Affecting Level Or Plumb Indication Patents (Class 33/375)
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Patent number: 8898916Abstract: A portable device for measuring a deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference support adjacent the first end, a second removable reference support adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference support and the second removable reference support, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference support and the second removable reference support.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: EFI Global, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Heyer
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Patent number: 8826554Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventor: Ronald Bariteau
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Patent number: 8413343Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extendable plumb and level measuring device and associated usage method. The device can utilize interconnected members including a first, a second, and a third member. For example, the third member can be slidingly disposed within the first and second members to extend the device to a set and arbitrary length. The measuring device utilizes a spirit level or digital reader to determine when the device itself is level responsive to positioning a extendable stopper against a construction, such as a wall, door, panel, and the like. Once level, a measuring device, such as a ruler, disposed within the device can be utilized to measure the plumb of the construction. Additionally, the device can function as an extendable level to measure an arbitrary length.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: Brian K. Hale
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Patent number: 8407906Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Cunningham Lindsey U.S., Inc.Inventor: Daniel Heyer
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Patent number: 8152119Abstract: A bracket assembly comprising at least one mounting base including at least one surface association means, at least one engaging extension extending from the at least one mounting base, the at least one engaging extension rotatingly associating at least one luminaire with the mounting base, and at least one luminaire leveling device adjustably extending from the at least one mounting base, a contact portion of the leveling device removably contacting the at least one luminaire.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.Inventors: David Pfund, James A. Melling
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Patent number: 8104187Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Inventor: Daniel Heyer
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Publication number: 20100058601Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: EMPIRE LEVEL MFG. CO.Inventor: Roger A. Bohman
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Patent number: 7574812Abstract: An example pivot plate leveler includes a first plate having one of a protrusion and a cavity and a second plate having the other of the protrusion and the cavity. The first plate is pivotable with respect to the second plate to provide a level surface. An appliance is received on the level surface. In one example, the protrusion and the cavity are spherical. The protrusion is at least partially received within the cavity to provide a pivotable connection between the first plate and the second plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Masco CorporationInventors: Peter Dabrowski, Steven Michael Gwozdek
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Publication number: 20090113733Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extendable plumb and level measuring device and associated usage method. The device can utilize interconnected members including a first, a second, and a third member. For example, the third member can be slidingly disposed within the first and second members to extend the device to a set and arbitrary length. The measuring device utilizes a spirit level or digital reader to determine when the device itself is level responsive to positioning a extendable stopper against a construction, such as a wall, door, panel, and the like. Once level, a measuring device, such as a ruler, disposed within the device can be utilized to measure the plumb of the construction. Additionally, the device can function as an extendable level to measure an arbitrary length.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventor: Brian K. HALE
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Patent number: 7086166Abstract: The present spirit level has an elongated body with a longitudinal leveling face and at least one inclination peg retractably mounted in the body. The inclination peg is configured to selectably extend at least partially out from the leveling face by at least one predetermined stepwise increment, such that when it contacts a surface to be leveled, the inclination peg raises the leveling face to a predetermined angle of inclination from the surface to be leveled.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Eric John Helda, Leslie Daily Gist
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Patent number: 6694632Abstract: A level comprises a frame defining first and second parallel channels and first and second rails fitted slidingly in the first and second channels respectively. The level is adjustable in length by sliding the rails in the respective channels of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Jack M. Schooley
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Patent number: 6658752Abstract: The present invention is an extensible carpenter's level that is adjustable between a collapsed position and a fully-extended position. The level may be manufactured in a variety of sizes. An exemplary embodiment of the level is comprised of an innerslide and two outerslides. The innerslide has two sets of tracks or tongues. Each of the outerslides is slidably connected to the innerslide. In particular, one outerslide is adapted to slide along one set of tracks or tongues, and the other outerslide is adapted to slide along the other set of tracks or tongues. At least one of the slides includes at least one level bubble. The level preferably includes multiple level bubbles to enable a variety of measurements, e.g., a horizontal level, a vertical level, and a 45° level.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Inventor: Anthony L. Bonaventura, Jr.
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Patent number: 6640455Abstract: An extendable carpenter's level which comprises a pair of extending body members capable of adapting and mounting upon the standard “I” level frame configuration of a carpenter's level by sliding said extendable body members onto the frame of the standard level. Each extending body member consists of a top and bottom slide extension rigidly attached to one another so as to be firmly in contact with the level frame. The top and bottom slide he extensions each incorporate a lock pin to insure rigidity as against the level frame and stop clips to eliminate outward extension of the extending body members beyond the end of the level frame. In another embodiment, each extending body member is split such that both the top and bottom slide extensions comprise generally a right and left side extension held together by means of slide springs and flush mounted screws.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Inventor: Willam Smothers
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Publication number: 20030093909Abstract: A level includes a level vial device detachably secured to a casing without additional fasteners or tools. The casing has a hook engaged with one end of the level vial device and a spring biased latch for detachably latching the level vial device to the casing. A spring member may be used for biasing the level vial device away from the casing and for allowing the level vial device to be easily disengaged from the casing when the level vial device is released by the latch. The casing has two fences for vertically securing the level vial device to the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Wen Hsin Liao
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Patent number: 6550152Abstract: A spirit level for the installation of tile and cabinets includes a rigid body having upper and lower parallel planar surfaces separated by a first predetermined width. The body includes a bubble vial oriented to verify the orientation of the level. An auxiliary edge portion has a planar top surface and lower supporting edges parallel to the top surface separated by a second predetermined width. Means are provided for removably attaching the auxiliary edge portion to the upper planar surface of the body, thereby providing a level having two standard widths corresponding to industry standard tiles. A series of evenly spaced holes are provided for removably securing the body to a flat surface. The ends of the body include parallel planar end surfaces normal to the upper and lower planar surfaces. A threaded hole is provided penetrating the surface of the body. A threaded setscrew is provided to engage the threaded hole and to bear upon the auxiliary edge.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventor: Charles Myrick
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Publication number: 20020116833Abstract: A means of extending the useful length of standard spirit levels currently in production and in use throughout the world. The length extension hardware is comprised of pairs of extender sleeves which fit over the core level to be extended and provided with means to secure the configuration at any selected length between the minimum and maximum lengths attainable with the core level and extender sleeve set being employed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventor: Gerald R. Hollenbeck
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Patent number: 6427348Abstract: A slope block assembly having a bubble level with an eccentrically mounted slope block detachably carried on one end of the level. The slope block has an offset turning axis with a plurality of supporting surfaces, all located at different distances from the turning axis. The support surfaces cooperate with an undersurface or support point on the level to direct a laser beam at a desired angle with respect to a round or flat reference surface. Grooves are provided on the slope block support surfaces as well as on the level undersurface to support the level and slope block assembly on a round or curved reference surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventor: James Webb
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Publication number: 20020040532Abstract: A spirit level for the installation of tile and cabinets includes a rigid body having upper and lower parallel planar surfaces separated by a first predetermined width. The body includes a bubble vial oriented to verify the orientation of the level. An auxiliary edge portion has a planar top surface and planar top surface and lower supporting edges parallel to the top surface separated by a second predetermined width. Means are provided for removably attaching the auxiliary edge portion to the upper planar surface of the body, thereby providing a level having two standard widths corresponding to industry standard tiles. A series of evenly spaced holes are provided for removably securing the body to a flat surface. The ends of the body include parallel planar end surfaces normal to the upper and lower planar surfaces. A threaded hole is provided penetrating the surface of the body. A threaded setscrew is provided to engage the threaded hole and to bear upon the auxiliary edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventor: Charles Myrick
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Patent number: 6293024Abstract: A leveling device has a housing, a support surface which is fixed with the housing, an adjusting device including at least one adjusting screw which is displaceable outwardly and has an adjusting thread which is engageable with a counter thread for adjusting the adjusting screw, the counter thread being formed as a partially side of a slider which is displaceable transversely to a longitudinal axis of the adjusting screw and disengageable from the adjusting thread.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Arnim Fiebig, David Matzo
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Patent number: 6293023Abstract: A level comprises a frame defining first and second parallel channels and first and second rails fitted slidingly in the first and second channels respectively. The level is adjustable in length by sliding the rails in the respective channels of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Inventor: Jack M. Schooley
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Patent number: 6279240Abstract: The present invention is an extensible carpenter's level that is adjustable between a collapsed position and a fully-extended position. The level may be manufactured in a variety of sizes. A preferred embodiment of the level is comprised of an innerslide and two outerslides. The innerslide has two sets of tracks or tongues. Each of the outerslides is slidably connected to the innerslide. In particular, one outerslide is adapted to slide along one set of tracks or tongues, and the other outerslide is adapted to slide along the other set of tracks or tongues. At least one of the slides includes at least one level bubble. The level preferably includes multiple level bubbles to enable a variety of measurements, e.g., a horizontal level, a vertical level, and a 45° level.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Anthony Louis Bonaventura, Jr.
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Patent number: 6178649Abstract: An optical calibrating apparatus includes: a laser illuminator (6) disposed in an eccentric adjusting sleeve (5), an inner inclined adjusting sleeve (4) within a jacket (3), an outer inclined adjusting sleeve (2) outside the jacket (3), and a cylindrical casing (1), in which a laser line is emitted by the illuminator (6) for checking levelling, plumbing and verticality and the laser line has been calibrated for a horizontality or a verticality by rotating the eccentric adjusting sleeve (4), the inner and outer inclined adjusting sleeves (4, 2) until the emitted laser line is aligned with a standard laser line emitted from a standard optical calibrator or aligned with a mark preset by a standard instrument.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Chyi-Yiing Wu
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Patent number: 5488777Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Inventor: William Erdesky
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Patent number: 5438761Abstract: A level apparatus incorporates a ruler member for making linear measurements and a level support assembly which is rotatably mounted on the ruler member. The level support assembly is mounted in the center of the ruler member and includes a pair of brackets which support a cylindrically shaped level. The level support assembly includes a circular array of indicia for making angular measurements.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Inventors: Luba M. Krumszyn, Zinovi Khabal
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Patent number: 4754553Abstract: A one-man field survey instrument for conducting small scale engineering surveys. The instrument automatically measures relative vertical and horizontal angles as it is moved over the terrain. The measurements are thereafter processed to prepare a topographical survey. Alternative configurations are disclosed as are methods for using the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1986Date of Patent: July 5, 1988Inventor: Ted Simpson
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Patent number: 4635376Abstract: Angle measuring apparatus, particularly for measuring doctor blade angle, comprises an elongate support (1); a horizontal level detecting device (4) pivotally connected to an upper surface of the support (1); and means (5, 8) for determining the angle between the support (1) and the horizontal level detecting device (4). An under surface of the support (1) includes a pair of projecting feet (13, 14), the arrangement being such that when the apparatus is placed on a cylinder, the upper surface of the support (1) is substantially parallel with a chord of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1985Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Assignee: Crosfield Electronics LimitedInventor: Andrew R. Fry
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Patent number: 4617820Abstract: The invention is a level checking device having a pair of orthogonal surfaces which are positioned precisely as horizontal or vertical references, respectively. The device includes a mounting bracket which is used to mount the horizontal and vertical reference surfaces to a solid support. An adjustment is provided such that, with the mounting bracket appropriately mounted, the horizontal and vertical reference surfaces can be adjusted to be precisely horizontal and vertical. An indicator is also provided to indicate when the precise alignment has been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1985Date of Patent: October 21, 1986Inventor: Richard D. Hammond
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Patent number: 4607437Abstract: An adjustable level apparatus (10) comprising a core level unit (11) provided with a pair of extension arm units (12) that are formed by upper (25) and lower (26) housing casings that are connected together through the core level unit (11), and the extension arm units (12) are further provided with extension leg units (13) on their ends, having an extension leg that is extendable perpendicular to the axis of reciprocation of the extension arm units (12) on the core level unit (11).Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1985Date of Patent: August 26, 1986Inventors: Harry J. McSorley, Sr., Sophokles Anthimides
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Patent number: 4543731Abstract: A gradient measuring device incorporating a conventional level such as a spirit level and having an end gauge member which is rotatable providing a lowermost reference by which when the level is horizontal there is a gauge reference to a slope position between the lowermost point on the gauge and the further lowermost end of the level.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1982Date of Patent: October 1, 1985Inventor: Geoffrey A. Boundy
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Patent number: 4255865Abstract: A tool for checking the angle of camber of a vehicle wheel which includes a frame, a plurality of upper pin members removable from the frame, a lower pin member mounted on the frame, and indicator means disposed on the frame and providing an indication of whether the angle of camber of the wheel is proper. The upper and lower pin members are of different lengths, and their ends determine a line which forms a predetermined angle with the vertical axis of the tool, which angle corresponds to the angle of camber of a properly-aligned wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1979Date of Patent: March 17, 1981Inventor: Gerald Levene
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Patent number: 4067117Abstract: A spirit level having a measuring stick slidably mounted on one end of the level with means attached to the level for clamping and releasing the free transverse movement of said measuring stick from a position near the center of the level. A separate bracket is provided for attachment to the level for the clamping means which bracket also may include guide means for the measuring stick. The clamping means comprises a spring urged frictional brake which engages the measuring stick and is releasable by a thumb operated handle slidably mounted adjacent the vial which indicates when the level is level. This guiding bracket may be longitudinally extended with respect to the level to increase the length thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1976Date of Patent: January 10, 1978Inventor: Ray A. Bernard
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Patent number: 3947970Abstract: An alignment gauge for use in determining whether two elongated members, such as cylindrical rolls, are in parallel relationship. The gauge includes a rod or standard, and a pad is connected to a micrometer and is mounted for lateral movement with respect to the rod. A level having a bubble-containing vial is mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the rod. In operation, the rod is placed tangentially against one of two generally parallel rolls and the pad is placed tangentially against the other of the rolls. The level is then pivoted until the vial is horizontal. The gauge is then positioned in the same manner at the opposite ends of the rolls and the micrometer is adjusted until the vial is horizontal or level. The reading of the micrometer is an indication of the misalignment of the two rolls.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1974Date of Patent: April 6, 1976Assignee: Appleton MillsInventor: John B. Lesure
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Patent number: 3939571Abstract: An aiming bar is inserted through the aiming slit of an aircraft visual approach slope indicator housing and secured at its inner end to a cross bar in front of a horizontal row of landing lights so that the aiming bar assumes the vertical angle of the upwardly directed light beam. A pivot bar is mounted on the aiming bar and aligned with an angle plate mounted on the aiming bar to indicate the slope of the approach indicator.The alignment assembly is calibrated using a T-shaped calibration bar positioned in a rigid carrying case. A pin at each end of the T-cross arm and at the remote end of the T-leg rests on respective mounting pedestals whereby the calibration bar is held in a raised position and leveled by adjustment of at least two of the pins to provide a horizontal platform for mounting the alignment assembly. The aiming bar is horizontally mounted on the T-leg and the pivot bar is set to a horizontal angle plate reading.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1974Date of Patent: February 24, 1976Assignee: West Tech Systems, Inc.Inventor: James F. Studdard