Abstract: A laser target sphere is used in conjunction with a laser scanner. The target sphere has an ideal lambertian reflectance appropriate for laser scanning systems facilitating the laser scanner finding the center of the target sphere. The target sphere includes an internal kinematic mount configured to concentrically mount the target sphere to a Spherical Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) providing a same center location of the two spheres. By adapting the target sphere to mount concentrically on the SMR, the laser scanner and target sphere system can use the same points defined for the SMR.

Abstract: A combination tape measure and marker is provided. The combination tape measure and marker includes a measuring tape housing having a top portion and a front portion. A lever arm is connected to the top portion of the measuring tape housing. A cartridge is integrally attached to the front portion of the measuring tape housing. The lever arm extends through the cartridge. A marker is removably secured within the cartridge and is operationally attached to the lever arm. A spring is housed in the cartridge and provides a retracted and extended position for the marker. The marker is movable separately and independently from the measuring tape housing by selectively depressing the lever arm to lock the marker in an extended position to mark a surface.

Abstract: A wheel alignment apparatus for measuring the toe angle of a wheel of a vehicle including an adjustable housing, a scale slider including one or more measurement scales, and a centering marker, and a toe positioning pin projecting from an end of the adjustable housing, the toe positioning pin configured to be rigidly connected to the adjustable housing during operation of the wheel alignment apparatus, wherein the scale slider is adjustable to a plurality of positions within the housing.

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: A data collection and processing system includes a hand-held tool for measuring the spacing between two locations on a test object such as automobile body panels. The tool generates and transmits a measurement signal to a remote data processing unit in response to a single operator input. The data processing unit compares the measurement signal with a predetermined range of values and classifies the measurement signal as either in-range data (i.e., when the measurement falls within the range of values) or out-of-range data (i.e., when the measurement falls outside of said range of values). If the measurement signal reflects an in-range measurement, the database is updated with the measurement signal as being in/out of specification. If the measurement signal reflects an out-of-range measurement, the signal is classified as a functional flag, advancing the system to a next measurement group or confirming vehicle status (e.g., measurement complete or hold for re-work).

Abstract: A method of finding a feature of an object using an analogue probe mounted on a machine tool. The method includes the analogue probe and/or object following a course of motion which causes the analogue probe's surface sensing region to traverse across the feature to be found a plurality of times whilst approaching the feature over successive traverses so as to ultimately arrive in a position sensing relationship with the feature so as to collect scanned measurement data about the feature along at least part of a traverse.

Abstract: A method of building up a measurement data set for a surface of an object using an analog measurement probe mounted on a machine tool apparatus which obtains scanned measurement data of the surface over a plurality of offset traverses. Subsequent traverses are offset from previous traverses such that over a series of traverses the analog probe's surface detecting region progresses i) laterally across the object, and/or ii) away from or towards the object. The course of relative motion for at least one subsequent traverse is generated and/or updated based on data obtained during at least one previous traverse.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an indicator assembly for indicating an orientation between a vehicle seat back and a seat bottom. The indicator assembly can include an outer plate assembly that is configured to be supported by the seat bottom, and a movable plate that is movably supported by the outer plate assembly. A biasing device can apply a biasing force to bias the movable plate toward the seat back when the outer plate assembly is supported by the seat bottom to thereby define a projecting portion of the movable plate. The biasing device can enable the movable plate to move upon application of a force to the projecting portion that is greater than the biasing force. An indicator can indicate a relative orientation between the seat back and the seat bottom based on the amount of movement of the movable plate.

Abstract: A bidirectional displacement detector according to the present invention includes: a displacement detector which includes a first detection element and a second detection element; a base at which the first detection element is provided; an arm which is coupled to the base so as to be rotatable around an arm rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction, and at which the second detection element is provided; and a probe which is coupled to the base so as to be rotatable around a probe rotation axis perpendicular to the arm rotation axis. The probe has a contact part provided at a position away from the probe rotation axis, and a pair of abutment parts which is disposed along a direction of the arm rotation axis and on both sides with the probe rotation axis interposed therebetween and comes into contact with the arm so as to be able to be separated from the arm. Each of the pair of abutment parts is in contact with the arm from the lower side thereof and is biased upward.

Abstract: A footer square apparatus may be used to measuring a building foundation and may include a footer square body, a first guide line, a second guide line, a third guide line, a corner marking, and at least one angle marking. The first guide line and second guide line may be perpendicular, and the third guide line may form a 45° angle with the first guide line and second guide line. The at least one angle marking may identify an angle as measured between a line from the corner marking to the angle marking and at least one of the first guide line, the second guide line, and the third guide line.

Abstract: In combination with a track assembly having a lower track defining a lower channel spanning a length of the lower track and defining a center plane, wherein an improvement is disclosed that includes having a laser level operably configured to emit a laser in a direction away from an laser output of the laser level in a laser emission plane and having a laser level track attachment device coupled thereto. Further, the improvement includes the laser level track attachment device having a body with a cantilever member that projects in a direction opposite to the direction in which the laser is operably configured to be emitted from the laser level and is sized and shaped to be complementarily received within the lower channel of the lower track such that the laser emission plane is substantially coplanar with the center plane of the lower channel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pointer type angle measuring device, comprising a shell consisting of a front cover and a rear cover, windows respectively arranged on the front cover and the rear cover, respectively; a front transparent cover and a rear transparent cover respectively arranged on the windows of the front cover and the rear cover; a pointer, arranged within an inner cavity of the shell inside the front transparent cover and the rear transparent cover; a dial of circular shape, fixed at the outer edge of the windows on the shell. The double-sided readout pointer type angle measuring device with lighting of the invention is convenient to be used in measurement and correction of horizontal and vertical angles of objects when it is inconvenient to be read from single side.

Abstract: A chalk reel has a housing defining a chalk chamber and an opening for accessing the chamber. A door is movable between an open position for allowing access through the opening to the chalk chamber and a closed position preventing access to the chamber. A lock assembly is provided on the door and is movable with the door. The lock assembly rotates relative to the door between a locked position and an unlocked position and reciprocates to secure and release a lock member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or triangular shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a triangular shaped construction.

Abstract: An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing an alignment indication for a nose landing gear of an aircraft. The apparatus includes surfaces that abut certain features of the nose landing gear. When the surfaces of the fixture and the features of the nose landing gear abut, the fixture is aligned with the nose landing gear and oriented such that a coherent light source emits a coherent light beam that impinges on an alignment scale. The coherent light beam can be sufficiently small that a mechanic or other user can discern the alignment of the nose landing gear to within one or two degrees. After the nose landing gear has been moved to a centered position, control rigging that communicates steering inputs from pilots to a hydraulic actuation system can be adjusted so that the steering inputs are also centered.

Abstract: A modular footbed comprised of a forefoot portion, a heel portion, a bridge and arch support can be fashion to place the knee in dynamic alignment with the femoral head of the femur and the ankle. Standing on one leg and repetitively extending and flexing the knee of the supporting leg, one can observe side-to-side deviations of the knee from a natural position. Various components of the modular footbed are incorporated so as to enable the knee to remain aligned throughout its range of motion.

Abstract: A multi-joint arm type measurement apparatus includes a plurality of probes mounted at a tip of a multi-joint mechanism, and a probe rotation holding mechanism configured to rotatably hold the other probe around one probe and to fix a rotating position of the other probe at a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A top mounted column placement element includes a plumb bob hanging element to allow a plumb bob to hang from the top mounted column placement element and identify a corresponding portion of a bottom mounted column placement element. The top mounted column placement element defines a column perimeter. The bottom mounted column placement element also defines a column perimeter. Once the top mounted column placement portion and bottom mounted column placement element are in place, the column can be placed and set to conform to both defined column perimeters, ensuring the column is properly positioned.

Abstract: To provide a linear encoder including a scale unit and a slider that slides along the scale unit, wherein the slider includes a slider enclosure including a slider holding unit, a detection head holding unit mounted inside a scale enclosure of the scale unit, and a pillar extending between the outside and inside of the scale enclosure to connect these two holding units, and a part of the pillar closer to the detection head holding unit and a part of the detection head holding unit closer to the pillar are bored by a thickness larger than a thickness of the pillar.