Abstract: A trim position indicator for outboard motors or the like for determining the tilt or angularity of the propeller with respect to a parallel position to the water level. The indicator is attached to the motor shroud to give an indication of the angle between the axis of the motor propeller and the water surface. When the motor is tilted, e.g. as the boat comes up to planing speed, the trim position indicator indicates the angular degree of tilt by means of a float therein which no longer is centered between two indicator markings. Consequently, appropriate trimming measures may be taken so that maximum propulsion is restored. The sensing member may be in the form of an air or light gas filled spherical float which, due to the higher specific gravity of the liquid surrounding it, seeks the highest point within the arc shaped level. Methods of mounting the trim position indicator on outboard boat motors both with and without hydrofoil stabilizers are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting a level plane includes a spirit level having a parallelepiped shaped housing with a measuring base and a leveling plate with an upper plate surface on which the base of the housing of the level is disposed. The upper plate of the leveling plate may be tilt orientation adjusted with respect to a lower plate that is spaced away from the upper plate by adjustment screws between the upper and lower plates. The upper plate includes a ferromagnetic material and a pivot pin projecting up from it. The spirit level housing has a hole in which the pivot pin is disposed enabling the housing to be pivoted around the surface of upper plate. A retaining magnet in the housing in the region of the measuring base holds the housing to the upper plate. Alternatively, the spirit level housing has the ferromagnetic material while the magnet is in the upper plate. Alternatively, also, the housing includes the pin while the hole is in the upper plate.

Abstract: A level tool with laser light alignment capabilities including a straight rigid first rail having a leveling vial coupled thereto; a laser light source coupled to the first rail and with the laser light source transmitting a laser beam that is longitudinally aligned with the first rail to a remote location for use in alignment operations; and an electrical power supply coupled to the first rail for providing electrical energy to the laser light source for operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible leveling device for use on curved surfaces. The flexible leveling device comprises an elongated rectangular body having a longitudinal axis and being capable of at least 360.degree. flexion about its longitudinal axis. A first spirit level is operatively connected to the elongated body. A holder preferably secures the spirit level to the elongated rectangular body, allowing the spirit level to remain substantially in position during flexion of the elongated body. The holder preferably comprises a first portion operatively connected to the rectangular body, with the spirit level operatively connected to the second portion of the holder. The elongated rectangular body preferably further comprises a first projection located near the first terminal edge, and a second projection located near the second terminal edge. The projections facilitate placement of the flexible leveling device.

Abstract: A device for leveling and squaring which includes a level body having a spirit vial or electronic inclinometer, wherein a battery powered laser module assembly is rotatably mounted in one end of the level body for emitting a visible laser beam therefrom. The level body contains a transparent window which allows the laser beam to exit therefrom. Further, the level body has a groove parallel the longitudinal axis thereof to provide a horizontal (0.degree.) reference line. Wherefore, the laser beam establishes a precise line, which is variably adjustable from horizontal (0.degree.) to 90.degree. thereto, for alignment and squaring uses. Magnetic strips are used for attaching the level body to ferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: An inference device for discriminating an earthquake includes an ON/OFF signal generating means for generating an ON/OFF signal corresponding to an oscillatory wave, a characteristic parameter extracting means for extracting at least one of three characteristic parameters consisting of an ON period, an ON time sum total and a maximum ON time value based on the generated ON/OFF signal, and an inference means for inferring for each ON period based on the extracted characteristic parameter whether or not an earthquake happens.

Abstract: An inclinometer which is compatible for use with night vision equipment on aircraft and other vehicles. The inclinometer includes a white zirconia sphere movable within a damping liquid of a liquid capsule.

Abstract: An inclinometer device containing a magnet surrounded at each pole by a thin, discrete band of ferrofluid; these bands are retained against the magnet by its own magnetic field, and suffice to suspend the magnet within a nonmagnetic housing that may be open or closed to the atmosphere. In a first embodiment, a Hall element senses the axial position of the magnet, and a pair of inductor coils, positioned on opposite sides of the neutral point and configured to generate opposing magnetic fields, counteract the magnet's movement and restore it to the neutral position upon application of an appropriate electric current. The magnitude and direction of this restorative current indicate the extent and orientation of the tilt. In a second embodiment, the axial position of the magnet is sensed by a pair of split capacitors disposed on the housing and spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A base with a referenced concave surface and a movable indicator form a putting aid which indicates direction and amount of slope on a golf green. Diametrically opposed sighting rods provide convenient and accurate visual alignment while the putting aid is situated down upon the golf green. Arrowheaded linear, transverse linear and concentric circular indicia located upon the concave surface serve as reference markings. A first method of operation includes facilitating the training of a golfer to putt a golf ball into a golf hole by aligning the putting aid between the golf ball and the golf hole such that the sighting rods and arrow indicium are aligned with an imaginary direct line between the golf club and the golf hole.

Abstract: A simply-constructed miniature level device in which a small ball bearing, a visual indicator of a level condition of the device, is maintained between two races, that is, arcuate slots formed in opposing panels which are spaced-apart by opposing leg portions extending between the panels. A sleeve member disposed between the panels allows for the level to be supplied with a key-chain or key ring.

Abstract: A two-axis tilt sensor, or inclinometer (10), uses a spherical reference element (18) floating in an inert fluid (20) and including a magnet (42) to produce an asymmetrical weight distribution. The asymmetrical weight distribution maintains the spherical reference element at a constant orientation with respect to gravity, while the position of the magnet on the spherical reference element with respect to a housing (12) is detected by opposing pairs of Hall effect sensors (22) mounted on the housing. The outputs from opposing pairs of sensors are processed by differential amplifier circuits (80) to determine signals corresponding to the tilt of the inclinometer about the axes.

Abstract: An inclinometer is disposed on a wheeled cycle for indicating the inclination of the wheeled cycle and includes a housing, a panel fixed on the housing, a slot longitudinally formed in the panel, a graduation printed beside the slot, a shaft rotatably supported in the housing, a tube rotatably engaged on the shaft, a weight secured to a bottom portion of the tube, and a pointer extended upward from the tube and movable along the slot of the panel. The pointer moves relative to the graduation when the housing rotates relative to the shaft in order to indicate the inclination of the wheeled cycle.

Abstract: An electronic inclination sensor device (level) has a display which unambiguously shows the user, when the device is not level or plumb, in which direction the user should rotate the device to achieve level or plumb, by means of an LCD display showing alternatively, three icons: one icon for level/plumb, a second icon for clockwise rotation, and a third icon for counter-clockwise rotation. The icons are displayed automatically in response to the level's sensor selection logic.

Abstract: The article of which the verticality is critical, for example a distillation column disposed in a closed envelope, is associated with an indicator of verticality comprising a suspended mass and a locating ring. The envelope, which contains the various inner articles, is placed on a base by means of supports and its inclination with respect to the base is adjusted by controlling the relative position of the mass with respect to the ring. Application for example to cold boxes for the in situ production of gas from air.

Abstract: An all-purpose level in the form of a box that contains a ball rolling on an upwardly concave surface that is a figure of revolution about a vertical axis. The box rests on a member which will be horizontal when the level is in engagement with a truly vertical or horizontal surface. For this purpose, the member is disposed at a right angle to a plate which is hingedly connected to another plate about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the member. The member is selectively lockable in that perpendicular relationship; but when released, the member folds against the first-mentioned plate and the device thus folds about two hinges at right angles to each other, thereby to provide a configuration in which the level can rest on a generally horizontal surface to indicate true horizontal orientation thereof.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the present invention provides a level with a ball rolling on inclined surfaces, the level comprising a window through which the ball can be observed. Reference marks are positioned on the window so as to indicate the horizontal and/or vertical positions of a reference line visible through the window. The level has two spaced transparent lenses or glasses between which the rolling ball is disposed. These can be flat or convex; and if convex, a centrally located reference mark can be provided which indicates the inclination of a surface on which the level rests on its side, that is, with the line of sight through the lenses disposed vertically. This same reference mark, when the lenses are not convex but rather flat, can serve as a target mark for helping to aim the level.

Abstract: A stud finder includes a magnetic subassembly for detecting the presence of a ferrous metal object, such as the head of a nail or screw, in a wall, with the magnetic subassembly being mounted at one end of a base member. A level vial is mounted at the other end of the base member, and a slot is formed in the base member between the magnetic subassembly and the level vial. When the base member is placed against a wall and the presence of a stud is detected by the magnetic subassembly, the base member is moved to a position in which the level vial indicates level. The slot has its longitudinal axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the level vial, so that the user can place a vertical mark on the wall through the slot. The slot is oriented so as to be in vertical alignment with the nail or screw head, when the base member is moved such that the magnetic subassembly is directly over the nail or screw head.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the deviation of an underground storage tank from level which is conveniently referred to as a tank inclinometer. The apparatus, or inclinometer, includes an elongate member having a feeler bar mounted to the end thereof which is aligned with the elongate members for insertion through the restricted opening of the fill neck of an underground storage tank and then pivoted to a position such that, when the elongate members are pulled upwardly, the feeler bar contacts the inside top surface of the underground storage tank. Deviations of the top surface of the tank from level are sensed and an output provided by which the deviation is observed by the operator.

Abstract: A device (10) for facilitating use of the shaft (28) of a golf club (30) for plumbing is disclosed. The device comprises two concentric members (12, 16), one freely movable inside the other, with the inner member (16) seated about the shaft (28) of the club (30). Plumbing is achieved by gripping the outer member (12) between two or more fingers, whereupon the free movement of the inner member (16) relative to the outer member (12) permits the club (30) to assume a truly vertical orientation with the head (44) of the club (30) serving as a plumb weight. The shaft (28) may then be used to judge the relief of the putting surface in the usual manner, but with the assurance that the club (30) is in a true vertical orientation.

Abstract: This invention pertains to method and apparatus for accurate control of the cutting depth and grade for mobile excavating system excavators having a continuous bucket excavating system mounted at the leading end of a structural main frame. Such excavators have a rubber tire or crawler track undercarriage and dig while advancing on the freshly cut grade.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp provided with a leveling gauge for determining whether or not the angle of irradiation of the light beam emitted by the headlamp is properly oriented in upward and downward directions which permits easy adjustment of the angle of irradiation of the headlamp beam. In the case of a movable reflector type headlamp, the headlamp is provided with a leveling gauge for measuring the amount of inclination of the irradiating angle of the headlamp in the upward and downward directions having a casing mounted on the upper wall area of the reflector in the front part of the headlamp unit in such a manner as to permit observation thereof through the exterior wall of the headlamp lens.

Abstract: A transparent shape retentive and flexibly resilient tubular member is supported from a farm tractor in an upstanding plane disposed transverse to the tractor and is vertically bowed. The interior of the tubular member includes gravity responsive indicator structure disposed therein and movable therealong to a longitudinal center position within said tubular member responsive to gravity forces when the vehicle is laterally horizontally disposed and movable, proportionally along the tubular member from a central position therein toward opposite ends of the tubular member responsive to lateral tilting of the tractor in opposite directions and structure is provided to adjustably vary the radius of curvature of the arcuate tubular member.

Abstract: A tilt indicator includes a plurality of compartments with one or more compartments having an indicator inside. An exit from each compartment permits one or more indicators to leave. As the degree of tilt increases, the absence of an indicator in one or more compartments will indicate the degree of tilt.

Abstract: The automotive headlamp unit having a lamp housing formed integrally with a front lens and in which a reflector and a lamp bulb as a light source are provided is provided with an aiming adjustment device including pivot mechanisms to tilt the lamp housing about horizontal and vertical axis, respectively, in relation to the body of a car, and also the lamp housing has provided therein an aiming adjustment aid composed of a level vial supported tiltably in the vertical plane parallel to the optical axis of the reflector and a manual operating member to adjust the tilt angle of the level vial.

Abstract: An inclination sensor is contemplated which includes case means having a cavity formed in the interior thereof, with this cavity having a longitudinal slope which is generally V-shaped in longitudinal profile, downwardly concave, and having a downwardly facing apex. A movable member is movable longitudinally along the slope within said cavity. A detecting means is operable to detect the inclination of a mounting body to which said case means is attached, in response to longitudinal movement of the movable member along the longitudinal generally V-shaped slope. A restricting means is provided by the apex and is operable to impede movement of the movable member out of the apex only until the case means undergoes a predetermined, longitudinal tilting movement.

Abstract: An adjustable guide assembly for use by a stone mason in constructing a brick wall so that the bricks thereof are uniformly spaced forwardly from a preexisting subwall. The guide assembly includes an elongated guide member having a longitudinally extending substantially straight guide face thereon, an elongated spacer element and a clamp for securing the spacer element to the guide member so that it extends outwardly from the guide face by a predetermined gauge distance. After an initial or bottom row of bricks has been laid so that the front surfaces of the bricks therein are spaced forwardly from a subwall by the gauge distance, the guide assembly can be utilized by positioning it so that the guide member is in a substantially vertical disposition with the guide face in engagement with the front surfaces of the bricks in the bottom row and so that the terminal end of the spacer element is in engagement with subwall.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring a vehicle wheel alignment characteristic, such as camber, includes a transducer mountable with respect to a vehicle wheel. The transducer has a movable arm repetitively driven along its path of travel to and away from a first predetermined position. Its presence is sensed only at the first predetermined position, the alignment characteristic of the wheel being a function of the time the arm is present there. The transducer generates a digital signal having a duty cycle characteristic of the value of the alignment characteristic being measured. The amount of time the digital signal is in a first state is digitally recorded, as is the amount of time the digital signal is in the opposite state. The value of the alignment characteristic is digitally determined as a function of the two digitally recorded times.

Abstract: The invention provides an instrument responsive to acceleration forces. In the preferred embodiment, a body of magnetic material is positioned in a cavity such that it moves to a central position in response to a magnetic field and moves along a preselected path in response to acceleration forces. Means is included permitting the position of the body of magnetic material to be determined. The position of the body of magnetic material relative to the structure of the instrument is an indication of the acceleration force applied to the instrument.

Abstract: A temperature stable apparatus for mounting an arcuate glass enclosed electrolytic bubble gravity sensor utilizes epoxy cement having a low temperature coefficient of expansion for bonding an end face of a post having a temperature coefficient of expansion equal to that of glass to the center of the glass enclosure of the sensor, and the other end of the post to the center of a rectangular aluminum plate, such that the longitudinal axis of the post is orthogonal to the plate and the plane of the arcuate axis of the enclosure, and such that a chord connecting the ends of the arcuate axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate.

Abstract: A level characterized wherein two guide frames are arranged within a base member one above the other so that they cross each other at right angles. The guide frames are provided with internal rolling-contact surfaces each shaped as an upward-curving circular arc, respectively, the lowest parts of the rolling-contact surfaces being positioned at the point at which the guide frames cross, and the interiors thereof being visible through top surfaces thereof. Balls are contained rotatably in the two guide frames, respectively. The ball in the upper guide frame is formed so as to have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the ball in the lower guide frame.

Abstract: A syringe and injection needle assembly with a gravity-responsive inclinometer for indicating the angle of inclination of the needle relative to a patient's skin. A plastic coupling tube for insertion between the syringe and needle of a conventional syringe and injection needle assembly and having means for mounting the inclinometer. The coupling tube may have an auxiliary inlet for receiving a second syringe, in which case a three-way valve is incorporated in the coupling tube for selectively providing fluid flow communication between the two syringes and the injection needle. The coupling tube may also be used without the inclinometer for the purpose of providing means for coupling a second syringe to the injection needle.

Abstract: A tilt detector for accompanying goods to be transported to determine when the goods have been transported in a recommended position without being inclined at an angle greater than a pre-determined angle characterized by a first fluid of a first density, a second fluid of a second density, a horseshoe shaped baffle with a trapping end in the form of an inner apex for trapping the second mass under the force of gravity when in a vertical position with its opening end in the opposite direction such that at least a part of the second mass is freed to move out of the baffle when it is tilted beyond a pre-determined angle of tilt; the degree of the sides of the baffle being related to the pre-determined angle of tilt, and a thin container having at least a transparent window for viewing at least the trapping end of the horseshoe shaped baffle for ascertaining if the second mass has been freed such that the tilt detector can be affixed to goods, containers and the like to tell if they have been tilted too much.

Abstract: An inclinometer test assembly comprising a horizontal base plate, a vertical column mounted on the base plate, a support arm pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the column, the arm having a longitudinally extending recess for receiving the cylindrical body of an inclinometer therein for the purpose of testing the inclinometer, a finger-like clip securing the inclinometer body within the recess, a three-point adjustment for the leveling of the base plate, a pointer plate and a degree plate mounted on the arm and column, respectively, for the positioning of the arm at a predetermined angle relative to the true vertical in order to test the inclinometer.

Abstract: A device for setting the direction and/or inclination of an elongated rock drilling apparatus. The actual value of the direction in each of two perpendicular planes is sensed by a rotatable screen having a pattern of parallel opaque lines separated by interspaces. Corresponding set values are set by prepositioning a carrying member on which a second screen is mounted which also has a pattern of lines and interspaces. The elongated rock drilling apparatus and the carrying member are moved in common until the line patterns on the screens form a desired moire pattern.

Abstract: For use in a gravity meter, an improved gravity sensor is disclosed which, in the preferred and illustrated embodiment, balances on an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the vertical component of gravity, thereby enabling the arm on the apparatus to respond to horizontally resolved components of gravity.

Abstract: An inclinometer (I) for attachment to a radiographic film cassette (C) for indicating on radiographic film in the cassette the angular orientation of the film during exposure. A cylindrical body (10) defines therein an array of cylindrical passages (12) having axes each orthogonal to the body cylinder axis. Each passage axis has a rotational orientation about the body axis which differs by approximately 10 degrees from that of its respective neighbors. A radiopaque spherical indicator element (14) is disposed within each respective column for gravity responsive movement as a function of angular orientation of the body structure. Clamping means (20, 22) holds the body structure superimposed over a portion of radiographic film to be exposed. The relative positions of the indicator elements within their respective passages appears on the exposed film, indicating the angular disposition of the film during exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aiming instrument for a small arms weapon comprising an arrangement for directional aiming and an arrangement for vertical aiming, wherein the directional and vertical arrangements are integral and a fixing device is provided to connect them detachably to the barrel of the weapon; the directional aiming arrangement includes an alidade; and the vertical aiming arrangement comprises at least one partially transparent chamber containing at least one movable mass which is displaced opposite a scale.

Abstract: A normal pendulum is coupled to an inverted pendulum to provide a composite conjugate pendulum having an effective length much longer than the actual physical lengths. The motion of the pendulum is sensed by a capacitive transducer and pivot friction is minimized by a two-bar two-strap suspension system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluidic clinometer for automatically operating servomechanisms according to the angular displacements of a structure on which the inclinometer is fixedly mounted for integral movement therewith.

Abstract: A tilt detector for accompanying goods to be transported to determine when the goods have been transported in a recommended position without being inclined at an angle greater than a pre-determined angle characterized by a first fluid of a first density, a second fluid of a second density, a horseshow shaped baffle with a trapping end in the form of an inner apex for trapping the second mass under the force of gravity when in a vertical position with its opening end in the opposite direction such that at least a part of the second mass is freed to move out of the baffle when it is tilted beyond a pre-determined angle of tilt; the degree of the sides of the baffle being related to the pre-determined angle of tilt, and a thin container having at least a transparent window for viewing at least the trapping end of the horseshoe shaped baffle for ascertaining if the second mass has been freed such that the tilt detector can be affixed to goods, containers and the like to tell if they have been tilted too much.