Angle Patents (Class 33/534)
  • Patent number: 5870832
    Abstract: A device for positioning an elongate gravity-actuated measuring instrument, such as a goniometer, adjacent two three-dimensional objects to measure an angle between the two objects includes first and second members. The first member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, and positionable against a surface of one of such objects. The second member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, is spaced from the first member a preselected distance, and is positionable against a surface of the other of such objects. Preferably, the first member is formed as a frame that is coupled to such instrument, and the second member is formed as an elongate positioning probe that is coupled to the frame. The device may also be formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe about an axis defined by the long axis of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Barclay Slocum
  • Patent number: 5815938
    Abstract: A gage according to the present invention for use in measuring engagement parts of a pneumatic hose coupler and including a body and a spring loaded contact rotatably mounted to the body. The body includes an alignment part for locating the gage on the coupler and a member for contacting one of the engagement parts. The contact is biased into contact with another of the engagement parts and calibrated indicator marks provide a visual indication of the angular distance between the two parts. Sights through the gage measure another angular dimension between coupler engagement parts. The gage also includes a plug part for measuring vertical clearance between other parts of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: G.A.L. Gage Company
    Inventors: Goodwin A. Lycan, Dieter Timm
  • Patent number: 5813124
    Abstract: An angle measuring device used for measuring the pendulum angle of a cable of a lifting device comprising connection components which utilize measurement value pick-ups and are connected via a cardanic-type joint to axles which are arranged at right angles to one another. To attain high precision of discrimination in measurement, the measurement value pick-ups each comprises a Hall sensor and an associated magnetic element to create a magnetic field detectable by the Hall sensor. An angle of measurement can be attained if the lower connection component is swung and causes a shift in the joint ball around the axle. This results in a change in the position of the magnets relative to the Hall sensors. This change in position results in a change in the detected Hall voltage which after appropriate adjustment can be transformed into an angle measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Holger Freitag
  • Patent number: 5737990
    Abstract: Miter joint cutting apparatus includes a base, and an adjusting member mounted on the base for relative sliding movement to a position along the direction of a saw line. A workpiece locating mechanism is mounted on the base for angular adjustment with respect to the saw line, and includes a pair of elongate guide boxes wherein each box has a lower lateral wall parallel to the base for supporting a workpiece with a forward end of the wall pivoted to the adjusting member, and a vertical wall extending from the lower wall. The lateral wall is coupled to the base via a projection which slides in a lateral slot in the base, as the guide box is moved by operation of the adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Brian Ellison Freeland, Neil Freeland, Stuart Freeland
  • Patent number: 5611149
    Abstract: A weld gage includes a gage body having a front gage plate and a back gage plate disposed in parallel facing relation to the front gage plate with a gap formed therebetween. The front gage plate has at least one kind of metric graduations provided at prescribed positions on an outer surface thereof, whereas the back gage plate has inch graduations at positions corresponding to the positions of the metric graduations of the front gage plate on an outer surface thereof. A slide scale is disposed between the front gage plate and the back gage plate for sliding movement. An angle-measuring plate is pivotally disposed between the front gage plate and the back gage plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5594434
    Abstract: A rotatable member is positioned coaxial with a joint between a first element and a second element. The joint defines an angle to be measured. The rotatable member has coded information thereon. First and second sensing heads are attached to respective elements. Coded information is arranged on the rotatable member so as to periodically pass in readable proximity to the sensing heads once every revolution of the rotatable member. A decoding system is provided for each sensing head. Each decoding system includes threshold circuitry, a state machine, and a pulse generator for providing a timing strobe. A first timer uses a timing strobe from the first sensing head for continuously determining the average elapsed time for one complete revolution of the rotatable member. A second timer uses timing strobes from the first and second sensing heads to continuously determine the average elapsed time for the coded information on the rotatable member to travel from the first sensing head to the second head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward D. McCullough
  • Patent number: 5588218
    Abstract: A protractor is disclosed that reduces the time to teach students how to measure and understand angles, and significantly improves overall student comprehension of angles. The protractor comprises two generally flat members each having a straight edge portion radial to a pivot point to which the members are rotatably attached such that the straight edges define an open sector area having an angle formed by the two edges, one member having angle indicia on a semi-circular portion thereof, and the other member having an indicator portion that intersects the angle indicia to enable the angle defined by the two straight edges to be measured. The protractor offers a significant increase in convenience in measuring and drawing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventors: David Barry, Camilla Barry
  • Patent number: 5546670
    Abstract: A multi-purpose measuring instrument for wood working machines including a body having a horizontal side and a vertical side. The edge of the horizontal side is provided with magnets and the vertical side is provided with slide blocks capable of longitudinal sliding movement and being positioned. The slide blocks may be used in measuring the height of the blade of the wood working machine. A circular level set is movably and rotatably provided in the center of the body. The level set consists of inner rings, outer rings and a bubble tube. The outer rings may be turned to a desired degree and angle adjustment of workpieces is achieved by adjusting the rings and the position of the bubble in the bubble tube, providing multiple measuring functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Vance Chiang
  • Patent number: 5533273
    Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient, efficient apparatus and method for aligning a workpiece with the cutting plane of a machine tool that is convenient and efficient. The apparatus comprises a spring-loaded device for aligning a workpiece with the cutting point of the spindle of a milling machine, which further comprises a dial indicator held in a movable block. The dial indicator is used to measure the desired difference in indicator readings between the front and back of a workpiece. To position the workpiece an operator pushes down on the indicator to contact the workpiece and slides it back and forth across the workpiece, which may be titled to obtain the desired difference in indicator reading between front and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: DCM Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Lawson, Thomas A. Ryan, Gary R. Puetz
  • Patent number: 5483750
    Abstract: A springback angle measuring instrument for V-bending designed to detect the springback angle of a workpiece in such a way: A bending angle .theta..sub.1 of the workpiece is detected when an upper bender is lowered to an unloading starting position, and the instantaneous position of the upper bender and pressure imposed on the workpiece are detected while the upper bender being lifted at a very slow speed. The increment of the bending force per unit lifting distance of the upper bender is calculated and the bending angle of the workpiece at a point at which the increments of the bending force converge on a certain value is detected. Based on data on the bending angle and bending force obtained after this point, the relationship between the bending angle and the position of the upper bender and the relationship between the bending force and the position of the upper bender are respectively, approximated to a linear expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Ooenoki, Toshiro Otani
  • Patent number: 5473821
    Abstract: A parallelogram tool for measuring exterior and interior angles is used in conjunction with a miter saw having a pair of pivotally mounted guide blocks. The tool is made of six link members that are pivotally interconnected to one another. One of the pivotal connections may be tightened to lock the tool into position after a measurement has been made, and at least one pivotal connector extends below the plane of the tool. The locked tool is then transferred to the flat plate of a miter saw having a pair of arcuate slots formed in it in bilateral relation to one another and having a central diametrically extending slot. The central slot receives the pivotal connector that extends below the plane of the tool. The arcuate slots guide a pair of pivotally mounted guide blocks which are placed into abutting relation to the measuring arms of the tool and then locked into position. The tool is then removed and items to have a miter cut formed in them are placed against the guide blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: John DiMarco
  • Patent number: 5467538
    Abstract: An apparatus for practicing a method of determining the effective putter loft of a golf putter as swung by a particular golfer in which the putter has a curved face unit placed on the hitting surface and the putter is then swung by such particular golfer against a hitting cylinder. The location of impact between the curved face and hitting cylinder provides data from which the effective loft can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Arthur C. P. Chou, Steven Aoyama
  • Patent number: 5457891
    Abstract: A gauge to measure the lateral inclination of a part of a brace above a patient's knee relative to a part of the brace below the patient's knee. The brace has a hinge to allow flexing of the knee. The gauge has a calibrated body that can be attached to the hinge of the brace. Limbs extend from each end of the body. There is a pivotal joint to allow each limb to pivot relative to the calibrated body. There is a reciprocable extension at the outer most end of each limb that is able to extend to contact the brace. A marker extends from the inner end of the limbs to indicate on the calibrated body the inclination of each limb. In this way the extension can be reciprocated to contact the brace and a reading them made of each marker on the calibrated scale to determine the inclination of each limb of the gauge and thus of the knee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Generation II Orthotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5459676
    Abstract: First and second incline sensing devices measure the bending motion of the first body region and the second body region, respectively, in relation to gravity to provide range of motion determinations. With the incline sensing devices held against their respective body regions, a practitioner zeros a digital display provided on the device and the patient performs a range of motion exercise while the practitioner notes the angular value which is continuously updated on a display. The device is small, easily handled, and self contained. Numerous structures are provided to extend the useful life of an internal battery which provides power to all the components. The device utilizes programmed array logic components, which are reliable and consume very little power, to calculate the different between the orientation with respect to gravity of the two incline sensing devices. The difference is shown on a liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: J. Tracy Livingston
  • Patent number: 5435067
    Abstract: An attachment indexing apparatus which performs the steps of indicating an objective indexing position angle of an attachment by an indexing position angle indicating means 1, detecting the present position angle by a position detecting means 2, comparing the objective indexing position angle with the present position angle by an angle comparing means 3, determining the indexing rotation direction of the attachment by an indexing rotation direction determining means 4 in accordance with the compared result, calculating an indexing rotation angle of the attachment from the angle compared result and the indexing rotation direction by an indexing rotation angle calculating means 5, and indexing and rotating the attachment in accordance with the determined indexing rotation direction and the calculated indexing rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Uchida, Tadashi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5410818
    Abstract: A scroll chamfer gauge measures the chamfer between the flank surface of the scroll and the tip of the scroll. The gauge is positioned on the tip of the scroll and has a locator which positions the gauge with respect to the flank surface. A probe extends from the gauge and locates the intersection of the chamfer and the flank surface. An indicator provides a direct reading of the height of the chamfer parallel to the flank surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel C. Chalk
  • Patent number: 5392526
    Abstract: An angularity gauging apparatus for determining if an angle formed between two longitudinally joined cylindrical surfaces is within expected straightness tolerances without requiring a direct measurement. The apparatus includes a fixed locating member and pivotable locating member which respectively interface with the two surfaces being examined. The members are pivotally connected so that angular displacement of their longitudinal axes about the connecting point is possible. A signaling device activates to inform a user when the two surfaces under examination form an angle to each other which equals or exceeds a maximum allowable angle preset into the apparatus. A device is also incorporated for adjusting the apparatus to allow a user to change the angle at which the signaling device activates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis J. Sprague, Jerome A. Fulton
  • Patent number: 5375340
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device for the bend angle of a metal sheet or plate in a press brake of the type having a reciprocable punch with a sharp bending edge, and a die having two bending edges on either side of a substantially V-shaped groove or channel, the measuring device comprising a rotatory measuring element, the cross-section of which has a circular peripheral part centered around the axis of rotation of the measuring element, and a linear peripheral part which is shorter than the diameter of the circular peripheral part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Beyeler Raskin S.A.
    Inventor: Gerrit Gerritsen
  • Patent number: 5365667
    Abstract: Tool inspection apparatus includes a bed configured for supporting a tool to be inspected, and a magnifying device associated with the bed for focusing on and magnifying at least a portion of a tool supported by the bed. There is also a reflecting member associated with the bed for reflecting an image of a portion of the tool supported on the bed toward the magnifying device. The magnifying device is movable from a position in which it receives an image of a portion of the tool reflected by the prism to a direct image-receiving position in which the magnifying device directly receives and magnifies a portion of a tool supported on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: David L. Golding
  • Patent number: 5351405
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining an angular location on a round object during a current operation in order to facilitate positioning the object for subsequent operation. At a first station, an angular location identifying feature is sensed, and an angle at which a predetermined desired angular location is located with respect to the feature is determined. At a second station, the feature is sensed, the object is indexed from the feature in an amount equal to the angle, and the object is marked at the relocated predetermined desired angular location. Another method eliminates the marking step at the second station, and the subsequent operation is performed instead. Apparatus comprises a first station means and a second station means. The first station means includes means for sensing an angular location identifying feature on the object and measurement means for determining an angle at which a predetermined desired angular location on the object is located with respect to the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Beebe
  • Patent number: 5337489
    Abstract: An instrument or gauge for measuring a parameter of a surface feature of a member such as a weld at the junction of two members of an oil rig. The instrument comprises a body adapted to be secured to the surface of a member during measurement, and a probe assembly carried by the body for angular and linear displacement with respect to the body and having relatively movable probe assembly parts and, and a datum for determining relative movement of those parts and, and an arrangement adapted to allow linear movement of the probe assembly relative to the body at a particular angular displacement of the probe assembly relative to the body. The instrument is portable, hand held and hand manipulable, and at one end of the body there is a pivotably mounted carrier in the form of a substantially cylindrical boss having a hole therethrough in which the probe assembly is slidably mounted and by which the probe assembly is carried for angular displacement with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Mahir M. Mustafa
  • Patent number: 5297060
    Abstract: A method for digitizing drilling jigs comprising: insertion in a jig hole of a feeler pin provided with a rounded-shaped head having the same diameter as the hole, such feeler pin being connected to a measuring system suitable for finding its position continuously. The method includes storing of the coordinates of a point on the hole axis nearby the surface of the jig; deep insertion of the feeler pin and finding of the coordinates of a second point on the hole axis nearby the back; and calculation of the axis inclination through the coordinates of the two points found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: JOBS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Foletti, Franco Cassinari
  • Patent number: 5291901
    Abstract: A device for measuring angles of freedom of adjacent vertebrae which includes two reference elements associated with each vertebra respectively. Indicators are associated with the two reference elements for measuring the angle of freedom of movement of the vertebrae in torsion in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vertebrae and for measuring the angle of freedom of the vertebrae in lateral inflexion in a plane perpendicular to that of the spinous processes as a function of a given position of flexion-extension of the vertebrae in the plane containing the spinous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Henry Graf
  • Patent number: 5287626
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the rotation angle of an object includes a floating rotary support for the object. The rotary support is mounted on a frame so as to allow free lateral movement in X and Y coordinate directions. A cooperating two-point cursor and digitizer tablet are provided to identify X and Y coordinates for the object in a second, relatively rotated position. Specifically, either the cursor or the digitizer tablet is mounted to the rotary support while the other is held stationary on the frame. Additionally, a processor is provided for calculating the rotation angle of the object based upon the X and Y coordinates determined for the rotated position. A method for measuring the rotation angle is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Dennis A. Reich
  • Patent number: 5285578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gauge or set of gauges for determining whether the bend angle, bend diameter, and end extension dimensions of a bent steel reinforcing bar used in structural concrete construction are within established allowable limits. The gauge comprises at least the outer marginal portion of a section of a circular disc, the disc having an outer perimeter which defines a diameter approximating the minimum bend diameter for a particular bar size and bar bend, the perimeter taking into account the deformations on said bar and indicating the starting and ending points of the bend, i.e., the points of tangency. Also included are methods of using such a gauge to determine whether a bar bend has less than the minimum bend angle and diameter and whether the end extension of such bend is less than the minimum allowable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Brent Sovereen
  • Patent number: 5274902
    Abstract: A device and method for angularly joining elongate boards end-to-end or edge-to-edge without mitering utilizes a plate for pivotal connection in overlying relation to square-cut abutted board ends to enable the board ends to be subsequently pivoted into their desired angular relationship, whereupon the connecting plate may be rigidly secured to the boards to fix them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: R. H. Rowley Co.
    Inventor: John H. Rowley
  • Patent number: 5251381
    Abstract: A device for the angularity of a hole has a housing, a pivotally movable probe, and a digital display for displaying angular deviation of the probe from a home position. The device can additionally or alternatively have a signaling device to signal angular deviation of the probe past a predetermined angular deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Northrop Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn V. Turner, Omer D. Shearhart
  • Patent number: 5207007
    Abstract: A set-up tool is provided for use with a working tool, such as a power saw, that works near a surface (18) having a miter slot. The set-up tool includes a dial indicator (6) and mounting members (2, 4) which mount the dial indicator in a measuring position above the surface. One of the mounting members (4) fits into the miter slot on the surface. The dial indicator is moveable with respect to the mounting member (4) that fits into the miter slot. A locking screw (3) is provided for selectively locking the dial indicator in a desired location relative to the mounting member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: Anthony J. Cucinotta, George A. Bond
  • Patent number: 5185935
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling the displacement of a steerable driven trailing machine with respect to a leading machine by measuring the separation between the machines and inputting such measurement to the trailing machine drive control, and measuring the angular disposition of the trailing machine and inputting the steering control of the trailing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Consolidation Coal Company
    Inventors: Michael B. McMillion, Thomas R. Miller, Terry L. Koontz
  • Patent number: 5172484
    Abstract: A device to accurately define the angle relationship between a peripheral grinding wheel and it's tool rest in the vertical plane. The device uses the wheel periphery and tool rest surface to control the angle between the two. It is an 400 accessory to existing grinders. It is a separate device from the grinder enabling it to be used on several machines. It is not required structure for the grinding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas Triola
  • Patent number: 5133135
    Abstract: This invention relates to a gauge device which may be used by a toolmaker or machinist to determine the squareness of surfaces on a workpiece. The device has a handle having a gauge mounted adjacent an end of the arm opposite the handle and an intermediate contact point such that the inner surface of the handle and the intermediate contact point define the planes of the surfaces of the workpiece to be measured. The device is easily used, easily transported, and capable of use with work-pieces having chamfered or otherwise altered corners, holes, slots or other imperfections that make determination of squareness difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Susan M. Durfee
    Inventor: David L. Durfee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5084982
    Abstract: A combined vernier gauge and protractor includes a primary rule having thereon a regular scale, a secondary piece slidable on the primary rule, and a protractor having a straight side pivotally mounted on and alongside the secondary piece. Such a device is provided in order that it can both provide the functions of a vernier gauge and a protractor. The secondary piece includes a vernier scale capable of cooperating with the regular scale to enable the present device to have a more accurate measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: Yee-Chang Feng
  • Patent number: 4995169
    Abstract: Device for indicating the angular position between a first part and a part which is rotatable relative to the first part. Each of these parts exhibits a grating (15, 16) consisting of a pattern which, in each grating, comprises opaque lines separated by interspaces, the gratings together being arranged to provide an easily readable moire pattern which indicates whether the opaque lines in the one grating are at a certain position relative to the opaque lines of the other grating. The interspaces of each grating (15, 16) exhibit mutually differing widths, with a width which gradually increases over the height of the one grating (15) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the interspaces and a width which gradually decreases over the height of the other grating (16) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the interspaces and in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Moagon AG
    Inventor: Goran Lunden
  • Patent number: 4945649
    Abstract: An angle gage with which the accuracy of a specified angle can be checked in a variety of orientations or forms. The nine-sided flat and rigid template not only enables the interior as well as the exterior forms of a particular angle to be gauged, but the same gage can be used to check the corresponding chamfer angle, the angle's supplement and the half-angle. The compact size and advantageous placement of the various corners and edges provides an extremely versatile, inexpensive and easy-to-use checking tool. A set of such gages corresponding to an incremented range of angles enables angle measurement of most contours to be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Kirk P. Parker
  • Patent number: 4940063
    Abstract: Angular displacement measuring apparatus includes a tightly-wound coil spring conduit which, when bent, elongates on the outside of the bend without substantially shortening on the inside of the bend. A wire is disposed within the conduit to extend from one end, where the wire is fixed so that it cannot slide longitudinally relative to the conduit, to the other end, where the wire is free to slide longitudinally relative to the conduit. A movement measuring device is mounted on the other end of the conduit and coupled to the wire for measuring movement of the wire. As the conduit is bent, the wire is caused to move an amount proportional to the degree of the bend and so measurement of the movement of the wire serves as a measure of the degree of the bend, i.e., angle of displacement of the conduit. Bending in an object is determined by attaching the conduit to the object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Brian Challis
  • Patent number: 4897927
    Abstract: The sensor has at least one strain gauge secured to a strip sufficiently flexible to bend without permanent plastic deformation through a small radius. The output is directly proportional to the relative angular orientation of the ends of the strip regardless of the orientation intermediate the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: University of Strathclyde
    Inventor: Alexander C. Nicol
  • Patent number: 4897931
    Abstract: This invention pertains to slide calipers for use with hose fittings wherein the improved construction includes caliper fingers having angles corresponding to standard hose fitting adapter sealing surface angles thus allowing the user to identify the type of adapter angle being measured. At the same time the caliper fingers act as reference points for measuring the size of a hose or fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen D. Goulette
  • Patent number: 4897928
    Abstract: A hole angularity gauge is disclosed which is small, durable and easily calibrated. The gauge includes a probe which is sized to fit the hole to be measured. The probe is coupled to a lever, both of which are pivotal about a first pivot point whereby the lever is angularly displaced in response to any angular displacement of the probe. The gauge further includes a linkage asembly that amplifies the angular displacement of the lever. The linkage assembly includes a pointer which is adapted to pivot about a second pivot point. The pointer is coupled to the lever at a point that is displaced from the second pivot point such that the pointer is angularly displaced in response to any angular displacement of the lever whereby the angle that the pointer is displaced is a multiple of the angle that the lever is displaced. The probe further includes apparatus for indicating the angular displacement of the probe and, accordingly, indicating the angularity of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David C. Maxville, Kenneth R. Meade, Sr., David G. Beal
  • Patent number: 4858332
    Abstract: The tester for measuring the loft and lie of a matched set of irons includes a pair of holding units having jaws which mount each club of the set on a fixed common axis. The fixed axis is used as a reference axis in order to measure the lie and loft of a mounted club. The face progression of each club may also be obtained at the time that the loft and lie of the club is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: United States Golf Association
    Inventor: Frank Thomas
  • Patent number: 4852266
    Abstract: An angle measuring device with a digital read-out mounted in a housing with two sharp parallel feet and a bisecting spring loaded needle, the housing having forty five degree, vertical and horizontal surfaces, useful for setting doctor blades and other surfaces to proper angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Essco, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert W. Whitman, John R. Pellinen
  • Patent number: 4805309
    Abstract: A gauge for travel along and continuous monitoring of deviations in the dimensions of a structural channel member or the like includes a wheeled carriage which carries individual gauges for tracking and monitoring deviations in the web width, flange angle and flange height of the member as the carriage moves therealong. The gauge is adjustable for use on members having different nominal web width and flange height dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Koike
  • Patent number: 4788774
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus primarily for use during the purchase of golf clubs for indicating angle modifications between head and shaft needed to assure zero angle between the sole and the underlying surface for a particular golfer. The apparatus comprises a club simulation member having a shaft and grip of a conventional golf club but terminating at its non-grip end in a yoke member. The yoke member is attached to a hinge bracket which is, in turn, attached to a pointer positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of the shaft. The pointer is positioned within a housing preferably covered by a face of which at least a portion is transparent to permit observation of the angular position of the pointer when the golfer grasps the club simulation member in a ball addressing configuration. The face may also advantageously provide indicia to permit convenient observation of the angle of the pointer which may easily be calibrated to correspond to the angle between the shaft and the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Lynx Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Boone
  • Patent number: 4788026
    Abstract: An inspection gage includes an expandable tubular member insertable within a fuel assembly guide thimble. The tubular member has embossments circumferentially spaced from one another about the tubular member and being the same in number as bulges on the guide thimble and configured to fit therewithin. An expansion member rotatably mounts the tubular member and is axially movable therewithin when the latter is inserted within the guide thimble. The expansion member is movable between a first position in which it permits inward contraction of the tubular member an displacement of its embossments away from the guide thimble bulges for removing the embossments from registry therewith and a second position in which it produces radial expansion of the tubular member and displacement of its embossments toward the guide thimble bulges for placing the embossments in registry therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Wade H. Widener
  • Patent number: 4773165
    Abstract: An angle guide device has a pair of arm members which are adjustable through a range of angles to engage adjacent edges at the corner of a piece of mat board. The device is adapted for mounting upon a triangular guide member in a mat cutting machine, and to be secured in each of a multiplicity of positions along the length of the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: The Fletcher-Terry Company
    Inventor: Vincent T. Kozyrski
  • Patent number: 4771548
    Abstract: A biplane goniometer including a platform having a first planar surface thereon. An indicia mark on the side of the platform is disposed in plane parallel to the first planar surface. A flexible, stable arm is pivotally attached to the platform and the stable arm is disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first planar surface. The stable arm has a reference line disposed longitudinally thereon. Measuring data, including calibrated numbers, is disposed on the stable arm in an arc about the axis for measuring the arc between the indicia mark on the platform and the reference line on the stable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Joseph P. Donnery
  • Patent number: 4766675
    Abstract: An angle measuring instrument comprises, a multi-sided plate member which includes a first side and a second side that form an acute angle therebetween when they intersect, a third straight side that forms with the second side an obtuse angle when they intersect, and a graduated semi-circular region. A first measuring arm is pivoted to the plate member at the center of the semi-circular region, a second measuring arm is pivoted to the plate member at a point near the acute angle outside the circular region, and a third measuring arm is pivoted to the first and second measuring arms to form a parallelogram linkage with the plate. The second, and third sides of the plate member serve as measuring sides in cooperation with the measuring arms, thereby diversifying the application of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventor: Bao-Shen Liu
  • Patent number: 4759130
    Abstract: A unique and novel goniometer is set forth to orient a sample in an X-ray beam, for example, to better than 0.001.degree. without introducing translation. This structure is infinitely adjustable and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Goldowsky
  • Patent number: 4731933
    Abstract: A chalkline device situated on a protractor in such a manner which permits the chalkline string to extend from the centerpoint of the protractor's radius past the degree markings on the protractor. By placing the centerpoint side of the protractor on any straight surface and extending the chalkline string past the degree markings any angle measurement can, by the chalkline string, be determined and marked in the same process. The chalkline string serves as both the hand of a dial and a medium for conveyance of the chalk to the surface being marked or measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: Charles D. Cope
  • Patent number: 4715128
    Abstract: Probe and method for determining the curvature of an elongated opening such as a borehole in the earth. The probe includes an axially extending flexible shaft and two pairs of sensing wires arranged in quadrature about the shaft for axial movement relative to each other upon bending of the probe. The relative axial positions of the sensing wires on opposite sides of the flexible shaft are monitored to determine the curvature of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignees: Ben Wade Oakes Dickinson III, Robert Wayne Dickinson
    Inventors: Richard E. Cummings, Charles S. Mackey, Robert W. Dickinson, Ben W. O. Dickinson, III, Merle D. Larsen
  • Patent number: 4650005
    Abstract: A row crop cultivator for use in farming which includes a pair of weeding disks associated with each cultivator unit of which a plurality is ganged together in series. Each weeding disk is bearingly supported by a vertical shaft which is received by a cross bar in a manner which permits the shaft associated with the weeding disk to be adjusted as to depth and angular orientation. Such changes in the vertical shaft for the weeding disks are directly transferred to the weeding disk itself. Disposed adjacent the uppermost point of the shaft is a degree gauge plate and adjacent thereto is a depth gauge structured out of angle iron. As the farmer makes adjustments as to angular orientation and depth of one weeding disk, he need not be concerned with the specific values until the optimum depth and angular orientation have been found for the particular field being cultivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventor: John A. Tebben