Abstract: A floor mop has two mop supporting wings (5) which carry an absorbent mop layer (6) and are hinge-connected to a common supporting centerpiece (3). A mop handle (1) is hinge-mounted to the supporting centerpiece (3) via a Cardan joint (2). A squeezing slider (9) which is displaceable along the mop handle (1) and is guided non-rotatably has two rigid squeezing arms (11) whose ends (11a) can each be brought into engagement with a guide surface (17) on the back side of the respectively assigned mop supporting wings (5) via rollers (12). Each mop supporting wing (5) forms a rectangular trapezium or triangle. The edges running at right angles to the hinge edge of each mop supporting wing (5) form a common straight continuous front edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anion emission brush. The brush comprises the essential components of a body portion formed by admixing a primary mixture obtained from at least any one selected from a group consisting of 0.2 to 0.4 percent by weight of germanium (Ge), 0.2 to 0.4 percent by weight of zirconium (Zr) and 0.2 to 0.4 percent by weight of beryllium (Be), and 1 to 2 percent by weight of tourmaline with 96.8 to 98 8 percent by weight of at least any one compound selected from a group consisting of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene (AS), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), and forming the resulting mixture into the body portion; a brush portion formed by admixing the primary mixture with nylon in an amount of 96.8 to 98 8 percent by weight and projecting the resulting mixture from the body portion to form the brush portion; and a grip portion formed by admixing the primary mixture with 96 8 to 98.

Abstract: A gutter-clearing tool having a scoop-plate and a top-plate where the front end of the top-plate is pivotally attached to the top end of the scoop-plate, and the top plate is attached to a rod. A pivot joint allows the scoop-plate to close upwardly toward the top plate when the apparatus is pushed through the gutter thereby providing a substantially reduced vertical profile, and allows the scoop-plate to open downwardly away from the top plate when the apparatus is pulled through the gutter thereby collecting debris and clearing the gutter.

Abstract: Pressurizing structure for windshield wiper, including an enclosing case, an extensible case, decorative boards and pressurizing plate. The enclosing case and the extensible case are telescopically connected for accommodating therein various specifications of wiper arms. The decorative boards are disposed on the surfaces of the enclosing case and the extensible case. A bottom board is disposed under bottom faces of the enclosing case and the extensible case to seal the same. Multiple restricting blocks with different patterns of receiving recesses are inlaid in the enclosing case to truly locate respective portions of the wiper arm. The pressurizing plate is connected with a tip of the enclosing case to keep the scraper of the wiper arm parallel to the windshield so as to truly clean up the same. A locating block is disposed under bottom face of the pressurizing plate, whereby in accordance with the position of the scraper of the wiper arm, the pressurizing plate can be adjusted and truly located.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a housing having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet and a canister assembly. A dirt collector and suction generator are carried on the housing. The apparatus further includes a wand having an inlet opening and a sealing element for sealing that inlet opening when the wand is held in a storage position. Additionally, the apparatus includes a valve and an airflow conduit system. The airflow conduit system provides fluid communication between the suction inlet, the inlet opening, the valve, the dirt collector and the suction generator. The valve is selectively displaceable between a closed position whereby the suction inlet is sealed off from fluid communication with the suction generator and an open position whereby the suction inlet is provided in fluid communication with the suction generator.

Abstract: A dust collector includes: a motor functioning as a driving source; a drive unit for driving a motor; a dust collection fan rotated by the motor; a head section for accommodating the dust collection fan; a switch provided on the head section to control the starting of the motor; a tank section located below the head section, for accommodating dust conveyed by the dust collection fan, the tank section having a connecting portion; a duct hose having one end and the other end, the one end attached to the connecting portion, the other end being detachable from a portion of a power tool; a remote-control transmitter for transmitting a signal; and a remote-control receiver for receiving the signal from the remote-control transmitter to control the drive unit to start or stop the motor.

Abstract: A dirt collecting system for a vacuum cleaner includes a dirt cup formed from a cylindrical sidewall having a disc shaped member separating the dirt cup into an upper portion and a lower portion. The dirty airstream flows past the disc shaped member from the upper portion to the lower portion through a small gap between the outer periphery of the disc shaped member and the sidewall of the dirt cup. The disc shaped member is supported on a centrally located conduit which has apertured walls located both above and below the disc shaped member. The apertured walls allows the airstream to flow into the conduit for further filtering or exiting the dirt cup. The apertured wall located above the disc shaped member improves sustained performance by enabling the airstream to continue to flow through the dirt cup as the lower portion of the dirt cup fills with large dirt particles and the apertured wall located beneath the disc shaped member becomes increasingly restricted.

Abstract: A vacuum system is enclosed in a housing having two vertically spaced chambers, the lower one enclosing the vacuum generating motor means and the upper chamber defining the vacuum chamber and having therein prefilter and filter means as well as at least two vacuum ports to which vacuum wands are selectively attached, each port being sealed when not in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for appliance installation and leveling using a leveling caster. The leveling caster includes a top shelf connected to wheels by a scissors type structure. The height of the scissors type structure can be adjusted using an adjustment bolt from the front of the appliance, without requiring access to the rear of the appliance. The leveling caster is adjustable over a wide range of heights, is strong enough to bear heavy appliances, and allows height adjustment while minimizing incidental horizontal motion.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel seat having a through hole to receive therein a bearing, multiple claws to abut the bearing, and an annular rim. The bearing has a path corresponding to the through hole. An annular cover has a central plate to abut the bearing, a passage defined to communicate with the path of the bearing and a skirt to correspond to the annular rim to securely sandwich the bearing inside the wheel seat. A positioning bolt and a wheel rotatably received in the wheel seat. Abutment of the conical head to the bottom face of the bearing and the engagement of the nut and the central plate secure the bearing in the wheel seat, and after the annular cover is mounted on top of the wheel seat, corresponding relationship between the skirt and the annular rim prevents pollutant from entering the bearing.

Abstract: A door jig assembly for use with a vehicle, the vehicle including a door having an inner facing edge and which is hingedly connected to a vehicle pillar forming a part of a vehicle door frame. The door is further capable of being pivoted about the hinges and between opened and closed positions relative to the pillar. The jig assembly has an elongated body with a first end pivotally secured to the vehicle pillar. A pin pivotally secures to the inner facing edge of the vehicle door and translates in guided fashion in one of first and second directions along the elongated body and upon opening and closing the door. A spring biasing cage portion is disposed at an intermediate location along the elongated body and which, upon rotating the vehicle door to the closed position, establishes a specified holding force of the door against the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An adjustable top holder comprises a pivotal strut assembly and an anchor assembly that consist of a plurality of anchor means and a plurality of anchor disks for protecting and anchoring tempered glasses. The pivotal strut assembly includes a first vertical rod, a first transverse rod and a pivotal strut. The anchor assembly includes a second vertical rod, a third vertical rod and a second transverse rod. The invention is made and assembled from cylindrical bars without using molds. Thus production cost is greatly reduced. In addition, the vertical rods and the transverse rods may be switched between the right side and the left side to increase flexibility and interchangeability. Production and warehousing costs and space also are reduced. The invention provides multiple functions and a greater versatility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper hinge for smoothly opening a cover from a main body in a small-sized portable article, thereby preventing a breakdown and damage of its hinge portion and assuring simplicity in its use.

Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly comprising a cabinet and a grille in which the grille is at least secured in part to the cabinet sides by a pair of handgrips that are shaped and sized to permit lifting of the unit using fingers of a hand.

Abstract: A length adjustment mechanism for a strap having a row of teeth. The mechanism comprises a pinion for meshing with the row of teeth and a finger operable actuator pivotable in a first direction and a second direction. The mechanism also comprises a pivoting link coupled with the pinion, the pivoting link being pivotable about a first pivot axis to impart pivotal movement to the pinion. The mechanism further comprises a rotating element coupled with the finger operable actuator and being pivotable about a second pivot axis. The rotating element engages the pivoting link in a driving relationship such that movement of the finger operable actuator is communicated to the pinion via the rotating element and the pivoting link to displace the strap. When a force is applied to the pinion for tending to pivot the pivoting link, the pivoting link and the rotating element interlock for resisting pivotal movement of the pinion.

Abstract: A terminus (8) for a bungee cord (15) has a hook (9) with a transverse axis (17) which is within a given distance of the longitudinal axis (16) of a bore (13) within the stem (10) of the terminus. A cleat (24) opens into a cord passage (20) leading to the bore (13) to permit pulling a cord (15) into the cleat (24) thereby locking the terminus in position on the cord (15). The relative axial alignment of the load in the cord (15) with the transverse axis (17) of the hook (9) prevents the load (15) from rotating the hook substantially. A land (27) adjusts the thickness of the cleat.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode for alkaline storage battery including a process of manufacturing a porous metal plate. A method of manufacturing this porous metal plate includes a step of adding a predetermined organic substance to urethane sponge or a step of coating foamed urethane sponge with polyethylene terephthalate. Furthermore, the method includes a step of grinding the urethane sponge or rolling the urethane sponge using a roll press.

Abstract: A valve stern cap tool that is designed solely to access valve stem caps with ease from the inside wheel of dual wheeled vehicles and trailers. The tool head grips the cap firmly allowing the cap to be removed from outside the outer wheel. This tool remedies cramped and awkward access areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering materials from installation cables with bunched conductors and plastic insulation. The process is characterised in that the installation cable is cut into segments which are, after pressing down, rolled at an increased temperature ranging from 70° to 130° C., while maintain during rolling the position of the longitudinal axis of segments, which is perpendicular to the direction of motion, and next the separated conductor segments are separated form insulation and non-separated cable segments which are again subjected to the recovery process. The present invention relates further to the apparatus provided with a separating sieve (9), which comprises the segments comprising a lower plate (1) and an upper plate (2) associated with a connecting-rod mechanism (5), a pressing servo-motor (8), and a separating sieve (9) arranged under it in an angular manner.

Abstract: A clamping fixture for use in the assembly of a gate comprised of a number of plastic members includes a flat stationary clamping surface attached to a stationary frame and a flat moving clamping surface extending parallel to the flat clamping surface and driven toward the flat clamping surface by an actuator, so that the plastic members, assembled in the configuration of the gate, are clamped and held between the clamping surfaces. Preferably, the actuator, which includes one or more pneumatic cylinders, is adjustable along the frame to provide for the assembly of gates having different widths. Preferably, the clamping fixture additionally includes a stationary flat guiding strip extending perpendicularly from an end of the flat stationary clamping surface toward the flat moving clamping surface.

Abstract: After a rod 4 with a pre-formed annular groove 21 is fixed on a reception die 26, a collar blank 23 is fitted on the rod 4. Then the die 25 is advanced toward the reception die 26 along the rod 4, urging the collar blank 23 into its forming bore 27, causing the inner diameter portion of the blank 23 to enter into the annular groove 21 by a plastic flow. Subsequently by a further advancement of the die 25, an annular projection 29 formed at the bottom surface of the forming bore 27 is driven into the end surface of the collar blank 23 to cause the blank to 23 plastically flow further into the annular groove 21.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to various methods of forming a heart valve stent. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a cylinder of material, the cylinder having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the inside diameter having a first dimension, forming a plurality of stent posts on an end of the cylinder, and increasing the inside diameter of the cylinder of material to a second dimension, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: A method of producing an antenna device for use in a portable radio communication apparatus is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing a dielectric substrate (21) having a first (22) and a second (42) surface opposite to each other; (ii) ejecting a liquid electrically conductive substance, e.g. ink, from an ejecting apparatus (3), e.g. an ink jet printer, onto the first surface of said dielectric substrate, said ejecting apparatus having a container (7) filled with said liquid conductive substance an ejection opening (5) in liquid communication with said container, and an implement for ejecting liquid conductive substance from said container through said opening; and (iii) moving (65) said dielectric substrate and said ejection opening relative to each other while ejecting said liquid conductive substance to thereby form (101), upon being solidified, a conductive antenna pattern (23, 71, 82, 91) on the first surface of said dielectric substrate.

Abstract: A multi-track magnetoresistive (MR) tape head with precisely-aligned read/write (R/W) track-pairs and a method for fabrication on a monolithic substrate wherein a plurality of tape heads are fabricated from a single substrate wafer by using complete thin-film processing on both sides of the wafer. The recording elements are aligned with readers opposite writers on the other side, providing a method for fabricating a multi-track thin-film magnetoresistive tape head with precisely-aligned R/W track-pairs fabricated on a monolithic substrate. As used herein, the term monolithic denominates an undivided seamless piece. The wafer is built using modified standard thin-film processes for fabricating direct access storage device (DASD) heads and modified substrate lapping procedures. The gap-to-gap separation within each R/W track-pair is reduced to nearly the thickness of the substrate wafer, which is significantly less than conventional separations known in the art.

Abstract: At high frequencies, signal losses may occur in circuit designs employing magnetic isolators. Eddy current losses in the magnetic isolator substrate material are at least partially responsible for this signal loss. As the Eddy current losses may depend on the properties of the substrate, the type of substrate chosen for fabricating a magnetic isolator may be critical for reducing these losses. By fabricating the magnetic isolator on a high performance substrate, the Eddy current losses are reduced and the magnetic isolator provides better output signals at high frequencies.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a thin film magnetic head and a method of manufacturing the same, which allow the magnetic pole width to be precisely controlled and a sufficient overwrite performance to be attained even in a case where the magnetic pole width is microfabricated. The coupling position where the intermediate portion and the tip of the top pole are coupled each other is located closer to the air bearing surface than the throat height 0 position (TH0 position) which is the reference point for determining the throat height TH. The tip of the top pole defines the write track width on a recording medium. At least the portion of the intermediate portion from the TH0 position to the rear edge portion of the tip has a width wider than that of the tip. The intermediate portion suppresses saturation of the magnetic flux before flowing into the tip of the top pole.

Abstract: This invention describes a spin valve based magnetic read head that is suitable for use with ultra-high recording densities along with a process for manufacturing it. This process produces a product that is free of conductor lead bridging and conductor lead fencing. A key sub-process of the present invention is the deposition of a first capping layer through DC sputtering followed by, without breaking vacuum, a lead overlay layer This is followed by deposition, also by DC sputtering, of a second capping layer which is patterned so that it becomes a hard mask. Then, using this hard mask, the lead overlay layer is removed from the center of the structure by means of ion beam etching. Hard bias and conductor lead layers are then formed inside parallel trenches with the use of liftoff processes.

Abstract: Thermal pole tip protrusion is caused by the materials in and around the head slider expanding during write operations till part of those materials protrude, leading to contact with the rotating disk surface, altering the flying height and often wearing down part of the disk surface. While it is well known that read-write heads expand during writing, the inventors are unaware of anyone else who recognized this situation's significance, particularly as the flying height decreases and the data rates increase, both of which are required for high areal density disk drives. The inventors realized that they could detect the problem at the spin stand level by testing head gimbal assemblies to reliably, and inexpensively, predict the tendency for thermal pole tip protrusion. This leads to selection of head gimbal assemblies, which do not have the thermal pole tip protrusion tendency.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (with a corresponding method) for manufacturing a magnetic wound core of a toroidal transformer. The apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a control device for controlling the apparatus based on parameters of the core material and the wound core, a supplying device for providing the core material ribbon, a cutting device for cutting the lateral edges of the core material ribbon under the control of the control device, and a winding device for receiving and winding the core material ribbon into the wound core.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a vessel 2, a battery mounted in the vessel 2 and a circuit board 3 connected to the battery. An opening 6 is formed on the surface of the vessel 2. A thin-film terminal portion 12 is formed on the circuit board 3 so that it is exposed externally through the opening 6. In this configuration, the battery pack can realize reduction in the weight and thickness and also reduce the production cost.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides a pair of assembly modules for assembling electronic components to a series of printed circuit boards or like substrates. The pair of assembly modules are operatively connected in series, and each module includes a pair of assembly stations operating in parallel within the module. Means are provided to bypass the first assembly module and deliver unpopulated substrates to the second module for processing, while simultaneously bypassing the second assembly module with substrates populated by the first assembly module. In the event that one of the assembly stations of either assembly module is inoperative, it may be bypassed and the assembly of its electronic components redistributed to the remaining, operative assembly stations to optimize the productivity of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a plurality of coaxial cables to a printed circuit board in a compact connector. The apparatus is generally comprised of a flexible carrier, means for attaching the cable to the flexible carrier, a conductive base plate and a rigid beam providing pressure such that the electrical contact between the coaxial cable and the printed circuit board is maintained. The method generally comprises the steps of stripping the coaxial cables, bonding the coaxial cable to a flexible carrier, positioning the coaxial cables over traces of a printed circuit board providing pressure such that electrical contact is maintained between the cables and the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrostatic gripper for moving wafers includes bipolar electrodes with an insulating layer of zirconium oxide, which are positioned on a circuit board. The gripper is produced by a pressing process and can be operated with a DC voltage of less than 900 V. As a result, heating of the wafer is almost completely prevented even under a vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing interconnects in a multilayer printed circuit. Said circuit comprising a stack of printed circuits.

Abstract: A method for producing a wiring substrate provided with bumps protruding from a surface of the substrate, the method comprising the steps of: covering one side of a metallic base with an electrical insulating film and forming open holes in the insulating film so as to expose at the bottoms thereof the base, etching the base using the insulating film having the open holes formed as a mask to form concavities in the base, electroplating the interior face of each of the concavities using the base as a plating power supply layer to form a barrier metal film on the interior face of each concavities, filling the concavities with a material for the bump by electroplating using the base as a plating power supply layer, forming a barrier layer on the surface of the material for the bump filled in each of the concavities using the base as a plating power supply layer, forming a stack of a predetermined number of wiring patterns on the insulating film, the adjacent wiring patterns in the stack being separated from each

Abstract: The invention is relates a method for assembling a power transfer apparatus for selectively changing the speed of the output shaft relative to the speed of the input shaft. The method includes assembling an oil pump driving pin to the output shaft, assembling an oil pump sub-assembly, assembling a planetary carrier sub-assembly to the pump cover of the oil pump sub-assembly, assembling a clutch sub-assembly to the planetary carrier, assembling a transmission brake to the clutch sub-assembly in such a manner that the brake inner hub is coupled with the clutch piston, inserting the input shaft so as to fit in the first sun gear at the first sprine and the clutch sub-assembly at the second sprine, respectively and assembling a front case sub-assembly having bearings for rotatably bearing the input shaft and an actuator for actuating the transmission brake to the differential.

Abstract: A safety razor blade unit has two or more blades (19,20,21) with parallel cutting edges (24,25,26) mounted in a frame (10) between guard and cap surfaces so that the average inter-blade span is not greater than 1.25 mm, and the wash through index, a measure of the rinsability obtained by a method defined in the specification, is not less than 0.20. The combination of narrow inter-blade spans and good rinsability enables enhanced comfort levels during shaving to be achieved.

Abstract: A cutting tool capable of cutting work pieces which are thicker than what comparably-sized conventional cutting tools are capable of cutting has a jaw with a cutting edge which does not completely abut or overlap over the full length of an opposing edge of a second jaw when the cutting tool is in its closed position. A resulting gap between the opposing edges varies from a maximum at the free end of the cutting edges to zero at a portion of the opposing edges where the edges abut one another. The cutting tool successively notches a work piece, and as the notch deepens, the work piece is advanced toward the abutting portion of the cutting edge and the opposing edge until it is finally severed. The jaws may be operated manually by hand levers or driven by hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical drive mechanisms.

Abstract: Power tools, such as, saws and circular saws, and methods. In some constructions and in some aspects, a saw includes a housing, a motor, a cover, and a quick-locking member operable to releasably lock the cover to the housing without tools. In some constructions and in some aspects, a saw includes a housing, a motor, a first cover connected to the housing, the first cover at least partially covering a saw blade, and a second cover selectively connectable to the housing, the second cover at least partially covering the first cover and at least partially covering the saw blade. In some constructions and in some aspects, a method of disassembling a saw including moving a locking member from a first position to a second position without the use of tools, and removing a cover from a housing to at least partially uncover the saw blade.

Abstract: A right-angle accessory saw for use with an electric drill comprises a drive shaft housing and a saw head. A drive shaft is mounted for rotation within the drive shaft housing. The drive shaft has a drill connection end extending outwardly from a proximate end of the drive shaft housing. The other end of the drive shaft extends through the housing to a cam, located with a distal end of the drive shaft housing. The saw head extends transversely from the distal end of the drive shaft housing. A push rod is mounted for reciprocating translation within the saw head. The push rod includes a cam follower on an inner end and a saw blade holder on an outer end. The push rod is spring-biased inwardly toward the cam. A saw blade is detachably mounted within the saw blade holder.

Abstract: A spring-loaded engraving toolholder applies a relatively constant pressure to an engraving toolbit as the toolbit is pushed against a material to be marked. The spring-loaded engraving toolholder is held in a collet or endmill toolholder and placed into the spindle of a standard numerical control (N.C.) milling type machine. When the toolbit is pressed against a material and moved along the surface, a consistent mark is produced even if the surface of the material is uneven or not parallel to the plane of motion of the machine.

Abstract: An alignment device (30) for mounting on a laser mapping machine in place of a tire. The alignment device (30) comprises alignment surfaces S1-S5 which, when mapped by the machine, will provide alignment parameters. Specifically, the mapping of the alignment surface S1 and the mapping of the alignment surface S2 reflect the perpendicularity of the machine's laser relative to the machine's rail in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mapping of the alignment surface S2 and the alignment surface S3 will reflect the parallelism of the rail to the machine's shaft in the first and second directions. The mapping of the alignment surface S4 and the alignment surface S5 will reflect radial and out-of-plane wobble.

Abstract: The invention consists of an apparatus for facilitating the uniform placement of paving stones and similar construction materials. The apparatus is comprised of a lattice formed from a series of spaced apart ribs defining a pattern of holes. The holes mark the locations for placing bricks. The lattice is designed to remain part of the structure after the bricks are secured and is sufficiently rigid to provide support for paving stones located at the perimeter of the lattice.

Abstract: A device for measurement and marking of standard sized and shaped tiles for creation of custom tiles with a variety of shapes and sizes for placement adjacent obstructions in hard-to-fit spaces, the device comprising of an elongated rod, a triangularly shaped reference member moveably secured between a proximal and near a distal end of the rod, and an edge marking member having a variety of shapes that is rotatably secured at or near the distal end of the rod. The reference member establishes a reference position for the placement of the device in relation to other already installed tiles, and the edge marking member is used to measure and mark the shape and size of the particular custom tile for fitting adjacent or between other standard tiles and/or objects such as walls, cabinets or the like.

Abstract: A reusable dual spacing width tile spacer for aligning, spacing and pressing tiles. The tile spacer includes a planar horizontal body having two, three or four outer vertical legs around the body. The body has a generally center opening for visual access to the intersecting comers of the tiles and for ease of removal of the tile spacer. The legs are aligned with each other to form a straight line, T-shape or cross-shape. Each leg has top and bottom portions, each portion having a different predetermined width for different tile spacing widths.

Abstract: A setting gauge (G) determines the thickness of a spacer (22) which gives the correct setting for a pair of tapered roller bearings (B1, B2) that are mounted in opposition to accommodate relative rotation between machine components (S, H). The gauge has a base (50) which at one end fits against a surface (12) to which the spacer is to be applied, and at its other end holds one of the races (32) of the bearing (B2) remote from the other race (30) which remains in its operating position. In addition, the gauge has a pair of gauge elements (52, 54), one of which fits against a conical envelope along the remote race and the other of which fits against an identical conical envelope on the race which remains in its operating position, in effect, projecting the conical envelope defined by the in-place race out of the bearing to a remote location so that measurements may be taken from the bearing.

Abstract: A laser alignment tool for properly aligning the laser used to count, differentiate, measure, determine orientation or if cross slotted, and/or otherwise correlate or verify position, quantity or other parameters of wafers or like substrates in a cassette.

Abstract: An end effector alignment tool for properly aligning the end effector arm with a prealigner and separately with a top plate.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a retractable tape measure is provided which functions as a finger guard and a measurement index either fixed or moveably attached to the tape storage case or measurement tape. A measurement index or scoring feature is provided to insure accurate and repeatable measurements directed perpendicularly to the direction of tape extension.

Abstract: A wear measurement device permits reliable and accurate measurements of wear and wear trends for fastening devices used in maritime applications, and on-shore facilities, such as chains, shackles, padeyes, anchor legs, and the like. The device utilizes a pair of arms slidable on a tube and positionable to contact out-of-plane surfaces and provide a direct reading of the distance between the surfaces from a scale containing dimensional indicia on the exposed surface of the supporting tube.