Angle Patents (Class 33/534)
  • Publication number: 20040250436
    Abstract: The tool kit comprises a set of angle gauges for measuring angles in a workpiece being formed in a sheet metal bender, and printed math tips and charts related to the angle gauges. Each angle gauge has an elongated shape with juxtaposed longitudinal base surface and longitudinal angled surface, and an indicia thereon indicating a nominal angle. The angled surface makes a true angle with a transverse projection of the base surface. This true angle corresponds to the sum of the nominal angle on the indicia plus a supplement angle. The nominal angles on the angle gauges in the set are different from each other, and the supplement angle is common to all angle gauges in the set. The supplement angle corresponds to the slope of the nose bar in the sheet metal bender. The entire set can be used on a same bender to measure different angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Perry McAdam
  • Patent number: 6813843
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating alignment between a work surface of a work piece includes a base having three switches that contacts the work surface. The switches each activate a respective visual indicator to indicate when a desired alignment condition is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Guy R. Faubion
  • Patent number: 6813842
    Abstract: A filler gauge with flexible measurement is disclosed in the invention. The invention provides a filler gauge that is easy to be manufactured and able to lower cost as well as increase scope of measurement. In addition, each single unit of the filler gauge is made of plastic material that is flexible, bendable, and able to be trimmed so that various objects to be measured can be measured by suitable single units. Moreover, a ruler area and an angle-measuring area are further provided on each single unit so that a filler gauge capable of doing thickness, depth, and angle measurements is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Yieh Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6804895
    Abstract: An angle measuring tool having pivotally connected members and an angle measurement index with and off center portion positioned so that upon the rotation of one member with respect to the other the angle between the two members can be accurately determined with no possibility of slippage of the angle measurement index due to the off center portion mating with one of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Marc Lev Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20040181956
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for defining elastic deformations and integral angle between of the most important parts of a gyratory compactor, in which method the angle of gyration of a gyratory compactor is measured during the use of the gyratory compactor. The object of the invention is also a device in accordance with the claim 1, which device includes measuring elements (13, 20, 27, 28) for measuring the angle of gyration of a gyratory compactor. Characteristic to the method in accordance with the invention is the fact that a loading device (1) is adjusted in the place of mass specimen, the loading of which on the gyratory compactor is earlier known and that the gyratory compactor will be in use while the loading device (1) is inside the gyratory compactor. Characteristic to the device in accordance with the invention is the fact that the device includes at least one loading device which can be placed inside the specimen cylinder mold of the gyratory compactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Antti Paakkinen
  • Patent number: 6766584
    Abstract: The gage has a body made of flat plate which has a reference edge. Another edge is a gage edge which is angular and defines a sharp apex away from the gage edge. A foot is slidable along the gage edge to rotate the gage body around the sharp apex pivot. Indicia indicate the angle at different foot positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Paul J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 6766583
    Abstract: This invention provides an angle gauge that, when used in conjunction with a caliper or other linear measuring device, improves both the precision and ease with which angles can be measured and set by allowing the user accurately to measure and set angles in fractions of degrees. Using the gauge, an angle formed by the gauge may be determined or set by reference to the linear distance measured by the caliper. Calculations or tables can be used to convert the linear measurements into the angle setting or measurement with great accuracy, or the capacity to calculate the angle corresponding to the linear measurement can be built (i.e. programmed) directly into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: John Economaki
  • Patent number: 6732438
    Abstract: A rotary position sensor for an rotating shaft includes a planetary gear set and a potentiometer. The planetary gear set is coupled to the rotating shaft. The potentiometer is coupled to the rotating shaft and the planetary gear set and is adapted to measure a rotary position of the rotating shaft and responsively generates a position signal. The planetary gear set is adapted to reduce multiple rotations of the rotating shaft to less than a full rotation of the potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald John Enzinna
  • Patent number: 6722050
    Abstract: A bend-angle measuring device used to measure the bend angle of bent tubular components. The bend-angle measuring device makes use of a combined linear and rotational motion of a movable arm to gain access to numerous bent configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Winton Machine Co.
    Inventor: George R. Winton, III
  • Publication number: 20040065387
    Abstract: The guide controls the angle of stock on the working surface of a workbench. The guide is slidable along a guide rod and has a rotary element to which a backing block is attached for supporting the stock. The rotary element is provided with a detent which causes the element to move in predetermined increments as it rotates. The guide is rotatable about the guide rod so that it may be swung away from the working surface when the guide is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Darrin Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 6671972
    Abstract: An angle measuring instrument that includes an outer component having a front face and an inner component, wherein the outer component is rotated relative to the inner component about an axis of rotation and the outer component lies further from the axis of rotation than the inner component along a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation. A seal formed between the outer component and the inner component and wherein the front face includes a conduit, which leads radially outward and is located lower with respect to the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Mitterreiter, Johann Lahr, Dietmar Richter
  • Patent number: 6651352
    Abstract: A device and a method for measuring wrist motion is provided. The device allows for direct determination of wrist position in the radial/ulnar and flexion/extension planes, without needing calibration or determination of the center of rotation of the wrist. The goniometer forearm component is adapted to be releasably affixed to a forearm of a user. A hand component is also provided adapted to be releasably affixed to a hand of the user. The displacement measuring devices include cables adapted to be connected to the hand component. The displacement measuring devices are configured to ultimately measure angular displacement of the hand component relative to the forearm component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Liberty Mutual
    Inventors: Raymond W. McGorry, Chien-Chi Chang, Patrick G. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 6644102
    Abstract: A device for measuring alignment of a golf club is provided, and allows measurement of the lie angle and loft angle simultaneously. The strike face of the club is placed against an abutment member that is fixed to a base member, and held in place with a clamping member. An alignment member is coupled to the base member and spaced from the clamping member in generally opposing relation thereto. The alignment member is movable with respect to the clamping member to receive the golf club shaft in a cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Donald T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6644081
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the orientation of trim tabs on a helicopter rotor blade includes a gage, a bender and a calibrator plate. The gage is secured to the calibrator plate which holds the gage in an orientation that simulates a rotor blade with trim tabs at zero degrees so that the gage can be zeroed. The gage is then removed and positioned on a rotor blade. Because the gage is supported on the blade by rollers, it is free to roll along the length of the blade and may thereby be positioned and repositioned quickly. Once in position, the bender is applied to the trim tabs adjacent to the gage and tightened using thumb screws. The handle of the bender allows the trim tabs to be adjusted while verifying that the amount of adjustment indicated by the gage dial indicator matches the preselected angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Keith Berry
  • Patent number: 6618953
    Abstract: A leveling assembly for setting a vertical prop is comprised of an inclined surface setting member 20 and a horizontal surface forming member 30. The horizontal surface forming member 30 has a horizontal surface 32 to be adjusted to a horizontal position and an opposite first adjusting surface 31 that is not parallel to horizontal surface 32. The inclined surface setting member 20 has a setting surface 21 facing a slope inclined surface 11 and an opposite second adjusting surface 22 facing the first adjusting surface 31 which is not parallel to the setting surface 21. The horizontal surface forming member 30 and the inclined surface setting member 20 are placed on top or each other, and the horizontal surface 32 is adjusted to the horizontal position relative to the slope inclined surface 11 by rotating the members relative to each other to change the degree angle between the horizontal surface 32 and the setting surface 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Shuhei Izumi
  • Publication number: 20030167648
    Abstract: A bend-angle measuring device used to measure the bend angle of bent tubular components. The bend-angle measuring device makes use of a combined linear and rotational motion of a movable arm to gain access to numerous bent configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: George R. Winton
  • Publication number: 20030154613
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby a succession of elements (1) designed to be placed against the structure to be monitored by pressing the baseplate (4) of each element against a surface of the structure. The elements (1) are linked by articulations (2) and the mutual angular deflection of the elements (1) is read by sensing devices (19). The signal from the sensors is processed by a processing unit (29). The invention is useful for very simple installation of an essentially prefabricated and pre-cabled detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Bernard Hodac
  • Patent number: 6594913
    Abstract: The protractor has a body which has three reference surfaces, two being parallel and one being at right angles to them. A web between the surfaces carries a protractor dial which is rotatable on the protractor body. The dial carries a reference surface and can be set in position by means of a visual indicia, by sine measurement, or by memory links. Great accuracy can be achieved by use of the sine measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Reilly
  • Patent number: 6560887
    Abstract: A pipe angle measuring tool and pipe angle marking tool are defined. A template is also defined which is a flexible substrate, such as paperboard, on which images of the tools are printed. A user may create the tools by cutting them out of the paperboard with ordinary scissors or by separating lines of weakness provided in the substrate. The tools are useful in measuring an angle between two pipes and marking the angle on a part of a selectable angle pipe elbow. The template is inexpensive to produce and can, therefore, be provided to purchasers of selectable angle pipe elbows at little or no charge to the purchaser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis S. Byrnes
  • Publication number: 20030051361
    Abstract: This invention provides an angle gauge that, when used in conjunction with a caliper or other linear measuring device, improves both the precision and ease with which angles can be measured and set by allowing the user accurately to measure and set angles in fractions of degrees. Using the gauge, an angle formed by the gauge may be determined or set by reference to the linear distance measured by the caliper. Calculations or tables can be used to convert the linear measurements into the angle setting or measurement with great accuracy, or the capacity to calculate the angle corresponding to the linear measurement can be built (i.e. programmed) directly into the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: John Economaki
  • Patent number: 6526671
    Abstract: An adapter for a precision inspection instrument used for measurement of rollers or rolls in the paper, steel, film industry, without contacting the rollers or rolls. The adapter employs a high pressure fluid, such as compressed air, which emerges through a plurality of nozzles to form an air cushion for supporting the adapter nears the roller. Additionally, the adapter can be provided with adjustable, specifically defined surfaces having nozzles for forming the air cushion on rollers of various dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pruftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventor: Michael Hermann
  • Publication number: 20030019113
    Abstract: A steering column module is proposed comprising a steering angle sensor, wherein the code disc (27) of the steering angle sensor (3) is disposed therein such that the space which can be used for a signal transmission case (1) is enlarged. The steering angle measurement is insensitive to inaccuracies in the steering column (5) and the steering wheel. The steering angle sensor can furthermore be mounted and its function can be checked outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kofink, Christian Reutz
  • Patent number: 6510618
    Abstract: A free-standing angle gage is described having a first substantially flat plate connected to a second substantially flat plate. When the angle gage is placed on the reference surface of a power tool, the sides of the first and second substantially flat plates form angles to the reference plane. By aligning an adjustable element of the power tool against one of the angled sides of the angle gage, the angle formed by the adjustable element the reference surface may be determined quickly and accurately. Also described is a method of measuring the angle formed by an adjustable element of a power tool relative to a reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Frank J. Tomiser, Jr., Kiyoshi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 6510615
    Abstract: The model airplane control surface position measurement system and method uses an adjustable ruler scale attached to a support stand in combination with a laser device attached to the trailing edge of a control surface of the model airplane. The laser device may be adjusted to orient the light beam axis to be approximately perpendicular to the control surface hinge axis. The ruler scale may be positioned behind the control surface at a distance from the hinge axis using a positioning rod. The support stand is adjusted to orient the positioning rod perpendicular to the ruler scale at a zero angle deflection mark. The ruler scale is also adjusted such that the laser device light beam is incident at the zero angle deflection mark. The model airplane control surface may then be deflected by the control mechanism and the deflection angle observed on the ruler scale at the point of incidence of the laser device light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald D. Budd
  • Patent number: 6477783
    Abstract: An angle measuring device for use in a gyratory compactor. The device is a self-contained unit which is placed in the bottom of the mold and the asphalt or other material being compacted is placed on top of it. Inside the device is a carrier which has two vertically aligned probes which project out from it and touch the walls of the mold. One probe is fixed to the carrier; the other can move independently of the carrier. The difference in extension between the two probes is related to the angle of compaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Transportation
    Inventors: Thomas Philip Harman, Paul Andrew Fuchs, Jr., Thomas Emil Brovold
  • Publication number: 20020162239
    Abstract: An angle measuring instrument that includes an outer component having a front face and an inner component, wherein the outer component is rotated relative to the inner component about an axis of rotation and the outer component lies further from the axis of rotation than the inner component along a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation. A seal formed between the outer component and the inner component and wherein the front face includes a conduit, which leads radially outward and is located lower with respect to the front face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Johann Mitterreiter, Johann Lahr, Dietmar Richter
  • Patent number: 6460263
    Abstract: When a workpiece W whose bend angle is to be measured is slid and pressed on to a rotor (9) in a state where the workpiece has been caused to abut on a first supporting member (7) which is a reference face, the rotor (9) rotates about a rotation center shaft (31) provided on a second supporting member (29), so that the bend angle is measured by reading the rotation angle of the rotor 9 by a detector (39). At this time, the height position of the first supporting member (7) relative to the rotation center of the rotor (9) is adjusted so that the rotation center is positioned within a contacting range R of the workpiece W and the rotor (9). Incidentally, prior to bend angle measurement, the rotor (9) is rotated such that a projection (33) is caused to abut on a stopper (35) provided on the second supporting member (29), thereby performing a calibration. A bend angle measurement can be performed easily, quickly and accurately using a small-sized and light apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Amada Electronics Company, Limited
    Inventor: Masateru Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20020133962
    Abstract: An adapter for a precision inspection instrument used for measurement of rollers or rolls in the paper, steel, film industry, without contacting the rollers or rolls. The adapter employs a high pressure fluid, such as compressed air, which emerges through a plurality of nozzles to form an air cushion for supporting the adapter nears the roller. Additionally, the adapter can be provided with adjustable, specifically defined surfaces having nozzles for forming the air cushion on rollers of various dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Hermann
  • Publication number: 20020133961
    Abstract: A free-standing angle gage is described having a first substantially flat plate connected to a second substantially flat plate. When the angle gage is placed on the reference surface of a power tool, the sides of the first and second substantially flat plates form angles to the reference plane. By aligning an adjustable element of the power tool against one of the angled sides of the angle gage, the angle formed by the adjustable element the reference surface may be determined quickly and accurately. Also described is a method of measuring the angle formed by an adjustable element of a power tool relative to a reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Frank J. Tomiser, Kiyoshi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 6449853
    Abstract: A capacitive angle sensor that is used preferably in motor vehicles includes a sensor housing (2) having a cover (2′) covering the sensor housing (2). A stator (3) and a rotor (4) are positioned in the sensor housing (2), each respectively including a ceramic plate and lying in a plane parallel to the other. The ceramic plates are preferably of an Al2O3 ceramic. Printed electrode structures of electrodes (5, 6), as sensor capacitances and coupling capacitances (7), are located on sides of the stator (3) and of the rotor (4) facing respectively outward. The electrode structures are printed on back sides of the ceramic plates, so that the electrodes (5, 6, 7), upon assembly into the angle sensor (1), are located on the sides of the stator (3) and of the rotor (4) that face respectively away from each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 6447384
    Abstract: Jig for grinding sharp-edged tools. The jig consists of a housing in the form of a casing designed with a passage running through it whose at least one end is flat, plus a seat, also in the form of a casing designed with a passage running through it, located in the passage of the housing and lockable in this housing in an inclined position in relation to the passage in the housing, whereby the seat is provided with a clamping device (4) for firmly holding a tool that is to be ground so that it extends through the passage of the seat, and that the seat has such a length that one end of it extends out beyond the housing at the flat end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Tormek AB
    Inventor: Torgny Jansson
  • Patent number: 6434850
    Abstract: An instrument for measuring the apical angle of a countersink (3). A jig (5) positions a probe (8) with preferably three branches (11) that rest against the inner surface of the countersink. A contact lever (12) pivots on at least one branch, and rests axially inside the countersink. A dial (13) communicates with the contact lever by way of a sensor (14). The sensor rests against the contact lever remote from the articulation (15) between the lever and the branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Krupp Bilstein GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Eiden, Burkhard Jungblut
  • Patent number: 6430829
    Abstract: A gauge for measuring the loft and lie angles of a golf club includes a rod attachable to the golf club with a first pointer mechanism being in alignment with the shaft axis of the golf club. A body is rotatable about the rod into parallel alignment with the sole of the golf club and a first indicator plate is movable with the body and relative to the first pointer mechanism to provide a visual indication of the lie angle of the golf club by showing the angle of rotation of the indicator plate relative to the first pointer mechanism. A face engaging member is pivotally mounted on the body for movement into engagement with the face of the golf club, and a second pointer mechanism is movable with the face engaging member relative to a second indicator plate carried on the body to provide a visual indication of the loft angle of the golf club by showing the angle of rotation of the second pointer mechanism relative to the second indicator plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Williamson, Mitchell E. Bac
  • Patent number: 6385856
    Abstract: An economical, compact guide for introducing multiple bends in one or more planes in a pipe, conduit, or other tube-like item. The guide has a gauge section rotatably attached to a mounting section and is affixable by means of a non-deforming clamp to the end of a pipe segment to be bent. The gauge section has a bend-angle gauge and a bend-plane level. The bend-angle gauge is a plumb arm mounted so as to measure and indicate the bending of a pipe to any degree of bend. The bend-plane guide is a 360° level mounted on an upper face of the plumb arm. Multiple bends are made in the pipe segment without removing or re-aligning the guide. This ensures that the initial reference position is maintained throughout the bending process and ensures that all bends are in the proper bend-plane, thus avoiding “dogging” between successive bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Godin
  • Patent number: 6343423
    Abstract: A base is provided with right angularly disposed scales marked in degrees starting from zero degrees at an intersection of the scales. Indicators are elongate and pointed at their ends and each of different length. Placement of an indicator on the base in a diagonal manner with its ends on separate scales will indicate miter and bevel angles for a compound miter cut of each container panel. Each indicator bears a number to indicate the number of panels in a container having its panels cut using the compound angles identified by the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Laurence L. Hooker
  • Publication number: 20020002777
    Abstract: An angle measuring device for measuring an angular position of a stationary object with respect to an object which is rotatable around an axis of rotation, that includes a rotor which is connected to the rotatable object which rotates about the axis of rotation and a stator that includes a scanning unit for scanning a graduation, which moves in relation to the scanning unit. A coupler is fastened to the stationary object or stator so as to seat the stator on the stationary object that has a contact face which extends transversely with respect to the axis of rotation. The coupler has a contact face that extends transversely with respect to the axis of rotation and engages the clamping face of the stationary object or stator so that a clamping force is generated so as to fasten the coupler to the stationary object and wherein the coupler is fixed against relative rotation, but is radially and/or axially elastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Alan Torr
  • Patent number: 6334257
    Abstract: Electronic angle-measuring device with two legs which are pivotably attached to one another. An angle-measuring sensor having two measurement plates which can be displaced with respect to one another is situated in the pivot point of these legs. At the end which is remote form the pivot point, the legs are provided with a sensor part which is pivotably attached thereto and is connected, via a cord connection, to the measurement plates of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam Instituut Revalidatiegeneeskunde Van de Faculteit Geneeskunde-en Gezondheidswetenschappen
    Inventor: Arie Huibrecht Den Ouden
  • Publication number: 20010037581
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device comprising two rod elements which can be pivoted about a common axis of rotation and form the sides of an angle and whose angular positions towards each other can be detected electronically. The device also comprises a calculator which in accordance with a set angle calculates the distances along straight or curved lines extending between the points defined by the rod elements, as well as a display unit which displays the set angle or the distances detected. Said measuring device can also be used as electronic calculator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Soheyl Akhavan-Sigari, Sasan Harun-Mahdavi
  • Patent number: 6298546
    Abstract: A device and method to position a newly installed grip or to verify the position of one previously installed, quantitatively, in relation to the leading edge of a golf club head or any point referenced by the alignment assembly. The invention includes two components. The first component is an alignment assembly, removably attachable to the shaft for identifying the position of the shaft diameter that is substantially parallel to the leading edge of the golf club head. The alignment assembly is comprised of an alignment rod and removable pointer both mounted on a support providing a substantially planar surface. The second component is a shaft rotation gauge, removably attachable to the shaft for measuring the deviation of any point on a grip or shaft from any position referenced by the alignment assembly. The shaft rotation gauge is comprised of an arched ruled indicator surface attached to and radially extended a predetermined distance from the shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: John Emil Slota
  • Patent number: 6240646
    Abstract: A device for measuring angles, primarily for measuring bending angles attained by press brakes and similar when a piece to be worked is bent between upper and lower pressing tools (1), includes an oscillating device (6) that detects the angled position of the piece to be worked. The detection device comprises a rocker (6) that is connected directly to a detecting mechanism (12) such as, for example, a rotating potentiometer. The rocker is arranged to pivot around an axis (5) that runs parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lower pressing tool. In its turn, the axis shaft (5) is supported by a supporting and displacement device (3, 4) that can displace the axle, and thereby the rocker, towards and away from the piece to be worked at an oblique angle to the relative direction of movement of the upper and lower pressing tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Pullmax Ursviken AB
    Inventors: Ulf Rönnmark, Ingemar Brännström, Rickard Åström
  • Patent number: 6237238
    Abstract: An angle measurement tool in which the assembled components result in only two moving parts that are pivoted relative to each other and wherein the pivot axis is the geographic center of the angle measurement component and wherein a miter joint angle, the correspondent actual angle, the complementary angle of the actual angle and the supplementary angle of the actual angle can be read simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Marc Lev Shapiro
  • Patent number: 6222625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for designating and marking an area. The apparatus consists of a hanger for suspension to a string line. Attached to this hanger is a brace which supports a pivoting laser source. This laser source may be rotated to any desired angle, so that the laser source projects its beam to a desired location for use in marking this location. The desired angle is designated with a compass plate and pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: William R. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6189225
    Abstract: Angle gauge for grinding the lip of sharp-edged tools whereby an adjustable first device is arranged on the frame at one end of the frame that during measurement is intended to be supported against the periphery of the grinding wheel and that through adjustment varies the distance between the said one end and the periphery of the grinding wheel, and an adjustable and rotatable second device is arranged at the other end of the frame and provided with a flat edge that extends towards the periphery of the grinding wheel and that during measurement abuts with periphery of the grinding wheel with the corner edge that faces the first device in such a manner that the flat edge forms an angle with the periphery of the grinding wheel where this angle defines the cutting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tormek AB
    Inventor: Torgny Jansson
  • Patent number: 6119356
    Abstract: Embodiments of a stairway or walkway handrail construction tool are shown and described, each embodiment comprising a frame of four outer members. The members are pivotally joined at or near each end and can thus be moved to form a square or rectangle and variously-angled parallelograms. Whether used on sloping stairs or flat floors, the top and bottom members of the tool will be parallel to each other and to the corresponding stair slope or floor. Thus, the invention may be placed temporarily in the subject location, it may be adjusted up or down according to taste or other criteria to chose a particular configuration for the prospective rail, and then the inventive device may be used to mark, align, plan, and/or visualize the layout of the railing or other feature for its construction. The preferred tool may be fully collapsed to a nearly-flat configuration, to make it very portable and amenable to transport within a case such as a carpenter's level case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Brad G. Frankland
  • Patent number: 6105268
    Abstract: An adjustable measuring device, including two segments pivotally joined at one end and having a measuring arc therebetween, at least one of the segments having an extending member capable of extending across the pivotal joint. The measuring arc provides the measure of angle between the two segments. Inner corners can be measured by placing the two segments against the surfaces defining the inner corner and reading the measuring arc. By extending at least one of the extending members across the pivotal joint, the angle of outer corners can also be measured in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Michael E. Vaughn, Sherri L. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6076270
    Abstract: An improved angle gauge comprising a plurality of upright parallel plates hingedly connected to each other, hingedly connected to a movable linear indicator member and hingedly connected to a frame. The frame is grooved to accept a sliding indicator member imprinted with an indicia. The gauge instantly translates an angle reading taken by a forward pair of parallel plates into a linear reading provided by the slidable linear indicator. The hingedly connected forward hinge plates automatically create a flush-fit between two relative surfaces and an angle reading is instantly recorded on the indicia of the linear indicator in combination with the indicia and pointer located on the frame. A finer adjustment can be made with a manual slide button located on the linear indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Figliuzzi
  • Patent number: 6055737
    Abstract: A quick mount angle measurement gauge to be retro-fitted to a movable machine part provides a cost-effective, portable angle detecting system for machines including press brakes and the like. A rigid tubular housing is secured adjacent the machine being monitored by an adjustable arm fastened by a clamp. An indicator gauge at the front of the housing provides a marked dial. A pointer includes an indicator needle disposed over the dial, and an elongated shaft threadably mated to a longitudinally displaceable actuator within the housing interior. A cable couples the actuator to the movable machine part, so cable-driven actuator movement is directly proportional to the resultant rotation of the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Scylvester L. Sweaney
  • Patent number: 6016605
    Abstract: A device for contactless determination of a rotary angle has a coil body, sensor coils arranged on the coil body so that their inductivity and alternating current resistance values vary in dependence on a relative change of the size of regions of a sleeve-shaped measuring part composed of electrically conductive and/or ferromagnetic material which are associated with the sensor coils, at least one coil being formed as a wire coil which is arranged on a side of the coil body facing the measuring part. The at least one coil has several coil regions extending in a circumferential direction and parallel to an outer surface of the coil body, and in the regions of the coil a winding direction of the at least one coil changes on the catches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Hecht
  • Patent number: 5937530
    Abstract: A kinematic restraint device and method for determining the range of motion of a total knee replacement system are disclosed. The kinematic restraint device is used as a surrogate knee that duplicates the elastic behavior of individual ligaments, tendons, muscles related to a human knee. The kinematic restraint device according to the invention includes a total knee replacement system and at least one cable or cable-spring combination representing a ligament, tendon, or muscle component of the human knee. The kinematic restraint device overcomes hurdles posed by the use of natural knees in pre-operatively determining the range of motion of a total knee replacement system. Furthermore, an outer membrane is used to simulate the viscoelastic effects exhibited by fibrous structures, fatty tissues, and muscle mass enveloping the joint on the total knee replacement kinematics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Martin Masson
  • Patent number: 5887351
    Abstract: The novel inclined plate 360 degree absolute angle sensor is designed to measure the absolute angle created by a base and a rotating surface. The assembly contains a metal inclined plate positioned above four coils so that coils one and two are at the minimum and maximum distance from the plate respectively, while at the same time, coils three and four are equidistant from the inclined plate. Rotation of the plate around a centerline, changes the distance that all four coils with respect to the inclined plate which, in turn, creates a change of the inductance of the coils. This change in inductance may be measured with alternating current bridge technologies in order to provide a measure of absolute angular position of a rotating surface with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: MicroStrain Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W. Mundell