Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining the height of a tripod-mounted geodetic tool using a reference area. Said system comprises a spacer element (20) to be mounted on the tripod (25) and means (2) for linear measurement which are to be applied on the spacer element (20). A scale is disposed on the means (2) in such a manner as to directly indicate the height (h) of the tool (28). The means are preferably configured as a tape measure (2) or a plumb bar (1′). The invention provides a means for measuring the height of the tool outside the plumb line (32) with a sufficient amount of exactness and without substantial additional costs and/or effort.

Abstract: A power recoilable rule includes an elongated housing with a longitudinal dimension which is greater than its height dimension and having a width dimension which is lesser than the height dimension to enable comfortable gripping of the housing by the hand of a user. Mounted in the chamber at its forward end is a blade reel and at its rearward end is a spring motor with a casing and a spring coiled about its hub. Both hubs are mounted on the housing for rotation about transverse parallel axes. Gears on the hubs of the blade reel and spring motor are drivingly engaged with a drive transfer gear and the gear ratio of the blade reel gear to the drive motor gear is at least 2:1. The housing is desirably configured with a reduced height at its rearward end to facilitate gripping.

Abstract: A tape measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the slope height of a GPS surveying system receiver, with an integral antenna, which is vertically suspended over a ground mark. A tape mounting hook is provided for securing the distal end of a tape measure in a location which is known precisely with respect to the phase center of the GPS receiver. The tape measure housing has a pointer arm of precisely known length which extends out from the tape measure housing in a direction opposite and parallel to the normalized line of extension of the tape from the housing. A distance scale imprinted on the tape compensates for the combined lengths of the housing and pointer arm so that a user can read the uncorrected slope height of the GPS receiver directly from the scale while applying the tip of the pointer arm to the ground mark.

Abstract: A plumb bob apparatus for locating verticals with a line capable of automatic braking and retraction comprising a substantially square hollow housing wherein a spring loaded spool, in combination with an adjustable tension and braking device, allow a plumb bob weight to be manually extended by a string or flexible member to any length where the plumb bob weight will remain until retraction is effected. The preferred embodiment of the plumb bob apparatus also possesses a pin-tipped plunger, a notch, and a magnetic strip for attachment of the apparatus to a variety of upper reference points to which the standard plumb bob apparatus would not otherwise be capable of attachment and use.

Abstract: A self contained plumb bob and ink line marker with a line capable of automatic braking and retracting, comprising a hollow housing wherein a line reel, in combination with an adjustable spring-loaded line retraction and braking mechanism, allows a flexible member to be manually extended from the reel by a tacking device for attachment of the apparatus to a reference point. The flexible member is coated with ink upon extension from the reel when the flexible member passes over an ink absorbent member enclosed inside the housing. The housing of the apparatus has a tapered point on one end and serves as a plumb bob weight for indicating verticals when the apparatus is suspended by the tacking device. For purposes of marking lines, the ink coated flexible member can be held taught between the tacking device and notches around the circumference of an aperture through which the flexible member exits the housing, pulled upwardly and quickly released to leave a clean, thin line on the adjacent surface.

Abstract: A plumb bob including an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and opposite ends on the longitudinal axis; a bore extending generally along the longitudinal axis; an elongated cord extending through one of the opposite ends into the bore; storage apparatus mounted on the body and connected to the cord and having a length of cord wound thereon, the storage apparatus including an overriding mechanism selectively operable in response to a force exerted on the elongated body in the direction of the longitudinal axis to allow the cord accumulated thereon to be played-out and upon release of the force to accumulate the cord thereon, and a locking mechanism positioned at the one end of the body adjacent the cord and selectively operable between a first position in engagement with the cord and a second position released from the cord.

Abstract: A plumb bob reel capable of retracting, housing, and protecting the entire length of flexible line which is attached to a plumb bob. The reel is generally comprised of a reel housing having a line retaining spool rotatably mounted therein, and a spring retraction member cooperatively positioned with respect to the spool. Further features of the reel include a protruding section which cooperatively receives a specially designed plumb bob, and two ways for accurately guiding and holding the flexible line in vertically aligned relation above a predetermined datum. The two ways of aligning the line are comprised of a knobbed member fixedly attached to the front wall of the housing, and a plurality of longitudinally formed, contiguous grooves through which the flexible line may pass. In addition, the reel is equipped with ways for securely attaching the housing to either ferrous or non-ferrous structures.

Abstract: A method of detecting the verticality, a detector therefor and a level maintaining base for a mechanism and an apparatus which employs the above-described detector are disclosed. The method of detecting vertically comprising the steps of: hanging a weight from a reference member disposed along the vertical axis in a state where the weight can be freely swung forwards and rearwards and right and left and in the direction of the intersection on the plane; detecting, in the direction of swinging of the weight, the state where the weight is swung when the weight is freely swung, the state being detected by proper detection means such as electric, magnetic and optical detection means; and analyzing a detection signal denoting the detected direction of the swing, whereby the inclination of the reference member with respect to the vertical axis is detected.

Abstract: The assembly includes the plumb bob and line, and a cylindrical rotor mounted eccentrically for eccentric rotation about an axis of rotation. The line is connected at one end to the rotor and at the other end to the plumb bob. The rotor may be rotated to pay out and retract or wind in the line. The plumb bob may be stored within the casing. Side walls of the casing perpendicular to the axis of rotation closely confine the space beyond the rotor ends to confine the line as it is winding in.Other features include a conical sheath to receive the point of the plumb bob and arms to hold the cylindrical body of the bob; also a dentent cooperating with the casing and the folded handle may be used to hold the handle and the rotor fixed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device for the three-dimensional checking of a vehicle. The device includes a plumb bob device having a graduated tape spring wound therein. The tape includes an attachment for securing the bob to certain areas of a device frame.