Abstract: A level includes a level body having top, bottom and side walls, and a window that opens into the interior of the body. A level vial, which is secured to a vial mount, is positioned within the window opening. A vial retainer is secured within the interior of the level body, and includes a lower portion engaged with the bottom wall and upper portions engaged with the upper wall on either side of the window opening. The vial mount is secured to the vial retainer to secure the vial in a position in which the vial is visible from the exterior of the level body through the window. A vial position adjustment arrangement is provided for adjusting the position of the vial relative to the level body when the vial mount is secured to the vial retainer.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head comprises a face portion having a club face for hitting a ball, and a main body portion including a crown wall, a side wall and a sole wall which extend from the face portion toward the rear of the head. At least one of the walls of the main body portion is provided with a folded portion for facilitating a partial elastic deformation of the main body portion when the face portion hits a ball. The folded portion includes a first folded portion and a second folded portion each extending in the front-back direction of the head while swinging in the thickness direction of the wall. The first folded portion and the second folded portion are continuous with each other and extend along the peripheral edge of the club face, and have different phases in the swing.

Abstract: Inclinometers with a parallel dipole line (PDL) trap system are provided. In one aspect, an inclinometer includes: a PDL trap having a pair of dipole line magnets, a transparent tube in between the dipole line magnets, and a diamagnetic object within the transparent tube, wherein the diamagnetic object is levitating in between the dipole line magnets; and a sensing system for determining a position z of the diamagnetic object in the PDL trap and for determining an inclination angle ? using the position z of the diamagnetic object in the PDL trap. Techniques to detect the diamagnetic object position using optical, capacitive and manual methods are described. A method for determining an inclination angle ? using the present inclinometers is also provided.

Abstract: A clinometer including a base plate and a compass which is mounted on the base plate and can measure a strike and a dip angle. The compass includes a first case which is rotationally provided on the base plate so as to move a strike scale indicated on the rim of the compass to a certain position and a second case which is provided in the first case, and which is fixed on the base plate so as to fix a dip scale indicated on the rim of the compass at a certain position.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus whose posture is easily adjustable is provided. The imaging apparatus is configured to include an inclination detector detecting a degree of inclination of one of the imaging apparatus and an image captured by the imaging apparatus relative to a horizontal direction orthogonal to a direction of gravity; a display unit; a first inclination indicator unit allowing the display unit to display an indicator to indicate the degree of inclination according to a detection result from the inclination detector; a second inclination indicator unit notifying via sound according to a detection result from the inclination detector that the degree of inclination is over a predetermined value; and a selector unit allowing at least one of the first and second inclination indicator units to operate.

Abstract: An inclination angle compensation system for determining an inclination angle of a machine is disclosed. The inclination angle compensation system may have a non-gravitational acceleration estimator configured to estimate a non-gravitational acceleration of a machine based on an estimated inclination angle and an acceleration output from a forward acceleration sensor. The inclination angle compensation system may also have an inclination angle sensor corrector configured to receive an inclination angle output from an inclination angle sensor, determine an inclination angle sensor acceleration based on the inclination angle output, and calculate a corrected inclination angle of the machine based on the non-gravitational acceleration and the inclination angle sensor acceleration.

Abstract: Inclinometer devices and methods of manufacturing the same are provided herein. The inclinometer device includes an inclinometer for measuring attitude data of an object, a wireless communication interface for communicating the object attitude data, and a casing. The casing is configured to house the inclinometer and the wireless communication device, and is further configured for use in hazardous environments.

Abstract: A method for alignment of a vehicle and a levelling bench arrangement in relation to one another is disclosed, wherein the levelling bench arrangement comprises a levelling bench (1), a support structure (3), a plurality of beams (5), and a plurality of fixture devices (7). According to the method the support structure is arranged on the levelling bench, at least some of the beams are locked to the support structure, at least some of the fixture devices are releasably mounted at the beams, a vehicle, which is to be repaired or inspected, is arranged above the levelling bench, the mounted fixture devices are aligned with respect to the vehicle by means of continuously moving the beams and the support structure in a horizontal plane so that the fixture devices will define certain specific reference points of the vehicle and the beams are releasably fastened to the levelling bench.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote leveling and positioning. An embodiment includes a leveling device assembly. Another embodiment provides a system including a leveling device assembly and a plurality of audio devices. Further embodiments provide for systems having a plurality of leveling device assemblies and appliances that are configured to couple with the leveling device assembly.

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. A blocking element located within a buffering area located between the reservoir and the indicating area is configured to impede travel of the indicating media from the reservoir toward the indicating area when the tilt indicator is in an activated state.

Abstract: A positioning device is adapted to mark an assembly position of a wall mount on a wall surface. The wall mount is formed with a plurality of through holes. The positioning device includes a wall mount reference diagram and a level tool. The wall mount reference diagram can be brought against the wall surface, and is provided with a plurality of position indications, which are spaced apart from each other, and which respectively correspond in position to the through holes in the wall mount. The level tool is disposed on the wall mount reference diagram, and is configured to assist in correcting leveling of the position indications of the wall mount reference diagram.

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.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide an optical leveling system and method. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a pendulum having an opening through which light can pass to create varying light patterns in response to movement of the pendulum relative to an enclosure. The varying light patterns are detected and utilized to determine the position of the pendulum relative to the enclosure, which can be expressed as degrees and increments of degrees of deviation from a level condition. Embodiments of the present invention can be utilized, for example, to remotely monitor whether a mainframe computer system is level and, if necessary, alert service personnel.

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.

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.

Abstract: A multifunction measuring device includes: an orientation compass and an inclinometer mounted in a mounting seat and disposed in a housing so that the orientation compass and the inclinometer are respectively exposed through front and rear openings in the housing; a first magnification member disposed in the housing, connected movably to a connecting seat fixed in the housing, and including a first magnifying lens aligned with a first viewing hole in the housing; and a second magnification member connected movably to the housing, and including a second magnifying lens aligned with a second viewing hole in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus enabling inclination measurements or irregular surfaces comprising a retaining end adapted to temporarily hold a device equipped with an inclinometer and a supporting end, fixed to the retaining end, conformed to abut an irregular surface whereby the apparatus enables the device equipped with an inclinometer to measure inclination of an irregular surface.

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 I 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 I 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 box shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a box shaped construction.

Abstract: A plumbing path guide apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnectable elements, said elements interconnectable by means of female and male connectors configured to slidingly mate with each other, wherein a perceived plumbing path is erectable between at least two extant points whereby measurements of extant pipe required to plumb said plumbing path are ascertained as the apparatus is erected.

Abstract: A frame assembly is provided for easily hanging a frame at a desired orientation. The base frame has a central mount that is fastened to a wall, to permit the base frame to be rotated to the desired orientation. Off-center mounts are thereafter fastened to the wall to maintain the desired orientation. The base frame is configured to fit within an outer frame, which holds an artistic or functional insert. Once the outer frame is mounted over the base frame, the base frame is obscured and the outer frame is flush with the wall surface. Further, multiple base frames can be hung in alignment by simply marking the desired center point for each base frame. The outer frame is removably secured to the base frame by a catch, to permit the easy exchange of the artistic insert or outer frame.

Abstract: A calibration frame for calibrating a reference system for vehicle measurement has setting elements, which enable a precise spatial orientation of the calibration frame, and multiple defined points of support, which are designed to accommodate a reference system carrier. In one specific embodiment, the points of support are designed in such a way that the reference system carrier is situatable on the points of support in at least two different orientations. In a second specific embodiment, a leveling element is provided which indicates the spatial orientation of the calibration frame in relation to the earth's gravitation field.

Abstract: A level includes a body comprising a first portion having a first reference surface, and a second portion having a second reference surface, the second reference surface being spaced from the first reference surface. The body also includes an intermediate member comprising a wall positioned between the first and second portions, the wall being generally perpendicular to at least one of the reference surfaces. The level also includes an orientation indicator coupled to the intermediate member, the orientation indicator being positioned to indicate an orientation of at least one of the first and the second reference surfaces. The level additionally includes an indicator support configured to support the orientation indicator, and a resilient member positioned between the orientation indicator and the indicator support. A compression the resilient member facilitates a calibration of the orientation indicator, while the indicator support supports the resilient member and engages opposite sides of the wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extendable plumb and level measuring device and associated usage method. The device can utilize interconnected members including a first, a second, and a third member. For example, the third member can be slidingly disposed within the first and second members to extend the device to a set and arbitrary length. The measuring device utilizes a spirit level or digital reader to determine when the device itself is level responsive to positioning a extendable stopper against a construction, such as a wall, door, panel, and the like. Once level, a measuring device, such as a ruler, disposed within the device can be utilized to measure the plumb of the construction. Additionally, the device can function as an extendable level to measure an arbitrary length.

Abstract: A method for determining a position change of a handheld tool in space includes: alignment of an initial tool position with a reference position to determine at least a first position vector of the tool, at least one component of the first position vector being determined by measurement of a component of the gravitational acceleration in the direction of a predetermined axis of the tool; establishing a modification of the tool position during an actual position change by determining at least one angular discrepancy of a second position vector of at least one temporally preceding position vector, at least one component of the second position vector being determined after the position change by measuring the component of the gravitational acceleration in the direction of the predetermined axis of the tool; and providing information relating to the orientation of the tool established from the at least one angular discrepancy.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing solar energy can include a solar energy capture device having an orientation plane and a sensor configured to determine a direction of gravity relative to a sensor plane. The solar energy capture device is configured to rotate about a pitch axis and a roll axis. The sensor plane can have an orientation that is fixed relative to the solar energy capture device. The orientation plane can he offset from the roll axis.

Abstract: A hook pose detecting equipment and a crane with the hook pose detecting equipment, in which the hook pose detecting equipment comprises an angle measuring apparatus for obtaining the angle between an axis in a second coordinate system and the corresponding axis in a first coordinate system, an acceleration measuring meter for obtaining the acceleration of the hook in a predetermined direction, a processor for building the first coordinate system and the second coordinate system, and an output equipment. The first coordinate system is relatively fixed with a predetermined location, and the second coordinate system is relatively fixed with the hook. The processor obtains the pose parameters of the hook in the first coordinate system according to the angle obtained by the angle measuring apparatus and the acceleration obtained by the acceleration measuring meter.

Abstract: A baluster level having a level body defining a view port, a proximal end and a distal end, a plunger slideably secured within the level body, and a leveling device. A method for installing leveled balusters having the steps of compressing a plunger, inserting the level between floor and banister, releasing compression on the plunger, leveling, marking the floor and banister, compressing the plunger and removing the level.

Abstract: An acceleration detector includes a base portion, a plate-like movable portion connected to the base portion via a joint portion, an acceleration detecting element laid over the base portion and the movable portion, and a supporting portion having a part extending along the movable portion from the base portion, as viewed in a plan view. A mass portion partly overlapping the supporting portion, as viewed in a plan view, is arranged on at least one of two main surfaces of the movable portion. The movable portion is displaceable about the joint portion as a fulcrum in a direction intersecting the main surface according to an acceleration applied in the direction intersecting the main surface. A space is provided between the mass portion and the supporting portion in an area where the mass portion and the supporting portion overlap each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tilt detecting device (1), comprising a first tilt sensor (2) for detecting a tilting with respect to direction of gravity with high accuracy, a second tilt sensor (3) for detecting the tilting with respect to direction of gravity and for detecting the tilting with lower accuracy than that of the first tilt sensor and in a range wider than that of the first tilt sensor, wherein the first tilt sensor and the second tilt sensor are fixed relatively to each other, and the tilting is detected by the second tilt sensor by using a reference position and a detecting direction as detected by the first tilt sensor as reference.

Abstract: A ski pole is disclosed. The ski pole includes a ski pole shaft and a ski pole grip. The ski pole includes an inclinometer mounted to the ski pole shaft or grip, wherein the inclinometer is configured to be integral to the shaft or the grip.

Abstract: A track set and a plurality of wall mounts is disclosed herein, each of the plurality of wall mounts having: a planar member; a mount member configured to be snap fittingly engaged into the planar member; wherein the mount member is configured to releasably engage a front surface of the planar member and wherein the front surface of planar member further comprises a ledge portion that is configured to engage a bottom portion of the mount member and a feature that is configured to engage an upper portion of the mount member. The track set having a first track segment configured to engage at least one of the plurality of wall mounts and direct an object in a first direction generally down the first track segment; and a U-turn device configured to receive the object from the first track segment and redirect the object it in a direction substantially opposite to the first direction down a second track segment.

Abstract: A tool level indicator is provided. The tool level indicator has a rod sliding in a coiled wire cylinder, with one end having an enlarged helical hook that can be slid onto an actuator barrel when at a substantial right angle to the actuator, then tightens on the actuator barrel as the coil is rotated and attached to the upper actuator pin. The upper coils are spaced such that a particular set of closely wound coils indicates a first tool level at ground and a second particular set of closely wound coils indicates a second tool level at ground when the tip of the rod aligns with the second particular set of closely wound coils.

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.

Abstract: An inclination position sensor where, on a substrate on which wires are formed, plural electrodes electrically connected to the wires are disposed, a conductive ball that can simultaneously contact at least two of the plural electrodes is disposed, an enclosure that covers the plural electrodes and the conductive ball is disposed, and a circular arc is formed in places of the electrodes that contact the conductive ball.

Abstract: A leveling device having a sighting device that defines an alignment axis, an imaging system, spatially separated from the sighting device, having an imaging lens to which a lens primary plane is allocated and a detector having a recording surface lying in an image plane and an evaluation device that is connected to the detector. A visual field of the imaging system is defined by the imaging lens and the detector as the maximum angle range within which points can be registered by the imaging lens by means of the recording surface of the detector. The imaging lens and the detector are designed and arranged relative to one another and to a lens plane comprising the alignment axis such that all points of the lens plane within the visual field are simultaneously imaged in focus on the recording surface of the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an angle of inclination of a tangent to a centerline curve of a tube includes a shuttle and a clinometer rotatably fixed to the shuttle. The shuttle comprises a pair of circular end plates and a shaft that joins the end plates. A carrier is attached to the shaft and the clinometer is fixed to the carrier. The shaft is rotatable with respect to the end plates, or the carrier is rotatable with respect to the shaft. The method of determining curvature of a tube having a centerline curve comprises measuring angles of inclination of the tangent to the centerline curve at a plurality of axial locations along the tube.

Abstract: Device and method for precisely aligning at least one wire in a plane projecting from a surface on which an end of the wire is anchored. The wire in taut position is held by a fastener rigidly connected to an inclinometer capable of measuring an inclination of the wire. The inclinometer is connected to a mobile member of a structure by a joint having elements articulated with respect to each other in order to allow a relative angular displacement of the elements. The mobile member is movable with respect to the surface in order to allow a positioning of the wire in the plane according to the inclination of the wire measured by the inclinometer free to turn freely according to an axis of the wire. The device is adaptable for aligning two wires forming a precise reference plane.

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 I 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 I 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 box shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a box shaped construction.

Abstract: A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A central vial is within a topnotch formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. The frame includes an inner horizontal wall extending between the sidewalls at the notch-defining bottom edges. The central vial is supported in accurate orientation without calibration against a cental-vial reference surface formed in the inner horizontal wall parallel to the top and bottom measuring surfaces and defining a notch-bottom. An integral inner vertical wall extends between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length. A plumb-vial structure has a viewing-end region and an opposite-end region. The viewing-end region includes an elongate ramp sloping along a level-longitudinal axis toward the plumb vial with an inclination permitting vial viewing from shallow angles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the performance of displacement sensors, including inclinometers, accelerometers and linear position transducers, by reducing hysteresis.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for measuring the inclination of a roadway using highly precise digital inclinometer and a frame for holding and suspending the digital inclinometer over the width of a lane of traffic. The device and method require a single, and only a single, human operator. The device is lightweight and highly portable.

Abstract: A system of aligning a panel comprising a base shoe having two side walls and a concave base surface and a mounting pad having a substantially flat bottom surface and a convex top surface corresponding to the concave base surface of the base shoe. When the mounting pad is disposed beneath the concave base surface of the base shoe the system achieves vertical plumb. Each side wall of the base shoe may define at least one groove therein.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining angular offset and facilitating engagement between conduits, vessels, and/or other objects are disclosed. A plurality of members are provided, each member being pivotally connected to at least one adjacent member. One or more measurement devices are provided in association with adjacent members, such that the angular relationship between adjacent members can be measured. In use, the apparatus is secured to a first object, while a laser or other visual indication device is used to produce a visible indication. The members are moved relative to one another to position the visible indication on a second object. The measurement devices can then be used to determine the angular relationship between the members, thereby enabling the angular offset between the first and second objects to be determined. Using this information, the optimal route, number, and/or angles for a conduit string engaging the two objects can be calculated.

Abstract: The inclination sensor (A1) according to the present invention includes a pair of light receiving elements (4A, 4B), a light emitting element (5) for directing light to the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and a case (2) including a space (20) for accommodating a rolling member (6). The space (20) is configured to cause the rolling member (6) to be located at a pair of light shielding positions at which the rolling member overlaps the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) or a neutral position at which the rolling member does not overlap either of the light receiving elements (4A, 4B). The light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and the light emitting element (5) are mounted on a substrate (1) attached to the case (2) at a surface facing the space (20). A plurality of surface-mounting terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) are provided on a surface of the substrate (1) which is opposite from the surface on which the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and the light emitting element (5) are mounted.

Abstract: An inclination position sensor where, on a substrate on which wires are formed, plural electrodes electrically connected to the wires are disposed, a conductive ball that can simultaneously contact at least two of the plural electrodes is disposed, an enclosure that covers the plural electrodes and the conductive ball is disposed, and a circular arc is formed in places of the electrodes that contact the conductive ball.

Abstract: A method for holographic imaging an object having density and/or magnetization is described, the object being located in an examined medium using potential field data including but not limited to gravity and/or magnetic total field and/or vector and/or tensor data. The potential field sensors may measure the gravity and/or magnetic total field and/or vector and/or tensor data at least one receiving position with respect to the examined medium. At least one component of the measured potential field in at least one receiver location (potential field data) may be used as at least one artificial source of the potential field data. Artificial sources may produce a back-propagating (migration) field. An integrated sensitivity of the potential field data to density and/or magnetization perturbation may be calculated. A spatial weighting of at least one of the back-scattering (migration) fields may form a potential field holographic image.

Abstract: An inclinometer configured to be coupled to a structure and measure an angle of inclination of the structure with respect to a reference plane comprises a first layer, a second layer, and an indicator. The first layer includes a transparent portion and a scale representing angles located proximate to the transparent portion. The second layer includes an opening that defines a path. The first layer is coupled to a first side of the second layer such that the transparent portion extends along the path. The indicator is movably disposed in the path. The indicator moves along the path as the structure moves between a first orientation and a second orientation with respect to the reference plane. The indicator cooperates with the scale to indicate an angle of inclination of the structure with respect to the reference plane.

Abstract: An inclination position sensor where, on a substrate on which wires are formed, plural electrodes electrically connected to the wires are disposed, a conductive ball that can simultaneously contact at least two of the plural electrodes is disposed, an enclosure that covers the plural electrodes and the conductive ball is disposed, and a circular arc is formed in places of the electrodes that contact the conductive ball.

Abstract: To implement a detection technique in which a tumble of and a shock to on articles can be detected even with a simple and low-cost structure. An indicator according to the present invention for detecting a tumble of and a shock to an article moves away from a holding guide in a detector when the detector inclines and goes beyond a limit for inclination. The indicator includes a first part in the shape of rolling on the holding guide when the detector inclines, and a second part smaller than the first part and in the shape of not preventing the first part from rolling. The first part and the second part join together and separate when receiving a shock.

Abstract: A method of monitoring verticality of a sinking caisson having a tip. A pole is inserted into the earth to a pole depth substantially corresponding to a desired final depth of the caisson tip, one or more levels are coupled to the pole, and an elevation of the levels(s) is established. Scales are carried on an interior surface of the caisson in spaced circumferential locations and in reference to the caisson tip, and the level(s) is applied to the scales to indicate heights from the caisson tip corresponding to the circumferential locations of the scales. Tip elevations corresponding to the circumferential locations of the scales are determined by subtracting the indicated heights from the established elevation of the level(s). Any tilt of the caisson is calculated from any differences among the determined tip elevations.