Abstract: A depth guide to be used with a road paving machine having a movable screed, said depth guide allowing the operator of the road paving machine a simple means for visually assessing whether the pavement layer being deposited by the road paving machine and formed by the screed is of the proper thickness.

Abstract: Described are instruments for measuring troll depths of a line, of a known length, drawn through water and having a proximal line end out of the water and a weighted, distal line end in the water. The instruments include a reference to align with the line near the proximal line end to sense the insertion angle of the line. A nonlinear depth scale marks troll depths as a polynomial function of the length and angle of insertion, the angle of insertion measured relative to e.g. a horizontal or vertical reference.

Abstract: A fishing line clip is a handy tool for fishermen when stringing up a fishing rod for use or storage. The line clip can be releasably attached to a fishing line that has been fed through fishing rod eyelets. The clip prevents the line from falling back through the eyelets. The clip includes a plug fixed to a line clamp. The plug is sized to be larger than the diameter of a fishing rod eyelet. The line clamp allows for convenient fixing and releasing of a fishing line to the clip.

Abstract: An environment monitoring system is utilized for monitoring an environmental variation status of a riverbed, a lake floor, or a seabed. The environment monitor system includes a wire drawing device configured at a monitoring point for releasing and tightening a transmission wire; a fixing pipe laid between the monitoring point and a structure layer for containing the transmission wire; a plurality of vibration sensing devices respectively configured on the transmission wire for converting sensed vibration energy to a plurality of electric signals and transmitting the plurality of electric signals by the transmission wire; an analyzing device coupled with the wire drawing device and the transmission wire for obtaining a released length of the transmission wire by the wire drawing device and determining the environmental variation status according to the released length and the plurality of electric signals to perform monitoring.

Abstract: A system for determining ash height in a filter is disclosed. The system may comprise a string, and a pressure source configured to propel a portion of the string down a channel of a filter. A method for determining ash height in a filter is also disclosed. The method may comprise propelling a portion of a string down a channel of a filter, and determining an ash height in the filter channel based on a measurement of the string inside the filter channel and a known length of a clean filter channel having no ash accumulation.

Abstract: The embodiments of the Castable Depth Finding Device are comprised of a lower body, a lower cavity, an upper body, an upper cavity, a hollow tube, an arch, a fishing line hole, a body neck, a water emptying port, a calibrated scale, a weight, a left lower member, a right lower member, a platform, and a pin. The lower body is constructed of a transparent material so internal contents can be viewed. The lower cavity is formed by the lower body and is located inside of lower body. The upper body forms the upper cavity and is located inside of upper body. Upper cavity is open to lower cavity. The castable depth finding device can be tied onto a fishing line or a string. It can also be clipped onto a line or onto a fishing lure with a clip or a swivel.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for detecting oil and mineralized water, if it exists, in a well. The apparatus comprises a sensor assembly for placing down the well, the sensor assembly having a float therein that rises when fluid is detected and adapted to close an electrical contact of a circuit having a power source. The apparatus also has a base assembly used for raising and lowering the sensor assembly into and out of the well. An alarm is electrically coupled to the circuit that includes the sensor assembly and power source, the alarm operable to indicate when the electrical contact is closed.

Abstract: A dipstick that measures and externally indicates the temperature and level of a fluid within a fluid reservoir. For example, in one embodiment the dipstick measures and externally indicates the oil temperature and oil level of oil within an oil reservoir of a motorcycle or other vehicle. The fluid temperature and level are indicated on an externally viewable portion of the dipstick, such as an exposed end or cap. The viewable portion indicates the fluid level when the fluid temperature is within guidelines recommended by the manufacturer or when the fluid temperature reaches a minimum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A plumb bob which may be used in combination with a measuring tape for gauging the vertical height of a liquid, such as oil, stored in a tank. The plumb bob comprises a weight which is cushioned at its lower end by a elastomeric bumper. The bumper, which may be formed from an oil-resistant elastomer, protects the tank base from deformational damage during the gauging process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting magnetic marks on a wireline logging cable and for more accurately making depth measurements during logging is described. The method uses depth-based, rather than time-based, samples and calculations. A Hall Effect sensor samples the cable at regular depth intervals approximated by an encoder mechanism. The signal values from the Hall Effect sensor are signal processed to better discriminate the precise location of the magnetic marks on the cable. The location of the magnetic marks is used to refine the depth measurements from the encoder mechanism. Depth-based sampling eliminates detection dependence on cable speed, enhances detection ability, reduces computational load, and leads to more accurate determination of the location of magnetic marks.

Abstract: A method of measuring a length of a conduit comprises the steps of: supplying air into a conduit to insert a filamentary body into the conduit by flow of the air; detecting arrival of a forward end of the filamentary body at an outlet of the conduit; and measuring the length of the conduit from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit. An apparatus for measuring a length of a conduit, comprises an air supply device for supplying air into the conduit; a filamentary body including a wire and a plurality of elastic large-diameter members attached to the wire; and a device for detecting that a forward end of the filamentary body arrives at an outlet end of the conduit, where the length of the conduit is measured from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit.

Abstract: A method of measuring a length of a conduit comprises the steps of: supplying air into a conduit to insert a filamentary body into the conduit by flow of the air; detecting arrival of a forward end of the filamentary body at an outlet of the conduit; and measuring the length of the conduit from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit. An apparatus for measuring a length of a conduit, comprises an air supply device for supplying air into the conduit; a filamentary body including a wire and a plurality of elastic large-diameter members attached to the wire; and a device for detecting that a forward end of the filamentary body arrives at an outlet end of the conduit, where the length of the conduit is measured from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit.

Abstract: In a fishline length measurement device for a fishing reel, a random access memory is provided for storing as a data map a relationship between spool rotation numbers and corresponding fishline outer circumferential surface diameters. Both are detected during initial casts or winding of the fishline so that a outer circumferential surface diameter corresponding to a spool rotation number detected by a spool rotation sensor is selected from the data map in subsequent casts or winding of the fishline. Fishline length is calculated based on the detected rotation number and the selected diameter. Thus, it is possible to reduce consumptive electric power of the battery without any deterioration to the fishline length measurement function. In another feature of the present invention temperature compensation is provided to correct for changes in ambient temperature surrounding the fishing reel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring scour depth in a waterway bed is described. The apparatus utilizes magnetic attraction between a weight resting on the waterway bed and a magnetic probe within a guide chamber to which the weight is attached. Magnetic attraction between the probe and the weight retains the probe in an aligned position with the weight, enabling a user to detect a reduced force in the support line to identify the location of the weight and thus the riverbed. In a second embodiment, the inventive device includes a second weight slidably attached to the guide enabling a measurement of infill in a waterway bed scour. In the method according to the invention, the weight is placed upon the waterway bed and allowed to rest there. A probe is then inserted into the chamber and allowed to descend to the level of the weight where magnetic attraction supports the probe.

Abstract: System for measuring the penetration depth of an elongated object such as a pile, tube, sheet pile or drill into the ground, to be used in combination with an installation for bringing the elongated object into the ground for instance by pressing, hammering, vibrating, drilling or lowering, or for pulling or otherwise removing the elongated object out of the ground. The system comprises a member for measuring the displacement of the elongated object embodied as a flexible elongated element the weight of which is uniformly distributed along its length, the length being at least equal to the maximum displacement of the elongated object. At least part of the elongated element is supported by a supporting surface. Structure is present to determine the total weight of that section of the flexible elongated element which is supported by the supporting surface.

Abstract: In a fishline length measurement device for a fishing reel, a random access memory is provided for storing as a data map a relationship between spool rotation numbers and corresponding fishline outer circumferential surface diameters, Both are detected during initial ,casts or winding of the fishline so that a outer circumferential surface diameter corresponding to a spool rotation number detected by a spool rotation sensor is selected from the data map in subsequent casts or winding of the fishline. Fishline length is calculated based on the detected rotation number and the selected diameter. Thus, it is possible to reduce consumptive electric power of the battery without any deterioration to the fishline length measurement function. In another feature of the present invention temperature compensation is provided to correct for changes in ambient temperature surrounding the fishing reel.

Abstract: A device for measuring the movement of a drill pipe string, the end of which is held during drilling by an attachment assembly (12) movably along at least one guide rail (16), comprises a sensor assembly (38) mounted on the attachment assembly with a roller (42) designed to run on the rail as the attachment assembly moves.

Abstract: A fishing line length measuring device to determine the let out or wound up amount of the fishing line based on the number of spool revolutions. The device has a reel, a spool rotatably supported by the reel where the fishing line is wound up, a sensor to detect the revolutions of the spool, an up/down counter to count up or down the pulse signals output from the sensor, a storage means which receives and holds the count values obtained at the up/down counter when the counter counts actual number of spool revolutions during winding or unwinding the fishing line for specified lengths from a certain reference point set on the fishing line, an operation means to determine the line length using the line length formula obtained corresponding to the numbers of spool revolutions for the specified lengths and these actual numbers of revolutions, and an indication unit to indicate the line length determined by the operation means.

Abstract: A depth measuring system for a slickline utilized in a well bore operation where the slickline is in a non-slip relationship with the circumference of a calibrated measuring wheel and the revolutions of the wheel are utilized to provide a first length measurement. A load cell is provided to measure tension in the slickline so that length elongation of the slickline due to tension can be determined. A temperature differential determination is made so that corrections in length can be made for the temperature effects. The temperature differential can be temperature effects on the measuring wheel and/or temperature effects of the slickline in the well bore. The measuring wheel determination of length is algebraically summed with the tension elongation and changes due to temperature to provide a more accurate indication of the depth measurement in the well bore.

Abstract: A device suitable to accurately determine water depth. The device comprises a rod having a weighted first end, a fixed float and a movable float.

Abstract: A distance measuring device measures distance by optically measuring the length of a flexible member, such as a line, as it is left off a reel. The line is provided with a plurality of dye marks spaced at predetermined increments. The dye marks are detected by an optical sensor. The optical sensor is operatively connected to a circuit which maintains a count indicative of the length of the line. The count is displayed on an LED display.

Abstract: A mobile sewer cleaning apparatus having a rotating drum and a flexible hose wound thereon. Preferably mounted on the sewer cleaning apparatus is a device for measuring the length of hose paid out from the drum. The measuring device may be used, among other things, for measuring the speed of the hose as it is wound or unwound from the drum, and for controlling a safety device intended to stop the flow of water through the hose as the hose is being wound.

Abstract: A depth gauge for a fishing line of the manometric type, having a transparent tube plugged at one end and a valve means closing the other end, allowing a measurable amount of water into the tube and entrapping it therein, a calibrated depth scale to compare the volume of entrapped water to the related depth, and a reset means to release the entrapped water and reset the gauge. The gauge is used when fishing, trolling or casting, wherein maximum depth obtained by the gauge and other attached tackle can be determined when the gauge is retrieved from below the surface of a body of water, whether the gauge is lowered vertically or at any angle from the horizontal into the water.

Abstract: An annular gauge for determining the depth of a fishing lure on a fishing line angularly offset from vertical provides a chart displaying depth indicia. Each indicia accurately corresponds to a predetermined angular offset of the line. The indicia itself is positioned on the annular chart at an angularly offset location corresponding to the angle for which the indicia is accurate. As a result, when the gauge is properly aligned on the fishing rod, the approximately proper depth indicia is displayed at the top of the chart when the fishing rod is rotated by the offset angle.

Abstract: A depth calculating device is provided wherein the exact depth of a fisherman's bait presentation is calculated while that fisherman is trolling. The invention utilizes an electronic sensing device which determines the deflection of the fishing line away from the line formed between the tip of the fishing pole and the water's bottom. An additional electronic sensing device measures the length of line played out from the reel. Both measurements are processed by a central processing unit which in conjunction with the cosine function stored in the memory of the central processing unit then calculates and displays the exact depth of the bait presentation at any given moment.

Abstract: Electrical contact is made between an electrode and a liquid column to establish current flow between the electrode and the liquid column. The electrode is raised up the liquid column until electrical contact is broken. An additional quantity of liquid is added to the liquid column to cause the column to rise and make electrical contact with the electrode. The electrode is raised up the liquid column until electrical contact is again broken. The distance of travel of the electrode is measured as a determination of the rise in height of the liquid column and of the additional volume of liquid added to the column.

Abstract: One electrode of the probe is its tubular outer sleeve (3), and the other is its central rod (4). The insulators (9,16) separating the two are attached rigidly to the central rod, whereby the outer sleeve may slide off the probe for cleaning and servicing purposes. The outer sleeve is held in place simply by friction from the O-ring seals (12,30). When the sleeve is removed, the central rod, insulators, etc., remain as a structurally complete sub-assembly. Electrical contact with the outer sleeve is made through an expandable canted coil spring (20), mounted on an insulator. The central rod is formed with a massive center section (7), for weighting the probe. The probe is supported on a graduated tape (36), in which are embedded the electrical leads (38) to the probe. The leads are securely attached and sealed in place by means of heat-shrinkable material (50), which is wrapped around the leads, heat-shrunk, and compressed into a pocket (27).

Abstract: A level gauge is used on a tank containing a liquid. The gauge utilizes a displacer suspended on a support wire or tape which is wound on a storage wheel. The storage wheel is balanced by a counterweight. Any change in liquid level results in an imbalance which causes a servo motor to energize and rotate the wheel to bring the counterweight and displacer back into balance. The change in level is determined by counting the steps of motor operation. The changes in level are determined using the relationship between length and steps of motor operation. The level gauge is operable to continually correct calculation to compensate for changes in wire length per turn of the spool.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating level of material comprises a cable vertically suspended so as to contact and be surrounded by the material. The cable is suspended from a cam follower mechanism that engages a cam coupled to a motor for selectively introducing slack in the cable, such that the upper portion of the cable unsupported by the material engages and is suspended from a load cell. Circuitry is responsive to cable weight measured by the load cell for indicating level of the material. The motor comprises a rotary electric motor having a horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the vertical cable. The cam comprises a cam plate coupled to the motor to rotate about the motor axis and having an asymmetric periphery surrounding the axis of rotation. The cam follower mechanism comprises an arm pivotally mounted in fixed position adjacent to the cam plate and supporting a roller that engages the cam plate periphery.

Abstract: A swivel head counter for accurately measuring line in tension, such as a downrigger line passing over a pulley and the pulley driving a compact gear train. The gear train drives a counter wheel or knob so that actual depth or extension of downrigger line or the like may be directly read out. A swivel adjusts to maintain proper positioning of line to pulley.

Abstract: An outer tubular envelope for covering an elongated inserting portion of an inserting apparatus such as, for example, an endoscope. A plurality of strands are braided into the form of a tube. At least one of the strands is different in color from the remaining strands and is woven thereinto so as to extend helically at a constant pitch.