Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile device for correction of a vertical position of a pre-measured track, in particular for a track maintenance machine, including a measuring system which comprises a moving chord as reference base, and including a lifting device for lifting the track to a target level prescribed at a work location by means of the moving chord. In this, the moving chord is defined at two reference locations as to its position relative to a non-corrected area of the track, wherein the work location is arranged behind the reference locations in a working direction. In this manner, the position of the moving chord is defined unambiguously and precisely at all times.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for creating a line. Certain embodiments of an apparatus include two or more reels having an extendable and retractable cord. Pulling the two or more reels apart allows for the creation of a line of various sizes. In certain embodiments, the two reels share a single cord. In certain embodiments, a first reel has a first cord with a first attachment end that joins with another attachment end. Certain embodiments include a reel with a magnet, allowing attachment to a magnetic surface. Certain embodiments of the invention include a system for creating a line. In certain embodiments, the system includes an apparatus, and a pin having a magnet. Certain embodiments of the pin help to change the direction of the cord.

Abstract: Method and system for measuring outermost dimensions of a vehicle positioned at an inspection station and having top, front, back and side exterior surfaces are provided. The system includes a plurality of 3-D or depth sensors supported around and above the vehicle at the inspection station. Each of the sensors has a field of view so that one of the exterior surfaces of the vehicle is in one of the fields of view. Each sensor includes a set of radiation sensing elements which detect projected radiation reflected from its exterior surface to obtain sensor data. At least one processor processes the sensor data from each of the sensors to obtain a virtual 3-D model of the vehicle. Control logic is employed to obtain measurements of outermost dimensions of the vehicle based on the 3-D model.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a chalk line assembly includes: (a) a first marking portion for setting a first point, wherein the first marking portion has a height; (b) a second marking portion for setting a second point, wherein the second marking portion has a height; and (c) a chalk line for marking chalked straight line on a surface, the chalk line having first and second ends and a length extending for at least a portion of the distance between the first and second marking portions.

Abstract: The adjustable guide line holder is a mason's guide line holder, including a housing having an adjustable longitudinal width for secure reception within a brick pocket of a gable. The housing includes outer and inner portions respectively having first and second sets of top, bottom and side walls. The inner portion is received within the outer portion such that the first and second side walls are longitudinally opposed with respect to one another, with the inner and outer portions being adjustably slidable with respect to one another such that the housing has an adjustable longitudinal width. A vertical support is received within the inner portion and extends between the top and bottom walls thereof. A cross member is mounted to the vertical support, such that one end of a masonry guide line may be secured to the cross member.

Abstract: A chalk line apparatus having a line and spool and a releasable end. The releasable end comprises a hook member having a rod member, a releasable member pivotally attached to the rod member and a spring positioned to bias the releasing member against the hook member. The releasing member has an attachment location for the line. Additionally, the spring is sized and shaped to allow rotation of the releasing member about the rod member and relative to the hook member upon a force exerted at the attachment location from the line.

Abstract: A measuring device for providing a portable and easy-to-use electronic measuring device. The measuring device generally includes a housing which includes a locking member, a reel member, a sensing assembly and control unit. A length of string is wound around the reel member, which is secured within the housing in a manner which allows the string to be retracted around the reel member absent outside force. As the string is dispensed through a string opening on the housing, a sensor wheel having a plurality of counting indicia will be rotated underneath one or more sensing members, which act to calculate the distance of string which has been dispensed. This data is communicated to a control unit, which causes the relevant information to be shown on a display on the housing. The locking member may be utilized to stop the string from being dispensed after the requisite length has been dispensed.

Abstract: A string line positioning and securing device that includes a body portion having a connection at one end for securement to a structure or substrate; and a frictional string retaining formation disposed on the body at a predetermined offset remote from the connection. In the preferred form the string retaining formation includes a string locking v-groove formed on the periphery of a head portion of the device, and an aligning slot that aligns the string and feeds it into the centre of the locking groove. Ideally the device includes a nail like penetration formation for securing to a substrate and an offset bearing surface to enable removal with a claw hammer.

Abstract: A multipurpose string line tool having an inner tube slideable within an outer tube provided with an attached bottom end cap and a removable upper end cap whereby a storage space for small construction implements can be stored within the inner tube. A line string is wrapped around the outer tube. The outer tube with the line string wrapped there-around is designed so that it can easily spin around the inner tube thereby providing a free release of the line string. The free end of the line string can be locked within an annular space between the outer tube and a cylindrical stopper by the upper end cap at the upper end of the multipurpose tool. A small opening can be provided in the upper end cap and a pencil sharpener fixed to an inner surface of said upper end cap in alignment with the small opening.

Abstract: A footer square apparatus for squaring a building foundation may include a footer square body, a first guide line, a second guide line, and a post receiving opening. The first guide line may be disposed on the footer square body and have a length that is substantially straight. The second guide line may be disposed on the footer square body and have a length that is substantially straight. The post receiving opening may be disposed through the footer square body and may receive a post. The length of the first guide line may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the second guide line. The post receiving opening may be located at the intersection of the first guide line and the second guide line.

Abstract: A relatively thin, stiff, flat guide line holder or “trig” for accurately supporting and positioning intermediate portions of tautly stretched guide lines such as are used by bricklayers and stone masons in laying courses of bricks, blocks and stones during the erection of masonry walls has a centrally located body portion, and an integrally formed, forwardly projecting guide line support portion. During use, the body portion is positioned atop a flat surface of a wall being erected to support the line holder at a desired height to be met by masonry elements added to the wall, with the support portion projecting forwardly beyond a front surface plane of the wall being erected. Passage formations defined by the support portion open downwardly through a bottom surface of the support portion at two spaced locations along the front surface plane when the line holder is properly positioned.

Abstract: Devices for aiding installation of control lines in suspended ceiling systems; each comprising a flat base portion, a squared side having a paralleled horizontal groove formed therein to receive a portion of wall angle molding used with grids at 90° angles in relation to walls, an angled side having a paralleled horizontal groove formed therein to receive a portion of wall angle molding used with grids at 45° angles in relation to walls, threaded holes formed through top portion, first and second means for temporarily attaching devices onto wall angle moldings, means for restricting movement of main tees and cross tees which together allow a control line be wrapped around horizontal grooves, pulled taut, and wrapped around first or second means for temporarily attaching said devices onto wall angle moldings to lock said control line taut.

Abstract: A relatively thin, stiff, flat guide line holder or “trig” for accurately supporting and positioning intermediate portions of tautly stretched guide lines such as are used by bricklayers and stone masons in laying courses of bricks, blocks and stones during the erection of masonry walls has a centrally located body portion, and an integrally formed, forwardly projecting guide line support portion. During use, the body portion is positioned atop a flat surface of a wall being erected to support the line holder at a desired height to be met by masonry elements added to the wall, with the support portion projecting forwardly beyond a front surface plane of the wall being erected. Passage formations defined by the support portion open downwardly through a bottom surface of the support portion at two spaced locations along the front surface plane when the line holder is properly positioned.

Abstract: A multi-line chalk reel is disclosed that may be comprised of three or more line reels disposed in a polar arrangement of parallel but distinct rotation axes that has a single method for engaging and disengaging a single drive arrangement to any one spool. This arrangement provides a variety of advantages, including a package solution of useful dimensions and a low part count to minimize parts in assembly. The single drive arrangement reduces cost, and provides for convenient access to individual spools.

Abstract: A snap line for use in applying powdered material to a surface. The line comprises at least one strand of material that has been coated with water repellent material. The line may be used in conjunction with powder that has also been coated with water repellent material. The line and the powder enable a user to apply lines to wet or damp surfaces in a normal fashion.

Abstract: A construction layout device comprising a body having a front face, rear face and two side faces; at least one base plate fastened to the underside of said body and providing support therefor atop a worksurface; a handle fastened atop said body, said handle having one termination proximate to said front face and a second termination proximate to said rear face; a first protrusion fastened to either said front face or one of said side faces, said protrusion having a through bore, said through bore normal to said worksurface; and at least one adjustable pin inserted in said through bore for holding a chalk line or other layout means.

Abstract: An anchor for securing a line is provided that has an elongated housing with a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The housing houses an attachment member for securing the anchor to a surface and the attachment member is configured to protrude from the housing and to retract substantially entirely within the housing. An actuation member is received by the housing and has a protruding. The actuation member is operably connected to the attachment member and biased in a direction toward the second end of the housing. The actuation member is further configured to slide axially within the housing and rotate about the longitudinal axis to selectively move the attachment member such that it protrudes from the first end of the housing at any one of a plurality of predetermined distances.

Abstract: A chalk line anchoring device is disclosed for anchoring an end of a chalk line on a building element. The anchoring device may comprise an elongated base wall for positioning adjacent to an edge of the building element. The base wall has opposite ends and opposite sides. A notch is formed in the base wall for receiving a chalk line. A first side wall is mounted on and extends from the base wall, and a second side wall is mounted on and extends from the base wall. The anchoring device also includes structure for resisting movement with respect to the building element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable offset straight line alignment tool which includes a rigid body having graduated guide lines for stringing offset lines at a construction site. The tool may also include a flat base surface and nailing apertures for nailing the tool to an offset mount at the desired anchoring site and a leveraging catch for a leveraging instrument such as a claw of a claw hammer to easily remove the anchored tool from the anchoring site.

Abstract: An angle measuring device for use in preparing construction layouts, which includes: a generally flat outer circular plate, a generally flat inner circular plate, a first pair of string connectors, a second pair of string connectors, and a means for positioning the angle measuring device over a selected point. The outer and inner circular plates share a common plane. The outer circular plate defines an outer circumference, an inner circumference, and a circular interior aperture. The inner circumference is marked up with indicia for measuring angles. The inner circular plate rotates freely inside the inner circumference and about the center-hole.

Abstract: A snap line for use in applying powdered material to a surface. The line comprises at least one strand of material that has been coated with water repellent material. The line may be used in conjunction with powder that has also been coated with water repellent material. The line and the powder enable a user to apply lines to wet or damp surfaces in a normal fashion.

Abstract: An anchor for securing a line is provided that has an elongated housing with a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The housing houses an attachment member for securing the anchor to a surface and the attachment member is configured to protrude from the housing and to retract substantially entirely within the housing. An actuation member is received by the housing and has a protruding. The actuation member is operably connected to the attachment member and biased in a direction toward the second end of the housing. The actuation member is further configured to slide axially within the housing and rotate about the longitudinal axis to selectively move the attachment member such that it protrudes from the first end of the housing at any one of a plurality of predetermined distances.

Abstract: A line marker includes a housing having a receiving cavity and an opening communicating with the receiving cavity, a retracting unit supported within the receiving cavity of the housing, an operating cable having an inner coupling end coupling with the retracting unit and an outer control end extending out of the receiving cavity through the opening, and an indicating element container supported in the housing, wherein the indicating element container includes an absorbing element disposed therein to absorb the indicating element, wherein the operating portion of the operating cable contacts with the absorbing element to evenly apply the indicating element along the operating cable when the operating cable is pulled out from the housing for marking a straight line on a surface.

Abstract: A door frame aligning system having a squaring system which includes a reel and guides securable at the four corners of a door frame. A line extends from the reel about the guides in criss-cross fashion. If the door frame is square and planar, the line will lightly intersect in the center of the frame opening. The second part of the system is a threshold spreader which is attachable across the threshold to adjust the opposite jamb frame member to a precise parallel position.

Abstract: An automatically retracting chalk line dispenser having a first and second casing elements, chalk line, reel, coil spring, and thumb-lever. The thumb-lever operates as a brake thereby allowing for either controlled retraction or an effective lock on the chalk line.

Abstract: A pointed tool and sheath combination allow for use of the tool as a string line anchor and/or as a plumb bob and provide safe storage of the tool when not in use. The preferred tool is comprised of a dart-like body having a longitudinal axial bore, and a sharpened spike clamped within the longitudinal bore. Sheaths are provided that with snap-in installation of the tool down past curved, inwardly-protruding walls of the sheath, or of the tool into engagement with a latching arm that cooperates with a recess or other latching surface on the tool.

Abstract: A tool is provided for laying out precise angles in construction of structures such as a foundation. The tool includes three corners including a first corner, a second corner and a third corner. Each of the corners are spaced from each other by separate strands including a first strand, a second strand and a third strand. Each of the strands are inelastic so that when fully extended they have a precise length. The lengths of the three strands are precisely provided so that the tool is provided in the form of a triangle with angular measurements of each of the corners precisely as desired. Preferably, one of the corners measures exactly 90° to facilitate the forming of a structure with a foundation having corners which measure precisely 90°.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus with line level for conveniently storing and providing access to a line level within a material dispenser. The material dispensing apparatus with line level includes a shoulder having a receiver cavity, a first catch member and a second catch member attached to the shoulder within the receiver cavity, and a line level having a first nub and a second nub at opposing ends thereof. The nubs are catchably received within the catch members when the line level is positioned within the receiver cavity. An alternative embodiment utilizes the hooks of the line level to engage members extending inwardly from the receiver cavity.

Abstract: A device for providing a generally straight edge along a surface of an object includes a generally cylindrical body and a locking component for engaging the device with the object. The generally cylindrical body is configured having multiple layers that may be aligned to provide a straight edge for use in marking an object or as a guide when cutting an object. The generally cylindrical body may be flexible for further maintaining the device around an object.

Abstract: A means is disclosed for marking one or more clean line on the absorbent tip of a cotton swab. The means comprises of a tool with a thin groove wherein at predetermined locations at the bottom of the thin groove, there are channels for directing ink into the thin groove from an ink source. A thin absorbent thread is placed into this thin groove to absorb and distribute the ink thereby allowing controlled distribution of the ink which results in the formation of a clean line when the absorbent tip of a cotton swab is rotated over the thin absorbent thread during the manufacturing of the cotton swab resulting in a clean line marked on the absorbent tip.

Abstract: A chalk line device for marking straight lines in construction applications. The chalk line device includes a housing with a pair of separable sections and a pair of openings. Each of the sections has a sidewall, a pair of opposite ends, and a pair of side edges extending between the ends. A divider panel may optionally be positioned between the sections of the housing to separate the housing into a pair of compartments. A first spool may be rotatably disposed in one compartment, and a second spool may be disposed in the other compartment. In one optional embodiment, a single spool, is located in the housing and an endcap with a pointed tip is mounted in the cap. The pointed tip may be retractable.

Abstract: A means is disclosed for marking one or more clean line on the absorbent tip of a cotton swab. The means comprises of a tool with a thin groove wherein at predetermined locations at the bottom of the thin groove, there are channels for directing ink into the thin groove from an ink source. A thin absorbent thread is placed into this thin groove to absorb and distribute the ink thereby allowing controlled distribution of the ink which results in the formation of a clean line when the absorbent tip of a cotton swab is rotated over the thin absorbent thread during the manufacturing of the cotton swab resulting in a clean line marked on the absorbent tip.

Abstract: This invention is a tool combining the function of a string line or chalk line anchor and a plumb bob. This combined tool is comprised of a dart-like body having a longitudinal axial bore. A sharpened spike is clamped within the longitudinal bore. The amount of the spike extending from the body may be adjusted to accommodate the variety of material hardnesses encountered at the work site. In addition this tool has the added functionally of being able to easily and quickly replace a damaged or broken spike.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus with line level for conveniently storing and providing access to a line level within a material dispenser. The material dispensing apparatus with line level includes a handle structure formed for removably receiving the line level. The handle structure is preferably comprised of a handle post structure having a receiver slot for receiving the line level within. A plurality of first nubs extend inwardly from the walls of the receiver slot to selectively retain the line level within the receiver slot. A handle cover is removably attachable about the handle post structure for enclosing the handle post structure during usage of the material dispenser structure.

Abstract: A dual chalk line device for marking straight lines in construction applications. The dual chalk line device includes a housing with a pair of separable sections and a pair of openings. Each of the sections has a sidewall, a pair of opposite ends, and a pair of side edges extending between the ends. A divider panel is positioned between the sections of the housing to separate the housing into a pair of compartments. A first spool is rotatably disposed in one of the compartments of the housing. A second spool is rotatably disposed in another of the compartments of the housing. Each of the spools has a quantity of line wrapped therearound. A pair of handles are mounted to the spools and positioned outside the housing. The handles permit external rotation of the spools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stringline guide system for setting required vertical and horizontal distances, while laying out and preparing a road, sidewalk, driveway or similar construction surface. The system is adapted for use with string, twine, wire, fishing line, tubing, or other similarly and commonly used construction type lines. Circular collars are positioned on the marking rods or stakes of the system. The collars have internal and external surfaces and are mounted on the rods or stakes at and through their interior surfaces. The collars are adjustably mounted on the rods by wing nuts extending through the collars to the rods. The collars have dual grooves which substantially encircle the exterior surface of the collar. The grooves are configured to accept and maintain the stringline, thus securing the lines in position on the collars. Stringlines with external diameters which approximate the width of the grooves can be compressed within the grooves for added securing ability.

Abstract: A spacing device having a length of uniformly stretchable elastic cord pre-marked with equally spaced marks in a manner such that when the cord is stretched across a given span to be divided into equal spaces, the distance between any two marks will be equal to the distance between each of the marks on the cord within the span, thereby providing a quick reference of one or more equally spaced points within a given span. In one embodiment the elastic cord is wound about a reel, and in another embodiment, the cord may be dispensed from the reel. To divide a span equally by a given number of spaces, the elastic cord is adjusted elastically to provide the location of one or more of the points. To locate equally spaced points along a line, the elastic cord is adjusted elastically to provide the desired spacing and the location of those points.

Abstract: A measuring device for simplifying surveying and leveling work. The measuring device includes a multiple-sided elongate member; and also includes a sleeve member being movably disposed about the multiple-sided elongate member; and further includes a fastening assembly for fastening the sleeve member to the multiple-sided elongate member.

Abstract: A portable weight for anchoring a line or string being used as a guide for marking pavement or for other construction type activities is disclosed. The portable weight includes a base made of a top plate and a bottom plate. A plurality of spikes project from the bottom surface of the bottom plate, with the heads of the spikes being held between the top and bottom plates. The top and bottom plates are bolted together. A T-shaped handle projects from the top surface of the top plate. An eye-bolt is fixed to the bottom plate and at least in part provides for the attachment of a string to the portable weight.

Abstract: A device for the measurement/layout of angles when using surveyor's stakes to locate reference points and erect building lines for construction of a structure. Capable of being used to determine one angle at a time for non-regular polygons, or for the simultaneous determination of multiple angles for the layout of regular polygons such as hexagons and octagons, this device provides a greatly simplified solution to the very first problem in construction, which is how to effect the layout.

Abstract: A dual chalk line device for marking straight lines in construction applications. The dual chalk line device includes a housing with a pair of separable sections and a pair of openings. Each of the sections has a sidewall, a pair of opposite ends, and a pair of side edges extending between the ends. A divider panel is positioned between the sections of the housing to separate the housing into a pair of compartments. A first spool is rotatably disposed in one of the compartments of the housing. A second spool is rotatably disposed in another of the compartments of the housing. Each of the spools has a quantity of line wrapped therearound. A pair of handles are mounted to the spools and positioned outside the housing. The handles permit external rotation of the spools.

Abstract: A tool for laying out a pattern of a measured size and orienting the pattern with respect to an exterior point of reference is disclosed. A cord having a plurality of anchoring points spaced along its length is arrayed to form the pattern. A direction finding device orients the pattern formed by the cord to a point of reference exterior to the pattern. Anchoring devices anchor each anchoring point of the cord to a surface so that the cord is held to the surface in the shape of the pattern. The cord is attached to a spool which stows the cord, anchoring devices, and direction finding device when not deployed.

Abstract: A chalk line end is disclosed which includes a substantially flat base member having first and second tabs depending therefrom in order to form a substantially 90 degree angle to the base member. First and second points extend from the respective first and second tabs and are sized and shaped so as to press into the side surface of a board when the chalk line end is positioned over the board edge. This arrangement facilitates maintaining the position of the chalk line end as the chalk line is drawn off at an angle to the board edge. As an optional feature, a chalk line mount may be coupled to the base member by means of a swiveling connector, such as a rivet. This swiveling connection facilitates drawing the chalk line off at an angle from the board edge.

Abstract: A fish tape reel and reversible lead device which includes a pistol-grip configuration which is ergonomically designed for ease, safety and convenience in pushing or pulling fish tape through conduit by utilizing only one hand. The reel comprises a counter device and spring steel cable storage mechanism so that the length of tape played out will be measured and efficiently rewound onto the receiving spool disposed within the reel.

Abstract: A releasable hook for use primarily on the free-end of a line-tool line such as chalk lines, tape measures, and the like. The hook has an engaged position whereby it may be secured to the edge of a, workpiece, and a retracted position whereby it disengages the edge of the workpiece. The hook is biased to its retracted position. Applying tension to the line of the line-tool retains the hook on the edge. However, releasing tension on the line restores the hook to its retracted position, thereby releasing the hook from the edge without the need for the user of the line-tool to be near the hook. In a preferred embodiment, the hook includes a flat base plate and a spring hook member constructed of a strong, but resilient material. The plate and hook member are sized and positioned such that with no forces applied, the opposite end of the hook member is retracted from the base plate.

Abstract: A manual apparatus for facilitating railway track alignment and/or track profile measurements. The tool consists of two fastening units, each having a cord positioner designed to engage the rail head and to properly place a cord for measuring, a reel for storing and using the cord, and a direct reading ruler for measuring profile and alignment. Wherein, this manual tool can be used by a single person to quickly, effectively and accurately measure track profile and/or track alignment deviations.

Abstract: A pistol-shaped automatically retracting chalk-line dispenser comprises a three-member housing enclosing two separate chambers. The upper, chalk-receiving chamber, contains a double-walled chalk-line spool and a line-guiding roller. A seal on the chalk-line spool shaft prevents chalk dust from entering the second chamber, which contains drive gears, the line-retracting spring, and a trigger-actuated latching brake mechanism. In one embodiment, a finger-like projection from the trigger is initially brought to bear on a rotating cap to brake the rate of line retraction as the trigger is pulled rearwardly. If the trigger is pulled back more than a predetermined distance, the finger-like projection snaps into engagement between the teeth of a sprocket attached to the cap and thus locks the retraction mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable batter board used in locating forms and trenches for pouring foundations and constructing walls includes an elongated tubular cross member having holes passing from a top to a bottom surface at each end of the cross member for receiving reinforcing rods therethrough. The rods pass through the top and bottom holes within the tubular cross member and through an eye of an eyebolt positioned within the tubular cross member and aligned with the top and bottom holes. With the rods driven into the ground at desired locations, adjustment of the batter board to a desired vertical location on the rods is made and the eyebolts at each end of the member are forced outwardly toward a tube end through the tightening of a nut at the eyebolt threaded end for biasing the rod against a hole side wall and thus securing the batter board the rods.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed which incorporates both a stick-pin peg and an eyelet-shaped hook, either of which may be used to anchor a chalk line. The tool can also double as a plumb bob. The tool has a peg-shaped body with a longitudinal axis. The body has a tapered lower end which terminates in a sharpened stick pin. The body has a recess for holding the eyelet-shaped hook and also incorporates a clamping mechanism which both releaseably secures the hook within the recess, and eliminates any need for tying and untying the string to the tool. The string remains secured to the eyelet-shaped hook. In order to secure the line with the eyelet-shaped hook, the hook is removed from the body by releasing the clamping mechanism. In order to secure the line with the stick-pin peg, the eyelet-shaped hook is secured within the body recess and the string is secured to the needle point by looping the string over itself twice. In order to utilize the anchor/bob as a plumb bob, the body is suspended from its longitudinal axis.

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.