Abstract: A removable tool for leveling a vertical structure in a vertically level orientation is also disclosed, the tool including a flat substantially non-bendable material, wherein the tool has a central hole formed in the center thereof that does not extend to or open out to the periphery of the tool, and four slots extending radially away from the hole and spaced from each other evenly about the tool. Contemplated systems and methods for utilizing the removable tool are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A bulls eye indicator device and method of manufacture used to measure the two-dimension angle of inclination of equipment that is mounted on a sea bed. A base and transparent window are sealed and fastened together. The transparent window is spherical and forms a dome. A volume between the base and transparent window is filled or substantially filled with liquid. A floating sphere floats against the two-dimensional angular degree indicia.

Abstract: The vertical orientation indicator includes a liquid filled sphere into which two internal spheres are provided, which define a vertical axis that is useful to a person trapped under snow after an avalanche. The internal spheres have different densities such that one internal sphere rises to the top of the liquid or is otherwise buoyant with respect to the fluid. The second internal sphere has a density that places the internal sphere at the bottom of the liquid, and thus indicates a down direction. The outer sphere containing the liquid is clear and may include a loop to provide a means of attachment to outerwear used by the end user. The internal spheres may be coated in phosphorescent paints of differing colors, which are energized by light such that the device may be used in a dark environment, such as under snow after an avalanche.

Abstract: A bulls eye indicator device and method of manufacture used to measure the two-dimension angle of inclination of equipment that is mounted on a sea bed. A base and transparent window are sealed and fastened together. The transparent window is spherical and forms a dome. A volume between the base and transparent window is filled or substantially filled with liquid. A floating sphere floats against the two-dimensional angular degree indicia.

Abstract: A lighted orientation device according to the present invention includes an outer housing having a construction that is resilient, generally spherical, and defines an interior space for holding fluid. A directional indicator such as a float is positioned within the outer housing and rises to a top surface of the fluid for indicating an upward direction. The float is also constructed of a resilient material and includes first and second chemicals separated by a breakable membrane. The two chemicals react when combined to produce light, whereby a user may view the float and ascertain which direction is “up”. The lighted orientation device may be coupled to a digging tool according to an alternative embodiment such that a user may begin digging out of an avalanche as soon as their orientation is determined.

Abstract: In a projected light plumb device which is buoyantly supported within a fluid-filled container on a float platform which is horizontally supported by the fluid, an improvement wherein the float platform is inclined upwardly from its outer diameter to its inner diameter on its lower surface which rests in the fluid to allow any developed air bubbles on the lower surface of the float platform to escape. Improvements also include a locator plate to align the container. The locator plant has apertures to view and align a locator mark on the surface on which the device is placed with indicia on the locator plate.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer aid including a reference indicator similar to a bubble level wherein an included air bubble is replaced by a small sphere of lower density than a surrounding fluid provides a true horizontal reference, an adjustable pointer with magnifier which is manually set to a particular angular disposition substantially equivalent to the desired angle of the finished trim, and a frame which couples the pointer and the horizontal reference indicators and furthermore affixes the hedge trimmer aid to the static housing portion of a hedge trimmer in clear view of an operator. In use, the angular disposition desired for the hedge is selected and set by rotating the adjustable pointer to a fixed marking disposed upon the surface of a hemispherical bubble level. The hedge trimmer is then manually rotated about a horizontally disposed axis until the colored sphere within the level and a magnifying sight disposed upon the adjustable pointer are in alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to projected light plumb device generally utilized in vertically aligning a floor position with a corresponding ceiling position in which a light projecting device is buoyantly supported within a fluid filled container. The light projecting device is selectively mounted on a float platform which is horizontally supported by the fluid in such a manner that regardless of the floor's inclination, the light projecting device will transmit a beam of light along a perfectly vertical line.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic sensor for producing an indication of fluid level in a hose or tube and an electronic indicating circuit that uses the sensor's indication of fluid level for asserting one of three indicators depending upon whether the fluid level is above a reference by a small distance, within the small distance of the reference, or below the reference by the small distance. A float retaining a core having a relative magnetic permeability significantly greater than one is supported by fluid near three vertically disposed coils. The center coil is excited by a source of alternating current and the position of the core above or below the center coil determines the voltages present in the top and bottom coil. The voltages present in the top and bottom coils are rectified and added in polarity opposition to produce an indication of fluid level. A plurality of voltage comparators, supplied by the indication of fluid level and fixed voltages, are used to assert the appropriate indicator.

Abstract: A level sensing unit, designed to be incorporated in a carpenter's level, is relatively insensitive to the expansion and contraction of the buoyant fluid, independent of the specific gravity of the fluid, and virtually free of oscillations accompanying a change in liquid orientation. The device can be constructed inexpensively of commonly available materials. The device has a float with an electrically conducting plate bisecting the float between its ends and is pivotally mounted on pins protruding from walls of a sealed housing. Adjacent to the opposing surfaces of the plate are two electrically conducting strips. At level neither strip contacts the nearest surface of the plate, but when the unit is not at level one or the other strip makes physical and electrical contact.

Abstract: A sensor controlled leveling device comprises an attitude detector and/or a laser sensor. In order to create a sensor controlled leveling device with which a desired relative attitude may be automatically set and held the attitude detector has a float which is supported and pivoted in a central part. The laser sensor comprises a zero point recognition means whose output is connected with electronic processing circuitry for at least one servo drive. Using the control unit it is possible for the drive to be operated in a direction opposing a relative change in setting of the laser sensor in relation to a reference plane as swept out by a laser generator so as to correct deviation of the laser sensor from the reference plane.

Abstract: A level for determining whether a surface is horizontal and which can also be used to determine the angular relationship between the surface or a line on the surface and the horizontal. The level utilizes a rotating pendulum designed with a pointer that indicates a direction representing the vertical. The pointer (or vertical indicator) is biased in this position by a weight (or alternatively a float) and it points to scale markings that calibrate the position of the rotating pendulum to correspondingly represents the angular deviation of the surface from the horizontal. The weight and the pointer are attached by a set screw which allows the weight to be pivoted with respect to the pointer so that the center of gravity of the rotating pendulum as a whole can be altered and the direction in which the pointer points can be adjusted for accuracy.

Abstract: A sonar system for a water craft including a transducer assembly mounted to the hull of the water craft, and a control circuit for applying signals to the transducer for forward transmission by the transducer and for sensing signals reflected from objects forwardly of the craft and for causing actuation of an alarm. The transducer assembly is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the hull such that during pitching motion of the craft, the signals transmitted by the transducer remain in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A level sensing unit, designed to be incorporated in a carpenter's level, is relatively insensitive to the expansion and contraction of the buoyant fluid, independent of the specific gravity of the fluid, and virtually free of oscillations accompanying a change in liquid orientation. The device can be constructed inexpensively of commonly available materials. The device has a cylindrical float mounted on a centrally positioned axle with a plate extending above the float surfaces and placed normal to the axle. The axle extends between the walls of a sealed housing, and adjacent to the edge of the plate are two electrically conducting strips. At level neither strip contacts the edge of the plate, but when the unit is not at level one or the other strip makes physical and electrical contact.

Abstract: A fluxgate compass direction sensor in which a fluxgate is mounted relative to a receptacle by means of a flexible circuit. The fluxgate is also suspended in a liquid by means of a float. In use, if the receptacle tilts relative to the horizontal, the level of the liquid will move to retain a horizontal aspect and the float, being buoyant in the liquid, will retain the fluxgate in the horizontal plane. The flexible circuit acts to allow tilting of the float and fluxgate relative to the receptacle while retaining the fluxgate in lateral and directional alignment relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: There is described a level sensing unit which is simple to operate, rugged in construction, sensitive to angular deviations of about 4 minutes 30 seconds, relatively inexpensive to construct, and very reliable. The unit is a sealed housing containing two communicating channels as fluid reservoirs opening into a compartment with an axle mounted between the channels and a float for each channel pivotally connected to the axle. Each float has an electrically conductive extension in electrical contact with the axle and directed toward a strip of similarly conductive material mounted within the housing. When the channels are filled with a nonconductive reactive fluid the extensions are in electrical contact with the strips when the floats are in a level condition, and the extensions become electrically disengaged through a buoyant force exerted on one float when the device is rotated so as to deviate from level.

Abstract: A level comprises a sealed casing which holds a liquid and has a flat bottom end. It also includes a light admissive top section, bearing a periodic grating of alternating transparent and opaque stripes. A float is in the liquid inside a compartment of the casing underneath the light admissive top section. The float is capable of changing its position inside the chamber so as to retain its position relative to the horizon when the chamber is filled, and a mirror on the top face of said float.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator for use in a tubular container having a central obstruction with clearance space between the obstruction and the container, the indicator characterized by an elongated float arm having opposite ends located on opposite sides of the obstruction with a liquid float on each end so as to move up and down with corresponding movement of a liquid level within the tank, the float arm being connected to a gear box for actuating an indicator on the outside of the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wind direction indicator spherically rotatable about a liquid supported poly axial magnetic compass. The wind direction indicator determines the wind direction without any pivotal support. The wind direction structure is orientated to the reference center of the compass by means of the transparency of the spherically rotating structure. The displacement of the wind direction indicator base upon the wind responsive rudder and wing structure thereon causes the device to give an accurate direction of the wind that may be used during sailboat racing. The spherically rotatable structure or wind direction indicator is independently movable regardless of the mounting of the device on the sailboat or any other support structure. The frictional contact between the boat support structure and the device is minimized because there is no surface to surface contact between the moving elements.

Abstract: An improved four way utility level, including a flat plate having a protractor engraved on one side, and a leveling unit mounted thereupon that includes a rotatable bubble assembly toothed to a gear which is toothed to a gear formed on a pivotable handle.

Abstract: A machine body inclination detector device for detecting change in position of a float with respect to a machine body according to the inclination of the machine body. The float is constructed such that the buoyancy of the float does not undergo a great change even though the liquid level is inclined.

Abstract: A mobile ballast cleaning machine mounted on a track for movement in an operating direction incorporates apparatus for continuously measuring parameters indicating the track position and any changes therein with respect to a reference system caused by ballast excavation, and for recording the measured parameters. This apparatus comprises hydrostatic level measuring devices mounted in the region of the front and rear undercarriages at the laterally extending sides of the machine frame, two further hydrostatic level measuring devices transversely spaced apart and mounted in the laterally outermost regions of the endless ballast excavating chain, an additional hydrostatic level measuring device mounted in the region of a track sensing element arranged on the frame forwardly of the front undercarriage, and a conduit connected to the hydrostatic level measuring devices for delivering a liquid thereto.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hydrostatic leveling system including a pair of indicator heads connected by a liquid hose for equilizing static pressure in the liquid mercury pools of the indicator heads and a gas hose for equalizing the gas or vapor pressure within the heads above the pools of mercury. Each head is a float connected to the stem of a precision measuring gauge with graduations on the order of ten-thousandths of an inch. The indicator heads have identical structures and thus when they are resting on a level surface they may be reversed in location without change in gauge indicator reading; any difference in the reading is a measure of out-of-level condition. The space for the pool is sealed with a very flexible diaphragm between the float and the wall of the pool cavity. A plunger in the cavity is operated by a solenoid in the cavity to periodically thump the float to reduce tendency to stick due to surface tension, friction and hysteresis.

Abstract: A support body is provided defining a first pair of sides, a circular recess in the body opening outwardly of the first pair of sides and a second pair of sides for abutting against a surface whose orientation relative to the horizontal is to be measured. A level element is adjustably, rotatably disposed in the recess and defines a hollow housing having opposite sides including at least one outer side facing outwardly of the recess. The opposite sides include central journal bearing structures and the opposite ends of a support shaft are journaled from the journal bearing structures. A weighted pendulum-type upstanding pointer arm has a midportion thereof supported from the shaft and includes an upper end indicator or portion swingable in close proximity to the inner surface of the outer periphery of the outer side of the housing, the outer periphery being constructed of transparent material and provided with peripherally spaced indicia.

Abstract: An automatic blade angle controller system capable of maintaining a blade an earth-working tool level with the ground. A transparent, closed manometer partially filled with an opaque liquid is contained in an opaque enclosure. A light source is located within the perimeter of the manometer. Two solar cells are located on opposite sides of the enclosure in such manner that the light from the light source must pass through the manometer before impinging on the solar cells. The opaque liquid partially blocks the light from impinging on the solar cells. The voltages from the solar cells are subtracted resulting in an error signal. Of course, when the two voltages are of equal value, no error signal is produced, thereby establishing a level reference position for the enclosure. The enclosure is rigidly affixed to the blade, thereby establishing a reference position for the blade. A servo-hydraulic system returns the blade to its reference position upon receipt of the error signal.