Abstract: The invention is a gauge for the reconstruction of a cusp of an aortic valve, with the gauge (10) being made from a material that can be deformed in a plastic fashion using manual force.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a target material thickness measuring apparatus including: a support; and a plurality of distance measuring units mounted on the support and arranged in a first direction, the plurality of distance measuring units being configured to respectively measure thicknesses of portions of a target material at a plurality of positions in the first direction. A plurality of thickness values of different portions of the target material along a straight line can be obtained at one time, for example, by performing a single measurement of thicknesses of the portions of the target material at the plurality of positions by means of the plurality of distance measuring units, thereby improving measurement efficiency.

Abstract: A method for measuring a plate for a fuel cell stack includes providing a model of the plate including a first axis and a second axis. The model has at least one theoretical measurement feature with a theoretical set of coordinates. The plate is also provided with at least one measurement feature. The first axis and the second axis are established relative to the plate. The at least one measurement feature of the plate is then located relative to the first axis and the second axis. The at least one measurement feature is measured to determine a first set of coordinates for the at least one measurement feature. The first set of coordinates of the plate is compared to the theoretical set of coordinates of the model to determine a displacement of the first set of coordinates from the theoretical set of coordinates.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a process to regulate power for a particle accelerator includes a first circulator, a second circulator, a tee coupled between the first and the second circulator, and a tuner coupled to the tee. An apparatus for use in a process to regulate power for a particle accelerator includes a first circulator, a second circulator, a 3-dB coupler coupled between the first and the second circulator, and a tuner coupled to the 3-dB coupler.

Abstract: A package measurement apparatus comprising three measurement devices, one for each dimension. Each measurement device comprises a plurality of signal receptor modules. Each module comprises a row of signal receptor, and a signal energy source. In a first calibration step, the outputs of each receptor are standardized to reference maximums and minimums. In a second calibration step, calibration sets of receptor outputs are created and recorded. During measurement, a measurement set of receptor outputs is obtained and matched with a calibration set of receptor outputs to determine the dimension of an object.

Abstract: A measurement block 10 which moves longitudinally on a road surface includes disk-shaped first, second, and third rollers 11, 12, and 13 having the same outer diameter with a predetermined spacing set therebetween, a first coupling rod 14 which is mounted on rotary shafts of the first and second rollers in a revolving manner, a second coupling rod 15 which has the same length as the first coupling rod and which is mounted on rotary shafts of the second and third rollers in a revolving manner, a distance measurement device 16 which is mounted on the rotary shaft of the first or second roller, and a rotary encoder 18 which is mounted on the second coupling rod to detect an angle between the first and second coupling rods. Each time the measurement block moves by a length between the first and second coupling rods, the angle between the first and second coupling rods is detected by the angle detection means to thereby create a longitudinal profile based on the detected value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining scale in captured images is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rectangular and generally flat frame device for determining scale in captured image. The frame has measurement indicia located along the inside edges and alignment markers located along the outside edges. The preferred embodiment has one measurement scale on two sides of the frame with an origin located at the corner between them and a different scale on the remaining two sides with an origin located at the opposite interior angle of the frame. A method of using the frame in conjunction with a digital camera and a computer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate thickness measurement of bio-material workpiece, preferably a sheet, and to topographically map the sheet into similar thickness zones for later use. In particular, the system may include a three-axis programmable controller for manipulating a bio-material workpiece with respect to a thickness measurement head. The measurement head may include a plurality of sensors for simultaneous measurement of a plurality of points, with the sensors being adapted to contact the sheet or not. A robust human-machine interface is also provided for process control, preferably including a touch-screen monitor. A marking head may be provided for marking the zones or otherwise indicating the thickness in different areas. Two platens are desirably used in parallel for increased thoughput; the workpiece on one platen may be measured while the other is marked. The system and method are especially suited for assessing and marking pericardial tissue for forming heart valve leaflets.

Abstract: A device for estimating the length of the floor covering needed from a roll of floor covering having a predetermined width to cover a room, including any fill area based on a scale diagram of the room showing walls bounding the room. The device comprises a generally planar body having an upper surface and opposing lower surface for contacting the diagram. A first positioning guide is provided on the body for aligning the body on the diagram about a first direction. A second positioning guide is provided on the body for aligning the body on the diagram about a second direction. Floor covering width and length indicia are provided on the body along the first and second axes, respectively. A fill width indicia is provided on the body and corresponds to the first direction. A data matrix comprising multiple cells is defined by the intersection of the fill width indicia and the floor covering length indicia.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring dimensional rough stone blocks. In the method, a dimensional rough stone block is measured in a three-dimensional coordinate system by means of an inertia measuring device by moving the device from one point to another on the surface of the stone block to be measured. The apparatus comprises an inertia measuring device and a calculating device with which it is possible to calculate the dimensions of the stone block based on the coordinate values of the points measured by the inertia measuring device.

Abstract: Surface characteristics of a surface of a three-dimensional object, such as surface area, surface area enhancement (i.e., the ratio of the actual surface area to an area of that surface projected onto an X-Y plane), and surface roughness parameters can be calculated based solely on line-based measurements and without performing the calculations required to actually create a three-dimensional image of that surface. Because a true three-dimensional image is not created, interline registration and low frequency noise limitations are eliminated from the measurement, and data can be acquired by scanning bidirectionally without adversely affecting the results. Likewise, the analysis time required to determine surface parameters is a fraction of that required by image-based techniques. This technique, being line-based rather than image-based, can be performed by any probe-based instrument, optical-based instrument, or any other instrument capable of measuring a sample surface in either digital or analog fashion.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate thickness measurement of bio-material workpiece, preferably a sheet, and to topographically map the sheet into similar thickness zones for later use. In particular, the system may include a three-axis programmable controller for manipulating a bio-material workpiece with respect to a thickness measurement head. The measurement head may include a plurality of sensors for simultaneous measurement of a plurality of points, with the sensors being adapted to contact the sheet or not. A robust human-machine interface is also provided for process control, preferably including a touch-screen monitor. A marking head may be provided for marking the zones or otherwise indicating the thickness in different areas. Two platens are desirably used in parallel for increased thoughput; the workpiece on one platen may be measured while the other is marked. The system and method are especially suited for assessing and marking pericardial tissue for forming heart valve leaflets.

Abstract: A device for estimating the length of the floor covering needed from a roll of floor covering having a predetermined width to cover a room, including any fill area based on a scale diagram of the room showing walls bounding the room. The device comprises a generally planar body having an upper surface and opposing lower surface for contacting the diagram. A first positioning guide is provided on the body for aligning the body on the diagram about a first direction. A second positioning guide is provided on the body for aligning the body on the diagram about a second direction. Floor covering width and length indicia are provided on the body along the first and second axes, respectively. A fill width indicia is provided on the body and corresponds to the first direction. A data matrix comprising multiple cells is defined by the intersection of the fill width indicia and the floor covering length indicia.

Abstract: A method of use and apparatus for estimating repair cost, particularly applicable to cost estimation of interspaced defect damaged vehicle surfaces. The method of use of the present invention provides that a defect count be made for a predetermined representative area; that a determination of relative severity be made with respect to at least one defect within the representative area; and that the repair estimate is then based upon the defect count information and defect severity. A set of physical templates may be provided, with a first template allowing the calculation of the number of dents per surface area, and a second template for grading, comparing, or otherwise determining the size or severity of the individual dents. Additionally, the defect count data and defect severity data may be determined with an electronic scanning means. Various formulae may be employed (manually or electronically) for calculating the cost estimate to repair the damaged surface.

Abstract: A volumeter, for determining a volume of an item by measuring the item in at least one of the three main spatial directions defining a volume, has a support surface on which the item rests and a transparent surface moveable in a first one of the three main spatial directions against the item, wherein the transparent surface extends substantially parallel to the support surface and has a side facing away from the support surface. An optical camera is connected to the side facing away form the surface. The camera moves together with the transparent surface and measures a second and third one of the three main spatial directions. The volumeter is used in particular in connection with self-service postal stations.

Abstract: The hydrography of a land area beneath a shallow body of water is determined by driving a submersible, remotely controlled, powered vehicle along a route over the land area. The vehicle includes a chassis, a drive mechanism, a drive control module to control the drive mechanism, and a mast extending upwardly from the chassis, with the top end of the mast projecting above the body of water. A position indicator, such as a global positioning system, mounted adjacent the mast top end, determines the position of the position indicator, and transmits position data to a receiving unit at a remote location. A transmitter at the remote location transmits instructions to the drive control module to control the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring figures having circular arc portions by obtaining coordinates of a starting point, an ending point and an intermediate point of each circular arc. The measuring apparatus measures at least one of coordinates or an area of a figure. The measuring apparatus has a main body and a measuring lever. The main body has a pair of rollers that drive the measuring apparatus in a running direction. The measuring lever is pivotally supported on the main body so as to be rotatable in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. The measuring lever includes a tracer, a point key, and an arc key. The point key is manipulated when the measuring lever is at the starting point of the circular arc portion. The arc key is manipulated when the measuring lever is at the intermediate point. The point key again is manipulated when the measuring lever is at the ending point. By obtaining these three points, a parameter of a figure, including the circular arc portion, can be determined.

Abstract: A device for finding the centroid coordinates of a figure that can calculate the centroid from a single time measurement of the figure and display the calculated centroid of the figure. The measuring device comprises a main body having a roller capable of running in a single direction and a measuring lever pivotably supported by the main body so as to be rotatable right or left from the running direction of main body on a horizontal plane. In the measuring device, the main body has a display and a calculating circuit. The tracer of the measuring lever traces the contour of the figure to measure the coordinates, areas, and lengths of the figure. At the same time, the calculating circuit computes the geometrical moments of areas successively and sums the geometrical moments of the areas. Finally, the calculating circuit divides the summed geometrical moment of the areas by an area of the figure to obtain the coordinates of the centroid of the figure.

Abstract: A carpet measurement tool comprising a rigid rectangular plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, a pair of opposed long edges, and a pair of short edges extended therebetween; a distance ruler with a set length and scaling disposed on the upper surface of the plate near one long edge, the distance ruler a plurality of equally spaced tick marks disposed thereon; a composite ruler having a scaling equal to the distance ruler and disposed near the other long edge, the composite ruler including a plurality of sub-rulers positioned in a stacked relation, each sub-ruler aligned with the distance ruler, each sub-ruler having tick marks disposed thereon to thereby create a plurality of measuring bars with the measuring bars of each sub-ruler corresponding to a characteristic carpet type having a given breadth; and a set of columns disposed between the distance ruler and the composite ruler, each column having a scaling equal to the distance ruler and composite ruler, each column identifying a characteristic c

Abstract: A method and system for determining the dimensional volume of a package by moving the package on a conveyor belt system over a horizontally disposed strip containing machine-readable indicia indicating units of incremental length along said strip starting from a zero point and by a vertically disposed strip containing machine-readable indicia indicating units of incremental length along said strip starting from a zero point, with a horizontally disposed reader above the horizontally disposed strip to read the uncovered indicia on the horizontally disposed strip and a vertically disposed reader able to read the uncovered indicia on the vertically disposed strip with a computer to determine the lowest uncovered incremental length measurement of the indicia on tile horizontally disposed strip, such measurement being tile width of tile package and the lowest uncovered incremental length measurement of tile indicia on tile vertically disposed strip, such measurement being tile height of tile package, and a device

Abstract: A method for determining the size of the open area of a vacuum valve for use in a die casting operation is disclosed. The invention determines the size primarily as a function of the total length of the exterior parting lines of the die. Apparatus for producing die castings is disclosed which has a vacuum valve with a specified open flow area.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an area of a surface which is traversed and treated by an object during a unit of time is configured for use with a moveable object that has a first axis of a known length. The object is capable of movement along a second axis and the first and second axes define an angle between them which is other than 0.degree.. A signalling means includes a sensor which may be mounted in a motion-sensing relationship to the object for providing a motion signal when the object moves a distance along the second axis. The motion signal has a predetermined relationship to that distance. A timing means repetitively provides a plurality of timing signals, each sequential pair of which defines an interval of time of known duration. A computing means is coupled to the timing means and to the signalling means for receiving at least one sequential pair of timing signals and at least one motion signal.

Abstract: A mat for surgical specimens and the like. The mat is comprised of an upper and lower layer. The upper layer is comprised of flexible absorbent material upon which a grid is imprinted in order that specimens may be photographed with spatial and size orientation. The absorbent nature of the upper layer provides for absorption of blood or other body fluids. The bottom layer is comprised of a flexible non-porous material to prevent staining of a work surface supporting the mat. The two layers are sealed together to prevent drainage along the interface of the layers.

Abstract: A measuring device to measure a figure in which a measuring lever is pivotally attached to a carriage supported on a pair of wheels for reciprocal movement. A locking device pivotally mounted on the carriage prevents movement of the measuring lever. Release of the locking device resets data processing counters in the carriage to zero in preparation for a measurement. Measurements are performed by tracing a figure with a tracing device on an outboard end of said measuring lever which sends signals through a computer processor to a counter. A switch on the outboard end of the measuring lever allows measurements to be held.

Abstract: A device for indicating a quantitative change in dot area of an image in a printing process and the method of making the same. The apparatus includes a square matrix array on a substrate. Four square members are provided in the matrix array on the substrate. The square members are each equal in size and have certain of their corners in juxtaposition with certain corners from other square members to form a square center opening bounded by a side from each square member. The device also includes five circular shaped members, provided in the matrix array on the substrate. The circular members are each equal in size.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for using the same is disclosed for determining the height and volume of a hematoma structure on the skin surface and for further determining the depth and area of a wound, particularly a crater-type wound on the skin's surface. The apparatus is primarily constructed with a first elongated member having incremental markings thereon and a second member having four radially outward extending arms with incremental markings thereon throughout the length of the radially extending arms where adjacent arms are disposed at 90 degrees angles from one another and a first and second member engaged one to the other and disposed perpendicularly. One embodiment of the invention is constructed of a single member comprising four flat, radially extending arms with incremental markings throughout the length of the arm and where the adjacent arms are disposed 90 degrees from one another.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and an apparatus in which coordinates of points on a plurality of sections of a three dimensional thing are measured based on a plurality of different coordinate systems and then transformed into those in a single reference coordinate system.

Abstract: A package sizer comprising a first pair of walls defining a first pair of generally opposed, substantially parallel, planar surfaces. A second pair of walls connected to the first pair defines a second pair of generally opposed, substantially parallel, planar surfaces, the second pair of surfaces being contiguous and perpendicular to the first pair, whereby the four surfaces define a rectangular enclosure. At least one of the walls of each such pair is slidable toward and away from the other wall of that pair to vary the dimensions of the rectangular enclosure.

Abstract: A device for measuring growth of tumors includes concentric rings on a carrier, the radial spacing of the rings from one another progressively increasing in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a means and graphical method of calculating Moments of Inertia which utilizes a specially designed graph paper that simplifies calculation of the Moment of Inertia of an irregular shaped area with respect to a fixed axis.

Abstract: A measuring device having a base member and two upright support members secured to the base member and marked with graduations whereby a quantity of uncooked noodles such as spaghetti placed on the base between the support members can be measured by comparison with said markings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring areas of workpieces, especially skins such as sheepskins in which the wool extends beyond the edges of the pelt, is provided. Air under pressure is supplied to a row of jet members and the skin to be measured is passed below the jet members. The pressure within the members is sensed, increase in this pressure indicating that the jet member is blocked off by the skin. By repeatedly counting how many of the jet members are blocked off, as the skin is passed underneath, a measure of the area of the skin is obtained. Since the wool does not interfere with the air issuing from the jet members, the measurement obtained represents the area of the pelt.

Abstract: A package measurement apparatus comprising three measurement devices, one for each dimension. Each measurement device comprises a plurality of signal receptor modules. Each module comprises a row of signal receptor, and a signal energy source. In a first calibration step, the outputs of each receptor are standardized to reference maximums and minimums. In a second calibration step, calibration sets of receptor outputs are created and recorded. During measurement, a measurement set of receptor outputs is obtained and matched with a calibration set of receptor outputs to determine the dimension of an object.