Abstract: A device for use in laying out courses for the installation of roofing tile of various sizes and compositions produced by various manufacturers. The device includes an elongated tape having inscribed thereon coded indicia which can be used in laying out each course of tile produced by a particular manufacturer. The coded indicia identify a particular manufacturer and automatically account for the eave overhang and tile overlap distances specified by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A graphic calculator (10) for use in technical drawing has means for selectively displaying one of a plurality of sets of division markers wherein each set corresponds to a set of scaled division markers of a particular scale rule. Such a calculator effectively provides a scale rule whose divisions may be altered as desired.Also disclosed is an electronic protractor having a transparent cross-hair viewer for accurately locating the protractor over the lines forming the angle to be measured and means for recording the point at which at least one of said lines extends from under a measuring edge of said protractor.

Abstract: A novel layout ruler is provided to perform flat layout patterns directly on sheet metal stock, i.e. to mark the total length, or the shear cut size, of the sheet metal stock and to mark the sight line for bending the sheet metal stock. The ruler includes a body member having a scale ocmponent drawn along its central longitudinal axis and a scale blade component provided with a plurality of spaced-apart transverse lines extending from at lesat one side edge of the body member. The scale blade component includes: (i) one pair of spaced-apart lines representative of the inside bend radius (R); (ii) at least one pair of spaced-apart lines representative of the set back (SB); (iii) one pair of spaced-apart lines representative of the bend allowance (BA); and (iv) at least one pair of spaced-apart lines representative of the material deduction (MD). Upon use of such ruler, as described herein, the total length of the sheet metal stock can be determined, and the sight line can be marked directly thereon.

Abstract: A layout tape is disclosed for use in positioning building materials, such as studding, joists and rafters, in a building, wherein the tape is intended to be left in place within the building upon completion. The layout tape preferably has an adhesive backing facilitating positioning/mounting thereof at a point of use and an indicia/design bearing surface serving to indicate to a user the direction of layout, centers in desired multiples of unit lengths and right/left material mounting positions in relation to such centers.

Abstract: A masons scale for use in laying courses of brick, adapted to allow a mason to calculate appropriate mortar thicknesses between rows of bricks when constructing a brick wall, so as to evenly space the rows of bricks in such wall. Such scale consists of a plurality of groups of mutually adjacent, individually colored bands arranged along a substantially elongate, flat surface, each group spaced a progressively decreasing distance apart from the next group progressing from bottom to top of the scale, the midpoint of each colored band spaced a uniform distance from the midpoint of a correspondingly colored band in an adjacent group of colored bands. A masonry guide incorporating such scale is also provided, further comprising an elongate post member, and bracket means affixed at each end of the post member, to allow the masonry guide and the associated scale to be affixed to the side of a structure in a vertically upright position.

Abstract: A parking scale for use by architects, planners and engineers comprising indicia establishing one-to-one correspondence with parking spaces of conventional width when drawn to a scale used to prepare a conventional scale drawing.

Abstract: An adhesive template tape for aligning of building construction members, particularly for establishing of locations and spacing for equispaced construction members such as, for instance, studs in wall framing construction; the adhesive template tape including longitudinally equidistantly spaced, visually contrasting fields corresponding to standardized spacings and thickness sizes of building construction members. In use, the adhesive template tape is adhesively affixed to and along construction members, and other construction members are aligned with the visually contrasting fields on the tape and fastened thereover.

Abstract: A metrological scale for use in optoelectronic scale reading apparatus comprising a tape made of spring steel and having a surface layer of copper. The scale has scale marks constituted by a zig-zag or other profile impressed into the surface layer by a rolling process. During rolling, the relatively soft copper is readily deformed to accept the profile while the spring steel resists plastic elongation of the tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the amount of taping time used and/or remaining on standard VHS and Beta format video tape cassettes. Multiple scales are organized onto a single multi sided card having a corresponding number of corners. In the preferred embodiment there are five scales, one scale each for the three standard VHS taping speeds, and two for the standard BETA taping speeds. The scales start and end inwardly of the corners that are adjacent the scales.

Abstract: In connection with building stud layout, a continuous rollable tape, selectively and adhesively secured to the bottom and top plates of a wall installation, for positively establishing stud locations by providing a series of indicia portions, where like indicia portions represent the same on center stud distance, as, for example, 16", 24" and/or 48". Provision is made for accommodating the use of siding or sheeting of various thicknesses and still maintaining the stud centering at the desired distance. No measurement is required nor is guesswork involved by the stud installer.

Abstract: A programmable display engineering scale instrument includes a scale base such as a drafting machine type scale, an electronic display device including a plurality of rows of column aligned display elements, scale selection switches, and circuitry interpreting the operation of the selection switches to cause the display of corresponding linear scales. The circuitry includes a switch encoder which generates unique binary addresses corresponding to each of the switches. A memory device stores bit patterns which when addressed cause the activation of patterns of display elements to display a corresponding linear scale. The display elements are interconnected in selected groups for simultaneous activation to simplify the circuitry of the programmable scale instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for allowing the accurate calculation of the minimum number of linear feet of carpet which must be cut from a standard width roll and delivered to an installation site to completely, properly and efficiently cover the floor at the installation site. The present invention provides a length of measurement tape which is scaled in width to the width of a standard roll of carpet. The measurement tape is perforated at increments along its length and width, and includes indicators of carpet grain direction and pattern repetition intervals along its length and/or width.

Abstract: A pipe fitter's tape measuring strip of 25-foot length is marked on one surface with cumulative inch markings along one edge, with information providing take-off charts along the other edge at a leading end of the strip and with cumulative foot and inch markings following the charts along the remainder of the strip length. The opposite surface of the strip is marked with charts providing information on flange sizes related to different pipe sizes. The length indicating indicia includes graduation lines with each 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 inch graduation line having a black dot at the inner end, each one inch graduation line having a larger black dot at the inner end thereof and each 1/2 inch graduation line having a horizontal, short black slash line at the inner end thereof to render the tape measure easier to read.

Abstract: A measuring device (10) formed from a rectangular sheet (11) of transparent material having a pattern of composite vertical lines (16) and composite horizontal lines (18) that form squares (20). Each composite line is formed of a first line (24) of a first color and a second line (26) of a second color different than the first color, such that the composite line will be visible against backgrounds of various colors. The first line is preferably of a lesser breadth than the second line, and is superimposed on the second line so that second line is visible on each side of the first line, and either line will be visible against a multicolored background. The composite lines may be consecutively numbered with numbers (28), and single colored angled lines (22) may be provided having markings (32) representing the angle in degrees that each angled line makes with the vertical lines.

Abstract: A measuring ruler, having a straight edge and a set of subunit measuring indicia adjacent the edge, wherein the indicia comprise a series of first and second measuring marks of equal width, in side-by-side alternating arrangement, normal to the edge, wherein the color of the first marks is in stark visual contrast to the color of the second marks.

Abstract: A tool useful for marking and constructed of a flexible material which includes a flat member having a structural layer of a predetermined shape with first and second parallel surfaces, the structural layer having marking edges perpendicular to the first and second parallel surfaces for measuring, aligning and marking, a first wear rim along the marking edges extending a uniform distance away from the first parallel surface of the structural layer, a second wear rim along the marking edges extending a uniform distance away from the second parallel surface of the structural layer, a plurality of first marking indicia on and extending away from the first parallel surface along the first wear rim, a plurality of second marking indicia on and extending away from the second parallel surface along the second wear rim, wherein the first wear rim extends away from the first parallel surface a greater distance than the first marking indicia extend away from the first parallel surface, and wherein the second wear rim e

Abstract: A transparent straightedge with two L-shaped slots, a multiplicity of vertical and horizontal scales running adjacent to and parallel to the slots, and reference arrows. The L-shaped slots are exactly 90 degrees. Center reference scales in the center portion running vertically. The reference arrows line up with the slots. Opposing scales and center reference scales are all in alignment.

Abstract: A device for measuring angles between an oriented axis and a vector is provided in the form of a flat plate of transparent material having at least two straight parallel edges and an arrow situated on the plate and parallel with said the edges; the plate has a number of zones marked on the surface thereof and a closed curve centrally located and a longitudinal line provided parallel to the edges on either side of the central zone. Markings are provided in the zones to facilitate the measurement of the angles without requiring removal of the plate from the surface on which the angles are being measured.

Abstract: A column marker (10) to be used for marking columns on a book layout sheet (42) comprises an elongated ruler member (12) defining a straightedge (14) and a display surface (16) having unique column-marking indicia thereon. The unique column-marking indicia includes a plurality of sets (18A-G) of three side-to-side adjacent elongated bars (20A, 22A; and 24A; 20R; 22B, and 24B, etc.). The bars are parallel to the straightedge and many of the bars in each set are longer than other bars in the set. The longer bars are positioned further from the straightedge than the shorter bars. First ends (26) of the bars are aligned, while perpendicular tails (28 and 30) at second ends of the longer bars extend to the straightedge beyond ends of the shorter bars (32A-32G).

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.

Abstract: An electrician's color-coded ruler including sequentially numbered numerals each colored in one of three desired colors corresponding in a repeating pattern to the sequentially numbered poles of a three-phase panelboard.

Abstract: A pipe fitter's tape measuring strip of 25 foot length is marked on one surface thereof with cumulative inch markings along one edge, with information providing take-off charts along the other edge at a leading end of the strip and with cumulative foot and inch markings following the charts along the remainder of the strip length. The opposite surface of the strip is marked with charts providing information of flange sizes related to different pipe sizes.

Abstract: An improved chalk line marking device for placing chalk marks at regularly spaced intervals along a straight line on a workpiece includes a composite tape having a central layer of porous material receptive to chalk. Upper and lower layers overlying the first layer have smooth surfaces substantially non-receptive to chalk. Holes are formed in the upper and lower layers at regularly spaced intervals through which the underlying portions of the central chalk-receptive layer are exposed. The composite tape is normally stored in a housing and is extensible through an aperture in the housing. The tape is chalked as it is withdrawn through the aperture, the chalk being received by the portions of the central layer exposed through the holes in the upper and lower layers, but the chalk is not absorbed by the smooth upper and lower layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination rule, horizontal level, vertical plumb and straight edge. By use of two parallel scales running reverse to one another mounted to an elongated member, direct read measurements can be taken between two points up to a distance equal to twice the overall length of the tool such that no arithmetic computation is required. Perpendicularly mounted target levels allow the tool to be used as both a vertical plumb and a horizontal level. A flanged box beam member provides finger tip recesses for easy manipulation and maneuvering of the tool by the user.

Abstract: A transparent ruler with a U-shaped slot, a multiplicity of separate scales, and reference numbers. The scales are exactly perpendicular to each other, with one being horizontal and the others being vertical. Three slots are on the ruler, two of which are parallel with the vertical scales and one of which is parallel to the horizontal scale. The slots intersect so as to form one big square U-shaped slot. There are arrows on the top and side edges of the ruler which are collinear with the slots. These arrows are used for reference purposes when extending a line, squaring a line with respect to another line, etc. The vertical scales are used to draw perfectly parallel lines with respect to the horizontal slot.

Abstract: A measuring and instructional ruler device is provided for use by children and persons having learning impediments or physical handicaps. The device is comprised of a base panel having one inch subdivisions delineated by both visual indicia and tactile features, and a top panel adapted to slide upon the base panel and having a series of tabs whose widths sequentially increase in fractions of an inch. The device is used by aligning the first or zero subdivision with a first of two points between which the distance is to be measured, determining the appropriate subdivision closest to the second point, and adding to such closest subdivision the fractional value of the tab that fills the space between the end of the closest subdivision and the second point of the distance being measured.

Abstract: A template for locating and marking the positions for conduits entering an electrical panel and the like comprises a rectangular sheet with a series of holes each spaced at distances from the upper and side edges of the sheet to space the centers of different size conduits from those edges. The template has markings leading from each hole to the upper edge at positions indicating the edges of the respective conduits opposite the side edge of the sheet, and the sheet has a ruler scale along the side edge. The template is used for the step-by-step marking of successive conduit locations on a panel using the respective holes and markings in conjunction with a datum line on the panel.

Abstract: An indicator (20) for a tape measure (10) is described. The indicator is marked with indicia (21) and arabic numerals (22) designating fractional increments between whole number measurements on the tape. In the preferred form the indicator is pivoted on the housing such as on pins 23 so the indicator can be folded adjacent the housing when not in use and can be unfolded and superimposed over the tape 12 when in use.

Abstract: A framing layout tool facilitates the accurate and quick layout of framing marking for a structure. A bidirectional measuring scale provides a means for measuring and marking the location of any size door or window opening. Window and door marking tabs are also positioned along the main bar of the tool for obtaining markings for window and door openings of predetermined widths. A channel marker extends from the edge of the tool and is of a predetermined width corresponding to the width of the channel. The channel marker includes a central opening for use in conjunction with the outer stud markers for marking studs with spacings greater than the equidistantly spaced stud markers. A plurality of stud markers corresponding in width to a stud are spaced equidistantly along one edge of the layout tool.

Abstract: A drafting tool for use in drafting or work layout is made of a pocket-sized piece of flat, transparent, rectangular material. The opposite edges are marked with full-scale and half-scale rulers and a center line is marked connecting the mid points of these rulers. This center line is perpendicular to both reference edges, and at least one of the rulers is marked with units in increasing dimension toward both ends of the reference edge starting with zero at the center line. The base line of a protractor is spaced inwardly from one of the reference edges and is parallel to that reference edge. The protractor itself is layed out in the form of a trapezoid, the top of which is parallel to the base line and the two sides of which slope inwardly from the base line toward the top at forty-five degree angles. The connections of these sides with the top is at an angle of sixty degrees with the base line measured at the origin on opposite sides of the center line.

Abstract: A scale is disclosed for use in making direct measurements in feet and inches on blue prints and the like drawn in various reduced scales. The scale features special inch character markings throughout the length of the scale to enable the user to directly read measurements in inches between corresponding foot measurements. The markings include 3, 6 and 9 inch subdivision and character markings with 6 inch markings for the smallest scale contemplated.

Abstract: A template, for use in conjunction with a radar presentation to train an intercept controller in coordinating aircraft movements, defines spatial relationships between aircraft symbols presented on the radar through range and separation scales and position cues imprinted on the template. The template also has a series of apertures which allow direct marking of aircraft position on the radar scope without removing the template.

Abstract: A drafting instrument is disclosed providing for a large number of independently viewable scales in a single self-contained instrument. A flexible graphics sheet having a large number of scales thereon is attached to two rotatable shafts mounted within a housing. The housing has a viewing slot which allows the display of individual scales on the graphics sheet.

Abstract: An insulation depth gauge for measurement of insulation depths within an attic at remote locations has a handle for extending linear measuring means to remote locations and indicia to indicate the depth of insulation at that location.

Abstract: A measuring rule consists of a plurality of sections which can be displaced telescopically relative to each other and have a first scale for outside measurement which begins at zero at the outer end of one end section. Said sections also have a second scale for inside measurement which begins at the outer end of one end section with a value equal to the length of the measuring rule when the sections are fully contracted.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a length of picture frame material which device includes a plurality of elongated stepped surfaces at least two of which are substantially parallel and offset relative to each other. At least two reference marks are provided to allow determination of the cutting length of the inside or rabbet side edge of the framing material.

Abstract: A board has indexed tracks along each side with parallel transverse bars having end feet riding in the tracks and a marker being laterally adjustable between successive like separated positions along the bars for setting a marking position on a sheet of paper mounted on the board by releasable retaining means to identify to a blind person the end of ruling or marking upon the paper. A disc is also mountable for rotation and angular indexing on the board with a crosspiece adapted to slide in the tracks carrying a rotatable arm with marking means adjustably positioned thereon for drawing circles and rectangles on paper mounted on the board.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping the outline of a surface area, such as a golf green, including a board having depending legs for placement on the green and a centrally mounted pivot peg extending upwardly from the top of the board. A sheet of paper is attached to the top of the board and typically surrounds the pivot peg. A dual segment measuring element includes an inner, rigid, proportional measuring segment and an outer, flexible, full-scale measuring segment. The inner measuring segment has a pivot hole for engagement around the pivot peg. The inner and outer measuring segments both have their respective zero-points of their scales coincident with the pivot hole. Full-scale measurements are transferred to the paper at corresponding points along the inner, proportional measuring segment.

Abstract: A jump and reach physical training system is disclosed for measuring vertical height attained by a person jumping vertically from a standing position. A board is included, having visually perceptible full size scale with equally spaced increments thereon. The board includes appropriate mounting devices that allow it to be attached to a support above the floor surface and within standing reach of the jumper. The jumper stands flat on the floor and extends her arms upwardly to reach a maximum height on the board. The maximum reached height is indicated by the increment covered by the fingertips. Such increment is recorded on a held calculator. The individual then jumps upwardly in an effort to cover the board at the highest increment possible. The attendant observed this and notes the increment adjacent the high point of the jumper's reach. A corresponding increment is noted on the calculator which then provides a direct reading in terms of standard linear measurement.

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.

Abstract: A device for orienting a newsprint web to be fed through a press comprising a roll of adhesive tape with pairs of adjacent marks spaced along the length thereof. The space between the marks of each pair is equal to the distance between the top or head of one printed page and the bottom or tail of the next succeeding printed page, and the space between pairs of marks is equal to the length of a page of print. A length of tape is threaded through to the former and a pair of marks are aligned with marks which represent the proper positioning for the margins they represent. Additional tape is threaded through the printing unit and orientation marks on the trailing segment of the first length are aligned with the blanket opening on the second impression cylinder and adhered to the tape at the printing unit. The trailing end of that length of tape is then dropped to be adhered to the leading end of a new roll of newsprint.

Abstract: An elongated measuring tape is provided and includes first and second longitudinal marginal edges. A first of the longitudinal marginal edges includes a first linear measurement scale extending therealong beginning at one end of the tape and ascending toward the other end thereof and the second longitudinal marginal edge of the tape includes a second linear measurement scale beginning at the same end of the tape and ascending toward the remote end. The first and second scales include the same measurement increments and fractions thereof and the second scale begins, at the aforementioned one end of the tape, at a predetermined fraction of the first increment of the first scale.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved ice skate grinding, sharpening and contouring machine. The machine includes novel means to accurately center an ice skate between the heel and sole struts in a movable holding fixture and means to select the best contour position on the blade as a function of intended skate usage. As an example, the best blade contour for a hockey forward requires a deeper grind below the forward strut than the contour for a hockey defenseman. The centering feature assures that the skate contour desired will be accurately ground onto the blade and pitched forward the desired amount. Means to adjust the blade position relative to the blade holding fixture for pitching are disclosed in one embodiment. In an alternative embodiment means for pitching the entire fixture as desired are disclosed. Figure skates can be advantageously centered and pitched as desired with the invention for accommodating the particular requirements of the figure skater.

Abstract: A plotting device for use on a nautical or air chart for course finding in which there is a body portion which has graduations which are in scale with the chart with which the device will be used. There will also be a straight edge on this device and a roller with its axis parallel to the straight edge as a means for rolling the straight edge from a desired course position to a compass rose on the chart for determining the direction of the course. Upon this roller there will also be an indication of the speed of the boat or plane which is to be plotted and from that speed designation will be indications cooperating with the graduations on the body to determine the time which it will take for a boat or a plane moving at the selected speed to travel certain distances along the body of the device as shown by the graduations.

Abstract: An instrument and method is provided for accurately determining the geographic coordinates of a specific location on a map. The instrument comprises a flat transparent plastic sheet having a variable length scale printed thereon which is defined by a plurality of straight lines radiating from a common point. Indicia are also printed on the sheet for designating the radiating lines as graduations of a scale comprising either 2.5 or 5 minutes, and with each minute being further broken down into sixty seconds. To determine a coordinate, the location in question on the map is projected to the border along a direction parallel to one set of the geographic coordinates. The transparent sheet is then placed over the map, and the scale is aligned with respect to the border such that the outermost of the radiating lines directly overlie the tick marks on the map between which the projected location falls. The scale is then read above the point at which the projected location intersects the border of the map.

Abstract: A measuring machine (100) having a movable horizontal arm (130) and a vertical column (120) for mounting a probe (140) with respect to a table (110), the arm and column each including means for measuring relative displacement of the arm. The measuring means for the arm or column includes a scale (200, 400) and a vernier (300, 500) (one fixed and one movable with the arm or column), wherein the scales for the horizontal arm and the vertical column are substantially identical and interchangeable and include reference numerals (220, 420) which are positioned at an incline (or acute angle) of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the length of the scales and the arm movement. Lead lines (230, 430) having a similarly angled or inclined portion extend from adjacent each reference numeral toward a measurement division indicator (measurement indicia) (210, 410).

Abstract: This invention, a measuring device, utilizes a projection of filtering method to facilitate reading of very fine lineal graduations such as 64ths, half millimeters and decimal hundredths of an inch whereby two series of lineal graduations perform two separate functions coordinating to filter lineal graduations through to the measuring edge. The first series extends to the measuring edge performing the measuring function, the second series pulling a short distance away from said edge providing a guidance means function while also indicating divisional breakdowns in fractions, millimeters and decimal hundredths.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for counting typographical characters on a page of typed material. The disclosed invention includes a transparent first member which may be oriented along a line of typographical characters. A transparent second member is slidably mounted in a perpendicular relationship to the first member. There are provided on the first member a plurality of sets of parallel lines, each of said sets being disposed from one end of said transparent first member to another end, the lines in each of said sets being consecutively numbered. There are further provided on the first member a plurality of sets of discrete spaces also disposed from one end of the transparent first member to another end, the width of the spaces corresponding to a particular type size, and the width of said spaces being uniform within a particular set, such that said spaces are superimposable upon a line of typographical characters of a particular type face.

Abstract: A method for measuring with a flexible dipstick the nonvisible level of liquid nitrogen in a container. The dipstick, made of a solid plastic strip having a flat cross-section and a dark color on which is printed a visible scale, is inserted into the liquid nitrogen-containing container for a short time. The dipstick is then rapidly waved in the air to permit frost to form on the cold portion that was immersed in the liquid nitrogen. The dipstick has a relatively high width-to-thickness ratio to provide waveability and flexibility for quickly forming the frost line and for permitting compact storage when not in use.

Abstract: A simplified height measuring device useful for measuring the height of persons is provided having telescopically arranged measuring rods with faces containing parallel vertical columns of different types of height measuring units such as English height measuring units, on the one hand, for example, inches, and metric height measuring units on the other, for example, centimeters.