Abstract: A tilt sensing and signaling device for a containment plow.

Abstract: A value of shape data is calculated from moment of inertia and weight data of a tool, a relational expression between shape data and tool moment of inertia in a predetermined tool shape model, and a relational expression between the shape data and tool weight in the tool shape model to estimate a shape of the tool, and a gravity center position of the tool is calculated based on the estimated tool shape.

Abstract: The vertical orientation indicator includes a liquid filled sphere into which two internal spheres are provided, which define a vertical axis that is useful to a person trapped under snow after an avalanche. The internal spheres have different densities such that one internal sphere rises to the top of the liquid or is otherwise buoyant with respect to the fluid. The second internal sphere has a density that places the internal sphere at the bottom of the liquid, and thus indicates a down direction. The outer sphere containing the liquid is clear and may include a loop to provide a means of attachment to outerwear used by the end user. The internal spheres may be coated in phosphorescent paints of differing colors, which are energized by light such that the device may be used in a dark environment, such as under snow after an avalanche.

Abstract: Inclination sensors with magnetic XMR- or Hall-sensor-principles were implemented in the past by the pivotably supported indicator magnet being supported on the front face of the axle of a pendulum, with the consequence that the static friction of the support had to be overcome first, before the inclination sensor would react. Thereby very small and very slow inclinations often could not be detected. These designs always have a large amount of hysteresis. According to the invention this problem is being solved by the indicator magnet being mounted either on a float, or on a pendulum that is being supported ferrofluidic, whereby the static friction is much smaller or eliminated entirely.

Abstract: A plumb bob with adjustable weights for suiting different applications is disclosed that includes, in one embodiment, a bottom point; a shank extended upward from the point and having a lower portion and an upper threaded section; hollow first weight elements adapted to put on the lower portion of the shank and rested upon the point; hollow second weight elements having an axial threaded hole and being adapted to put on a portion of the threaded section of the shank to threadedly secure thereto with the first weight elements being fastened thereunder; a hollow projecting knob including an axial bore having lower threads and a top shoulder; and a string including a bottom knot engaged with and stopped at the shoulder. The knob is adapted to threadedly secure to the remaining portion of the threaded section of the shank.

Abstract: A laser calibration device includes a housing and a pendulum pivotally coupled to the housing and suspending downwards therefrom. A laser deck is mounted to the pendulum. At least one laser for emitting a laser line is mounted to the laser deck. The laser includes a laser barrel rotatable within a barrel holder and a laser lens pivotally coupled to the laser barrel. A first adjustment mechanism is mounted between the laser deck and the laser for adjusting pitch. A second adjustment mechanism is mounted between the barrel holder and the laser barrel for adjusting roll. A third adjustment mechanism is mounted between the laser barrel and the laser lens for adjusting crowning. A fourth adjustment mechanism mounted to the pendulum for adjusting a center of gravity of the pendulum.

Abstract: A device which is attachable to the mast of a forklift for indicating to the forklift operator the tilt angle of the mast in a vertical plane centered on the forklift includes a pivotably supported weighted pendulum, and an elongated activating arm secured to the upper extremity of the pendulum. The activating arm operates a component that is slideably mounted to a base plate, and carries an indicating pointer. A cover member fits over the base plate, and contains a window which accommodates the pointer. Indicia on the cover member interact with the pointer to show the tilt angle of the mast.

Abstract: An apparatus and a related method are used to simultaneously calibrate a center-of-gravity and a moment-of-inertia. The apparatus includes: a motor rotated with a prescribed velocity; a tachometer installed at the motor for calibrating an angular velocity of the moto; a fixed plate which is installed at the upper portion of rotation axis of the motor and has a plurality of parts fixing units; a motor driver connected to the motor for controlling the driving of the motor and for calibrating a current value flowing into the motor; and a processor connected to the motor driver and the tachometer for calculating a center-of-gravity and a moment-of-inertia of a part by using the calibrated angular velocity and current value.

Abstract: A plumb bob assembly including a plumb bob for use adjacent to a wall or other vertical surface, a cord, cord spool attachable to the plumb bob for storage and a tip cover. A pencil may be inserted through a vertical slot in the plumb bob body to mark the position of the plumb bob relative to an adjacent wall. The plumb bob has a relatively flat, tear-drop shaped plastic body, to which two disk-shaped brass weights, a brass cord attachment ball and a conical brass tip are attached. A plastic spool has a cord receiving region defined by two walls and a plate that protrudes beyond one of the walls. Opposed hooks on the plate provide a means for tying-off the cord and hanging the plumb bob assembly from a nail during use. A collar on the plate locks the spool on the plumb bob during storage by inserting the plate into the slot in the plumb bob body.

Abstract: A method for rotationally positioning a rotor for balancing procedures uses an instrument within a housing that is temporarily mounted to the axial face of a rotor for determining rotational locations with respect to a reference mark located on the rotor. The instrument has a needle indicator which is responsive to gravity, and is mounted such that it can rotate independently of the position of the housing. Tick marks representing degrees are arranged in a circle around the edge of the needle indicator. Two sets of numerical scales are provided, each in a different color, one increasing in a clockwise direction, and the other increasing in a counter clockwise direction. Two arc shaped arrows are provided, one each in the two colors used for the two sets of numerical scales. The color of the arc shaped arrow that points in the direction of incremental rotor rotation indicates that the set of numerical scales printed in the same color should be used for reading the degree of rotation.

Abstract: A seismographic sensor is constructed from a D'Arsonval movement. The elements of the movement include a coil suspended in the field of a permanent magnet and a pointer attached to the coil. A weight is attached to the pointer and acts as an inertia element. Leveling screws are provided to control the period of the weighted pointer and to control the resting position of the pointer. When the base of the meter vibrates during an earthquake, the weighted pointer does not follow the vibration because of its inertia, resulting in a relative rotation of the meter coil and the magnet field, thereby inducing a voltage in the coil. This voltage is proportional to one component of horizontal velocity of the earth's motion. Means are provided to process and record the magnitude of this voltage.

Abstract: A level for determining whether a surface is horizontal and which can also be used to determine the angular relationship between the surface or a line on the surface and the horizontal. The level utilizes a rotating pendulum designed with a pointer that indicates a direction representing the vertical. The pointer (or vertical indicator) is biased in this position by a weight (or alternatively a float) and it points to scale markings that calibrate the position of the rotating pendulum to correspondingly represent the angular deviation of the surface from the horizontal. The weight and the pointer are attached by a set screw which allows the weight to be pivoted with respect to the pointer so that the center of gravity of the rotating pendulum as a whole can be altered and the direction in which the pointer points can be adjusted for accuracy.

Abstract: A golf club putter is disclosed for use on a golf green for judging the desired path to the cup. The putter comprises a shaft with a putter head secured on one end thereof. The putter has a vertically oriented striking surface for striking a golf ball on swinging movement of the club and a second surface positioned at substantially a right angle to the striking first surface. Level means is supported in the second or right angle surface for indicating the desired angle at which the putter striking surface should strike the ball and the desired curvature of the path of the ball to the cup. The level means comprises a pendulum, recessed in the second, right angle surface, operating as a plumb bob to determine the angle from the horizontal of the putting green. The level means comprises a thin, flat disc-shaped housing mounted in a recess in the second, right angle surface of the putter having a circular rear wall, a circular front wall and a cylindrical side wall.

Abstract: A device for setting the inclination of a reference object such as a mirror or the like, used as a reference for lining up, levelling in, etc. The mirror (10) is rotatably balanced about an axle (12) and a portion thereof below said axle is provided with a moveable bob (14). A displacement of the bob causes the desired inclination of the mirror about the axle.

Abstract: A sight for hunting bows possesses an automatic range finding capability when the hunter is stationed at an elevated position and is infinitely adjustable and lockable to facilitate ground level hunting. A greater range of adjustability enables the sight to function properly on various sizes of bows and with various arrow shaft lengths and weights rather than with only a single bow and arrow combination. Greater simplicity of construction of the bow sight is also achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the inclination of a well bore comprising a flexible rod having an upper end rigidly supported by the apparatus and a needle point means operatively connected with the lower end of said rod and suspended over a vertically movable target. The target is responsive to a predetermined condition, such as time or location, for moving the target relatively towards and against the needle point whereby the needle point will perforate the target to indicate the inclination of the well bore. A weight means is mounted on the flexible rod above the needle point to cause a bending of the rod by cantilever action when the apparatus is in the well bore and when the well bore is inclined with respect to the vertical.