Abstract: A steer-by-wire system includes a turning device that turns a vehicle wheel; and a steering reaction force control unit that controls a steering reaction force applied to a steering wheel. The steering reaction force control unit is configured to calculate a plurality of kinds of axial forces, calculate a final axial force based on the axial forces, and generate the steering reaction force corresponding to the final axial force. The axial forces include a basic axial force, and an under axial force that becomes smaller than the basic axial force during understeer. The steering reaction force control unit is configured to calculate a degree of understeer reflecting a difference between the basic axial force and the under axial force during the understeer and to reduce the final axial force during the understeer to a value smaller than the basic axial force by an amount corresponding to the degree of understeer.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for quickly and accurately measuring fastener sizes as disclosed.

Abstract: A calibration template for calibrating a machining device that has blocking elements for blocking an ophthalmic lens, and machining elements for machining the ophthalmic lens, the template including a fastener portion suitable for being fastened to the blocking elements and a calibration portion arranged around the fastener portion. The calibration portion is made out of a material that is suitable for being machined by the machining elements, and presents firstly a plurality of shape patterns, and secondly a plurality of visual identifiers each visually associated with one of the shape patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and a system for compensating for thermal expansion and contraction of rail mounted solar panel rooftop systems. In one aspect, a floating end clamp that secures a solar panel in slidable captive cooperation with a mounting rail. In another aspect, a rail splice bridges two mounting rails with a gap between the rails for thermal expansion and contraction. The rail splice includes indicia for setting the gap distance between rails based on ambient temperature at the time of installation. In another aspect, a spacing gauge includes indicia for setting the gap distance between rails based on ambient temperature at the time of installation.

Abstract: The cylindrical ruler is an elongated, hollow, cylindrical tube of known diameter having an axial slit extending the length of the tube. Indicia defining a circumferential scale are disposed around one end of the tube for measuring the length of an arc. Indicia defining a ruled scale extend lengthwise down the tube adjacent the slit for measuring length and width. Since the tube has a known diameter, it may be used to measure the inner or outer diameter of a pipe, the outer diameter or radius of curvature of a cylindrical lens, etc. The tube may also be used as a drawing tool to draw arcs, circles, or rectilinear lines on a cylindrical object. Preferably, the cylindrical ruler is furnished as a plurality of cylindrical tubes of progressively increasing diameter that can telescope within each other for storage and transport in a protective case.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing assembly defining a cavity and a tape port. A measuring tape is selectively extendable and retractable from the tape port. The measuring tape includes a spool portion disposed within the cavity and an end portion. A top surface extends from the end portion to the spool portion, and a bottom surface extends from the end portion to the spool portion opposite the top surface. A hook member is fixedly coupled to a end portion of the measuring tape. A first measurement scale is defined on the top surface and includes indicia having a first orientation relative to a longitudinal tape axis. The bottom surface includes a second measurement scale with indicia having a second orientation relative to the longitudinal tape axis. The second orientation is substantially opposite the first orientation.

Abstract: A tape measuring device for determining bra sizes has band dimension and bra size markings on the outer surface of the tape. The band dimension markings divide a section of the surface by standard units and subunits of band size. The band size markings on the outer surface allow the user to determine the proper band size for a bra based on a single measurement, without the need for any additional calculations or correlations. The bra size markings on the outer surface allow the user to directly determine the proper cup and overall bra size based on the band size determination, again without the need for any additional calculations or correlations.

Abstract: A device (1; 20; 51) for assembling pre-bored (15) elements (2; 3), the elements together having a reference thickness (18) that may vary up to an actual maximum thickness (40), may include a male element (4; 21; 52) having a shank (6; 22; 54) extending in a thread (11; 27) or swaging grooves (59), an external surface (12; 28; 60) having a height (13; 61) equal to a height (14) of the shank, chosen so as to correspond to at least the actual maximum thickness (40) of the elements to be assembled, wherein the external surface has a visual reference mark (16; 35; 63), located at a distance (17) of a lower limit (9; 34; 57), or extending over a distance (17) from a lower limit up to an upper limit (42A; 42B; 65) toward the head.

Abstract: A cooking time measuring scale includes a bendable ruler with cooking times marked at regular intervals. A cooking time pointer is located at a first end portion of the bendable ruler. When the bendable ruler is wrapped around a vegetable body or a fruit body with the cooking time pointer aligned with the cooking times, an ideal cooking time is measured by using the cooking time pointer to indicate a corresponding cooking time.

Abstract: A calibration template for calibrating a machining device that has blocking elements for blocking an ophthalmic lens, and machining elements for machining the ophthalmic lens, the template including a fastener portion suitable for being fastened to the blocking elements and a calibration portion arranged around the fastener portion. The calibration portion is made out of a material that is suitable for being machined by the machining elements, and presents firstly a plurality of shape patterns, and secondly a plurality of visual identifiers each visually associated with one of the shape patterns.

Abstract: An insulation work tool is disclosed that is marked for measurement and comparison with charts thereon for different ratios and grades of pipes, clamps, and insulation as used in the insulation industry, and includes other devices for determination of the proper relationships of dimensions of the insulation, pipes, clamps, and sheet metal, as well as other functions.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and methods for positioning and/or for determining the locations of one structural member such as a stud, rafter or joist on another structural member such as a beam during construction.

Abstract: An insulation work tool is disclosed that is marked for measurement and comparison with charts thereon for different ratios and grades of pipes, clamps, and insulation as used in the insulation industry, and includes other devices for determination of the proper relationships of dimensions of the insulation, pipes, clamps, and sheet metal, as well as other functions.

Abstract: An L-shaped diagnostic tool is preferably made from paper with a backing having a contact adhesive. Each arm has a ruler, with origins co-aligned at the internal corner of the intersection of the arms. One arm has representative color images of afflictions for each of the various ranks within a classification system. The other arm contains textual descriptions of the salient features of afflictions in each rank. A photograph of the L-shaped tool placed around the affliction may be taken for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.

Abstract: The color coding system is for use with a storage bin for fastener parts and tools that assists in identifying and matching the cooperating sizes of fastener parts and tools by using color code markings on the various sizes for tools and fastener parts. The color coding system can readily communicate visually to a user the size of a selected fastener part, the sizes of cooperating fastener parts and the sizes of the cooperating tools for each of the selected fastener parts.

Abstract: A way to safely fry turkeys by minimizing the hazard of overfilling oil, the Turkey Frying Oil Gauge (TFOG) comprises a device and method to properly pre-measure the frying oil used to fry whole turkeys. The Turkey Frying Oil Gauge is duel scale selectable for pot diameter and turkey weight. The turkey frying pot rim is measured and the size is selected on the gauge bottom. The mast is then slid out to view the weight of the turkey to be fried. The gauge is then placed in the bottom of the pot and frying oil is placed in the pot to the top of the gauge. The oil gauge is removed, the oil heated and the turkey introduced without overflowing the oil onto the heating flames.

Abstract: This gauge for mounting a screw in a cage nut or in a nut (23), with the aim of assembling at least two parts (13, 15), comprises a shank (37) with a smooth section (39) having graduations (47) and with a threaded end (41), which are similar to those of said screw. A sleeve (49) is slidably mounted on said smooth section (39). The axial length of said sleeve (49) and the distribution of said graduations (47) are such that, when the shank (37) of said gauge is screwed as far as it will go into said cage nut or into said nut (23) and when said sleeve (49) is pressed against one (13) of said two parts (13, 15), the graduation indicated by said sleeve (49) on said smooth section (39) is representative of the distance separating the thread (43) of said cage nut or said nut (23) from the outer surface of the part (13) situated facing away from this cage nut or said nut (23).

Abstract: A caliper includes two legs pivotably connected together at first ends thereof. Second ends of the legs can abut opposite first and second sides of an object to be gauged. Each leg includes first and second faces extending between the first and second ends. A scale is formed on the first surface of each leg. Each leg further includes an inclined surface between the first and second faces. The size of the object is indicated by an intersection of the scales. The inclined surfaces of the legs abut third and fourth faces of the object so that the gauging result is reliable.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a ruler unit including an elongated plank portion extending along a first direction, two spaced apart positioning members disposed fixedly on the elongated plank portion, and a first measuring portion extending from the elongated plank portion along a second direction. A movable seat is movably mounted on the elongated plank portion and is movable relative to the elongated plank portion along the first direction between a reset position, where the movable seat abuts against one of the positioning members, and a normal position, where the movable seat abuts against the other one of the positioning members. The movable seat has a second measuring portion. A resilient member is mounted between the movable seat and the ruler unit, and biases the movable seat toward the normal position.

Abstract: A way to safely fry turkeys by minimizing the hazard of overfilling oil, the Turkey Frying Oil Gauge (TFOG) comprises a device and method to properly pre-measure the frying oil used to fry whole turkeys. The Turkey Frying Oil Gauge is duel scale selectable for pot diameter and turkey weight. The turkey frying pot rim is measured and the size is selected on the gauge bottom. The mast is then slid out to view the weight of the turkey to be fried. The gauge is then placed in the bottom of the pot and frying oil is placed in the pot to the top of the gauge. The oil gauge is removed, the oil heated and the turkey introduced without overflowing the oil onto the heating flames.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for drawing an instrument across a curve in a surface for constructing an arch. The apparatus comprises a base member having a pivot and a plurality of first indicators and a slidable member having a plurality of second indicators. The slidable member is slidably positionable on the base member. The method comprises pivotably securing the base member to a surface, selecting one of the plurality of first indicators corresponding to the chord height and selecting one of the plurality of second indicators representing the chord height and length of the arch to be scribed. The method further comprises aligning the first and second selected indicators, and rotating the apparatus about the pivot hole so as to draw across an instrument located at a distal end of the slidable member across an arc so as to define the arch.

Abstract: Tool for measuring of the diameter of a body with circular cross section, where two arms (1) are provided in a fixed angle to another, in that a distance sensor device (2) is provided axially between the two arms (1), in that the distance sensor device (2) is adapted to register a contact point for the distance sensor device (2) against the body with respect to the contact points of the arms against the body, and that a viewing device (3) is adapted to calculate and show the diameter of the circle on the basis of the three contact points on the circle.

Abstract: A multifunctional gauge with data and method for changing airflow volume. The gauge has a pair of adjustable opposing fingers for measuring the operating position of a variable pitch pulley and belt width and for verifying the use of a proper belt. The gauge consists of reference charts for use in determining the new operating position of the sheave to change the existing air volume produced by a fan driven by the pulley to a desired air volume.

Abstract: A tape measure has a first scale on one edge of the blade and a second scale on the other edge blade where the second scale is marked in units of length which are equal to the units of the first scale multiplied by the square root of 2. A method to check a right angle measures from a corner to a distal end of a first line using the units of the first scale, measures along a second line an equal length in the first units from the corner and marking a point, by measuring from the distal end to the point using the second scale and by adjusting an angle between the first and second lines at the corner until the distance between the distal end and the point is equal to the length of the first line when measured on the second scale.

Abstract: The Layout Framing Tape provides a quick, actuate, cost effective means of laying out standard and non standard construction framing projects not previously incorporated in prior art. The user can utilize symbols, text, shapes, and a standard/metric ruler to locate these members. The Layout Framing Tape provides a simplified, modified and improved method for locating these building members. By using the appropriate location, the user can eliminate workmanship errors and locate but not limited to suds, runners and various size doors. Additionally, the Framing Layout Tape can be used to locate non standard members using the 48? (1220 mm) ruler as a guide. It is intended to leave the Framing Layout tape in place via an adhesive backing. However, the potions of the tape not covered by a building member may be removed as the trade's person as they see fit to do.

Abstract: A thickness gauge (10) includes a main body (12), a plurality of measuring portions (14) defined along an edge of the main body (12), each measuring portion (14) having a different height, and a numerical pattern corresponding to the height of the measuring portion (14). The thickness gauge (10) only has one main body (12), so the material for making the measuring portions (14) can be reduced. Further more, the thickness gauge (10) is small, and easy to carry.

Abstract: A reference chart apparatus for determining cutting angles of molding strips provides a tape housing containing a pair of tape coils. The top and bottom surfaces of the tape coils are imprinted with cutting guide charts providing miter angle and blade tilt cutting data for corner angles between zero and at least 180°. In addition, the housing defines three angled cutouts measuring 52°, 45°, and 38° respectively, for determining the slope angle of a given piece of molding. Each one of the cutouts is preferably colored with a unique reference color corresponding to an appropriate cutting guide chart sharing the same reference color. A housing clamp is also provided for removably engaging the housing, allowing the housing to be stored and used in a readily accessible area, such as on a miter saw.

Abstract: A temporary fastener includes a grip length indicator. By machining a flattened area into a body of the temporary fastener, by engraving an scale into the flattened area, and by attaching an indicator dot visible in the groove to a moving part of an internal assembly of the temporary fastener, the grip length of the installed temporary fastener may be read directly on the scale while the temporary fastener applies a clamp-up force to a structure. By using the temporary fastener of the present invention, it is possible to determine a fastener hole length while a temporary fastener is installed. Using the method for determining a fastener grip length of the present invention enables the effective determination of the correct fastener grip length for each particular fastener hole of a large structure, such as an aircraft airframe.

Abstract: A measuring device, such as a ruler, tape measure, etc. includes a first edge defining a first region having a first set of indicia corresponding to a first linear scale, and also includes a second edge defining a second region having a second set of indicia corresponding to a second linear scale. Advantageously, each set of indicia consists of hash marks and corresponding numerical values printed or etched on the measuring device. The first linear scale may be actual, e.g., the indicia are spaced apart and labeled with numerical values that correspond to the actual distance between the indicia, while the second linear scale may be non-actual, e.g., the indicia are not spaced apart and labeled with numerical values that correspond to the actual distance between the indicia, such as a linear scale employed on an engineering or architectural drawing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for assisting in installation of a fence covering an area, for example, a garden. The apparatus includes a box and a sheet material housed in the box. The box further includes an opening such that the opening facilitates the sheet material to be withdrawn out of the box. The sheet material includes plurality of equidistant markings disposed along a longitudinal axis of the sheet material. The plurality of equidistant markings serves as indicators for equidistant placement of a plurality of posts of the fence, thereby assisting in correct installation of the fence. In one embodiment, the sheet material includes a biodegradable material. In another embodiment, the sheet material includes a weed-controlling agent.

Abstract: A bed-depth gauge consists of a guide member, a screed member, and means for assembling them for relative movement, for effective depth adjustment, in a vertical direction that is generally perpendicular to a bottom edge of the screed member. The guide member has a pair of arms that extend laterally, at different heights, which are used to engage and follow a fixed reference surface to thereby enable the bottom edge of the screed member to level and control the depth of both a base layer and also an overlying upper layer, comprising a bed prepared for installation of paving blocks and the like.

Abstract: A non-structural shear wall nailing template bears a pattern of shear wall nailing pattern markings. The template is made of an inexpensive sheeting material that will not interfere with the further construction of the building if the template remains in-situ after construction of the shear wall. In one example, the template is a strip. The strip bears lettering that indicates the type of nailing pattern to which the nailing pattern markings conform. After fixing the template to one or more sheathing panels such that the template is aligned in a predefined way with respect to framing members behind the panel(s), nails are driven at the locations of the markings on the template. By driving a nail at the location of each template marking, the shear wall is constructed with proper nail spacing. A set of templates is provided to facilitate nailing in different shear wall nailing patterns.

Abstract: A caliper includes a first leg and a second leg pivotably connected together at first ends thereof First and second abutting portions are respectively formed on second ends of the first and second legs. First and second slots are respectively defined in the first and second legs and between the first and second ends thereof An indicator is slideably received in the first and second slots. The indicator is slideable along the first and second slots to move the first and second abutting portions toward each other until the first and the second abutting portions respectively abut against two opposite sides of an object to be gauged by the caliper. The size of the object is indicated by an indicating portion of the indicator that points to a scale on one of the first and second legs.

Abstract: A tire tread gauge shaped like a rectangular card that fits easily into a credit card slot in a wallet or purse. The card has a tread measurement scale imprinted, engraved, molded or otherwise marked onto one or both sides and is used to measure the remaining tread depth on motor vehicle tires. Other possible embodiments include a card with more or less than 4 sides or a round card.

Abstract: A hunting aid assists hunters in judging the size of animals they intend to harvest. The device is mounted to a support structure such as the leg of an animal feeder, a fence post, or a tree trunk. The invention is oriented such that it faces the anticipated location for viewing and hunting animals, such as a deer blind or stand. The antler width of animals that come to the feeder and device may be readily gauged by using brightly colored zones on the device.

Abstract: A set of rulers for teaching the concept of measurements includes a first ruler having a first group of incremental division lines corresponding to a first group of measured lengths, each line of the first group having a first length and a first color. A second ruler in the set adds a second group of incremental division lines corresponding to a second group of measured lengths, each line of the second group having a second length and a second color, the second group of lines extending from an distal end portion of the first group where the second group of measured lengths corresponds to the first group. A third ruler of the set adds a third group of incremental lines corresponding to a third group of measured lengths, each line of the third group having a third length and color and, where the third group of measured lengths corresponds to the first and second groups, extends from the distal ends of the second group of lines. A method of using the set of rulers to teach is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for rapid hardware sizing includes a ruler-like body having a fixed end and a distal end, a fixed jaw at the fixed end, and a sliding jaw opposite the fixed jaw being slidably connected to the body such that the sliding jaw slides there along from a point immediately adjacent to the fixed jaw to the distal end. A digital logic calculation and display means is secured to the sliding jaw such that it moves along the body with the sliding jaw. A measuring means is in communication with the digital logic calculation and display means, and measures a distance between the fixed and sliding jaws. The distance is then communicated to the digital logic calculation and display means and selectively displayed thereon.

Abstract: A measuring device, such as a ruler, tape measure, etc. includes a first edge having a first set of indicia corresponding to a first linear scale, and a second edge having a second set of indicia corresponding to a second linear scale. The first linear scale may be actual, while the second linear scale may be non-actual, such as a linear scale employed on an engineering or architectural drawing. The indicia of the second linear scale are spaced apart and labeled with numerical values that correspond to the scaled distance between the indicia, and therefore provide an indication of the actual length of an object upon measurement of the length of a corresponding feature on a drawing drawn to scale.

Abstract: A table saw includes a stationary table, a movable table linearly movable relative to the stationary table, a rip fence movable relative to the stationary table and the movable table, and a scale device mounted between the stationary table and the movable table and including a tape measure secured on the movable table to move therewith and having a retractable tape having a distal end secured on the stationary table. Thus, when the movable table is pulled outward from the stationary table to fit a wooden workpiece having a longer cutting length, the user can read the values of the retractable tape of the tape measure of the scale device so as to obtain the cutting length of the wooden workpiece directly.

Abstract: A device for rapid hardware sizing includes a ruler-like body having a fixed end and a distal end, a fixed jaw at the fixed end, and a sliding jaw opposite the fixed jaw being slidably connected to the body such that the sliding jaw slides there along from a point immediately adjacent to the fixed jaw to the distal end. A digital logic calculation and display means is secured to the sliding jaw such that it moves along the body with the sliding jaw. A measuring means is in communication with the digital logic calculation and display means, and measures a distance between the fixed and sliding jaws. The distance is then communicated to the digital logic calculation and display means and selectively displayed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool that can be used to load catalyst into a chemical reactor. In a preferred embodiment, the tool may also be used to measure the outage in the reactor tube. Also in a preferred embodiment, the tool provides a way to prevent dust from accumulating on the upper tube sheet of the reactor while loading catalyst into the reactor tubes.

Abstract: The nut and bolt measuring tool is a clamping hand tool that is used to rapidly and accurately measure the size of nuts, bolts and other similar fittings. The measuring tool has a first arm, a second arm, a medial pivot, and a spring member. The first arm and second arm are pivotally connected medially, and each have a clamping portion that are held together in a closed position by the spring member bias when the tool is not in use. Handle portions on each arm may be squeezed together in order to fit the tool over a fitting to be measured, with the spring member allowing the tool to be locked in place. One handle is equipped with a double-sided measurement arm that engages a pair of pointers on the other handle for making a measurement while the tool is in use.

Abstract: A measuring device for bone screw types of different shaft diameters is described. This measuring device has multiple receiving grooves for bone screws in a surface or an area near the surface. In the area of each receiving groove a length measuring scale, which is associated with one or more of the different bone screw types, is arranged. Also, for each of the receiving grooves a limit stop to work with a received bone screw is provided. The receiving grooves and/or the associated limit stops have a selectivity with respect to the shaft diameter of the bone screw types which can be received in the individual receiving grooves.

Abstract: A multiple component, interactive growth chart assembled from a plurality of growth chart components. The individual components are preferably building block type, and have means for coupling one component on top of another. The components have a disclosed height, so that a user can calculate the height of a person who is positioned proximate a chart comprised of a plurality of assembled components. Preferably, the components have a heart shape. In one embodiment, coupling means are provided to permit lateral and/or other coupling directions, in addition to straight north-south coupling, so as to provide greater play flexibility.

Abstract: A teaching device for teaching students different scales of measure and aiding in the taking of accurate measurements by users of the device includes a first face that is marked with standard units of measure such as feet, inches, and fractions of inches. Each scale represents a different unit of measure scale and is arranged next to smaller scale in an order such that the feet measurement is arranged next to the inch scale. The inch measure is also arranged to the half-inch scale which is arranged next to the quarter inch scale. This continues such that each succeeding scale is arranged between a larger and smaller scale. A second face is marked with scales representing metric units of measurement. Each scale on the second face represents a unit of measurement on one order of magnitude smaller than the preceding scale.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article formed from a generally see-thru sheet of material and having a two-sided marking thereon and a method of applying the two-sided markings to the article. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the article comprises a see-thru sheet of material having a top face and markings thereon and a bottom face such that when viewed from the top face the markings are of a first color and when viewed from the bottom face the markings are of a second color. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the article formed by the process comprising the steps of selecting a sheet of material having a top face and a bottom face, positioning a two-color foil over the sheet of material, and applying heat and pressure to the two-color foil to bond the foil to selected areas of the sheet to form markings such that when viewed from the top face the markings are of one color and when viewed from the bottom face the markings are of another color.

Abstract: A fluid container includes a vessel for holding a fluid, a marker element, and a scale element. The scale element has a scale for indicating a total quantity of the fluid. The marker element and the scale element are adjustable relative to each other to enable an adding up of amounts of fluid and thereby indicate the total quantity of the fluid. The marker element and the scale element are held together by magnetic force and may be detached from each other.

Abstract: A cable installation system for use by a cable installer may include a plurality of cable dispensers having different lengths of cable. In particular, each cable dispenser may also have a non-numeric, length-identifying marking associated therewith corresponding to the length of cable. Furthermore, the system may also include a cable dispenser indicator device for use by the installer to determine a distance between first and second locations, such as a cable tap and a subscriber interface. The cable dispenser indicator device may also provide an indication to the installer of the non-numeric, length-identifying marking corresponding to the determined distance so that the cable installer can select the corresponding cable dispenser from the plurality thereof. By way of example, the non-numeric, length-identifying markings may include a series of different colors and/or graphics for respective length ranges.

Abstract: The navigation device includes a compass module including a base, a permanent dipolar magnet mounted for rotation relative to the base so that the magnet tends to align with the earth's magnetic north, a disc having a display fixed with respect to the magnet, and a transparent cover fixed to the base and arranged over the display surface. The display surface has map indicia for a pre-determined geographic area, map indicia being oriented to define a direction of magnetic north with respect to the map indicia, the indicia being aligned with respect to magnet so that the direction of magnetic north with respect to the map indicia coincides with earth's magnetic north when the magnet is aligned with earth's magnetic north. The compass module is fixed in a housing having a slot from which a folded map of the pre-determined area can be withdrawn, one end of the map remaining fixed to the housing.