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.

Abstract: A tilt sensor including a body, a plurality of metal pad pairs, and a moving element is provided. The body is suitable for tilting in a plurality of tilt directions and has a movement region having a plurality of corners. The metal pad pairs are respectively located in at least a portion of the corners. The moving element is located in the movement region. The moving element moves to one of the corners and physically contacts with the metal pad pair located in the corner when the body tilts towards one of the tilt directions, such that the metal pads of the metal pad pair are electrically connected with each other via the moving element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an inclinometer that is compact, can be easily read with a vertical or horizontal line of sight, and/or readily convey a preferred range of incline angles for an operational sluice box.

Abstract: An alignment device measures an angular offset between a vehicle body axis and a vehicle drive axis. The device includes an arm having a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle such that the arm is aligned with the vehicle body axis. A wheel support member is coupled to the arm for rotation relative to the arm. A wheel is rotatably supported by the wheel support member and configured to roll on a ground surface, such that the wheel and the wheel support member are configured to self-align with the vehicle drive axis when the arm is mounted to the vehicle and the vehicle is driven on the ground surface. An indicator displays the angular offset between the wheel support member and the arm, which is indicative of the angular offset between the vehicle body axis and the vehicle drive axis. A method of carrying out a measurement with the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A frictional pivot 100 for use in a device measuring gravitational alignment is provided. The frictional pivot 100 comprises a gravity-responsive directional means 200 for indicating a datum direction of alignment with gravity; frictional pivoting means 300, 400 for allowing the gravity-responsive means coarsely to align with gravity; vibration means 303, 403 for vibrating one or more elements of the pivoting means; and portable power means 303a for powering the vibration means 303, 403.

Abstract: The present invention provides a level having a body which has a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and a plane surface which connects the first and second ends, at least one level indicating device mounted to the body, and two end caps which are mounted onto the first and second ends, respectively. Each end cap has an outer end which is distributed by a plurality of resilient portions with small surface area for absorbing impact if the level is accidentally dropped or impacted.

Abstract: A position-determining apparatus, such as measuring or surveying instruments, is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tilt sensor for a measuring instrument including a movable housing that is controllably rotatable around a rotational axis, wherein the rotational axis may be positioned so that it deviates from a true vertical axis being parallel with a gravitational axis. In at least one embodiment, the tilt sensor includes a gravity sensitive gradient indicating element arranged such that a surface of the element is positioned orthogonally to the true vertical axis during movements of the measuring instrument, wherein the gravity sensitive gradient indicating element is arranged in connection to the non-rotating base; and a detecting device adapted to produce at least one detecting signal and to receive at least one response signal, wherein a deviation between the rotational axis and the true vertical axis is detectable using the at least one response signal.

Abstract: A level 11 is provided comprising a base 1 having a top reference edge 2 and recession 3 wherein a slidable member 8 fits within the recession 3 of the base 1 and is slidable to extend the top reference edge 2 of the base for multiple lengths. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a level 11 having attachment means to level at various angles and additional lengths.

Abstract: An inclinometer includes a base, a weight, and a magnetic field-detecting unit. The weight is provided with a magnet and is pivotally suspended from the base in such a manner that the base and the weight are rotatable relative to each other. The magnetic field-detecting unit is secured to the base for detecting a magnetic field of the magnet.

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: A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween, a topnotch defined by the walls which have notch-defining edges including non-vertical surfaces, and a vial within the topnotch. A vial-mounting structure includes a vial-holding member and a locking member movably secured with respect to the vial-holding member. The vial-holding member is configured for resting on the non-vertical notch-edge surfaces. The locking member includes frame-engaging portions which press upwardly against a frame inner surface to pull the vial-holding member downwardly against the non-vertical notch-edge surfaces, thereby securing the vial-holding member to the frame.

Abstract: An end cap feature for a level includes a frame having a gauging surface and a web which extends at an angle relative to the gauging surface. The web includes a recess adjacent to an end of the frame. The web recess opens onto the end of the web and extends inwardly therefrom. An end member includes a web-receiving such as a slot defined between a pair of side members, each of which is formed with an opening. The web recess and the end member openings are in alignment with each other when the end of the web is received within the web-receiving structure. A retainer member is positioned within the web recess when engaged within the opening of the end member, and the retainer member and web recess are configured such that engagement of the retainer member within the web recess maintains the end member in engagement with the web. Engagement of the retainer member within the opening of the end member prevents movement of the end member relative to the web.

Abstract: An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45* angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called a spirit level. A box level including an elongate body, plumb and level vials, and spaced handholds having outer edges together defining first and second parallel application planes beyond first and second face planes of the elongate body.

Abstract: A masonry guiding tool for attachment to a backing wall, comprising a base member for attachment to the backing wall and an elbowed plumb line holder. The plumb line holder comprises an elongated mounting portion defining a first axis therealong, the mounting portion being movably carried by the base member and axially movable relative thereto along the first axis which is destined to be parallel to the backing wall. The plumb line holder also comprises an elongated plumb line support portion transversally connected to the mounting portion, the elongated plumb line support portion defining and extending along a second axis transversal to the first axis, the plumb line support portion for movably holding a plumb line. The guiding tool allows the plumb line to be movable along the first axis by axially moving the mounting portion relative to the base member, and along the second axis of the plumb line support portion by moving the plumb line along the plumb line support portion.

Abstract: A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween, a topnotch defined by the walls which have notch-defining edges including non-vertical surfaces, and a vial within the topnotch. A vial-mounting structure includes a vial-holding member and a locking member movably secured with respect to the vial-holding member. The vial-holding member is configured for resting on the non-vertical notch-edge surfaces. The locking member includes frame-engaging portions which press upwardly against a frame inner surface to pull the vial-holding member downwardly against the non-vertical notch-edge surfaces, thereby securing the vial-holding member to the frame.

Abstract: A celestial navigation device. A full-featured embodiment is useful as a sundial and planisphere and for measuring, among other things, latitude, longitude, and for time to angle conversions. The device may have one or more rings and is based on a transparent circular tube having a gravity indicator, typically a ball or bubble, in the circular tube, which locates the lowest or highest point in the tube to indicate time or angle measurements against a corresponding scale. The device may have a 24-hour time scale, a calendar scale, and/or an angle scale. One embodiment includes a split analemma with separate north and south portions. Each analemma portion is used with a corresponding gnomon of a pair of gnomons, each on opposite sides of the tubular ring. A two-ring embodiment has an inner ring and outer ring rotatably slidable relative to one another. Two additional gnomons and star position marks may be provided for star sighting observations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tilt sensor comprising at least one body movable along a predefined path and an optoelectronic unit for determining the position of said body, said tilt sensor being surface-mountable. The invention is further directed to a tilt sensor assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a level having a body which has a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and a plane surface which connects the first and second ends, at least one level indicating device mounted to the body, and two end caps which are mounted onto the first and second ends, respectively. Each end cap has an outer end which is distributed by a plurality of resilient portions with small surface area for absorbing impact if the level is accidentally dropped or impacted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a level, having a body including a bottom surface for contacting a surface to be measured, at least one level indicating device mounted to the body, and a strikable device is mounted to the level. The strikable device has a top surface which is strikable by a user, and a bottom surface to contact the surface to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and a method by which the inclination of a machine element, such as a platform, may be sensed, and errors that might otherwise result from tangential and radial acceleration eliminated. The platform defines orthogonal X and Y axes, and a Z axis orthogonal to both the X and Y axes. The platform is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the Z axis. The system includes an inclinometer, mounted on the platform at a location spaced from the axis of rotation by a distance r, for providing inclinometer outputs indicating acceleration in the X and Y directions, designated as Ix and Iy, respectively. A line from the axis of rotation to the inclinometer forms an included angle B with the X axis. A rate gyro is mounted on the platform. The rate gyro senses the rotational speed w of the platform about the axis of rotation and provides a rate gyro output indicating the rotational speed w.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a new piezoelectric quartz level sensor mainly applied in the attitude stabilized and control system of the aircraft, robot, vehicle, ship, oil drilling platform, construction, industrial automation equipment, radar, and satellite, comprising a sensitive element, signal processing circuit, base, outer case and socket. The piezoelectric quartz level sensor transfers the deflection angle of the object to the force exerted on two symmetrical mounted round piezoelectric quartz wafers, and then utilizing the prominent force sensitivity of the piezoelectric quartz, the level attitude parameter of an objected can be detected through the frequency variation due to the force exerted on the two piezoelectric quartz wafers. Therefore, the present invention can satisfy the demand of high stability and resolution, low non-linear degree, quick start time, wide measuring range and operating temperature, good ability to resist shock, and digital output.

Abstract: A level having a mounting body provided with a bubble tube measuring portion disposed in a container case, the mounting body is adjusted by microrotation in relation to the container case to correct a position of the bubble tube, wherein a shaft insertion hole is provided in the container case and in the mounting body, the shaft member is disposed via the through-hole of the container case and the mounting body, whereby the mounting body can perform microrotations about the shaft member in the container case, the mounting body is provided with an elastic pressure contact portion for making elastic pressure contact with an inner surface of one side of the container case, and a tightening and pressing contact portion for making pressing contact via an adjustment screw for pressing and making contact in a sloped direction with the inner surface on an opposite side facing the container case.

Abstract: A novel and useful leveling device and more specifically a leveling device which is primarily constructed for the purpose of constructing walls. The device has three glass level components that provide the user with not only side to side leveling of the wall, but also a front to back leveling.

Abstract: A combination of components for the dynamic measurement of the grade of terrain, including a rocker arm disposed horizontally across a reference structure, a first displacement transducer positioned at the first end of the rocker arm and a second displacement transducer positioned at the second end of the rocker arm. An absolute angle measurement device is positioned on the reference structure to provide the angle of the rocker arm relative to earth horizontal.

Abstract: An example pivot plate leveler includes a first plate having one of a protrusion and a cavity and a second plate having the other of the protrusion and the cavity. The first plate is pivotable with respect to the second plate to provide a level surface. An appliance is received on the level surface. In one example, the protrusion and the cavity are spherical. The protrusion is at least partially received within the cavity to provide a pivotable connection between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A site-assembled enclosure of the present invention includes a plurality of upstanding staves arranged side-by-side and held together by top and bottom rails. The enclosure is preferably a pool including a coping extending entirely around and in releasably secured relation to the rails that fasten the upper ends of the staves together and a flexible liner and cover releasably secured to the coping. The wooden staves include opposing vertical edges interconnecting the two staves. The leveling gauge for leveling a construction area preferably includes a threaded rod, a pivot bracket rotatably mounted on the threaded rod, a board extending from the pivot bracket, and a level mounted on the board. A method of assembling an enclosure is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spirit level comprising a spirit level body (10) which is made from a spray-injected thermoplastic material with at least one recess (22) for a spirit level. In order to embody the spirit level body (10) such that it is long but without drawing said body, a reinforcing insert (32) made of fiber-reinforced plastic is injected around inside the spirit level body (10).

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.

Abstract: A method of levelling a picture and a levelling assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the method. A first step involves suspending a picture (20) from a single mounting point (40) located at an upper portion of the picture (20). A second step involves securing at least one roller (22) to a lower portion (18) of the picture (20) to facilitate self levelling radial movement about the upper mounting point (40) by force of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new piezoelectric quartz level sensor mainly applied in the attitude stabilized and control system of the aircraft, robot, vehicle, ship, oil drilling platform, construction, industrial automation equipment, radar, and satellite, comprising a sensitive element, signal processing circuit, base, outer case and socket. The piezoelectric quartz level sensor transfers the deflection angle of the object to the force exerted on two symmetrical mounted round piezoelectric quartz wafers, and then utilizing the prominent force sensitivity of the piezoelectric quartz, the level attitude parameter of an objected can be detected through the frequency variation due to the force exerted on the two piezoelectric quartz wafers. Therefore, the present invention can satisfy the demand of high stability and resolution, low non-linear degree, quick start time, wide measuring range and operating temperature, good ability to resist shock, and digital output.

Abstract: An object is to provide a very novel and highly practical level in which mass productivity is good, in which the bubble position is easily corrected, and which is advantageous in terms of cost.

Abstract: The present invention is an object hanging device, comprising an elongated body and a scale on the elongated body. The elongated body having a middle section. The scale has a zero point that is located within the middle section of the elongated body. The scale includes right measuring units to the right of the zero point and left measuring units to the left of the zero point. The right measuring units and the left measuring units increase away from the zero point.

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: An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at 45* angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called a spirit level. A box level including an elongate body, plumb and level vials, and spaced handholds having outer edges together defining first and second parallel application planes beyond first and second face planes of the elongate body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spirit level comprising a spirit level body (10) which is made from a spray-injected thermoplastic material with at least one recess (22) for a spirit level. In order to embody the spirit level body (10) such that it is long but without drawing said body, a reinforcing insert (32) made of fibre-reinforced plastic is injected around inside the spirit level body (10).

Abstract: An orientation sensing apparatus includes a rotatable first member, an orientation sensor device fixed with the first member for generating orientation data relating to an orientation sensor device orientation, and a rotation sensor device for generating rotation data relating to rotation of the first member. A method for determining an orientation includes assembling a set of sensor data including the orientation data and rotation data and processing the set of sensor data to generate a set of corrected orientation data. The set of corrected orientation data includes the orientation data which has been corrected using the rotation data to reduce the effects of rotation of the first member and misalignment of the gravity sensor device. One or more sets of corrected orientation data may be processed to determine an inclination orientation of the first member or a toolface orientation of a second member which is connected with the first member.

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 mobile device or the like having a 3-axis electronic compass is rotated, and the outputs from magnetic sensors disposed in the three axis directions are input to a first arithmetic processing unit (11) so as to obtain the magnetic data X, Y, and Z. By inputting the magnetic data X, Y, and Z to a second arithmetic processing unit (12), gains Gx and Gz can be obtained. A control unit (16) generates access codes x0 and z0 corresponding to the gains Gx and Gz. The correspondence between the access codes x0 and z0 and inclination angle (pitch angle) ? or between the gains Gx and Gz and inclination angle (pitch angle) ? is tabulated and stored in a memory unit (17). The control unit (16) accesses the memory unit (17) so as to obtain an inclination angle (pitch angle) ?0 corresponding to the access codes x0 and z0.

Abstract: The level of the invention consists of a solid, thin central web that is connected to an upper box and a lower box. The central web supports level vials. The upper box and lower box have a hollow generally polygonal shape and define an upper surface and lower surface. A surface of either or both of the upper and lower boxes are calibrated with respect to the level vials to create leveling surfaces. The level vials are enclosed in housings that secure the level vials to the web. End caps are secured to the ends of the web and the upper and lower boxes.

Abstract: An improved laser sight apparatus that is capable of identifying and impinging several different targets at varying ranges from the shooter. In the preferred embodiment, the laser sight according to the present invention includes three lasers, each of which is pre-calibrated to impinge targets within a range that is distinct from the other two lasers. In an alternative embodiment, the laser sight can utilize a single laser that is capable of an automated adjustment to identify and impinge targets at various ranges.

Abstract: A level for measuring, including a level body having a recess, a vial positioned within the recess and secured to the level body, and a resilient member positioned between the vial and the level body to act as a resilient backer to the vial during the positioning of the vial. Also, a method of installing a vial in a level, a method of measuring the angle of an elongated member having a convex, transverse cross-section, and a level for measuring having a vial assembly that is rotatably positioned within the level body.

Abstract: The level device includes a level body having a pair of orthogonal reference surfaces. A vial carrier on the level body holds the level vial such that it can be calibrated with respect to the reference surfaces by rotation about a pair of orthogonal axes, each of the orthogonal axes being perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial. Adhesive fixes the position of the level vial with respect to the vial carrier and fixing the position of the vial carrier with respect to the level body. The vial carrier includes a vial support and a pivot for engaging the level body. When the vial is calibrated, it is rotated about a first axis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial, and about a second axis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial and perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing end cap for an instrument such as a level is provided that is secured to an end of the level and has an outer portion and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the outer portion and the body of the level and is securely fastened to the outer portion. In addition, the intermediate portion provides greater resilient compressibility than the outer portion so that the end cap is better adapted to absorb impacts to the outer portion and thereby prevent damage to the level. Preferably, the outer portion has a profile matching the body profile at the end of the level and the intermediate portion forms a serrated intermediate profile to facilitate compression of the end cap. Also preferred is where the end cap includes an inner portion with less resilient compressibility than the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A water or spirit level is composed of an elongated body, preferably of metal, at least one bubble mounted in the elongated body, and end caps, preferably of plastics material, at the end faces of the elongated body, wherein at least one outer surface of the elongated body constitutes a preferred measuring surface. At least one of the end caps is releasably connected to the level body such that the end cap can optionally be removed and once again replaced.

Abstract: A level and a method of forming such a level are disclosed. The level comprises a body having a measuring surface and a recess, a vial positioned in the recess at an angular relationship to the measuring surface, and a ring member enclosing the vial within the recess, the ring member engaging the vial and the body and fastened to the body, the ring member having a beveled edge forming a funnel-shaped surface defining slope lines, the slope lines intersecting the vial, whereby the vial is protected by the level and ring member while visibility of the vial is enhanced. The method comprises providing a level with a recess and a measuring surface, positioning the vial in the recess at an angular relationship to the measuring surface, and enclosing the vial within the recess with a ring member, the ring member having beveled edges forming a funnel-shaped surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a horizontal level of a wafer chuck, including a measuring part for contacting the wafer chuck to measure a horizontal level, a mounting part on which the measuring part is mounted, and a supporting part for supporting the mounting part. The measuring part may include a center gage and a plurality of edge gages.

Abstract: A leveling tool having: a body, including a first face and an opposite second face, the first and second faces defining a thickness between them, the body defining a first side surface, a second side surface opposite said first side surface, a first end surface, and a second end surface substantially opposite said first end surface; at least one level indicator disposed within the thickness; and a clip removably attachable to each of the first and second faces.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing level is disclosed. The level comprises a body including a level face for measuring a surface, a vial mounted in the body at a predetermined angular relationship to the level face, and a first end cap fixed with respect to the first end, the first end cap comprising an outer layer and an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer fixed to the outer layer and having lower density than the outer layer, the intermediate layer positioned between the outer layer and the body, such that the first end cap absorbs impacts to the outer layer to prevent damage to the body. Also disclosed is a method of providing impact-absorption to a level in which a dual-density end cap is adhered to each end of the level.