Abstract: A device for measuring the distance between the tip of a tool and the surface of the material to be worked in a rapid, accurate, and repeatable manner. The device includes, inter alia, an electronic pantograph, at least one sensor, an actuator controlled by the sensor, and a control unit which takes into account two distinct calculated distances.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the thickness of a slab structure in which a cylindrical bore has been made. The device comprising a cylindrical tube having opposed longitudinal oriented openings in the wall at the distal end of the cylinder. The cylinder having an indicia scale of length running longitudinally and visibly on the outer surface of the cylinder with the zero point starting at the inner end of the openings. The device having a shaft within the tube having a length greater than the length of the tube, a handle on the proximal end, and a pair of butterfly arms on the distal end of the shaft. The butterfly arms being biased in the outward direction so that when the arms are opposed to the openings in the tube they will extend outward through the openings to engage the outer surface of the slab with the tube extending through the bore in the slab so that the indicia can be read on the inside of the slab to determine the thickness of the slab.

Abstract: A multi-functional gauge comprised of a frame, an adjustment seat, a scale and a magnet assembly. The frame includes a chamber for receiving the adjustment seat and the depth rod, and a base extending toward one side of the frame for maintaining the stability of the frame and accommodating the magnet assembly. The adjustment seat includes an indicator plate, a depth rod, a lock screw and a lock knob which are threadedly engaged with each other. The scale is longitudinally secured on the frame, and along the scale the adjustment seat can be set in position or loosened for free movement by the threading engagement of the lock screw and the lock knob. The adjustment seat is provided with at least one window which corresponds to the scale so that the scale can be read therefrom, and a tongue which extends from the wall of the window. The magnet assembly includes a magnet, iron plates and an insertion element.

Abstract: A dial gauge adaptor having a single shaped part forming two elastically connected legs. One leg is longer than the other one and overlaps it at its end. The tip of the longer leg is designed to receive a dial gauge, while the adaptor itself can be attached to a stand by its other end, at the base of the two legs. An adjustment rocker acting as a toggle lever is located between the two legs of the adaptor. The rocker is displaced at its longer lever end by a ball beating forming the end of a fine adjustment screw.

Abstract: A stadiometer for measuring height of a person to the nearest millimeter and sixteenth-of-an-inch has an upright rail movably supporting a slide carrying a height measuring arm. A scale on the rail is covered with a transparent shield connected to the slide. A line on the shield aligned with the arm is used to read the scale to provide height data of a person.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a bearing plate (1), a slideway (2) and a girder (3) which are perpendicular to the bearing plane of the bearing plate, a slide (4) with tracer head (5) movable along the slideway and a drive plate (7) located in front of the slide and stabilized by guides (8, 9) independent of the slide. The plate (7) and the slide (4) are connected by balancing (10) and damping (11) springs. A drive device by cable (13) and return pulleys (15-18) which is moved by a movement generator (19) is connected to the plate (7) and is entirely supported by the girder (3) and the bearing plate (1). A counterweight (14) inserted in the circuit of the cable (13) balances the weight itself of the movable elements (4, 7). A body (63) for protection against impacts is fastened to the girder (3) and to the bearing plate (1).

Abstract: An instrument or gauge for measuring a parameter of a surface feature of a member such as a weld at the junction of two members of an oil rig. The instrument comprises a body adapted to be secured to the surface of a member during measurement, and a probe assembly carried by the body for angular and linear displacement with respect to the body and having relatively movable probe assembly parts and, and a datum for determining relative movement of those parts and, and an arrangement adapted to allow linear movement of the probe assembly relative to the body at a particular angular displacement of the probe assembly relative to the body. The instrument is portable, hand held and hand manipulable, and at one end of the body there is a pivotably mounted carrier in the form of a substantially cylindrical boss having a hole therethrough in which the probe assembly is slidably mounted and by which the probe assembly is carried for angular displacement with respect to the body.

Abstract: In order to achieve relative simplicity in a reliable measurement technique, an apparatus and method for measuring wet film thickness on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fixture adapted to be positioned in close proximity to the surface, a gauge supported by the fixture for movement toward and away from the surface, and a spacer for spacing the fixture at a selected distance from the surface. The gauge is moveable from a first position out of contact with the wet film to a second position in contact with the surface to create a measurable spot of the wet film on the gauge. The method includes providing a gauge supported for movement toward and away from the surface, moving the gauge into contact with the surface to create a measurable wet film spot, and moving the gauge out of contact with the wet film to measure the spot.

Abstract: A vernier calipers incorporated height gauge including a vernier calipers, a bottom block having an elongate groove at the top into which the stationary jaw of the vernier calipers is inserted and fixed by a screw, a locating block horizontally fastened to the vernier of the vernier calipers by a screw, a marking knife, and a connecting rod having a top end connected to locating block by a screw and a bottom end connected to the marking knife by a screw. An open chamfer is made on the bottom block and detachably covered with a lid for storing the marking knife, the connecting rod, and the locating block, when the height gauge is not in use.

Abstract: An instrument and method for measuring the invert of a sewer pipe relative to a manhole employs a horizontal bar which spans the manhole and rests upon its rim. A sight rod is slideably mounted on a sleeve fixed to the bar. The sleeve has adjustments for mounting the bar in true vertical and plumb position with a spirit level. Removably connected to the lower end of the rod is an arm which extends laterally and below the rod at its distal end. The rod is lowered until the distal end of the arm contacts the invert of the pipe. The vertical distance between the bottom of the arm at contact with the invert and the intersection of the rod with the bottom of the horizontal bar yields the desired elevation. It may be read directly off the sight rod when the rod is specially marked with corrected graduations.

Abstract: An interchangeable indicator tip device for a dial indicator gauge features a rotatable turret having a plurality of indicator tips. Each indicator tip is rotatable to position a selected indicator tip into a measurement position where the selected tip functions as the indicator tip for the dial indicator gauge.

Abstract: An adjustable linear gauge including a linear track having uniformly spaced indentations along a surface thereof, and an adjustable member moveable along the track which includes a body portion carrying a stop member adapted to engage an end of a work piece to accurately position the work piece relative to a machine for performing an operation on the work piece. The adjustable member further includes a pivotable component that has a surface with one or more projections for engaging the spaced indentations on the track. The latter component is pivotally attached to the body portion and biased toward engagement with the indentations.

Abstract: A readily portable, hand-held coating thickness measuring device which utilizes a pin to penetrate a coating and a gauge to accurately determine the thickness of the coating based on the degree of penetration is disclosed. The pin is formed at a tip of an elongated rod that can reciprocate relative to the body of the device is response to manually pivoting a trigger member. The device is particularly adapted to determine the thickness of coatings applied to metal surfaces. For this purpose, the device includes a signalling assembly to visually indicate to the user when the coating has been fully penetrated and the gauge should be read.

Abstract: A method of detecting rivets which are outside of a predetermined length tolerance includes holding a rivet in a first reference position with its head in a rivet hole countersink, and moving a probe, in the form of a rivet tail die, into contact with the rivet tail. The position of the probe when it contacts the rivet tail is detected and compared with the predetermined position tolerences corresponding to the rivet length tolerences. The rivet is held in the first reference position by a rivet head die with a force greater than the force exerted by the probe when contacting the rivet tail to ensure that the rivet stays in the reference position during the measuring step. If the rivet is too long or too short, a rivet recovery sequence is executed to remove the out-sized rivet and a new rivet is inserted and measured. When the rivet is confirmed to be within the length tolerance, the rivet dies are driven inward toward each other to upset the rivet.

Abstract: A measuring device having a vertical column and a horizontal foot extending therefrom, the column having an indicator block adjustably slidable thereon, an indicator plate on the block for engaging a tool to operate on a workpiece, and indicia on the column related to the plate to establish the position of the tool with relation to different surfaces of the plate, and scribing portions on the plate to mark a workpiece when the column is moved with relation to such workpiece.

Abstract: In a machine for monitoring the vertical position of a contact wire of an overhead line extending above a track, which comprises a self-propelled machine frame including a superstructure, an undercarriage supporting the machine frame on the track and having wheels journaled on a wheel axle and engaging the running faces of the track rails, and a vertically adjustable measuring yoke mounted on the machine frame, a frame is vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame for monitoring the vertical position of the contact wire, the monitoring frame having an upper end and a device connected to the upper monitoring frame end for measuring the vertical position of the contact wire, and a lower end at a fixed distance from the plane.

Abstract: The present invention enables accurate measuring and regulating operations to be carried out by measuring with a rule the quantity of movement of a hammer in a grand piano during an action mechanism regulating operation for attaining the normal striking of wires with the hammer. The wires S provided in a tensed state are held between the lower surface of a mount 4 and a locking rod 3 on a measuring tube 2 pressure-contacting the same lower surface, and the lower end of a measuring rod slidingly moved in the measuring tube is placed on the top end of the hammer, the quantity of movement of the hammer being then read directly with reference to the relative positions of a scale mark 8 shown on the measuring rod 1 and the upper end of the measuring tube 2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to measure the loop height in a loop pile fabric by moving an apparatus across the surface of the fabric and allowing the loops to create a line on a powdered surface to which a finger is aligned with to cause the plunger of a gauge to automatically provide a read-out of the loop pile height.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is proposed which offers significantly more measuring possibilities compared with conventional apparatus. In particular, in addition to measurements in the Z axis it allows measurements in the horizontal plane, the measurement of inclined prismatic bodies, the determination of angles of inclination and the definition of bores and cylinders through three or more points. The combined action of two measuring systems (MS1, MS2) allows the mass to be moved during measurement as well as the necessary contact pressure of the measuring probe (10) to be significantly reduced, thus rendering the measuring apparatus suitable for automatic measuring cycles. A carriage (6) is positioned so as to be movable advantageously by means of a magnet bearing on a column (3) advantageously made of ceramic material and the displacement measured by a measuring system (MS1). The displacement of the measuring probe (10) in relation to the carriage (6) is measured by at least a second measuring system (MS2).

Abstract: A pair of anvils (50,54) are respectively fixed to and movable with respect to a base (12). Each anvil has a surface (52,56) of given topography, preferably a flat surface. The surfaces are spaced in parallel from one another at an initial gap so that the anvil surfaces do not contact one another. The movable anvil (50) can be moved away from the fixed anvil (54), such as by a cam (44) and follower (38), and the surfaces are maintained in parallel preferably by a parallelogram constant force flexure assembly (26). The cam is set to maintain a minimum space between the surfaces and to protect them from damage, in the event the movable anvil were accidently dropped towards the non-movable anvil. Parallelism between the surfaces is initially established preferably by an adjustment mechanism comprising a trivet/turnbuckle assembly (58). A displacement transducer (22) is coupled to the movable anvil for measuring the gap as determined by the thickness of a gage or product placed between the surfaces of the anvils.

Abstract: A spindle for a linear distance measuring member is described herein. A linear gauge is provided with a hollow spindle having a flexible rod therein. The flexible rod is rigidly coupled at one end to the spindle, and at the other end thereof to the measuring member. Axial motion of the spindle is transferred directly to axial motion of the measuring member, because the axial movement of the rod exactly corresponds to axial movement of the spindle. If the spindle undergoes nonaxial movement, such as by tilting, the flexible rod within the spindle bends to accommodate for the change in length to the spindle. The use of a hollow spindle with a flexible rod therein effectively decouples nonaxial movement of a spindle from axial movement of a measuring member. A device made according to the principles taught herein may be used in any linear measuring system which transfers axial motion of one member to axial motion of a measuring member, to decouple laterial motion between the two for minimizing the errors.

Abstract: A gauge positioner used for measuring the edge portion of the surface of a workpiece held on a measuring fixture is disclosed. The positioner has a lip which rests upon the corner of the measuring fixture under the workpiece edge. The upper portion of the positioner overhangs, and is spaced above, the lip. A hole is formed through the upper portion of the positioner for receiving the barrel of a measuring gauge and positioning the tip of the gauge in measuring contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: Device comprising a support (50) with a seat (51) housing a measuring cell (53) with a movable armset (54) having a feeler (61) adapted to contact the part to be checked. In order to reduce the overall dimensions of the device, while guaranteeing the seat sealing and the stiffness of the movable armset, the seat (51) is closed by a metal lamina (62) coupled to the support (50) and a resilient seal (64) coupled to the metal lamina (62) and the feeler (61).

Abstract: A contacting caliper gauge measures the thickness of a moving sheet material. The gauge has two sheet contacting pads, one on either side of the sheet. At least one sheet contacting pad of the caliper gauge is aerodynamically designed to limit and/or reduce the tendency of boundary layer air travelling with the sheet to raise the sheet contacting pad off of the sheet surface. The caliper gauge also includes an electromagnetic proximity sensing device for determining the distance between the caliper pads, and thereby the sheet thickness. The gauge includes a caliper pad having an electromagnetic core having two pole faces mounted to that portion of the caliper pad remaining in closest proximity to the moving sheet surface. In on embodiment, the caliper pad has a vacuum notch which pulls the rear half of the pad, and in particular the rear end of the pad, in close proximity to the moving sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the degree of alignment or misalignment of various web offset lithograph printing press components is disclosed. An alignment block is provided having one surface with a modified curved "v" contour, and with a plurality of receptacles for holding register measuring components. The remaining sides of the alignment block are planar and mutually perpendicular. Register measuring components can be attached to extensions placed within the receptacles and those register measuring components are used to measure deviation of web offset press components from a reference point in the press. The alignment block is adaptable to receive dowel pins in the receptacles, which form a corner with the blocks that can be simply and easily placed upon a precisely positioned reference positions on the frame of a color unit of a web offset press.

Abstract: A vertically-movable carriage 18 has an attached first electric motor 22 which, through rollers 24, provides a friction drive with a traction bar 16. The carriage 18 is connected by a wire rope 26 to a counterbalance weight 32. The weight (32) has an attached second electric motor 36 which, through rollers 38, provides a second friction drive with a guide bar 34. The total mass of the motor arrangement is thereby split, with one motor compensating for the other.

Abstract: A measuring device is described for measuring the gap and/or flush between two parts (70,71), comprising a housing (1) having a base (13) with an application face (14) which, in use, is placed on the surface of one of the parts (70). A probe (11) projects from the housing (1) and is movable against a return force (35) in the direction of the housing (1), the probe (11) being placed in use against the other of the parts. Electromechanical transducers (2,3) are disposed within the housing (1) for detecting the displacement of the probe (11). To avoid errors caused by improper positioning of the device on the parts (70,71), the base (13) is pivotably connected to the housing (1), and orientation sensing switches (63) are provided for sensing when the axis of the housing (1) is in a predetermined orientation in relation to the base (13).

Abstract: The device for measuring distances consists of a column (1), a slide (14) with an adjusting member (5) and a measuring element (6) which are connected with each other by way of a spring (16), a control device (19) for obtaining a constant measuring force, and by way of a precision adjusting means (39) which can be activated and deactivated. The latter exhibits a slidingly supported plunger (40) through which extends a rod (41) connected to the measuring element (6); this rod can be locked or unlocked in the plunger (40) by a screw (48) serving as a resetting means. An eccentric (40) engages into a cutout (50) of the plunger (40) and permits precision adjustment of the measuring element (6) for tracing purposes upon locking of the rod (41). With the precision adjusting means (39) being deactivated, the device is usuable for customary vertical measuring with measuring pressure control.

Abstract: An apparatus for the positional adjustment of cutting tools for use on machine tools has a first block having a gauging surface mounted thereon and translationally and swivelly movable on a perpendicular shaft. A second block is coupled to the first block in such a manner that the two blocks move together translationally with the first block being free to swivel relative to the second block. The second block carries indicating means for indicating the amount of translational movement of the two blocks.

Abstract: A compliant device holding the work-piece part in an assembly, grinding, sanding or polishing process has a rotational compliance which matches the rotational compliance of a compliant device holding the work tool part or part to be assembled with the receiving part. A contact force between the two parts thus causes each part to rotate the same amount about any axis perpendicular to the direction of relative motion between the two compliant devices, thereby preserving the relative orientation of the two parts.

Abstract: To overcome friction in the mount of the switching-type probe head, a probe (5/6) displaceably mounted therein is transiently excited in oscillation for a predetermined time after each contacting process. The same piezoelectric element (17) as that which produces the initial work-contact signal in the probe head can additionally be used to stimulate the oscillations.

Abstract: In a force controlling system, a movable member fixed to an elastic member applies a force in correspondence with a force information signal to an object. At this time, an additional force is applied via a driver to the movable member by the positive feedback of the displacement of the elastic member to the driver, so that the reactive force due to the displacement of the elastic member is contradicted by the additional force. As a result, the movable member applies only a force in correspondence to the force information signal to the object.

Abstract: A tunnel furnace height detector used for detecting ceiling heights of a tunnel furnace. The detector includes a plurality of detecting units arranged on a trolley traveling in the tunnel furnace in a manner such that their heights are progressively lowered by predetermined distances. Each of the detecting units includes a support base, and a solid piece pivotally connected to the support base automatically returnable from a pivotally moved position forced by an external force to an original position. The solid piece has one end in contact with a lowered ceiling and the other end closing and opening a measuring circuit system forming a closed circuit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring device for measuring the diameter of a rotationally symmetric body, for instance a roll, with a measuring jaw that wraps around the peripheral surface of the body and features two arms, and with two styli of which each is arranged on the free end of an arm for scanning the peripheral surface. The invention is characterized by the following features: the arms have an essentially straight-line design and the arms are constructed of rails which form a parallelogram with each other and permit swiveling in the sense of setting or retracting the respective stylus on or from the peripheral surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring lengths, having a housing 10 which has a contact plane 20 as well as sensor pin 16 which is arranged and displaceable perpendicular thereto and is connected to an indicator instrument 28; the housing 10 having a single support foot 12 for the universal use of the instrument, the bottom of said support foot lying in the contact plane 20.

Abstract: A simple method of measuring the height of burrs such as formed in the crimped clamping portion of a crimp-style terminal, without cutting the terminal off from a cable fastened thereto, and a simple, inexpensive burr height measuring head to be used in combination with a displacement measuring device available in the market. The burr height measuring head comprises a grip, a measuring bit having a knife-edged tip and formed integrally with the grip so as to project from one end of the grip, and holding means rotatably joined to the other end of the grip and fixedly joined to the movable measuring member of a displacement measuring device.

Abstract: A probe head for coordinate-measuring instruments has a torsionally rigid, play-free and friction-free probe-suspension system which defines a three-dimensional coordinate system, wherein a probe pin is deflectable in all three directions in space. In order to be able to use the probe pin completely independent of its orientation, a separate taring device provides taring adjustment for each of the three coordinate axes in space. The taring device automatically sets the zero position of the suspension system in any orientation of the probe head, and for any change in orientation. In this connection, it is particularly advantageous to develop each taring device from two springs which are preloaded to act in opposition upon an element which is gravitationally deflected upon any change in probe-head orientation; to reach the zero position detected by an indicator, i.e., to effect the taring adjustment, provision is made for adjustment of the preload force of at least one of these springs.

Abstract: A recess indicator is shown having an indicator shaft which is reciprocated to record characteristics of a recess to be measured. An adapter sleeve has one end which is joined to the indicator with the indicator shaft received within the interior thereof. A housing is provided which carries a gaging element with the gaging element extending from one end thereof and has a bushing which extends from the opposite end thereof. The bushing can be releasably joined to the adapter sleeve to allow for the interchange of different gaging elements.

Abstract: A contact-sensing probe for measuring workpieces includes a body (16) for attachment to a machine and a workpiece contacting stylus (22) carried by a stylus holder (24) which is mounted within the body for movmeent relative thereto from a rest position to a displaced position when the stylus contacts the workpiece. Sensors are provided for sensing workpiece contact by the stylus. The sensors comprise a plurality of strain gauges (46) mounted on pillars (44) connecting two parts (36A,36B) of a support structure which supports the stylus holder on the body. The strain gauges are mounted with their principal axes lying at an angle to the axes of the pillars, and by optimizing the numbers, positions and dimensions of the pillars together with the angles of the strain gauges, high sensitivity can be achieved with minimum risk of false signals due to probe vibration, while at the same time minimizing the variation in pre-travel of the stylus.

Abstract: A resilient C-shaped clamp subtending an angle substantially more than 180 degrees, such clamp being internally conformable to a cylinder and being of a diameter such as to frictionally grip the quill of a milling machine, and having an entrance of greater width than the diameter of the spindle of the milling machine to facilitate axial alignment with and engagement on the quill. The clamp has a radial extension diametrically opposed to the entrance that is provided with an opening parallel to the cylindrical axis of the clamp for adjustably accepting shanks of accessory items.

Abstract: A gauge includes a hollow ferrule which slidably receives a pin member therein. The gauge is inserted into a housing bore so that the pin engages an actuating member. The pin moves relative to the ferrule and separates a pair of abutment surfaces thereon by a distance which represents a number of shims or spacers required for proper positioning of a switch or sensor to be mounted in the housing bore.

Abstract: A device for determining the position of a workpiece face comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore concentric with the longitudinal axis; an extendable member having a first end movable within the bore along the axis, an arrangement on the member for moving the first end of the extendible member, a coupling member fastened to the first end of the extendable member for movement therewith, an arrangement for relesably securing a second end of the extendable member within the bore, a sensor head, a resilient member for attaching the sensor head to the coupling member, an essentially spherical contact tip attached to the sensor head and aligned with the axis for travel along an axial path in conjunction with the movement of the first end of the extendable member, and a deflecting arrangement for deflecting the tip out of alignment with the axis, the deflecting arrangement being attached to the body at a known angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and positioned in the path of th

Abstract: A height measuring device comprises a carriage containing a measuring pin which is moved by a drive motor against an article to be measured in a manner such that the measuring takes place when the pin is held against the article with a precise measuring force. The construction includes a carriage which is supported by an endless belt and moved upwardly and downwardly by driving one of the rollers over which the belt is guided. A ram rod extends through a hollow area of the carriage which is divided by a ring piece into upper and lower chambers, the coil springs are placed around the ram rods in both the upper and lower chambers and are braced between the ring pieces at their one ends and the portion of the carriage which closes each end of the hollow portion of the carriage.

Abstract: Fillet weld inspection and measuring device having a plurality of individually displaceable parallel aligned slide members disposed in covered grooves in a base plate.

Abstract: Probe for use in apparatus for checking linear dimensions of mechanical pieces including a support, an arm-set carried by the support and having a movable arm carying a feeler for contacting the piece to be checked, and a protective diaphragm coupled to the support and the movable arm; the protective diaphragm includes a cloth core and a rubber coating.

Abstract: In a switching multi-coordinate probe an accurate and accurately reproducible switching behavior is attained by a plurality of seating points, which all have the same elasticity but also a relatively high stiffness. The bearing members (14) and their counterbearing support members (16) exhibit an adequate number of degress of freedom, in order to be able to accurately align themselves with respect to each other during assembly. After adjustment the contact zones of the individual bearing members (14) form with their counterbearing support members (16) circular lines, which all lie in one plane with respect to the stylus axis (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate-measuring instrument has a torsionally rigid, play-free and friction-free probe-suspension system which defines a three-dimensional coordinate system wherein the work-contact pin of the probe is deflectable in all three directions in space. For each of the three coordinate directions, an incrementally operating displacement-measuring system is provided, and each such system is associated with a zero indicator for recognition of the zero position of the system. Upon initial contact of the probe with the object to be measured, a trigger pulse is produced via a sensor. A subsequent electronic system processes the different signals delivered by the probe head so that optional operation is available either as a switching probe head or as a measuring probe head.

Abstract: A self-calibrating measuring tool. The tool includes a housing having a base and a recess terminated by a precisely located flange with respect to the base. A linear movable member is mounted within the housing with a measurement arm attached to it. A transducer is connected to the member for providing a measurement indication.

Abstract: An oscillator oscillates at a frequency determined by the distance moved by a probe. The probe in contact with an object under measurement, moves according to the displacement of the object. A controller computes the distance moved by the probe from a reference position at predetermined time intervals by using the shift of the oscillating frequency of the oscillator. The controller further decides if the computed distances are within a predetermined range. If the computed distances moved are within that range, the controller supplies the computed distance moved to a transmitter, which in turn wirelessly transmits the distance. When the computed distance moved is outside the predetermined range, the controller does not output the distance moved to the transmitter, nor does it supply the distance moved every four computations of the distance moved.

Abstract: A measuring instrument having a column 2 mounted on a base and a sliding unit 3 adapted for vertical displacement on said column 2. The sliding unit 2 has a housing 9 and a plate 10. The housing 9 is suspended on the column 2 by means of a cable 7 which is provided with a balancing weight. The plate 10 carrying a gauging element 5 is operatively connected by a counterweight device 17 to the housing 9. The counterweight device 17 has a lever 16 which is mounted on the housing 9. Lever 16 has a weight mounted on one end thereof. The other end of the lever 16 accommodates ball bearings 21 which serve to support plate 10 through cams 22. The instrument has a latching device 23 for establishing a zero position between plate 10 and housing 9 and for enabling adjustment of a measuring force. A damping device 26 interposed between plate 10 and housing 9 enables to cushion jolts occurring on the gauging member 5.