US3582216A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for measuring the distance between two parallel lines
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
•
Filing: 1968-08-15
•
Granted: 1971-06-01
•
Expires: 1988-08-15
Abstract
Abstract An optical device for measuring distances consisting of a fixed prism and two movable prisms. The movable prisms are driven relative to the fixed prism by means of a rack and pinion. A calibrated dial coupled with the pinion records the distance the prisms have moved.
Inventors
- 👤 William R Edwards
- 👤 Luther Peterson
- 👤 Thomas Kelly
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 03:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/02; G01B11/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
An instrument for measuring the transverse distance between two parallel lines comprising: a first prism having a fiduciary line; an arm on which said first prism is mounted; means extending from said arm for maintaining said arm and said first prism stationary relative to a line bearing medium with the fiduciary line of said first prism overlying one of said parallel lines; a second prism having a fiduciary line and movable in relation to said first prism; means connected to said second prism and said arm for moving said second prism in relation to said first prism such that the fiduciary line of said second prism overlies the other of said parallel lines; and indicating means connected to said moving means for indicating the distance said moving means moves said second prism which is the transverse distance between the said two parallel lines.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
An instrument for measuring the transverse distance between two parallel lines comprising: a first prism having a fiduciary line; an arm on which said first prism is mounted; means extending from said arm for maintaining said arm and said first prism stationary relative to a line bearing medium with the fiduciary line of said first prism overlying one of said parallel lines; a second prism having a fiduciary line and movable in relation to said first prism; means connected to said second prism and said arm for moving said second prism in relation to said first prism such that the fiduciary line of said second prism overlies the other of said parallel lines; and indicating means connected to said moving means for indicating the distance said moving means moves said second prism which is the transverse distance between the said two parallel lines.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel lines as described in claim 1 wherein said means for moving said second prism includes a rack attached to said second prism; and a pinion adjacent to and in mating relationship with said rack.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel lines as in claim 2 wherein said means for moving said second prism further includes a shaft concentrically connected to said pinion and rotatably mounted in said arm; and a knob connected to said shaft and operable to rotate it.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel lines as in claim 3 further comprising a guide for said rack; said guide being rigidly attached to said arm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel lines as in claim 4 further comprising a grooved support on which said second prism is mounted; said rack being attached to said grooved support.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel liNes as in claim 5 wherein said first prism is mounted on the front of said arm; said guide is mounted on the back of said arm; and said shaft is mounted in said arm adjacent to said guide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel lines as in claim 6 wherein said rack moves in slidable engagement with said arm; said pinion is operable to move said rack forward or backward; and the fiduciary lines of said first and second prisms are contiguous when said rack is in its forwardmost position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel lines as in claim 7 further comprising a third prism having a fiduciary line; said third prism being attached to said support such that first prism lies between said second and third prism and the fiduciary lines of the three prisms are contiguous when said rack is in its forwardmost position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel lines as in claim 8 wherein each of said prisms is ground to provide 45* line of sight bending of said fiduciary line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
An instrument for measuring the distance between two parallel lines as in claim 9 further comprising means for adjusting the force with which said arm engages said mount.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-31 | 1974-11-30 | 1975-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-31 | 1978-11-30 | 1979-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-31 | 1982-11-30 | 1983-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |