Abstract: A base assembly for a machine tool includes a support arrangement between a metal base and a granite worktable which eliminates distortion caused by differential thermal expansion and contraction and which isolates the base from deformation due to the weight of a workpiece. The support arrangement preferably includes three spaced-apart blocks, each with a V-groove track, attached to the bottom of the granite worktable. The axes of the V-groove tracks intersect at a common point. The metal base includes three spherical projections located for engagement in each of the V-groove tracks. The support arrangement permits the granite worktable and the base to expand, contract and distort separately, while providing vertical support and lateral and rotational restraint. Several configurations of tracks and projections are disclosed.

Abstract: A presetting device for tools used in a press such as a platen press, including by a cradle for slidably receiving each of the tools and being mounted by a turret on a carriage which is shifted along a vertically extending column, which column can be rotated around a vertical axis on a base. The device enables positioning the height of the cradle and also rotating the cradle around both the horizontal and vertical axis to gain access to the tools during the setup operation.

Abstract: A dipstick comprises a blade (1) having a handle (4) connected to one end of the blade by means of an intermediate resilient tubular collar (3), said one end of the blade and said collar being provided with first formations (10,11) that cooperate as a snap-fit when said one end of the blade is inserted into the collar thereby to retain the two axially together, and said handle having a central aperture (5) to receive the collar as a close fit and said handle and said collar being provided with second formations (16,18) that cooperate as a snap-fit when said collar is inserted into the central aperture in the handle thereby to retain the two axially together, said first formations (10,11) then being constrained radially within said aperture (5) so as to lock the blade therein. Thus, the blade and collar can be easily assembled together and both then inserted into the handle to form the complete assembly in a simple manner.

Abstract: A method is presented, for use in borehole drilling, for correcting errors in azimuth determination resulting from variations in the earth's magnetic field to which a measuring instrument is exposed. The method distinguishes between variations in the earth's magnetic field caused by the drillstring and variation caused by external sources, and the method corrects only for errors caused by the drillstring. If the error is caused by the drillstring, an azimuth correction is made based on dip angle data, thereby reducing errors caused by scale factor variations since dip angle is a ratio quantity of magnetic field components.

Abstract: The archery bowsight of this invention includes windage and elevation carriages which are adjustable by rack and gear connections, and also includes a bubble level the axis of which is adjustable relative to said carriages to position it perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of an arrow supported on the arrow rest of the archery bow.

Abstract: A new solid state electronic position indicator used to determine the horizontal and longitudinal level attitude of a recreation vehicle. This device, mounted on the frame of the vehicle, senses an imbalance condition by relying on a gravity sensitive compound pendulum. The pendulum is rectangular in shape, rotating about a shaft mounted ball bearing. Movement of this pendulum is detected by the electronic sensing circuit. This circuit sends an electrical signal to a visual or audio receiver mounted within a control panel, remote from the sensor. The control panel is normally mounted on dash of tow vehicle. The signal display indicates which side or end of the recreation vehicle requires elevation to attain a level attitude required to safely operate the propane gas operated appliances, e.g. (refrigerator, hot water heater) and provide creature comfort.

Abstract: A stylus is briefly placed on the surface coating of photographs for forming an artificial marking symbol on the coating. The stylus oscillates in the ultrasonic frequency range. Part of the oscillation energy of the stylus is converted into frictional heat producing a marking symbol in the coating in the form of a high contrast annular bead. The apparatus comprises a stylus, a mechanical lowering device, an electroacoustic transducer for producing the ultrasonic oscillations of the stylus, and a frequency generator, an amplifier and a voltage/current converter connected in series with the electroacoustic transducer. The transducer is supplied with a signal from the frequency generator, which signal is kept constant by a control circuit provided on the generator.

Abstract: A leveling instrument is provided with a flexible length of tubing extruded with a pair of thin-walled, balloon-like diaphragms at opposite ends thereof. The tubing contains a flow passage filled with liquid in communication with atmospheric pressure acting upon the liquid through the diaphragms. The liquid provides a leveling medium for the instruments for establishing the level of one location with respect to another location. A method of manufacturing the leveling instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compact extra-length tape measuring device with capacity for four hundred foot measurement, sized so that no dimesion exceeds six inches, uses a narrow thin tape suitably marked with measuring indicia and held to be unwound and rewound on a space-saving offset storage spool. Rotation of the spool during tape withdrawal tightens a coiled flat spring through a gear reduction drive; the tape, when released, is automatically rewound on the spool by action of the unwinding spring. A lock-release mechanism and a tape-viewing magnifying window also may be provided.

Abstract: An instrument for monitoring the direction of a borehole comprises an elongate casing having its longitudinal axis coincident, in use, with the axis of the borehole, an outer gimbal pivotally mounted within the casing with its pivot axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the casing, a gyroscope unit mounted in the outer gimbal, a torque motor and a gravity sensor unit. At the beginning of a run the instrument is positioned at the mouth of the borehole. The rate of rotation about an axis transverse to the outer gimbal axis is then sensed by the gyroscope unit, and the outer gimbal is slewed by the torque motor in dependence on the sensed rate so as to align the transverse axis along an East/West direction. The instrument is then moved along the borehole and the rate of rotation about the outer gimbal axis is continually sensed by the gyroscope unit, the outer gimbal being torqued by the motor in dependence on the sensed rate to stabilize the outer gimbal about its axis.

Abstract: A fastener (100) slides down a tube (12) onto one end of a channel (16) formed in a V-shaped block (14). Movement of the fastener (100) along the channel (16) is retarded by two fingers (20, 26). A blade (38) moves along a slot (18) in the bottom of the channel (16) to push the fastener (100) along the channel (16) past a feeler (56). The feeler (56) is attached to a shaft (60) of a rotary transducer (58) to pivot therewith. A linear transducer (50) is actuated by longitudinal movement of the blade (38). The output of the transducers (50, 58) is compared by a computer to a predetermined output to check the profile of the fastener (100). A carriage (68) is moved to bring the infeed end (72) of a conduit (70) adjacent to the outfeed end of the block (14). The blade (38) pushes the fastener (100) into the conduit (70).

Abstract: A tape measure device by which a salesperson can obtain a direct outseam measurement to be used by a tailor in shortening the legs of pants or slacks without having to take an inseam measurement. The device has a rigid tab at one end on which a standing customer being measured places her or his shoe heel. The salesperson then extends the tape to the customers waistband and reads the outseam measurement at that point which can be used to shorten the legs of the garment with the hems of the legs being at the desired predetermined height. By providing another rigid tab on the opposite end and placing additional indicia on the opposite side of the tape the utility of the device can be expanded to making other body measurements.

Abstract: A tool measuring apparatus for a machine tool is provided with a plunger (16) mounted to move along an axis (22) to vary the spacing between the end of the plunger and an inductive element (26) of an inductive displacement measuring device (24). Device (24) generates a signal V.sub.y which varies as a function of the spacing between the plunger (16) and device (24). Spindle (14), engaging a tool (12), is moved to a position M located a known distance from inductive element (26). As the spindle is moved to position M, tool (12) engages plunger 16 and moves the plunger to decrease the spacing between the plunger and the element (26) to a value S.sub.3, corresponding to an unknown length d of tool (12). Levels of V.sub.y corresponding to spacing S.sub.3 and to S.sub.2, representing a known nominal value N of tool length, are coupled to a processor 32 and a control 30 to determine tool offset e, i.e., the difference between actual length d and nominal length N.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring height variations on a floor surface to test for floor flatness sufficient for automated high level warehousing applications. An inclinometer mounted on a trolley set to follow a reference line produces signals indicative of the floor profile. A computer samples the sensor output at selected intervals and calculates floor height at the data points relative to a reference level. The floor profile data may be stored for subsequent use or it may be printed to form a plot or graph of the floor profile along the reference line.

Abstract: A tape measure having a recoilable tape mounted within a cartridge. The free end of the recoilable tape extends out of the mouth and has a finger-grip extending therefrom to permit the tape to be extended from within the cartridge through said mouth. A spring is mounted in the cartridge to permit the tape to be recoiled and retracted within the cartridge through said mouth and a shock absorber is located within the cartridge to absorb the shock of the retracting tape.

Abstract: A clinometer includes a cyclindrical cavity having a conductive cylindrical wall and a vertical annular wall having a high resistance resistor uniformly distributed thereon. A freely moving, heavy conductive ball seeks the lowest point in the cavity. The conductive ball contacts both the conductive cylindrical wall and a point along the resistor, thereby defining the resistance between a terminal connected to one end of the resistor and another terminal connected to the conductive cylindrical wall. This resistance is a function of the inclination of the clinometer. A reference voltage is applied to the end terminal of the resistor. The terminal connected to the conductive cylindrical wall is coupled to a circuit that converts a voltage across the resistance into a digital voltage that represents the inclination of the clinometer.

Abstract: A level indicating device used to indicate proper orientation of a recreation vehicle (RV) such as a motor home, trailer, or camper. The device comprises of a generally transparent dome fixedly mounted on a base which can be removeably attached to a generally flat, horizontal surface which is preferably the ceiling of the RV. The dome is approximately half-filled with a liquid which is resistant to freezing, and carries a plurality of parallel lines graduated to indicate when the orientation of the base with respect to horizontal is within a three degree tolerance. In operation, the surface of the liquid lies generally between the plurality of parallel lines when the flat surface to which the base is attached is within three degrees of tolerance with respect to horizontal. The dome is illuminated by a conventional pen light removeably inserted into apertures in the base, the light being activated by pressing on one end of the light.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting enhanced directional flight to a projectile and the like which includes a discontinuous sleeve which is conformably dimensioned slidably to mate with the distal end of a firearm, and an adjustable sight alignment loop which forms a sight picture in the shape of the weapon's shot pattern, is slidably mounted into receiving engagement with the discontinuous sleeve to permit a marksman to adjust the weapon in an advantageous attitude with respect to a moving target before the weapon is discharged.

Abstract: A combined tape measuring device and pencil sharpener disposed in a single container having tape measuring means retractably mounted therein, a slot to permit movement of said tape measuring means in and out of said container, and shaped and sized openings communicating with the exterior of said container in a region remote from said slot to accomodate the shaped and sized pencil sharpener which is removably mounted in said container in spaced relation to said measuring means, said pencil sharpener having, a sharpening blade communicating with the exterior of said container, an opening to introduce the unsharpened end of a pencil into an oblique conical bore which is operatively associated with said sharpening blade in order to facilitate in contouring the writing end of a pencil, and a passage communicating with the exterior of said container and said sharpening blade so that the pencil shavings can escape from said sharpener upon rotation of said pencil.

Abstract: A protractor quadrant tool accessory is provided and consists of two arms attached pivotally together at one end, degree calibrations so that the angle between the arms is readily read and a locking device whereby the angle between the arms can be maintained fixed so that the protractor quadrant tool accessory can be used by a machinest and carpenter to measure angles on various articles. In a modification stud guides attached to outer parallel straight edges of the arms can stabilize the tool accessory when measuring the stairways stud angles and the like, used as an isometric center finder and making equal and opposite converse lines upon a stud. In still another modification an adjustable trimitre is slideably locked upon one arm so as to stabilize the tool accessory when measuring the stud angles and the like to be cut.