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 tool, such as a level, including audio and/or visual indicators is provided. The level may include one or more bubble level vials having a controller and a sensor. The visual indicators are associated with the vials. The controller is configured to activate the audio and visual indicators in repose to a signal received from the sensor. The controller illuminates the visual indicators for each vial when that vial indicates it is level or plumb.

Abstract: A bubble level using reflection has an elongate body, a first surface and a second surface, and a cavity which has an opening on the second surface and is arranged between the first surface and the second surface. A level arranged in the cavity has a non-opaque body having a sloping surface and a first observation surface. A bubble unit is mounted in the body of the level. The first surface is mounted between the first end of the bubble unit and the measured surface, and the first observation surface is mounted between the second end of the bubble unit and user. The bubble level which uses the reflection of light through the interface makes user can observe the bubble unit from the front when the user measures the verticality.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for catching and accumulating oil drips associated with use of an oil level gauge tool so as to avoid contaminating the environment with oil while using the tool. The apparatus includes: a handle receiving portion capable of receiving and securing the handle of the tool; a plumb bob receiving portion capable of receiving the plumb bob of the tool, also capable of catching and accumulating oil drips from the tool; and a tape reel receiving portion capable of receiving the tape reel tool, also capable of catching oil drips from the oil level gauge tool. The apparatus can have a hanger arm, attached to the tape reel receiving portion, the hanger arm being capable of attaching to a structure so as to support the apparatus. The apparatus can also have a base capable of resting on a surface so as to support and stabilize the apparatus.

Abstract: A corneal marking system, and methods for its use, has a tilt-detecting device attached to a corneal marker, adapted to produce a signal when the corneal marker is in a horizontal position. Use of measurement devices may be coordinated between the marker and a level-measuring device positioned on a patient's head. Devices capable of measuring one, two or three axes are used and processors are provided to evaluate the data produced by the devices and provide a physician with a signal that the positions of the patient's head and the marker are such that an accurate marking procedure can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spirit level having reflection bubble which comprises an elongate body, a first surface and a second surface, a cavity which has an opening on the second surface is arranged between the first surface and the second surface; the spirit level arranged in the cavity comprising: a non-opaque body having a slope and a first viewing plane; a bubble component has a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first surface is mounted in the body of the level, and the first surface is mounted between the first end of the bubble component and the measured surface, the first viewing plane is mounted between the second end of the bubble component and user; the image of the bubble component is formed by the reflection of the slopes; users can observe the image of bubble component from the first viewing plane via reflected by the slope.

Abstract: Wider overall angular viewing range for a spirit level achieved by provisioning spirit levels with a bubble vial module including a reflective surface wherein the reflective surface is manually pivotal about a pivot axis relative to a non-pivoted direct opposite viewing position such that a user can pivot the reflective surface towards himself. The system may include predetermined viewing positions.

Abstract: A compass assembly includes a base plate having a UTM corner ruler with a first axis and a second axis, an opening extending through the base plate and along the first axis, and a compass supported by the base plate.

Abstract: A recreational or outdoor mirrored compass is comprised of a base member, a hinged cover with a mirror and a sighting window for sighting a land mark, and a vial assembly pivotally coupled to said base member. The vial assembly comprises a vial, a magnetized indicator member pivotally journaled in the vial and an azimuth ring. At least parts of the inner sides of the sighting window are tapered in the line of sight.

Abstract: A chain saw hazard warning light and method for using same. A pair of oppositely-directed light sources emit light beams throughout a chain shot hazard warning zone through rectilinear, slotted openings at opposite ends of a housing. The light beams turn on, if and only if, the cutting chain is rotating about the chain guide bar; alternatively, initiation of rotation of the cutting chain is delayed to permit the light beams to turn on some time prior thereto. The zone is defined by first and second pairs of planes that diverge in opposite directions from the chain guide bar, said planes being disposed at equal, acute angles (most preferably 15°) to, and on opposite sides of, a plane that includes the chain guide bar.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: An angle indicator is provided for measuring an angle of inclination of a structure with respect to a plane, such as a horizontal or vertical plane. The angle indicator includes a housing adapted and configured to be mounted to the structure, an indicator movably disposed in the housing having an angular range of motion about an axis intersecting the plane, and indicia provided on the housing for indicating proper angulation of the structure with respect to the plane. The indicia can be defined at least in part by a first arcuate segment, wherein the indicia and the indicator are configured to be in visual alignment to an observer when the angle of inclination of the structure with respect to the plane achieves a predetermined angle. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the predetermined angle can be about thirty degrees.

Abstract: A level is provided that includes a body comprising upper and lower parallel walls and first and second side walls operatively connected with the upper and lower walls. The upper wall has first and second linear edges extending longitudinally along opposite sides and an opening therethrough. The first of the side walls has an opening therethrough such that the opening in the upper wall and the opening in the first side wall are contiguous with one another. The first linear edge is disposed at the operative connection between the upper wall and the second side wall and extends uninterruptedly from end to end of the body. A bubble vial is disposed in the body and is visible through the opening in the upper wall and through the opening in the first side wall.

Abstract: A method and device has been developed to enable emergency responders to maintain and communicate their orientation relative to a fire building or other emergency incident area as they work in and around it. The device is a specialized compass enhancement providing a standalone unit that each responder can carry. The device has a multipart structure including: (1) an underlying base is a simple compass that the responder orients to north. (2) A bezel rotatable around the simple compass is preferably square in shape and represents the building or incident area and is labeled with NIMS standardized ABCD designations. (3) An optional rotatable pointer can be independently positioned to indicate a direction to be remembered such as the direction in which the responder entered the incident area. All of the parts can be synchronized among users at any time by radioing simple verbal descriptions of the rotational setting(s).

Abstract: An electrically powered hand operated cutting tool comprising a housing for accommodating a motor having an output shaft coupled to a gearbox, said gearbox being arranged to convert rotary output motion of the motor into reciprocating motion of a shaft, said shaft having a clamp disposed at one end for clamping a saw blade thereto, and a footplate for engaging with a work-piece during use, said footplate comprising an opening through which a blade disposed in the clamp can pass, wherein the tool further comprises a camera and display screen, during use, said camera being arranged to take real-time images of a blade engaging with a work-piece, and wherein the display screen displays the real-time images, said display screen being disposed on the housing so as to be visible to an operator.

Abstract: A level is provided, comprising a casing having a flat surface; a first bubble level aligned approximately parallel with said flat surface; a first light positioned to illuminate said first bubble level; a switch, wherein when said switch is actuated, said light illuminates said level; and a power source for said light.

Abstract: A satellite line of site alignment device for the installation of all satellite dish antenna. The alignment device provides a hand held orientation and angular inclination determination for properly positioning a satellite receiving dish with a known geosynchronous orbiting satellite transmitter. Receiving dish location longitude and latitude, satellite to be aligned to, and true north and level orientation are so configured to provide visually for siting through an eye piece for line of site object avoidance determination prior to satellite dish antenna installation.

Abstract: A spirit level comprising a body having a level face for setting a surface, at least one bubble vial mounted in the body, the bubble vial having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the level face, and an optical transfer element fixed to the body which transfers an image of the bubble vial to a viewing plane generally parallel to the level face.

Abstract: A vial illumination feature for a tool, such as a level, is configured so as to emit light toward a vial when the tool is used in a darkened environment. The vial extends across an opening or a space defined by the tool, and one or more vial retainer members engage the ends of the vial to maintain the vial in position within the opening or space. The vial illumination feature is carried out by forming the one or more vial retaining members of a luminescent material. The luminescence of the one or more vial retaining members functions to absorb light when the tool is exposed to light, and to emit light toward the surfaces of the vial when the tool is in a darkened environment, to illuminate the vial and to enable the bubble of the vial to easily be viewed.

Abstract: A magnetic compass includes a base having a receiving chamber for receiving a compass body, a battery chamber for receiving a battery set, an illuminant chamber for receiving an illuminant, and a locating chamber for receiving an electrically conductive member. The illuminant has a first terminal suspended above the battery set. A push button is supported on the first terminal of the illuminant for pressing by the user to force the first terminal of the illuminant downwards into contact with a first terminal of the battery set. The conductive member has a base frame mounted in the locating chamber, and a contact portion extended from the base frame and inserted into the battery chamber and pressed on a second terminal of the battery set. A second terminal of the illuminant is electrically connected to the base frame of the conductive member.

Abstract: A bubble level suitable for spaces that are restricted in the vertical dimension has a 45 degree prism attached to the top surface, so that the image of the bubble vial is deflected along a horizontal axis. The prism is optionally rotatable to permit changing the viewing angle in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A vial, level including such vial, and method of using such level are disclosed. The vial comprises a body having first and second ends, a midpoint, and interior and exterior surfaces, at least one marker ring connected with respect to the body, a bubble positioned in the cavity and defined by an interface, and first and second dark-colored bands circumscribing the cavity. The vial enhances the visibility of the bubble through the reflection of the first and second bands on the interface such that the interface along the perimeter of the bubble appears dark-colored.

Abstract: An illuminated caliper device includes a caliper assembly having first and second caliper legs each having a pointed tip and a pivot end. A pivot support and first and second pivot elements pivotally connects the pivot ends of the first and second caliper legs to the pivot support. A battery housing attached to the pivot support contains a battery. First and second light emitting diodes are coupled by a switch mounted on the battery housing to first and second terminals of the battery and produced light that is directed to areas of the surface to be measured by pointed tips of the legs. The intensity and color of light emitted by the first light emitting diode are such as to sufficiently illuminate the surface under low ambient illumination conditions without disrupting acquired night vision of a user.

Abstract: A reflecting lighted level (10) for facilitating leveling of an object, the reflecting lighted level (10) broadly comprising a generally frustoconically-shaped vial (12) having first and second exterior surfaces (22,24) and an internal angled reflecting surface (26); a light source (14) for emitting light; a light tube (16) for focusing or concentrating the emitted light towards the vial (12); a base (18) for supporting the vial (12); and a power source (20) for powering the light source (14). The internal angled reflecting surface (26) within the vial (12) is positioned at a generally 45° angle for reflecting light. The light source (14), a light emitting diode (“LED”), is centrally positioned relative to the vial (12). The light tube (16) is positioned proximate to the first exterior surface (22) of the vial (12), such that the light tube (16) is positioned between the light source (14) and the vial (12). The light source (14) is then partially positioned within the light tube (14).

Abstract: A spirit level comprising a body having a level face for setting a surface, at least one bubble vial mounted in the body, the bubble vial having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the level face, and an optical transfer element fixed to the body which transfers an image of the bubble vial to a viewing plane generally parallel to the level face.

Abstract: A compass display or a low cost construction includes a display coupled to compass sensing and calibration devices to illuminate a portion of the display to indicate a specific heading. The display is mounted beneath a finish covering surface and includes indicia representing compass directional headings attached or printed thereon and the finish covering is supported by a substrate having a plurality of openings spaced relative to a center point and a plurality of light sources such as LED lights located in the holes of the substrate to be located behind the finish covering and aligned with the directional headings. When a light is illuminated, it is visible behind the finish covering to a driver or other occupant of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, twelve openings and associated light sources are provided in the substrate and spaced at 30-degree increments to provide a more precise indication of the vehicle heading.

Abstract: A low profile compass of the type including a transparent base member and fluid-filled vial contains a directional indicator in the vial in the form of a circle which is alignable with another circle imprinted on the vial. A hinged cover assembly can be detented to selected positions and includes a mirrored sight line for direct line sighting, and a lower protective cover or shoe for the base of the compass also serves as a receptacle for instruction sheets and scales for use in taking directional readings as well as for orientation alignment on a topographic map and inclinometer readings.

Abstract: A liquid level system comprising: a frame having a measuring surface; an observation tube having a first end, a central portion and a second end and a longitudinal axis, the observation tube being filled with a liquid sufficient to create a positioning bubble within the observation tube and the observation tube mounted to the frame such that the longitudinal axis of the observation tube is at a predetermined angle relative to the measuring surface; a first light source mounted to said frame in a position such that the light emitted from the first light source is directed at the observation tube; an electric power source affixed to said frame and electrically connected to form a circuit with the first light source for energizing the first light source.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a magnetic compass, which comprises a base, a compass assembly mounted on the base, a lid pivoted to one end of the base, and an aiming device pivoted to the other end of the base. The aiming device is provided with a magnifying glass, a lighting member and a battery set. The light of the lighting member is projected towards the compass assembly and the battery set supplies electrical current to the lighting member.

Abstract: A magnetic compass comprises a compass body, an illuminant, a battery set, a base, and a top lid. The compass body, the illuminant and the battery set are situated within the interior section of the base and, furthermore, the illuminant is positioned at one side of the compass body and its light is projected towards the peripheral walls of the compass body. As such, the compass body is illuminated at optimal efficiency and the magnetic compass of the present invention is effectively usable under low light conditions.

Abstract: A self-illuminating attitude indicator for use by persons who have been buried in snow or the earth. The attitude indicator has a container partially filled with liquid and a manually operated light to illuminate the container. The liquid may be removed from the container and distributed on the snow to make the location more visible to rescuers.

Abstract: A spirit level comprising a body having a level face for setting a surface, at least one bubble vial mounted in the body, the bubble vial having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the level face, and an optical transfer element fixed to the body which transfers an image of the bubble vial to a viewing plane generally parallel to the level face.

Abstract: An direction determining instrument provides an image reversing device positioned for siting a fixed indicator indicia and a mirror image reversed compass rose supported for rotation about its center. The compass rose is enabled by a magnetic device such as a magnet, for seeking magnetic north. The image reversing device, compass rose, and fixed indicator indicia are arranged and positioned so that the fixed indicator indicia and the rotatable mirror imaged compass rose are visible in the image reversing device as a non-reversed compass rose superimposed on the indicator indicia such that rotation of the compass rose appears to move in the direction of rotation of the instrument.

Abstract: A low profile compass of the type including a transparent base member and fluid-filled vial contains a directional indicator in the vial in the form of a circle which is alignable with another circle imprinted on the vial. A hinged cover assembly can be detented to selected positions and includes a mirrored sight line for direct line sighting, and a lower protective cover or shoe for the base of the compass also serves as a receptacle for instruction sheets and scales for use in taking directional readings as well as for orientation alignment on a topographic map and inclinometer readings.

Abstract: A self-illuminating attitude indicator for use by persons who have been buried in snow or the earth. The attitude indicator has a container partially filled with liquid and a manually operated light to illuminate the container. The liquid may be removed from the container and distributed on the snow to make the location more visible to rescuers.

Abstract: The milling machine tool holder or chuck is used to support a spindle on a chuck axis through which a crossbar is transversely and slideably mounted. First and second ends of the crossbar adjustably support a mirror and a dial indicator, respectively, so a machine operator can see a dial face of the dial indicator that is not visible and facing away from the operator. The crossbar has a bend which enables the dial indicator to be articulated to conveniently measure features near the chuck axis without interference between the spindle and the dial indicator. The dial indicator is securely mounted to a clamp adapter which is mounted to the second end. A wedge-shaped slot in the adapter is configured to receive and secure one of a plurality of sizes of dial indicators.

Abstract: A multi-function, hand-held compass is made up of a base member having a compass vial at one end and a socket at the opposite end to releasably attach to a clip. A lateral depression is formed in the base member to facilitate gripping of the compass, and a dual-prism sighting system is disposed at the opposite end of the base member to that of the vial. Graduated markings for a protractor are formed in surrounding relation to the compass vial along with pie-shaped recesses and magnifying lenses in the base both to take azimuth readings and map readings.

Abstract: An illuminating device includes a mounting plate adapted to be mounted on a bottom of a magnetic compass in a first direction. The mounting plate has a central axial hole passing therethrough in a second direction transverse to the first direction and defining a central axis, and a battery receiving chamber for receiving a battery. A lighting member is disposed on the mounting plate, and has a first lead electrically connected to a first pole of the battery. First and second conductive members are connected respectively to a second lead of the lighting member and a second pole of the battery, extend above the central axial hole, and are spaced apart from each other along the central axis. A cover plate is disposed on the mounting plate for closing the chamber, and is rotatable relative to the mounting plate about the central axis between locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new fiber optic position indicator. More particularly, the invention encompasses a fiber optic position indicator that uses liquid/air light transmission. A method for making such a fiber optic position indicator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of visually aligning an optical instrument (10, 26, 28) that simultaneously operates at two different wavelengths where the first wavelength is in the visible photopic electromagnetic spectral region and the second wavelength is outside the visible photopic electromagnetic spectral region. The method for visually aligning the optical instrument (10, 26, 28) includes employing an aiming reticle (12) located at the eyepiece (18) of the optical instrument (10, 26, 28), this first reticle (12) having a reticle pattern (64) which is in focus when viewed through the eyepiece (18), and a plate (44) with a second reticle pattern (62) on one side. The second reticle pattern (62) is positioned in the optical system such that when this second reticle pattern (62) is illuminated (58) with light of the first wavelength, then this second reticle pattern (62) will be in focus and superimposed on the first reticle pattern (64) when viewed through the eyepiece (18).

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: An inclinometer which is compatible for use with night vision equipment on aircraft and other vehicles. The inclinometer includes a white zirconia sphere movable within a damping liquid of a liquid capsule.

Abstract: A carpentry tool employs a base tube having a window directed therethrough, with an intermediate tube having a scale recessed within the intermediate tube and a view through window, with an outer tube telescopingly directed through the intermediate tube, with the intermediate tube, the outer tube, and the base tube coaxially aligned relative to one another. The outer tube is arranged in typical foot graduations, the intermediate tube in inch graduations readable through the window. The outer tube and intermediate tube are arranged for nested orientation within the base tube. A modification of the invention includes an illuminated magnification lens mounted coextensively within the window for ease of viewing of the scale of the intermediate tube.

Abstract: An optical sighting instrument having a main optical path including an objective lens, an eyepiece lens and a beamsplitter for combining or superimposing images. At least three image planes are defined with reference to the main optical path and the beamsplitter, and at least one of the three image planes is optically superimposed with the other two by the combining effect of the beamsplitter. Movable indicia elements are positioned in two of the image planes, and a fixed indicia element is positioned in the third one of the image planes. As a result, images of all three of the indicia elements are superimposed for viewing through the eyepiece lens, and the image of the fixed indicia element serves as a sighting reference. Illustratively, one of the movable indicia elements is a magnetic compass, the other of the movable indicia elements is a magnetic declination adjustment, and the fixed indicia element is a cross-hair sight.