Abstract: A bridge type coordinate measuring machine characterized by a bridge (20) that has a closed loop configuration encircling the measuring machine base (10). The bridge (20) includes two uprights (21, 22), an upper member (23) connecting the uprights together and at least one lower member (24) connecting the uprights together below the upper surface (11) of the base (10). Bearings (41) for the bridge are offset inwardly from the vertical axes of the uprights of the bridge and a guideway (12, 13), along which the bearings travel, is located on each side of the base. The bearings (41) operate upwardly, downwardly and sidewardly against the surfaces of the guideways (12, 13) located on the sides of the base (10). This arrangement both stiffens and raises the resonant frequency of the bridge, thereby improving the measuring accuracy and repeatability of the coordinate measuring machines performance.

Abstract: A wheel alignment system uses head units attached to each of the four wheels. The front head units contain photodetector arrays which view across the front of the vehicle and to the rear. The rear units carry photodetector arrays which look forward. Each photodetector array views a target on one of the other head units. A microcomputer in each head unit determines an angular value based upon the position of the target image on the photodetector array. The angle values determined by the microcomputers of the individual head units are supplied to a master computer in a main console which determines individual toe angles with respect to a tread centerline for either the front two wheels or for all four wheels. The master computer controls a display at the main console, as well as a remote display to guide the mechanic in making alignment adjustments.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle capable of stabilized observation of topographic features for land surveying is provided. The vehicle is adapted to convert to a stabilized observation platform by the use of stabilizing means, such as swing and lift apparatus mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Observation of topographic features is provided by mounting surveying apparatus, such as a digital theodolites, on gimbaled apparatus employing two axles which in turn is supported by extensible means to elevate the surveying apparatus above the roof of the vehicle. Means for raising a portion of the vehicle's roof to accommodate the elevated surveying apparatus is also provided. Computation may be accomplished in the field using a suitable computer powered by a suitable power supply. The computer may also be used to control the various stabilizing, gimbaled and extensible means.

Abstract: In this position measuring instrument switches or cams of a limit position switching system are integrated as components of the carrier body for the measuring graduation. The switches or cams mounted to the carrier body cooperate with corresponding parts on a machine and form with these parts limit position switching systems. By integrating the limit position switch components with the measuring instrument the functioning of the position measuring instrument is extended beyond the pure measuring function.

Abstract: A level containing horizontal, vertical and rotatable bubble capsules is constructed using only two different housing parts. The main housing is comprised of two identical halves secured back to back. A cylindrical chamber which houses the rotatable bubble is also comprised of two identical halves secured back to back. The structure is simple and economical to produce.

Abstract: In order to check threads for accuracy, a single wire is placed in the notch formed by the thread flanks. The wire is sized to extend above the top of the thread crown or ridge. A micrometer is used to measure the distance between the exposed top of the wire on one side of the thread and the thread crown on the other side. This technique is an improvement over the conventional three wire system since far less manual dexterity is required.

Abstract: A paneling template for marking the position of an electrical outlet box on the back side of a wall panel comprising a rectangular base, four posts with felt tips extending outwardly from the corners of the base, an electrical switch opening for a toggle switch in the middle of the base, prongs for attaching the template to an electrical receptacle extending from the inner side of the base, and screw apertures in the base that mate with switch plate screw openings in an electrical switch. The template is integrally formed of non-conductive, plastic resin, with the prongs being sufficiently flexible and resilient to permit the prongs to be bent over and out of the way so that the template can be positioned flush against the wall over an electrical switch.

Abstract: An adjustable radial curve radius setting scale is provided having an end supporting bar to which there is attached an assemblage of stacked elements. The stacked elements are fastened together by pin assemblies so that they move independently of each other. The stacked elements are attached to the supporting bar and are adjustable relative thereto. A ruling edge is attached to the stacked elements for creating a curve upon manipulation of the stacked elements. A bar scale is attached to the supporting bar and to the stacked elements so that the user of the instrument may set or determine the exact radius of a curve created by the instrument. The bar scale may be removable by the provision of a locking device which would function to lock the ruling edge to the ruling arm assembly. A base having at least one guideway is provided for the radial curve whereby radii of particular dimensions may be constructed. A transparent cover is provided for the base.

Abstract: A scale and slider in a linear displacement measuring instrument have spaced opposed parallel surfaces bearing aligned patterns of thin flat conductive elements. The scale pattern consists of equally spaced parallel bars transverse to displacement with enlarged aligned central portions which form collectively a single set of coupling electrodes. A pair of aligned sensor electrodes are fixed on the surface of the slider opposite the coupling electrodes of the scale and matching arrays of transmitter elements are arranged on opposite sides of the sensor electrodes and grouped axially in space quadrature. Alternate interdigitated sets of the transmitter electrodes on the slider are excited with oppositely phased square wave signals. The signals picked up by the sensor electrodes on the slider are fed to separate coarse plate counting and fine plate interpolation circuits.

Abstract: A rocking rotational angle altering system is equipped with an improved output rotational angle indicating device. The device includes a movable block and a cam rod brought into engagement with each other in rolling contact. The movable block has rolling elements mounted to act as a unit therewith and the cam rod is formed with a flat cam surface engageable with the rolling elements of the movable block.

Abstract: A linear measuring system comprises an elongate housing tube, which contains a metal strip, which is provided with a scale. The housing tube contains also a scanning unit, which is movable along the scanning tube to scan said scale. To ensure that the metal strip will be uniformly tensioned throughout its length and that the accuracy of the scanning operation will not be affected by a deviation of the longitudinal direction of the housing tube from a desired direction in which the measurement is to be taken or by changes of the length of the housing tube, the metal strip extends in the housing tube substantially without a longitudinal restraint and extends at both ends out of the housing tube and is held at said two ends by brackets, which are disconnected from the housing tube. In the housing tube, the side edges of the metal strip are entirely clear of the housing tube.

Abstract: A compass attached to a car door mirror is disclosed which provides protection for the compass and improved readability, while avoiding the reliability problems of compasses mounted inside the car. The compass is embedded in the frame of the car door mirror which makes it both less obtrusive and physically more secure.

Abstract: A range finder for a bow formed of a frame in the form of a thin plate affixed at its rearward end to the bow and extending forwardly and in the plane of the bow, a plurality of adjustably positionable sight pins being affixed to the frame portion forwardly of the bow to extend perpendicularly from it, a pendulum member affixed to the frame at a point rearwardly of the sight pins, the pendulum member including a downwardly extending weight portion which pivots in a plane parallel the frame and a pointer portion, the outer end of the pointer portion being bent to form a pendulum needle which extends perpendicular the frame and adjacent to and parallel the sight pins, and a range bar affixed to the frame between the pendulum needle and the sight pins of the range bar extending perpendicular to the frame and providing an indicia receiving surface thereon so that marks may be made on the range bar corresponding to the position of the pendulum needle at positions of proper sighting of the various range pins.

Abstract: Apparatus for promoting straight golf ball flight paths by promoting in flight rotation of a golf ball along its horizontal axis by assuring horizontal alignment of parallel grooves of the face of a golf club as the club strikes a golf ball comprising a frame having an alignment ridge for insertion into one of said parallel grooves, means for securing level indication means to the frame in parallel alignment to the alignment ridge, level indication means, and means for temporarily attaching said frame to the face of a golf club in such a manner that said level indicator indicates the horizontal alignment of said parallel grooves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scribing a severance line around the circumference of a pipe employing a protractor with a rotative arm and alignment guide pin; and a laser beam producing a vertical line beam. The protractor is mounted on the pipe to be cut so that the protractor is parallel with respect to the longitudinal center line of the length of the pipe. Once the protractor is parallel and set to the desired angle, the laser beam is energized to project a line upon the pipe which is in alignment with the alignment guide pins. The projected line is chalked on the pipe and the pipe is cut in any conventional manner.

Abstract: A foldable template for laying out stairway stringers includes a plurality of step-defining members each having, in fixed relation, a tread-defining edge and a rise-defining edge and, for each pair of successive step-defining members, a corresponding intermediate member which is foldably attached to the respective successive step-defining members so that the step-defining and intermediate members of said template may be folded one upon another to form a compact stack. For use, the template is unfolded to provide, lengthwise, a number of step-defining members corresponding to the steps of a stringer. The template is then placed flat on a workpiece from which the stringer is to be cut, and the tread-defining and rise-defining edges are marked off on the workpiece which is thereafter cut along the marked off portions to yield the stringer.

Abstract: An illuminated foot measuring grid is provided which allows any number of users to measure foot size by standing upon a rear illuminated measuring grid work. The grid is also warmed by the illuminating source and is a great comfort to the user. While supported by a rigid frame, the top illuminated panels are actually a sandwich of three light transmitting panels. The bottom, very thick panel provides structural support. The intermediate panel contains the graphic grid work as well as any advertising and decorative colored regions. The top panel is a thin disposable panel which is replaced when it becomes worn. Chairs may also be placed upon the invention for user convenience and comfort.

Abstract: A digital display measuring system includes a movable and stationary members between which an object to be measured is located, these members respectively supporting transmitter and receiver electrodes which define a variable capacitor having its electrostatic capacity which is adapted to change as the movable member is displaced relative to the stationary member. The change of electrostatic capacity is detected and converted into an electrical signal which is digitally indicated on a display to show the mechanical displacement of the movable member.

Abstract: A sensor pin carrier (34) is disposed in a housing (20) and rests on a support member (26) by way of a bearing which is arranged all around a central longitudinal axis (40), and the sensor pin carrier is designed for securing at least one sensor pin (38). The sensor pin carrier (34) is attached in the middle of an elastic disc (30) disposed vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis (40) and secured at its outer edge in the housing (20). At least one electric switch (56) is associated with the sensor pin carrier (34) to generate a signal upon deflections of the sensor pin (38).

Abstract: The apparatus serves to draw various geometric patterns on circular sheets of paper. Primarily, it consists of a base having a hand operated drive wheel that rotates a turntable, to which a piece of circular paper has been attached by pins sticking up from its surface. It also includes an adjustable pen holder support, which is fastened to a guide rod which is removably received, at one end, in any one of a number of grooves in a weave rack rod fastened to the base, and the other end of the guide rod is removably received in any one of several openings in a French curve arm pivotally adjustable on the drive wheel.