Abstract: A tool, system, and method are disclosed for locating a hidden stud and identifying angles on a finished wall. The tool includes an elongated housing, at least one magnet, and at least one level. The housing has a generally planar contact surface disposed opposite a viewing surface. The at least one magnet is secured to the housing such that a magnetic field from the at least one magnet extends from the contact surface. The level is secured to the housing such that the level is viewable from the viewing surface. The at least one magnet, the level, and the housing are sized relative to each other such that a magnetic attraction between the at least one magnet and a metallic element in the wall is sufficient to maintain the tool on the wall without external support.

Abstract: Level tools and level indicating devices for determining the angle of a vertically oriented object relative to both level and plumb capable of being read without requiring the tool's user to change his or her position or the position of the level tool.

Abstract: A level having a main body with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a pair of side surfaces extending therebetween, and a full-width binding member engaged with the main body and overlying at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. The binding member includes a main binding wall and a pair of spaced apart arms extending from the main binding wall. Each side surface of the main body includes a longitudinally extending indentation extending inwardly from the side surface at a location spaced from the surface over which the binding member is positioned Each of the spaced apart arms includes an engagement member secured within one of the axially extending indentations. The level may include a pair of full-width binding members, one of which overlies the top surface of the main body and the other of which overlies the bottom surface of the main body.

Abstract: A clinometer apparatus includes a first measurement member, a second measurement member, and a coupling member. The first measurement member includes a first plate on which first angle indices are formed, and a first coupling unit that has a circumferential surface on which second angle indices are carved. The second measurement member includes a second plate, a second coupling unit that is coupled to the first coupling unit due to the coupling member, and a compass that is coupled to the second plate. The coupling member couples the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit so that the second measurement member rotates relative to the first measurement member about a rotational axis of the first coupling unit.

Abstract: A rotating construction laser includes a laser core module with a laser unit for emitting a laser beam and rotation means for rotating the laser beam around an axis of rotation defining a laser beam plane. The rotating construction laser is provided with an outer pivoting mechanism attached to the laser core module, the outer pivoting mechanism being operable to tilt the laser core module around an X-axis as a first axis of rotation and around a Y-axis as a second axis of rotation. The rotating construction laser further includes a dual grade mechanism with a first level sensor operable to indicate a rotation of the laser core module around the X-axis and a second level sensor operable to indicate a rotation of the laser core module around the Y-axis. Both level sensors can be operated mutually independent.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for tracking the geographic location. In one aspect, a method includes receiving timed magnetic field information descriptive of a magnetic field to which a magnetometer was subject, the magnetic field information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with an animal, receiving timed longitude information descriptive of a longitude position of the animal, the longitude information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with the animal, and matching the longitude information that is relevant to a first time to the magnetic field information that is relevant to the first time to determine a geographic location of the animal at the first time.

Abstract: In an azimuth/inclination-angle detection apparatus, a measurement data obtaining unit obtains first and second measurement data sets g and h from acceleration and magnetic sensors, respectively. A first computation unit calculates an azimuth ?0, an elevation angle ?0, and a geomagnetism depression angle ?0 from the measurement data sets g and h. An averaging unit accumulates and averages the geomagnetism depression angle ?0 so as to obtain a value to be used as a geomagnetism depression angle ?. A second computation unit calculates an azimuth ? and an elevation angle ? from the second measurement data set h and the geomagnetism depression angle ?. When a plurality of solutions exist, they are stored as candidates (?1, ?1) and (?2, ?2). A selection unit selects a detection value (?, ?) from the candidates (?1, ?1) and (?2, ?2) with reference to the above-described values ?0 and ?0 serving as reference values.

Abstract: There is provided a quadrilateral insulating substrate, and plural magnetic sensors are provided on the substrate. An IC is provided on the substrate for supplying driving signals to the magnetic sensors and receiving magnetic detecting signals from the magnetic sensors to output magnetic information depending on strength of magnetism. The magnetic sensors and the IC are encapsulated by an encapsulation member to integrate the substrate and magnetic sensors and IC.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for setting up a satellite dish to receive satellite signals, including television satellite signals, with precise positioning and aiming of the satellite dish, including determination of a clear line of sight, azimuth orientation, elevation angle and skew or tilt angle. The apparatus includes a line of sight mechanism removably attachable to a satellite dish.

Abstract: A compass adapted to measure direction and dip values with or without the assistance of the earth's magnetic field. A laser pointer module and a magnetic needle module are interchangeably arranged in a body having an attached reference angle plate appropriately set to measure horizontal and vertical angles. The compass is especially useful in underground mines or other locations having magnetic anomalies where conventional magnetic compasses are rendered useless. Both embodiments are capable of taking readings when the compass is set in an upright or upside-down position.

Abstract: A hybrid three-axis magnetic sensor for calculating the accurate direction of the earth magnetism. The hybrid three-axis magnetic sensor includes: a flux gate type magnetic sensor which is so formed that a base serves as a main member and detects two axis components of a magnetic vector defined by a plane parallel to the base; a Hall element which detects another component of the magnetic vector orthogonal to the base; a tilt sensor which detects a tilt angle of the base; and a CPU, wherein the flux gate type magnetic sensor and the Hall element are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC. The thus detected three dimensional magnetic vector is corrected in the light of inclination of the base, so that the direction of the earth magnetism is accurately calculated.

Abstract: A device for determining the suitability of a communications satellite antenna reception device site has a bubble level and inclinometer for orienting the device vertically and horizontally. The device also carries a magnetic compass and an azimuth dial for establishing orientation relative to magnetic North and True North. The device also carries a declination slider and an inclinometer for establishing celestial declination of a satellite spacecraft. A viewing lens is used to observe obstructions, or the lack thereof, along the line of site between the antenna reception device and the satellite spacecraft.

Abstract: A transport for measuring strikes and dips. The transport includes a locking mechanism for locking the needle assembly n place. The needle assembly can be momentarily released to allow a measurement to be made, and then locked to allow the measurement to be viewed. The transport also includes external levels to allow a user to level the transit while viewing from the sides or underside. Another unique feature includes clinometer dials incorporated on the hinge between the cover and transit body.

Abstract: An articulate laser degree finder tool and attachments for use in establishing a precise level line ranging from the horizontal to a vertical position in degrees for use in the construction industry.

Abstract: A laser equipped level assembly is provided including a linear member and a laser mounted on the linear member for emitting a beam of light therefrom. Also included is a pendulum for allowing the emission of the beam of light only when the linear member is level.

Abstract: A laser scanner 50 includes a laser 76 affixed to a pendulum 66 with a damper 80 for damping the movement of the pendulum 66. The laser scanner 50 is controllable through a remote control 62 for positioning the laser beam as desired. Both horizontal and vertical laser beams can be projected in order to orient the laser scanner 50 with respect to gravity and simultaneously elevation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a compact self-leveling construction laser for the purpose of allowing the user to remotely call or page the measurement beam to his location using a retroreflector. The apparatus uses an auxiliary plumb beam provided by the construction laser for scanning the job site in search of the cooperative reflector. The invention consists of a construction laser, motor driven turntable assembly to which the construction laser is attached and a cooperative reflector carried by the operator.

Abstract: A combination level has a rectangular housing and liquid-filled vials each having an entrained gas bubble to indicate horizontal level and vertical plumb at a local location. A scope element is incorporated within the housing and utilized to ascertain level at a remote location. A lens system within the scope element allows the user to focus the image and cooperates with the horizontally disposed vial to indicate level at a distance. Alternatively, a sighting bead is incorporated into a sighting groove on the top of the housing to viewably align an object at a distance. A flip-out mirror assembly associated with a horizontally disposed vial allows the user to evaluate the horizontal level at a remote location through cooperation with the sighting bead. A recess with fixed bearings allows the housing to be mounted on a makeshift stand.

Abstract: A level includes a compass member fixedly mounted within the level, the level having spirit levels positioned on opposed sides of the compass, and the compass having a rotatable ring arranged to provide for angular deflection relative to a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus which can be carried to a field sight to locate current and future positions of geosynchronous satellites orbiting the equator in the Clark Belt Altitude. The apparatus corrects the error in viewing angle by providing corrections in longitude and latitude deviations caused by the location of the antenna. The apparatus will provide the user a means of accurately locating a satellite with regard to existing terrain and the obstacles which would interfere with signals between the ground position and the satellite.

Abstract: The instrument comprises a sphere mounted in a holder between two rings, so that the sphere is held in specific spatial relationship to holes in the holder which define a line of sight of the instrument. A flat cylindrical assembly comprising a bubble level and a compass is mounted on the sphere with the center of the assembly at a point which represents the point on the earth's surface intersected by a line from the earth's center to the geostationary satellite served by the instrument. The assembly touches and moves between the rings. A mark on this assembly points in the direction of a point on the sphere which represents true North relative to the center of the assembly. A map of the area served by the satellite is marked on the sphere. A scale marked in degrees and having a base point is mounted between the rings with its centerline parallel to the rings. The map is marked with points representing major locations at which antennas may be located.

Abstract: A three-dimensional homologous surveying instrument includes a base with a spherical cover mounted thereon for receiving therein a shell holder, an intermediate spherical shell and an inner spherical shell with respective zero references set in a homologous relationship with each other. The inner spherical shell rotates within the intermediate spherical shell on a first axis serving as a dynamic X-axis. The intermediate spherical shell rotates in the shell holder on a second axis perpendicularly intersecting the first axis and thus serves as a dynamic Y-axis. The cover is positioned in the base to serve as the Z-axis. Longitudinal and latitudinal scaling on the cover matches longitudinal and latitudinal scaling on the intermediate and inner shells, resulting in a three-dimensional, completely homologous surveying instrument.

Abstract: A device to locate the position of a communication satellite with respect to a specific site on the earth's surface including a transparent screen having markings to indicate the positions of one or more satellites for that site with respect to a horizontal platform and a north orientation, a table including an arcuate means to mount the screen, a wide-angle viewer fixed to the table with its axis perpendicular to the tangent of the arcuate means at its south position, a compass fixed to the table oriented with north-south parallel to the axis of the wide-angle viewer and a level to indicate when the tabletop is horizontal.

Abstract: A device for determining the annual solar exposure of a site which includes a wide angle viewer and a transparent screen having the paths of the sun at various times of year drawn on it, and with the viewer and screen fixed with respect to each other so that when one looks from north toward south through the viewer the paths of the sun at various times of the year are superimposed on the site being investigated.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed herein for evaluating solar exposure at various points in any one of a number of given geographic locations for any given period during the year in order to determine the most efficient location for a solar collector. This technique may be carried out utilizing a single apparatus which is also disclosed herein and which includes a solar pointing device and the necessary indicia to appropriately orient the pointing device with respect to its environment at the various points selected. Once the pointing device is oriented, it is moved in a solar pointing position in an way which determines the path of the sun between sunrise and sunset for each point. From these paths, the amount of actual solar exposure at each of the points selected can be determined taking into account any resulting obstructions such as trees, rooflines or the like.

Abstract: An insolation survey device for determining the exposure of a reference point to a cyclically varying radiation source. The device employs a base member for horizontally supporting a display sheet premarked with a grid calibrated in units corresponding to the measurement being taken. A transparent reflective member is supported by the base member over the display sheet so that a reflected view of the surrounding appurtenances and the view of the display sheet, through the transparent dome, form one composite picture. In the composite picture so formed, the period or periods, if any, within the radiation cycle that the reference point will be exposed to said radiation appear as unobstructed sky superimposed onto the premarked grid. A compass is provided to directionally align the device and means are provided for orienting the base member in a true horizontal plane.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a device for locating celestial bodies by reference to Right Ascension and Declination, and the device is intended to locate using either, R. A. with Declination, or Azimuth with Altitude, or both. However, the use of R. A. and Declination is its primary asset due to the accuracy of its use. The device includes a support platform with orientation indicators, and a pivotal inclined platform is positioned a right ascension-azimuth dial and a right ascension indicator-declination scale piece, both joined about a common axis for rotation. The right ascension indicator-declination scale piece has a support arm disposed thereon for support of a telescope which serves as a viewing means for the celestial body which is located. The device is simply configurated, extremely accurate, and highly effective for use by astronomers generally.

Abstract: Angular displacements are measured relative to either an external magnetic field as in a compass or relative to a vertical reference as in inclinometers or the like by selective orientation of the device. A bistable weight balancing apparatus and a dual bearing support arrangement cooperate to provide two discrete balancing positions. Horizontal positioning of the device results in relatively even weight distribution around a needle bearing support which permits alignment with the polar line of an external magnetic field. Vertical orientation of the device permits an offset redistribution of the weight in the bistable balance to define a vertical reference. Digitally coded apparatus such as a disc permits circuitry to detect instantaneous orientation of the frame relative to a magnetic field or vertical reference. Circuitry logically cooperates with data read from specially coded tracks to insure accurate strobing of the output data free of ambiguities.

Abstract: A hybrid three-axis magnetic sensor for calculating the accurate direction of the earth magnetism. The hybrid three-axis magnetic sensor includes: a flux gate type magnetic sensor which is so formed that a base serves as a main member and detects two axis components of a magnetic vector defined by a plane parallel to the base; a Hall element which detects another component of the magnetic vector orthogonal to the base; a tilt sensor which detects a tilt angle of the base; and a CPU, wherein the flux gate type magnetic sensor and the Hall element are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC. The thus detected three dimensional magnetic vector is corrected in the light of inclination of the base, so that the direction of the earth magnetism is accurately calculated.