Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed in which a transparent or translucent plastic template of a specific size bears a combination of inscribed marks and apertures adapted to cooperate with each other so as to enable a user to readily align, make page size and margin determinations, and draw marks on materials to be cropped and/or hole-punched in a manner that is quick, easy, and makes optimum use of both the user's time and the cropped material.

Abstract: In a copy control device wherein a model (6) and a workpiece moved relatively with a tracer head (4) and a tool in an X-Y plane, measured distance values to the surface of the model, which are detected by first and second non-contact detectors (5a, 5b) obliquely mounted on the tracer head (4) rotatable about a Z axis are periodically sampled to obtain the coordinate values of measured points on the surface of the model, a normal vector (Nn) on the surface of the model is calculated from three coordinate values out of four measured points (P1n-1, P1n, P2n-1, P2n) successively obtained by the both detectors, and the tracer head is rotated so as to move along a projection (N1n) of the normal vector (Nn) on the X-Y plane, so that measuring axes of the detectors are controlled to be approximately vertical to the surface of the model.

Abstract: A measurement tool adapted for measuring surfaces of a known desired curvature and specifically grooves, holes, chips, gouges, chafing and/or out of round areas therein. The measurement device is constructed with an attachment member having a curvature matching the "set up" curvature of the part to be measured. The measuring member or probe, is sharpened to permit it to extend through an aperture formed in the attachment member for facilitating its initial setting relative to the attachment member and the surface to be measured. Any movement of the probe during measurement is then a manifestation of a deviation from the original "set up" curvature.

Abstract: A gauge head is attached to the grindstone holder of an NC gear grinding machine, and the tooth profile, tooth trace, gear pitch, etc. of a ground gear are measured on the NC gear grinding machine by actuating the control functions of various parts provided on the machine without detaching the gear from the machine. The gauge head attached to the grindstone holder can be retracted from a position where the gauge head contacts with the tooth flank located between the grinder and the gear of the ground gear on the grinding machine to a position where the gauge head does not interfere with the wheel during grinding operation, so that the wheel need not be detached from the machine even during the gear measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating a predetermined snap-off between a circuit board and a stencil in a solder paste printing process for printed circuit boards. The apparatus includes a triangular shaped plate having a lever member, where a portion of the lever member extends through a stencil hole for engaging the circuit board. The plate further includes two support members for resting on top of the stencil. The centroid of the weight of the plate is between the two support members and the lever member to urge the plate to pivot about the two support members. On the end opposite the two support members is an indicator cone for indicating the predetermined snap-off of the circuit board relative to the stencil. Advantageously a method for positioning the stencil and the circuit board at a predetermined snap-off during the solder paste printing process for printed circuit boards is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for measuring warpage of a surface is disclosed including a rigid support plate having first and second guide tracks attached thereto. A resiliently flexible band extends between the first and second guide tracks and includes first and second guides attached at ends of the band. A dial indicator is mounted to the rigid support plate for measuring deflection of the resiliently flexible band relative to the plate, wherein the dial indicator includes a probe attached to the flexible band for detecting deflection of the band relative to the plate. The flexible band resiliently deflects to conform to a warped surface when placed thereagainst, and the first and second guides reciprocate in the guide tracks as the band deflects to allow the band to conform to the warped surface. The band is of a predetermined length such that the dial indicator indicates deflection of the flexible band as a function of the predetermined length.

Abstract: A hand tool usable as a combination square having a precalibrated angle measuring vial and enhanced tensile strength, comprising a composite metal and plastic body, wherein a frame, including the working surfaces of the tool, is made from metal for precision and long-term durability, and the remainder of the body, including critical interactive portions of the tool, is made from an injection molded plastic matrix and the method of manufacture. The molded matrix is retained by frame elements providing blade support in cooperation with the frame, structure for a blade retaining means and structure for vial mounting.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor mounting assembly embodying the present invention includes a base plate having cradles for pivotally receiving and adjustably locking a sensor supporting platform thereto. The base plate can be attached to an existing rearview mirror mounting member. The assembly further includes a cover providing access for adjusting the platform to a horizontal position and for allowing the rearview mirror mounting stem to extend therethrough.

Abstract: A fish measuring device is described which has a fish support surface with a length, width and first and second ends opposite one another. A stop at the first end prevents movement of a fish lengthwise beyond the first end and at least two fish restraining members at least partially along the length of the fish support surface partially enclose or envelope an interior space with the fish support surface. A passage exists between the two fish restraining members to permit a fishing line and/or thumb and forefinger holding a fish to be brought therethrough to the stop. A live fish may be brought into the device while still hooked via the line or after being unhooked. While the fish is restrained in its movement, its length may be compared against the end of the support surface or a scale therein to determine its length.

Abstract: A hexahedronic case (12) with a singular face extension (20) and swingout arm pair (14L, 14R) for housing a conventional, flexible measuring tape (26). A carpenter's extensible-retractable measuring tape is housed in a six-faced case which has a pair of parallel, pivotally outward swinging arms and a flange (20) extending from the rear face thereof. Several faces of the case are indexed by marks at the center (24) only of the face edges which have a consistent dimension (Z). On one face, that opposite the flange-bearing face, there is a set of indices (22) which equally divide an edge of the face upon which they appear. The divisions, in respect of the aforementioned consistent dimension, correspond to various pitches or elevations above the horizontal, or angular deflections from the vertical, that are employed in layout work in the building construction field. An example of layout for roof rafter (40) preparation is also presented.

Abstract: A scriptwriting guidance device for use by individuals who are visually or otherwise impaired, the device acting to guide the writer's pen or other writing implement along a straight, horizontal path across a writing surface to form complete letters and other characters without interference from the device. The device includes a backboard having a shaft mounted for rotation adjacent one side edge thereof. Slidable along the shaft in incremental steps is a slide from whereby is cantilevered a guide element formed by a rectangular frame that overlies a paper sheet lying on the backboard. Disposed within the window of the frame is a rectangular template of smaller dimensions, the template having a narrow slot that defines a straight, horizontal path. The opposite ends of the template are coupled by springs to the corresponding ends of the frame whereby the template effectively floats within the window and is free to shift laterally.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the attachment of siding to an architectural structure. The apparatus of the invention is characterized by a longitudinally extending gage member, a first element for engaging a first piece of siding, a second element for engaging a second piece of siding, and a handle element. In operation, the element for engaging the first piece of siding is adjusted using the gage member as a guide. Once adjusted as desired, the apparatus is placed in abutting contact with a first course of siding previously attached to an architectural structure. Next, a board making up a second course of siding is positioned in the element for engaging the second piece of siding. In the final step of the procedure, the board positioned in the element for engaging the second piece of siding is attached to the architectural structure.

Abstract: A device to permit marking of edges of a garden and the like is provided employing a flexible retractable tape mounted relative to a housing, wherein the housing is arranged to slidably receive a first flat post along a rear wall of the housing, with a round post through an opening within the tape to permit ease of length measuring relative to a garden scenario.

Abstract: A float rod and float body are fastened together by means of a two-point attachment in which a substantially straight remote end of the float rod is inserted into a rod receiving passage simultaneously with a grasping point on the float rod being received by a snap-in retainer on a portion of the float rod separated from the remote end by a bend in the float rod. Fastening of the parts is thus achieved in a single linear motion for ease of assembly. The snap-in retainer preferably is comprised of a fork whereby the float body is retained on the float rod against forces in any direction after being assembled. The float body can be filled with an appropriate filling material to provide the desired buoyancy in the liquid to be measured. An embodiment particularly adapted to fuel level measurement in vehicle fuel tanks is described.

Abstract: A board member including a plurality of linear and arcuate tracks are provided, with each of the tracks including respective openings directed therethrough extending from the board top through bottom walls to permit the execution of lettering by the board to accommodate each letter of the alphabet.

Abstract: A magnetic-electronic linear measurement gage for measuring workpiece miter lengths for picture and window frames and the like includes a gage bed on which a workpiece may be removably mounted, a stop body slidably mounted on the gage bed having a stop which may butt against a workpiece mitered end, and length and width scales and scanning units associated with the gage and the stop body generating output signals in response to the scanning of the scales. The output signals are received and converted by a CPU to generate a linear measure output signal which may be inputted to a digital LED display for visually displaying the linear measure corresponding to the workpiece length so measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle having a frame, and a plurality of wheel hubs, and a suspension system operatively connecting the wheel hubs to the frame is provided. The method and apparatus provide sensors for sensing angular relationships between the wheel hubs and the frame in multiple suspension positions, and a computer connected to the sensors for calculating camber, castor and toe based upon the sensed angular relationship and for displaying whether camber, caster and toe are within preset ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting bearings that support a shaft in a housing in effect projects critical surfaces from within the housing out of the housing where the axial distance between them may be measured. Where the bearings are tapered roller bearings, a measuring element seats against tapered raceways and indeed has two tapers so that it may be utilized with bearings having differing tapers on their raceways.

Abstract: A garment marking machine includes a lower marker-supporting track supported by a base plate, and a garment-supporting plate positioned and supported above the lower track. An upper marker-supporting track is positioned above the garment-supporting plate by means of posts that extend upwardly from the base plate and through the lower track and the garment-supporting plate. Marker assemblies positioned along the upper and lower marker tracks are used to mark garments processed by the garment marking machine. A marker assembly utilized in the garment marking machine includes a marker cap having a bore, a marker having a marking end disposed through the bore of the marker cap such that only a portion of the marker extends beyond the marker cap, and an adjusting rod operative to move the marking end of the marker through the bore of the marker cap. The bore of the marker cap is sized to tightly hold the marking end of the marker.

Abstract: A roll support system for supporting a roll of web material is provided which includes a mechanism for retaining and easily releasing a roll of web material wound around a core and having a telescoping core plug adapted to snugly fit in each end of the core. A core plug is provided with a telescoping spindle biased toward its extended position to support a roll in the support mechanism.