Abstract: A device for inspecting clamping means, including an electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer including a winding for generating pulsed eddy currents on the surface of a clamping element, built into a system for generating a magnetic field including a cylindrical magnet arranged above the winding with the axis of rotation thereof coinciding with the axis of the winding and a magnetic circuit surrounding the magnet and the winding to guide the generated magnetic field so that the field lines pass obliquely towards the axis of the coil through an interface plane with the clamping element, opposite the winding, the interaction of the field lines and pulsed eddy currents being suitable for simultaneously generating longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic waves in the clamping element.

Abstract: An ammunition inspection assembly that includes a cartridge tester having a main body portion with a bore extending axially therethrough, a bullet pusher, and a case pusher. The bore includes an inner surface, a front opening and a rear opening and is configured to receive a bullet cartridge therein.

Abstract: An aperture measuring device and aperture measuring method for measuring the size of the aperture of a through-hole in a conductive structure is described to reduce the aperture measurement time and improve the working efficiency. The aperture measuring device includes: an aperture testing component for being inserted into the through-hole, wherein the aperture measuring device includes a plurality of resistor segments with different diameters, the individual resistor segments being successively connected in series in an order of the sizes of their diameters; and a measuring module for measuring the resistance value of a resistor segment unable to be inserted into the through-hole in the aperture testing component to determine the size of the aperture of the through-hole.

Abstract: Adjusting device (1) for an adjustable rest (2, 2a, 2b) for a rifle stock (3), comprising: a first portion (4) adapted to be fixedly arranged to the rifle stock (3), an adjusting portion (5) adapted to be releasably engaged with the first portion (4) and movable between an engaged, locking position and a disengaged, release position upon actuation of the adjusting portion (5), wherein the adjusting portion (5) is adjustable in relation to the first portion (4) in a release position, and wherein the adjusting portion is locked in relation to the first portion (4) in the locking position, wherein the adjusting portion (5) is adapted to be fixedly arranged to the adjustable rest (2, 2a, 2b).

Abstract: Tensioning apparatus (10, 30, 130) for applying a required tension to a line means (12, 32, 132). A body (14, 34, 134) is provided which provides first (26, 50, 150), second (20, 60, 160) and third (28, 52, 152) parts with contact surfaces engagable with the line means so as to urge the line means from a straight alignment to provide a required tension therein. The second part (60, 62) may be adjustably movable relative to the first (50, 150) and third (52, 152) parts.

Abstract: An ammunition inspection assembly that includes a cartridge tester having a main body portion with a bore extending axially therethrough, a bullet pusher, and a case pusher. The bore includes an inner surface, a front opening and a rear opening and is configured to receive a bullet cartridge therein.

Abstract: A gauge for cartridges is disclosed. The gauge includes a gauge body defining an opening, a window, and receiving space. The opening and the receiving space share an axis and are in direct communication with each other. The window is in direct communication with the receiving space. The opening and the window are separated by a body portion of the gauge. Each gauge has a receiving space that is sized and shaped to correspond to a predetermined cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying locations for holes for a stackup of parts. In one illustrative example, a required edge distance for a hole for the stackup of the parts is identified. A measurement tool is selected based on the required edge distance identified for the hole. The measurement tool comprises a circular section having an edge and an indicator centrally located with respect to the edge of the circular section. The edge of the circular section of the measurement tool is associated with a part in the stackup of the parts. A location on the part for a center of the hole for the stackup of the parts is identified using the indicator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for improved, repeatable, consistent, rapid, and accurate measurements of a bullet using a dial indicator. The bullet comparator of the present invention consists of a fixture block having a V-shaped groove running along a long axis of the block and a dial indicator coupled to one end of the fixture, configured so its probe operably moves toward the center of the fixture. A stop block adjustably positions in the V-shaped grove of the fixture. And, at least one floating chamber selectively positions in the V-shaped grove of the fixture. The floating chamber is a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber; the interior chamber has a first ring-contact and at least a second ring-contact on an interior portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A straightness measuring instrument includes a base, two loading units, a center clamping apparatus, and a measure apparatus. The base includes two support rods and a sliding rod. The loading units are mounted on the base and are arranged along an axial direction of the support rods at intervals. The center clamping apparatus is mounted in the base and includes a fixed seat and a movable seat. The measure apparatus is mounted movably around the sliding rod. The loading units are adjustable for easy and quick movement depending on the length of a workpiece. Also, the center clamping apparatus can assist with clamping the workpiece that has different diameters.

Abstract: A system for demonstrating a path of a projectile comprises a flexible wire, a first attachment device connected to a first end of the flexible wire, a second attachment device connected to a second end of the flexible wire, a coupling assembly comprising a trajectory rod attachment device configured to attach to a trajectory rod and a wire attachment device movably connected to the trajectory rod attachment device and configured to attach to the flexible wire.

Abstract: A brass ammunition marking device is disclosed that allows users to mark their ammunition casings, so that users may easily identify and collect their casings at a shooting range for reuse. The brass ammunition marking device comprises a chuck for retaining a cartridge, a motor, a cylindrical component, and two marking device. The marking device is inserted into at least one of the opposed open ends of the cylindrical component with the marking tip side inserted first, such that the marking tip contacts the exterior surface of the ammunition cartridge and creates a mark. Further, the chuck retains the cartridge, and the motor is in electrical communication with the chuck for rotating the cartridge about an axis. The motor further comprises a drive shaft that contacts the chuck and rotates the cartridge, while the cylindrical component is held stationary. Additionally, the motor is typically powered by a battery.

Abstract: A primer pocket gauge tool for handloading ammunition is provided, in which the size of the pocket can be verified prior to installation of a specific primer thereinto. The device comprises an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to verify that the pocket meets the minimum dimensions for a specific primer, and the second end adapted to verify the pocket is below the maximum diameter for the same primer. The first end has a diameter and a depth marker to measure the diameter of the primer pocket and its depth, while the second end has a diameter equal to the maximum allowable primer pocket diameter for the given primer. The user verifies the pocket tolerances for a specific primer prior to installation. Also contemplated are individual maximum and minimum gauge members, and incorporation into a swage tool.

Abstract: The system includes a rotation disengagement mechanism configured to disengage a rotatable shaft from a powered drive unit such that upon disengagement the powered drive unit is no longer able to rotate the shaft. After disengagement, the rotatable shaft may reengage the powered drive unit at only one rotational position relative to the rotation disengagement mechanism. A target coupled to the shaft is thus always in a known home position. The systems and methods further comprise smart positioning logic that assigns a number designation to four rotational orientations spaced 90° from one another.

Abstract: A portable target comprising: (a) a complaint, energy-absorbing backer; (b) a target on a surface of said backer; and (c) a support mechanism for holding said surface of said backer in a vertical position.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring the headspace dimension of a firearm chamber. The gauge includes a first member coupled to a second member in a telescopic fashion. The first and second members may be positioned in an open firearm chamber. With the firearm chamber subsequently closed, the first and second members are moved into a position that gives the actual headspace dimension and locked in that position. The gauge may then be removed from the chamber and measured to give the user the actual headspace dimension.

Abstract: An assault weapon locking wedge gage tool assembly includes a main body portion; at least one limit stop plate assembly connected to the main body portion; an interchangeable locking wedge stop connected to the limit stop plate assembly and configured to engage a locking wedge of a weapon; a moveable gage ball plunger positioned in the limit stop plate assembly and contacting the locking wedge; at least one position indicator operatively connected to the moveable gage ball plunger, wherein the position indicator displays a relative position of the locking wedge with respect to a known position of the locking wedge stop. The assembly includes an interchangeable ring configured around the main body portion.

Abstract: Ammunition measurement tools include a frame having a reference surface adapted to contact a first caliper jaw of a pair of calipers, a gauge element attached to the frame and movable, the gauge element defining a plurality of apertures of different selected diameters, each aperture diameter corresponding to a diameter of a selected part of a cartridge, the gauge element being operable to move to position a selected aperture in registration with a second jaw of the pair of calipers such that the distance from the aperture to the second jaw may be measured to determine a length dimension of a cartridge positioned in the aperture. The gauge element may be rotatably connected to the frame to rotate about an axis. The frame may include an attachment facility operable to secure to the jaw of a pair of calipers.

Abstract: Ammunition measurement tools include a frame having a reference surface adapted to contact a first caliper jaw of a pair of calipers, a gauge element attached to the frame and movable, the gauge element defining a plurality of apertures of different selected diameters, each aperture diameter corresponding to a diameter of a selected part of a cartridge, the gauge element being operable to move to position a selected aperture in registration with a second jaw of the pair of calipers such that the distance from the aperture to the second jaw may be measured to determine a length dimension of a cartridge positioned in the aperture. The gauge element may be rotatably connected to the frame to rotate about an axis. The frame may include an attachment facility operable to secure to the jaw of a pair of calipers.

Abstract: A tool for a firearm provides a member including a curved edge forming a comparison template adapted for comparison with feed slot elements of an ammunition magazine suitable for use with the firearm, for determining curvature corrections needed for the feed slot elements.

Abstract: A dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus and system comprises an adjustable frame allowing the frame to adjust to fit any size bow. An air ram is used to controllably draw the shooting string as needed. A reference laser alignment module is mounted to a bow riser and allows a user to consistently and reliably align any bow for optimum performance based on the particularities of the selected bow subject to wear, defects and design constraints. The system removes the guesswork and allows a user to optimize any bow. A laser equipped arrow works in conjunction with the alignment module to allow the user to correctly position the shooting rest and nock indexer, and expose all functional anomalies. The system allows a user to completely quantify the performance parameters of bow performance including speed and spine tests. The system serves all major alignments and repairs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related systems and devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges. The present invention also provides targets and methods of using the systems to achieve enhanced shooting accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related systems and devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges. The present invention also provides targets and methods of using the systems to achieve enhanced shooting accuracy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tuning an archery bow are disclosed, including providing a bow having a string, providing a laser plane, rotating the laser plane to be inline with the string and aligning the bow to the laser plane.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the overall length of a firearm is constructed with a rectangular base with a back plate affixed perpendicular to the base. One end of the base is fixed with a plate attached perpendicular to the base. The other side of the device has a movable plate that rides back and forth on a rail. Underneath the rail is a ruler which is used to read the overall length of the firearm. The design of the fixture will allow for repeatable measuring of firearms. Also, the sliding plate ensures the furthest point of the firearm is that being measured regardless of the angle at which the barrel is cut.

Abstract: This apparatus is designed to accurately measure or compare loaded or unloaded ammunition cartridges of all shapes and sizes. It measures between the base of a cartridge and any of its flat or tapered surfaces above. This apparatus is comprised of an adjustable v-block that is secured to the stem of a digital or mechanical indicator that is mounted on a vertical shaft above a flat pedestal. As the v-block and stem are raised, a cartridge case is then positioned between the v-block and the pedestal of this apparatus. The cartridge can then be engaged by lowering the v-block to contact any upper location on a cartridge. After this v-block rests on any upper location of a cartridge, the indicator is then reset to zero. The indicator is then prepared to measure or compare the difference of each cartridge in relation to its base. The measurement from the cartridge shoulder to its base is known as headspace. The measurements taken from the bullet back toward the base will reveal variations in bullet seating depth.

Abstract: This apparatus is designed to accurately measure or compare loaded or unloaded ammunition cartridges of all shapes and sizes. It measures between the base of a cartridge and any of its flat or tapered surfaces above. This apparatus is comprised of an adjustable v-block that is secured to the stem of a digital or mechanical indicator that is mounted on a vertical shaft above a flat pedestal. As the v-block and stem are raised, a cartridge case is then positioned between the v-block and the pedestal of this apparatus. The cartridge can then be engaged by lowering the v-block to contact any upper location on a cartridge. After this v-block rests on any upper location of a cartridge, the indicator is then reset to zero. The indicator is then prepared to measure or compare the difference of each cartridge in relation to its base. The measurement from the cartridge shoulder to its base is known as headspace. The measurements taken from the bullet back toward the base will reveal variations in bullet seating depth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related systems and devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges. The present invention also provides targets and methods of using the systems to achieve enhanced shooting accuracy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tuning an archery bow are disclosed, including providing a bow having a string, providing a laser plane, rotating the laser plane to be inline with the string and aligning the bow to the laser plane.

Abstract: A dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus and system comprises an adjustable frame allowing the frame to adjust to fit any size bow. An air ram is used to controllably draw the shooting string as needed. A reference laser alignment module is mounted to a bow riser and allows a user to consistently and reliably align any bow for optimum performance based on the particularities of the selected bow subject to wear, defects and design constraints. The system removes the guesswork and allows a user to optimize any bow. A laser equipped arrow works in conjunction with the alignment module to allow the user to correctly position the shooting rest and nock indexer, and expose all functional anomalies. The system allows a user to completely quantify the performance parameters of bow performance including speed and spine tests. The system serves all major alignments and repairs.

Abstract: A firearm measuring device for measuring all external dimensions of a firearm is comprised of an elongated rectangular caliper body member having measurement indicia inscribed thereon. A pair of jaws affixed on the caliper body member, one jaw affixed to a carriage and moveable along the caliper body member, a second jaw permanently affixed at one end of the caliper body member. A drop meter affixed to the caliper body member adjacent to the fixed jaw and vertically adjustable along the length of the drop meter by a channel within the length of the drop meter. The drop meter having a measurement indicia inscribed thereon. An extension member for attachment to the caliper body member having a bottom tooth-shaped configuration which is positioned on a gun barrel. The extension member having a magnetic means recessed within the extension member for securing the extension member in combination with the caliper body to the gun barrel eliminating need of holding the device during operation.

Abstract: A dartboard positioning device and method includes a housing that has a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The back wall is arcuate and abuttable against an edge of a dartboard. A center mark indicator is positioned on the first side wall. A distance measuring assembly is positioned in the housing and is adapted for determining a distance from the center mark indicator to a selectable point. A laser pointer mounted on the first side wall defines the center mark indicator and is adapted for directing a point of light away from the housing. The laser pointer is angled with respect to the housing so that the point of light strikes a floor surface spaced 7? 9.25? from the first side wall when the center mark indicator is positioned 5? 8? above the floor surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a clearance between feed lips of an ammunition magazine includes a generally T-shaped member including a support portion and a measuring portion that is generally perpendicular to the support portion; the measuring portion including first and second surfaces, the first surface having a width that is less than the clearance between the feed lips and the second surface having a width that is greater than the clearance between the feed lips.

Abstract: In combination, a meat product selected from the group consisting of beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fowl and fish and a thickness gauge for meat products. The thickness gauge includes a base platform and a generally upright stand mounted on the base platform. A thickness gauge support arm is pivotably and height adjustably mounted on the generally upright stand, the thickness gauge support arm further includes a pivoting elbow formed therein. A digital thickness gauge is mounted on the outer end of the thickness gauge support arm, the digital thickness gauge including a vertically adjustable indicator head for engaging the meat product. Finally, the digital thickness gauge is operative to measure the thickness of the meat product by the computing the distance of vertical movement of the indicator head of the digital thickness gauge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the accuracy of a telescopic sight used on a projectile weapon. The method allows an individual to effectively and efficiently “sight in” their firearm sight based on performance shot pattern in a target at pre-determined range values. The method utilizes a series of static gauges that represent uniform incremental indicia thereon that correspond to telescopic sight range adjustment input values. The gauges are placed on the target to indicate the required adjustment to be made to achieve an accurate shot performance at a given distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wear of a doctor blade includes measuring members placed around the doctor blade for measuring at least one dimension of the doctor blade. The measuring members are arranged to permit longitudinal movement of the doctor blade between the doctor blade and the measuring members. In addition, measurement sensors are connected to the measuring members to obtain a continuous measurement result when the doctor blade or the apparatus is moved. The invention also relates to a method in the measurement of wear of a doctor blade and in controlling a paper machine.

Abstract: The device comprises a target member (4) and a support (1) for supporting the target member. The support includes a receptacle head (12) for the target member, including a housing (15) open to the outside via an outwardly flared frustoconical seat (16). The target member includes a flange (42) having a spherical annular lateral surface adapted to bear tangentially against the seat (16), and a plate (45) upstanding perpendicularly on the flange in an equatorial plane an imaginary sphere (44) of which the lateral surface of the spherical annular flange is part. The plate has two parallel plane retroreflecting faces and a hole (46) passing completely through it and centered on an axis perpendicular to the faces of the plate and passing through the center of the spherical surface, and the hole is open at both ends via a bevel (461).

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the concentricity of cartridges (30, 31), more particularly rifle cartridges, is essentially composed of a main body (1) provided with chambers (2) for cartridges of one or a plurality of calibers. The cartridges are radially retained in the chambers by so-called diameter compensators (9) but rotatable about their longitudinal axis. In the area of the point (39) of the projectile, an access for a measuring means (3) is provided, e.g., a dial gauge, the latter indicating the deviation of the projectile from perfect concentricity by the magnitude of its deflection variation when the cartridge (30, 31) is rotated. An aligning device (4) that is preferably also provided allows to exert a lateral pressure on the projectile in order to obtain an improved concentricity.

Abstract: The invention relates a bow vice that permits easy leveling of the vice in a horizontal plane. The vice has a base with a plurality of securing holes and having a base pocket on a first surface; a pivoting block having an attachment member for holding an object and having a pivot pocket on a first surface; a ball bearing disposed in said base pocket and said pivot pocket and holding said pivoting block and said base apart in spaced apart relation to each other; and a plurality of pivot bolts having a first end attached to said pivoting block and a second end attached to said base, said plurality of pivot bolts configured to pivot said pivoting block with respect to said base in two horizontal directions to thereby level said pivot block.

Abstract: A range finder for hunting applications. In one embodiment, a range finder includes a cylindrical main housing, a range finder circuit, a display housing, a display and one or more brackets. The range finder circuit is contained in the main housing. The display housing is couple to a first side of the main housing. The display is received in the display housing and is in electrical communication with the range finding circuit. The one or brackets are selectively coupled to a second side of the main housing, wherein the second side of the main housing is opposite the first side of the main housing. In addition, the one or more brackets are adapted to couple the main housing to a portion of a hunting weapon.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the concentricity of cartridges (30, 31), more particularly rifle cartridges, is essentially composed of a main body (1) provided with chambers (2) for cartridges of one or a plurality of calibers. The cartridges are radially retained in the chambers by so-called diameter compensators (9) but rotatable about their longitudinal axis. In the area of the point (39) of the projectile, an access for a measuring means (3) is provided, e.g., a dial gauge, the latter indicating the deviation of the projectile from perfect concentricity by the magnitude of its deflection variation when the cartridge (30, 31) is rotated. An aligning device (4) that is preferably also provided allows to exert a lateral pressure on the projectile in order to obtain an improved concentricity.

Abstract: The invention relates a bow vice that permits easy leveling of the vice in a horizontal plane. The vice has a base with a plurality of securing holes and having a base pocket on a first surface; a pivoting block having an attachment member for holding an object and having a pivot pocket on a first surface; a ball bearing disposed in said base pocket and said pivot pocket and holding said pivoting block and said base apart in spaced apart relation to each other; and a plurality of pivot bolts having a first end attached to said pivoting block and a second end attached to said base, said plurality of pivot bolts configured to pivot said pivoting block with respect to said base in two horizontal directions to thereby level said pivot block.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the concentricity of cartridges (30, 31), more particularly rifle cartridges, is essentially composed of a main body (1) provided with chambers (2) for cartridges of one or a plurality of calibers. The cartridges are radially retained in the chambers by so-called diameter compensators (9) but rotatable about their longitudinal axis. In the area of the point (39) of the projectile, an access for a measuring means (3) is provided, e.g. a dial gauge, the latter indicating the deviation of the projectile from perfect concentricity by the magnitude of its deflection variation when the cartridge (30, 31) is rotated. An aligning device (4) that is preferably also provided allows to exert a lateral pressure on the projectile in order to obtain an improved concentricity.

Abstract: The present invention is a pool training device, including a base configured to be placed on a pool tabletop surface, a mounting mechanism secured to the base, and a truncated circular element perpendicular to and attached to the base via the mounting mechanism. When attached, the height of the assembled device is equal to the height of a pool ball. The truncated circular element has an orifice extending perpendicularly through the center of the truncated circular element.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the concentricity of cartridges (30, 31), more particularly rifle cartridges, is essentially composed of a main body (1) provided with chambers (2) for cartridges of one or a plurality of calibers. The cartridges are radially retained in the chambers by so-called diameter compensators (9) but rotatable about their longitudinal axis. In the area of the point (39) of the projectile, an access for a measuring means (3) is provided, e.g. a dial gauge, the latter indicating the deviation of the projectile from perfect concentricity by the magnitude of its deflection variation when the cartridge (30, 31) is rotated. An aligning device (4) that is preferably also provided allows to exert a lateral pressure on the projectile in order to obtain an improved concentricity.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive system is provided for detecting and visually indicating the relative location of the impact on a target of an invisible infrared laser beam emitted from a small arms transmitter (SAT) mounted on a combat rifle. A plurality of red LEDs are mounted on a planar PCB that serves as the target and are arranged along X and Y axes corresponding to azimuth and elevation. A plurality of photo-diodes are mounted on the PCB for generating output signals when struck by the laser beam. The photo-diodes are clustered around the intersection of the X and Y axes. A circuit mounted on a reverse side of the PCB is connected to the plurality of photo-diodes for receiving their output signals. The circuit energizes one or more of the red LEDs to provide a pattern of illumination of the LEDs that represents azimuth and elevation deviation of the laser hit from the intersection of the axes when the SAT is fired with the intersection of the axes in the iron sights of the rifle.

Abstract: A measuring machine having a base (10), a touch signal probe (P), a moving mechanism (20) for retaining the touch signal probe (P) movably in three-dimensional directions, and a controller (60) for controlling a movement of the moving mechanism (20) and for acquiring coordinates value of respective axes based on a contact signal from the touch signal probe (P) to measure a dimension etc. of a workpiece based on the coordinates value is provided. Main structural members structuring the moving mechanism (20), more specifically, a column (21), a supporter (22), a X-beam (23), a Z-axis structure (25) and a Z-axis spindle (26) are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy including aluminum as main component, which has large thermal conductivity, thereby making temperature distribution uniform to improve geometrical accuracy.

Abstract: A laser is adapted for attachment to an arrow such that a beam projected from the laser is colinear with an axis of a shaft of the arrow. A first target has a first marking and a second marking thereon. The first and second markings are positioned such that when the laser is attached to the arrow, and the arrow is drawn on a bow, and the beam from the laser is projected on the second marking, and a person drawing the bow visually aligns the first marking with a sighting pin and a peep sight on a string of the bow, and the bow is a first pre-determined distance away from the first target, the sighting pin is properly aligned for aiming the arrow without the laser thereon from the bow toward a second target which is positioned a second pre-determined distance away from the bow.

Abstract: A bow mount includes a support member, a frame member, and two clamping arms. The clamping arms are spaced from each other and extend laterally from the front side of the frame member. A bow is secured in the clamping arms. The frame member is then rotated and tilted with respect to said frame member to determine the level conditions of a bow. An arrow is then attached to the bow string and an arrow stabilizer. The arrow rest is then placed and the sight pins are properly aligned.

Abstract: A tool is provided for the consistent positioning of a tube initiator agat the inside wall of a casing of an explosive device a fixed height above the bottom of the casing. The tool has a base plate with at least one hole formed therein that is sized to form an interference fit with the end(s) of the tube initiator that will reside within the device's explosive material. A spacer is attached to the plate and extends away from the plate in the same direction as the tube initiator. A handle or grip is attached to the plate and extends away from the plate in a direction opposite that of the spacer.