Patents Examined by William D. Martin, Jr.
  • Measuring apparatus
    Patent number: 4625408
    Abstract: Measuring apparatus for determining the position of a point in a measuring volume relative to a datum point at which three mutually perpendicular axes intersect, includes a probe member supported for movement within that volume. Errors due to rotations about the various axes are corrected by providing additional transducers on each axis, there being (n+1) transducers where n is the number of rotations for which correction is required. The embodiments described have three X-axis transducers X.sub.1, X.sub.2 and X.sub.3 and three Y-axis transducers Y.sub.1, Y.sub.2 and Y.sub.3 which, with the appropriate circuitry correct for pitch and yaw errors about the two axes. For the Z-axis only two transducers, Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2, are required. The circuit means combines the various transducer outputs to derive corrected values of the three co-ordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Ferranti plc
    Inventor: David A. Wright
  • Liquid medium capacitive displacement sensor
    Patent number: 4624140
    Abstract: The inside surface of a conductive vessel (preferably spherical) with insulated adjacent segments is coated with a dielectric layer. The vessel is then partly filled with a conductive liquid-like material such as mercury having an upper surface which remains approximately horizontal irrespective of the inclination of the vessel. The capacitance between the segments and liquid varies as a function of the vessel's inclination. Vibration-induced surface action also produces varying capacitance which can be detected for seismometer applications and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Optima Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Ekchian, Robert W. Hoffman, Leon Ekchian
  • Pen tip cleaning assembly of plotter
    Patent number: 4621428
    Abstract: A pen tip cleaning assembly of a plotter for performing drawing with a drawing needle pen held by a pen carriage, is provided wherein a two-dimensional pad of an elastic material is disposed in a drawing surface so as to allow insertion of a pen tip of the drawing needle pen, and the pen tip is moved relative to the two-dimensional pad, whereby the pen tip is cleaned every time the pen tip is inserted in a clean portion of the two-dimensional pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignees: Iwatsu Electric Co., Ltd., Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadaaki Fukumura, Etsuji Tagami, Takeji Hashimoto, Hirofumi Tano
  • Verticality detecting apparatus for plumbing columns
    Patent number: 4621433
    Abstract: A verticality detecting apparatus for plumbing columns has a measuring section to be mounted on a lower end portion of an upper column, an upper target to be mounted on an upper end portion of the upper column and a lower target to be mounted on a lower end portion of a lower column joined to the lower end of the upper column. Inclinations of the measuring section about two orthogonal horizontal axes are adjustable and can be locked at adjusted inclinations. The measuring section consists of a sight telescope with a right angle prism opposed to its objective while placing an edge of the right angle on its optical axis perpendicular thereto, and an inclination sensor for detecting inclinations of the telescope-prism assembly about the two orthogonal horizontal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sokkisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Takeuchi, Katsuki Koshigoe, Hiroshi Ogino, Masaharu Hayashi
  • Sill attachment underframe measurement system
    Patent number: 4621435
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for the measurement of the underframe of a motor vehicle. The apparatus takes the form of a pair of "roof racks" able to be suspended underneath the vehicle by the door sills. A longitudinal arm carrying a pointer is able to be radially swung about a central pivot point and/or slid from side to side to enable comparison measurements of corresponding left and right side portions of the vehicle to be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Inventor: Alan V. Higginbotham
  • Electronic rangefinder for archery
    Patent number: 4617741
    Abstract: A rangefinding device wherein a series of movable lines are created electronically via the use of a liquid crystal display and associated circuitry. When a target of a known size, such as a deer, is "bracketed" exactly between two of these lines, the correct yardage is indicated on another portion of the liquid crystal display. The device has utility for both hunting and target purposes. The device is battery operated and is small enough and light enough to be mounted on any standard recurve bow, compound bow, or crossbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Inventors: Marvin L. Bordeaux, Dennis R. Ward
  • Borehole survey system and method of determining the difference in borehole azimuth at successive points
    Patent number: 4614040
    Abstract: A borehole survey instrument has a probe with a polarized light system for transmitting a signal representing the angular orientation of the probe to the surface. Light from a source in the probe is directed through a polarizing filter with an axis of polarization orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the probe. The polarized light beam is transmitted to the surface through an optical fiber light conduit. The angle of polarization is detected with a rotating polarizing filter and provides a measure of the probe orientation. In surveying a borehole, azimuth is determined from inclinometer measurements. The probe orientation in vertical sections of the borehole is measured by the polarized light system. Two measures of borehole azimuth are combined, providing an improved measure of azimuth in boreholes near vertical and near horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Sunstrand Data Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Rand H. Hulsing, II, Rex B. Peters, Kurt E. Steinke
  • High speed well surveying
    Patent number: 4611405
    Abstract: A borehole survey apparatus including(a) angular rate sensor means having a sensitive axis,(b) tilt sensor means,(c) a rotary drive operatively connected to said (a) and (b) sensor means to rotate same about an axis extending generally in the direction of the borehole,(d) and circuitry operatively connected with said (a) and (b) sensor means to determine the azimuthal direction of tilt of the borehole at a first location therein, said (a) sensor means also connected in feedback relation with the drive whereby the sensitive axis of the (a) sensor means is maintained at a predetermined orientation relative to horizontal during travel of said apparatus in the borehole relative to said first location, and whereby changes in borehole alignment during said travel may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Applied Technologies Associates
    Inventor: Donald H. Van Steenwyk
  • Bullet seating gauge and method for determining case base end to bullet tip distance
    Patent number: 4608762
    Abstract: The bore communicating primer pocket and the interior of the base of a cartridge case is internally threaded and a threaded shaft end is threaded through the bore to a position with the terminal end of the shaft spaced inwardly of the open end of the casing. A bullet is telescoped rearwardly into the open end of the casing an excessive amount into seated engagement with the shaft end and the entire combination comprising the shaft, casing and bullet is forwardly telescoped through the receiver of a rifle subsequent to the removal of the rifle bolt and to a position with the casing fully seated within the receiver of the rifle barrel. Thereafter, the shaft is threaded forwardly relative to the casing in order to gradually displace the bullet from the open end of the casing until such time as the maximum girth area of the bullet engages the rifling in the rear end of the rifle bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Robert F. Varner
  • Temperature compensated extensometer
    Patent number: 4607435
    Abstract: A temperature-compensated borehole extensometer comprises a coaxial remotely anchored assembly of a rod and tube formed of materials having disparate linear coefficients of expansion, said assembly being associated with comparator transducers sensitive to relative linear movement of the rod and tube components under the influence of temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: The Slope Indicator Company
    Inventor: Bradford P. Boisen
  • Wall and rafter layout tool
    Patent number: 4607438
    Abstract: In a wall stud framing tool, an elongated rail is provided with parallel spaced-apart walls joined by a measuring indicia scored angular surface. A plurality of stud position locating tongues are pivotally connected by one end portion between the rail walls. An integral spring member, on the innerconnected end portion of each stud locating tongue, maintains the tongues in right angular relation with respect to the rail when the tongues are in an erected position and maintain the tongues in collapsed or folded position between the rail walls when in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Eugene R. DeFrange
  • Automotive vehicles tire-spanning beam outside calipers
    Patent number: 4607436
    Abstract: A beam has a slide carrying one arm of calipers to be applied diametrically to an automotive vehicle tire. Indicating means for the calipers includes a beam scale of buttress configuration and an index carried by the slide cooperating with inclined portions of the buttress scale and graduated in decimals or fractions of a unit of the beam scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Truman R. Clay
  • Saw guide with cut location indicator
    Patent number: 4607434
    Abstract: A fixed-angle saw guide is provided with a cut location indicator disposed in the path of the power saw and at a level no higher than the level of the work piece being cut. Two different variable-angle saw guides each include fixed and movable members coupled to one another via at least one slot and multiple pins such that the saw blade will pass through a common point regardless of the cutting path. A retractable cut location indicator is mounted to the fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: John G. R. Francis
  • Apparatus for dimensional inspection of a pipe spool, or for making or cutting and finishing at its both ends
    Patent number: 4604813
    Abstract: Apparatus used for dimensional inspection of a pipe spool, and further for marking or cutting and finishing of the both ends by means of laying at least an end tangent horizontal and having each center of the cutting end section in a line which is parallel to a base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Dai-Ichi High Frequency Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shumpei Kawanami, Hiroshi Nakama
  • Thermal gradient compensator for fluid rotor gyroscopic apparatus
    Patent number: 4603483
    Abstract: A fluid sphere gyroscope is used as the north-seeking sensing element in a gyrocompass. A sensor responsive to angular deviation of the gyroscope from the horizontal provides a tilt signal which is used to energize heating elements located along the independent spin axis of a rotating fluid mass. Application of a thermal gradient along the spin axis of the fluid mass causes a controlled precession of the gyroscope, thereby compensating for bias and acceleration sensitive drift errors and precessing the gyroscope about a vertical axis in a controlled manner. Rotary transformers permit inductive coupling of the heating elements to the tilt signal and to a power source with minimal disturbing torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Willis G. Wing
  • Bumper indicator
    Patent number: 4603481
    Abstract: A bumper indicator is disclosed which is adapted to be used on the tape rule of a measuring tool. The bumper indicator is a one piece resilient member having front and rear surfaces and a transverse slit whose configuration is selected to be generally complimentary to the cross sectional configuration of the tape rule on which it is mounted, thereby to frictionally engage and slidably receive the tape rule. The bumper has top and bottom edges and the rear surface of the bumper facing the casing for the tape measure is chamfered from a position below the slit to the bottom edge. The bumper serves to cushion recoil of the tape, as well as to provide an indicator along the tape when it is extended to facilitate repetitive measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Irwin Measuring Tool Co.
    Inventors: Howard Cohen, Alois Dauer
  • Gear tooth test feeler
    Patent number: 4601111
    Abstract: The gear tooth test feeler contains a sensing lever pivotally journalled in a carrier member by means of a cross-spring joint. The cross-spring joint generates a counter-force which increases in proportion to the angular deflection of the sensing lever. Two rocking levers are arranged on opposite sides of the sensing lever. The two rocking levers are positioned between the carrier member and the sensing lever by further pivot bearings and stop members such that the rocking levers maintain the sensing lever in a central position and such that the sensing lever entrains one of the rocking levers whenever the sensing lever deflects while the other rocking lever retains its initial position and vice-versa. Two permanent magnets fastened to the sensing lever exert a magnetic force of attraction upon each of the ferrous rocking levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Maag Gear-Wheel & Machine Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nikolaus Berchtold
  • Heading indicator and method of using
    Patent number: 4599803
    Abstract: A heading indicator is disclosed which utilizes a one degree of freedom platform stabilized by a two degree of freedom dry flexure gyro. The output of one of the sensitive axis is coupled through an amplifier to the corresponding torquer in the gyro and selectively through an another amplifier to the opposite torquer. The other sensitive axis output is coupled through an amplifier to the platform. The indicator initializes at true north and is then switched to a directional gyro mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventors: George Galuschak, Richard J. Stomber
  • Snap gauge for checking dimensions of workpieces
    Patent number: 4597184
    Abstract: A snap gauge comprising support means; a substantially U-shaped integral member defining two movable arms carrying feelers for contacting a workpiece to be measured; transducer means coupled to the movable arms; and a Vee reference device for cooperating with a cylindrical surface of the workpiece. A rotatable pin couples the Vee reference device to the support means and permits adjustment of the position of the Vee reference device along a longitudinal direction. The gauge further comprises protective devices including a U-shaped element arranged internally with respect to the integral member, two protective elements coupled to radially bent ends of the U-shaped element, and two protective half-shells coupled to the support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Finike Italiana Marposs S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Golinelli, Mario Possati
  • Device for handling a cylindrical or spherical piece
    Patent number: 4596076
    Abstract: A device for handling a cylindrical piece (2), equipped with means to measure its diameter comprises two arms (3, 4) provided to grip the piece. In at least one of the arms a dihedron is formed, in which the piece (2) is held, and a length measuring sensor (8) is mounted on the edge of the dihedron, in order to determine the distance from the surface of the piece to the edge, the said distance representing the diameter of the piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Meseltron S.A.
    Inventor: Hans Sigg