Alignment Patents (Class 33/645)
  • Patent number: 8347518
    Abstract: A screw mount placement device allows an item to be hung levelly and allows the item to be hung in a desired position relative or not relative to already mounted objects on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Richard J. Martinez
  • Patent number: 8307563
    Abstract: Device and method for precisely aligning at least one wire in a plane projecting from a surface on which an end of the wire is anchored. The wire in taut position is held by a fastener rigidly connected to an inclinometer capable of measuring an inclination of the wire. The inclinometer is connected to a mobile member of a structure by a joint having elements articulated with respect to each other in order to allow a relative angular displacement of the elements. The mobile member is movable with respect to the surface in order to allow a positioning of the wire in the plane according to the inclination of the wire measured by the inclinometer free to turn freely according to an axis of the wire. The device is adaptable for aligning two wires forming a precise reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Serge Sarraillon, Guillaume Boivin
  • Patent number: 8286363
    Abstract: A screw mount placement device uses a gear assembly mounted in a housing to allow an item to be hung levelly and further allow the item to be hung in a desired position relative to at least one other already mounted object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Richard J Martinez
  • Publication number: 20120246957
    Abstract: An alignment device or jig that includes a level and a rule which is used for hanging wall supported items. The device includes locator blocks with locator pins for supporting the item and stud finder sensors for locating wall studs. The locator pins extend to protrude from the back side of the jig to allow a mark to be made into the hanging surface when the jig is pressed against the hanging surface. In the event that the item requires a stronger surface to hang onto due to excessive weight, a stud finder system can be utilized. In operation, one or more of picture frames to be mounted to a wall are hung on the device on one or more hangers. The hangers are slidingly spaced along the device scale for desired picture spacing. The device with the frames is placed against the wall and pressed to the wall, wherein the marking points mark the wall at the exact desired points where permanent hangers will be driven into the wall to support the one or more picture frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Roberto R. Daniel
  • Publication number: 20120240422
    Abstract: In a rack extension jig device 9, a protracted direction E of tooth projections 12-14 and an elevational direction H of racks 7, 8 are placed in a coplanar position G. This makes it possible to positively engage the tooth projections 12-14 with the respective rack teeth 7, 8 and half tooth surfaces 7c, 8c so as to set a predetermined pitch interval T at a contact portion between the neighboring racks 7, 8 by only pushing the tooth projections 12, 13, 14 against roots 7d, 8d of the respective rack teeth 7, 8 in perpendicular to the roots 7d, 8d, thereby making a rack adding work easy, quick and user-friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yoshitake Katayama
  • Publication number: 20120233870
    Abstract: An alignment tool is used to ensure proper alignment of a component on a rotating gear relative to a non-rotating platter. The alignment tool includes a first arm member coupled to a locating feature on the gear, and a second arm member that is coupled to the first arm member such that the second arm member is movable relative to the first arm member. When the first arm member is coupled to the locating feature, the second arm member locates off the platter to verify proper alignment. The second arm member is cannot be fitted to the platter when there is improper alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: James S. Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8261463
    Abstract: A device for positioning photographs and the like with respect to each other so that they may be moved as a group as they are repositioned over (or removed entirely from) a workpiece such as a scrapbooking page. In alternative embodiments, the device also serves as a platform for other scrapbooking tools (cutting blades, pens, etc.) that can be applied to one or more of the photographs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Antioch Company, LLC
    Inventor: Bobbi Trisko
  • Publication number: 20120180333
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a nozzle includes a stand and a first sensor in sliding engagement with the stand. The first sensor is positioned to measure a first dimension of the nozzle. A method for measuring a nozzle includes placing the nozzle in a stand, sliding a first gauge along a first surface of the nozzle, and measuring a first dimension of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Christopher D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8209875
    Abstract: A precision shaft alignment system for establishing concentric alignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft that can be configured for stand-alone or retrofitted with an existing measuring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Danny Harris
  • Patent number: 8205347
    Abstract: A tool level indicator is provided. The tool level indicator has a rod sliding in a coiled wire cylinder, with one end having an enlarged helical hook that can be slid onto an actuator barrel when at a substantial right angle to the actuator, then tightens on the actuator barrel as the coil is rotated and attached to the upper actuator pin. The upper coils are spaced such that a particular set of closely wound coils indicates a first tool level at ground and a second particular set of closely wound coils indicates a second tool level at ground when the tip of the rod aligns with the second particular set of closely wound coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Henry Friesen, Alison M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8205349
    Abstract: Provided is an alignment apparatus including holding and rotating means for holding an alignment object and rotating the alignment object, the alignment apparatus including supporting means for supporting that part of the alignment object being rotated which is different from that part of the alignment object which is held by the holding and rotating means. This makes it possible to align the alignment object highly accurately by preventing the alignment object from being deformed, e.g. bent, due to its own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Nakamura, Junichi Katsuragawa, Satoshi Kobari, Tamotsu Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20120151743
    Abstract: A system and method for the installation and removal of monitoring equipment is disclosed. In some embodiments, the monitoring equipment may be installed or removed using a remotely operated vehicle. In certain implementations, the monitoring system includes a sensor assembly connectable to a tubular member, an alignment tool for installing or removing the sensor assembly to and from the tubular member, and an alignment cage for facilitating access of the alignment tool to the sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the alignment tool may be aligned with the sensor assembly for installation or removal as a result of the alignment tool being inserted through the alignment cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: BMT SCIENTIFIC MARINE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Sangel, Andrew Mail, Brian Gallagher, John Engel
  • Patent number: 8196304
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an input shaft of a wind turbine generator with an output shaft of a wind turbine are disclosed. Preferably, the method includes placing a push plate of a wind turbine alignment tool into pressing contact with a selected support flange of a wind turbine generator identified by a misalignment measurement device. With the push plate positioned, an indexing means of the wind turbine alignment tool is advanced along an adjustment link member of the wind turbine alignment tool to impart an alignment force onto the selected support flange to align the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine. The method preferably concludes by rechecking the alignment of the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew J. McBride
  • Patent number: 8191335
    Abstract: A multi-sided framing guide includes a stud side with stud pockets, a nail side with nailing windows, and an intermediate side adjoining the stud and nail sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Kevin Davis
  • Publication number: 20120131809
    Abstract: The invention relates to an alignment device for the aligned and detachable fixing of at least one functional component (10), in particular in the form of a tool holder, to a further functional component (12), in particular in the form of a tool disk, around at least one alignment axis (14), wherein the two functional components (10, 12) have in each case at least one contact face (16, 18) for mutual contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Detlef Sahm
  • Publication number: 20120110868
    Abstract: A system for applying a protective layer on the screen of an electronic device is disclosed. The system includes an alignment tray with one or more alignment lugs molded into the tray. The electronic device is then placed into the tray with the screen up. A combination protective layer/release layer is then placed over the tray and electronic device and holes in the combination protective layer/release layer are then placed over the lugs for proper alignment. The release layer is then removed then either two pieces utilizing a slit that extends through the release layer only or using a pull tab that may be easily separated from the protective layer using a slit or die cut line in the protective layer at the base of the pull tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Lucianno Abbondanzio
  • Patent number: 8112898
    Abstract: A template is provided for positioning at least one ribbon assembly on a garment at a predetermined position relative to the pocket. The template has a template body having a generally two-dimensional profile that is removably positionable on the front of the garment at least partially above the pocket. The template also has ribbon assembly positioning guides positioned on the template body to locate a predetermined position of a ribbon assembly on the garment in spaced relation with the pocket and with the template body. The ribbon assembly positioning guide includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the template and configured to support the ribbon assembly at a position at least partly coincidental with the predetermined position of the ribbon assembly. In other words, when the ribbon assembly is supported on the protrusion, the ribbon assembly is at least partly in the predetermined position. For example, the ribbon assembly may be at the proper elevation (i.e., spaced from the pocket).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Bridger Allen
  • Publication number: 20120023767
    Abstract: A device for positioning photographs and the like with respect to each other so that they may be moved as a group as they are repositioned over (or removed entirely from) a workpiece such as a scrapbooking page. In alternative embodiments, the device also serves as a platform for other scrapbooking tools (cutting blades, pens, etc.) that can be applied to one or more of the photographs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: THE ANTIOCH COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Bobbi Trisko
  • Publication number: 20120024068
    Abstract: An alignment tool for use in inspecting a ring gear of a gearbox. The ring gear includes an outer surface and a plurality of gear teeth extending radially inwardly from the outer surface. The alignment tool includes a support member that extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The support member is removably mountable to the ring gear outer surface such that the leading edge is oriented substantially parallel to a forward surface of the ring gear. A guide member extends outwardly from the support member. The guide member includes a guide edge that is oriented with respect to a centerline of a gear tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: George Rowan Silliman, James Leo Gauthier, Andre Jonathan Filiatrault, Richard John Bever
  • Publication number: 20120023746
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a nozzle segment for use within a turbine nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a nozzle segment including an outer band, an inner band, and at least one vane extending there between, wherein at least one of the inner band and the outer band is formed with a transition piece groove defined therein, positioning an inspection tool in contact with the nozzle assembly such that the inspection tool is aligned relative to the nozzle segment using at least one datum, and verifying an alignment of each transition piece groove using the inspection tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Graham David Sherlock, Christopher Edward Thompson
  • Patent number: 8074545
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein for aligning a block in a microtome attempt to save time, money, and the sample by aligning a block in any rotary or cryostat microtome. One such device for aligning a block in a microtome has a knife holder component removably attached to a knife holder of the microtome and a pin alignment component extending vertically from the knife holder component in a direction substantially parallel to the block. The pin alignment component has a plurality of front pins extending from a front surface of the pin alignment component configured to slide in response to an angle of the block and a plurality of rear pins extending from a rear surface of the pin alignment component and coupled to the front pins. The rear pins are configured to indicate the extension of the front pins from the pin alignment component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: SAIC-Frederick, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Carroll Tabb, Keith Rogers
  • Patent number: 8069579
    Abstract: A train rail alignment and distance system. The train rail alignment and distance system is a durable, highly accurate, portable electronic measurement system that is used for determining both rail inclination and distance between substantially parallel train rail sections during the processes of railway construction, maintenance, and monitoring. The system is designed to work accurately across a wide temperature range and in extreme weather conditions. It is designed to be easily manufactured, configured and maintained. The system also includes several optional integrated features and functions such as: field calibration, factory configuration, GPS and/or USB integration, PC and/or Internet-based communications, and data logging, data storage, and data analysis capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: John Cerwin
  • Patent number: 8056251
    Abstract: A top plate alignment template device for subterranean drilling or boring. The template device includes a frame receivable on a ground site. A plurality of tubular guide bores are provided on the frame, with each of the guide bores arranged at an angle extending downwardly and outwardly from the frame. In one embodiment, each of the guide bores has an axis so that the axes of the guide bores extend from a common center point above the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Regency Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Doyle Oglesby
  • Publication number: 20110252658
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8028434
    Abstract: A multi-purpose spacer provides working surfaces for properly spacing studs, joists, rafters, and decking. The spacer (also referred to herein as a “tool” or “jig”) includes an adjustable spacer for balusters used in staircase railings, deck railings, and the like. The spacer may be constructed of a light metal, preferably aluminum, or suitably rugged plastic, and may also include a removable, padded handle to ease transport and use. Embodiments of the invention provide a spacing tool that is (for all practical purposes and in accordance with typical tolerances in the framing carpentry industry) completely temperature- and humidity-immune as well as waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: James W. McHowell
  • Patent number: 8020307
    Abstract: A system for aligning a device on a body of a vehicle relative to a drive axis of the vehicle defined by a pair of rear wheels. A bar is configured to be wedged against the pair of rear wheels to assume an orientation perpendicular to the vehicle drive axis. A target is configured to be positioned in the line of sight of the device to be oriented. Two substantially equal length elongated members are coupled between the bar and the target such that a parallelogram is created by the bar, the target, and the two elongated members, regardless of the position of the target relative to the vehicle and the bar. Multiple alignment methods are capable of being carried out with the alignment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Frank Schwindt
  • Patent number: 8021086
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for drilling holes or cutting at specified locations on a beam or other material, even if the beam is offset from an ideal beam configuration. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to determine the correct locations of holes in the beam despite the beam's offset and drill holes in the beam according to this determination. The apparatus may be capable of drilling holes at specified locations on a web of an I-beam. In some embodiments, the method comprises determining the correct locations of the holes in the particular beam using the apparatus and drilling the holes in the correct locations in the beam according to that determination. Some embodiments include using one or more clamping mechanisms and one or more drilling members to determine the correct locations of the holes in the particular beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Controlled Automation, Incorporated
    Inventors: Travis A. Rogers, Forney B. Lile
  • Publication number: 20110219635
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for aligning a first article relative to a second article, for example for aligning a nanoimprint template with a semiconductor wafer. The method comprises the steps of: providing said second article with at least one flexible structure fixed relative thereto at least one point, providing a first article having at least one surface relief marking thereon, providing a detector for measuring an interaction of the flexible structure with the surface relief marking and generating detector signals relating to said interaction, identifying with the help of the detector signals the position of the flexible structure and thus of the second article with respect to the surface relief marking and generating relative movement between the first and second articles to achieve a desired alignment between the first and second articles defined by the surface relief marking. In this method and apparatus the flexible structure is brought into contact with the surface relief marking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Universitat Kassel
    Inventor: Ivo Rangelow
  • Patent number: 8006403
    Abstract: An edge detect system, using a torch height control system based on the use of a free floating probe in contact with the workpiece, uses a drop in pressurized air supplied to the probe tip in contact with the workpiece when the probe moves off the plate edge to generate a signal that prevents the torch from following the free floating probe downwardly and thereby prevents the cutting tool from crashing into the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Messer Cutting Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Alan E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8001876
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein for aligning a block in a microtome attempt to save time, money, and the sample by aligning a block in any rotary or cryostat microtome. One such device for aligning a block in a microtome has a knife holder component removably attached to a knife holder of the microtome and a pin alignment component extending vertically from the knife holder component in a direction substantially parallel to the block. The pin alignment component has a plurality of front pins extending from a front surface of the pin alignment component configured to slide in response to an angle of the block and a plurality of rear pins extending from a rear surface of the pin alignment component and coupled to the front pins. The rear pins are configured to indicate the extension of the front pins from the pin alignment component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: SAIC-Frederick, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Carroll Tabb, Keith Rogers
  • Patent number: 7997000
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method are provided for positioning the alignment plumb lines of the guide rails of an elevator, more particularly when installing an elevator during the construction phase of a building. The solution includes at least actuators fixed above the guide rails for moving at least the parts of the alignment plumb lines above the guide rails for positioning the alignment plumb lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Gert Van Der Meijden, Jos Van Den Heuvel
  • Publication number: 20110179744
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing edge protection for timber kit erections is provided in which fixing brackets (103, 105) are attached to a floor cassette (71) or to the top of a wall panel (67), into which a guard assembly (121) is inserted. When edge protection is no longer required the guard assembly is subsequently removed, for example by use of a sling and shackle. Typically, the edge protection is put in place before the floor cassette is lifted into position on the timber kit erection. Vertical members, horizontal members, and fixing brackets for the same are also provided. In addition, an edge locating apparatus, and a corresponding method for locating an upper section of timber kit onto a lower section of timber kit, is provided having a sloping portion to guide the upper section onto lower section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Gordon Smith
  • Patent number: 7984541
    Abstract: An anchor bolt template for use with cardboard molds used to form concrete into footings and other foundations. The template is integrally formed of plastic or some other resilient, light weight material. The most common bolt configuration includes four bolts spaced equal distances from the foundation's center. Thus, the preferred template shape is four arms extending radially from a hub. Each of the arms has bolt location markers labeled with the diameters of several bolt patterns. The arms may be generally C-shaped in cross section so that the depending edges ride on the upper edge of the mold, supporting the lower anchor bolt nut above the concrete. Notches, preferably labeled by mold size, on the bottom of the depending edges of the arms receive the upper edge of the mold so that as heavy concrete is poured into the cardboard mold the sidewall of the mold will not deform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: James Davidson Trust Dated January 4, 2005
    Inventor: James T. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7979998
    Abstract: Described herein is an improved tool and method for installing undermount drawer slides in a cabinet. The undermount drawer slides are of the type commonly used to conceal the drawer slide from a user for improved aesthetics. The tool is designed so that the drawer slide fits snugly and securely to the tool and the drawer slide may be adjusted horizontally or vertically without moving or becoming displaced easily. The method of using the tool provides a means for securely attaching the drawer slide within the cabinet without variation, thereby ensuring that drawers open and close smoothly and securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Neil Ziegmann
  • Publication number: 20110135410
    Abstract: A device comprising a swivel mount and its method of use are described. The device can be used in pairs with a variety of different power tools useful for working on metal or wood. The purpose of the tool is to insure a precise linear alignment between the measuring device and the moving part of the power tool that removes material from the wood or metal. The swivel mount includes a mounting block, a ball shank, and a swivel body mounted on the ball of the shank. The swivel mount attaches to one portion of the measuring device that is linearly adjustable with respect to the material removing part of the power tool. A second swivel mount attaches to a portion of the power tool that maintains a fixed distance with respect to the moving part of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis R. Wisen
  • Publication number: 20110126418
    Abstract: A train rail alignment and distance system. The train rail alignment and distance system is a durable, highly accurate, portable electronic measurement system that is used for determining both rail inclination and distance between substantially parallel train rail sections during the processes of railway construction, maintenance, and monitoring. The system is designed to work accurately across a wide temperature range and in extreme weather conditions. It is designed to be easily manufactured, configured and maintained. The system also includes several optional integrated features and functions such as: field calibration, factory configuration, GPS and/or USB integration, PC and/or Internet-based communications, and data logging, data storage, and data analysis capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: John Cerwin
  • Patent number: 7946052
    Abstract: A concrete column form aligning apparatus is useful for homeowners building decks, sheds or other structures or commercial builders making bridges, parking garages or other structures having column forms. The aligning apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms configured to engage a circumference of the concrete column form each having a securing device to fix and center each platform around the circumference of the concrete column form. Each of the apparatuses have at least one attachment bracket affixed at a predetermined angle, where the attachment brackets on each form linearly aligned at the proper angle with respect to the other attachment bracket on the other platform. A connector mechanism may be secured in the attachment bracket be using joining pieces at a designated length that secures and aligns the forms at the proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: George C. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7941935
    Abstract: A device and method for aligning with a king pin or drawbar swivel eye on a trailer comprising a linear crossbar connectable to a kingpin or drawbar swivel eye to permit measurement along the side of the trailer between one or more axles and the ends of the crossbar for alignment of axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Gulshair Khan
  • Publication number: 20110107615
    Abstract: Described herein is an improved tool and method for installing undermount drawer slides in a cabinet. The undermount drawer slides are of the type commonly used to conceal the drawer slide from a user for improved aesthetics. The tool is designed so that the drawer slide fits snugly and securely to the tool and the drawer slide may be adjusted horizontally or vertically without moving or becoming displaced easily. The method of using the tool provides a means for securely attaching the drawer slide within the cabinet without variation, thereby ensuring that drawers open and close smoothly and securely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Neil Ziegmann
  • Patent number: 7913413
    Abstract: A multi-purpose spacer provides working surfaces for properly spacing studs, joists, rafters, and decking. The spacer (also referred to herein as a “tool” or “jig”) includes an adjustable spacer for balusters used in staircase railings, deck railings, and the like. The spacer may be constructed of a light metal, preferably aluminum, or suitably rugged plastic, and may also include a removable, padded handle to ease transport and use. Embodiments of the invention provide a spacing tool that is (for all practical purposes and in accordance with typical tolerances in the framing carpentry industry) completely temperature- and humidity-immune as well as waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: James W. McHowell
  • Patent number: 7905029
    Abstract: In an adjustment device for the alignment of supporting parts on structures having inherent dimensional tolerances, in particular in an aircraft fuselage, by means of joining surfaces, the joining surfaces form positive shapes and negative shapes corresponding with one another in a form fit. The positive shapes and the negative shapes in each case are arranged in a cross grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Torben Allert, Jens Krüger
  • Patent number: 7900368
    Abstract: A train rail alignment and distance system. The train rail alignment and distance system is a durable, highly accurate, portable electronic measurement system that is used for determining both rail inclination and distance between substantially parallel train rail sections during the processes of railway construction, maintenance, and monitoring. The system is designed to work accurately across a wide temperature range and in extreme weather conditions. It is designed to be easily manufactured, configured and maintained. The system also includes several optional integrated features and functions such as: field calibration, factory configuration, GPS and/or USB integration, PC and/or Internet-based communications, and data logging, data storage, and data analysis capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: John Cerwin
  • Patent number: 7886454
    Abstract: A template for accurately positioning structural components of elevator(s) in a elevator hoistway(s), or of elevator hoistway walls or partitions in a building, includes a thin, flexible sheet of material adapted to be placed on a floor of elevator hoistway(s), has indicia on the flexible sheet of material to show locations, and points of attachment, of elevator structural components which are to be installed in the elevator hoistway(s). Tensioning elements attachable to the flexible sheet of material may be used to square up the flexible sheet of material. The template may be made by forming a thin, flexible sheet of material, providing indicia on the flexible sheet of material, and by providing tensioning elements to square up the flexible sheet of material. The flexible template may be placed on the floor of the elevator hoistway(s), squared, and the squared up template used as a guide to install the major elevator structural components. The template may, alternatively, be made of a substantially rigid, e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Hakan Barneman, Scott Boucher, Angelika Osbon
  • Patent number: 7877891
    Abstract: A clocking bar includes a rod and an indicator located along a length of the rod, wherein the indicator has a pair of indication components with a predetermined spacing therebetween. The bar also includes a hole one locator located along the length of the rod, and a rear hole locator located along the length of the rod. The clocking bar is configured to identify a stack bolt hole one from among a plurality of bolt holes on a rotor through use of a relationship between physical features of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Michael Petroskie, Creston Lewis Dempsey, Roberto Anthony Nunez
  • Patent number: 7877890
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting spatial position, which can be attached via a mounting device to a surgical instrument, which has a longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting device has a through opening, which is penetrated by the instrument, wherein the mounting device is mounted so as to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the instrument, and wherein the mounting device can be immobilized in an axial and a radial direction via two angular ball bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Weber Instrumente GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Weber
  • Patent number: 7878115
    Abstract: A line-pattern formation apparatus includes: a pattern former with a display defining a pattern and a referential projection indicating a reference position of the pattern; a positioning plate including a line-pattern indicator indicating a plurality of patterns in a lateral condition and a reference-positioning indicator specifying the reference position of the patterns; and a positioner including a stand on which a sheet is placed and a fixing member for fixing the sheet placed on the stand. The fixing member is provided with fitting portions for making the positioning plate detachably attached to the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Carl Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayano Yamashita, Naoki Ozawa, Hiroyuki Urabe, Emiko Nakasato
  • Patent number: 7868629
    Abstract: A system, method and structures employing proportional variable resistors suitable for electrically measuring unidirectional misalignment of stitched masks in etched interconnect layers. In an example embodiment, there is a structure (10, 20) that comprises at least one proportional variable resistor (24) suitable for electrically measuring unidirectional misalignment of stitched masks in etched interconnect layers. The structure (10,20) comprises at least a first mask (10) and a second mask (20) that when superimposed comprise at least two test pads (14, 16) and interconnects (12, 22) the resistance between (24) which can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Joseph M Amato
  • Patent number: 7861435
    Abstract: A method of determining an alignment of a floating seal for a turbo machine, including establishing a reference surface on a rotor of the turbomachine that is essentially perpendicular to an instantaneous centerline of the rotor, establishing a control surface that radially aligns a floating seal member that surrounds the rotor, providing an inflatable member arranged between a stationary portion of the turbomachine and a surface of the floating seal, inflating the inflatable member such that the inflatable member urges the floating seal firmly against the control surface, measuring an axial distance between the floating seal and the reference surface at a plurality of locations, determining a parallelism between the facing surfaces of the floating seal and the rotor based upon the plurality of measured axial distances, comparing the determined parallelism with a predetermined threshold, and adjusting an orientation of the control surface based upon the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy E. Whitener, Terrell H. Yon, III, William G. Morgan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7861420
    Abstract: This invention provides a device and a method for aligning concrete forms. It relates to a device and a method which is used in conjunction with hollow, shaped concrete forms such as Sonotube forms in order to align, square and properly site said forms to produce optimally supported structures. The key advantage of this device and method are to eliminate the trial and error practice in the aligning of wood columns on top of concrete forms, to provide the ability to center or off-center posts accurately as required by the project design, to provide the ability to accurately set the hollow, shaped concrete forms for the proper elevation, for the correct location, and for the correct plumb level, and eliminate the need for batter boards or wooden edge forms which are placed outside of the project dimensions and used as inaccurate reference points for measuring the placement location of the hollow, shaped concrete forms along the edges of a project area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Al Schwegler
  • Publication number: 20100319209
    Abstract: Provided is an alignment apparatus including holding and rotating means for holding an alignment object and rotating the alignment object, the alignment apparatus including supporting means for supporting that part of the alignment object being rotated which is different from that part of the alignment object which is held by the holding and rotating means. This makes it possible to align the alignment object highly accurately by preventing the alignment object from being deformed, e.g. bent, due to its own weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Akihiko NAKAMURA, Junichi Katsuragawa, Satoshi Kobari, Tamotsu Sasaki