Optical (e.g., Magnifying) Patents (Class 33/488)
  • Patent number: 11369772
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure is provided. A catheter includes a tubular body having a plurality of markings indicative of a distance to an end portion of the catheter. A movable indicator repositionable on the tubular body to indicate a position of at least one of the plurality of markings. The indicator may also be provided with a magnifier for facilitating reading any indicia on the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey E. Stapleton, Claire Millar
  • Patent number: 9823055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a measuring device that is adapted for providing conversions from fractions of an inch to decimals of an inch and vice versa. The measuring device includes a ruler having a first edge opposite a second edge. The first edge includes markings for indicating units of measurement in decimals, while the second edge includes markings for indicating units of measurement in fractions. The markings in decimals directly align with corresponding markings in fractions so that the user can determine fraction-decimal equivalents by locating the alignments of the markings. Furthermore, the present invention may be a traditional ruler, a retractable tape measure, a measuring tape, a right angle ruler, or a yard stick, depending upon embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Marshall Cromwell
  • Publication number: 20140304997
    Abstract: A high precision positioning ruler with an indication pen includes a ruler body having a longitudinal penetrating hole; a scale for indication of lengths being formed on a surface of the ruler body; a positioning unit being slidable along the longitudinal penetrating hole for being positioned to a point of the scale; the positioning unit having an pen for drawing points or lines to indicate lengths to be measured; a leveler and a verticality mater being installed on the ruler body for controlling the ruler to be positioned horizontally or vertically. In use of the ruler, the ruler resisted against a measuring surface; for horizontal measurement, the user views the leveler to control the horizontalness of the ruler; then the positioning unit being moved along the longitudinal penetrating hole to a desired length and then the pen is used to indicate the point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Ku-Hsi Hu
  • Publication number: 20080134532
    Abstract: A triangular rule includes a rule member having two inclined surfaces, a groove and a longitudinal opening formed through one of the inclined surfaces, and a rod rotatably engaged into the groove of the rule member and rotatable relative to the rule member to any selected angular position. The rod includes three or more outer peripheral surfaces each having a marking for selectively aligning with the longitudinal opening of the rule member by rotating the rod relative to the rule member and for allowing the markings to be selectively seen by the users. A magnifying device may be attached to the rule member for magnifying the markings of the rod and the graduations of the rule member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Chin Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 6961174
    Abstract: A reflection-type graduation having a silicon substrate. The silicon substrate has first subsections formed thereon. Each of the first subsections has etched oblique surfaces. The surfaces are positioned so that light beams directed incident to the surfaces cause no retroreflection. The substrate also includes second subsections having relatively higher reflecting properties as compared to the first subsections. The first subsections and second subsections are alternatively disposed on the substrate in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Weidmann, Peter Speckbacher
  • Patent number: 6935033
    Abstract: A measurement instrument for establishing an angle by which each lens-mounting rim of a spectacles frame having two lens-mounting rims joined by a spectacles bridge is tilted in a horizontal plane in front of an eye of a spectacles wearer comprises a supporting plate onto which a spectacles frame can be positioned with the upper or lower outside edges of the lens-mounting rims downward; a marking line on the surface of the supporting plate for alignment of the spectacles frame; and at least one adjustable means permitting measurement of an angle between an imaginary line connecting a nasal and a temporary edge of a lens-mounting rim and the marking line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventor: Jörg Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 6919517
    Abstract: A beam scale for measurement of body weight and height according to the present invention includes a frame and a weighing mechanism. The frame includes a base assembly, a pillar assembly, and a horn assembly. The weighing mechanism is housed within the frame and includes a beam, weights, and a lever assembly. The horn assembly may include a transparent holding bracket having a level indicator. The scale may include a height measurement assembly having a height rod, a sheath supported by the horn assembly and the pillar assembly, a measuring arm, and a transparent height-measuring window having a line indicator. The frame may include a quick assembly mechanism to secure the pillar assembly to the base assembly during final assembly, quiet wheels for transport, and/or handle bars to support the user. Much of the frame may be made of pigmented thermoplastic or thermoset materials to reduce manufacturing costs and scale weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Pelstar, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Anson Wong, Ricardo Murguia, Shawn Barrett, Curtis L. Cruver, IV
  • Patent number: 6598311
    Abstract: A tape measure case with coiled measuring tape therein having a miniature builders square provided along one side wall, having a magnifying lens to magnify the numbers and markings on the measuring tape, having a rearwardly extending positioning member with a pivot hole around which the tape measure case and extended measuring tape can be pivoted to mark an arcuate line on a work piece, having a ripping guide member extendable downwardly from the case to bear against the side edge of a board on which a rip saw line is to be marked, having an end piece at the outer free end of the measuring tape that has a V-notch to receive the acute-angled end of a rafter or other work piece to thereby hold the outer end of the tape measure in position hands-free, having the outer free end of the measuring tape magnetized for retrieval of items that have fallen into otherwise difficult locations to reach, having a gradually tapering and thickening outer end portion of the measuring tape to gradually increase frictional engag
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Tom Noon
  • Publication number: 20020139002
    Abstract: A tape measure case with coiled measuring tape therein having a miniature builders square provided along one side wall, having a magnifying lens to magnify the numbers and markings on the measuring tape, having a rearwardly extending positioning member with a pivot hole around which the tape measure case and extended measuring tape can be pivoted to mark an arcuate line on a work piece, having a ripping guide member extendable downwardly from the case to bear against the side edge of a board on which a rip saw line is to be marked, having an end piece at the outer free end of the measuring tape that has a V-notch to receive the acute-angled end of a rafter or other work piece to thereby hold the outer end of the tape measure in position hands-free, having the outer free end of the measuring tape magnetized for retrieval of items that have fallen into otherwise difficult locations to reach, having a gradually tapering and thickening outer end portion of the measuring tape to gradually increase frictional engag
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas H. Noon
  • Publication number: 20010034953
    Abstract: A marking apparatus is provided for use with a tape measure. The marking apparatus includes a marker support member attached to a first outer side of a tape measure housing, and the marker support member extends forward of the tape measure housing in the tape dispensing direction. A retractable marker unit is attached to the marker support member at a location distal to the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit is located beside the measuring tape that is dispensed from the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit includes a marker element for marking an article, based upon a particular indicia that is selected from tape measure indicia. A pointer member, for pointing to the selected indicia, is attached to the retractable marker unit and extends over a portion of the dispensed measuring tape. A magnifier unit can also be employed with the retractable marker unit. The retractable marker unit optionally may be operated to select a desired form of emplaced enhanced marking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Cole
  • Patent number: 6262839
    Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Wixey, Robert P. Welsh
  • Patent number: 6141147
    Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Wixey, Robert P. Welsh
  • Patent number: 5873171
    Abstract: A ruler assembly includes a ruler to which a connecting member is pivotably connected and a magnifying member is pivotally connected to the connecting member so as to have a series of graduations defined on the ruler magnified through the magnifying member when the magnifying member is located in parallel to the ruler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Nick Hsu
  • Patent number: 5423128
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus which allows for the facile and accurate measurement of the recess of a cylindrical core of filter tow which is surrounded by a paper wrapper which extends beyond the core to form the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jack S. Moore, Jr., Richard L. Steffen
  • Patent number: 5317813
    Abstract: A carpentry tool employs a base tube having a window directed therethrough, with an intermediate tube having a scale recessed within the intermediate tube and a view through window, with an outer tube telescopingly directed through the intermediate tube, with the intermediate tube, the outer tube, and the base tube coaxially aligned relative to one another. The outer tube is arranged in typical foot graduations, the intermediate tube in inch graduations readable through the window. The outer tube and intermediate tube are arranged for nested orientation within the base tube. A modification of the invention includes an illuminated magnification lens mounted coextensively within the window for ease of viewing of the scale of the intermediate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen D. Reed
  • Patent number: 5033200
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scientific ruler incorporated with a concave lens and a convex lens which may be dismantled from the ruler and aligned with each other to compose as a telescope. The concave lens or convex lens may be replaced by a compass. A protractor is provided around the periphery of the concave lens. An inclined plane is formed at either one or both ends of the ruler capable of refracting the sunlight into a rainbow spectrum. Further, a comb and a thermometer are provided. In addition to various mathematic and equal signs and undulate edge there are more space area for indicating name of the user and adhering stickers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Yee T. Leung
  • Patent number: 4835830
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an embodiment of a measure including a bending resistant graduation carrier member and a base member and fastening elements for fastening the graduation member on the base member. The material of the graduation carrier member has a lower temperature coefficient than the material of the base member. The graduation carrier member is placed on the base member in a floating manner. Subsequently, the graduation carrier member and the base member are heated to a predetermined temperature. The end faces of the graduation carrier member are then fixed by means of the fastening elements to the base member in such a way that the graduation carrier member is in a compressed state when cooled to normal temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Miller
  • Patent number: 4793049
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an embodiment of a measure including a bending resistant graduation carrier member and a base member and fastening elements for fastening the graduation member on the base member. The material of the graduation carrier member has a lower temperature coefficient than the material of the base member. The graduation carrier member is placed on the base member in a floating manner. Subsequently, the graduation carrier member and the base member are heated to a predetermined temperature. The end faces of the graduation carrier member are then fixed by means of the fastening elements to the base member in such a way that the graduation carrier member is in a compressed state when cooled to normal temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Miller
  • Patent number: 4757616
    Abstract: A ruler for use in the measurement of distances on a flat surface is disclosed herein, having an elongated base with raised edge marginal regions defining a T-shaped recess therebetween. A first edge marginal region displays a plurality of analog measurement increments in the form of transverse marked lines while numerical indicia associated with each line increment is carried at the bottom of the recess. A cursor having an inverted T-shaped portion is slidably engaged with the base T-shaped recess. The cursor further includes a guide rail on one side frictionally engaged with a track provided on a second one of the edge marginal regions while cantilevered finger having an index line thereon projects over the first edge marginal region for selected registration with the end of an object being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Educational Insights
    Inventor: Brian Hills
  • Patent number: 4707928
    Abstract: This invention relates to a graduated engineer/architect rule having variably selectable scales for measuring distances and establishing linear proportionalities for representation on a technical drawing. The rule comprises an enclosed, continuous fabric sheet bearing a plurality of divided scales of both the engineer and architect type. The sheet is mounted on and carried by idler rollers, guide platens, and a full length drive platen. A specific scale may be selected by rotating a scale adjustment knob to rotate the drive platen and advance the sheet adjacent to a full length viewing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventors: Roy L. Bennett, James A. Cianciosi, William U. Clark
  • Patent number: 4531303
    Abstract: A drafting instrument includes a plurality of transparent prism arrays, each array including a plurality of transparent prisms juxtaposed in parallel relation and fixed at a predetermined angular relation to a straightedge on top of which the bases of the prisms rest. The preferred predetermined angular relations are: 30.degree., 45.degree. and parallel, to the straightedge. When viewed through the prism arrays, portions of lines not perpendicular thereto, appear offset, providing a way to establish perpendicularity and specific alignment between line and straightedge by re-orientation of the drafting instrument. The straightedge is made substantially thicker than required for structural strength, to enhance the offset appearance of lines viewed through the prism and thus increase sensitivity of offset indication. The straightedge preferably has two edges on opposite sides and parallel with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Inventor: Michael J. Jones
  • Patent number: 4331381
    Abstract: The invention comprises an adjustable magnifying device adapted for use on measuring instruments such as architectural, engineering or mechanical drafting scales. The device includes a vertical support member having a head, a spacing component and a shaft; a horizontal magnifying unit pivotally attached to the spacing component of the support member; and a receiving member spirally attached to the shaft of the support member. The receiving member includes a cylindrical indentation for spirally securing the shaft of the support member and a passageway of triangular cross section which receives and attaches to the top section of measuring instrument of triangular cross section. When the device is used in connection with relatively flat measuring instruments, an adapter of generally triangular cross section is received by and attaches to the receiving member of the device and also attaches to the upper surface of the measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Inventor: Radcliffe W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 4324050
    Abstract: A magnifier for facilitating visual perception of scale markings on a scale, such as an engineer's scale, includes a magnifying element and a mounting attachment for supporting the magnifying element above the scale. The mounting attachment also includes a pivot connection for permitting selective tilting of the magnifying element about a pivot axis extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scale. The mounting attachment further permits manual shifting of the magnifier in directions generally paralleling the longitudinal axis of the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Inventor: John R. Weir
  • Patent number: 4316330
    Abstract: A device for attachment to a triangular rule having longitudinal grooves contains a magnifying glass mounted in a manner to have several modes of positional adjustability. The device includes resilient clamping means which permit facile positioning of the device along the length of the surfaces of the rule. Stablizing means associated with said clamping means prevents the device from toppling during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventor: Jess W. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4314408
    Abstract: A combination drafting instrument including a beam compass, a magnifying glass, a protractor, a proportional divider, an architectural scale, an engineering scale and other scales in a single self-contained package in order to perform most ordinary drafting procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Inventor: Dwight E. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 4259784
    Abstract: The four sides of a rectangular piece of screening are secured into an open frame to form a grid. Opposite lengthwise sides of the frame are grooved on the edges to make a track along which a separate piece can slide. This piece consists of a long, rectangular, magnifier lens, of a length equal to the width of the grid screen, bonded at each end into a framework the total length of which extends over the two sides of the grid frame hooking into the two side grooves of the grid frame. Height of the lens framework is dependent upon distance necessary for maximum magnification of lens. The grid frame is placed over a picture or design to be copied and, as the lens is slid along the grid frame vertically, a graph of the design is magnified for reproduction square by square into any material compartmentalized to receive the graphic presentation. The invention is particulary adapted for needlepoint rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Ruth B. MacPherson
  • Patent number: 4233741
    Abstract: The device has a semi-circular housing 10 defined by a linear wall 14 and an arcuate wall 12, with an inturned edge 13, 15 on one side of the housing. Beta light strips 18 are located in the recess beneath the edges 13, 15 so that graduations on the internal walls of the housing can be viewed at night through an opening 16 in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: Hausler Scientific Instruments (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Claude O. Bisset
  • Patent number: 4197649
    Abstract: A linear marking device is provided comprising a ruled straight edge having transparent properties and constructed with a marking implement groove and unique surface gripping strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Inventor: Joseph B. Flinn