Attaching Means (i.e., Adhesive, Magnetic Or Vacuum Viewing Aid) Patents (Class 33/347)
  • Patent number: 11906328
    Abstract: A flexible device mounting kit allows to securely attach a sensor or another device to an arbitrary surface, including a surface that is very uneven. The kit includes a scaffolding assembly which includes a scaffolding guide and scaffolding teeth attached to the guide in a way that allows some of the teeth to move relative to the guide when the bottom of the teeth is pressed against uneven surface. When the assembly is pressed against the surface, the positions of the teeth adjust, forming, together with the surface, a cavity into which a gluing compound can be filled. A device mount to which a sensor (or another device) can be attached is pressed into the gluing compound before the gluing compound solidifies. As the gluing compound securely connects the sensor mount to the surface, the device can be securely placed within the mount regardless of how uneven the surface is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Novity, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai Frank Goebel, Daniel Lynn Larner
  • Patent number: 11231274
    Abstract: A leveling device is disclosed herein. The leveling device includes a body having a body having front surface, bottom surface, side surface and a rear mounting support, the side surface having an aperture configurated to receive a spirt level and a front surface having an aperture therein for viewing the sprit level in the body and the rear mounting support having a first mounting surface configured to be at an angle relative to a plane of the bottom surface, and a second mounting surface orthogonal to the first mounting surface, each of the first and second mounting surfaces having at least one aperture formed therein to receive a magnetic coupling element, whereby, the body containing the sprit level may be magnetically coupled to a vehicle to indicate whether the vehicle remains level during a jacking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Bago, James Perdue, Patrick Leonard
  • Patent number: 11135477
    Abstract: An exercise calibration system for use with an exercise apparatus having a bar with a first end and second end, the system having a user device and a pair of exercise calibration devices comprising a right and left exercise calibration device attached to the first and second ends of the bar respectively, each exercise calibration device having a downward facing distance sensor adapted to detect an elevation measured between the distance sensor and a horizontal exercise surface. The exercise calibration devices measure a right and left elevation as the user performs a weightlifting exercise, and the user device alerts the user if an elevation discrepancy occurs between the first and second ends, instructing the user to raise either the first or second end until the right and left elevation are substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Philippos Kneknas
  • Patent number: 11054257
    Abstract: A tool, such as a level, including one or more magnetic coupling device is provided. The magnetic coupling device may be a magnetic circuit including metal components surrounding a magnet, such as a permanent rare-earth magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. LaSota, Timothy Allen Schultz, Christopher Frederick Boehme, Adam Christopher Resnick
  • Patent number: 10948291
    Abstract: A spirit level includes a spirit level body. At least one measurement surface is arranged along the spirit level body, and the spirit level body is formed by a hollow profile member—preferably of rectangular cross-section. The at least one measurement surface extends uninterruptedly along the hollow profile member. At at least one first or second side wall which is preferably formed at a right angle to the measurement surface is at least one opening for insertion of at least one magnet or magnetizable body into the cavity in the spirit level body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: SOLA-Messwerkzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Lins, Roman Laesser, Gerd Stroehle
  • Patent number: 10907841
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an air conditioner installation plate and an air conditioner. The air conditioner installation plate includes: a main plate, a clamping member on a surface of the main plate, the clamping member and the main plate collectively a clamping space; and a horizontal bubble, provided in the clamping space and filled with liquid, an air bubble being reserved in the liquid of the horizontal bubble; a transverse direction of the horizontal bubble is parallel to a transverse direction of the main plate, two position indicating lines being marked on a middle of the horizontal bubble at intervals along the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: GD MIDEA AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD., MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuifang Zou, Zhicai Cai, Wenjun Luo
  • Patent number: 10502565
    Abstract: A level housing that includes a level housing body that extends along an axis X and includes an axis of symmetry about an axis Y that is perpendicular to the axis X; a first and second flange and a web that extends between the flanges, the first flange comprising a pair of first arms that extend from the web and the first arms defining a coupling slot that includes coupling faces and a channel, the first flange and first arms and second flange being symmetrical about axis Y, the second flange including a pair of second arms; and a plurality of coupling sockets defined by a portion of the web and flanges, the coupling sockets including a respective cavity that extends between the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: OTL DYNAMICS LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Schubert, Robert P. Donker
  • Patent number: 10352697
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or generally rectangular shaped. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a generally rectangular shaped construction with at least one curved side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Michael D. Morrissey
  • Patent number: 10247552
    Abstract: A level is selectively coupled to a work piece and includes a housing, an adjustable clamping mechanism configured to selectively couple the housing to the work piece, a first bubble vial coupled to the housing and operable to indicate a first levelness of the work piece, and a second bubble vial rotatably coupled to the housing about a first axis. The second bubble vial is operable to indicate a second levelness of the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Grant T. Squires, Roger D. Neitzell, Ryan D. Schwoegler
  • Patent number: 10082392
    Abstract: A level device in the present invention is described as having an elongated rigid frame with an X-shaped profile. The level device has modularly attachable levels, which include levels that can be rotated about the lengthwise axis of the level device, rotatable levels attached to the frame, circular surface levels attached to the frame, and levels guided by visual laser beams. Mechanical structures within the level device allow level modules to be swapped in and out based on user requirements. The level device has slide-able attachments which extend the footprint and measuring capabilities of the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Brent Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9207075
    Abstract: Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: DISH NETWORK L.L.C.
    Inventors: David M. Lettkeman, Patrick Harold Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8910390
    Abstract: A level for indicating the orientation of a surface includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a web coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface, and a vial having a long axis and containing a liquid and a gas bubble. The level also includes a first magnet coupled to the first planar surface, a second magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the first magnet by a first distance, and a third magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the second magnet by a second distance that is different than the first distance. The first, second, and third magnets are positioned along the first planar surface successively without any additional magnets positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Wade F. Burch
  • Patent number: 8769839
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to measure an angular position of craft components are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an opening to receive a component along a first plane; and a first magnetic coupler positioned along a first exterior side of the apparatus to removably couple an inclinometer to the apparatus at a first angle relative to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Antonio Paesano, Francis Kendra, Frank J. Gill
  • Patent number: 8732972
    Abstract: Different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a plurality of frame guides positioned along a base. Each of the plurality of frame guides is substantially configured to provide a ninety degree angle with the base on at least one side of the each of the plurality of frame guides. One or more coupling mechanisms are secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Garland R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8701305
    Abstract: A level has a pair of knobs extending beyond a housing on opposite sides thereof to receive a strap. The level also has a bottom with a V-shaped profile to set atop a flat surface or receive a convex surface therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Schoenebeck
  • Publication number: 20140075769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a leveling apparatus, methods of using the leveling apparatus, and kits that include the leveling apparatus. The leveling apparatus is useful in various applications, including, without limitation, those applications that involve positioning a planar object (e.g., a wall stencil) against a substantially vertical surface (e.g., a wall) at a desired angle relative to horizontal (e.g., relative to the floor or ceiling).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE ART CONCEPTS, LLC
    Inventors: John G. Swisher, Janna Makaeva
  • Patent number: 8671582
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for tilt detection and indication is disclosed. The tilt indicator includes a first member having a reservoir for retaining a granular indicating media therein; and a second member coupled to the first member and having an adhesive portion located corresponding to an indicating area of the first member. Responsive to a tilt event, at least a portion of the indicating media exits the reservoir and travels to the indicating area where the adhesive portion retains at least a portion of the indicating media within the indicating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: ShockWatch, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton A. Branch
  • Patent number: 8621760
    Abstract: A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are disclosed wherein an adjustable ruler arm is provided to facilitate the measurement and inscribing of arbitrary angles relative to the upright member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Louis A. Norelli
  • Publication number: 20130305548
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and marking level and plumb is providently disclosed herein. The multi-function level includes one or more attachment devices to secure the level to the work or installation piece. The body of the level includes a structure to receive a fastener for coupling the level to a work piece. The structure to receive the fastener forms a hole, or a curved slot for adjustment, in the body of the level and is located near an end face at both ends of the level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael T. Lueck, Russel J. Borg
  • Patent number: 8424217
    Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a suction cup that is configured to be removably coupled to a vertical wall and a device for temporarily mounting an article to the suction cup at a desired mounting position and for indicating a position of a hanger on the vertical wall. The hanger is configured to be secured to the vertical wall to mount the article to the vertical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
  • Patent number: 8413342
    Abstract: A levels of the type including an elongate hollow frame and a magnet secured to the frame having a magnet-mounting structure which includes first and second magnet-holding members positioning the magnet with respect to a bottom-wall opening. The first magnet-holding member has a first side flange; and the second magnet-holding member has a second side flange. Each side flange is positioned to extend along one of opposite frame sidewalls at an inner surface of a frame bottom wall. A locking member pulls the magnet-holding members together such that the side flanges are locked inside the level frame along the opposite sidewalls, thereby mechanically securing the magnet to the level frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: John Christianson
  • Patent number: 8302320
    Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
  • Patent number: 8286360
    Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
  • Publication number: 20120246948
    Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
  • Publication number: 20120246949
    Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a suction cup that is configured to be removably coupled to a vertical wall and a device for temporarily mounting an article to the suction cup at a desired mounting position and for indicating a position of a hanger on the vertical wall. The hanger is configured to be secured to the vertical wall to mount the article to the vertical wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
  • Publication number: 20120222321
    Abstract: A levels of the type including an elongate hollow frame and a magnet secured to the frame having a magnet-mounting structure which includes first and second magnet-holding members positioning the magnet with respect to a bottom-wall opening. The first magnet-holding member has a first side flange; and the second magnet-holding member has a second side flange. Each side flange is positioned to extend along one of opposite frame sidewalls at an inner surface of a frame bottom wall. A locking member pulls the magnet-holding members together such that the side flanges are locked inside the level frame along the opposite sidewalls, thereby mechanically securing the magnet to the level frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: EMPIRE LEVEL MFG. CORP.
    Inventor: John Christianson
  • Publication number: 20120110864
    Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
  • Patent number: 8087177
    Abstract: A combination level/try square includes an elongated body with an arm at one end thereof. The arm is rotatable between a non-use position against the body and a use position in which the body and the arm define a try square. The body incorporates three indicators, namely a plumb indicator, a level indicator and a slope indicator. In a second embodiment, a laser pointer is provided on one end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Starboard Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Chisholm, Peter Alex
  • Patent number: 8056248
    Abstract: A digit level device that is attachable with a digit and that includes a spirit level with a length that is longer than it is wide that measures the relative vertical and horizontal angle of the length of a finger of thumb. A digit level device that includes a level that is configured to be attachable with at least one of the distal phalanx section or the middle phalanx section of at least one digit of the user. A digit level device that includes at least one laser level or digital level that is configured to attach to at least one finger of a user. A method for cutting hair. The method includes attaching a digit level device to a digit, and using the level to determine the angle of the cut in relation to the horizontal and vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Sharon Mario Hatala
  • Patent number: 7987608
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for indexing a workpiece to a tool at a predetermined angle of orientation, using a bubble level to establish a horizontal reference plane. The bubble level may be pivotally fixed to a housing of a jig which may incorporate a magnet for adhering the housing to a magnetically responsive workpiece. The bubble level may be secured at a particular pivotal orientation such that when the workpiece is held against the cutting or abrading surface of a tool, the workpiece may be manually maintained at the predetermined angle of orientation such that a ground surface disposed at a predetermined angle on the workpiece may be formed while holding the workpiece manually. The jig may incorporate an adjustable leg to assist in tightening the bubble level at the particular pivotal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Frederick Rowe
  • Patent number: 7966755
    Abstract: A combination name badge and compass includes a substantially planar substrate having a front surface that has name indicia thereon, and a rear surface and a clutch bar that includes spaced pins. The clutch bar is secured to the rear surface of the planar substrate with the pins extending away from the planar substrate. A magnetic circuit includes a pair of opposite polarity magnets mounted at the substrate. The magnetic circuit further includes a metal arrow that is coupled with the opposite polarity magnets to form the magnetic circuit. When the name badge is floated on a liquid surface the metal indicator points to magnetic north.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Reeves Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Reeves
  • Patent number: 7913406
    Abstract: A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one bubble level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are provided wherein a spring-loaded spike is disposed within the instrument that is adapted to secure the measuring instrument to a workpiece which may be non-ferrous. The spike assembly may be configured to work with commonly used building materials, e.g., wood, drywall, masonry, and sheet metal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Louis A. Norelli
  • Patent number: 7802371
    Abstract: A level with magnetic device relates to a measuring instrument. That level includes a case body and a bubble cell on the case body, and it is characterized in that the cross section of the bottom of the case body, being the location of the reference plane, has a profiled shape, and furthermore by this is constituted a profiled slot on the bottom of the case body, a magnet is placed inside the profiled slot on the bottom of said case body, an elastic retaining bracket is pressed on top of the magnet, and the shapes of that elastic retaining bracket and the profiled slot are complementarily matched. That level solves the problem of instability of precision of the contemporary level with magnetic device, and it is widely applicable in the level industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: East Precision Measuring Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wu Dong Ming
  • Patent number: 7644506
    Abstract: Present invention provides an edge level that can be used for measuring angles or levelness on all X, Y and Z axis simultaneously and in hands-free type operation, due to the use of Velcro or external clamps used together with the features introduced herein. A removable pod, containing the Z-axis bubble, provides the flexibility of insertion to the pod seat for measuring Z-axis angle and can be stored or put aside when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Patent number: 7565749
    Abstract: A magnet assembly is provided including a housing having a first end and a second end. A magnet is placed within a recess formed in the first end of the housing and a spring is positioned in at least a portion of the second end of the housing. A method of mounting a magnet assembly in a tool is provided. The method includes providing a magnet assembly including a housing having a recess formed in a first end of the housing and a spring positioned in a second end of the housing. The method further includes placing the magnet assembly into an opening defined in a tool and placing a magnet into the recess, and pressing the magnet against the spring to position the magnet within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Eric John Helda
  • Patent number: 7562462
    Abstract: A hands-free level indicating device includes a level for determining a spatial orientation of a structural member, and an apparatus for securing the level to the structural member. The apparatus includes a U-shaped portion for attaching to the level and a hook-shaped portion for clamping around the structural member. The U-shaped portion and hook-shaped portion can be formed from a single strip of flat material, such as spring steel. A spring is provided to bias the hook-shaped portion in a direction toward the level to allow the apparatus to secure the level to different sizes of structural members. The spring can be a leaf spring that attaches to a base of the U-shaped portion and extends in a longitudinal direction of the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: Carl Gentleman, Robert E. Hinze, Daryl L. Tschantre
  • Patent number: 7552540
    Abstract: A level includes a frame defining a web, a flange, and a gauging surface for placement on a workpiece. A magnetic retainer arrangement is secured to the frame laterally of the web and above the flange, and applies a magnetic force to a magnetically attractive workpiece through the laterally extending member. The web includes a lip that cooperates with the web and the flange to define a channel a facing in a direction opposite the gauging surface. The magnetic retainer arrangement includes one or more magnetic members engaged within the channel. The magnetic members are operable to maintain the level in engagement with a magnetically attractive workpiece, by virtue of a magnetic field that passes through the laterally extending member and that applies a magnetic force that acts on the magnetically attractive workpiece to maintain the gauging surface of the level on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Wu Dong Ming
  • Publication number: 20080263879
    Abstract: A level with magnetic device relates to a measuring instrument. That level includes a case body and a bubble cell on the case body, and it is characterized in that the cross section of the bottom of the case body, being the location of the reference plane, has a profiled shape, and furthermore by this is constituted a profiled slot on the bottom of the case body, a magnet is placed inside the profiled slot on the bottom of said case body, an elastic retaining bracket is pressed on top of the magnet, and the shapes of that elastic retaining bracket and the profiled slot are complementarily matched. That level solves the problem of instability of precision of the contemporary level with magnetic device, and it is widely applicable in the level industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Wu Dong Ming
  • Patent number: 7406773
    Abstract: A magnet assembly is provided including a housing having a first end and a second end. A magnet is placed within a recess formed in the first end of the housing and a spring is positioned in at least a portion of the second end of the housing. A method of mounting a magnet assembly in a tool is provided. The method includes providing a magnet assembly including a housing having a recess formed in a first end of the housing and a spring positioned in a second end of the housing. The method further includes placing the magnet assembly into an opening defined in a tool and placing a magnet into the recess, and pressing the magnet against the spring to position the magnet within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Eric John Helda
  • Patent number: 7398600
    Abstract: A level with magnetic device relates to a measuring instrument. That level includes a case body and a bubble cell on the case body, and it is characterized in that the cross section of the bottom of the case body, being the location of the reference plane, has a profiled shape, and furthermore by this is constituted a profiled slot on the bottom of the case body, a magnet is placed inside the profiled slot on the bottom of said case body, an elastic retaining bracket is pressed on top of the magnet, and the shapes of that elastic retaining bracket and the profiled slot are complementarily matched. That level solves the problem of instability of precision of the contemporary level with magnetic device, and it is widely applicable in the level industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: East Precision Measuring Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wu Dong Ming
  • Patent number: 7383635
    Abstract: A multipurpose drawing tool is provided. One embodiment of the tool that is advantageous for drawing circles one-handedly includes a protractor portion and an elongated radius arm portion. The protractor portion includes an aperture, and a securing member is rotatably mounted in the aperture. The securing member may be a transparent or translucent suction cup for releasably attaching the tool to a drawing surface such as a vertically-oriented dry-erase or chalk board. Alternatively, the securing member may be a transparent or translucent magnet or a conventional magnet configured with a generally annular or toroidal shape. In another embodiment, an improved protractor is provided that includes a straightedge portion, a semicircular portion, a pivot arm and a suction cup or magnet securing member that pivotally secures an end of the arm to a central portion of the straightedge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Bruce Stoneberg
  • Publication number: 20080110038
    Abstract: A detector level system for use with a work-piece is provided. The system can include a clam shell housing with a first shell and a second shell that define a set of lateral walls and a cavity. The set of lateral walls can define two parallel planes. The system can include a hidden object detector retained within the cavity and operable to detect an object hidden by the work-piece. The system can further include at least one bubble level retained in the cavity. The at least bubble level can be disposed between the parallel planes and visible through apertures formed in the set of lateral walls. The system can include at least one magnet coupled to one of the first shell, or second shell. The at least one magnet can be operable to enable the detector level system to be coupled to a metallic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventor: Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
  • Patent number: 7367129
    Abstract: A leveling or plumbing device for indicating a line or a plane on a surface, such as wall or floor. The device includes a light beam generator that emits a light beam exteriorly of a body or housing. Level and/or plumb indicators, such as vials, are mounted to the housing for positioning the device in a predetermined orientation on the surface. The device includes a series of extendible and retractable engagement members, each of which defines an outer end having an adhesive. The adhesive engages the surface to releasably secure the device to the surface. The engagement members are biased inwardly toward a retracted position. The adhesive engagement of the engagement members with the surface maintains the engagement members in the extended position against the inward bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jian Hong Lu
  • Patent number: 7363719
    Abstract: A pocket level having a detachable line level whose bubble vial doubles as the pocket level's horizontal bubble vial, and an angle finder for enabling the determination of the angle of an inclined surface which includes a bubble vial housed in a wheel rim directly rotated by a user applying a rotation force to a portion of its exterior non-slip circumferential wheel rim surface preferably accessible via a throughgoing cutout formed in the pocket level's upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kapro Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Amy Levinson, Gabriel Kohner
  • Patent number: 7278218
    Abstract: A base for a light generating device or a leveling device, having a first surface that includes a connection structure to receive and mount either a light generating device or a leveling device thereto, and a second surface including a nonmechanical attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Steven R. Levine
  • Patent number: 7114261
    Abstract: A scribing device is provided that includes an alignment track, a scribe arm and a coupling unit for coupling the scribe arm to the alignment track at a predetermined angle. The coupling unit is configured to travel along the alignment track in an X direction while allowing the scribe arm to move in the Y direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Accu-Scribe, LLC
    Inventors: Joel P. Osborne, Ernest G. Osborne
  • Patent number: 6966120
    Abstract: A process for determining the alignment of a cylindrical body with respect to a reference direction by means of a measurement device which has a first and a second attachment area and a position measurement probe which is calibrated to the reference direction and is made for detecting a first angle of rotation of the probe around a first axis fixed in space and a second angle of rotation of the probe around a second axis fixed in space. A first measurement and a second measurement is carried out at different areas of the body, the probe being swung in contact with the peripheral surface of the body relative to the first attachment area to measure a characteristic of the first and the second angle of rotation. A comparison of the characteristic of measurements is used to determine the alignment of the body with respect to the reference direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Pruftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Lysen
  • Patent number: 6818824
    Abstract: A ganging tool for adjusting the position of a pair of ganged wiring devices such as duplex receptacles, toggle, and decorator type switches on a mounting, e.g., an electrical box. The ganging tool has a frame having a pair of apertures for receiving different kinds of wiring devices and holding them in place while the ganging tool adjusts the position of the wiring devices. The ganging tool also has rotatable toggle adaptors that allow the ganging tool to be used to position both toggle type wiring devices and non-toggle type wiring devices. The ganging tool further has a leveling means for determining the level of the wiring devices. Also, tool cutouts on the frame of the ganging tool allow the ganging tool to be used with power tools in conjunction with positioning and affixing wiring devices on a mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Wiring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Claude Marcou, Jim Knapik, Hua Qiang Shi
  • Patent number: 6810592
    Abstract: An adjustable door jamb setting jig for installing metal door frames in building structures. The adjustable door jamb setting jig includes a base frame being made of wood material; and also includes an extension frame being made of metal material and being extendable from and fastenable to the base frame; and further includes fastening members for fastening the extension frame to the base frame; and further includes magnets being attached to the base frame for holding the base frame to a metal door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick J. Oldfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6665962
    Abstract: A level is adapted for attachment to an upper surface of a shoe in such a manner that the level is visible to a wearer of the shoe. The level is calibrated by using a known level surface to stand upon and then adjusting the level so that it reads level when standing on the known level surface. The user then walks intermediate a first and second location, pausing as desired, and noting the reading that is provided by the level. Accordingly, a method of determining the grade at any given location is provided. If the user combines two or more readings that are taken intermediate the first and the second location, an average grade intermediate the first and the second location is provided. A preferred bubble level and method of adjusting the level to the shoe and of detaching it therefrom is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Shepherd