Abstract: A hands free level has a body having a first end, a second hook shaped end, and a level device. The level device has a tube partially filled with a liquid that has a bubble, a first left end marking, a first right end marking, a second left end marking, and a second right end marking, the first left end marking and the first right end marking defining a center portion in which the bubble is positioned to indicate level, the first left end marking and the second end marking defining an incline portion in which the bubble is positioned to indicate an incline grade, and the first right end marking and the second right end marking defining a decline portion in which the bubble is positioned to indicate a decline grade.

Abstract: An aligning device that can be mounted to a conduit for rotating the conduit in successive angular intervals. The aligning device having a bracket that can be secured to the conduit. The bracket having four bubble levels at its periphery equally spaced from each other. Each bubble level can be horizontally leveled.

Abstract: A golf club fitting apparatus and a method for fitting using the apparatus are provided. The golf club fitting apparatus may be attached to a golf club and provide fitting information including effective lie angle, effective loft angle, stroke plane, and aiming verification information. That golf club fitting apparatus includes a first opening for receiving a shaft, second openings for receiving a collimated light source, third openings for receiving angle indicators, and a recess for securing the collimated light source in an alternate configuration.

Abstract: An extendible or adjustable length level is provided. The level includes a locking mechanism allowing the user to fix the level at a selected or desired level. The locking system allows the user to lock the level at the desired length and provides more effective and robust locking than conventional expanding levels. In some embodiments the locking mechanism is designed such that translational movement of the user-actuated control (as opposed to rotational motion) is used to move the locking mechanism into the locked position.

Abstract: A tool, such as a level, including a rotating angle indicator is provided. The level may include a gripping structure for coupling the level to a workpiece. The level may include one or more bubble level vials. The level may include a window arrangement to provide viewing of an angle-indicating needle from a variety of angles, and one such window may be located at the end of the level and at least partially surrounds the angle-indicating needle.

Abstract: A level is selectively coupled to a work piece and includes a housing, an adjustable clamping mechanism configured to selectively couple the housing to the work piece, a first bubble vial coupled to the housing and operable to indicate a first levelness of the work piece, and a second bubble vial rotatably coupled to the housing about a first axis. The second bubble vial is operable to indicate a second levelness of the work piece.

Abstract: A toilet flange cover system for temporarily covering a toilet flange and opening during periods of construction and remodeling when the toilet is not installed. A cover is fabricated of a rigid plastic material and formed with a generally circular shape. Diametrically opposed locking posts are integrated into the bottom of the cover having enlarged heads and can be removably received in the bolt slots for coupling the cover to a toilet flange when covering the opening and uncoupling from the toilet flange to facilitate accessing the opening. A handle aids in the coupling and uncoupling of the cover and a gasket is placed between the cover and flange to seal the opening when the cover is coupled to the toilet flange.

Abstract: A child car safety seat includes: a base having a shell body that defines an inner space therein and that is formed with a viewing window for permitting a user to view therethrough into the inner space; a seat body detachably mountable on and engageable with the base; and an indicator disposed in the inner space in the shell body and having an indication. The indicator is operatively associated with the base and the seat body such that the indication is disposed at the viewing window upon engagement between the seat body and the base so as to permit the user to see the indication through the viewing window and is not disposed at the viewing window upon disengagement between the seat body and the base.

Abstract: An automated vehicle steering centering assembly for a centering process for marking a center of a steering column includes a housing connected to a robotic arm for movement therewith. A drive mechanism is mounted to the housing. A chuck is rotatably connected to the drive mechanism. The chuck includes a moveable gripper jaw having a splined inner surface for mating with a splined portion of the steering column. A pneumatic mechanism is mounted to the housing and operably connected to the chuck. Air pressure supplied from the pneumatic mechanism to the chuck moves the gripper jaw between an open position and a closed position so as to grip the steering column.

Abstract: A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure that includes a plurality of differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that, if any one of the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a novel connector mechanism that enables the level to be removably interconnected with the structure to be leveled. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to the bottom surface of the level and a bulls-eye level that is mounted on the top surface of the level body.

Abstract: An improvement in workpiece-engageable devices for accurate workpiece angular formation including a plurality of spirit vials and an engager of a workpiece which establishes an intended bending plane. The plurality of spirit vials includes formation-angle vials adjacent to one another and supported in a respective plane parallel to the intended bending plane and in an orientation corresponding to a respective one of intended angles with respect to a base plane. At least one control vial is supported in a body of the device and aligned in a plane parallel to the base plane. The formation-angle vials may include four formation-angle vials each oriented at one of angles 10°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, 90° and in some embodiments 60° with respect to the base plane.

Abstract: A level for indicating the orientation of a surface includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a web coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface, and a vial having a long axis and containing a liquid and a gas bubble. The level also includes a first magnet coupled to the first planar surface, a second magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the first magnet by a first distance, and a third magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the second magnet by a second distance that is different than the first distance. The first, second, and third magnets are positioned along the first planar surface successively without any additional magnets positioned therebetween.

Abstract: Forklift and material handling procedures involve many safety, productivity, and efficiency constraints. Foremost among these is the inability of equipment operators to accurately determine the alignment of equipment forks to the material or vessle being handled. The “Forklift/Material Handling Fork Level Indicator” described herein, eliminates this problem. By employing a rearward facing baseplate, mirror, indicator needle, and graduated scale, the equipment operator can literally “see around a corner” to easily determine equipment mast vertical condition, fork to floor parallelism, and thus accurate alignment of equipment forks to pallets, skids, or other shipping and storage containers upon approach to, or withdrawl from said vessles. Installed on the side of the main vertical mast of material handling equipment, this device provides a side view of the main mast position, via the freely rotating indicator needle, directly to the operator while in normal operating position.

Abstract: A baluster level having a level body defining a view port, a proximal end and a distal end, a plunger slideably secured within the level body, and a leveling device. A method for installing leveled balusters having the steps of compressing a plunger, inserting the level between floor and banister, releasing compression on the plunger, leveling, marking the floor and banister, compressing the plunger and removing the level.

Abstract: A level has a pair of knobs extending beyond a housing on opposite sides thereof to receive a strap. The level also has a bottom with a V-shaped profile to set atop a flat surface or receive a convex surface therein.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for tilt detection and indication is disclosed. The tilt indicator includes a first member having a reservoir for retaining a granular indicating media therein; and a second member coupled to the first member and having an adhesive portion located corresponding to an indicating area of the first member. Responsive to a tilt event, at least a portion of the indicating media exits the reservoir and travels to the indicating area where the adhesive portion retains at least a portion of the indicating media within the indicating area.

Abstract: Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.

Abstract: A level for indicating the orientation of a surface includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a web coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface. A vial defines a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble. The vial is coupled to the web such that the long axis is substantially parallel to the first planar surface. A tube deburring portion is coupled to the web and includes a male conical portion arranged to deburr an inner edge of a tube and a female conical portion arranged to deburr an outer edge of the tube.

Abstract: A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure, such as an elongate pipe, that includes several differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that if the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, they can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a body portion having top and bottom rails that are chamfered in a manner to automatically align the level with the longitudinal axis of the pipe when the level is connected to the side of the pipe. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to the bottom rail of the level and can be used to releasably interconnect the level with a length of ferrous pipe.

Abstract: A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure that includes first and second differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that if either of the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a novel connector mechanism that enables the level to be removably interconnected with the structure to be leveled. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to various surfaces of the level and a bulls-eye level that is mounted on the top surface of the level body.

Abstract: A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are disclosed wherein an adjustable ruler arm is provided to facilitate the measurement and inscribing of arbitrary angles relative to the upright member.

Abstract: A level clip is disclosed for securing along the edge of a wall-hanging substrate for the purpose of leveling the substrate. The clip includes a body having a substrate-receiving slot and a contact surface. The clip also supports a bubble level so that it is aligned with the contact surface. The user inserts the edge of the substrate into the slot so that the edge of the substrate abuts evenly with the contact surface, thereby allowing the bubble level to convey level-alignment information in response to rotational movement of the substrate. Resilient outer arms adjacent to the slot create friction to help hold the clip in place.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for measuring the slope of a surface. The device includes a frame, one or more clear tubes containing a liquid and a gas bubble, and an attachment facilitating attachment to a sloped surface. The attachment may be a removable strap or magnets. The tubes are fixed at angles greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees relative to the bottom surface of the frame and a visual indication of the angle of each tube is present on the device. The device is designed to be placed parallel to the slope of a sloped surface and the slope of the surface can then be increased or decreased such that the gas bubble will become centered within the tube when the angle of slope conforms to a desired standard.

Abstract: A door hanging tool includes a horizontal member having at least one bubble vial for the determination of the angle of a surface with respect to the horizontal member and, a vertical member having at least one bubble vial for indicating the inclination of the surface with respect to the vertical member. The horizontal member further defines anchor slots for receiving an anchor means for releasably attaching the tool to the existing pre-drilled hole for lockset from the door manufacturer, such that the user can view the bubble vial of the vertical member for indicating the vertical inclination of the door with respect to the vertical member, and can view the bubble vial of the horizontal member to determine the angle of the door with respect to the horizontal member, and can adjust the door accordingly.

Abstract: A level for indicating the orientation of each of a surface, a first electrical device, or a second electrical device, the level including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a web, and a vial. The web is coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface. The vial has a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble and is coupled to the web such that the long axis is substantially parallel to the first planar surface. A first perimeter is formed as part of the web, shaped substantially the same as a portion of the first electrical device, and sized to engage the portion of the first electrical device such that the vial is operable to indicate the orientation of the first electrical device.

Abstract: Forklift and material handling procedures involve many safety, productivity, and efficiency constraints. Foremost among these is the inability of equipment operators to accurately determine the alignment of equipment forks to the material or vessle being handled. The “Forklift/Material Handling Fork Level Indicator” described herein, eliminates this problem. By employing a rearward facing baseplate, minor, indicator needle, and graduated scale, the equipment operator can literally “see around a corner” to easily determine equipment mast vertical condition, fork to floor parallelism, and thus accurate alignment of equipment forks to pallets, skids, or other shipping and storage containers upon approach to, or withdrawl from said vessles. Installed on the side of the main vertical mast of material handling equipment, this device provides a side view of the main mast position, via the freely rotating indicator needle, directly to the operator while in normal operating position.

Abstract: Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.

Abstract: A level tool comprising a body and a clamping portion disposed at one end of the body. The clamping portion includes a first arm having a plurality of spaced-apart contact surfaces and a second arm having a fastening member. The first and second arms define an opening for receiving a portion of a workpiece. The plurality of spaced-apart contact surfaces and the fastening member cooperate to releasably clamp the portion of the workpiece received in the opening.

Abstract: A novel and useful leveling device and more specifically a leveling device which is primarily constructed for the purpose of constructing walls. The device has three glass level components that provide the user with not only side to side leveling of the wall, but also a front to back leveling.

Abstract: A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are disclosed wherein an adjustable ruler arm is provided to facilitate the measurement and inscribing of arbitrary angles relative to the upright member.

Abstract: A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one bubble level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are provided wherein a spring-loaded spike is disposed within the instrument that is adapted to secure the measuring instrument to a workpiece which may be non-ferrous. The spike assembly may be configured to work with commonly used building materials, e.g., wood, drywall, masonry, and sheet metal surfaces.

Abstract: The system is used to determine the position of a tool mounted on a digging machine. It includes a monitoring appliance and several independent position-detecting devices each including a face equipped with attachment elements to be held flush against an articulated component of the machine, a wireless communication module remotely sending data to the monitoring appliance, an independent electrical power supply source, a processing unit, and an electronic module with angular position sensors. The devices are distributed so that each is on a different articulated part of the machine. They need no cables, and are easy to fit. The signals emitted by the devices are received by the monitoring appliance, which calculates a setpoint for positioning the tool.

Abstract: A removable laser base for a bubble level that includes a body, a laser beam generator, and a removable securement. The body has a flat top surface that the level is secured to and a bottom surface that is flat and parallel to the top surface. A laser diode mounted in a module emits a visible laser beam upon application of power from a battery that is controlled by a switch. The module, batteries, and switch are mounted in a through bore in the body. The laser base is removably secured to the bubble level by any manner appropriate to the shape of the level. In one such securement, the level has a T-shaped cross-section and the body has a complementary slot into which the level slides. When the level reference surface abuts the top surface of the laser base, a thumb screw is tightened to frictionally secure the level in the base.

Abstract: A level for gauging stud orientation. The level includes an elongate frame, a level indicator secured to the frame, two support arms pivotably secured to the frame to facilitate holding of the level against the stud, and a coordinating arm pivotably secured to each of the support arms for synchronous movement of the support arms. The frame has two side-faces and at least one main reference surface extending therealong and having a mainwidth. The coordinating arm is substantially parallel to the main reference surface. Each support arm has a proximal end and extends to a free distal end to which an end member is secured. Each end member extends from a respective one of the distal ends crosswise with respect to the mainwidth and terminates in a stud-engaging portion which extends in a direction intersecting the plane of the reference surface. When the reference surface is against a stud surface the stud-engaging portions engage the opposite side of the stud for hands-free holding of the level thereagainst.

Abstract: A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one bubble level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are provided wherein a spring-loaded spike is disposed within the instrument that is adapted to secure the measuring instrument to a workpiece which may be non-ferrous. The spike assembly may be configured to work with commonly used building materials, e.g., wood, drywall, masonry, and sheet metal surfaces.

Abstract: A self-supporting apparatus and method for locating a stud in a wall and providing a hands-free laser-level with visible indication of the stud includes a body and a rare earth magnet attached to the body. A battery-operated laser assembly is attached to the device and emits a laser-line that is visible on a surface of a wall when it is energized. A means for leveling the laser is attached to the body to align or indicate when the laser-line is plumb or disposed at an angle with respect to vertical.

Abstract: A device includes a housing, a vial carried by the housing, a light source carried by the housing, and a base movably connected to the housing. The base and the housing have cooperating structures so as to allow movement of the housing and the base relative to each other along an arc. The base is mountable on a reference surface, and the light source is arranged to form a line of light on the reference surface.

Abstract: A level is provided, including a main body, at least one bubble vial and an arm. The main body includes at least one reference surface, a first clamping surface, and at least one aperture formed through the main body. The bubble vial is attached to the main body for indicating the orientation of the at least one reference surface. The arm projects through and slidable within the at least one aperture of the main body and includes a second clamping surface. An adjustable clamping distance is measured between the first clamping surface of the main body and the second clamping surface of the arm. The arm is slidable within the at least one aperture for adjusting the adjustable clamping distance.

Abstract: Present invention provides an edge level that can be used for measuring angles or levelness on all X, Y and Z axis simultaneously and in hands-free type operation, due to the use of Velcro or external clamps used together with the features introduced herein. A removable pod, containing the Z-axis bubble, provides the flexibility of insertion to the pod seat for measuring Z-axis angle and can be stored or put aside when not in use.

Abstract: A level includes a frame defining a web, a flange, and a gauging surface for placement on a workpiece. A magnetic retainer arrangement is secured to the frame laterally of the web and above the flange, and applies a magnetic force to a magnetically attractive workpiece through the laterally extending member. The web includes a lip that cooperates with the web and the flange to define a channel a facing in a direction opposite the gauging surface. The magnetic retainer arrangement includes one or more magnetic members engaged within the channel. The magnetic members are operable to maintain the level in engagement with a magnetically attractive workpiece, by virtue of a magnetic field that passes through the laterally extending member and that applies a magnetic force that acts on the magnetically attractive workpiece to maintain the gauging surface of the level on the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing conduit which includes an elongated transparent vial having a geometric axis and containing a liquid defining a bubble therein whereby when the axis is horizontal the bubble is centered with respect to the elongated transparent vial and an elongated housing having a geometric axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing conduit which includes an elongated transparent vial having a geometric axis and containing a liquid defining a bubble therein whereby when the axis is horizontal the bubble is centered with respect to the elongated transparent vial and an elongated housing having a geometric axis.

Abstract: A level tool comprising a body and a clamping portion disposed at one end of the body. The clamping portion includes a first arm having a plurality of spaced-apart contact surfaces and a second arm having a fastening member. The first and second arms define an opening for receiving a portion of a workpiece. The plurality of spaced-apart contact surfaces and the fastening member cooperate to releasably clamp the portion of the workpiece received in the opening.

Abstract: A spirit level including an aluminum body having at least one unpainted leveling surface for placing on a surface and a bubble vial for indicating the inclination of the surface to the horizontal wherein an unpainted leveling surface of the at least one unpainted leveling surface is protected by a readily manually removable elongated protective strip.

Abstract: An alignment device and method for aligning an antenna with a satellite. The device includes a grooved cylindrical sleeve inserted into a ridged cylindrical sleeve, a raised azimuth indicator ring and a magnetic or digital compass mounted upon the grooved cylindrical sleeve, and a bubble level mounted on a capped cylindrical sleeve that fits over the grooved cylindrical sleeve. A known value of optimal azimuth alignment is offset from the North Magnetic Pole so that a reference and alignment mark may be placed on the antenna mounting pole. This alignment device and method eliminate the need for two technicians and eliminate the need for a signal strength measuring device.

Abstract: A device for setting and leveling tile is provided that comprises an elongated straight edge. The straight edge includes a horizontal tile support flange and a vertical flange. A support leg is adjustably attached to the vertical flange adjacent each end of the straight edge and a bubble level is centered on the vertical flange between the support legs. The thickness of the horizontal support flange is sized so that after all the courses of tile are laid and the straight edge is removed, only a layer of grout is required to complete the installation. If the floor is not level, the support legs are adjusted to center the bubble in the level prior to laying the tiles. When leveling tile around a bathtub, an adjustable brace is affixed onto each of the support legs. Each brace includes and adjustment slot therethrough and a rubber boot secured on one end for engaging the bottom of the tub for supporting the straight edge on the edge of the tub.

Abstract: A level designed for use in hanging pictures is disclosed. The level is proportioned to be easy and convenient to use in conjunction with a picture frame, having a pair of perpendicular legs that can rest on a corner of a picture frame and a level vial positioned within one of the legs. The level can be used to help guide the mounting of a frame on the wall or may be used to check the placement of an already-mounted frame and adjust the frame as needed.

Abstract: A level and protractor tool (100) includes a body (102) with three sections. The first section (106) includes a spring clip (108) mounted on the body. The spring clip is adapted to be attached to an item that is to be bent or otherwise measured with the level and protractor tool (FIG. 6). The second section (128) is contiguous with the first section. The second section includes a mounting pin (132) defining a rotational axis for both a pointer (134) and a degree wheel (136) having a pendulum weight (306). The degree wheel and the pointer are positioned with respect to the mounting pin for rotational movement about the mounting pin independent of one another. The third section (142) includes a bubble level or spirit vial (144) and is attached perpendicularly to the second section and parallel to the mounting pin.

Abstract: A level is provided with magnets spaced along the length of the level. The magnets function to secure the level to objects such as metal studs, metal beams, metal doorframes and the like when adjusting the attitude of such objects. A spring assembly is provided for each magnet. The spring assembly functions to absorb vibrations released through the object when the object is moved or jostled. The absorption of vibrations allows the magnet to remain in place for a secure attachment to the object.

Abstract: A vertical alignment device (10) between a downwardly extending upper spindle (12) on an upper mounting plate (14) of an upper pivot assembly (16) in a head jamb (18) and an upwardly extending lower spindle (20) on a lower mounting plate (22) of a lower pivot assembly (24) on a floor (26) for a glass door structure (28) comprising a body (30). A facility (32) is for attaching in a removable manner an upper portion (34) of the body (30) to the upper spindle (12). A plumb line (36) is provided with a plumb bob (38) affixed to a first end of the plumb line (36). An assembly (40) is for securing a second end of the plumb line (36) to a lower portion (42) of the body (30). The plumb bob (38) will hang down on the plumb line (36) to indicate an aligned location for the lower spindle (20) when the lower mounting plate (22) is bolted up on the floor (26), thereby allowing the glass door structure (28) to operate properly in a swinging manner.