An improved device for attachment to a retractable tape measure is provided which functions as a finger guard and a measurement index or indices either temporarily fixed or moveably attached to the tape storage case or measurement tape. At least one measurement index and at least one scoring or marking feature are provided to insure accurate and repeatable measurements directed perpendicularly to the direction of tape extension. An undercut is provided upon an edge of the device to facilitate th...

A craft ruler employs a laser module which is longitudinally positionable along the ruler. A laser emits a beam which defines a crafting guideline on an adjacent surface. The angular position of the laser guideline may also be adjusted relative to the straight edge on the ruler. In addition, more than one ruler may be ganged together to form orthogonal lines or a grid.

An arrangement comprising a laser projection device is used in determining the location of corners in constructing a foundation of a building or other structure. The arrangement is also used in positioning wooden beams perpendicular to one another in a floor frame or similar structure.

A caliper includes a first leg and a second leg pivotably connected together at first ends thereof. First and second abutting portions are respectively formed on second ends of the first and second legs. First and second slots are respectively defined in the first and second legs and between the first and second ends thereof. An indicator is slideably received in the first and second slots. The indicator is slideable along the first and second slots to move the first and second abutting portions...

A method of measuring an object using a surface sensing device mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus. The method has the steps of measuring a single surface point of a feature of the object with the surface sensing device, moving the surface sensing device along a path around the feature at a fast speed, thereby taking measurements along the path, including at the surface point, determining the difference between the measurements of the surface point and using the difference determined t...

The present invention discloses a self-leveling laser apparatus, of which the pendulum can be locked, and a method for controlling the same. The self-leveling laser apparatus of the present invention comprises a housing, a pendulum hanging within the housing, at least one laser generator fixed on the pendulum, a power source electrically connected with the laser generator, and a locking device for fixing the pendulum. The locking device includes a motor, and a locking member which is activated b...

A laser surveying instrument, comprising a rotating unit for projecting a laser beam by rotary irradiation, a main unit for rotatably supporting the rotating unit, and a sealing means for sealing between the rotating unit and the main unit, wherein the sealing means comprises annular ridges formed on the main unit concentrically to the rotation center of the rotating unit, and annular grooves formed on the rotating unit so that the annular ridges are engaged in the annular grooves and gaps are f...

A contour reading method for an item such as an eyewire for spectacles, the method using an appliance including a support for holding the item, and a rotary platform which is rotatably mounted in relation to the support about a rotational axis and carries a reading sub-set provided with a sensor consisting of a finger and a rod, the finger having a distal end. The distal end is displaced along the contour and successive positions thereof are detected. The method is characterized in that the disp...

A chalk line apparatus having a housing defining a chamber for a supply of chalk. A reel is mounted within the chamber for rotation around an axis. The housing has an opening through which a flexible line is directed from the reel to outwardly of the housing, for use. The housing has a front wall, a rear wall, and a peripheral wall portion surrounding the chamber between the front and rear walls. A fill opening is formed through the peripheral wall portion in communication with the chamber at a ...

The present invention relates to a method of measuring the difference in alignment between a first plan position of an element (1) and a second plan position of an element, the method comprising the use of: i) at least one rigid or taut connection (4) extending between a first point (2) at the level of the first plan position and a second point (3) at the level of the second plan position, the first and second points being at an identical displacement from the element; and ii) one or more electr...