Abstract: In some embodiments, a trigger group comprises a trigger arranged to pivot on a trigger axis and a hammer arranged to pivot on a hammer axis. The hammer includes a cam surface. The hammer is moveable from a first position to a second position upon break of the trigger, and the cam surface contacts the trigger in the second position. Desirably, the cam is arranged to bias the trigger.

Abstract: A trigger can include one or more kinesthetic features to provide increased mechanoreceptor stimulation. This can give a shooter increased kinesthetic awareness of the trigger pull. The trigger can include any number of different kinesthetic features in different configurations such as ridges, grooves, bumps or depressions, raised or depressed surfaces, bars, etc. These features can provide an increased sense of feel to encourage the straight, even, efficient and/or consistent pressing of the weapon's trigger to produce consistent and accurate shot placement. The trigger can include two kinesthetic features or reference points, such as parallel bars, on the trigger face. With the parallel reference points the operator can apply equal pressure across the face of the trigger during manipulation.

Abstract: A cable guard for a compound bow deflects cables of the compound bow away from the path of an arrow and away from a plane in which a string of the compound bow travels to prevent interference between the cables and the arrow and string. The compound bow includes a riser and spaced apart limbs extending from the riser. The cables and the string extends between the limbs. The cable guard comprises a frame for attachment to the compound bow. A first bearing is supported by the frame and extends along an axis. A second bearing and a third bearing each extend along a respective axis transverse to the axis of the first bearing. The second bearing and the third bearing each present a bearing surface with the bearing surface of the second bearing spaced from and facing the bearing surface of the third bearing for receiving the cable therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is a miniature crossbow apparatus expressly adapted for use as a toy or amusement device in launching toy projectiles. The crossbow apparatus may be provided in kit form such that the user may develop construction skills and satisfaction by assembling the crossbow apparatus from provided constituent parts. The crossbow apparatus preferably includes at least one feature of a captive axleless rotating trigger feature, an armed bolt (projectile) retention feature, an integrated spare bolt (projectile) retention feature, a grip comprised of O-rings feature, and a crossbow arm anti-rotation feature. The crossbow apparatus further preferably is provided with a crossbow stand (holder) that doubles a target device.

Abstract: A multi-element one piece reverse draw style crossbow frame preferably includes a riser element, an AR style stock receiver tube element, a barrel element, a foot stirrup element, a first limb pocket element and a second limb pocket element, which are molded as a single piece of material. A first limb and a second limb are attached to the riser element. A first cam is pivotally retained on a distal end of the first limb and a second cam is pivotally retained on a distal end of a second limb. The barrel element preferably includes an opening for a trigger box, stock mounting points, an integrated finger guard, accessory mounting points and the like. A multi-element one piece dual stirrup crossbow frame preferably includes a barrel element, a riser element, a first foot stirrup element and a second foot stirrup element, which are molded as a single piece of material.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a crossbow system comprises a crossbow comprising a stock and a bow portion. The bow portion comprises a bowstring having a nocking point. The crossbow defines a shooting axis. The stock comprises a rope anchor located below the shooting axis. The crossbow system further comprises a cocking rope constructed and arranged to engage the bowstring and to be anchored to the rope anchor.

Abstract: An gas supply system for use with an airsoft gun to power a pneumatic engine contained within a receiver of the airsoft gun. The gas supply system includes a bottle of pressurized gas that supplies pressurized gas at a first pressure to the receiver. A pressure regulator is located between the supply of pressurized gas and the pneumatic drive engine and operates to reduce the pressure of the gas from the first pressure to a second pressure. The pressure regulator is supported on the airsoft gun and allows the pressure of gas supplied to the pneumatic engine of the airsoft gun to be regulated. The pressure regulator includes an adjustment dial that allows an operator to change the pressure of gas supplied to the airsoft gun. The pressure regulator can be located between the bottle of pressurized gas and the receiver.

Abstract: A firearm support brace has an attachment facility operable to removably connect securely to the mounting portion, an arm extending downwardly and rearwardly from the mounting portion, an extension extending from the arm and having an end away from the arm, and a saddle element connected to the end of the extension, such that the firearm is stabilized by positioning the saddle against the upper arm of a user adjacent to the elbow of the user while the barrel is aligned for sighting by the user. The attachment facility may include a first clamp portion connected to the arm, and a second portion removably connected to the first clamp portion. The attachment facility may define a cylindrical aperture. The attachment facility may be rotatable with respect to the firearm about a rotation axis parallel to a barrel axis defined by the barrel.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a rail system. The rail system can include a plurality of powered rails and at least one control rail. The rail system can be disposed on a firearm, extending along the barrel toward a front of the firearm. The front or forward direction of the firearm extends from the trigger toward the distal end of the barrel. The rail system can extend along the barrel forward of the trigger, stock, and firearm handle.

Abstract: A handguard assembly for a firearm is provided, comprising a handguard configured to overlie a barrel of the firearm in spaced relationship, the handguard comprising a plurality of apertures; a rail segment including a plurality of mounting bosses, each of the plurality of mounting bosses located in a different one of the plurality of apertures of the handguard; a plurality of rotatable fasteners to fasten the rail segment to the handguard, each of the rotatable fasteners located in a different one of the mounting bosses of the rail segment; and each of the rotatable fasteners comprising a mounting latch to mount the rail segment to the handguard, each mounting latch rotatable from an aperture insertion position overlying a top of the boss to a mounting position overlying the handguard.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a holster for a weapon, tool, or other implement. The holster comprises a backing that may be combined with one or more interchangeable shell components (i.e., covers) to at least partially encase the implement. The backing includes a recessed portion, and a retention membrane is coupled to the backing to form a cavity with the recessed portion. The membrane is arranged to flex partially into the cavity when the implement is encased within the holster.

Abstract: A collapsible reflective optical sight for a firearm includes a base that mounts the optical sight to the firearm, a lens attached to and rotatable with respect to the base, wherein the lens includes a first optic with a reflective surface and the lens is folded with respect to the base for storage in a collapsed configuration and is angled with respect to the base in a deployed configuration for use in aiming the firearm, a light source on the base that reflects light off the reflective surface of the first optic to a user for aiming the firearm, and a mechanical sight on the base for aiming the firearm when the lens is in the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A reticle for a projectile weapon aiming apparatus including a plurality of aiming marks, the plurality of aiming marks include a first mark positioned at the center of the reticle and at least one additional mark spaced below the first mark along a vertical center axis of the reticle, wherein adjacent marks of the first mark and the at least one additional mark are spaced apart by predetermined distances. First and second horizontal stripes are provided on each side of the plurality of aiming marks respectively, the first and second horizontal stripes offset relative to the vertical center axis with a gap provided therebetween and extending towards the perimeter of the reticle, the first and second horizontal stripes spaced a predetermined distance from a bottom of the reticle measured along the vertical center axis.

Abstract: A cover for use with an optic device to hold and display shooting information. The cover may have resilient retention members that allow a display to be releasably attached and detached from the cover. The display may be made from a single substrate or multiple substrates in order to make the shooting information contained thereon highly visible in a variety of conditions and shooting preferences. The display may further be customized by a user to include desired DOPE information and then printed onto the single or multiple substrates. A system and method for creating custom DOPE charts is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor for a missile seeker includes a primary, concave, reflector that is reflective to RF waves and to another kind of waves, but that includes a transmissive region, through which RF waves can pass. A secondary, convex, reflector is reflective to RF waves but transmissive, and not reflective, to the other kind of waves, and is arranged facing the primary reflector to further reflect RF waves reflected by the primary reflector through the transmissive region of the primary reflector. An RF detector is arranged on the opposite side of the primary reflector from the secondary reflector and arranged to detect the RF waves reflected by the secondary reflector through the transmissive region of the primary reflector. A second detector, for detecting the other kind of waves, is arranged on the opposite side of the secondary reflector from the primary reflector and is arranged to detect the other kind of waves after they are reflected by the primary reflector and transmitted through the secondary reflector.

Abstract: Implementations of a rear sight block for AK-type rifles are provided. In some implementations, the rear sight block may be drop-in-compatible with most AK-type rifles and performs several functions (e.g., providing a guide hole for the piston of an AK-type rifles operating system) associated with prior art rear sight blocks found on AK-type rifles. In some implementations, the rear sight block disclosed herein comprises an optic mounting interface having an integral rear sight notch therein, and at least one accessory mounting interface. In some implementations, the optic mounting interface places an optical gun sight secured thereto in line with the iron sights of the host AK-type rifle. In some implementations, the accessory mounting interface may be used to position a flashlight, laser, and/or other firearm accessory on the left (or right) side of the rear sight block.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to camouflaged systems and related camouflaging methods. The camouflaged systems can include at least one camouflaged object, including but not limited to transmission lines and transmission towers. One or more pluralities of lights may be disposed on or otherwise coupled to a surface of the camouflaged object. Each of the one or more pluralities of lights can be configured to emit light having a characteristic that appears like (e.g., matches, mimics, simulates, corresponds to, or otherwise blends with) an environmental condition, which can include any variety of background environmental landscapes.

Abstract: An armor system includes a plate operably connected to a plunger, one or more solid bars of brittle material operably contained within a channel or tube, wherein the armor system is configured so that upon impact of a blast shock wave upon the plate, the plate transfers the blast shock wave to the plunger and then to the contents of the channel. Optionally, the channel also contains HFRM.

Abstract: An enclosure includes an enclosure body having an enclosure cavity, the enclosure body formed from a first material, and at least one ballistic tolerant plate disposed within the enclosure cavity to form a plurality of channel enclosures within the enclosure cavity, the at least one ballistic tolerant plate formed from a ballistic tolerant material.

Abstract: A light weight pre-stressed antiballistic article including a monolith ceramic plate/tile bonded to a thin lightweight thermal expansion material with an adhesive, characterized, in that the thermal expansion material has a thermal expansion coefficient at least 50% higher than the ceramic plate/tile, and the thermal expansion material is bonded to either the front face, back face or both faces of the ceramic plate/tile at a bonding temperature of between 50° C. and 250° C. with adhesive and subsequently cooled, whereby upon cooling, the bonded thermal expansion material contracts to a greater extent than the ceramic plate/tile, exerting compression stress on the ceramic plate/tile.

Abstract: A method for focusing a beam of a high energy radiation source on a reference point on the surface of a flying object, comprising: recording a number of consecutive two-dimensional images of the flying object determining the trajectory of the flight path simultaneously determining the line of sight angle between the image acquisition device and the position of the flying object calculating a three-dimensional model of the flying object displaying the currently acquired two-dimensional image marking the reference point on the displayed two-dimensional image of the flying object; calculating the three-dimensional reference point on the surface of the flying object focusing the beam of the high energy radiation source on the three-dimensional reference point.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge case processing device, comprising: a trimmer holder comprising a first section that receives a die body and a second section provided with a through hole that receives a rotatably mounted rod upon which a cutter is arranged; and an adjusting device positioned coaxial to the rod and comprising a hollow cylindrical component provided with a threaded section that extends at least partially into the second section and engages with an internal threaded section of the second section, the hollow cylindrical component being rotatable relative to the trimmer holder, the adjusting device comprising an operating section for manual rotation of the hollow cylindrical component in relation to the trimmer holder.

Abstract: A device includes a thermal trigger having a firing pin, where the thermal trigger is configured to move the firing pin in response to an elevated temperature. The device also includes an out-of-line lockout device configured to disarm the thermal trigger in response to acceleration of the lockout device. The lockout device is configured to move a first lockout ball into a notch of the firing pin to disarm the thermal trigger. The lockout device could include an inertial mass configured to move the first lockout ball into the notch of the firing pin and a first spring configured to bias the inertial mass in an initial position. The lockout device could also include a second lockout ball configured to move into a position that prevents the inertial mass from returning to the initial position or a dampener configured to slow movement of the inertial mass.

Abstract: A signal is injected into a wired series of detonators to obtain a reflected signal which represents a validated status of the system. The reflected signal is compared to a second reflected signal, generated in a similar way, some time later; to detect factors which affect the validated status of the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to method and system for detecting improvised explosive devices or the like. According to the present disclosure, the method is of the image-correlation type and involves continuously delivering current images representative of said path followed by a vehicle, in replacing some of said current images with pre-recorded earlier images taken at the same point, and in displaying said current images and said replacement earlier images in succession in order to detect said explosive devices.

Abstract: A fixed-length measurement accessory includes a rigid body fixed to a base supporting a magnet for magnetically coupling the accessory to a host tool. An opposite end of the rigid body provides a visual marker for alignment with an end of a workpiece. A variable-length accessory includes telescoping rigid bodies joined by a coupler. One end of one rigid body is joined to a base supporting a magnet for magnetically coupling the accessory to the host tool. The coupler houses a friction member creating light friction resisting adjustment of a combined length of the rigid bodies. An opposite end of the other rigid body provides a visual marker for alignment with an end of the workpiece. Markings are provided on at least one of the rigid bodies for indicating a combined length of the rigid bodies at multiple relative positions.

Abstract: An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for garment property determination are disclosed. One or more movable portions of a mannequin are adjusted, thereby causing the mannequin to change from a first size to a second size. Signals are received from one or more sensors of the mannequin, and pressure readings applied to at least one location on an exterior surface of the mannequin are determined from the signals. Data that correlates at least a first pressure reading with the first size of the mannequin and that correlates at least a second pressure reading with the second size of the mannequin are stored.

Abstract: Compensation for a field-perturbing element in a magnetic tracking system for locating a probe is achieved by creating a reaction field model while the field-perturbing element is in known positions. A magnetic field location sensor is disposed between the field-perturbing element and magnetic field generators of the tracking system. Magnetic field readings from the location sensor and from a magnetic field sensor on the probe are taken while the field-perturbing element is present. The position of the field-perturbing element is estimated from the location sensor readings, and a predicted reaction field calculated from the reaction field model. A compensated measurement is obtained by subtracting the predicted reaction field from the field detected by the location sensor. The readings from the probe sensor are adjusted using the compensated measurement in order to calculate the true position of the probe.

Abstract: A system for swept source optical coherence tomography, the system including a light source emitting multiplexed wavelength-swept radiation over a total wavelength range, the light source including N wavelength-swept vertical cavity lasers (VCL) emitting N tunable VCL outputs having N wavelength trajectories, a combiner for combining the N tunable VCL optical outputs into a common optical path to create the multiplexed wavelength-swept radiation, a splitter for splitting the multiplexed wavelength-swept radiation to a sample and a reference path, an optical detector for detecting an interference signal created by an optical interference between a reflection from the sample and light traversing the reference path, and a signal processing system which uses the interference signal to construct an image of the sample, wherein at least one of the N wavelength trajectories differs from another of the N wavelength trajectories with respect to at least one parameter.

Abstract: An interference system, comprising: an interference apparatus, configured such that input light pulses interfere at an interference component; wherein the input of said interference apparatus is provided by a phase-randomized light source, said phase-randomized light source comprising: at least one slave light source; at least one master light source configured to intermittently generate master light pulses such that the phase of each master light pulse has a random relationship to the phase of each subsequently generated master light pulse, further configured to supply said master light pulses to the slave light source; and a controller, configured to apply a time varying drive signal to said at least one slave light source such that just one slave light pulse is generated during each period of time for which a master light pulse is received, such that the phase of each slave light pulse has a random relationship to the phase of each subsequently generated slave light pulse.

Abstract: A system (10) for measuring a physical characteristic of an object (11) using dual path, two-dimensional Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) includes an extended broadband light source (13) producing an incident light beam (14) and an interferometer (15) having a beam splitter (16) that splits the incident beam into first and second component (17, 18) beams and directs the second component beam (18) on to a moveable mirror (19) for creating an optical path difference between the first component beam (17) and a reflection (20) of the second component beam. A focusing lens (21) having a focal plane (22) focuses the first component beam and the reflection of the second component beam to form a fringe pattern (23) on the focal plane, and a configurable imaging system (25) images the fringe pattern on to a plane (12) of the object to allow two-dimensional measurement of the object without spatial scanning.

Abstract: An optical sensor apparatus illuminates nested optical cavities by a broadband light source, such as a tunable laser. A composite interference signal is obtained from light reflected from the nested optical cavities, partial interference spectra are recovered from the composite interference signal, cavity depths are measured based on the partial interference spectra, and electrical signals are provided based on the final measured cavity depths.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described which provide a range of second-order chromatic dispersion correction between a reference arm and a sample arm of an optical coherence tomographic system, while minimizing optical path length differences.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for estimating a location on an object in a three-dimensional scene. Multiple radiation patterns are produced by spatially modulating each of multiple first radiations with a distinct combination of one or more modulating structures, each first radiation having at least one of a distinct radiation path, a distinct source, a distinct source spectrum, or a distinct source polarization with respect to the other first radiations. The location on the object is illuminated with a portion of each of two or more of the radiation patterns, the location producing multiple object radiations, each object radiation produced in response to one of the multiple radiation patterns. Multiple measured values are produced by detecting the object radiations from the location on the object due to each pattern separately using one or more detector elements. The location on the object is estimated based on the multiple measured values.

Abstract: A scanning monochromatic spatial low-coherent interferometer (S-LCI) can be used to simultaneously measure geometric thickness and refractive index. The probe beam of the scanning S-LCI can be an off-axis converging single wavelength laser beam, and the decomposed incident angles of the beam on the sample can be accurately defined in the Fourier domain. The angle dependent phase shift of a plane parallel plate or other sample can be obtained in a single system measurement. From the angle dependent phase shift, the geometric thickness and refractive index of the sample can be simultaneously obtained. Additionally or alternatively, the S-LCI system can interrogate the sample to profile the location and refractive index of one or more layers within the sample using the disclosed techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing an improved protective coating for a substrate that may be inspected using the unaided eye or other apparatus under available light. The protective coating is mixed with an additive comprising flakes or particles that, when applied to the substrate as part of the protective coating, allow the user to empirically determine if the surface has received an adequate protective coat. The determination of whether or not any defects exist may include comparing the observed appearance of the specialty pigment particles with a comparative standard.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a laser tracker for continuously pursuing a reflective target and for determining the position of the target. The method may include a base which defines a vertical axis, a beam guiding unit for emitting a measurement beam, the beam guiding unit being pivotable by motor relative to the base about the vertical axis and an inclination axis, and a measurement axis being defined by an emission direction of the measurement beam. The laser tracker may include a precision distance measurement unit and an angle measurement function. The target search unit may have illumination source for illuminating the target, a first camera with a first position-sensitive detector and at least one part of the illumination beam reflected on the target being determinable as a first target position, and a control and evaluation unit.

Abstract: There is provided a system for measuring temperature and strain simultaneously utilizing Brillouin Scattering within an optical fiber. The system has a cladding, a first optical core within the cladding and a second optical core within the cladding and having a different refractive index profile and/or composition than the first core. Means to couple light into and out of said individual optical cores and/or from one optical core to the other within the fiber is provided along with means for calculating strain and temperature characteristics based on measured Brillouin frequencies for said optical cores.

Abstract: A method for determining residual stresses of a component (14), in particular a component of an aircraft engine, while it is being manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. The method includes the following steps: creating at least one local melt pool (26) in a surface (24) of the component (14) to be manufactured after a predetermined portion of the component is completed; optically detecting surface distortions and/or elongations occurring at least in a region around the created melt pool (26); and determining the residual stresses of the component (14) which are present at least in the region around the created melt pool (26) based on the optically detected surface distortions and/or elongations. Further an apparatus for determining residual stresses of a component (14) while it is being manufactured by an additive manufacturing process is provided.

Abstract: There is described an optical system for sensing the surface of an object. The system comprises: a light source for emitting at least one light beam centered on the optical axis of the system; a light reflector for reflecting the at least one incident light beam to generate at least two hollow conical light beams centered on the optical axis and having different opening angles, the at least two reflected hollow conical light beams for illuminating the surface; and an image capture device for imaging the illuminated surface.

Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional shape measurement apparatus capable of measuring a shape of a measurement object using an interferometer and color information of the measurement object, the apparatus including a light source for emitting a light; a light divider for reflecting the light emitted from the light source or transmitting a light reflected by the measurement object; a lens unit for focusing the light reflected by the light divider onto the measurement object; a light detector for detecting the light reflected from the measurement object; and a light adjuster arranged on a light path between the light source and the light divider, and configured to interrupt the light being emitted from a central area of the light source to reduce interference of light occurring in the lens unit.

Abstract: A method for using structured light in a handheld projection device is provided that includes projecting a structured light pattern in at least one portion of a frame being projected by the handheld projection device, wherein the at least one portion of the frame is a subset of the frame, capturing an image of the projected frame, computing scene depth information based on the structured light pattern in the captured image, and using the scene depth information in processing of a subsequent frame of the video stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanning probe (100) for the dimensional acquisition of an object (400) by irradiating the object (400) with light and detecting reflected light comprising: a detection unit (120) comprising an imaging sensor (122) and a sensor lens assembly (124) for detecting the reflected light, a light projecting unit (141) comprising a light source (142) for generating light, and source optics (145) for focusing the light, and light plane generating optics (143) for generating a light plane (149) for irradiating the object, and an adjustment mechanism (155) comprised in the light projecting unit (141), for adjusting the position or orientation of the light plane relative to the detection unit. It further relates to a method for assembly of a scanning probe (100).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for aligning tracks of a roadwork machine, characterized by using a track alignment detection unit that is attached to a first track unit for allowing detection of an orientation of the first track unit, and frame orientation detection means that are attached to the machine frame for allowing detection of an orientation of the machine frame, the method comprising determining an initial orientation of the machine frame, and determining an initial orientation of the first track unit, determining whether a difference between a most recently determined orientation of the machine frame and a most recently determined orientation of the first track unit is within a predefined threshold value, initializing a pivoting of the first track unit, determining a changed orientation of the first track unit after the pivoting, and determining an orientation of the machine frame after the pivoting.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing an alignment indication for a nose landing gear of an aircraft. The apparatus includes surfaces that abut certain features of the nose landing gear. When the surfaces of the fixture and the features of the nose landing gear abut, the fixture is aligned with the nose landing gear and oriented such that a coherent light source emits a coherent light beam that impinges on an alignment scale. The coherent light beam can be sufficiently small that a mechanic or other user can discern the alignment of the nose landing gear to within one or two degrees. After the nose landing gear has been moved to a centered position, control rigging that communicates steering inputs from pilots to a hydraulic actuation system can be adjusted so that the steering inputs are also centered.

Abstract: An automatic seam detection machine is disclosed herein, including a conveying device and a seam detection device. The conveying device includes a feeding station, provided with a feed valve. When a sample can is conveyed to the feeding station, the feed valve opens and the sample can arrives at the detecting station of the seam detection device through the feed valve. Since more sample cans can be placed in the conveying device, operators can place batches of sample cans in the conveying device in one time; and the sample cans can be automatically conveyed to the feeding station by the conveying device, then conveyed to the seam detection device for detection automatically by opening the feed valve. Compared with prior arts, this invention can achieve automatic feeding, so as to facilitate the batch detection, with high degree of automation.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an overlay error measuring device for correcting a pattern displacement other than an overlay error to thereby achieve high-precision overlay error measurement. To accomplish the abovementioned purpose, the present invention proposes an overlay error measuring device which measures a dimension between a plurality of patterns belonging to different layers using a signal obtained by a charged particle beam device, and when measuring the dimension, corrects an amount corresponding to a pattern shift due to an optical proximity effect and measures the dimension between the plurality of patterns.

Abstract: It is possible to, with a position measuring apparatus in a NC machine tool, a NC lathe, or the like that uses a load monitoring scheme, significantly reduce a response delay on the detecting jig side than those in the conventional apparatuses, and consequently measure the position of a measurement target with high accuracy. A measurement target (e.g., an advanceable and retractable center) is caused to abut a position detecting jig at the advanced end of the measurement target. In such a state, retracting and advancing motions of the measurement target are created to increase the load torque of a feed motor to a level sufficiently higher than the load torque that is detectable by the apparatus. After that, the abutment state between the measurement target (center) and the jig is canceled to cause a sudden drop in the load torque of the feed motor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or triangular shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a triangular shaped construction.