Bubble Patents (Class 33/379)
-
Publication number: 20130269196Abstract: A level includes a first planar surface having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a second planar surface having a third longitudinal edge and a fourth longitudinal edge. The first longitudinal edge and the third longitudinal edge define a first side plane and the second longitudinal edge and the fourth longitudinal edge define a second side plane. A vial has a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble. A web is coupled to the first and second planar surfaces such that the first and second planar surfaces are spaced apart from and parallel to each other. The web includes a first side surface on the first plane and a second side surface. A first recess pattern is arranged to engage a first electrical component and a second recess pattern is arranged to engage a second electrical component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Wade F. Burch, Timothy Albrecht, Michael W. Phillips, Brandon Miller
-
Publication number: 20130247401Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventor: David Miller
-
Publication number: 20130192075Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.Inventor: Albert SANCHEZ
-
Publication number: 20130167388Abstract: A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A topnotch is formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. A central vial is within the topnotch. The frame includes an inner horizontal wall extending between the sidewalls at the notch-defining bottom edges. A central-vial reference surface is formed in the inner horizontal wall parallel to the top and bottom measuring surfaces and defining a notch-bottom. The central vial is supported against the central-vial reference surface in accurate orientation without calibration. The central vial is secured with respect to the inner horizontal wall by mechanical fasteners. The frame further preferably includes an integral inner vertical wall extending between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2013Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: EMPIRE LEVEL MFG. CORP.Inventor: EMPIRE LEVEL MFG. CORP.
-
Publication number: 20130167387Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and marking level and plumb is providently disclosed herein. The multi-function level includes: modular ends that allow attachment of mating levels for linear extension in one direction. The modular, or jointed, end includes a structure to hold a connector or to selectively receive a connector from another level such that that only applies a load to the jointed end and not the body of the level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Michael T Lueck, Russel T Borg
-
Publication number: 20130152414Abstract: A level for indicating the orientation of a surface includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a web coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface. A vial defines a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble. The vial is coupled to the web such that the long axis is substantially parallel to the first planar surface. A tube deburring portion is coupled to the web and includes a male conical portion arranged to deburr an inner edge of a tube and a female conical portion arranged to deburr an outer edge of the tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventor: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
-
Publication number: 20130091717Abstract: A level for indicating the orientation of a surface includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a web coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface, and a vial having a long axis and containing a liquid and a gas bubble. The level also includes a first magnet coupled to the first planar surface, a second magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the first magnet by a first distance, and a third magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the second magnet by a second distance that is different than the first distance. The first, second, and third magnets are positioned along the first planar surface successively without any additional magnets positioned therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATIONInventor: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
-
Patent number: 8375591Abstract: A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A topnotch is formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. A central vial is within the topnotch. The frame includes an inner horizontal wall extending between the sidewalls at the notch-defining bottom edges. A central-vial reference surface is formed in the inner horizontal wall parallel to the top and bottom measuring surfaces and defining a notch-bottom. The central vial is supported against the central-vial reference surface in accurate orientation without calibration. The central vial is secured with respect to the inner horizontal wall by mechanical fasteners. The frame further preferably includes an integral inner vertical wall extending between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.Inventors: John Christianson, Charles D. Kim
-
Patent number: 8327552Abstract: A device includes a vial for a spirit level. The vial has at least a first and a second region, and the second region directly adjoins the first region. A marker body is provided in the vial, and the marker body in a leveled condition of the vial is disposed in the first region. One of the at least two regions is darkened and thereby the marker body is partially visible outside the leveled condition of the vial.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Sola-Messwerkzeuge GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Scheyer, Lukas Zwing
-
Patent number: 8322106Abstract: A column-base, ground-moveable stand for stabilizing an elongate upright building-frame column, or the like, in a manner which creates and enables adjustable verticality for such a column's long axis. The stand includes (a) spaced, upper and lower, selectively openable/closeable clamping collar structures which are operable to grip the base of such a column at vertically spaced locations along the base of the column, with the collar structures, with respect to a gripped column, defining the disposition in space of the column's long axis, and (b) tilt-adjustable, load-spreading, ground-engaging, outrigger leg structures supportably joined to the collar structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
-
Patent number: 8302320Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
-
Patent number: 8291604Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.Inventors: John Christianson, Charles D. Kim
-
Patent number: 8291605Abstract: 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. An integral inner vertical wall extends between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length. The inventive level further preferably includes an external brace reinforcing a central frame portion weakened by forming the topnotch. The external brace includes first and second plate members each against one of the sidewalls about the notch-defining bottom and side edges and each substantially spanning a respective one of the sidewalls. A fastening member extending through the sidewalls and pulling the plate members toward each other to sandwich the sidewalls therebetween, thereby reinforcing a central frame portion weakened by forming the topnotch.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.Inventors: John Christianson, Charles D. Kim
-
Patent number: 8286360Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko
-
Publication number: 20120246950Abstract: A tool assembly having: a) a tool, which has a frame, and a pair of suction cups, wherein the suction cups having a cup structure, and wherein at least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame; and/or b) a rail, a hidden object detector slidably coupled to the rail and a display unit with a display member and a marking unit, wherein the marking unit is configured to form a mark on the display member in response to detection of a hidden object by the hidden object detector; and/or c) a suction cup and a device for mounting an article to the suction cup at a desired position and for indicating a position of a hanger for permanently mounting the article at the desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Allison L.A. Guyton, Stephen J. Drabant, Jon Schweiger
-
Patent number: 8266809Abstract: A spirit level includes a profile body having a recess, a vial disposed in the recess of the profile body, and an evening-out part. A step is formed between the vial and the profile body on a side face of the profile body, and the evening-out part covers the step and spans the recess of the profile body. The evening-out part is flush with the side face of the profile body, and may have a magnifier effect.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Sola-Messwerkzeuge GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Scheyer, Lukas Zwing
-
Publication number: 20120204434Abstract: In one embodiment, a tool for door installation is described herein including a top part configured to fit onto a top edge of a door using a compression fit and comprising a shim portion having a first shim thickness and a hinge side part configured to fit onto an edge of the door using a compression fit, the hinge side part comprising a shim portion having a second shim thickness. The tool further includes a strike side part configured to fit onto an edge of the door using a compression fit, the strike side part comprising a shim portion having a third shim thickness. The tool also includes a level device attached to one of the parts of the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Travis Kelley
-
Publication number: 20120192442Abstract: A universal precise leveling measuring device and measurement method thereof, comprising: a plate-shaped horizontal base, a round bubble level set at the center of an upper surface of the base, and three outriggers set on the base, wherein at least one through-hole is set at one end of each of the outriggers far from the base, and a point contact bolt set in the through-hole; the three outriggers are extended in different directions and in the same plane parallel to the base, and included angle of two adjacent outriggers is smaller than 180°. With the universal precise leveling measuring device of the present invention, the prior art manual levelness measurement of foundation flange of wind power generator carried out by using a scale and a level is modified into dynamic measurement only by using the universal precise leveling measuring device, thus increasing the measurement precision and simplifying the measurement procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: SINOVEL WIND GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: LIANJIANG SONG, Hongbing Zhu, Shuaiquan Zheng
-
Publication number: 20120186092Abstract: An orientation indicator such as an electrical outlet bubble level may be safely and removably secured to an electrical outlet with non-conductive pins. The orientation indicator includes a bubble level vial which will identify when the outlet is level, or perpendicular to level, as displayed by the bubble level vial.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventor: David Nikayin
-
Patent number: 8220171Abstract: Spirit levels including a horizontal bubble vial with improved bubble visibility for assisting user readability for leveling purposes. The improved bubble visibility is achieved by coloring a bubble's uppermost surface as perceived by a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Kapro Industries Ltd.Inventors: Rafi Ben-Josef, Shahar Harari, Yossi Palatshe, Tsvi Hershkovich
-
Publication number: 20120151785Abstract: Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Dish Network L.L.C.Inventors: David M. Lettkeman, Patrick Harold Reynolds
-
Publication number: 20120066921Abstract: A ball cavity cube vial comprising a cube made of an at least translucent material, and having a sealed ball cavity in its center, said ball cavity being incompletely filled with a liquid medium such that a bubble is left inside of said ball cavity; and markings associated with said cube, said markings being calibrated to function as reference points for said bubble.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventor: Vernon K. Wing
-
Patent number: 8109005Abstract: The dual-globe level comprises at least one indicator located on a body. The body defines front and rear faces, a pair of opposing ends, and at least one longitudinal surface. The at least one indicator comprises an inner vessel located within an outer vessel, and more preferably, a substantially spherical inner globe located within an outer globe and buoyantly supported within the outer globe. The inner globe, viewable through the outer globe and defining an equator around its outer periphery, is buoyantly biased within to maintain the equator in a substantially horizontal position. The equator is in operable registry relation with a first indicia to indicate a position of the at least one longitudinal surface of the body in relation to a surface or line in question located adjacent thereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Robert B. Hudson, Walter J. Sedlacek, Sajid Patel
-
Publication number: 20110271537Abstract: A device includes a vial for a spirit level. The vial has at least a first and a second region, and the second region directly adjoins the first region. A marker body is provided in the vial, and the marker body in a levelled condition of the vial is disposed in the first region. One of the at least two regions is darkened and thereby the marker body is partially visible outside the levelled condition of the vial.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Wolfgang SCHEYER, Lukas Zwing
-
Patent number: 8011109Abstract: A level of the type having an elongate hollow frame including two sidewalls each defining axially aligned vial openings into the frame. A vial casing is secured with respect to the frame and defines a hermetically sealed single-cavity casing interior entirely enclosing a liquid-and-bubble vial with a substantially cylindrical outer surface extending between two vial ends. The casing is formed of two opposite round face-walls and a surrounding cylindrical wall therebetween. The cylindrical wall has a pair of opposed major wall-portions of first thickness and a pair of opposed intervening wall-portions of second thickness greater than the first thickness. Each intervening wall-portion defines a recess which snugly receives a corresponding one of the vial ends.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.Inventors: John Christianson, Roger D. Stanford
-
Publication number: 20110185585Abstract: An alignment device which comprises an alignment member, and a measuring mechanism for measuring the orientation of the alignment member. The measuring mechanism is retained by the alignment member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventor: Cathal Leonard
-
Patent number: 7975393Abstract: A spirit level (1) comprises a planar base (14) for resting, in use, on a surface whose level is to be determined, and levelling means (27) comprising a vial (41) filled with sufficient liquid that an air bubble (47) is formed within the vial (41). The spirit level (1) comprises indicia (43, 45) relative to which the bubble (47) moves as the orientation of the spirit level (1) is altered so as to indicate the orientation of the spirit level. Optical means (29) is provided on the spirit level (1) to provide an image indicative of the position of the bubble (47) relative to the indicia (43, 45).Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventor: Paul Andrew Sparrow
-
Publication number: 20110162222Abstract: Spirit levels including a horizontal bubble vial with improved bubble visibility for assisting user readability for leveling purposes. The improved bubble visibility is achieved by coloring a bubble's uppermost surface as perceived by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Rafi Ben-Josef, Shahar Harari, Yossi Palatshe, Tsvi Hershkovich
-
Publication number: 20110119941Abstract: A level for indicating the orientation of each of a surface, a first electrical device, or a second electrical device, the level including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a web, and a vial. The web is coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface. The vial has a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble and is coupled to the web such that the long axis is substantially parallel to the first planar surface. A first perimeter is formed as part of the web, shaped substantially the same as a portion of the first electrical device, and sized to engage the portion of the first electrical device such that the vial is operable to indicate the orientation of the first electrical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Wade Burch, Timothy Albrecht, Michael Phillips, Brandon Miller
-
Patent number: 7946045Abstract: A level tool has a body including a vial opening, a vial positioned at least partially within the vial opening, a passageway formed in the body such that the passageway intersects the vial opening and is axially aligned with the vial, and a plug positioned within the passageway to secure the vial, the plug being pre-formed at one end thereof to generally conform to a cross-sectional profile of a wall of the body.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Swanson Tool Company, Inc.Inventor: James S. Allemand
-
Publication number: 20110113638Abstract: Spirit level with at least one vial disposed in a recess of a profile body of the spirit level, which [vial] is optionally provided with a cover, wherein between the vial or the cover and the profile body on at least one side face of the profile body a step is formed, wherein an evening-out part is provided which evens out the step between the vial, or the vial with cover, and the profile body to all bordering side faces of the profile body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Wolfgang Scheyer, Lukas Zwing
-
Patent number: 7937847Abstract: This invention, precision level device, provides the leveling of the subjects. An improved precision level device comprises a transparent body including an aperture, a cap, a lower horizontal and upper horizontal walls of the transparent body, the first vertical and second vertical walls of the transparent body, recess, fluid, graduation line(s), horizontal graduation line, vertical graduation line, diagonal graduation line(s), magnetic element, and a front wall of the transparent body.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Inventor: Armen Karapetyan
-
Publication number: 20110099823Abstract: A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A topnotch is formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. A central vial is within the topnotch. The frame includes an inner horizontal wall extending between the sidewalls at the notch-defining bottom edges. A central-vial reference surface is formed in the inner horizontal wall parallel to the top and bottom measuring surfaces and defining a notch-bottom. The central vial is supported against the central-vial reference surface in accurate orientation without calibration. The central vial is secured with respect to the inner horizontal wall by mechanical fasteners. The frame further preferably includes an integral inner vertical wall extending between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.Inventors: John Christianson, Charles D. Kim
-
Publication number: 20110099824Abstract: 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. An integral inner vertical wall extends between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length. The inventive level further preferably includes an external brace reinforcing a central frame portion weakened by forming the topnotch. The external brace includes first and second plate members each against one of the sidewalls about the notch-defining bottom and side edges and each substantially spanning a respective one of the sidewalls. A fastening member extending through the sidewalls and pulling the plate members toward each other to sandwich the sidewalls therebetween, thereby reinforcing a central frame portion weakened by forming the topnotch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: EMPIRE LEVEL MFG. CORP.Inventors: John Christianson, Charles D. Kim
-
Patent number: 7900366Abstract: A longitudinally-elongated, hand-held level includes a body having a reference surface, a longitudinally-extending corner adjacent the reference surface, and a plurality of bubble vials for indicating an orientation of the reference surface. One or more battery-powered lights (e.g., LEDs) create a longitudinally elongated light emitting region along the corner to illuminate a longitudinally-elongated area that is adjacent to the level for use in low-light environments. The light(s) may project light through a light guide and/or light diffuser(s) extending along the corner to disperse light along the longitudinal extent of the level. The light(s) may also illuminate the corner(s) of the level and/or the bubble vials to enhance use in low-light environments.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.Inventor: James Spaulding
-
Patent number: 7832112Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Empire Level Mfg. Co.Inventor: John Christianson
-
Patent number: 7827699Abstract: The present invention is directed to environmentally friendly levels. Through the use of renewable resource or environmentally friendly liquids in the transparent tubes of a level, it is possible to provide a level that will not harm the environment if the liquid escapes from the tubes as well as reduce the use of petroleum based fluids. In one embodiment, the level contains non-petroleum based hydrocarbons and a water-based solution of dissolved ionic solids. In other embodiments, the level contains non-petroleum based hydrocarbons and water-based solutions of dissolved ionic solids with increased boiling points and lowered freezing points. In other embodiments the level contains arced tubes, standard tubes and combinations of both wherein the liquid in the tubes may be the same or different.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Inventor: Matthew C. Montgomery
-
Publication number: 20100257745Abstract: A spirit level comprises a planar base that functions, with the level in a first orientation, as a first level face which rests, in use, on a surface of an item whose level is to be determined. The level is further provided with leveling means comprising first and second vials each filled with a liquid to form a bubble, the longitudinal axis of the first vial being substantially parallel to the plane of the planar base, the longitudinal axis of the second vial being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first vial. Optical means are provided to provide an image of one of the vials such that the level of the surface can be determined about two axes, with the planar base resting on the surface of the item whose level is to be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: Paul Andrew Sparrow
-
Patent number: 7805849Abstract: A device and a method that aids in the leveling of intra-vascular catheters from the transducer to the patient for medical procedures takes the form of a small housing which encloses a strong resilient filament which is dispensed therefrom. A bubble level vial is fixedly mounted thereupon the housing. The device thereby provides a means to acquire the desired leveling pressure readings of the intra-vascular catheter with minimal amount of effort by attaching one (1) end of the filament there to the patient and the opposing end to the transducer. When finished, the filament is retracted and stored.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Charles E. Baker, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7802371Abstract: A level with magnetic device relates to a measuring instrument. That level includes a case body and a bubble cell on the case body, and it is characterized in that the cross section of the bottom of the case body, being the location of the reference plane, has a profiled shape, and furthermore by this is constituted a profiled slot on the bottom of the case body, a magnet is placed inside the profiled slot on the bottom of said case body, an elastic retaining bracket is pressed on top of the magnet, and the shapes of that elastic retaining bracket and the profiled slot are complementarily matched. That level solves the problem of instability of precision of the contemporary level with magnetic device, and it is widely applicable in the level industry.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: East Precision Measuring Tools Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wu Dong Ming
-
Publication number: 20100218391Abstract: A level of the type having an elongate hollow frame including two sidewalls each defining axially aligned vial openings into the frame. A vial casing is secured with respect to the frame and defines a hermetically sealed single-cavity casing interior entirely enclosing a liquid-and-bubble vial with a substantially cylindrical outer surface extending between two vial ends. The casing is formed of two opposite round face-walls and a surrounding cylindrical wall therebetween. The cylindrical wall has a pair of opposed major wall-portions of first thickness and a pair of opposed intervening wall-portions of second thickness greater than the first thickness. Each intervening wall-portion defines a recess which snugly receives a corresponding one of the vial ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.Inventors: John Christianson, Roger D. Stanford
-
Patent number: 7784193Abstract: An airlessly sealed vial includes an interior cavity filled with at least one liquid. At least one sealing cap is provided, which seals closed an opening into the interior cavity. The vial also includes means associated with the sealing cap and/or the interior cavity for changing the volumetric liquid containing capacity of the interior cavity in accordance with volumetric changes in the liquid contained in the vial. The means may be a moveable or flexible wall at least partly defining the interior cavity and/or a compressible member included in the interior cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Sola-Messwerkzeuge GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Scheyer
-
Patent number: 7779545Abstract: The invention concerns a spirit level (10) including a base body (11), e.g., in the form of a hollow profile, as well as a bubble level vial (12), formed of a vial body (14) with enclosed cavity (16), preferably of barrel shape, the vial being secured in the base body by means of a holder (28). The cavity contains a liquid (18) with gas bubble (20) floating therein and the vial body has end face regions (32, 36) running transversely to the lengthwise axis of the cavity. In order to achieve a high contrast between the end of the bubble and the liquid, it is proposed that the vial body (14) be joined to the holder (28) by an intimate material connection in the at least one end face region (32, 36) and that the holder and/or the intimate material connection be contrast intensifying in the region of the at least one end face region.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Stabila Messgerate Gustav Ullrich GmbHInventor: Gabriel Kallabis
-
Publication number: 20100205814Abstract: A level tool has a body including a vial opening, a vial positioned at least partially within the vial opening, a passageway formed in the body such that the passageway intersects the vial opening and is axially aligned with the vial, and a plug positioned within the passageway to secure the vial, the plug being pre-formed at one end thereof to generally conform to a cross-sectional profile of a wall of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: James S. Allemand
-
Patent number: 7775899Abstract: The present invention helps golfers consistently execute the ideal golf swing. To consistently execute the ideal swing, golfers must consistently align the shafts of their clubs at the ideal angle with respect to the horizontal at setup, prior to executing the swing. The present invention helps golfers set their clubs at the ideal angle by attaching an angle indicating device to the club that indicates the angle of the club with respect to the horizontal. The preferred embodiment of the angle indicating device is a small, lightweight circular bubble level, that has angle markings around its edge, and quickly clips onto an off of the golf club. The angle indicating device is sufficiently small and lightweight that it does not affect the golfers swing. The same device may be used on different golf clubs to show the desired angle for the club in use.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Inventor: Thomas Calvin Cannon
-
Patent number: 7765706Abstract: A level has a level body made of a hollow profiled section having a bottom wall whose underside forms a measuring surface and further having a top wall and sidewalls, the sidewalls connecting the bottom wall and the top wall. The level body has a window opening for receiving a horizontal vial for horizontal measurement. A securing device for mounting the horizontal vial within the level body is provided. The securing device has a vial holder, in which the horizontal vial is secured, and at least one clamping part that is movable relative to the vial holder for clamping the securing device in the level body. In the mounted state of the securing device, the at least one clamping part is supported on an inner side of the top wall and the vial holder is pressed against an inner side of the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Sola-Messwerkzeuge GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Scheyer
-
Patent number: 7735229Abstract: A level tool comprising a body including at least one vial opening that defines a bore surface and a vial positioned at least partially within the at least one vial opening and directly supported by the body, wherein the bore surface is configured to enhance the visibility of the vial and the bore surface comprises a reflective surface finish.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: James S. Allemand
-
Patent number: 7731709Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, and a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision. The viewing element and the reference point indicator define a line of sight. The device further includes a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator is effective to indicate the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Ferrer Wilson
-
Publication number: 20100058601Abstract: A level for gauging stud orientation. The level includes an elongate frame, a level indicator secured to the frame, two support arms pivotably secured to the frame to facilitate holding of the level against the stud, and a coordinating arm pivotably secured to each of the support arms for synchronous movement of the support arms. The frame has two side-faces and at least one main reference surface extending therealong and having a mainwidth. The coordinating arm is substantially parallel to the main reference surface. Each support arm has a proximal end and extends to a free distal end to which an end member is secured. Each end member extends from a respective one of the distal ends crosswise with respect to the mainwidth and terminates in a stud-engaging portion which extends in a direction intersecting the plane of the reference surface. When the reference surface is against a stud surface the stud-engaging portions engage the opposite side of the stud for hands-free holding of the level thereagainst.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: EMPIRE LEVEL MFG. CO.Inventor: Roger A. Bohman
-
Publication number: 20090320303Abstract: A spirit level (1) comprises a planar base (14) for resting, in use, on a surface whose level is to be determined, and levelling means (27) comprising a vial (41) filled with sufficient liquid that an air bubble (47) is formed within the vial (41). The spirit level (1) comprises indicia (43, 45) relative to which the bubble (47) moves as the orientation of the spirit level (1) is altered so as to indicate the orientation of the spirit level. Optical means (29) is provided on the spirit level (1) to provide an image indicative of the position of the bubble (47) relative to the indicia (43, 45).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Paul Andrew Sparrow