Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable length tool is provided herein. The clamping mechanism includes a body having a top end, a bottom end opposite the top end, and a top portion proximate the top end; and, a lever rotatably coupled to the body between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the lever engages with the body during a movement of the lever to the locked position to cause a deformation of the top portion of the body. According to one embodiment, deformation of the top portion of the body is structured to prevent relative movement between an inner pole of the adjustable length tool and the top portion of the body.

Abstract: A non-cylindrically surfaced lens converts a collimated light beam into a light plane that increases a light intensity toward distal portions of the light plane's arc so as to substantially uniformly project a reference light line onto a reference surface onto which the light plane is projected. The non-cylindrically surfaced lens has first and second surfaces that remain constant over at least a portion of the z direction length of the lens. The second surface defines a multiple-radius curve in an x,y plane. The lens may be incorporated into a self-leveled optical device that projects a reference light line onto a reference surface at a predetermined angle relative to horizontal.

Abstract: A non-cylindrically surfaced lens converts a collimated light beam into a light plane that increases a light intensity toward distal portions of the light plane's arc so as to substantially uniformly project a reference light line onto a reference surface onto which the light plane is projected. The non-cylindrically surfaced lens has first and second surfaces that remain constant over at least a portion of the z direction length of the lens. The second surface defines a multiple-radius curve in an x,y plane. The lens may be incorporated into a self-leveled optical device that projects a reference light line onto a reference surface at a predetermined angle relative to horizontal.