Abstract: A support is disclosed for adjustably supporting a distal end of a measuring cord relative to a ground surface. The support includes a body member having a longitudinally extending slot. A first and a second pin is slidably disposed within the first and second apertures in the body member with the first and second pins being able to be driven into the ground surface to vertically position the body member relative to the ground surface. A hook is slidably mounted within the slot for supporting the distal end of the measuring cord and for horizontally positioning the distal end of the measuring cord relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in surgical hip replacement procedures for ensuring that the replacement hip joint components are properly sized. A flexible measuring cable is attached to the superior eminence of the exposed acetabulum and extended inferiorly to be aligned with a specific point on the femur. A marking indicator carried by the flexible cable is positioned to provide a reference distance between the fixed points on the acetabulum and the femur. Trial femoral implants can be selected to have proper neck length by extending the flexible cable attached at one end to the acetabulum toward the marked position of the femur so that the marked position is aligned with the indicator fixed to the cable. The cable may again be extended between the fixed point on the superior eminence of the acetabulum and the marked point of the femur and greater or lesser length femoral neck components may be selected until the correct length is achieved.

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 chalk line tool consists of a chalk dispensing compartment, a reel for string and a grinder that rotates with the reel. The chalk dispensing compartment accepts chalk sticks, which the grinder grinds into the chalk dust that coats the string. The grinder consists of a drum with integral grinding teeth. When the drum rotates in the direction that corresponds to the unwinding of the string from the reel, the grinding teeth grind the end of the chalk stick. The chalk tool is easily, quickly and neatly loaded by dropping the chalk stick into the chalk dispensing compartment.

Abstract: A line is extended along a virtual optical axis of an objective lens. The line extends between a transparent plate, which is attached to the lens, and another transparent plate which is secured to a planar surface. The objective lens is part of an optical measuring instrument. An angle indicator is secured to the planar surface. The angle indicator is rotatable so that where the line touches the angle indicator, the angle between the planar surface and the virtual optical axis may be read with respect to azimuth and elevation.

Abstract: A construction layout marker has two marker wheels (1 and 2) positioned in tandem on a wheel frame (3) with a handle frame (6) slanted upwardly from the front marker wheel (1). The two marker wheels are positioned a select distance apart and caused to rotate equally with a rotation equalizer (20-23) to coordinate selective marking with both marker wheels. A pivot marker fork (8) in combination with a wheel position marker (45, 46) provide accurate measurement and marking from a desired starting point. Automatically adjustable roller guides (25-31) at each side provide accurate distancing from edges (24) of surfaces (14) being marked. A brake (32) operated from the handle frame (6) holds the tandem marker wheels in fixed marker relationship for transferring marking indicia to parallel or offset construction surfaces and members. Non-slip surfaces (54) for different types of construction materials are positional on the marker wheels. Ink cartridges with felt marker edges are positional in each wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for gauging vehicle damage. The invention comprises a plurality of removable magnetic stop members for placement upon a vehicle and for determining a point of reference. Each of the magnetic stops has an axially extending alignment pole and a calibrated measurement chain attached to the pole for making a measurement from the point of reference. In the method of the present invention a point of reference on an automotive body is determined. Next, a portable magnetic stop is placed on the automotive body at the point of reference. Finally, a calibrated chain is extended from the portable magnetic stop for making an auto body measurement from the point of reference.

Abstract: A marking system is disclosed that enables a user to lay out a foundation/perimeter for a structure without requiring the use of measuring instruments and/or complex procedures. The system includes six wire-like premeasured members that are releasably attached to specially designed corner members. The system is laid out with four of the wire-like members enclosing a square or rectangular area with their ends attached to the corner members. The remaining two wire-like members diagonally cross the enclosed area and each is attached at its ends to opposite corner members. When the diagonals intersect at their midpoints, the user is assured that the corners form right angles. Each of the diagonally placed members preferably includes a marking band at its midpoint to facilitate the locating of the midpoints by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating measurement of street grades from a top of curb (TC) planar line by a single person, including a pair of hook units, each having a rigid frame structure forming a top segment for resting on a top surface of a respective curb structure, a back segment for engaging a back surface of the curb structure, and a front segment extending from the top segment downwardly and away from the back segment for balancing the unit and for engaging various contoured front curb surfaces. One of the hook units includes a locking spool for tensioning a string line that is connected to the other hook unit. The string line is threaded from the spool unit through an opening in the frame structure in the top segment, the string line extending in contact with the top of the curb, and through a slot in the front segment, the line extending directly toward the opposite curb.

Abstract: A layout tool includes an elongate rectangular shaped body having opposed upper and lower surfaces, opposed end surfaces and opposed front and rear surfaces. The layout tool is formed of a dense material and has a U-shaped handle detachably secured thereto and projecting upwardly therefrom. Anchoring pins are adjustably secured to the body to permit vertical adjustment thereof. Positioning grooves on the front, end and lower surfaces of the body to permit positioning of the chalk line during the layout operation.

Abstract: A marking apparatus is dislcosed which has a reversible rotating drum removably enclosed in a housing which has on its outer extremities, projections, which come into contact with a marking device at each revolution and the projection then deposits the marking fluid on a workpiece such as a 4.times.8 sheet so that a nailing schedule may be marked accurately around the edges and down the center of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the extent of damage to a vehicle body prior to its repair includes first and second means to be coupled with the vehicle body for holding a first string in spaced relationship to the body. First string means is coupled with the first and second string holding means and drawn taut. Third and fourth means adapted to be coupled with the vehicle body on the opposite side from the location of the first and second means is adapted to hold a second string in spaced relationship to the vehicle body. A second string means is drawn taut between the third and fourth holding means. Comparative measurements are then taken between the first string and the undamaged area of the vehicle body which corresponds to the damaged area on the opposite area. Second measurements are taken between the second string and the damaged area of the vehicle body and compared with the first measurements. The amount of damage to the body can then be determined by this comparison.

Abstract: An adjustable foundation locating device used to position or locate forms and trenches needed for pouring concrete foundations. The device uses a horizontal member which is supported by a stake driven into the ground. The horizontal member may be moved up or down the stake until it is located at a desirable height and then secured in place by tightening a bolt threaded into a bracket attached to the horizontal member. Sleeve members may be slid back and forth along the longitudinal length of the horizontal member until they are properly located and then secured in place by tightening bolts threaded into the sleeve members. Strings may then be tied to the sleeve members and pulled taut between two devices located at opposite ends of a trench needed for a concrete foundation. The strings may then be used as guides to position or locate the trench or a concrete form needed for pouring the concrete foundation. A stabilizing member may be used to help secure the horizontal member to the stake.

Abstract: A layout tool includes a container having elongate generally rectangular-shaped front and rear walls, rectangular end walls, and a horizontal bottom wall. An opening extends through the central portion of the front adjacent its lower edge and extends into and upwardly through the bottom wall. The front wall has a linear scale on the exterior surface thereof. A chalk line has one end thereof extending through the opening in the front and bottom wall and is wound upon a reel of a chalk line mechanism. A weight is positioned in the container and stabilizes the latter against movement when the chalk line is stretched, pulled taut, and snapped against a surface to form an accurately located layout line on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating measurement of street grades from a top of curb (TC) planar datum line by a single person, including a pair of hook units, each having a rigid frame structure forming a top segment for resting on a top surface of a respective curb structure, a back segment for engaging a back surface of the curb structure, and a front segment extending from the top segment downwardly and away from the back segment for balancing the unit and for engaging various contoured front curb surfaces. One of the hook units includes a ratcheted spool for tensioning a string line that is connected to the other hook unit. The string line is threaded from the spool unit through an opening in the frame structure proximate an intersection of the top and back segments, the string line extending in contact with the top of the curb under the top segment, and through a slot in the front segment, the line extending directly toward the opposite curb.

Abstract: A lip extends along the free side of the base of a protractor for suspending the protractor upside down from a guide cord. A freely hanging weight or "plumb bob" is suspended from the center point between the protractor base lines. When the plumb bob points to a predetermined angle on the protractor scale, the guide cord will be laid out along the same desired angle from the horizontal.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is an improved reel assembly for surveyors and other construction trades wherein the resilient member that retrieves the plumb line or string is entirely enclosed in the spool assembly that is contained within the housing of the reel assembly. The spool assembly is formed so that it is difficult to obtain access to the resilient member thereby precluding inadvertent release of the spring assembly.

Abstract: A right-angle index device comprising two unextensible tapes having hook means at one free end, a first mechanism for withdrawing said both tapes by the same length under controlled conditions, a second mechanism for stopping said first mechanism to fix the length of said both tapes at the desired value, a take-up mechanism for rolling up said both tapes through said first and second mechanisms, to which the other ends of said both tapes are fixed, and casing means for accommodating therein said first and second mechanisms and said take-up mechanism and allowing said both tapes to be rolled around said take-up mechanism for withdrawal.

Abstract: A holder or assister for enabling one person to set and stretch a chalking line and strike a chalk line without an assistant. The holder comprises a toe plate, a tubular member and a retainer plate integrally formed with each other and a center shaft inside the tubular member, these parts cooperate to hold the assister on various configurations of workpieces. Means are provided to attach one end of a chalking string to the assister and to permit accurate alignment of the chalking string with a reference mark on which a chalk line is to be struck.

Abstract: A guide line clamp supports a guide line in an alignment slot to accurately position the line. The clamp includes a releasable clamp body having a groove and a manually operable lever for closing a jaw onto a structural supporting flange of a T-shaped member for a drop-in panel ceiling. A guide line body extends from the clamp body and includes the alignment slot which is perpendicular to the groove and has a base aligned with the clamping surface of the groove. The inner end of the slot splits and extends laterally to the sidewalls. An offset line clamp plate is secured to the bottom of the guide line body and defines an encircling and laterally offset recess having inclined walls within which the line is wrapped and releasably gripped. The plate has edge openings for the end of the line.

Abstract: A support body is provided having first and second opposite sides with one of the opposite sides including surface structure facing outwardly of the one side and lying in a predetermined reference plane. The other of the opposite sides of the body includes a central outward projection including line anchoring structure for anchoring one end portion of a plumb line thereto in a manner such that the other end portion of the plumb line may extend outwardly and away from the body other side along a straight path disposed normal to the reference plane. The one side of the body defines an outwardly opening recess and the body includes projection structure projecting outwardly of an inner portion of the recess and including a pointed outer extremity terminating outwardly at least closely adjacent the reference plane and centered relative to the aforementioned path.

Abstract: An apparatus forms a straight edge device when used with an elongate rigid member and a wire. The apparatus comprises a first member having a socket connectable to a first end of the elongate member, a reel for storing and tensioning the wire, and a first wire support for supporting the wire extending from the reel. The first member and the elongate member are entirely to one side of the wire extending from the first support towards a second end of the elongate member. A second member has a socket connectable to the second end of the elongate member. A free end of the wire distal the reel is securable to the second member. There is a second wire support on the second member for supporting the wire such that the second member and the elongate member are entirely to said one side of a straight length of the wire between the first and second wire supports. The length of wire forms a straight edge when the wire is tensioned by the reel.

Abstract: A tool for use by carpenters and the like for conveniently establishing a reference line on a working surface at a predetermined angular disposition from an established base line on said surface. The tool includes an elongated member from which angle lines or cords are each adapted to extend a predetermined distance such that the intersecting terminal ends of such cords in combination with the member, form a triangle having sides of known length. Inasmuch as the length of the triangle's sides are known, the angles included thereby are also known such that a chalked line connected to the member may be utilized to establish a reference line at a known angular disposition to the member. The tool has particular utility when it is desired to establish the angular relationship of a wall to be built with respect to an already existing wall.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus in which two casings are connected together each housing a coiled measuring means adapted for being selectively un-coiled and withdrawn from the casing or recoiled and retracted into the casing. A sighting device is provided on one of the casings to sight a target. The sighting means includes a level for determining when the sighting device is sighting along a horizontal line and a second level is provided to indicate when the casings are also appropriately arranged relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the first said horizontal line. Triggers are provided for the two coiled measuring devices and a brake is provided for each of the measuring devices. A digital display is employed and a counting circuit is provided for indicating the amount of measuring means which is uncoiled from the two respective casings. An alarm is provided to indicate when the unwound measuring devices are off line relative to the sighting device.

Abstract: An alignment line supporting assembly is provided with releasable locking means for attachment to a rail of a railway track. Each assembly includes a pair of spaced reference line support devices having respective line support arms positioned outside the track to which are coupled respective ends of a tautly drawn string or wire. Two pairs of support assemblies are preferably provided on respective rails to establish reference lines on either side of the railway track. Measurements are made between a vehicle adapted to ride the rails and the reference line at various positions to ensure the correct alignment of the vehicle for railway operation.

Abstract: A grade checker is disclosed to include a vertically disposed telescopic surveying rod, having graduations. A line reel is connected to the top end of a reciprocating rod, and a line guide is connected to the bottom of the recirpocating rod. There is a bull's -eye level on the surveying rod/handle to indicate "true" vertical. A line level on the line indicates "true" horizontal. When the end of the line is connected to a grade stake, and the surveying rod is adjusted, the final grade/cut or fill requirements can be determined.