Abstract: Sizing an internal body structure in a patient includes guiding a sizing mechanism via a wire guide to a target location within the internal body structure, inflating a balloon of the sizing mechanism at the target location, and injecting a contrast fluid into the internal body structure. The inflated balloon blocks a flow of the injected contrast fluid to indicate that a size of the inflated balloon is accordant with a size of the body structure. Related apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment tool for framing squares. The tool is made of a pair of straight members that are fastened together with a space therebetween. Each of the members has a pair of horizontal grooves that are aligned. A fasteners is positioned within each of the grooves to lock a framing square in place once the desired setting have been determined. The tool has markings on each face that are used to establish angles for desired cuts. Using pivot points that are placed on the tool, the framing square can be set at one point and the pivoted to the desired angle using the markings on the tool without having to calculate anything. In this way, many different types of building members including: rafters, trusses and stairs can be laid out, marked and cut with minimal error and optimal efficiency.

Abstract: A surveying and measuring device and method of using the same is provided. The device, which is particularly suited for determining or measuring a rotational position of an object, comprises an elongate rigid member extending radially away from a known center of an object. Distal ends of the rigid member downwardly project points which may be compared to, for example, survey markers or known points.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a display that displays measurements. The display is provided by an organic electroluminescent display device or an electronic paper including an assembly of organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) devices. Since the display is provided by the organic electroluminescent display device or an electronic paper including an assembly of organic electroluminescence devices, visibility of the display can be enhanced. Further, since the display can be used for various measuring instruments in common and the display design can be easily changed, production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: One embodiment of an alignment apparatus for aligning an object, such as a tool or other implement, perpendicular with respect to a horizontal or a vertical target surface, comprises a three-axis accelerometer and at least two forward-facing distance sensors and a projection display comprising four addressable laser projectors. The accelerometer and distance sensor outputs are mapped to a predefined graphic symbol representing the orientation of the tool relative to the target surface, in particular when the tool is perpendicular to the target surface. The projection display projects the predefined symbol onto the target surface where it may be easily viewed by the tool operator allowing the operator to make any necessary corrections to the tool position.

Abstract: A ruler assembly comprising a ruler having a top extending along a ruler width and a ruler length. The top has an inner top surface and an outer top surface. The assembly has at least one side wall extending along the ruler length. The side wall extends from a side wall bottom edge to a side wall top edge proximal to the outer top surface. The outer top surface comprises a plurality of step surfaces, each having a step height measured from the side wall bottom edge to the side wall top edge of each of the plurality of step surfaces. In some embodiments, the inner top surface and the inner side wall surface define a ruler cavity configured to removably couple to an insert ruler.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methodology providing an axial positioner for a rotatable shaft that is selectively extensible along an axis of rotation. The apparatus includes a sleeve having a first race operably fixed in rotation with the shaft, and a second race operably fixed at a predetermined rotational position. The races define opposing bearing surfaces operably supporting the first race in rotation with respect to the second race. The apparatus also includes an indicia device attached to the second race.

Abstract: Disclosed are an actively compensated stage including: a guide support having first and second guide surfaces perpendicular to each other; a table having first and second sides opposite the first and second guide surfaces and having air bearings on the first and second sides; a driving linear motor moving the table straight in an x-axial direction; and a plurality of magnetic actuators applying a magnetic preload between the guide support and the table and changing a magnetic force between the guide support and the table to compensate for 5-DOF motion errors generated in the table.

Abstract: A method and an electronic device for determining the direction of a magnetic field, in which a mobile electronic compass device is used to measure three field vectors of the magnetic field the desired number of times. From each measurement, a data point (p1-p6) is formed in a three-dimensional co-ordinate system, for which measured data points a common reference point (C) is calculated. The location of the device is determined relative to the reference point in said co-ordinate system and the co-ordinates of the reference point obtained are compared to the co-ordinates of at least one previous reference point, and the co-ordinate values of the reference point are calibrated, after which the direction of the magnetic field is indicated with the aid of the reference point.

Abstract: Sight alignment indicia on a sphere being indicia made on opposing sides of a sphere, the indicia positioned from about 0 degrees to 23 degrees north of the equator of the sphere, and visible at the same time to one standing over the ball. A sphere surface template marking device comprising a shell having an outer-surface and inner-surface generally defining a hemi-spherical portion of a sphere adapted for receiving a portion of the sphere so that the inner-surface substantially conforms thereto, the shell having an edge portion approximating the equator of the sphere, at least two grooves disposed there through, with the grooves positioned on opposing sides of said shell from about 0 degrees to 23 degrees north of the edge portions of the sphere, serving to receive and guide a marker imprinting indicia on said surface of said sphere.

Abstract: A simple type dual axes optoelectronic level includes a carrier, an adjustable fixing mechanism, a level sensing device, a container cup holding a liquid, and a reflector. The adjustable fixing mechanism and the container cup are fixed at the carrier. The level sensing device is fixed at the adjustable fixing mechanism and faces the container cup. The reflector is fixed at the bottom surface of the container cup. The level sensing device provides a measuring light beam, which is refracted by the liquid surface to the reflector, and reflected back to the liquid surface by the reflector, and refracted again by the liquid surface to the level sensing device. Through the refraction effect, the level sensing device can detect two angles between the bottom surface of the carrier and the liquid surface. The dual axes optoelectronic level has advantages of simple structure, low cost and differentiating angles of two axes.

Abstract: An electronic caliper generates power for measurement operations. The caliper comprises a scale member, a slider, a signal processing portion configured to measure a displacement between the scale member and slider, a power generating arrangement attached to the slider comprising a gear assembly configured to rotate in response to a force provided through a power generating handle to the gear assembly by a user moving the power generating handle relative to the gear assembly, and a power generator coupled to the gear assembly and configured to rotate in response to force provided by the rotating gear assembly and provide power to the signal processing portion. The power generating arrangement generates power as the user moves the power generating handle, and the power generating arrangement contributes a motion resistance force component of at most 20N as the user moves the power generating handle with a maximum manual acceleration.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a surface geometry of a workpiece includes mounting the workpiece to a measurement artifact that includes a plurality of parametric datum features. The parametric datum features may be utilized by a first inspection device and a second inspection device to establish a measurement coordinate system. The surface geometry is measured relative to the measurement coordinate system with the first inspection device to provide first measurement data. The surface geometry is also measured relative to the measurement coordinate system with the second inspection device to provide second measurement data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination roof top solar installation tool, and more particularly, to a tool for measuring, securing, and supporting solar installation equipment to allow for quick, safe, consistent, and efficient installations. The tool may include a first housing, a second housing, and third housing that fit telescopically together and are secured through a clip locking mechanism that extends the housings when released via a clip and roller system. The tool has ruling etched along the top of the housings, a level, and also has a series of ratchet heads for tightening and loosening tools on a roof. The invention may include a series of seam clamp holes along the surface of the housings, which receive a seam clamp. The invention may also have an elongating device secured onto one of the housings, which is used for measuring distances beyond the length of the installation tool.

Abstract: A go/no-go gauge for hole tolerance measurement incorporates a handle, a first pin having a first diameter extending from a first end of the handle and a second pin having a second diameter extending from a second end of the handle. A force measurement element is disposed between the ends of the handle and configured to provide an indication upon exceeding a predetermined force level when attempting to insert one of the pins into a hole.

Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment apparatuses and associated methods for use on a turbine (e.g., a gas turbine). In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an unfixed inlet guide vane (IGV) adjacent a fixed IGV in a gas turbine. In some cases the apparatus includes: a first wedge member for interfacing with the fixed IGV; a second wedge member movably coupled with the first wedge member, the second wedge member for interfacing with the unfixed IGV; and an adjustment apparatus coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member, the adjustment apparatus for modifying a position of the second wedge member relative to the first wedge member to actuate movement of the unfixed IGV relative to the fixed IGV.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring pedal distances within a vehicle. The apparatus includes a first block for engaging an accelerator pedal. The first block includes a first receptacle for receiving a first measurement device and a second receptacle including slidable and rotatable engagement for receiving a second measurement device. The first measurement device measures pedal stroke and the second measurement device measures distance. The apparatus further includes a second block for engaging a brake pedal. The second block includes a receptacle including slidable engagement for receiving a third measurement device. The third measurement device measures distance, either between pedals or between a pedal and a reference surface in the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shaft alignment tool including a center hub and a plurality of adjustable arms. The plurality of adjustable arms are coupled to the center hub and include a proximal end section and a distal end section. The shaft alignment tool further includes one or more roller assemblies mounted on each distal end section of each adjustable arm.

Abstract: A wellbore caliper includes an actuator housing pivotally connected at one end to a well logging instrument housing and an actuator disposed in the housing and operable to extend and retract laterally extensible measuring arms.

Abstract: An alignment system and method for aligning a hole-making device for forming a hole in the ground. In one example, the alignment system includes an alignment template selectively securable to the ground; and a centering plate positionable within the alignment template, the centering plate having a hole adapted to be positioned on a survey pin or nail or other mark. The alignment template is aligned relative to desired marked hole location, and the hole making device is aligned relative to the template, which thereby aligns the hole making device relative to the marked hole location.