Abstract: A photographic cropper comprises a pair of opposable right-angle portions, each of which contains alternating transversely spaced strips of oppositely magnetized material extending parallel to edges of that portion. The right-angle portions are continuously adjustable relative to each other in the direction of the strips and are relatively adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the strips in equally spaced steps corresponding to the spacing between similarly magnetized strips of each portion.

Abstract: An attachment for a flexible tape measure. The tape measure includes a tape having calibrations marked on it. The attachment has a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape. The fit requires application of a slight force to move the bracket. A housing is formed in the bracket, and a magnet is received in the housing and positioned to align with an end of the tape, parallel with the calibration marks. The attachment allows multiple uses of the tape measure, for example, as a level and a square.

Abstract: An improved measuring device for determining both major and pitch diameters of screw threads, gears, splines and the like, wherein attractable magnetic members attached to a movable spindle and fixed anvil serve to attract and retain gauging wires in their proper positions. An adjustable screw and spring assembly biases the spindle toward the anvil with a predetermined and readily adjustable pressure.

Abstract: A novel multifunctional contour scriber is disclosed for the use in scribing the intersection contour when an arbitrary geometric body intersects a pipe at arbitrary angle. This multifunctional contour scriber can also be used for scribing at any angle a circle, equally spaced points along a circle, an ellipsoid, a hyperbola, a parabola, an inner or outer cycloid, or an involute of a circle, etc. on a plane, a concave or convex surface. The invention consists of a magnetic base, a rotary unit, a hinge unit, a locking unit, a longitudinal rod, a longitudinal rod disc, a transverse rod, a transverse rod disc, guide sleeves, and scribing units. When scribing the intersection contour on the main pipe, the scriber is secured by the magnetic base on the main pipe.

Abstract: A device for facilitating patent drafting comprises a base sheet, and a second sheet to which the drafting medium is affixed, the sheets having magnetic properties to maintain the base and second sheets in an alignable relationship with each other, the second sheet being transparent in some areas. Guidelines on the base and second sheets permit ready alignment of patent drafting requirements and to commonly used drafting angles. In one embodiment, the magnetic means are positioned to cause the sheets to maintain alignment at commonly used drafting angles.

Abstract: A method for orienting a feeler of an apparatus for testing gear flank profiles and flank lines of gear wheels is disclosed, in which the feeler is successively inserted, in two adjacent positions, into an accurately made gap element located on the gear wheel and from the thus ascertained values the location of the point of intersection of the wheel axis with the measuring plane is ascertained, optionally by means of a computer. The gap element, embodied as an orientation gap mounted on the gear wheel, that is approached by the feeler in the first position is rotated with the gear wheel into a second position, and there the feeler, embodied solely by the measuring feeler, is inserted into the same orientation gap. Therefore measurements are made by use of the same orientation gap and the same feeler at two different locations.

Abstract: An instrument for sensing the profile of an elongate tooth of a corrugation roll or gear wheel or the like. A carriage supports an axially movable stem which is operably connected to an indicator element. The stem has an engagement portion which engages a tooth of a corrugation roll as the carriage is moved along the roll. The carriage is provided with runners or slide elements which travel within troughs or valleys, which separate the teeth of the corrugation roll. Preferably, a magnet member is attached to the carriage and is positioned adjacent the surface of the corrugation roll and maintains the position of the carriage with respect to the roll as the carriage is moved along the roll.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automotive wheel alignment in which a telescope is mounted with its axis precisely parallel with the end plane defined by the automotive wheel hub. A calibrated target is placed and centered directly in front of the telescope on its optical axis. This procedure is repeated for the wheel on the other side of the vehicle. The vehicle is then moved a distance, for example 50 feet, from the targets which are left in place. The telescope is again placed on the wheel hubs and the targets sighted. If both targets remain on the optical axis the wheels are in perfect alignment. If they are not, the calibrations on the target indicate the direction and extent of misalignment.

Abstract: A multifunctional tool having elements adapted to function as a level, bevel, protractor, square, and scale. Indicia are inscribed on mutually rotatable components of the tool for determining a mitre. The tool may include a magnet on the base to hold it in position on a metal surface.

Abstract: A cylindrical square for inspecting the angular relationship of a test surface to a vertical support surface on a vertical support member. The flat surface being intended to be perpendicular to the test surface, a dial indicator having a sensing member and a supporting member supported on said support surface. Said dial indicator support being adapted to have a dial indicated thereon to be slid along the top of said cylindrical surface of said cylindrical square whereby the dial indicator will indicate errors in the angular relationship of the vertical surface to the flat test surface.

Abstract: The disclosed guide has an elongated planar body and a planar cross bar, angled normal to the body off one end edge thereof, somewhat in the configuration of a "T". One end of the cross bar projects away from the elongated body only a short distance, 1/4 to 5/8 of an inch; while the other end of the cross bar projects 11/8 to 11/4 of an inch away from the elongated body, corresponding to the width of the narrow side of a standard "metal stud" framing member. With the elongated body positioned against the wide side of the stud and the extended cross bar end squared against one narrow side of the stud, someone can consecutively mark both stud sides with this single guide setting; requiring the guide to be repositioned only once to mark the remaining narrow stud side.

Abstract: A square is usable in association with a tape ruler. The square includes a ruler member as a base bar and a transverse longitudinal member formed at one side of the ruler member. An arc member is formed at the other side of the ruler member. A pair of guides are provided at the front and back surfaces of the ruler member. Each guide has two guiding grooves for receiving a respective tape ruler of different width. A permanent magnet is buried in each guide in order to maintain engagement between the guide and the tape ruler when the square is slid along the tape ruler.

Abstract: A guide for aiding in sharpening a chain saw with a file which includes a magnet having an elongated rod extending outwardly therefrom at an angle corresponding to the desired angle that is to be sharpened on the cutting edge of a tooth of a chain saw. The magnet is attached to a guide bar of the chain saw. When sharpening the teeth, the chain is moved around the saw and a file is moved across the leading edge of the tooth at an angle corresponding to the angle of the rod.

Abstract: In a contact-less electronic angular-position transmitter having a turnable magnet (5), sensor coils (11, 12) arranged at right angles to each other are provided on a toroidal core (9), common to all sensor coils, of a magnetic-field detector formed in accordance with the flux-gate principle in order to determine the angular position. The angular-position transmitter is preferably arranged, together with the turnable magnets and the turnable core having the sensor coils, in a housing (1) which shields them from the terrestrial field. In the said housing, the inner space (2), within which the magnet can turn, is hermetically separated from an inner space (3) in which the toroidal core (9), together with the sensor coils and the electronic system (15-19) is arranged.

Abstract: Angle measuring apparatus, particularly for measuring doctor blade angle, comprises an elongate support (1); a horizontal level detecting device (4) pivotally connected to an upper surface of the support (1); and means (5, 8) for determining the angle between the support (1) and the horizontal level detecting device (4). An under surface of the support (1) includes a pair of projecting feet (13, 14), the arrangement being such that when the apparatus is placed on a cylinder, the upper surface of the support (1) is substantially parallel with a chord of the cylinder.

Abstract: The wheel alignment checking apparatus for use on a pair of wheels on a motor vehicle uses gage disks adapted to be secured to the wheels to be examined, a transverse support yoke, measuring plates mounted perpendicularly thereon and at least one angle measuring device mounted on one plate, for example by way of magnetic probes, so that one end of the device is on the plate and a head of the device engages the respective gage disk and any angle between the plane of the disk and of the adjacent plate is converted by a rotary potentiometer, for example, into a signal which may be read directly or after offsetting against other signals in a known way.

Abstract: The gear tooth test feeler contains a sensing lever pivotally journalled in a carrier member by means of a cross-spring joint. The cross-spring joint generates a counter-force which increases in proportion to the angular deflection of the sensing lever. Two rocking levers are arranged on opposite sides of the sensing lever. The two rocking levers are positioned between the carrier member and the sensing lever by further pivot bearings and stop members such that the rocking levers maintain the sensing lever in a central position and such that the sensing lever entrains one of the rocking levers whenever the sensing lever deflects while the other rocking lever retains its initial position and vice-versa. Two permanent magnets fastened to the sensing lever exert a magnetic force of attraction upon each of the ferrous rocking levers.

Abstract: A level is disclosed having a body with two working surfaces. One of the working surfaces is formed on a magnetic rubber strip. The magnet has a longitudinal groove formed in the working surface which can receive a corner or a side of a pipe to be leveled or plumbed, thus preventing the level from moving laterally on the pipe, corner or projection.

Abstract: A measuring system using the magnetic scale and a sensing head measures a deformation of a deformable member and/or one or more physical quantities, e.g. a strain and internal stress of, or an external force to, the member, which are functions of the deformation. The magnetic scale comprises a succession of discrete, uniformly spaced scaling units each of which individually consists of a pair of magnetic poles (N, S). The magnetic scale is arranged to be displaceable relative to the magnetic sensing head in response to a deformation of the deformable member so that the magnetic pickup head successively senses the passage of the magnetic scaling units. An output circuit unit is connected to the magnetic head for counting the number of magnetic scaling units sensed corresponding to the deformation and produces an electrical output signal representative thereof, and/or one or more of the above physical quantities.

Abstract: A surface finish, displacement and contour scanner is disclosed which effectively protects its stylus from damage even if the stylus meets an obstacle, such as a wall, a major ridge or a crack. The surface finish, displacement and contour scanner further includes a unique transducer designed to provide true displacement transducer operation with or without traverse, a magnetic attach-release mechanism disposed median between the stylus and a transducer, and a ball-and-notch seating structure formed about the point of flexing of the stylus support.

Abstract: A magnetic thickness gauge is disclosed wherein a balance arm is pivotably mounted in a housing with a spring providing a bias force to counteract a magnetic attraction of the balance arm toward a base of a coating to be measured. The balance arm is provided with a probe assembly including a magnet selectively positionable with respect to a spherical contact member of either a particular alloy of aluminum, iron and silicon or of tungsten carbide. The housing is preferably provided with supports at either end of the gauge. A balance arm is moved by way of a protrusion provided between the probe assembly and an adjustment knob for the spring with a scale and pointer indicating the thickness of the coating to be measured.

Abstract: A relative-distance pickup, includes a housing, a spring disposed in the housing, a feeler tip disposed in the housing and movable in longitudinal direction of the housing against the spring, an indicating device for registering relative motion of the feeler tip with respect to the housing, the feeler tip being subdivided transversely to the longitudinal direction of the housing forming first and second feeler tip parts, the second part having a stop, the first part being connected to the indicating device and the first part having a remote control drive for moving the first part against the stop.

Abstract: A shaft alignment device for use in aligning two opposed, rotatable shafts connected by a shaft coupling is disclosed, having magnetic base portions adaptable for mounting on the shafts, hubs, or on auxiliary structures secured to the shafts or hubs. The device includes fixed bracket members with pivotally mounted swivel blocks therein. Extension beams project across the coupling from each swivel block to a reference surface on the facing bracket, and measurement indicators measure the degree of deflection of the swivel blocks. A leveling device indicates the relative position of the alignment devices for taking measurements at 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree., and 270.degree., and the coordinates obtained are used to plot the aligned positions of the shafts.

Abstract: A ruler device for use in marking-off which comprises a reference rail fixed to a surface table by means of a magnet, an orthogonal rail mounted on the reference rail detachably and shiftably along the reference rail and extending in an orthogonal direction relative to the reference rail, and a shifting table mounted shiftably along the orthogonal rail and being provided with a marking-off pin or scriber.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the steering axis inclination of a steerable wheel is disclosed. The device includes an adaptor for mounting a caster-camber gauge to the wheel in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel. The method includes the steps of moving the wheel between a toe-in position whereat the gauge is calibrated, and a toe-out position whereat the steering axis inclination of the wheel is determined from the gauge.

Abstract: A spirit leveling attachment for a power tool which is universally adjustable relative to the tool so as to enable the tool to be located in anyone of a number of selected positions of angularity and maintained in such position by visual reference to the spirit level. A magnetized support member having a partly spherical recess is mounted on the tool. The spirit level is formed with a partly spherical body member which is accommodated in the recess of the magnetized support member, enabling the body member to be magnetically retained in the recess in selected positions of adjustment relative to the support member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drafting implement to aid a draftsman in drawing curves. The implement may be called a Curve Stripe. The implement includes an elongated soft metal core having a plurality of openings formed therein at intervals along the core. Magnetic beads are disposed in the openings and have at least one flat surface which is disposed normal to the elongated axis of the core and projects outwardly therefrom. A rectangular strip element is disposed adjacent to the core and arranged to inhibit motion thereof in a direction normal to the at least one surface of the beads. A pliable plastic jacket is provided to surround the core, the strip element and the beads, the jacket having openings therein matching the at least one surface of the beads.

Abstract: A magnetically adhering template having a flat, rigid base and a flexible magnetized pad fixed to and substantially coextensive with the base. Template openings of desired shape and location are provided in the base. Corresponding openings are provided in the magnetized pad and are desirably slightly larger than those in the base so that portions of the pad adjacent the pad openings do not interfere with the use of the template openings of the base. The template is useable on a surface of magnetically attractive material, such as a steel wall stud.

Abstract: A measuring device for use in golfing is disclosed. The device employs a fixed diameter measuring wheel, a magnetic revolution sensor, and a solar powered digital display to measure and display distance travelled by the wheel. Display and counter are reset to zero through the use of a phototransistor reset sensor. The device is rapidly connectable and disconnectable from a golf cart, and thus is portable. It is precalibrated, and is readily adaptable for use with a hand-pulled or a motorized golf cart. Attachment of the device to an extension handle rather than a golf cart converts it for use in an independent manual mode. In a further embodiment of the measuring device, the device is programmable by the user to receive and store data corresponding to a measured dimension of the wheel, and is provided with electronics circuitry for measuring the distance travelled by the golf cart in consecutive increments in response to each consecutive revolution of the wheel.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine having a vertically movable probe shaft in which a vertical fine feed and lock mechanism for the probe shaft is provided by a first knob coupled to a magnet movable between two positions, one of said positions operatively coupling a second knob to the probe shaft for driving said probe shaft in a vertical direction, the other of said positions being ineffective for moving the fine feed mechanism. The fine feed is accomplished through the rotation of a second knob which is in frictional engagement through a driven quasi "V" shaped flanged wheel with the probe shaft to be moved vertically.

Abstract: A self leveling adapted to be moved along a substantially vertical wall comprises a base assembly adapted to be moved up and down along the substantially vertical wall, a roller assembly pivotally connected to the base assembly to be in continuous contact with the vertical wall, and weight means pivotally connected to the roller assembly. The leveling device is further provided with a horizontal member connected to the weight means perpendicular to an imaginary vertical line extending through the weight means.

Abstract: A ball bar gauge for evaluating the performance of coordinate measuring machines is disclosed. The gauge consists of a rigid bar having a magnetic chuck at each end. Each magnetic chuck consists of a permanent magnet and six magnetic pole pieces surrounded by a non-magnetic housing. The bar is used with two precision tooling balls which are placed in the chucks at each end of the rod. In each chuck three of the pole pieces are slightly longer than the other three pole pieces to provide a stable three-point contact seat for the associated ball.

Abstract: A gravitational protractor and measuring tape for determining the distance between respective conduit ends residing at differential elevations.

Abstract: Drawing apparatus has a screen (4, 24) forming one wall of a chamber containing liquid or powder material and a scriber (2, 11, 26). A guide "pen" (3, 13) magnetically attracts the scriber into contact with the screen and as it is moved over the surface the scriber tracks it, making a visible line in the material adhering to the underside of the screen. The surface may have means for producing signals as the pen and scriber traverse, each signal being identifiable with a particular point. If the succession of signals match a stored program, a sound associated with the figure drawn is generated.

Abstract: A universal stitching and seam guide attachable to any sewing machine for permitting the operator to produce straight or curved stitchings, and even and uniform seams and hems. A thin steel mounting plate having a pressure sensitive adhesive on its bottom surface is provided for installation on a sewing machine bed plate adjacent the needle plate and presser foot. A guide plate is provided formed from magnetized rubber-like material and having straight sides and curved sides. The guide plate is placed on the mounting plate and is held in place by magnetism. The appropriate edge is selectively positioned for the type of stitching being performed. The guide plate will also adhere to the needle plate on the machine when a narrow tuck, edge stitching or seam is to be made.

Abstract: A dead reckoning navigation instrument, consisting of magnetically connected components, for navigation watercraft between known waypoints. A trackline on a transparent trackline plate connects the waypoints. A direction line on a transparent direction line plate, oriented perpendicular to the trackline is used to define the next waypoint along a route. A transparent overlay plate provides the speed and distance traveled scales for the dead reckoning navigation function.

Abstract: A support body is provided having first and second opposite sides with one of the opposite sides including surface structure facing outwardly of the one side and lying in a predetermined reference plane. The other of the opposite sides of the body includes a central outward projection including line anchoring structure for anchoring one end portion of a plumb line thereto in a manner such that the other end portion of the plumb line may extend outwardly and away from the body other side along a straight path disposed normal to the reference plane. The one side of the body defines an outwardly opening recess and the body includes projection structure projecting outwardly of an inner portion of the recess and including a pointed outer extremity terminating outwardly at least closely adjacent the reference plane and centered relative to the aforementioned path.

Abstract: A telescoping magnetic ball bar test gage for determining the accuracy of machine tools, including robots, and those measuring machines having non-disengageable servo drives which cannot be clutched out. Two gage balls (10, 12) are held and separated from one another by a telescoping fixture which allows them relative radial motional freedom but not relative lateral motional freedom. The telescoping fixture comprises a parallel reed flexure unit (14) and a rigid member (16, 18, 20, 22, 24). One gage ball (10) is secured by a magnetic socket knuckle assembly (34) which fixes its center with respect to the machine being tested. The other gage ball (12) is secured by another magnetic socket knuckle assembly (38) which is engaged or held by the machine in such manner that the center of that ball (12) is directed to execute a prescribed trajectory, all points of which are equidistant from the center of the fixed gage ball (10).

Abstract: A perforating jig assists a punch in perforating cards or sheets for insertion into a loose-leaf notebook or ring binder. The perforating jig comprises a folded plate body or two superimposed plates having in a folded or joined edge thereof a plurality of recesses or notches in which a front perforating end of the punch can be fitted. A card or sheet which it is desired to perforate is inserted between the two plates until an edge of the card or sheet is exposed through the recesses. Then, the perforating end of the punch is inserted into the recesses in turn to perforate the card exposed in the recesses.

Abstract: A rail type universal parallel ruler device comprising a drawing board, a horizontal rail mounted on the drawing board, a horizontal cursor mounted shiftably on the horizontal rail, a vertical rail connected to the horizontal cursor, a vertical cursor mounted shiftably on the vertical rail, and a head connected to the vertical cursor, the improved rail type universal ruler device wherein a magnetic member is disposed on each of the cursors and rails for guiding the cursors and/or on a tail portion of the vertical rail and the side of drawing board for guiding the tail portion of the vertical rail, and magnetic force is caused to work between the magnetic members in a direction where the cursor is floated relative to the surface of rail and/or a direction where the tail portion of the vertical rail is floated relative to the surface of the drawing board side.

Abstract: A variety of precision tools and accessories, and precision tool sets, for selective use either individually or in relatively interconnected relation for securing a workpiece in a particular orientation for work to be performed thereon. In the precision tool sets, each of the separate precision tools is provided with a plurality of mating apertures having a pattern which matches the patterns of other mating apertures of other ones of the precision tools, thus permitting selective and interchangeable interconnection of desired ones of the precision tools by suitable fasteners received through the mating apertures. One of the basic component precision tools of such a set comprises a sine plate which may preferably include a locking strap particularly configured to avoid interference with the upper planar working surface of the sine plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for locating in buildings the exact position of hidden objects, preferably boxes for electrical installations which are to be exposed by providing a hole in a covering building unit, such as a platelike wall, roof, or floor unit, substantially opposite the object. The locating device may be used for all known types of covering building units without complicating rational mounting of the covering building unit. The locating device according to the invention comprises a locating magnet having a first magnetic body which is mounted on the object at one side of the building unit hiding the object, and a second magnetic body which is movable along the other side of the building unit for sensing the position of the first magnetic body mounted at the object.

Abstract: A drafting apparatus for use with a drawing board having a side edge portion and a planar drawing surface in which a guide track extends in spaced relation to the side edge of the board and is mounted from the board for adjustment into several different positions in relation to the board. A T-square having a head body member provided with wheels for rolling engagement with the guide track and carrying a strip of material serving as an armature for coaction with a pair of spaced magnets carried by the head member of the T-square. The magnets are carried on a bar member provided with pivotal movement about a longitudinal horizontal pivot axis parallel to the side edge of the board, the magnet carrying bar member having an actuator portion for releasing the magnets from the armature strip. A slidable lock element is carried by the actuator portion to lock the magnet carrying bar member in release position if desired.

Abstract: A low tire pressure transducer coupled to a tire rim includes a diaphragm subject to tire pressure on one side and to a mechanical spring force on the other side. A magnet within the transducer is coupled with a shunt which minimizes the external magnetic field when tire pressure is at its proper value. However, movement of the diaphragm occasioned by low tire pressure also moves the shunt so that the external magnetic field increases substantially. Movement of the shunt also opens a valve which relieves any air pressure buildup in the transducer on the spring side of the diaphragm thereby avoiding premature actuation of the transducer due to air leakage into the transducer. A retaining ring holds the transducer to the rim and contains vents for allowing the exhaust of air from the transducer.

Abstract: The present drafting apparatus comprises a drafting board (1) having secured to one longitudinal edge thereof a metal rail (4). A runner (3) and a rail (2) are displaceable along the metal rail (4). The runner (3) is pulled against the metal rail (4) by magnets. A carriage (6) supporting a ruler (5) having about a square shape, is displaced along the rail (2) and held in place by magnets (43) cooperating with the rail (2) at least the edges of which are made of ferromagnetic material. In order to adjust the rail (2) through relatively small horizontal or vertical angles, the rail (2) is tiltably secured to the runner (3) for adjustment through angles of about 10.degree. to 20.degree., preferably 15.degree. in either direction from the perpendicular position relative to the runner. The tilting movement is transmitted to the rail with the aid of a rod (19) spaced from the journal stud (12) and with the aid of a slide (21) which may be arrested relative to the rail (2).

Abstract: A centering device comprising a centering pointer and a centering block to be used in conjunction with a conventional dial indicator for locating the center of a workpiece and aligning the center of the workpiece with the center axis of the spindle of a manufacturing machine without the need of marking the workpiece prior to the set up of the workpiece for the cutting process. The centering pointer comprises a needle resiliently and slidably held in a hollow holder for mounting onto the spindle of a manufacturing machine such as a drill press and the like, the needle having a lever rigidly connected thereto for transmitting the movement to the lower point of the dial indicator.

Abstract: A detachable magnetic base for a machine tool table is described having a permanent magnet for contact with the table, a body member thereabove for securing auxiliary devices thereto, and a manually adjustable bolt passing through the body member and magnet to engage the table and release the magnet for removal or to disengage from the table and permit the magnetic base to become affixed to the table. Other uses are described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a guide rule for aligning and facilitating mounting of a protective side moulding to a side panel of a vehicle, with said side moulding in a substantially straight line orientation. The guide rule includes a continuous elongated strip of flexible magnetic material, preferably of the type having a plurality of magnetized particles embedded in or impregnated in an elastomeric material, said strip being of a first thickness, and an elongated strip of metallic material, preferably spring steel, laminated to the flexible strip. The metallic strip is provided with substantially linear, parallel elongate edges and has a width dimension which is at least equal to the width dimension of the flexible strip, and a thickness substantially less than the thickness of said flexible strip. The magnetized flexible strip provides means for securely attaching the guide rule to an auto side panel, and the metallic strip provides a rigid, rectilinear support surface for the side moulding.

Abstract: A railway car wheel profilometer accurately transcribes the profile of the wheel treads onto a removable card for permanent record and later analysis. The device also measures the diameter of the wheel.

Abstract: An improved copy holder comprises a stand and a line guide movably attached to the stand by means of magnetic rollers rotatably mounted side by side with their flats in coplanar relation and their rolling surfaces aligned perpendicular to the line guide for rolling magnetic contact parallel with a side of the stand.