azimuth and elevation is displayed to a user. A system of using a north-finder includes a tube configured to fire munitions secured to a base. A north-finder mount coupled to the tube having a north-finder is configured to determine an azimuth and elevation. The north-finder includes a ring laser gyro, an accelerometer, and an inertial measurement unit, wherein, when the north-finder is rotated ninety degrees about an axis parallel to the tube, azimuth and elevation values are confirmed.

Abstract: A construction hole alignment device includes a tapered body having a smaller diameter first end, a larger diameter second end, and a series of stepped sections having progressively larger diameters extending between the first and second ends. The body has a central axis extending between the first and second ends, and the first end of the body includes a center aligned with the central axis. Each of the stepped sections has an annular outer wall. The tapered body includes flanges extending outwardly from the central axis for interconnecting adjacent stepped sections. The tapered body is insertable into a first construction hole until the outer diameter of one of the stepped sections matches the inner diameter of the first construction hole, whereby the center at the first end of the inserted body defines a target location for a second construction hole on a second floor.

Abstract: A measuring device, for measuring a deviation of a body to determine an amount of shimming requisite for the body, includes an elongated member, a level indicating member, a gauge member and a jack screw member. The level indicating member is disposed on the elongated member. The gauge member is disposed on the elongated member, and the jack screw member is disposed adjacent to the gauge member on the elongated member. The elongated member may be placed on the body for measuring the deviation of the body to determine the amount of shimming requisite for the body. The jack screw member is capable of adjusting the elongated member on the body until the level indicating member indicates a horizontal orientation of the elongated member on the body. The gauge member is capable of measuring the deviation of the body, at the horizontal orientation of the elongated member on the body.

Abstract: A longitudinally-elongated, hand-held level includes a body having a reference surface, a longitudinally-extending corner adjacent the reference surface, and a plurality of bubble vials for indicating an orientation of the reference surface. One or more battery-powered lights (e.g., LEDs) create a longitudinally elongated light emitting region along the corner to illuminate a longitudinally-elongated area that is adjacent to the level for use in low-light environments. The light(s) may project light through a light guide and/or light diffuser(s) extending along the corner to disperse light along the longitudinal extent of the level. The light(s) may also illuminate the corner(s) of the level and/or the bubble vials to enhance use in low-light environments.

Abstract: A level is provided, including a main body, at least one bubble vial and an arm. The main body includes at least one reference surface, a first clamping surface, and at least one aperture formed through the main body. The bubble vial is attached to the main body for indicating the orientation of the at least one reference surface. The arm projects through and slidable within the at least one aperture of the main body and includes a second clamping surface. An adjustable clamping distance is measured between the first clamping surface of the main body and the second clamping surface of the arm. The arm is slidable within the at least one aperture for adjusting the adjustable clamping distance.

Abstract: Casing or work string orientation indicating apparatus and methods. A system for indicating orientation of a structure in a wellbore includes an orientation indicating device responsive to fluid flow through the device, whereby fluid flow through the device at a selected flow rate produces a reduced pressure differential across the device when the device is at a preselected azimuthal orientation, compared to an increased pressure differential across the device produced by fluid flow through the device at the selected flow rate when the device is not at the azimuthal orientation. A method of detecting orientation of a structure in a wellbore includes the steps of: flowing fluid at a selected flow rate through an orientation indicating device interconnected to the structure; and observing a substantially constant pressure differential across the device during the flowing step, thereby indicating that the structure is at a predetermined azimuthal orientation.

Abstract: A method of drilling under barriers (rivers, highways and the like) is set out. The horizontal drilling system mounts a guidance tool on the end of the drill string just behind the drill bit. The guidance tool includes a pair of right angle accelero meters and a 3-axis mounted gyro. The gyro furnishes data in a plane at right angles to the z-axis. This defines four data streams to the CPU enabling determination of drill bit location and pathway.

Abstract: A method for aligning a cassette pod on the loadport of a process machine to an overhead hoist transport (OHT) system is disclosed. The method can be carried out by marking a first standard reference line on a clean room floor to which the OHT system is aligned, followed by aligning two plumb bobs at two points that are at least 5 cm apart to the first standard reference line on the floor with tips of the plumb bobs suspended over and positioned juxtaposed to the floor. A second standard reference line is then formed by interconnecting the two plumb bobs at an elevation above a top surface of the cassette pod, followed by aligning a center line of the cassette pod to the second standard reference line. The present invention novel method can therefore be executed utilizing simple mechanical equipment without the need of a sophisticated laser alignment system.

Abstract: An apparatus for rendering ovals of adjustable sizes and ellipticity upon various materials. An oval cutter comprises a clickerplate for adjusting the ellipticity of ovals in a single movement. The clickerplate can be rotated about a base using a knob mounted on the clickerplate. One embodiment of this invention comprises a storage compartment in the knob which can hold, for example, extra blades. A further embodiment of this invention comprises an arm that translates through the clickerplate and a swivel plate used for setting the overall size of the oval by locking the arm at a set length. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, ovals can be rendered in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction and an arrow can indicate the direction in which the apparatus is set to render ovals.

Abstract: Conic Section Compass (CSC) is a hand-held drawing device. It applies a mathematics concept. CSC can be used to draw circles, ellipses, parabolas, hyperbolas or make surface curvatures of these types. Given a specific mathematics formula of the mentioned curves, users can draw a well defined curve with CSC (just like a compass to drawing a circle).

Abstract: A compass able to draw any-size ellipses consists of a body, a first and a second position ring, a movable rod, a pen rod, a position rod and a coil spring. The first and the second position ring are screwed on an upper and a lower portion of the body respectively. The movable rod is fitted in a lengthwise center hole of the body. The pen rod is combined on a lengthwise opening of the movable rod. The position rod is fitted in a tubular chamber of the movable rod, with the coil spring fitted around the position rod. The movable rod can move up and down to rotate the pen rod, and the pen rod can be turned around the body for one round by pushing down and up of the movable rod to draw any-size ellipses.

Abstract: A device for making a frame having at least two adjacent portions of distinct curvatures with a rounded joint between these two portions comprises a conventional carpentry caliper for outlining at least one of two portions on the frame, an accessory unit (for outlining the rounded joint) movably secured to the carpentry caliper and a cutting device secured to the accessory unit for cutting out the two portions and the joint therebetween. The accessory unit comprises a rod holding unit secured to the front end of the first rods on the carpentry caliper and extended a desired distance from the support of the carpentry caliper. A pair of parallel second rods is slidably secured to the rod holding unit, and a sliding block is slidably secured to the pair of the second rods. The second rods are revolvable in respect to the first rods. The sliding block, being in engagement with the rod holding unit, sets a desired radius of the joint.

Abstract: A method is provided for deriving wellbore azimuth in a manner which reduces the impact of axial magnetic field errors, which utilizes a plurality of estimates of the axial component of the magnetic field which are combined in a manner which emphasizes the better estimates and deemphasizes the poorer estimates.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic tilt measuring system for measuring the relative tilts of various platforms such as weapons on a ship. The basic system comprises an inclinometer (1) at each platform, a central control and display unit (2) and a computer (4). The output signals from the inclinometers (1) are passed to the central unit (2) and averaged over a synchronized time period to give an average inclination measurement with respect to the gravity vector over the measurement period. The data is then passed to the computer (4) where it is analysed. The computer (4) is programmed to calculate measured tilts and relative tilts and to produce graphical representations of the data.

Abstract: An elliptical curve drawing device draws an ellipse having desired minor and major axes along given central axes. The device includes a y-axis movable member movably mounted on a base plate for movement along a y-axis which extends perpendicularly to a straight side of the base plate, and an x-axis movable member movably mounted on the base plate for movement along an x-axis which extends parallel to the straight side. The x- and y-axes are brought into alignment respectively with the major and minor axes of an ellipse to be drawn. The elliptical curve follows the path of movement of a point which is spaced from the circumference of a circle which is concentric with the ellipse and whose radius is A, equal to half of the minor axis of the ellipse, by a distance, parallel to the x-axis, which is equal to B cos.theta. where B is the half of the difference between the major axis 2(A+B) and the minor axis 2A of the ellipse and .theta. is the angle formed between the length B and the x-axis.

Abstract: An apparatus, of a compact pocket-sized design, for the description of accurate ellipses of an infinite number of conjugate and transverse diameters on flat and/or irregular surfaces, such as spherical or horizontal and vertical cylindrical tanks, having two identical, independent focal-point holders, a non-elastic inter-connecting cord and a variety of inter-changeable mounting bases to allow the mounting of the focal-point holders on soft, porous, non-porous, textured and metallic surfaces.

Abstract: An ellipsograph including a connecting rod carrying a collinear rotary end, scriber, and reciprocating end. The rotary end provides rotation about selected circumferences for that end of the connecting rod, while the reciprocating end permits reciprocating movement in response for that end of the connecting rod. Adjustable block members enable selective location of at least the scriber and reciprocating end on the connecting rod. A base portion supports the rotary end and reciprocating end on the drafting material.

Abstract: An ellipsograph structure has first and second arms coupled by pin connections to each other and to a rotatable driving member slidably mounted on a member extending between end supports along a longitudinal axis. A straight line motion mechanism is mounted to one of the end supports for constraining movement of the pin connection between the first and second arms on a straight line along a transverse axis. The straight line motion mechanism includes a pivot member mounted at a fixed pivot point along the longitudinal axis, an extension member in alignment with the longitudinal axis, a swing arm pivotally coupled to the end of the extension member, and a longer guiding arm with one end pivotally coupled to the end of the swing arm and its opposite end pivotally coupled to the pin connection between the first and second arms.

Abstract: A wheel alignment measurement system includes one single portable angle measurement instrument (10) which is connected to a stationary unit (14) via a line (12). The angle measurement instrument (10) includes a gyroscope unit supported in full cardanic manner and being connected to an angle measurement device. By applying the angle measurement instrument subsequently to each of the wheels of the vehicle to be measured the respective angles between the wheel and a directionally stable axis of the gyroscope unit are measured and are stored in memories (S). Subsequently the desired wheel alignment parameters are calculated by processing the measurement values stored in the memories (s) by means of calculation circuitries (R) and are displayed in the display unit (A).

Abstract: A method is proposed for better determining the azimuth and inclination of a borehole in which a priori information regarding the magnitude of the earth's gravitational field strength, its magnetic field strength and direction are utilized to constrain the measured components of the earth's gravitational and magnetic field vectors. The constrained fit method adjusts the accelerometer and the magnetometer tri-axis measurements to optimize agreement between the measured data and the a priori magnetic and gravity field strengths and the magnetic dip angle. The adjustment that is selected is that which produces the least increase in the statistical measure .chi..sup.2.

Abstract: The crank guide rod mechanism for performing nearly rectilinear motion is formed by using the mathematical method from which is designed the ellipsograph of the hidden cross-groove principle employing two points of support for the suspension-extension support frame. This will enable the drawing pen to move on the face of the paper in a suspended manner. The steering rod is made up of two long slabs (the rule and the steering rod) within the plane of projection, which enables the handle on the top to drive the drawing pen and describe the whole ellipse directly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning matting for picture frames and the like under an oval cutter so that ovals or other configurations can be cut in the matting about the perimeter of circles of varying diameter. The positioning template comprises a first plate which slides on the base of the oval cutter and a second plate which rotates on the first plate. Holes in the first and second plates align so that an indexing peg stops rotation of the second plate at various preselected equiangular positions.

Abstract: A heading indicator is disclosed which utilizes a one degree of freedom platform stabilized by a two degree of freedom dry flexure gyro. The output of one of the sensitive axis is coupled through an amplifier to the corresponding torquer in the gyro and selectively through an another amplifier to the opposite torquer. The other sensitive axis output is coupled through an amplifier to the platform. The indicator initializes at true north and is then switched to a directional gyro mode.

Abstract: An improved ellipsograph for drawing ellipses, ovoids and circles comprises a frame, a slide block, a disc, a worm wheel, a pivot adjusting block, a stub adjusting block, a motor, a battery holder and a drawing arm. The disc and the worm are screwed together and fitted in the round opening of the slide block. The pivot adjusting block and the stub adjusting block are fitted respectively in the worm wheel and the disc. When the motor is started the screw shaft will cause the worm wheel to turn and the pivot on the pivot adjusting block will circumambulate with the worm wheel. At the same time, the stub on the stub adjusting block fitted in the slot of the frame will roll along the slot due to the tangential force of the worm wheel and cause the slide block with the worm wheel and the disc as a whole to move straightly back and forth.

Abstract: A scriber arm mounted to two synchronized cranks, one of which defines the minor axis of the ellipse while the other defines the major axis.

Abstract: A means for taking roller paths inclination data as part of a weapon system lignment sequence. An accelerometer sensor sends out a DC signal representative of tilt. This signal is amplified and fed to a difference amplifier where a reference signal from a similar channel is subtracted. The difference signal is filtered to remove ship's motion and sent to a scaler circuit for providing an output voltage representing the inclination difference between the two sensors.

Abstract: A system to control the effect of northerly turning error which may occur in any direction indicating navigation instrument which includes a component responsive to the earth's magnetic field. In one form, an aircraft magnetic compass is compensated by electric current in an electromagnet which is made responsive to the rate of turn as sensed by a turn and bank indicator. In another form, an aircraft type slaved gyro directional system is protected from the effect of northerly turning error which occurs in its remotely located magnetic azimuth sensor by disconnecting its control circuit from the gyro when the turn rate reaches a predetermined level, thus allowing the gyro to act solely as a directional gyro during the turn.

Abstract: An improved inclinometer and method for simultaneously measuring tilt and relative bearing in remote hostile environments such as oil and gas wells involving a pair of pendulum masses attached to perpendicularly intersecting shafts and individually capable of creating rotational motion through angles characteristic of tilt and relative bearing wherein, by use of a differential gearing system, the rotational motion induced by tilt and rotational motion induced by relative bearing are summed as a single rotational motion parallel to the axis of rotation of the relative bearing induced rotation and collinear to the well bore such that potentiometers responsive to relative bearing and the sum of tilt and relative bearing generate electrical signals that can both be transmitted to the surface without the use of troublesome slipring electrical contacts or the like. In this manner the reliability and durability of instrument is improved.

Abstract: The method of this invention comprises setting the vertical members clamped to the stationary part of the hub of each steerable wheel in the same plane as the turning axis for that wheel when the weight is off that wheel, and then gauging the chamber and caster from the pendular means and cooperating scale mounted on the vertical members after the wheel is again normally loaded or weighted. The toe-in angles of the steerable wheels are gauged relative to the direction of the non-steerable wheels when the steerable wheels are put in their straight ahead or forward position by the manual steering wheel therefor controlled by the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gyroscopic azimuth aiming concept adapted to aim a navigable body such as a drone or missile before its launching and defining an aiming method and system, and a suspension system to pendulously and removably suspend a gyroscope unit from the navigable body such that the gyroscope unit is isolated against pitch and roll displacements to be sensitive only to azimuth deviation of the navigable body. The aiming system and suspension system include a suspension assembly having an upper end removably connectable to the navigable body, a lower end, cables pendulously suspending the lower end from the upper end, and an anchoring base with an upright pivot to laterally restrain the lower end while allowing horizontal pendulous rotation and pivoting thereof, and a gyroscope unit is pendulously suspended to the lower end and its input axis is approximately aligned in the East direction to measure its azimuth deviation from the East direction by the effect of the earth rotation thereon.

Abstract: In a wheel alignment system, the error caused by run-out of the axis of a fixture that is clamped to the wheel and mounts gravity stabilized inclination sensors is corrected by continuously providing fixture axis inclination signals during rotation of the wheel through at least 360.degree. from any random starting position. Maximum and minimum comparator devices continuously receive these signals. A first adder adds the maximum and minimum signals and divides them by 2 to provide a preliminary alignment signal proportional to the actual angular inclination of the wheel axis in a selected alignment plane, and the preliminary alignment signal is subtracted from an intermediate inclination signal from the sensor that represents the inclination of the fixture axis at the wheel stopped position to provide a run-out error signal proportional to that portion of the total angular run-out of the fixture axis that is present in a selected alignment plane at the wheel stopped position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of providing runout compensation for wobble present in the measurements made of the orientation of a rotary body relative to at least a pair of planes, and including at least a pair of sensors for providing measurements angularly related to each other and with the sensors coupled to the body for providing signals representative of the measurements of the rotary body relative to at least the pair of planes at a particular angular relationship. The body is rotated through a plurality of positions for providing signals representative of the measurement of the body relative to the pair of planes at the different positions. A first output signal is produced and is representative of the orientation of the body relative to one of the planes in accordance with the measurements at the different positions in the one plane and with the measurements in the one plane used to provide a runout compensation for wobble present in the measurements.

Abstract: A gyroscopic azimuth aiming concept adapted to aim a drone or missile at the launch site but also to aim other military and non-military equipment. This concept is characterized by its use of a conventional rate integrating gyroscope to both measure the aiming error, which results from an approximate initial aiming done with a magnetic compass, and to effect the correction of the aiming error without the use of surveying or optical sighting instrument. This invention defines the method of measuring the aiming error including toppling the gyroscope to displace the input axis thereof from horizontal to vertical in order to provide a measure of the required angular correction. This invention also defines a device wherein a conventional rate integrating gyroscope is pivotally mounted to allow rotation of 180.degree. in azimuth between a first and a second measurements of the rotation of the input axis direction and to allow toppling of the input axis as above mentioned.

Abstract: A drilling assembly is equipped with apparatus that includes a device that periodically changes the resistance to the flow of drilling fluid through the drill pipe to create pressure pulses that can be detected at the earth surface and a sensor for controlling the pulse orienting device in response to the orientation of the drilling assembly relative to a preselected orientation relative to earth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining azimuthal direction relative to true north using gyroscopic apparatus. The input axis of a gyroscope is rotated at a substantially constant rate about the local vertical axis. A series of precessional rates at the gyroscope's output axis is measured as the input axis rotates through a predetermined portion of each half revolution. The predetermined portion of each half revolution of the input axis is in known relationship to the heading or reference being determined. Each difference in successively measured ones of the series of precessional rates is filtered to reduce the effect of drift within the gyroscope and thereby accurately determine the azimuthal direction of such heading relative to true north.