Abstract: According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a system is provided to measure a tread of a tire. The system includes a nonmagnetic layer providing a drive over surface, a magnet, and a magnetic sensor associated with the magnet. The drive over surface is adapted to receive the tire thereon including the tread to be measured. The magnet has opposing first and second magnetic poles, the nonmagnetic layer is between the drive over surface and the magnet, and the magnet is arranged so that the first magnetic pole is between the second magnetic pole and the nonmagnetic layer. The nonmagnetic layer is between the drive over surface and the magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field resulting from the magnet and the tire on the drive over surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vision of a subject implanted with an intraocular lens (IOL). In some embodiments, a method includes determining at least one modification to be made to an IOL implanted in a subject to improve the vision of the subject, wherein the IOL has a first index of refraction; and based on the determination, applying laser radiation to at least one selected area of the IOL to form, within the IOL, at least one additional layer having a different index of refraction than the first index of refraction and a particular shape within the IOL configured to improve the vision of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device for characterising a shape of a surface of an item, such as a wind turbine blade fibre layup, wherein the measuring device comprises: a frame comprising a holding frame, a first set of two or more probes movably held in the holding frame, each probe having a respective probe end for contacting the surface of the item, and electronic sensing means configured to provide for each probe a respective electrical signal representative of a position of the probe relative to the holding frame. A method for calibrating such a device is provided. Further, a method for characterising a shape of a surface of an item is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inspecting a wing panel. Some methods include advancing a wing panel through a Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) station, and inspecting the wing panel with inspection heads at the NDI station. The wing panel may be suspended beneath a strongback during inspection and/or advancement, such as by using vacuum couplers and/or adjustable-length pogos of the strongback, and suspending may include enforcing a contour to the wing panel using the vacuum couplers and/or pogos. Other methods include receiving a wing panel at an NDI station and inspecting a portion thereof during movement through the NDI station. Some systems include a track, a strongback to suspend a wing panel beneath it and to advance along the track, and an NDI station disposed at the track to inspect the wing panel while suspended.

Abstract: A grill grate scraper comprises a handle portion adapted to be grasped by a user and a scraper assembly opposite the handle portion. The scraper assembly includes a scraper head made up of a plurality of scraper blades and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be in an unlocked position where the plurality of scraper blades are moveable relative to one another and a locked position where the plurality of scraper blades are locked in place. Each of the plurality of scraper blades can be a rigid blade comprising a scraping portion and a rearward portion, the scraping portion comprising a scraping edge and an adjacent side surface. In one version, when in the locked position, the locking mechanism applies a lateral compressive force on the plurality of scraper blades. In another version, the locking mechanism prevents accidental separation of the scraper blades from the scraper assembly when in the unlocked position.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a printed circuit board when mounting components thereon, said apparatus comprising a base plate, a mounting device for mounting a printed circuit board spaced from and substantially parallel to the base plate, a plurality of elongate support pins extending through respective holes within the base plate to extend transversely from the base plate, the support pins being independently positionable in height with respect to the base plate to define a configurable support surface for supporting components mounted on the printed circuit board during soldering, wherein the height that each pin extends from the base plate can be adjusted such that the support surface defined by the support pins can correspond to the topography of the circuit board and the components mounted thereon, a locking mechanism being provided for selectively locking the position of each support pin with respect to the base plate, wherein said locking mechanism comprises at least one elongate flexible member arranged

Abstract: A jig for profiling the end of an elongate workpiece, especially a coping or crown molding section, comprises a support for a sample to be copied, and for a profiling comb to be pushed against the sample to define a cam surface. A cutting tool can be mounted to follow a path defined by the cam surface, to cut the workpiece end to match the shape of the cam surface. The profiling comb is movable between a first position facing the sample support to form a profile and a second position in which the profile can contact the cam follower on the movable mounting. In its second position the comb extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece support, which is configured to support the workpiece at an acute angle about its longitudinal axis corresponding to the angle at which the comb is fixed.

Abstract: A tool for creating impressions of downhole objects comprising a cylindrical outer casing, a top plate, a plunger, an end plate, a lever, a pressure lock plate, a pressure base, a main spring platform, a main spring, and a plurality of elongated rods. The elongated rods extend from beneath the main spring platform through the pressure lock plate, the pressure base, and the end plate. Each elongated rod is surrounded by a rod spring and a collar. The rod spring extends from the bottom of the pressure base to the collar. The pressure lock plate moves laterally when the lever pivots from a locked to an unlocked position, thereby aligning the plurality of holes in the pressure lock plate with the plurality of holes in the pressure base and enabling the elongated rods to move longitudinally within the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the shape of a material includes: a width roller configured to roll a width of the material; a plurality of transfer rollers arranged in a rear side of the width roller to transfer the width rolled material; and a measurement unit disposed between the transfer rollers to contact the material moved over the transfer rollers to measure the shape of the material.

Abstract: An improved weld gauge includes a housing having a top, a bottom, and first and second side edges. The housing has a shoulder at the second side edge. A first cutout is defined in the housing between the side edges. The cutout includes at least one edge. A second cutout is defined in the housing at the second edge. Hatches are spaced along the edge of the first cutout. Pins are slidingly disposed between the top and the bottom of the housing. Each of the pins has a first end and a second end, and the first end of each of the pins extends into the second cutout of the housing. The first ends of the pins are positioned to contact a surface to be measured, and measurement of that surface is accomplished by comparing the position of the second ends of the pins to the hatches.

Abstract: A device for hanging an object on a wall includes a crossbar, a knuckle, an arm, and an end cap. The crossbar includes a track extending between two opposing ends of the crossbar. The knuckle is slidably coupled to the crossbar such that the knuckle is slidable in a first direction. The knuckle includes a projection that has a pair of parallel sides. The arm has a marking pin that projects generally perpendicular from a forward surface of the arm. The arm is coupled to the crossbar via the knuckle such that the arm is slidable along the pair of parallel sides of the projection in a second direction. The end cap is coupled to one of the two opposing ends of the crossbar. The end cap includes an “L” bracket that provides an engagement surface for engaging a corner of a second object previously hung on the wall.

Abstract: A frame assembly for simulating topography of an existing wall portion provides points of adjustment behind a wallboard panel mounted to the frame assembly. In this manner imperfections in an existing wall can be replicated to facilitate cabinet or countertop installation.

Abstract: A method to fixture and inspect contoured aerodynamic surfaces of a part, such as an engine inlet lip skin, is provided. A controlled preload is applied to one or more discrete locations along the contoured surface to constrain the lip skin at the locations the lip skin would be constrained upon assembly on the airplane. The contoured surfaces are then inspected to dimensional requirements. The controlled preload can be applied by use of magnets or elastic bumpers.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and utilizing a construction aid for the construction of a mechanical structure is provided. Specifically, the disclosure may provide a visually transparent or semi-transparent, adhesive template capable of conforming to objects having curved and/or flat surfaces including indicia marked on portions thereof indicating, for example, the location, size, and type of fasteners to be used, or other construction information, is provided. The indicia may be comprised of lines and symbols of differing size, shape and color, as well as verbiage for additional assembly instructions. The adhesive template may be either visually or mechanically indexed to the mechanical structure.

Abstract: A tooling system (1) having a number of elements (2) arranged in an array, which elements define a contoured surface, or a section of a contoured surface. The tooling system also including means (7) for mounting an element to a support rail (5) which extends across the array, which means allows adjustment of the height of the element with respect to other elements of the array, and extends through the support rail into a space defined below the support rail. A supporting element (6) formed from a suitable resistant material and including accommodation means (8) for the means for mounting, is located in the space below the support rail and is sized so that it substantially vertically fills the space between the support rail and a base on which the tooling system is located.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging objects present in a wellbore is provided. The method and apparatus use a plurality of actuatable members which can be axially displaced to form an image of the object and use an actuatable member displacement sensor to detect the displacement of the actuatable members.

Abstract: A sculpting device, including a number of fibers disposed parallel to one another and in sliding engagement with one another, is disclosed. A rubber band snugly encircles the fibers so as to hold the fibers together in the form of a bundle. The bundle has opposed ends and at least one of the opposed ends bears printed indicia.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein for aligning a block in a microtome attempt to save time, money, and the sample by aligning a block in any rotary or cryostat microtome. One such device for aligning a block in a microtome has a knife holder component removably attached to a knife holder of the microtome and a pin alignment component extending vertically from the knife holder component in a direction substantially parallel to the block. The pin alignment component has a plurality of front pins extending from a front surface of the pin alignment component configured to slide in response to an angle of the block and a plurality of rear pins extending from a rear surface of the pin alignment component and coupled to the front pins. The rear pins are configured to indicate the extension of the front pins from the pin alignment component.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein for aligning a block in a microtome attempt to save time, money, and the sample by aligning a block in any rotary or cryostat microtome. One such device for aligning a block in a microtome has a knife holder component removably attached to a knife holder of the microtome and a pin alignment component extending vertically from the knife holder component in a direction substantially parallel to the block. The pin alignment component has a plurality of front pins extending from a front surface of the pin alignment component configured to slide in response to an angle of the block and a plurality of rear pins extending from a rear surface of the pin alignment component and coupled to the front pins. The rear pins are configured to indicate the extension of the front pins from the pin alignment component.

Abstract: A 3-D image retainer is configured to have a plurality of perforated retainer plates and a retainer assembly displaceable to lock selectively impressed pins, which traverse the retained plates, in the desired position corresponding to the 3-D contour of the applied load.

Abstract: A leveling device comprises a generally horizontal frame configured to hold a number of parallel, closely spaced support legs in a generally vertical configuration. The support legs are slidably mounted in collars formed in the frame such that the legs may slide up and down within the collars. The support legs are configured to move independently of one another and to be locked into place using a locking mechanism configured to frictionally or mechanically engage the support legs once the legs are positioned to match the contour of the ground or other uneven surface. Multiple embodiments of the locking mechanism are disclosed. The leveling device of the present invention not only may be used to level an object on an uneven surface, but also can be used to adjust the height of an object on a even or uneven surface by adjusting the length of the support legs.

Abstract: A 3-D image retainer is configured to have a plurality of perforated retainer plates and a retainer assembly displaceable to lock selectively impressed pins, which traverse the retained plates, in the desired position corresponding to the 3-D contour of the applied load.

Abstract: A tool for identifying a non-conformity on a curved surface of an object, in particular on the circumferential surface of a cigarette, comprises a curved surface having a scale along a direction of curvature and a viewing portion associated with the scale through which, in use, at least part of the curved surface of the object is visible.

Abstract: A set of sensors is placed on a form (a curve or a surface), wherein each sensor supplies representative signals of the orientation of the form at the position of this sensor; a model of the form is selected; based on the signals, the parameters of the model are determined and the distances which separate the sensors are measured; and, based on the parameters of the model and the distance measurements, the spatial distribution of the points of the form are determined.

Abstract: A tool for scribing tile includes a base member, a bottom member, and one or more bottom member opening. Further, bottom member is couplep to the base member through the one or more bottom member opening by at least one bottom fastener and slidable relative to the base member. The tool further comprises a center member defining at least one center member opening, wherein the center member is coupled to bottom member through the at least one center member opening by at least one center fastener and slidable relative to the bottom member.

Abstract: An office chair is provided having a back assembly which is configured to provide supplemental support to the back of a chair occupant in addition to the support provided by the primary support surface of the chair back. The chair back includes a lumbar support unit having a lumbar support pad wherein asymmetric support is provided to the left and right halves of the lumbar pad. As such, the asymmetric support loads are independently adjustable to more comfortably support a chair occupant. A testing apparatus and method are used to optimize the support pressure characteristics of the lumbar pad.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the arc of an arched window comprising a base; measuring means selectively rotatable relative said base for measuring a distance between said base and said arch at a selected angle.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for scribing tile, including a base member that defines a substantially planar surface, preferably rectangular in design, and more preferably with a small cutout in one end for particular applications. The base member preferably approximates the size of a tile to be laid. The base member is slidably coupled to a series of edge members and center members that are movable with respect to each other as well as the base member. The edge and center members are slidably fastened to the base member, thus permitting the tool to mimic a number of shapes and sizes depending upon the shape and size of tile to be cut.

Abstract: The invention is a device used to measure and mark floor tile that must be cut to fit around obstructions. A key feature of the invention is that it has removable elements that make it possible to use the device with tile of any size. A second key feature is a plurality of telescoping members that can be extended to varying lengths in order to describe the perimeter geometry that must be duplicated by cutting away a portion of the tile. The invention is compatible with all tile and similar flat floor or wall coverings, such as pavers or carpet squares.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for obtaining templates used in pipe end cutting essential in fabricating saddle and mitered pipe connections. The template is made by an array of z-shaped pins arranged radially to form the shape of a stepped cylinder. A flexible adjustable length track on the z shaped pins or on another set of pins forms a track for a roller on a tool to follow. This track replaces metal templates, which have to be specially made for cutting each shape and size pipe for pipe connections to other pipes or to boilers and other devices. The invention provides a large array of templates for one or more sizes of pipe eliminating the need to have a large number of templates for different pipe sizes and shapes. A miter table attachment can be used for off center pipe connection cuts.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a saddle support device to compensate for the variations between the compound curved surfaces of animal backs and the corresponding compound curved surfaces of saddles. In particular, this disclosure is directed to a saddle support device and an adjustable form jig and a method to build the saddle support device with the adjustable form jig, to correct for the variation between the compound curved surfaces of animal backs and the corresponding compound curved surface of saddles, in order to permit a variety of saddles to fit an individual animal's back.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a re-configurable or adaptive manufacturing pallet that conforms to the shape of an object. The pallet comprises a frame that includes a matrix of displaceable object contacts points, such as a matrix of vertically displaceable fine rods or pins, that is laid over the object to form a cradle that conforms to the shape of the object; and a locking mechanism to lock the object contact points in a fixed position relative to each other in order to form a nest or cradle for holding the object in position during a manufacturing or assembly operation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for obtaining templates used in pipe end cutting essential in fabricating saddle and mitered pipe connections. The template is made by an array of z-shaped pins arranged radially to form the shape of a stepped cylinder. A flexible adjustable length track on the z shaped pins or on another set of pins forms a track for a roller on a tool to follow. This track replaces metal templates, which have to be specially made for cutting each shape and size pipe for pipe connections to other pipes or to boilers and other devices. The invention provides a large array of templates for one or more sizes of pipe eliminating the need to have a large number of templates for different pipe sizes and shapes. A miter table attachment can be used for off center pipe connection cuts.

Abstract: An inspection device for examining a piece of aperture graphite of an extraction electrode, and the aperture graphite includes a to-be-examined curve and a to-be-examined engagement portion. The inspection device includes a sidewall surface having a standard curve marked thereon, and an examination engagement portion having a predetermined positional relationship with the sidewall surface. After the to-be-examined engagement portion is engaged with the examination engagement portion, and after the to-be-examined curve is projected onto the sidewall surface, the suitability of the aperture graphite can be determined according to the amount of differences between the projected to-be-examined curve and the standard curve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawing apparatus specifically one that allows the user to generate smooth arced and curved lines. The present invention has the advantage to allow the user to create unique arcs and curved lines, rather than follow predetermined templates. The present invention also increases the quality of work because the present invention allows for a unique curve to be created, while French curve templates often require several predetermined templates and curves to be used in combination to create a desired curve. The present invention allows for a unique curve to be saved by tightening the guide track into a locked position. Furthermore the present invention allows for a unique curve to be metered and replicated again at a later time.

Abstract: A three dimensional impression pin screen has two parallel axially aligned perforated spaced plates. Apertures of each plate have a plurality of pins passing through them which have a head on one end and a cap on the other. The heads and caps prevent the pins from passing out of the plates given any orientation of the pin screen. Magnetic strips or pressure strips equal in width to the spacing between the plates contact the shanks of rows or a row of pins between the plates. Strips magnetized on both sides are used to contact the shanks of pins of two adjacent rows. Each magnetic strip is longer than the pin filled apertures of adjacent rows. Each pressure strip contacts a single row of pins. The strips are of a thickness less than the spacing between the shanks of pins in adjacent rows which have the same aperture spacing. Pins are held in displaced positions by attraction to the magnetic strips or by resistance against the pressure strips.

Abstract: The invention is of a kit or system useful for guiding and facilitating the taking, tabulation and processing of measurements as pertain to scoring game animal according to established scoring rules. The kit or system includes a flexible cable which is used to record absolute lengths or distances needed for a proper scoring. The cable lacks cumulative length indicia or unit indications, but rather includes equally spaced incremental indicia which are used (by multiplying the number of indicia as rest between measurement endpoints) as part of the ultimate determination of length according to standard measurement units. A reusable score card is also provided which includes spaces for recording measurements and indicia for indicating the proper measurements to be taken as well as the sequence thereof and prescribed calculations to be made therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a contour gauge for use in the fabrication of saddle joints in pipe connections to record and reproduce the projected line of continuous contact between the end of a first pipe intersecting the side of a transversely disposed second pipe so that the same can be accurately cut, and then joined/welded together in end-to-side relationship. The contour gauge comprises a cylindrical frame having a centrally disposed bore that defines a radially inner surface for positioning the frame over a pipe of predetermined size. In addition, the frame has a radially disposed outer surface that comprises a plurality of parallel guide channels that are disposed side-by-side to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame. In the present invention, the guide channels are shaped in the form of grooves.

Abstract: A curve forming device has a first elongated, flexible member with a plurality of equal-length projections extending perpendicularly from one side. The projections have end faces aligned parallel to the first elongated, flexible member. One portion of a hook-and-loop fastener is affixed to the end face of each projection. A second elongated flexible member has a complementary portion of the hook-and-loop fastener affixed along its entire length. To form a curve, one of the flexible members is pre-shaped into the desired curve. The, the other flexible member is attached by engaging the hook-and-loop fasteners on the projections to the fastener on the other flexible member. The curve forming device is then locked in place. Pressure sensitive adhesive can also be employed.