Abstract: Provided a method and apparatus for using a magnetic field. The method includes: measuring and storing magnetic field data indicating magnitudes of a magnetic field in different directions at each time by rotating sensors over a space; and checking whether a disturbance of the magnetic field exists, using curve fitting parameters such as amplitude and offset of at least one of magnetic field trajectories formed by the stored magnetic field data.

Abstract: An apparatus for gauging the dimension of an object. The apparatus has a wall with a generally flat front surface, facing a first direction, and a peripheral edge. Space graduations are provided on the wall relative to which a dimension of an object placed in front of the wall can be gauged. The surface on the wall reflects an image of an object located in front of the wall. At least one of i) a depiction of at least one of a) an animate object; b) an inanimate object; and c) a scene; ii) at least one word; iii) a design; and iv) a logo is provided on the wall and is viewable from in front of the wall in conjunction with the spaced graduations and a reflected image from the surface on the wall.

Abstract: A device for easy positioning, leveling, marking and hanging of all types of pictures, sconces, decorative shelves, mirrors, and other devices to be mounted on a support surface. It has elongated vertical and horizontal support members attached together, each preferably with resilient legs. The vertical support has a handle at one end, a surface rest at its other end, and a rotatable sliding level. Sliding hook clips are positioned along the horizontal support, each having a front hook for holding an item to be hung while positioning and marking with an opposed marking implement take place. One or more hook clips can be used simultaneously. Flexing or compression of legs, soft pads, vertical support member, and/or horizontal support member reduces the wall stand-off distance of the device and causes the aligned marking implements to contact and mark the wall exactly where the held item should be permanently mounted.

Abstract: A tool for measuring compliance with building construction codes comprises at least one indentation having a diameter that is representative of a maximum or minimum diameter of a handrail or grab bar, as permitted by code standards. The indentation is positioned adjacent a handrail or grab bar to determine compliance with relevant code standards. The tool may also include a tab positioned adjacent The indentation to simultaneously measure the distance a grab bar or handrail is spaced from a wall, and the diameter of the handrail or grab bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a navigational assist system to assist a pilot or other person in the entry into an entry environment, such as a holding pattern or runway traffic pattern. The navigational assist system is comprised of a plurality of entry determining elements moveably secured to one another upon which is placed information to assist in the entry into an entry environment. In one embodiment three entry determining elements are used, with the entry determining elements corresponding to the following: (i) one entry determining element for determination of the advised standard entry procedure for entry into a holding pattern; (ii) one entry determining element for determination of the advised non-standard entry procedure for entry into a holding pattern; and (iii) one entry determining element for determination of the advised entry procedure for entry into a runway traffic patterns.

Abstract: A tool for scribing a longitudinal groove on an elongate cylindrical rod suitable for implanting as a prosthetic in a living being supports the rod in a linear groove on a bed of a frame of the tool. A track is mounted on the frame and runs parallel to the groove. A carrier mounted on the track can slide on the track in constant spaced relation to and along the groove. A scribe mounted on the carrier extends toward the groove to contact a rod in the predetermined position. A preferred version of the tool has a clamp mounted on the bed for clamping the rod in the predetermined position. Additional features allow for precise angular positioning of the rod and for scribing a dashed line on the rod. In use, the tool operator places the rod in the predetermined position in the groove. The scribe is then pressed into contact with the rod. While the scribe is in pressed contact with the rod, the operator slides the carrier along the track.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning of articulated connectors is disclosed. The apparatus is a drop-in bore gauge with a handle, a flange and at least one elongated fin for insertion into the bore of the female castings. Once inserted, dimensions can be determined by placement of the gauge at a reference point and observing the location of an elongated fin measuring edge relative to the bore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining dimensions for threaded fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes an apparatus that determines a dimension of a fastener using a probe that senses a linear displacement of the fastener. A probe tip is rotatably disposed on the probe that contacts the fastener. A controller is coupled to the apparatus for receiving the dimensional characteristic. In another embodiment, a measurement apparatus includes a rotating spindle that supports the fastener and a probe that detects a dimension and having a portion that rotatably engages the fastener. A scale is coupled to the probe to determine a displacement. In another embodiment, a method includes positioning a fastener in a spindle that rotates the fastener, engaging the fastener with a probe to sense a dimension of the fastener, the probe having a terminal portion that rotatably conforms to the fastener, and processing the dimension.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a novel mounting clip assembly having a distinct lever arm coupled to a base plate for movement about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The lever arm has a first spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing the base plate and disposed rearward of the pivot axis. The base plate has a first fastener-receiving hole therein forward of the pivot axis, a second spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing the lever arm. A spring biases the lever arm to assume the closed position and extends from the first bay to the second bay. A centerline of a mounting hole in the base plate extends through a second hole in the lever arm when the lever arm is in the closed position. A top of a securing fastener is accessible via the second hole. Also, methods of assembly are described.

Abstract: A flexible measuring tape is extended from a predetermined location on a face a predetermined distance to a location on a scalp. A 2 cm by 2 cm square bundle of hair about that location is isolated. The bundle of isolated hair is captured in a slit in a two-part cartridge, one part being slidable in the other part about a changeable length slit 1 mm wide. The cartridge is placed in an “L” shaped end of a plunger extending from a first end of a body of a measuring device. The plunger is drawn into the body of the device to compress the hair in the changeable length slit as the two parts of the cartridge are pushed together between an end of the “L” and the first end of the body. A spring is provided on the plunger between a second end of the body of the device and an inner end of a knob at an outer end of the plunger.

Abstract: An indicator device for alerting the driver of a pickup truck to the orientation of the tailgate includes a housing assembly and an indicator assembly carried by and extending from the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to the tailgate of the pickup truck in a position that causes at least a portion of the indicator assembly to extend from the side of the truck so that the driver can see the extending portion in the side view mirror of the truck. Viewing the position of the indicator assembly allows the driver of the truck to ascertain the position of the tailgate.

Abstract: A visual parking guide, more particularly, a thin flat surface, divided into three zones, with a multitude of markings in each zone, to assist drivers of varying heights to park their car in a safe parking position. The visual parking guide is mountable on a supporting structure such that at least a portion of the parking guide is within the field of view of the driver. By parking the vehicle at a preferred distance from a stationary structure and aligning a fixed point relative to the vehicle with one of the multitude of markings on the visual parking guide, the driver can determine a reference point to use as a means to determine the safe parking position.

Abstract: A measuring device including a mechanism for measuring such as a tape measure, the mechanism for measuring having a end hook; and a mechanism for selectively securing, such as a magnet, the tape to an object, such as a pipe, the mechanism for selective securing being attached to the end hook of the mechanism for measuring.

Abstract: An image processing type aligner enables proper set-up of one of two adjustment elements used to align an adaptive cruise control sensor or the like mounted on a vehicle. One element, such as a laser beam source, is mounted with the sensor on the vehicle; and the other element, such as a mirror, is mounted on a stand. A carrier on the stand positions at least one image sensor of the aligner system. The stand is positioned in front of the vehicle and manipulated until the aligner indicates that the axis of the adjustment element on the stand is aligned relative to a desired line of the vehicle, for example, the thrust line. A beam of light is transmitted between the two adjustment elements, and the technician adjusts the sensor until the beam position indicates a desired alignment of the sensor relative to the line of the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetically damped inclinometer has a shaft with attached pendulum that rotates. The rotation causes an index member to rotate past one or a set of magnets or electromagnets that are connected to the load. The magnet or electromagnet may be mounted directly the load or it may be in the form of an off center ring. Another embodiment uses a spring to bias two magnets apart. A cam is attached to the shaft such that, as the pendulum and shaft rotate, a roller connected with the load or spreader bar allows the spring to push the magnets farther apart. The damped inclinometers are used to determine and provide information to respond to the initial sway of a load prior to bringing the load to a stop.

Abstract: A spirit level comprising a body having a level face for setting a surface, at least one bubble vial mounted in the body, the bubble vial having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the level face, and an optical transfer element fixed to the body which transfers an image of the bubble vial to a viewing plane generally parallel to the level face.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an alignment instrument onto a vehicular wheel which is to be used to align the wheel of the vehicle. The mounting system includes a mounting plate which has an engagement structure located directly adjacent the peripheral edge of the mounting plate. At least a pair of the lug nuts, and preferably three in number of the lug nuts, of the vehicular wheel are to be removed and replaced with elongated internally threaded sleeves, all the same length, which are substantially longer in length than the lug nuts so that the mounting plate will be mounted in a spaced relationship from the vehicular wheel. The mounting plate includes at least five in number of elongated holes generally radially disposed in a spaced apart arrangement relative to the center of the mounting plate. A fastener assembly is used to fixedly mount the mounting plate onto the elongated internally threaded sleeves.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an orientation of the survey tool within a borehole utilizes a survey tool including a plurality of rotation sensors each having a sensing axis and a direction of least acceleration sensitivity. The plurality of rotation sensors are mounted in a housing with their sensing axes generally parallel to one another and with their directions of least acceleration sensitivity generally non-parallel to one another. The survey tool further includes a controller adapted to calculate a weighted average of the detected angular rotation rates from the plurality of rotation sensors. The weighted average includes the detected angular rotation rate of each rotation sensor about its sensing axis weighted by the detected acceleration along its direction of least acceleration sensitivity.

Abstract: A distance measuring instrument has a measuring axis; a measuring spindle disposed rotatably and shiftably in a housing such that a rotary motion of the measuring spindle results in a corresponding shift of the measuring spindle along the measuring axis; a stationary sensor element which is immobile relative to the housing and a movable sensor element which is connected to the measuring spindle to rotate therewith and which is shiftable relative to the measuring spindle along the measuring axis; and a guiding device for guiding the relative shifting motion between the movable sensor element and the measuring spindle, and having a guiding sleeve connected to the movable sensor element for rotation therewith; the guiding sleeve has an inner groove which extends parallel to the measuring axis and a guiding member which is connected to the measuring spindle for rotation therewith and which projects shiftably into the inner groove.

Abstract: The present invention describes a container end closure which utilizes a material that is adapted to provide a visible indicator when the internal pressure of the contents increase to a predetermined level. In one embodiment, an interruption in a reinforcing bead incorporated in the end closure is deformed to visually notify a consumer of spoilage due to bacterial activity and to substantially prohibit the use of traditional can openers to access the spoiled contents within the container.