Abstract: A nursing blanket for use by a nursing mother to shield her breast from public view while feeding her infant. The blanket comprises a square of woven cloth with an elastic, garter-like loop affixed near one corner of the cloth. In use, the mother inserts her arm through the loop and pulls the loop up over the point of the shoulder thereby disposing the cloth down the length of the arm. She then cradles the infant in same arm and drapes a portion of the cloth over most of her chest including her breast and over the infant's head and upper body. She can then reach under the cloth to bare her breast and offer it to the infant. In this way she effectively screens her breast from view and is able to discretely nurse in public.

Abstract: A dignity gown having a minimum number of parts including a fully closed back portion as well as overlapping lower front portion and a top front portion that is capable of being detached temporarily via fastening means devoid any snap fasteners at all and provided as hook-loop fasteners known by the name "VELCRO.TM." as well plastic breakaway zipper means and adhesive strips to assure keeping the back side closed for warmth of a patient or individual although permitting medical examination and treatment to occur via the areas of the fastening means subject to being released or opened for limited access to upper body areas and/or lower body areas as necessary as opposed to whole body exposure previously encountered with hospital gowns.

Abstract: A protective glove pair, comprising an outer glove and an inner glove within the outer glove, the inner glove being optionally removable from the outer glove, wherein the outer glove comprises a glove body and protective finger and thumb portions, the protective portions comprising open-ended tubes from the glove body to cover the fingers and thumb to a distance between the metacarpophalangeal joints and the distal knuckle of each finger and thumb, and the inner glove being flexible and tight fitting to the hand and comprising a natural or synthetic rubber or synthetic polymer.

Abstract: The fabric body of the device includes an inner satin-like fabric resistent to entanglement with hair engaged thereby, and an outer fabric which imparts strength, durability and cushioning to the device. Rear and side sections of the device respectively overlie the rear and sides of the head of a person wearing it. Strap-like sections extend from the side sections around the front, the opposite side, and part of the rear of the head of the user. Each strap-like section has a band of fastener material which releasably engages complementary fastener material upon the outer surface of the rear section of the device. A flap-like upper portion of the rear section of the device may be folded rearwardly and downwardly into overlying relationship with the fastener material and the outer ends of the strap-like sections. The upper and lower edges of the rear and side section of the body of the device are curved.

Abstract: A disposable device protects the bottom portions of trouser legs during rain or snowstorms. The device has two flexible plastic sheets, each sheet being rectangular and having an adhesive band, on one face, along its four edges. The adhesive band, before use of the device, is covered by a protective strip.

Abstract: A bustdart-free tailoring process for a fitted-waist dress having armpits, made of a woven cloth having warp and weft yarns, and designed so as to eliminate cutting of the back piece, is performed by steam-warming and wet-treating a predetermined area of the woven cloth to make the warp and waft yarns more flexible for subsequent realignment thereof, setting a pre-arranged point within the predetermined area to serve as curvature centroid, stretch-ironing bilaterally and outwardly from a line connecting a preselected point with a preselected armpit point along curvature paths conforming with said curvature centroid, thereafter heat-treating the warp and weft yarns within the predetermined area so as to re-align the yarns toward the prearranged point, and one-way permanent-pressing at least a pre-arranged area of the cloth towards the preselected point so as to let at least a preselected portion of the cloth form a preselected curvature.

Abstract: Safety helmet for motor-cyclists and the like, provided at the top of its cap with at least one air intake, above which an aerodynamic, shaped guide fin is installed, which determines a suction of air from the interior of the helmet, between said aerodynamic guide fin and the external surface of the cap an adjustable slider element being provided, which is suitably shaped and positioned, and acts both as a baffle plate, and as a shutter for controlling the air flow.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly for the disabled, particularly those who are wheelchair bound with spinal chord injuries. The seat is fitted to a conventional toilet and is fixed or removably mounted in elevated position above the rim of the toilet bowl to provide lateral openings or clearance for the insertion of the user's hand to carry out perineal cleaning functions. The height of the raised seat is such as to promote easy user transfer from a wheelchair. A bracket for attaching the seat to the toilet bowl is supportive of arm supports for assisting the user on and off the seat.

Abstract: A shower strainer mounting assembly (10) comprises an elongated cast-in adaptor coupling (12) for being cast into concrete having a lower end portion (16) for receiving standard 2 inch pipe (24) and an upper portion end (18) with an inner diameter of at least 37/8 inches. A separate pan-mounting flange member (14) comprises a circular tubular portion (36) having a continuous round external surface of a size and shape for fitting snugly into the top of the cast-in adaptor coupling and an internal surface with a diameter of less than 3 5/16 inches but at least 2 11/16 inches in cross section and a flange portion (38) attached to the upper end of the tubular portion extending radially outward from an outer surface (40) thereof.

Abstract: The combination of a shower head attachment having spaced pulsating shower heads to deliver water in pulses at spaced locations of the user's body. A waterproof radio tape player containing a pre-recorded tape of instructions for use in hydrotherapy or for personal use, and a water supply having means for varying the water force and temperature.

Abstract: A transfer aid for elderly or infirm individuals includes a selectively swingable and longitudinally extendable center frame member which provides alternate support modes. When the center frame member is secured in a vertical operational mode, a plurality of assist bars are hand reachable from a seated position for initiating a pivotal weight transfer about a footpad to effect a transition from a seated to a standing position. When the center frame is displaced to a horizontal operational mode, an auxiliary support surface is adjustably positionable and readily accessible to the seated user.

Abstract: The invention provides a tanning tub which can be inflated for use and deflated for transporting and for storage. Two tubular walls vertically stacked support a tubular air mattress attached suspended centrally between the walls. The tubes in the tubular mattress have clear plastic upper surfaces and the opposite tube sides are fabricated of silvery colored material. The tubular walls and the tubular mattress when inflated form into a water proof container which can be used by a sunbather to relax in a cool pool of water. The clear top and silvery bottom arrangement of the mattress tubes allows a sunbather to tan on both sides at the same time, one side by direct exposure and the other side by reflection. The inflated tanning tub can be used as a float in a pool, for tanning dry on land, and as a bed for camping or a spare bed at home.

Abstract: A fitted top and bottom bedsheet combination is disclosed usable extending about a mattress to facilitate securement of the top sheet with respect to the mattress. The bedsheet combination includes a bottom bedsheet and a top bedsheet wherein the bottom bedsheet is fitted having a bottom main section and a first lateral bottom section and a second lateral bottom section and a head bottom section as well as a foot bottom section. Mattress securement means extend along a portion of the lowermost edge thereof to facilitate securement with respect to the mattress. The top bedsheet extends over the bottom bedsheet and is detachably secured adjacent the foot bottom section thereof, preferaby by Velcro. The top bedsheet further includes a first lateral top section extending downwardly on one side of the bed and a second top section extending downwardly on the other side of the bed.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for dispensing solid chemicals used in cleaning processes which includes (i) means for initiating dispensing of a concentrated chemical solution, (ii) means for forming a concentrated chemical solution, (iii) means for directing the concentrated chemical solution to its utilization point, (iv) means for measuring the conductivity and temperature of the concentrated chemical solution dispensed, (v) means for calculating the amount of chemical dispensed based upon the conductivity and temperature of the concentrated chemical solution dispensed, and (vi) means for terminating formation of the concentrated chemical solution when a predetermined amount of chemical has been dispensed.

Abstract: A mop head for use with a cleaning pad formed of a fibrous material, includes a plurality of lengths of string material and a band extending generally transverse to and bisecting the lengths of string material. At least one strip of pad fastening material having a plurality of resilient hooks formed therein is provided on the mop head for retaining a cleaning pad, of varying size of type, if desired, on the mop head. The hooks on the strip of pad retaining material are adapted to engage the fibrous material of the cleaning pad so as to retain the cleaning pad on the mop head adjacent the band. Thus, the cleaning pad is held to the mop head at a position in which the pad may be pressed against a floor surface by the mop handle so that sufficient pressure may be easily applied to the pad during a cleaning operation. The pad is removable for cleaning or replacement thereof. A method of constructing the mop head is also disclosed.

Abstract: The door mat comprises a plurality of section lengths each of which is provided with a male coupling element and a female coupling element, each female element being suitable for coupling to the male element of an adjoining section length, the section lengths being moreover provided, at their central portions, with respective seats, open at the tops, therein a bristle element can be engaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clean up bag, more particularly to a plastic bag that has a plastic glove which is heat sealed to one interior side of the bag. The glove has two thumbs so that it may be used by either left handed or right handed individuals. There is a padding of fibrous material on the outside of the bag which absorbs any liquid surrounding or contained in the specimen to be picked up. Additionally, the padding prevents the user from feeling the texture or heat of the specimen. The bag also has a draw string closure on the top which pulls from either side and has pleats on each side of the bag so that it may be easily turned inside out. Finally, the bag is cloudy or opaque so that the user cannot see the contents.

Abstract: An adapter, mounted on the cylindrical sidewall of the vacuum cleaner tank, provides a receptacle for a rigid connector on which a flexible vacuum hose is sealingly mounted. The leading edge of the connector insert is beveled. A corresponding beveled surface is formed on the inner wall of the receptacle to engage and seal with the beveled leading edge of the connector to form a continuous, peripheral seal immediately adjacent to the wall of the tank so that when the vacuum motor is turned on, a positive force is generated to increase the effectiveness of the seal.

Abstract: A floor nozzle of a vacuum cleaner is provided with an upper nozzle housing hingedly connected to an intake joint of the cleaner and a lower nozzle housing securely connected to the upper nozzle housing through a bumper, with an intake opening being formed on a lower side of the lower nozzle housing. A first air passage communicating between the intake opening and the intake joint is formed in the upper and lower nozzle housings. A dust collector is accommodated in the nozzle housings, and defines in it a second air passage communicating the first air passage. A thread catcher is so accommodated in the dust collector as to be rotatable in response to forward and rearward movement of the floor nozzle. The thread catcher is capable of catching waste thread on a surface to be cleaned when it rotates upon forward movement of the floor nozzle.

Abstract: A vertical blind system installed over a window area has a plurality of carrier and hanger assembly units, each of which has a vertical louver or vane suspended from it. The unit has two major subcomponents. They are a frame having a chamber, and a replaceable, manually insertable cartridge having a pendant member for holding the individual blind. The frame has a top circular bearing and a resilient retaining clip which holds the cartridge in position in the chamber. Whenever the cartridge becomes broken, the service technician can quickly snap out the broken cartridge and reinsert a new one. This can be done without the inconvenience and time consuming task of dismantling the entire vertical blind system to repair a single carrier and hanger assembly unit.

Abstract: A cushioned grip having a unitary tubular-shaped body portion with an asymmetrical off-center cross-sectional shape. The asymmetrical off-center shape provides increased cushioning on portions thereof while retaining a moderate sized circumference. The asymmetrical cross-sectional shape provides a first portion having a first thickness of cushioning material, a second portion having a second lower thickness of cushioning material and a third portion of further reduced thickness of cushioning material. The third portion of cushioning is provided with a flat surface to provide a positive and solid feel to the fingers while grabbing the grip. The center's curvature defined by the outside of the cross-sectional shape of the grip is displaced from the center of the inside portion which is generally circular and adapted to receive a hard round member such as a bicycle handlebar to be cushioned.

Abstract: The hinge has two leaves with interengaging knuckles. A plastic coated metal hinge pin extends through the knuckles and the knuckles are crimped onto the plastic coated hinge pin. The tighter the knuckles grip the pin the more the plastic is deformed and the greater will be the torque required to operate the hinge. The plastic is extruded onto the pin to bond the plastic to the pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically disjointing the thighbones of poultry carcasses at the proximal end of the bones. Poultry carcasses are suspended from a conveyor chain which carries the carcasses to similar first and second thigh-disjointing stations of the apparatus. Each station includes front and rear vertical shafts are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the conveyor chain. A sprocket rotatably driven by the chain is mounted on the front shaft, and front and rear turntables are mounted on the front and rear shafts, respectively. A plurality of disjointing rods are mounted on the front turntable and a plurality of guide members are mounted on the rear turntable. The sprocket rotates the front shaft which in turn rotates the front turntable for synchronizing the rotational movement of the rods with the linear movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: Metallic card clothing is illustrated having sharp metallic points at tips of teeth formed by punching and thereafter exerting a mechanical force bending metal over at the tips of the teeth.

Abstract: A coarse cleaning machine for textile fibres including a casing, a horizontal roller rotatably mounted in the casing, the roller being fitted with beater elements and bar grates are arranged on the underside of the roller. Located above and at one end of the roller is an inlet which carries delivery air for conveying the textile fibres in the form of flocks and an outlet is located above and at the other end for the roller. Deflectors which are inclined with respect to the roller axis are arranged above the upper side of the roller between the inlet and the outlet. The deflectors define transfer chambers which deflect the delivery air further in the direction of the axis of the roller. At least part of the transfer chambers are covered by a wall which is permeable to air and dust and a low pressure chamber connected to a suction pipe is located above the wall.

Abstract: To produce non-woven materials, endless filaments in the form of a warp are drawn off a filament draw-off nozzle to which are joined a filament offlet, a filament guide tube and a spreading extruder. An amount of compressed air under high pressure is admitted to the filament draw-off nozzle. By means of the invention the amount of compressed air at the filament draw-off nozzle is reduced and at the same time an additional amount of compressed air under relatively low pressure is admitted between the filament guide tube and the spreading extruder by means of a propelling nozzle. In spite of an additional amount of compressed air at the propelling nozzle the reduction at the filament draw-off nozzle is so large that for the isothermal compression output as a whole a considerable savings in energy of almost 30% can be achieved, and this while maintaining the important filament draw-off force necessary for the drawing of the filaments inside the filament offlet.

Abstract: A resilient spring clip for attaching a semiconductor to a heat sink comprising a first surface and an attachment means, the attachment means comprising a pair of V-shaped legs adapted to fit into and be secured to a slot in a heat sink so that the first surface spring-engages the semiconductor and holds it to the heat sink, the clip taking up little extra space.

Abstract: A security arrangement for grooved shafts or bolts uses a plurality of toothed collet members held in securing abutment by a cap member. The cap member is held in position by a displaceable chock member. The chock member is readily displaceable such that the securing arrangement can be rapidly released. Conveniently, the chock member may be displaced by a spring member, the spring member being held in a bias position by a cord attached to the chock member.

Abstract: Lead making machine has crimping presses in which the press ram comprises a vertically extending reciprocable rod which is contained in a vertically extending static press frame. The rod and press frame have laterally extending arms between which a terminal applicator is mounted with the applicator frame supported on the arm of the press frame and with the applicator ram coupled to the rod. The stresses developed during a crimping operation are confined to the rod and press frame and are not borne by the housing in which the presses and the actuating mechanism is contained. The presses are vertically adjustable with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A descaling abrading apparatus with abrading rolls comprises an apparatus frame, a bearing member, and a plurality of parallel abrading rolls supported horizontally by the bearing member. Each abrading roll includes a rotating shaft, disk-shaped abrading wheels successively mounted on the rotating shaft via their corresponding collars, and spring supporters each concurrently serving as a key and disposed between their corresponding abrading wheel and their corresponding rotating shaft. The abrading wheels of one abrading roll are each located facing the collar between two corresponding adjacent abrading wheels of another adjacent abrading roll. The bearing member is supported by the apparatus frame so that it may be vertically movable with respect to the apparatus frame and so that it may be vertically downwardly pressurizable by a pressurizing means.

Abstract: A calender roll wherein a cylindrical shell is rotatably mounted on a stationary carrier by way of bearings which are disposed in the end portions of the shell. The median portion of the shell is heated by a first heating device, and the end portions of the shell are heated by a discrete second heating device. The second heating device has channels which are provided in the end portions of the shell and/or indictive heaters which are adjacent to the exterior of the end portions of the shell. Alternatively or in addition to such expedients, the second heating device can include the bearings in the end portions of the shell; each such bearing includes or constitutes an axial or radical hydrostatic bearing which is heated by hydraulic fluid to thereby heat the respective end portion of the shell. The second heating device ensures that the effective length of the shell approximates or even matches the axial length of the shell.

Abstract: An aluminum roller for conveying a web has a surface prepared by blasting the surface of the roller with steel shot to create on the surface a deep texture with well rounded down features and sharp up features with peaks. The blasted surface is finished with a grinding action for removing the peaks to produce plateaus surrounded by interconnected channels. Then the surface is hardcoated and polished. The interconnected channels of the surface allow air entrained between the roller surface and a web to be vented through the channels while the web is in contact with the roller.

Abstract: A garter-type axially resilient coil spring includes a plurality of coils canted along a centerline thereof with each coil having a trailing portion and a leading portion. Specific resilient performance, or load-deflection characteristics, of the spring is obtained by interconnecting the coils in a manner such that the trailing portion is disposed along an outside diameter of the garter-type axially resilient coil spring and the leading portion is disposed along an inside diameter of the garter-type axially resilient coil spring.

Abstract: A method for converting a thin-walled container to a jar with a rigid threaded neck which will accept a conventional threaded screw cap which comprises separately forming a thin-walled container and a rigid threaded neck ring and then attaching the ring to the outside of the container and the jar so made.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intraocular lens comprising a lens element and a plurality of haptics extending therefrom, at least one of the haptics having an anchoring filament with an enlarged complete or partial mushroom-shaped end fixedly disposed inside a passage in the lens element. Also disclosed is a method for fixing a haptic having an anchoring filament to a lens element in a soft intraocular lens comprising the steps of (a) forming in the lens element a passage having a width that is less than the greatest width of the anchoring filament, (b) lubricating the anchoring filament of the haptic, the passage in the lens element, or both, (c) inserting the anchoring filament end-first into the passage, and (d) washing the intraocular lens to remove the lubricant.

Abstract: A blade setting tool assembly for clamping a plurality of heat seal and cutting blades within a blade retaining channel of a three blade seal bar is disclosed. The blade setting tool assembly includes a blade positioning block having an upwardly directed blade positioining slot extending along its length to receive the exposed blade edges. A pair of mounting straps fixed to the blade positioning block extend upwardly along opposite sides of the block and include upper ends terminating above the height of the blade seal bar. The strap upper ends are each formed with a slot open to one of the vertical edges thereof to receive opposite end portions of an eccentric roller extending between the upper ends.

Abstract: A parts exchange mechanism of a chip mounter, capable of automatically exchanging parts such as a suction bit for sucking chip-shaped electronic parts to be mounted onto a printed circuit board, and a positioner for centering the same. The part exchange mechanism comprises: holding means for holding the parts to be exchanged on the side of the chip mounter; receiving and delivering means for receiving the parts from the holding means and delivering same thereto; clamp means capable of clamping and releasing the parts; and an actuator for causing the clamp means to clamp and release. A parts exchange mechanism capable of automatically and simultaneously exchanging plurality of parts of a chip mounted is also provided.

Abstract: A wire incrusted with abrasive grains characterized in that it is produced by preparing a cylindrical metallic body having a metallic rod inserted into the central part of a metallic part with a gap formed between the rod and the pipe, then filling the gap with mixed powder comprising metallic powder and abrasive grains having a Mohs hardness of 6 or more, and after that, applying hot working and cold working to the cylindrical metallic body before removing the above-mentioned outermost metallic pipe.

Abstract: A method of connecting an end portion of a stator coil of a motor to a terminal, including the steps of locating an insulating plate on one end surface of a stator; positioning the terminal on one side of the insulating plate opposite to the other side where the insulating plate contacts the stator; positioning the end portion of the stator coil on one side of the terminal opposite to the other side where the terminal contacts the insulating plate; pressing the end portion of the stator coil against the terminal with a contact end portion of a source electrode and a first earth electrode which are in contact with each other; contacting a second earth electrode with the terminal from the opposite side of the insulating plate; and supplying a welding current to the source electrode under the conditions that the contact end portion of the source electrode and the first earth electrode are pressed against the terminal and the end portion of the stator coil and that the second earth electrode is in contact with th

Abstract: A parts assembling apparatus for assembling an electronic part onto a printed circuit board by inserting leg portions such as lead pins of the part into the assembling holes formed in the board comprises a movable arm, holding mechanism, force sensor and discrminating device. A part is held at a preset position by the holding mechanism which is vertically reciprocated by the movable arm to the part assembling position over the board. The reaction force from the board which acts on the holding mechanism is detected by the force sensor when the part is assembled. On the basis of the sensor output, the discriminating device determines whether the lead pins have been correctly inserted into the part assembling holes of the board or not.

Abstract: According to the invention, blind holes (27) and not through-holes are produced. For this purpose, the substrate (10) to be pierced or perforated is previously covered with a layer (12) less absorbing for the laser perforating beam (26) than the substrate.Application to the production of electronic circuits, magnetic recording devices, etc.

Abstract: A nail cutting device and associated method for treating and/or preventing ingrown nails. The nail cutting device (10) comprises a first member (14) having a forward end portion (20) defining an upper jaw (24) provided with a protruding blade portion (26) and a second member (16) having a forward end portion (22) defining a lower jaw (25) which, in the preferred embodiment defines an anvil (28), operatively associated with the blade portion (26). The device (10) also includes actuator means for moving the blade portion (26) toward and into contact with the anvil (28). The method of the present invention includes the steps of inserting the anterior extremity (48) of the nail (50) between the blade portion (26) and the anvil (28), and actuating the actuating means to move the blade portion (26) through the nail (50) to produce a notch (54) in the anterior extremity (48) of the nail (50).

Abstract: A safety razor comprises one or more blade members presenting a plurality of cutting edges, and a holder of readily deformable material surrounding the blade member (or members). The edges being displaceable, relative to each other, to follow local deformation of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for cracking the hull of a melon seed. The apparatus includes a flat plate and a pair of cracking members pivoted to the flat plate. A protrusion projects from the surface at which the cracking members are located. The cracking members have two clamping edges which face each other and are adapted to clamp the tapered end of the melon seed to be cracked while the round end of the melon seed abuts the protrusion by moving the cracking members toward each other. The apparatus is provided with two spring members for urging the cracking members to move away from each other to a position at which the melon seed may be released.

Abstract: A shearing device capable of being articulated between open and closed positions for cutting material includes pairs of handle levers and shearing elements rotatably mounted on a pivot mechanism. A clutch assembly comprising plates with complimentary and fixed configurations biased in abutting and intermeshing relationship when in a predetermined rotary alignment is positioned between the pairs of handle levers and switching elements. The clutch assembly is responsible to a predetermined force generated when the handle levers are articulated towards a closed position and the shearing elements encounter cut resistant material for camming the plates out of meshing relationship and operatively disconnecting the handle levers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the handle of a portable handheld tool such as a motor-driven chain saw. The handle is configured as a plastic body homogeneous with its bearing portions. The handle is for the most part hollow and can be configured as a unit to include further functional portions such as recesses for vibration attenuators, air guide portions and the like. The plastic handle is especially suited for portable handheld motor-driven chain saws.

Abstract: The invention is directed to targets for use where precise alignment and location measurements on an object is required. Several embodiments of the invention are described. The targets have at least a portion of their outer surface curvilinear. The target is supported on a convex supporting surface on a support body. Various configured single targets and multiple targets are described for use on flat as well as curved surfaces. Some of the targets have either non-reflective or reflective target surfaces. The various embodiments of the ball targets are used in conjunction with either optical or laser theodolites or the like to preform the required location measurements.

Abstract: A combination plumb/level device for removable attachment to a try square of magnetizable material to enable the square to be used as a level or a plumb. The device comprises a spirit level, and a holder for the level. The holder has a magnet associated therewith for magnetically gripping one face of a standard, unaltered leg of the try square with the level oriented relative to the face. The magnet associated with the holder is engageable with an edge of the standard, unaltered leg and orients the level with respect to the edge, enabling flatwise application of the other face and edges of the try square to a surface whereby the try square may be used to ascertain level or plumb positions. Other embodiments, including those directed to a device adapted for removable attachment to a try square of non-magnetizable material, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) having a horizontal probe shaft assembly (20) in which a cover system is provided for the X and Y axis ways (46, 108) and carriages (50, 106), including inwardly slanted X-axis cover members (26) mounted atop granite exposed way members (24) defining a gap through which the Y column (88) moves, a pair of upstanding side covers (32) mounted over the Y-axis column (88) defining a gap through which the probe shaft assembly (20) moves in its vertical movement. a recirculating cover belt (28) fills the X-axis gap and pleated upper and lower covers (34, 36) cover the vertical gap lying between the side covers (32) at the front and rear, while a top cap (38) atop side covers (32) and end caps (30) are fit over the X-axis cover members (26), X-axis way members (24) and base portion (18).

Abstract: A coordinate-measuring instrument has a purely mechanical device (14) to compensate for the weight of a vertically displaceable spindle (9). The compensation device consists of a helical-coil spring having a working range which is small as compared with its length in relaxed condition, and a belt transmission interposed between the spring and the spindle (9). The belt transmission is preferably developed in the manner of a block and tackle. A first or drive pulley engages and drives the belt for Z-axis positioning of the spindle, and a second or belt-tension pulley applies weight-compensating tension to the belt.