Abstract: A head for the linear dimension checking of mechanical pieces including a casing, an arm carrying a feeler for touching a surface of the mechanical piece to be checked, a fulcrum, coupled to the casing and the arm, for enabling displacements of the arm with respect to the casing and a transducer for providing signals depending on the position of the arm with respect to the casing. The head has specific flexibility and modularity features, thanks to the possibility of operating from the exterior for adjusting and replacing various components. The transducer is of the inductive, half-bridge type, with multiple windings. An integral element for the electric connection to a processing unit includes the windings of the transducer, a cable and a connector, and the latter comprises a rapid locking/unlocking device. The ends of the cable are connected between the windings of the transducer and the connector by means of an over-molding process of a plastic material.

Abstract: A measuring device and method for measuring the vertical difference between a measurement plane and a measurement area is disclosed. The device and method include a contact element, which contacts the measurement plane during a measurement procedure, a measuring element, which is mounted such that it can be displaced along the preferred direction relative to the contact element and which contacts the measurement area during the measurement procedure, a distance measuring system, which is constructed and arranged in such a way that a displacement of the measuring element relative to the contact element can be registered, and at least one compensating weight, which is firmly connected to the contact element and is arranged in the outer area of contact element and measuring element.

Abstract: An article includes a cylindrical object such as a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and a support body having a keyed slot therethrough. The keyed slot has a cylindrical aperture elongated along an aperture axis and a slot extending radially from the cylindrical aperture. A sleeve is received in the keyed slot and includes an annular segment of a hollow cylinder received within the cylindrical aperture and having a first annular end and a second annular end, an inner annular diameter DI sized to slidingly receive the cylindrical object therein, and an outer annular diameter DO sized for the annular segment to fit snugly within the cylindrical aperture. The cylindrical object is received within the annular segment of the hollow cylinder. A first tab extends from the first annular end into the slot, and a second tab extends from the second annular end into the slot and contacts a side of the slot.

Abstract: A photographic mounting system correlates photographs with height by providing a vertically mountable ruler configured to adjustably receive and hold photograph frames at various adjustably selected heights on the ruler. The frames, in turn, hold the photographs, thus allowing placement of the photographs at selected heights on the ruler. Various locking mechanisms are disclosed to secure the frames to the ruler and prevent inadvertent or unauthorized removal. Also disclosed is a virtual equivalent of the physical system, the virtual equivalent having a greater variety of possible modifications and a greater amount of information linked to various growth indicia.

Abstract: A comparator measures and compares linear or angular dimensions. The comparator includes a metallic casing (2), and two bearings (23,24) such that a sensing probe (3), going through said casing (2) and worked directly into the casing (2), can be accommodated. Two sockets (8,9) of the comparator are firmly attached to the casing (2). A measuring system of the comparator includes a mobile portion (33) driven by the sensing probe and a fixed portion (27) firmly attached to the casing (2). A housing (10) of the comparator completely covers the outer sides (25) of the casing (2) and is held by the two sockets (8,9).

Abstract: A dial gauge (1A) has stem bush (20) having a fitting (21) fitted to an inner wall of a stem (5) and having a predetermined clearance between a spindle (3), a holder (22) for slidably holding the spindle (3) while securing a predetermined clearance against the inner wall of the stem (5), and an elastically deformable connector (23) for connecting the fitting (21) and the holder (22), whereby an influence of deformation of the stem (5) and the fitting (21) on the holder (22) during clamping can be minimized, so that the dial gauge (1A) can be fixed to a supporting stand without deteriorating slidability of the spindle (3).

Abstract: A wafer edge grinding or polishing machine is provided with a pair of chucks for engaging a wafer therebetween, a fixed reference surface and a sensor which is movable with a movable chuck. Measurements are made by the sensor relative to the fixed reference plane when the movable chuck is in engagement with the opposite chuck without a wafer therebetween in order to obtain a standard measurement value. With a wafer between the chucks, the sensor obtains an actual measurement value relative to the fixed reference surface. A calculator determines the difference between the standard and actual measurements values and displays the difference as the thickness of the wafer. Multiple sensors may be used to obtain multiples readings which are averaged by the calculator to obtain a thickness measurement.

Abstract: A device for measuring five parameters which define the riding position of a bicycle, which device may also be used as a jig to guide adjustment. The five parameters measured are: position height, saddle setback, saddle angle, reach to the bars, and bar angle The device treats these parameters as functions of a given rider's anatomy, and compensating adjustments factor out changes in crank length, height of shoe sole or height of pedal which would otherwise alter a rider's “reach” to the pedals. The device includes the scales and gauges needed to perform all measurements or to be used as a jig, as well as the fittings needed to attach it to a bicycle. No other tools are needed, and no disassembly of the bicycle, including crank bolts or cranks, is needed.

Abstract: A measuring system including a linear gauge 8 is placed on a vibration isolation table 7, and this system assembly is placed in a temperature controllable, constant-temperature chamber. A specimen table 16, which has a centrally-disposed circular protrusion 16C of a diameter sufficiently smaller than a specimen under measurement, is mounted on a surface plate 2 of a linear gauge 8. The position of a measuring element 1 is measured when it is brought into contact with the centrally-disposed circular protrusion 16C, and the position of the measuring element 1 is measured when it is brought into contact with the specimen placed on the specimen table. The measured values are used to determine the thickness of the specimen.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided with a stylus (30), including a column (12), a carriage (14) slidably mounted on the column (12) and a stylus carrier (32). The stylus carrier (32) carries the stylus (30) and is secured to the carriage (14). The stylus carrier (32) is provided with a bar (42) and a support (44). The support (44) is secured to one of the ends of the bar (42). The stylus (30) is secured to the support (44). The carriage (14) is provided with two supports (54, 56) arranged longitudinally on one of the sides of the slide (52), one at each of its ends. The two supports (54, 56) are in contact with one of the faces of the bar (42). A locking member (58) is formed of a lock (74) and cooperates with the other face of the bar (42). A spring (78) generates a blocking force (F) which applies the lock (74) against the bar (42). The force (F) is oriented along an axis passing between the two supports (54, 56).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a dimension of a workpiece includes a pair of rods positioned within a channel of a baseplate. At least one wedge member is mounted between the rods and forces the rods in a direction away from each other. A guide plate is adjustably mounted with respect to the baseplate, the guide plate having a cutout positioned at least partially over the rods for accepting the workpiece. A measuring tool is adjustably mounted with respect to the baseplate for moving in at least a linear direction.

Abstract: A linear measuring machine is provided, the linear measuring machine having a base (11), a column (12) disposed on the base, a slider (14) elevatable along the column and an elevation driving mechanism (44) including a motor for lifting and lowering the slider. The linear measuring machine further includes a touch-and-back mechanism for driving the elevation driving mechanism in a direction for a probe (13) to move away from a measurement surface of the workpiece after fetching a detection value of a displacement sensor (45) when the probe touches the measurement surface of the workpiece and for stopping the elevation driving mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an offset level for translating a particular grade location and line location from a reference point. The offset level includes a ruler for measuring vertical height from the reference point and a housing selectively slibable on the ruler for positioning the housing at the specific vertical height from the reference point. The offset level further includes a pointer extending outwardly from the housing for translating the desired vertical measurement to an offset location. The pointer also includes a ruler component to permit a horizontal distance to be measured from the reference point to establish a line. The offset level further includes a leveling device to insure the horizontal alignment of the pointer during the line and grade designations.

Abstract: In a switch (50), a dimension between the first contact pin (51) and a swing lever (52) and between the second contact pin (52) and the swing lever (53) is set 5 mm. Accordingly, a detection value of the displacement sensor can be captured when a relative displacement not less than 5 mm is caused between the first and the second sliders, in other words, when the impulse or vibration caused by a contact of a probe against a workpiece is stilled, so that stable measurement is possible. In other words, the dimension of the workpiece can be accurately measured without being influenced by the impulse or the vibration caused when the probe touches the workpiece.

Abstract: The adjustment of axial free play between the ends of a wheel bearing assembly and a wheel hub and spindle nut of the wheel assembly is achieved by first over-tightening the spindle nut against the wheel hub; secondly, identifying by an indicator gauge between the wheel hub and spindle nut the amount of axial travel of the over-tightened hub on the spindle; thirdly, loosening the spindle nut until an indicator between the hub and spindle nut substantially matches a specified amount of linear travel of the loosened hub; and finally re-tightening the spindle nut by rotating the latter the same axial amount that the hub had traveled after loosening the spindle nut.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an object in a remote location with a high degree of precision, insuring stability and repeatability for discrete sampling to be taken at intervals between each sampling on the order of years. A preferred embodiment of the present invention positions an optical probe in a propellant bore hole. The present invention measures and records the exact position of an optical probe within the bore hole, so that exact position may be repeated for future measurements to be taken over the lifetime of the system.

Abstract: A height gauge capable of being moved while confining a positional relationship between a probe and a workpiece with an easy posture is provided. A handle (21) is provided on a side of a column (12) having a probe (13) adjacent to a base (11). An air-floatation control switch (31) for controlling supply and cut-off of air to an air-floatation mechanism (19), a repeat switch (32), a cancel switch (33) are provided to the handle (21).

Abstract: A measurement tool used with an indicator for simplfying the task of measuring a hard-to-reach surface of an object. The measurement tool used with an indicator includes a cylindrical member having a first and a second end and a bore extending therethrough and a first longitudinal slot and a second longitudinal slot; and also includes a shaft moveably disposed in the bore and having a collar securely attached thereabout to limit the movement of the shaft in the bore; and further includes a linkage member pivotally attached to the shaft and moveably disposed in the first longitudinal slot and being pivotally attached to an arm member; and further includes a fastening member securely mounted to the cylindrical member for tightly securing the indicator in the cylindrical member with the shaft being in contactable relationship with the indicator.

Abstract: A device for measuring five parameters which define the riding position of a bicycle, which device may also e used as a jig to guide adjustment. The five parameters measured are: position height, saddle setback, saddle angle, reach to the bars, and bar angle The device treats these parameters as functions of a given rider's anatomy, and compensating adjustments factor out changes in crank length, height of shoe sole or height of pedal which would otherwise alter a rider's “reach” to the pedals. The device includes the scales and gauges needed to perform all measurements or to be used as a jig, as well as the fittings needed to attach it to a bicycle. No other tools are needed, and no disassembly of the bicycle, including crank bolts or cranks, is needed.

Abstract: Gauging head and apparatus for linear dimension checking of mechanical pieces comprising an integral element that defines an arm carrying a feeler, a reference portion, and a fulcrum that enables rotations of the arm with respect to the reference portion, and a differential transformer position transducer with a cylindrical shaped casing, carrying windings, fixed to the reference portion, and a ferromagnetic core movable together with the arm. The integral element is locked in an adjustable way to a support by means of the cylindrical casing. The integral fulcrum is achieved by work hardening the material and subsequently grinding it.

Abstract: A dial gauge (1A) has stem bush (20) having a fitting (21) fitted to an inner wall of a stem (5) and having a predetermined clearance between a spindle (3), a holder (22) for slidably holding the spindle (3) while securing a predetermined clearance against the inner wall of the stem (5), and an elastically deformable connector (23) for connecting the fitting (21) and the holder (22), whereby an influence of deformation of the stem (5) and the fitting (21) on the holder (22) during clamping can be minimized, so that the dial gauge (1A) can be fixed to a supporting stand without deteriorating slidability of the spindle (3).

Abstract: A gauging or measuring head for the linear dimension checking of mechanical pieces, including a casing (1), an arm (49) carrying a feeler (67) for contacting a piece to be checked, a fulcrum (74), coupled to the casing (1) and the arm (49), for enabling displacements of the arm (49) with respect to the casing (1), a return spring (95) for keeping the feeler (67) in contact with the piece during the checking, a device (98, 100) for retracting the arm (49) and a position transducer providing signals depending on the position of the arm (49) with respect to the casing (1). The fulcrum is made of a deformable element (74) including two coupling blocks (81, 83) and three laminae (75, 77, 79) permanently secured to the blocks (81, 83), and substantially arranged in two different planes of a sheaf of planes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to measuring devices, namely calipers. The invention is a measuring device for measuring the height or depth of a conductive element comprising a stabilizing body comprising a beam; at least one leg extending from said beam; a contact affixed to at least one leg, an electrical energy source connected in series with said contact; an indicator connected in series with said electrical energy source and said contact; a caliper comprising a measuring scale; a probe, said probe connected in series with said contact, said electrical energy source, said indicator; and means for affixing the caliper to the beam.

Abstract: Gauging head and apparatus for the linear dimension checking of mechanical pieces comprising an integral element (1) that defined an arm (5) carrying a feeler (25), a reference portion (3), and a fulcrum (13) that enables rotations of arm (5) with respect to the reference portion (3), and a differential transformer position transducer with a cylindrical shaped casing (35; 82), carrying the windings (34; 83), fixed to the reference portion (3), and a ferromagnetic core (32; 84) movable together with the arm (5). The integral element (1) is locked in an adjustable way to a support (67), by means of the cylindrical casing (35; 82). The integral fulcrum is achieved by work hardening the material and subsequently grinding it.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a fuel tank is disclosed. A measuring device is mounted on a carriage on which at least one machine tool (e.g., saw, router) is also mounted. This carriage is operatively interconnected with a computer and may be longitudinally moved between a headstock and tailstock which are longitudinally displaced and on which various subassemblies of the fuel tank may be mounted during the assembly of a given fuel tank. Length measurements are preferably made of each fuel tank subassembly prior to any machining operation being executed thereon, as well as after each such machining operation, by monitoring/knowing the longitudinal position of the carriage via the measuring device. These length measurements may be automatically recorded on an appropriate computer-readable storage medium in relation to the subject fuel tank subassembly and the subject fuel tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a gap between two opposing surfaces by utilizing a dial gauge instead of feeler gauges is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting block, an extension arm and a dial gauge which may be used to measure any gap distance between about 0.01 mm and about 10 mm. The method is carried out by first zeroing the dial gauge by utilizing a calibration block which has the same thickness as the gap distance to be measured. The novel method and apparatus can be used to replace a conventional feeler gauge method and achieve the benefits of greatly improved precision in measurement, a short measurement time required and completely eliminating human error due to operator dependency.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a measuring device which is capable of improving anti-vibration property and anti-impact property. The measuring device comprises a case 1, a spindle 11 displaceably provided to the case 1, a sensor on stationary side attached to the case 1 through a base 33 and a sensor on movable side formed on a scale 35 attached to the spindle 11, and a relative displacement amount of the two sensors 32 and 34 opposing at a predetermined gap G therebetween. A gap enlargement limiting pin 41 is provided on the side of the spindle 11 to restrict a fluctuation of the gap G caused by vibration of the spindle 11 and the like within a predetermined allowance, and a gap reduction limiting film 42 is provided to the sensor on stationary side 32.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for determining coating thickness on a substrate. The apparatus comprises a jig and fixture combination where the jig includes a moveable stop that fixes a position for placing a substrate specimen in the fixture, and where the fixture includes an inclined plane for receiving the substrate specimen at a predetermined angle .theta. that slopes in a downward direction to engage the moveable stop. A clamp that holds the substrate specimen at a fixed position against moveable stop and inclined plane when said fixture is separated from said jig to determine coating thickness on the substrate.

Abstract: A horse measuring ruler structure including a vernier main body, a fixing stopper block, two resilient slide blocks, a locating ruler, a locating device, an inner ruler, an outer ruler, a, protective frame and a locking device. The vernier main body is composed of a trapezoid board and two panels rightward extending respectively from middle sections of front and rear sides of the trapezoid board. The upper and lower sections of the right side of the trapezoid board are respectively formed with two T-shaped sockets. The left end of the locating ruler is fitted into the space between the right sections of the panels of the vernier main body and pivotally located by the locating device. The locking device is fitted into the circular receiving chamber of lower end of the inner ruler. The protective frame is fitted onto upper end of the outer ruler and the inner ruler is fitted into the outer ruler. The resilient slide blocks are fitted into the T-shaped cavities of the trapezoid board of the vernier main body.

Abstract: An electrical base 32 having a stationary detection element 31 is fixed to a body case 11 movably supporting a spindle 13, and a synthetic resin made scale holder 34 is provided to synchronize with the spindle 13 and move through a guide 33. In addition, a scale 36 having a movable detection element 35 is adherently fixed to the scale holder 34 at a plurality of points. More specifically, a projection 51 is fixed through an adhesive layer 52 to the back face of the scale 36, and held in a accommodating hole 46 formed in the scale holder 34, and then adhered through an adhesive layer 53 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the reduction in weight can be achieved and a disadvantage with the reduction in weight (which is that a gap between a stationary detection element and a movable detection element is changed) can be resolved.

Abstract: A height measuring device having an elongated member with a substantially rectangular cross-section. A channel or groove is formed in the middle of the elongated member's wider side and substantially extends the entire length of the elongated member. A metal strip is attached to the inside surface of the groove. The metal strip engages a magnetic plate of a sliding bar which is movably positioned inside the groove and extends out of the elongated member forming a perpendicular angle with respect to the elongated member's surface. The sliding bar is part of a kit of measuring bars or blocks which can be aligned with the scales to measure the height of an individual. The measuring blocks contain magnetic plates attached to its periphery for placement adjacent to the bottom of the groove. The member is made of various materials and is vertically attached to a wall including a measuring tape with an adhesive attached to the member's outside surface.

Abstract: A bore measurement apparatus and method is provided for measuring with a single apparatus the inner diameter of a bore and the outer diameter of a cutting tool mounted on a boring bar. The apparatus comprises a set of clamping jaws secured to an elongate bar having a magnetic graduated strip positioned thereon, an indicating head slidably mounted on the elongate bar, and a measurement arm having a stylus, the measurement arm slidably mounted on the indicating head for movement between an inner measurement position wherein the stylus contacts the inner surface of a bore and an outer measurement position wherein the stylus contacts the upper surface of a cutting tool.

Abstract: A dovetail accessory (16) for a dial test indicator (18) having a body (20) with a dovetail tongue (22). The accessory (16) comprises a dovetail hinge member (24) to attach in an adjustable manner the dial test indicator (18) to a dovetail extension (26) in a spindle (28) of a piece of industrial machinery (30), so that the dial test indicator (18) can be properly aligned and positioned to measure various objects on the piece of industrial machinery (30). Other dovetail accessories are also provided, such as a modified dovetail hinge member (46), a dovetail adapter (72), a dovetail track bar (88), a horizontal adjustment attachment (100) and a ninety degree angle bracket (104).

Abstract: A detector for measuring a thickness of a powder on a surface includes a body; a device extending from the body for facilitating holding the body on the surface; and a plurality of teeth extending from the body and spaced from each other along the plane, each of the teeth being defined by two walls extending from the body so as to form a distinct line of intersection extending perpendicular to the plane at a point remote from the body, each of the teeth being of a different length.

Abstract: A laser beam focus and alignment apparatus is provided for a focus engraving laser or the like and has a housing having an attaching portion for removably attaching to a laser apparatus over a laser beam output lens and a linear adjustable portion linearly adjustable relative to the attaching portion. A flexible plumb line has a predetermined length and is attached to the housing linear adjustable portion and has a plumb bob attached to the end thereof with a generally pointed end portion so that a laser beam focus and alignment apparatus can be attached to a laser beam apparatus and linearly adjusted until the plumb bob touches an item being focused upon to determine the focus and alignment of a laser beam. The housing attaching portion and linear adjustable portion can be threaded together so that rotating the linear adjustable portion moves it in a linear fashion to move the flexible bob line and bob.

Abstract: A height gauge device for wafer, which is mounted under a cooling water pipe of a back-grinding machine; the device comprises a height gauge box, a measuring rod, a L-shaped linking rod and a resilient member; a signal sensor is mounted inside the height gauge box for measuring the height of a wafer; both ends of the measuring rod are connected with the signal sensor and the L-shaped linking rod respectively; the L-shaped linking rod is mounted with a probing needle; the resilient member is mounted between the L-shaped linking and the cooling water pipe; in height gauging operation, the probing needle on the L-shaped linking needle should be raised first so as to put a wafer under the probing needle, and to have the probing needle pressed against the wafer by means of the resilient force of the resilient member; consequently, the resilient member is subject to elastic fatigue or break; the resilient member of the height gauge device can be replaced directly without opening the height box so as to save time an

Abstract: A dial gauge with a simplified structure and reductions in number of parts and production costs. In the dial gauge having a case 10 which is composed of a case body 11, a front case member 21 provided on the front of the case body 11, and a rear case member 31 provided on the rear of the case body 11, the case body 11 and the front case member 21 are combinedly formed by using plastic materials. The rear case member 31 includes a rear cover and a reinforcing plate covering the rear of the case body 11.

Abstract: A gage mechanism for a blood pressure measuring device or other similar apparatus includes a supported shaft member having one end in contact with an inflatable bellows. A pointer is attached at an opposite end of the shaft and a helically wound spring is attached to the shaft and a supporting structure. As the bellows inflates, the shaft is axially displaced and causes rotation due to the constraint of the helical ribbon spring, causing a corresponding angular deflection of the attached pointer relative to an indicating scale. The mechanism includes a first adjustment member for allowing the pointer to be preset to a zero or calibrated position, and a second adjustment mechanism that controls the amount of angular rotation of the shaft and pointer for a displacement of the bellows.

Abstract: A laser beam focus and alignment apparatus is provided for a focus engraving laser or the like and has a housing having an attaching portion for removably attaching to a laser apparatus over a laser beam output lens and a linear adjustable portion linearly adjustable relative to the attaching portion. A flexible plumb line has a predetermined length and is attached to the housing linear adjustable portion and has a plumb bob attached to the end thereof with a generally pointed end portion so that a laser beam focus and alignment apparatus can be attached to a laser beam apparatus and linearly adjusted until the plumb bob touches an item being focused upon to determine the focus and alignment of a laser beam. The housing attaching portion and linear adjustable portion can be threaded together so that rotating the linear adjustable portion moves it in a linear fashion to move the flexible bob line and bob.

Abstract: A measuring instrument comprises a column (10) on which is mounted a carriage (11) with a drive cursor (12) and a measuring cursor (20) sliding on the drive cursor (12) and carrying a measuring contact (24) and a measuring device (40). A measuring force device (25) is arranged between the two cursors and determines, thanks to a lever (26) a rest position and two measuring positions vertically upwardly or downwardly offset or corresponding to a predetermined measuring force on the member to be measured. A motor (15) displaces the drive cursor (12) and the position detector (36) permits measuring the relative position between the two cursors. A control unit (35) controls the speed and direction of rotation of the motor (15) as a function either of the signals (44) received from the position detector (36) or from two external contacts (42, 43).

Abstract: A measuring gauge intended for use in conjunction with an automotive vehicle alignment system is disclosed to measure and record various measurements associated with automotive maintenance such as tire tread depth, tire pressure, and brake rotor thickness. The measuring gauge comprises a spring loaded plunger axially mounted within a cylindrical body or housing. Extending beyond the housing, one end of the plunger is adapted to linearly engage surface being measured. The opposite end, also extending beyond the housing, is adapted for insertion with a sensor port on an alignment system, and includes a series of annular grooves adapted to drive a rotary encoding sensor within the port. During use, the contact end of the plunger is depressed by the surface undergoing measurement, and the insertion end proportionally extended, revealing a number of the annular grooves. An internal lock secures the plunger in the depressed position upon removal of the gauge from the surface undergoing measurement.

Abstract: The measuring gage has a body which is positioned in the upright direction for vertical measurement or can be positioned in any direction for other measurements. The body includes a notched land area for nesting a ruler which is locked in by rotatable stops to restrict ruler movement. A further recessed area within the ruler land area houses a strip magnet to hold the ruler. Two half-round configurations simulate vertical rods which serve as ways upon which the measuring arm and protractor housing ride. A T-shaped slot between the half-round rod ways acts to retain a nut for the measuring arm. The measuring arm can glide along the body and measure the height directly against the ruler. The magnetic strip retains the ruler in its nested area when the gage body is in a vertical position and unsecured by the cam locks.

Abstract: A device that is simply pulled down to touch the head of a child to quickly and accurately determine their height, employs a special extendable and retractable measuring tape that is wall mounted at a specific height over the floor and stays up and out of the normal reach of a small child when not in use. Reading is direct from the tape pulled from a holder. The numbering system of the tape of this device is reversed from tapes conventionally used to measure length, by having the highest number of measurement located at the outer end and decreasing incrementally toward a zero reading nearest the end secured within the holder. The device is properly mounted by extending the tape to the zero reading and securing it at a height on the wall that allows the device, with the tape so extended, to touch the floor directly below it.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously measuring the thickness of a bottom wall and the inside diameter of a bottoming hole. The apparatus includes a measurement auxiliary unit; a measurement head removably mounted at a lower end portion of the measurement auxiliary unit, the measurement head having an outside diameter fittable in a bottoming hole of a workpiece such as a tappet; a nozzle, provided in the measurement head, for jetting outward a compressed air supplied from an air micrometer; and an electric micrometer, provided over the measurement auxiliary unit, for detecting a vertical displacement of the measurement auxiliary unit.

Abstract: A back-plunger type displacement detecting apparatus is provided having a thinner case. The back-plunger type displacement detecting apparatus has a spindle secured to the case to extend perpendicular to the display surface of a digital display unit. A movable member is secured to the case and extends perpendicular to the direction of movement of the spindle. A converting mechanism converts the displacement of the spindle into displacement of the movable member. An electrical unit detects the displacement of the movable member and displays the detected value on the digital display unit.

Abstract: An inspection tool for verifying the relative planarity of a flat surface or for verifying whether a first planar surface is parallel to a second planar surface is described. The tool includes a dial indicator on the end of a flexible support arm which is rotatably mounted on a base with a planar bottom surface. The flexible support arm permits the dial indicator to be positioned in contact with the planar bottom surface of the base and the axis of rotation is adjustable with respect to the planar bottom surface which allows the device to be self-calibrating. One application of the device is verifying whether the ring carrier or probe card of a wafer prober is parallel with the wafer probe chuck. The planar bottom surface of the base is placed on the wafer probe chuck and the support arm is rotated with the dial indicator in contact with the ring carrier or the probe card. Any deviation in the dial indicator reading indicates that the surfaces are not parallel.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted backing distance gauge is provided, in which a plunger, normally biased to an extended position, extends approximately ten inches behind the vehicle, and as the vehicle is backed toward an object such as a loading dock, the plunger comes into contact with the object and retracts into a casing mounted to the driver's side of the vehicle. The plunger has an internal beam that moves in concert with the plunger, and through the use of a bevel gear pair and a follower arm controllably moved by the forward end of the internal beam, an indicator sign is rotated or pivoted by a shaft coupled to one of the bevel gears from a first position parallel to the side of the vehicle and extending toward the rear of the vehicle, to a diametrically opposed position parallel to the vehicle, but extending toward the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the curvature radii of spherical and cylindrical surfaces is provided. The apparatus comprises a base, a probe and four ball rings of the same size, wherein the four ball rings are provided on the base and arranged into a square having a side length C. The probe is upward and downward movably mounted on the top surface of the base at the center of the square. There is also provided a method for measuring the curvature radii of spherical and cylindrical surfaces, wherein a ball-ring-distance is equal to C for the cylindrical surface or is equal to .sqroot.2C for the spherical surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for visually indicating when the pressure of a pneumatic tire falls below a desired level includes a support and two arms independently slidably movable along the support. The arms are selectively locked against movement relative to the support and the arms are retractable for storage purposes. The invention also encompasses a method of utilizing the apparatus to monitor the pressure of a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A sheet thickness sensing apparatus adapted to sense variations in thickness of sheet materials or documents such as printouts, invoices, and direct mails irrespective of dimensions of each document. The thickness sensing apparatus includes a main body, a sensor unit, a sheet light source, a photosensor, a douser or a light intercepting member, a crank, a motor, and a conveyor table. The main body is so supported on a slide rod as to move in one direction. The slide rod is in turn supported by support plates so as to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the main body. The sheet thickness of each document is optically and mechanically sensed.