Abstract: Instrument for obtaining a reference line to realize, in correspondence of this line, working points, said working points being preferably situated in correspondence of a working surface. The instrument includes: a laser ray emitting device (1), a supporting body (13), connecting means which attach it to a fixed reference surface. These connecting means include a hinge element (2) which enables to orientate the supporting body (13) and direct the laser ray and to keep it fixed in the desired direction in such a way that with the line defined by the laser ray it is possible to find the working points.

Abstract: A method for calibrating the attitude of a compass in relation to the platform on which the compass is installed. The compass includes an attitude determining device and an optical sighting device and the compass is integrally mounted on a platform. The method includes the steps of determining the angle between the optical sighting device and the attitude determining device, determining the attitude between the optical sighting device and the platform, and determining the attitude between the attitude determining device and the platform.

Abstract: An angle measurement tool includes a frame supporting a rectangular plate upon which a calculator is positioned. The frame further supports a pivotal sine bar having a bubble assembly supported thereon. The angle measurement tool provides angle measurement and setting by positioning the lower edge of the plate upon the surface of interest and pivoting the sine bar until the bubble assembly indicates a horizontal attitude of the sine bar. The calculator is a dedicated calculator providing basic functions of finding an angle given its opposite side measurement or finding an opposite side given the angle. In an alternate embodiment, a plate defines a reference edge and a plurality of angles and receives a removable bubble assembly which is utilized for measuring standard angles.

Abstract: A center line marking apparatus for marking holes or bores in beams for running pipe or electrical wiring through the beams. The center line marking apparatus includes a clamping assembly for clamping to a beam such as a joist; and also includes a first elongate support member being pivotally mounted to the clamping assembly; and further includes a laser marking assembly rotatably mounted to the elongate support member.

Abstract: A screed system for walls for allowing the user to work faster and more efficiently and to effectively plaster a wall to a uniform thickness. The screed system for walls includes a mounting bracket being adapted to removably mount to a wall; and also includes a leveling assembly being movably mounted to the mounting bracket and including a leveling tool; and further includes a squaring level assembly being adapted to be mounted in a corner of two adjoining walls; and also includes ia plurality of screed support members being adapted to be fastened to and extended outwardly from studs supporting the wall; and further includes screed members being securely mounted to the screed support members for determining a depth of plaster and mortar being applied to the wall.

Abstract: The present invention entails an equipment leveling device comprising a leveling head having a leveling instrument incorporated therein and a series of spaced apart support legs secured to the leveling head and projecting radially therefrom for engaging an object to be leveled and for supporting the leveling head adjacent the object during the leveling process. In the embodiment disclosed, each of the support legs is adjustable in length such that the leveling device can accommodate structures and objects of various size.

Abstract: Disclosed is an otherwise conventional level measurement device adapted so as to include a means by which a spring biased clamping device can be used to attach the level to a workpiece, thus freeing the user's hands and allowing the performance of other tasks.

Abstract: A new framing tool for aiding in the construction of a structure. The inventive device includes a member having a substantially straight base side edge, a handle side edge, and a pair of opposite end edges extending between the base side edge and the handle side edge. The base side edge has a plurality of slots extending between the first and second faces of the member. The slots are spaced apart from one another. A first slot is positioned adjacent one of the end edges, while a second slot is positioned adjacent another of the end edges. Third and fourth slots are positioned between the first and second slots.

Abstract: A pocket level provided with magnet includes a housing having a sight opening formed therein. A liquid level indicator, in the form of a bubble vial having a pair of closed end walls, is slidably received within the open end portion of the housing and is observable through the sight opening. At least one of the closed end walls of the liquid level indicator is engageable with the housing. A cap is slidably inserted into the open end portion of the housing and a clip which is adapted to hold the level in one's pocket is secured thereto.

Abstract: In a tilt sensor including a sealed container which is comprised of a container body and a top cover plate which is adapted to close the container body and is provided on the inner surface thereof with a recess whose depth gradually increases from the peripheral edge toward the center thereof, and a holder which holds the sealed container, the top cover plate and the holder are provided with a positioning device which determines a relative angular position between the sealed container and the holder. A mask and a coat holder, which are used to form electrodes on the top cover plate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A level indicator attachment for a power hand tool to indicate the angle of inclination of the tool for making cuts at a predetermined angle. In a preferred embodiment, the level indicator comprises a circular bubble level adjustably positioned in a housing and frame mounted to the tool by use of preexisting fasteners used in assembly of the tool. Adjustment of the bubble level in the housing enables the level indicator to be calibrated or adjusted for different angle cuts. The invention is particularly suitable for use in cutting plumb cuts on rafter tails during construction of a building.

Abstract: A clamp for temporarily attaching a level to a construction component including an elongated metal or plastic, inverted U-shaped, two-piece body with an opening in the center of the top wall that extends partway down the side walls through which the level bubble is seen, a pair of pivotally-mounted, spring-loaded, opposed jaws for temporarily gripping the construction component, and grooves, a microcatch patches, or screws for temporarily attaching the level to the body. The two-piece body allows for adjustment to levels of different widths.

Abstract: A golf putter leveling system including a shoe level adapted for securement to a golf shoe. A putter level is provided that is adapted for securement to a shaft of a golf putter. The putter level includes a base portion having a lower arcuate recess and an upper arcuate recess. The lower arcuate recess has a pair of detents disposed on opposing sides thereof. The lower arcuate recess snapidly engages the shaft of the golf putter. The upper arcuate recess has a level portion disposed therein. A putter leveler is adapted for securement to the shaft of the golf putter. The putter leveler has an upper portion defined by an arcuate recess for engaging the shaft of the golf putter. The putter leveler has a lower portion defined by outwardly extending legs for supporting the golf putter at an even level so as to zero the putter level.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for positioning a level on a structural component includes a mounting mechanism that attaches to the level and an arm that is pivotally mounted on the mounting mechanism. The arm supports at one end a gripping mechanism, such as a bar, that extends outwardly in parallel to the axis of rotation about which the arm pivots. A spring extends between the arm and the mounting mechanism. To attach the level to a structural component a user pivots the arm to draw the gripping bar away from the level. The user then positions the level and the gripper bar on opposite surfaces of the structural component, and releases the arm. The spring draws the arm against one surface of the structural component and holds it in position, to clamp the level to the opposing surface of the structural component. The mounting mechanism may include a pivotally mounted bracket that pivots about a second axis of rotation. The bracket pivots the arm 90.degree.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for aligning a towed vehicle (12) with a towing vehicle (14) is disclosed. The method is implemented with an alignment apparatus (10) including a base (22) configured for attachment to the towed vehicle (12), a platform (23) rotatably mounted on the base (22), and a level device (24) mounted on the rotatable platform (23). While the towed vehicle (12) is connected to the towing vehicle (14), the platform (23) and level device (24) are rotated until the level device (24) is in its level position. This sets a reference height position for the towed vehicle (12). When it is desired to reconnect the towed vehicle (12) with the towing vehicle (14), the towed vehicle (12) is raised until the level device (24) is once again in its level position. In one embodiment, the alignment apparatus includes a base hingedly connected to a mounting bracket for permitting side-to-side leveling of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A clamp for temporarily attaching a level to a construction component including an elongated metal or plastic, inverted U-shaped, one-piece body with an opening in the center of the top wall that extends partway down the side walls through which the level bubble is seen, a pair of pivotally-mounted, spring-loaded, opposed jaws having pins for temporarily gripping the construction component, and microcatch patches or screws for temporarily attaching the level to the body.

Abstract: An angle indicator for connection to a pipe bender having an elongated handle or the like, which is generally characterized by the presence of: (a) a pivoting linear member having a spirit level thereon/therein for determining when it is horizontal; (b) which pivoting linear member is pivotally attached to another linear member which includes means by which it may be attached to the handle of the pipe bender being used in such manner that it is horizontal when the pipe bender is initially affixed to a pipe to be bent; and (c) means by which the relation between the two linear members may be nonpermanently set at a preselected angle.

Abstract: A pair of clamps for mounting a level to a joist. Each clamp includes a pair of spaced apart spring biased arms having first ends for gripping the joist. A mounting hole at the lower end of each clamp receives the opposite end of a level which is releasably secured therein. The method of measuring the level of a member includes the steps of mounting the clamps and level to the joist to be measured.

Abstract: The indicating device is adapted to be installed on a platform on a headlamp frame with a slip fit and, once installed, is automatically locked into place. The indicating device includes a bubble level having a vial which is molded integrally with a base adapted to be assembled with a spring metal retaining bracket with a slip fit. The retaining bracket includes cantilevered legs with free end portions which resiliently engage the upper side of the base to enable an adjusting screw to tilt the vial upwardly and downwardly to various positions relative to horizontal.

Abstract: A level indicator attachment for a power hand tool to indicate the angle of inclination of the tool for making cuts at a predetermined angle. In a preferred embodiment, the level indicator comprises a circular bubble level adjustably positioned in a housing and frame mounted to the tool by use of preexisting fasteners used in assembly of the tool. Adjustment of the bubble level in the housing enables the level indicator to be calibrated or adjusted for different angle cuts. The invention is particularly suitable for use in cutting plumb cuts on rafter tails during construction of a building.

Abstract: A housing includes a pendulum having a window registerable with either of spaced apart indicia depending on what side of a ladder a housing is mounted to indicate the ladder is positioned at a safe angle against a vertical support. Wording on the pendulum is readable with wording in the spaced apart indicia to further indicate the ladder is at a safe angle. The pendulum is pointed at its lower end to register with third indicia positioned between the spaced apart indicia to indicate that the ladder is on a level surface.

Abstract: A level indicator for a child seat equipped with a rotatable carrying handle rotatably attached thereto, and having a housing in a hub of said pivotal handle with a wall defining an interior region of said hub and an indicator member having an indicator surface. The indicator member is movably received in the interior region and the wall is formed to include a transparent window defined by an edge formed in the wall, the edge being arranged so that the indicator surface is visible through the window when the level indicator is level, with the indicator member moving entirely away from the window edge when the level indicator is not level so that the indicator surface is not visible through the window. The indicator member is disclosed as being a gravity ball that freely rotates in a curved track or a pendulum rotating in the handle.

Abstract: A clamp for temporarily attaching a level to a construction component. One embodiment includes an elongated metal or plastic, inverted U-shaped body with an opening in the center of the top wall that extends down the side walls through which the level bubble is seen, a pair of pivotally-mounted, spring-loaded, opposed jaws for temporarily gripping the construction component, and a microcatch patch or screws for temporarily attaching a level to the body. A second embodiment includes a pair of bent-wire clips, where each clip has a cross piece and a downwardly extending pair of legs that are curved inward so that the ends are closer together than the length of the cross piece and the level is temporarily attached to the clips by friction between the legs and the level, and a pair of opposed bent-wire, spring-loaded jaws attached to the end of the legs for temporarily gripping the construction component.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting a level plane includes a spirit level having a parallelepiped shaped housing with a measuring base and a leveling plate with an upper plate surface on which the base of the housing of the level is disposed. The upper plate of the leveling plate may be tilt orientation adjusted with respect to a lower plate that is spaced away from the upper plate by adjustment screws between the upper and lower plates. The upper plate includes a ferromagnetic material and a pivot pin projecting up from it. The spirit level housing has a hole in which the pivot pin is disposed enabling the housing to be pivoted around the surface of upper plate. A retaining magnet in the housing in the region of the measuring base holds the housing to the upper plate. Alternatively, the spirit level housing has the ferromagnetic material while the magnet is in the upper plate. Alternatively, also, the housing includes the pin while the hole is in the upper plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for assisting a golfer in achieving proper alignment for a golf stroke in which a golf ball is struck to move towards a target. In one embodiment, the device generally comprises a frame member to be worn by the golfer. An alignment member comprising a planar mirrored surface thereon is hingedly or rotatably attached to the frame member to enable adjustable positioning of the mirrored surface such that a reflection of the target may be viewed by the eye of the golfer closest to the target. The device also preferably comprises a level means attached to a distal end of the alignment member for determining whether the alignment member is being held level with respect to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: An adapter for facilitating the use of a device, such as an inclinometer, to measure the angular inclination of components in a vehicular drive train system is disclosed. The adapter includes a rectangular bracket having a flat upper surface and a lower surface. The bracket includes first and second legs extending from the lower surface and terminating in respective flat end surfaces. The end surfaces define a plane which is precisely parallel to the flat upper surface of the bracket. The inclinometer may be mounted in one of two different orientations on the flat upper surface of the bracket. The legs are spaced apart a predetermined distance to allow the end surfaces to engage flats machined on the surface of a full round end yoke of a universal joint without interference from the end flange portion of the bearing cap.

Abstract: A small, portable, lightweight device enabling one person to quickly and accurately measure the angle of a utility line at a given pole consists of a protractor rotatable about a central axis divided into quadrants with a rotatable pointer mounted on the face having front and rear sights for visual alignment mounted upon a frame to which two perpendicularly oriented levels both disposed in a plane parallel to that of the protractor are also mounted. The frame has a vertical component from which a pair of positioning pins and a vertically offset plumb adjustment extend forward and are biased against a pole. The axis of one level is disposed parallel to the axis through the contact points of the two positioning pins with the pole and facilitates horizontal positioning of the pins against the pole which is maintained with manual biasing of the device against the pole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vertically aligning a structure. The vertical alignment device has a main body with a front face, a back surface, two side surfaces, and a top reflective surface with an edge and a cross hair extending from the edge; a planar member having a cross hair and being attached to the top surface; and horizontal level. The method of vertically aligning a structure substantially comprises the steps of positioning the vertical alignment device against the structure to be vertically aligned, moving the alignment device such that the top surface cross hair is in alignment with the planar member cross hair when looking into the top reflective surface, manipulating the structure such that both the top surface cross hair and the planar member cross hair are in alignment with the center line of the structure when looking into the top reflective surface, and positioning the main body such that the level indicates that the main body is horizontally level.

Abstract: A hand tool for leveling operations includes level and plumb indicators in an elongated, linear support member, or body. Disposed on opposed ends of the support member are first and second telescoping extension members. By positioning the distal end of one extension member in a recessed point or line on a wall, commonly known as a "quirk", and using the level indicator, a point or a line on another adjacent wall at the same elevation, or height, may be precisely located. The opposed extensions may also be used with a ruler to precisely measure the vertical distance between a structure inaccessible by a conventional level, such as a doorway header, and the edge of an adjacent structure, such as a ceiling beam. Another embodiment includes a plurality of spaced, retractable projections along the length of the support member which are particularly useful for leveling a structure such as where the level is too long for positioning within the structure, such as a doorway.

Abstract: An improved versatile tape measure tool is provided, which consists of an elongated strip of tape marked off in a linear scale for taking measurements. A casing is for storing the tape therein in a coiled spring biased condition with the tape being extendable through a first end wall of the casing for measuring. A plurality of components are built into the casing, to help in the measuring and cutting to size of plasterboard, so that the plasterboard can be used to cover interior walls and ceilings.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable, closed, chemical transfer system is described. The system includes a support frame, a container, a vacuum pump, a leveling means for the container, a valved inlet line, and a valved outlet line. The leveling means allows for use of the portable, self-contained system on various surface levels. The vacuum pump can provide solely a vacuum to the container of the system or can be structured to also provide pressure to the container of the system to facilitate emptying of the container. When a pressure means is not provided, gravity is utilized to facilitate emptying of the container. The vacuum pump of the invention which provides alternatively for both vacuum and pressure includes a single operating lever operatively connected to two 3-way valves which are used in conjunction with a motor, air pump, and appropriate air lines. The system is operated through the use of a minimal number of valves which provides for simple construction and operation.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp aiming device is disclosed having an adjustment shaft with a first marking, and a mounting nut with a second marking. One of the other of the markings is formed on a clip firmly, but still adjustably mounted to either the shaft or nut as the case may be. Initial proper alignment of the adjustment shaft amy be made with respect to the mounting nut. The vehicle lamp is then in proper alignment. The adjustable marking clip is then moved to set the lamp calibration. A replacement lamp may then be brought into proper alignment by threading the adjustment shaft to align the alignment marks. By using a firm clip, subsequent, inadvertent resetting of the clip may be avoided.

Abstract: A navigation device for personal use includes a face mask with a transparent window for binocular vision when the device is worn by the user. The face mask has a directional indicator attachement with a multiplicity of symbols to identify the directional orientation of the mask. The directional indicator is attached at a stable location and distance for continuous availability of direct binocular viewing.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp having an inclination measuring unit mounted on portions of an aiming screw which extends rearward from reference member. The inclination measuring unit is interposed between a reference member and the rear end portion of the aiming screw, protruding rearward from the reference member.

Abstract: A tool for mounting and leveling forming boards to a vertical wall that has three legs parallel to each other. Two of these legs are separated sufficiently to permit a forming board only between them while the third leg is separated a larger distance and typically the distance between two spaced apart forming boards. A puncturing mechanism is mounted to the outer leg of the pair that accepts the forming board so that it can be releasably held. A leveling device is mounted on a transverse member that connects all three legs.

Abstract: The device for testing angular inclination of a headlight (11) has a inclination-detecting device (14) structured as a bubble level connected with the reflector (13) of each headlight and an additional inclination-detecting device (20), which is mounted on the chassis of the motor vehicle. The inclination-detecting device (14) of the headlight indicates the deviation of the reflector (13) from horizontal. The additional inclination-detecting device (20) indicates the inclination of the motor vehicle in a vertical plane (22). To test the inclination or orientation of the reflector from a set value, the reading of the inclinaiton-detecting device (14) is compared with the reading of the additional inclination-detecting device (20). The inclination of the reflector (13) is correct, when, preferably, the inclination-detecting device (14) on the reflector indicates the same deviation from horizontal as the additional inclination-detecting device (20).

Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle incorporation devices for measuring the amount of deviation of the beam of light produced thereby from the desired axis. The first deviation measuring device, which is used for measuring the amount of deviation of the beam in the horizontal direction, includes a calibrated rod extending between either the reflector and the headlight body, in the case of a movable reflector type headlight, or between the vehicle body and the headlight body, in the case of a movable unit type headlight. The second deviation measuring device, which is used for measuring the amount of deviation in the vertical direction, includes a level secured to the reflector or headlight body.

Abstract: A multi-function spirit-level adapted for use as inclination indicators for different specific slopes comprising a central conventional spirit level bubble tube attached at each distal end to a rectangular member with no support or other structure therebetween. The rectangular members are positioned normal to the central bubble tube. One of the rectangular members has a greater surface area than the other. The rectangular members are positioned at the ends of the bubble tube so that their four narrow outer surfaces are parallel. The bubble tube is centered on one of the rectangle members and positioned off center on the other. The offset position of one end of the bubble tube allows the spirit level to measure four different slope angles by resting the rectangular members on each of their four different outer parallel surfaces.

Abstract: An electronic compass system for determining the heading of an armored vehicle containing a large mass of ferromagnetic material, which system comprises a plurality of sensors, and for real-time computation of the corrections required of actual magnetometer measurements. Part of the values used for the computation are computed in advance, and part in real-time. Some of the computations are based on the perturbation of the earth magnetic field based on an algorithm which takes into account one or two rotational prolate ferromagnetic ellipsoids which have certain dimensions and which are at a predetermined distance from each other either represent the body of an armored vehicle, or when two ellipsoids are used, they represent the hull and turret of a tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved leveling device for use with various tools or other objects during a construction or repair process. A bubble level is mounted along the straight edge of a semi-circular protractor. The protractor is movably connected to a base member and adapted to pivot thereon relative to a central axis extending through the base member. A detent mechanism is provided within the base member for maintaining the protractor at various angular settings. The base member is also adapted to rotate about the central axis and may be easily and quickly attached to or removed from the protractor bubble level as well as various types of work surfaces including wood and metal.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprising a light source, a reflector, a housing, and a front glass, and also comprising an indicator device for indicating the elevation direction of the reflector, the indicator device being of the type comprising a spirit level mounted on the reflector in a plane which is essentially vertical and parallel to the optical axis defined by the reflector, the spirit level being in a predetermined angular relationship with the optical axis. The spirit level is mounted on a hollow support having an end edge suitable for bearing against the rear face of the reflector around a lamp mounted in the reflector.

Abstract: A trailer measuring system (10') for leveling a trailer during setup and for indicating deviations from an initial position of level of a trailer is provided. The device (10') includes a reservoir (16') and a plurality of measuring tubes (18') which can be secured to the frame (12) of a trailer (14) at horizontally spaced locations. Fluid communication is provided between the measuring tubes (18') proximate their lower end portions by tubing (20') and between their upper end portions by tubing (22) which connects the measuring tubes (18') in series or series/parallel to form a closed system. Fluid communication is selectively provided between the upper and lower end portions of the measuring tubes (18') and the upper and lower portions of the reservoir (16'), respectively.

Abstract: A tool for abutment against an object to detect when the object is at a predetermined orientation is temporarily securable to the object in order to free both of the operator's hands for other activities. Plural spirit level vials, oriented to face in different directions, indicate when the tool is vertical, horizontal or inclined at one or more predetermined angles. In the preferred form, the tool body has a central handle region from which arms extend in opposite directions and a pair of members extend laterally from the end of each arm to define segments of a right angled slot into which the object is fitted. The tool preferably has three different types of fastener including retractable nail-like pins which may be penetrated into wood or the like, elastic cords which may be used to clasp the object and magnets which cause the tool to cling to steel posts, pipes or the like.

Abstract: A spirit level assembly attachable to a free end of a pipe section being installed includes a housing block of generally rectangular cross-section in which a series of viewing ports are formed through opposed side walls thereof. Fitted into each of the viewing ports is a spirit level vial or bubble. Integrally formed on the opposed ends of the housing block are cylindrical stubs of predetermined diameter corresponding to commonly encountered pipe sizes. The stubs are threaded in accordance with the National Pipe Thread convention. When the housing is screwed onto the length of pipe being leveled or plumbed, an appropriate bubble vial can be viewed to establish the desired horizontal or vertical orientation of that pipe segment.

Abstract: A level device for a chainsaw is formed from a hollow closed transparent plastic tube filled with a colored liquid. An air bubble is trapped in the liquid within the tube. Alignment indicia in the form of perpendicular intersecting lines are inscribed on the cylindrical side wall of the tube and on both end faces. An aluminum mounting bracket consists of a pair of spaced circular rings connected by a strut. A standard extends perpendicular to the strut, and is attached thereto at a point equidistant from each of the rings. A slotted mounting prong is formed at the free end of the standard for engagement with a threaded fastener on a chainsaw. In use, the device functions as a spirit level for making horizontal and vertical cuts with the blade of the chainsaw.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a golfer to keep the golfer's head level with the ball and still while the golfer is in the process of hitting the ball, comprising a pair of frame members which rest on the golfer's ears or include attaching means which permit the frames to be attached to an article worn on the golfer's head such as a hat or headband and a center bridge member adjoining the two frames and including a level means, wherein the apparatus is worn such that the level means rests in front of the golfer and just above or just below the line of sight between the golfer's eyes and the golf ball.

Abstract: A level-indicating device comprises nail-guiding means for tacking the level onto a door or other wooden structure.

Abstract: A level indicating device used to indicate proper orientation of a recreation vehicle (RV) such as a motor home, trailer, or camper. The device comprises of a generally transparent dome fixedly mounted on a base which can be removeably attached to a generally flat, horizontal surface which is preferably the ceiling of the RV. The dome is approximately half-filled with a liquid which is resistant to freezing, and carries a plurality of parallel lines graduated to indicate when the orientation of the base with respect to horizontal is within a three degree tolerance. In operation, the surface of the liquid lies generally between the plurality of parallel lines when the flat surface to which the base is attached is within three degrees of tolerance with respect to horizontal. The dome is illuminated by a conventional pen light removeably inserted into apertures in the base, the light being activated by pressing on one end of the light.

Abstract: For leveling prehung door assemblies a device is described on which a level indicator is mounted on one flange of a channel member that can be snap fitted onto the door edge.

Abstract: The conduit bending tool of this invention has on its body a pair of pads which are spaced apart in the direction lengthwise of the arcuate bending shoe and which define recesses that open to one side of the body wherein end portions of a straight cylindrical spirit level vial are closely receivable. Cement on a surface of each recess that embraces the vial partway around it secures the vial in place. The pads and recesses are defined by one of the two main mold elements that form the body, which have their parting place on a plane of symmetry in the body, and the vial is installed by simply inserting it into the recesses.