Abstract: A vehicle compass includes a magnetic field sensor for mounting within a vehicle and providing two output channels of information representing orthogonal direction sensing of the earth's magnetic field within the vehicle. The sensor is coupled to an electrical circuit including a microprocessor for sampling the data from each of the two channels and providing a plurality of tests to determine if the rate of change of data is within a prescribed limit thereby indicating valid data is being received. Further, the data is tested to determine the maximum and minimum signal levels during movement of the vehicle through a completed 360.degree. path of travel and for calculating therefrom the compass compensation information used to provide a corrected heading display.

Abstract: A reticle plate provided with a reticle and three concentric circles of ving diameter and methods of use thereof, the invention allows a user to establish a north-oriented or south-oriented line by alignment of selected circumpolar stars with the circles. The circles are located on the reticle plate in positions determined by angles which exist between the celestial north (or south) pole and the particular low-magnitude circumpolar stars chosen as sighting points, the radii of the circles being directly proportional to the objective lens focal length of the theodolite or optical instrument within which the plate is used. A first method of the invention allows unambiguous location of the north or south pole by alignment of each of three selected stars with one each of the three circles. A second method provides data to a user sufficient to locate the pole by alignment of innermost and outermost circles respectively with one each of two of the selected stars.

Abstract: A gyroscopic artificial horizon comprises a gyroscope suspended in a gimbal ount which has an inner frame and an outer frame pivoted, one within the other, about two orthogonal axes. It also comprises a device for sensing the spatial position of the axis of the gyroscope and for displaying this position in the form of an artificial horizon. To simplify the mechanical structure and to increase the reliability of the gyroscopic artificial horizon, the device for sensing and displaying the spatial position of the gyroscope axis comprises a luminous display screen rotationally coupled to the outer frame of the gimbal mount. It further comprise a sensor for sensing the angular position of the inner frame relative to the outer frame and a processor device adapted to display this angular position on the screen in the form of an artificial horizon.

Abstract: A surveying and mapping implement indicates the level differences of the ground over which it travels, in relation to the distance travelled. It comprises a carriage consisting of a swivelling front wheel, two center wheels attached to the outside of a U-shaped vertical frame, and two rear wheels connected to the U-shaped frame by means of a thill and a universal joint positioned co-extensive with the axis of the center wheels. The universal joint permits the rear wheels to move up and down and sideways, as well as to twist in relation to the center wheels. The wheel base between the center wheels and the front wheel is identical with that between the center wheels and the rear wheels, in order to facilitate calculations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating the intersection of the center of the web of a beam with a flat upper surface of an end cap of the beam. The apparatus has an upper portion that contacts the flat upper surface of the end cap and has ends that extend beyond the edges of the end cap. Arms that depend downwardly from the ends of the upper portion extend symmetrically toward one another. The upper portion has a predetermined point that is colocated with the axis of symmetry of the arms and an upper surface of the upper portion. The ends of the arms are separated by a distance that is greater than the thickness of the web. When placed over the end cap of a beam, the apparatus is turned about the axis of symmetry until the two arms contact opposing sides of the web, thereby locating the desired web center. The upper portion of the apparatus is preferably made from a transparent material.

Abstract: A contact sensing probe is disclosed for use with a measuring machine or machine tool for measuring the dimensions of a workpiece. The probe comprises a housing within which a stylus holder is mounted on a kinematic support. A spring urges the stylus holder into a rest position on the support and yieldingly resists tilting or lifting of the stylus holder from the support when the stylus engages a workpiece. A sensing device in the form of an accelerometer is supported within the housing on the stylus holder to sense one of the effects of stylus engagement with the workpiece, and to produce a signal which is used to stop the machine and read the signal and read the coordinates of the instantaneous stylus position. The effects sensed in different embodiments of the invention are, sudden lifting of the stylus holder due to physical displacement of the stylus, or the shockwave produced in the stylus on contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring in situ the diameter of a borehole in salt or other ft creeping rock types is provided so that changes in borehole structure can be detected. The gauge comprises a cylindrical body insertable lengthwise into a borehole and having an internal channel wherein sensors can be displaced outwardly when air is directed into the gauge, two air displacement sensors located in the channel having slotted keyways at their inner ends which form an orifice proportional to the distance between the sensors, a pneumatic device capable of providing a stream of air into the gauge body, and a flow meter for measuring air flow through the gauge body. The borehole diameter is determined by directing a stream of air into the gauge body and measuring the air flow which will be proportional to the distance between the sensors when displaced outwardly against the borehole walls. The gauge is advantageous in that it does not itself create artificial stresses or deformations in the borehole walls.

Abstract: To measure in X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis coordinates, modules including indicator gages, guides, small linear slides, adjustable stops, and a pneumatic actuator for at least one axis, are bolted together in a manner such as to be readily mounted to a table or other fixture for measuring locations of features on workpieces. The parts are provided with symmetrical arrangements of holes to facilitate reversal of mountings to adapt to a variety of installations without modification of the parts themselves.

Abstract: A method for aligning pieces of equipment on board a vehicle, particularly on board an aircraft is disclosed. The method assumes the use of at least one computer on board the vehicle working in connection with the pieces of equipment.

Abstract: In connection with building stud layout, a continuous rollable tape, selectively and adhesively secured to the bottom and top plates of a wall installation, for positively establishing stud locations by providing a series of indicia portions, where like indicia portions represent the same on center stud distance, as, for example, 16", 24" and/or 48". Provision is made for accommodating the use of siding or sheeting of various thicknesses and still maintaining the stud centering at the desired distance. No measurement is required nor is guesswork involved by the stud installer.

Abstract: A straightedge is made of a sawable material, and is fixed relative to a saw guide, and the saw guide is provided with multiple guide surfaces so that guiding the saw along the different guide surfaces of the saw guide will cut the straightedge to form multiple cut location indicators.

Abstract: A stud alignment and positioning tool is set forth wherein a plurality of rigid jaws are securable to a series of wall studs by use of temporary securement means such as nails and the like. The rigid jaws are integrally secured to rigid interconnection members formed of angularly oriented planar portions. The integral connection of the rigid jaws to the interconnection members are at acute angles to one another to enable the instant invention to triangulate between framing portions of a studded wall developing rigidity and strength in the alignment and temporary securement of the studs.

Abstract: A digital gemstone measurement device includes a first caliper jaw fixed to a housing, a second caliper jaw movable relative to the first caliper jaw, an encoding wheel that rotates in response to linear motion of the second caliper jaw, a photosensor for sensing rotation of the encoding wheel and a microcomputer responsive to photosensor output signals for calculating the weight of a gemstone. A slotted rotary encoding wheel provides measurement resolution on the order of 0.01 millimeter. A spring-loaded pneumatic dashpot urges the caliper jaws together relatively slowly so as to avoid snap-action. The gemstone shape is selected from a list, and the weight is calculated from a predetermined formula corresponding to the shape. The device is handheld and includes a keypad for controlling operation and an alphanumeric display for readout of measurement results.

Abstract: With the gear wheel (23) stopped, a testing head (13) is sequentially introduced into tooth gaps to measure adjacent teeth (FIG. 1a), sequentially, by sensing and recording the position of engagement of the measuring head with tooth flanks at a predetermined measuring circle, for example the pitch circle; the measuring head can move, with respect to the gear wheel, in X and Y vectorial directions, and if it is desired to also measure profile and/or inclination of inclined or spiraled gears, in the Z vectorial direction. The measuring head is moved from tooth gap to tooth gap until the end of a scanning range is reached. At that point, a control apparatus (24) rotates the gear wheel to place the last measured flank at least approximately at an initial measuring or reference position, so that the testing head can remeasure the last measured flank, thus determining the position of the gear wheel, and proceed with the next measuring cycle from tooth gap to tooth gap, while measuring the flanks.

Abstract: A method for surveying in which the surveying instrument may be positioned in substantially more locations than with prior art surveying methods. The surveying method employs a separate point at which a compass is positioned. The bearing of the object to be located relative to the compass is measured. The distance between a surveying instrument and this object is determined by setting the bearing of the surveying instrument equal to the bearing of the compass, measuring the distance between the compass and the surveying instrument, measuring the angle formed between the compass and surveying instrument and object and instrument, and then determining the distance between the surveying instrument and object using trigonometric principles.

Abstract: A golf green indication means is set forth for visual reflection of a golf green surface and visually illustrate slope and obstructions associated in the path of a ball proximate a putting hole. A reflective lens is fastened to a housing to present an acute angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the golf green surface. An associated handle to the housing enables easy transport of the device in use.

Abstract: A height control device for attachment to the end of a grader blade of a motor grader. A gage portion of the device is adjustable for the desired depth of a cut the blade will make with reference to a curb upon which the gage rides.

Abstract: In a scale balancing device, a rotating moment balancing a moment developed by the dead load of the scale is exerted by the tension member having tensile elasticity upon the rotatable member adapted to be rotated concentrically and integrally with the scale rotating shaft while the tensile elasticity of the tension member is applied through the biasing mechanism to the same rotatable member and thereby to balance the tensile elasticity of the tension member to that the unbalanced load developing in the scale rotating shaft as a result of balancing of the scale may be balanced or reduced. Furthermore, by position-adjustment of the engaging member in the direction of the radius of the rotatable member with respect to its rotational center, a scale balancing force is easily adjusted to accommodate the inclination of the drawing board from the horizontal to the vertical or to accommodate an exchange of the scales having different weights.

Abstract: A hand-held marking device for drawing upon a paper or other surface. The device includes a housing having a hole opening to the surface and enclosing a motor, batteries for the motor, and a switch. The motor drives a gear train, which includes a pinion gear axially connected with the motor and a spur gear geared with the pinion gear. A holder gripping a pencil or pen is positioned over the hole so that the holder rotates about a horizontal pivot pin downward so that the pen or pencil comes into contact with the paper or surface to be marked by force of gravity. The paper is in a horizontal plane and the pen is in a vertical orientation. The holder is secured to the inner rim of the spur gear. The swivel member can be aligned into one of a plurality of locking recesses along an arced groove eccentrically oriented relative the center of the spur gear. When the motor is turned on and the marking device is moved manually, the pen draws a continuous spiral.

Abstract: A device that may be of different shapes and sizes to function as a level that emits an audio and visual signal when the device is level or parallel with gravity. It will also emit the same signals when the level is put in a vertical position and the device is plumb in one dimension; while at the same time will emit a different audio and visual signal when the level is moved and the bubble of amalgam will flow to the center of the other glass tube thus indicating that the other plane is level. In essence, both sets of signals will activate when the level is in true vertical position. The audio and visual signals are activated by D.C. current supplied by a dry cell battery. The liquid leveling agent is a drop of amalgam enclosed in a glass tube that is embedded in the body of the level.