Abstract: The present invention discloses a sleeve for sleeving on an object, which includes: a first body portion, a second body portion, and a first groove. The first body portion has a first reception portion, and the first reception portion has a first notch, and the first notch is provided with a first fastening member. The second body portion is coupled to the first body portion. One end of the first groove is disposed at an adjacent position between the first notch and the second body portion, and the other end of the first groove extends to an appropriate position along an outer edge of a connection between the first body portion and the second body portion. The first groove is separated from the first reception portion by a first thin wall. One end of the object penetrates through the first reception portion, and the first notch is pressed by the first fastening member so that the first groove is broken along the first thin wall to form a first broken opening.

Abstract: A camera pole for elevating and controlling a camera. A pole having a base section and a least one telescoping section which extends from the base section. Where a final telescoping section is a top section that is highest and the base section is closest to ground level. A stand to receive the pole and support the pole. A camera control assembly comprising an upper pulley rotatably attached to the top section of the pole; a lower pulley rotatably attached to the pole near the base section; a cable about the upper pulley and the lower pulley; an adjustable section as part of the cable, where the length of the cable can adjusted using the adjustable section; and a handle attached to the lower pulley to rotate the lower pulley, thereby rotating the upper pulley. A camera mount for holding a camera, the camera mount attached to the lower pulley.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a collapsible system for depressing a button on a device, such as a smoke detector, that is out of reach. The system may include a generally cylindrically-shaped handle having an inner portion and a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of extendable segments configured to telescope outwardly from the inner portion of the handle through the distal end of the handle, the plurality of extendable segments including a distal-most segment, and a tip rotatably attached to the distal-most segment of the plurality of extendable segments. The tip may have a concave portion configured to accommodate at least a portion of the device button when in contact with the device button.

Abstract: A measuring staff (10) has a upper section (11) including a first elongated member (12) which can carry in a fixed position therealong a laser detector of a laser leveling system or a sighting marker of an optical measuring system, and a second elongated member (13) telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the first member (12), a graduated scale (18) on the first member (13) and a pointer (17) on the second member which indicates the extension or retraction of the second member (13) relative to the first member (12), a spring (20) for urging the second member (13) outwardly from the first member (11), the second member (13) being selectively lockable to the first member, and an extension section (14,15) at the lower end of the upper section and extendable therefrom.

Abstract: A laser readable surveying rod is provided with adjustable lighting elements. More specifically, lighting elements, such as LED lights are provided along a length of a surveying rod such that laser readings may be taken at night or in dark conditions. Lighting elements may be translated along a length of a rod, particularly where it is desirable to illuminate only a portion of a rod and conserve valuable energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable grade finder that can be used to measure one or both of a relative distance delta between two points or an absolute distance delta between two points with no or minimal calculations. For one embodiment the adjustable grade finder is configured to be associated with a leveling pole so that the combination provides a tool for making measurements that represent a relative distance delta between two or more points while eliminating the need to perform mathematical calculations thereby simplifying the task of leveling a grade over an area of ground.

Abstract: A measuring staff (10) has a upper section (11) including a first elongated member (12) which can carry in a fixed position therealong a laser detector of a laser leveling system or a sighting marker of an optical measuring system, and a second elongated member (13) telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the first member (12), a graduated scale (18) on the first member (13) and a pointer (17) on the second member which indicates the extension or retraction of the second member (13) relative to the first member (12), a spring (20) for urging the second member (13) outwardly from the first member (11), the second member (13) being selectively lockable to the first member, and an extension section (14,15) at the lower end of the upper section and extendable therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise devices, systems, and components for use with a survey pole positioning system. For example, embodiments of the invention provide a survey pole positioning system that efficiently, easily, and safely allows a surveyor to position a survey pole, and thus position a surveying device on a surface where a surveyor cannot directly stand. In one embodiment, a hinged member couples a survey pole to a positioning rod such that the positioning rod can rotate with respect to the survey pole. A surveyor can then use the positioning rod to position the survey pole on a surface where the surveyor cannot directly stand.

Abstract: A measuring staff (10) having a upper section (11) comprising a first elongated member (12) which can carry in a fixed position therealong a laser detector of a laser levelling system or a sighting marker of an optical measuring system, and a second elongated member (13) telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the first member (12), a graduated scale (18) on the first member (13) and a pointer (17) on the second member which indicates the extension or retraction of the second member (13) relative to the first member (12), a spring (20) for urging the second member (13) outwardly from the first member (11), the second member (13) being selectively lockable to the first member, and an extension section (14,15) at the lower end of the upper section and extendable therefrom.

Abstract: A measuring staff (10) having a upper section (11) comprising a first elongated member (12) which can carry in a fixed position therealong a laser detector of a laser levelling system or a sighting marker of an optical measuring system, and a second elongated member (13) telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the first member (12), a graduated scale (18) on the first member (13) and a pointer (17) on the second member which indicates the extension or retraction of the second member (13) relative to the first member (12), a spring (20) for urging the second member (13) outwardly from the first member (11), the second member (13) being selectively lockable to the first member, and an extension section (14,15) at the lower end of the upper section and extendable therefrom.

Abstract: A height recording system includes a telescopic rule formed from a head and a telescopic assembly used to vary a distance between one support end forming a base for the telescopic assembly and an upper end supporting the head. The height recording system comprises: a measurement system that measures the distance; a receiver including photosensitive cell(s) to detect an optical beam output from a laser system; a module starts or validates a height measurement by the measurement system starting the measurement or the validation in response to the module receiving a determined signal from the receiver; the determined signal being representative of the laser beam being detected by one of the photosensitive cells.

Abstract: A theodolite support tool includes a base plate configured to couple to the theodolite. The base plate has at least three rods extending from the bottom side of the base plate with each rod being vertically adjustable. The theodolite support tool also includes a clamp configured to attach to a support of an antenna. A cantilevered frame supports the base plate and is coupled to the clamp such that the frame is approximately level when the clamp is attached to the support of the antenna that is a predetermined angle from vertical.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely locating materials on a foundation includes an elongated survey rod, including a triggering surface, and fastener driver secured to the survey rod. The fastener driver includes a trigger. The triggering surface is located in a position to selectively activate the trigger when the fastener is located at a desired precise location on a foundation.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus including a measuring device, such as a laser measuring device with a housing, which is detachably connected to a tripod including a tripod head and emanating therefrom tripod legs which are height-adjustable and can pivot on swivel or pivot joints and which are formed of telescoping inner and outer tubes which can be fixed in a desired position in relation to one another by means of a locking element such as a union nut. At least two of the tripod legs can be put together to form a height-adjustable, clampable supporting rod extending between two boundaries spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A leveling rod and a method of surveying utilizing the disclosed leveling rod are disclosed. The leveling rod comprises an elongated shaft and at least one tape with measurement graduations affixed longitudinally to the elongated shaft. The leveling rod also comprises an elongated side member slidably coupled with the elongated shaft, the elongated side member being extendable downwards. A stencil and an indicator are also included in the leveling rod. The stencil is attached to the bottom end of the elongated side member and is used to mark a surface. The indicator is attachable to the elongated side member and includes a pointer that points to the measurement graduations on the at least one tape. The indicator can slide longitudinally along the elongated side member until a predetermined position of the indicator is reached. The leveling rod further comprises a two threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating excavating a below grade opening at a construction site in a parcel of land includes a first vehicle having a motor operably connected to at least a pair of traction members and a second excavating vehicle. The motor is operably connected to a first receiver for receiving a signal from a remotely controlled transmitter to actuate the motor. Upon actuation of the motor, the motor rotates the traction members for maneuvering the first vehicle within the opening. The first vehicle has a graduated measurement device mounted generally vertically thereon for remotely controlled vertical telescopic movement. A second beam receiver is mounted to the graduated measurement device for receiving a laser beam from a laser transmitter to facilitate precise determination of the depth of the floor of the opening.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for efficiently connecting a trailer to a vehicle. The trailer hitch alignment system includes a housing structure with a measuring member extendable from the housing structure, a securing member for securing the housing structure to an upper leg portion of a leg of a trailer, a pointer member attached to a distal end of the measuring member, and an indicator line attached to a telescoping portion of the leg. The pointer member is aligned with the indicator line when the trailer is attached to the vehicle and thereafter indicates the proper height of the trailer for connecting the hitch of the trailer at a later time.

Abstract: A device (10) for clamping and unclamping a standing prism pole (11) within a surveying instrument (13). A pair of opposing vise or jaw members (24, 25) are disposed with a geometrical configuration (18) forming a frame (19) having a cavity (20), the one vise (24) within cavity (20) fixedly mounted to frame (19), the other vise (25) within cavity (20) slidably movable towards and away from vise (24), and by which the standing prism pole (11) is clamped and unclamped by the jaw members (24, 25). A spacer arm (34) connects frame (19) to a support leg (37) of instrument (13). At the bottom of leg (37) a carrying handle (39) is connected for ease of moving instrument (13) from one point to another in either collapsed or uncollapsed mode for instrument (13).

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. A lock for fixing telescoping sections of the pole provides fixed positioning without high initial clamping forces. An air cushion system inhibits damaging the pole sections when they are retracted, but the pole sections can be simply pulled apart without any other required disassembly for cleaning or repair. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the fittings are attached. A cover can be attached over a point of the surveying pole when the point it not needed, and the cover can be stowed on the surveying pole when the point is used.

Abstract: A height indicating instrument useful for preparing flat and level cementitious floors over an uneven sub floor. The instrument includes first and second rod assemblies, the first having a foot engagable with the surface of a sub floor and the second assembly operatively attached to and moveable axially with respect to the first assembly. The second assembly includes a height indicator to indicate the desired underlayment height, and carries a laser beam detector. A laser beam generator generates a horizontal laser beam detectable by the laser beam detector. Vertical movement of the second rod assembly with respect to the first rod assembly to horizontally align the detector with the generator simultaneously moves the height indicator to adjust elevation of the latter with respect to the foot. At a plurality of locations on the uneven sub floor, slurry is poured until the slurry rises into contact with the height indicator at each such location.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. The pole may include two or more pole sections which may be screwed together to make a longer pole. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the pole sections are connected together.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. A lock for fixing telescoping sections of the pole provides fixed positioning without high initial clamping forces. An air cushion system inhibits damaging the pole sections when they are retracted, but the pole sections can be simply pulled apart without any other required disassembly for cleaning or repair. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the fittings are attached. A cover can be attached over a point of the surveying pole when the point it not needed, and the cover can be stowed on the surveying pole when the point is used.

Abstract: The specification discloses a leveling rod, including attachments therefor, and their method of employment. The leveling rod comprises an elongated base rail member having generally opposing front and rear longitudinal surfaces, generally opposing lateral surfaces, an upper end, and a lower end comprising a foot portion, and an elongated sliding rail member having generally opposing front and rear surfaces, generally opposing lateral surfaces, and upper and lower ends. The front surface of the base rail member and the rear surface of the sliding rail member each have one or the other of complementary tongue and groove portions whereby the base and sliding rail members are slidingly interconnected in lapped relation, and the sliding rail member is further selectively fixedly positionable along the base rail member in a plurality of positions. An elongated, self-supporting measuring insert is removably mateable with the front surface of the sliding rail member.

Abstract: The marking apparatus for marking a surface (9), especially to guide work performed on a ceiling or a wall of a building, includes a marking unit having a device for making a mark on the surface, such as a writing instrument or stylus combined with a light-sensitive device (4) for detecting a light beam (6), which can be a linear array of photo sensitive elements (16), and a frame (1) on which the marking device and the light-sensitive device are mounted; and a control circuit arranged in a housing (5) of the marking unit for operation of the writing tool to make a localized mark on the surface according to a signal from the light-sensitive device (4) when the light-sensitive device (4) detects the light beam (6).

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. The pole may include two or more pole sections which may be screwed together to make a longer pole. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the pole sections are connected together.

Abstract: A slide is mounted on a slideway with a pair of tongue and groove interconnections. The slideway has a pair of engagement rails or tongues provided on a pair of cantilevered arms. The rails are spring biased within a pair of grooves formed in the slideway. An adjustment screw drives the arms apart to adjustably spring bias the rails into the grooves.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. A lock for fixing telescoping sections of the pole provides fixed positioning without high initial clamping forces. An air cushion system inhibits damaging the pole sections when they are retracted, but the pole sections can be simply pulled apart without any other required disassembly for cleaning or repair. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the fittings are attached. A cover can be attached over a point of the surveying pole when the point it not needed, and the cover can be stowed on the surveying pole when the point is used.

Abstract: A tubular receiver is open at an upper end and integral with a flexible sheet magnet, suction cup or other attachment device, at a lower end. A rod is frictionally inserted into the tubular receiver and extends upwardly to terminate with a spherical shape. When one of these devices is fixed to hitch portions of a trailer and a towing vehicle, the driver of the vehicle is able, more easily, to bring the two hitch portions together.

Abstract: A bore path alignment system for accurately determining a desired bore pitch for a ground-boring device. The bore path alignment system includes a first pole, a first tube adjustably positioned upon the first tube, a guide tube with a pitch instrument pivotally attached to the first tube, a second pole, and a second tube including a spotter strip adjustably positioned upon the first tube. The user positions the first pole into the ground surface where boring is to begin and the second pole above a location where a specific depth is required. The user positions the second tube containing the spotter strip according to the depth in the second location. The user then adjusts the angle of the guide tube until the spotter strip is aligned thereby allowing the user to determine the required boring pitch by the pitch instrument.

Abstract: A leveling rod is provided for determining whether a point in question is higher or lower than a bench mark elevation and measuring how high or how low the point is relative to the benchmark elevation. The leveling rod includes a top unit and a bottom unit. Each unit contains a pair of elongated telescoping tubes and a clamp to secure the tubes at any degree of extension. The inside tubes of each unit are detachably coupled to form a rod such that when held upright the outside tube of the top unit extends up and the outside tube of the bottom unit extends down. The outside bottom tube has a base end for engaging the surface to be surveyed. The outside tube of the top unit has a window with a reference mark centered vertically thereon. This window allows the surveyor to view a scale which is carried by the inside tube of the top unit.

Abstract: A measuring device (20), having an outer base arm (22), an end arm (24), a plurality of intermediate arms (26, 28, 30, 32, 34), and a sequential deployment assembly (36), is utilized to take internal measurements with a high degree of accuracy. The sequential deployment assembly (36) operates to sequentially deploy the arms (24-34) as each arm reaches a fully deployed position. A longitudinal serial of graduations is operatively associated with the arms for an (24-34) operator to read distances therefrom.

Abstract: A leveling pole which includes a scale visibly provided on a front surface of the leveling pole and at least two colored divisions formed on the front surface of the leveling pole. A border between two adjacent colored divisions of the at least two colored divisions extends in a longitudinal direction of the leveling pole. One of the two adjacent colored divisions and the other of the two adjacent colored divisions are painted a first color and a second color, respectively. A brightness of the first color is different from a brightness of the second color.

Abstract: An extendable arm has a first arm portion, a second arm portion extendable and retractable relative to the first arm portion to extend and contract the arm, and a flexible elongated pulling element having opposite ends connected to the second arm portion and passing around a rotatable spool secured in position on the first arm portion. Rotation of the spool causes the second arm portion to extend or retract relative to the first arm portion.

Abstract: A fixed length telescoping measuring stick that is self supporting and includes an inner telescoping ruler and two-way level combination. A divided encasement comes together via an air-damped cushion provided by a controlled release air lock that is automatically effective to protect the user. This air cushion damper is in combination with a friction position locking knob for either right or left handed users.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for applying marks to surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, particularly for use in home and building construction, includes a photoelectric detector device (21-25) for detecting bundled light signals from a light source, such as a laser, arranged at a distance from the surface to be marked. A signal-generating positioning aid (27-28) cooperates with the detector arrangement (21-25) for enabling a user of the apparatus to position it on the surface based on the detected light signals. In addition, the apparatus includes a marking device for applying a mark to the surface when the apparatus is correctly positioned.

Abstract: A grade rod is provided for measuring the depth of cut required to level a ground surface relative to a benchmark elevation location. The grade rod includes an elongated reference member having a reference mark for defining a predetermined elevation at the benchmark elevation location. An elongated extension member is slidably mounted adjacent to the reference member. The extension member has a base end for engaging the ground surface. The reference member is vertically movable relative to the extension member to permit vertical adjustment of the reference mark. A scale is carried by one of the reference member and the extension member for indicating to the user the vertical adjustment required to locate the reference mark at the predetermined elevation at any point on the ground surface. The measurement determines the depth of cut necessary for leveling the ground surface relative to the benchmark elevation location.

Abstract: An adjustable grade stick and method of using the same are used to identify a reference line. The grade stick has a shaft that is adjustable along its length. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft has two sections where one section lies within the other in a variably telescoping manner. A locking device is provided to lock the relative positions of the first and second sections of the shaft. A hook is located at one end of the shaft to mount the shaft on the ceiling of the mine tunnel. A sighting ring is located at the other end of the shaft and has an inner aperture which acts as a marker for a reference point. A calibration scale is located on the shaft for positioning the sighting means at a predetermined location. The reference line is sighted from the sighting rings of a pair of grade sticks.

Abstract: The telescopic measuring pole consists of an extensible pole which can be adjusted between a length of 32.5 inches and 15.5 feet. The pole has a removable hardened point on one end and accommodates prisms or receivers of various technologies via an adapter on its opposite end. The pole utilizes an over-center cam lever to clamp the telescoping tubes in precise fixed positions relative to one another. The clamping mechanism is designed and manufactured to minimize friction and galling, and can be operated with one hand.

Abstract: The prism pole consists of an extensible aluminum pole that can be adjusted between a length of 30 and 47 inches. The pole has a hardened steel point on one end thereof and a prism assembly on its opposite end. The prism pole also has a steel point mounted to the prism assembly such that the pole can be turned "upside down" placing the prism assembly approximately 4 inches from the point being measured. To assist in plumbing the prism pole, two level vials are provided, the first being observable when the pole is in the upright position and the second being observable when the pole is in the upside down position.

Abstract: An extensible and retractable rod including an outer section and an inner section telescopically received in the outer section for extension and retraction relative thereto. The outer section has an opening therein including an upper peripheral edge. A detent member associated with the inner section is spring biased to move laterally of the inner section to releasably lock the inner section in an extended position relative to the outer section. The detent member has an upper surface and a lower surface, each having a laterally outer edge, and a laterally outwardly facing surface extending between the laterally outer edges of the upper and lower surfaces. The laterally outwardly facing surface includes a camming surface which engages the outer section at the lower peripheral edge of the opening for pivoting the detent member so that the upper surface of the detent member projects into the opening in the outer section as the detent member begins to move into registration with the opening.

Abstract: A stepping staff is disclosed which comprises a plurality of sections coupled together in telescoping manner. A sighting target is arranged on the uppermost section. The sections have a plurality of sets of detents with which collars are engaged. The collars enable the sections to be rotated relative to one another to bring a corresponding set of detents on the sections into alignment with one another. The collars have engaging members which locate in detents in the set of detents and enable the sections to be moved relative to one another and to the section by an integral number of distances corresponding to the spacing of the detents in the set of detents by locating the engaging members in appropriate detents in the set of detents.

Abstract: A position sensing apparatus and method useful for surveying, marking, and grading implement sensing and control is disclosed. The position sensing apparatus includes two laser reference stations, each of which projects a laser beam that periodically sweeps in a plane across the area to be surveyed. Each time a laser beam strikes the opposite reference station, a radio timing signal is broadcast by that reference station. The position sensing apparatus also includes a portable sensing station that comprises a laser beam receiver, a radio reciever, and a programmed computer. The planar position of the portable sensing station relative to the reference stations is computed by a triangulation technique based on the relative timing of detection of the laser beams by the laser beam receiver and the reception of the radio timing signals by the radio receiver. Elevation is determined according to the height at which one of the laser beams strikes the laser beam receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination tool useful to a variety of building trades in building erection. The tool can be used as a story pole, a surveyor's rod, an extensible measuring device, a plumb and a horizontal level. When used as a measuring device, story pole or surveyor's grade rod, the tool of the present invention provides direct read capabilities eliminating the need for computations which in turn prevents errors in arithmetic commonly made when using tools of the prior art. The tool is particularly efficient for use in setting and erecting commercial store fronts typically constructed of aluminum and glass and effectively replaces at least five separate tools commonly used by the building trades.

Abstract: A telescoping device uses pins resting in grooves to serve as stop means for telescoping tubes. Each of a set of telescoping tubes has at least one groove running longitudinally along the outer tube circumference. A set of two right angled pins rests in a groove, the first pin extending outward through an aperture in the next largest tube's wall, the second pin extending inwardly through a groove aperture to serve as a stop for the next smallest tube. When the tubes are collapsed inwardly, the progress of each tube is stopped by the second pin in the next largest tube. When the tubes are extended outwardly, the progress of each tube is stopped by the abutting of the first and second pins' ends in a groove.

Abstract: A first rod includes a relative elevation scale and a first fluid container vertically adjustable with respect to the relative elevation scale to a position corresponding to a desired elevation relative to the base of the first rod, and a second rod includes a second fluid container of substantially lesser cross sectional area than the first fluid container, a predetermined level of fluid in the second fluid container indicating that the base of the second rod is at a desired elevation relative to the base of the first rod.

Abstract: A latch of the over center type for use inter alia in locking together surveyors rods in order to give reproducible measurements. The latch locks together a first axially slidable member (2) and a second axially slidable member (8) in overlapping disposition; it comprises a pair of latch supporting pivots (22) extruding from the first member, on a first common axis a pair of latch fulcrum pivots (26) extruding from the second member on an axis parallel to the first axis, a latch arrester (30) extruding from the first member, a latch body (16) having a face and sides (18) which extend to or past the latch fulcrum pivots (26) each latch side having an S-shaped recess (24) to engage the associated fulcrum pivot and an elongated slot (20) to engage the elongated latch support pivot. At least one of the sides has an edge protrusion (34) which must be snapped past the latch arrester (30) to complete the latch action.

Abstract: A direct reading grade rod as provided with a fixed scale having display windows therein and one or more sliding members slidable behind the fixed member and carrying a plurality of number sets, with different positions of the sliding member resulting in different sequences of numbers displayed in the windows.

Abstract: A surveyor's rod device which includes structure to permit the device to selectively be telescopically retracted into a stowable/portable configuration and extended into a utilization configuration. The device also includes handle structure particularly arranged for facilitating manually holding the device uprightly while being utilized in its extended configuration and for providing ease in carrying it about while in either of the configurations thereof. Also, included are numerous specific indicia characters which are proportionately applied to particular locations along the length of the rod for accommodating a more rapid observation and identification of certain predetermined incremental progressions appearing along the length of the device.

Abstract: A device for holding a surveyor's range pole in a vertical position. The pole is held rigid relative to a tripod base by a single bracket. The bracket is seated on the apex of the tripod and includes a collar member attached to an underlying three channel frame. Three horizontally disposed screws thread through the three channeled frame to mutually engage a range pole at the center of the collar.Additionally, an extension arm may be secured to the top of the collar by means of an overlying pressure plate. The extension arm lies between two upright screws which pass through the pressure plate, and pressure is exerted on the extension arm by tightening wing nuts over the screws. The range pole is secured beyond the rim of the collar by passing it through a teardrop shaped aperture in the extension arm and pressing the pole against the edges of the teardrop shaped aperture by an adjustable screw threaded through the extension arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in setting and checking grades in construction of roads, parking lots, building, or the like comprising a level support in combination with a level rod wherein the level support has a nominal length of X plus Y, for example, the level rod includes a zero mark above which are plus (+) graduations in terms of a principal dimension and a subordinate dimension below which are minus (-) graduations in terms of the principal and subordinate dimensions down to a length of X according to the principal dimension and a leg member adustably secured to the rod, the leg member having a foot portion extending below the lower end of the rod, the leg member being adjustable so that the foot portion may be selectively set to extend below the lower end of the rod for a minimum distance of Y according to the subordinate dimension or more as desired, whereby the zero mark may be selectively set at a distance equal to the nominal length of X plus Y above the lower end of the foot portion so that in use of the ap