Abstract: A level with a clip and removable end cap is provided. The end cap includes an outer member and locking member received within a clip that is affixed inside an end of the level. The locking member is inserted into the outer member pushing a moveable portion of the outer member into an engagement, such as a shearing engagement, that holds the end cap assembly in place relative to the level body. The clip includes a projection that interfaces with an aperture in the level frame.

Abstract: A portable light includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, and a locking recess between the first end and the second end. The portable light further includes a movable handle that is movable between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, the movable handle defining a grip axis that is parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The portable light further includes an actuator positioned on the movable handle, the actuator operatively coupled to a locking pin that selectively engages the locking recess.

Abstract: A portable light includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, and a locking recess between the first end and the second end. The portable light further includes a movable handle that is movable between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, the movable handle defining a grip axis that is parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The portable light further includes an actuator positioned on the movable handle, the actuator operatively coupled to a locking pin that selectively engages the locking recess.

Abstract: A tool, such as a digital level, includes displays on top and side surfaces of the level. The top surface display provides an additional visual means to communicate the orientation of the level by emitting any of several visual signals. A processor in the level determines a measured orientation of the level and sends a communication signal to the top surface display to emit a selected visual signal based on the measured orientation.

Abstract: A level, such as a digital level, with various features or embodiments, such as an ultrasonically welded lens covering a display screen, a pipe insert molded in front of a light sensor, one or more button assemblies, and cartridge assemblies that are used to secure compartments within the frame of a level.

Abstract: A tool, such as a digital level, having multiple methods of indicating the orientation of the level. One embodiment of the level includes two or more accelerometers arranged in complimenting orientations, such as 90 degrees with respect to each other. The complimenting orientation allows for more precise measurements from less expensive accelerometers compared to a level with a single more expensive accelerometer. A power supply module, and an associated control module in charge of the power supply, selectively provides power to the accelerometers and displays based in part on user input, movement of the level, and the disposition of the level.

Abstract: A method of operating a portable light including placing a base housing on a support surface, such that a plurality of legs are spaced away from the support surface and collapsed against an elongate body, grasping a portion of the portable light adjacent a light head with a first hand of a user and lifting the base housing away from the support surface, grasping the handle with a second hand of the user, depressing an actuator on the handle with the second hand, which removes a locking member from a locking recess of the elongate body to enable movement of the collar relative to the elongate body in a direction along a longitudinal axis, and sliding the collar along the elongate body away from the light head to move the plurality of legs to be obliquely angled relative to the elongate body.

Abstract: A level with a clip and removable end cap is provided. The end cap includes an outer member and locking member received within a clip that is affixed inside an end of the level. The locking member is inserted into the outer member pushing a moveable portion of the outer member into an engagement, such as a shearing engagement, that holds the end cap assembly in place relative to the level body. The clip includes a projection that interfaces with an aperture in the level frame.

Abstract: A tool, such as a digital level, having multiple methods of indicating the orientation of the level. One embodiment of the level includes two or more accelerometers arranged in complimenting orientations, such as 90 degrees with respect to each other. The complimenting orientation allows for more precise measurements from less expensive accelerometers compared to a level with a single more expensive accelerometer. A power supply module, and an associated control module in charge of the power supply, selectively provides power to the accelerometers and displays based in part on user input, movement of the level, and the disposition of the level.

Abstract: A level with a clip and removable end cap is provided. The end cap includes an outer member and locking member received within a clip that is affixed inside an end of the level. The locking member is inserted into the outer member pushing a moveable portion of the outer member into an engagement, such as a shearing engagement, that holds the end cap assembly in place relative to the level body. The clip includes a projection that interfaces with an aperture in the level frame.

Abstract: A portable light includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, and a locking recess between the first end and the second end. The portable light further includes a movable handle that is movable between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, the movable handle defining a grip axis that is parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The portable light further includes an actuator positioned on the movable handle, the actuator operatively coupled to a locking pin that selectively engages the locking recess.

Abstract: A portable light including an elongate body having a hollow frame and a longitudinal axis extending through the hollow frame, and an extension pole slidably received within the hollow frame. The extension pole is movable between an extended position, in which the extension pole is at least partially positioned out of the elongate body, and a retracted position, in which the extension pole is at least partially positioned in the elongate body. The portable light further includes a light assembly coupled to an end of the extension pole. The light assembly includes a base, a center column coupled to the base, and a plurality of light heads disposed around the center column, where each of the plurality of light heads are independently pivotable relative to the center column about a light axis that is perpendicular to and offset from the longitudinal axis. The portable light further includes a collar positioned around a portion of the elongate body and a plurality of legs pivotably coupled to the collar.

Abstract: A tool, such as a digital level, includes displays on top and side surfaces of the level. The top surface display provides an additional visual means to communicate the orientation of the level by emitting any of several visual signals. A processor in the level determines a measured orientation of the level and sends a communication signal to the top surface display to emit a selected visual signal based on the measured orientation.

Abstract: A method of operating a portable light including placing a base housing on a support surface, such that a plurality of legs are spaced away from the support surface and collapsed against an elongate body, grasping a portion of the portable light adjacent a light head with a first hand of a user and lifting the base housing away from the support surface, grasping the handle with a second hand of the user, depressing an actuator on the handle with the second hand, which removes a locking member from a locking recess of the elongate body to enable movement of the collar relative to the elongate body in a direction along a longitudinal axis, and sliding the collar along the elongate body away from the light head to move the plurality of legs to be obliquely angled relative to the elongate body.

Abstract: A tool, such as a digital level, includes displays on top and side surfaces of the level. The top surface display provides an additional visual means to communicate the orientation of the level by emitting any of several visual signals. A processor in the level determines a measured orientation of the level and sends a communication signal to the top surface display to emit a selected visual signal based on the measured orientation.

Abstract: A portable light including an elongate body having a first end and a second end, a plurality of extension poles slidably received in the elongate body, a light head pivotably coupled to an end of one of the plurality of extension poles, and a head assembly housing fixed to the first end of the elongate body. The portable light further includes a collar positioned around a portion of the elongate body, a movable handle coupled to the collar, and a plurality of legs pivotably coupled to the collar. Each leg includes a first end hingedly coupled to the collar. Each leg is also pivotally coupled to the second end of the elongate body by a leg link, wherein each leg link includes a pair of parallel members connected together by an offset portion, and wherein the offset portion extends perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of the leg link.

Abstract: A level, such as a digital level, with various features or embodiments, such as an ultrasonically welded lens covering a display screen, a pipe insert molded in front of a light sensor, one or more button assemblies, and cartridge assemblies that are used to secure compartments within the frame of a level.