Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for use in measuring surface slope is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the measurement apparatus includes a fluid case having an arch of flat segments forming a sloped ceiling. In another preferred embodiment, a smooth curve, instead of a series of flat segments, is formed by reducing the length, and increasing the number, of the constant slope flat segments. And in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides a mechanism for compensating for any expansion or contraction of the fluid in the fluid case. A method for measuring the slope of a surface includes providing a measurement apparatus, placing the measurement apparatus adjacent the surface and reading an indicator corresponding to the slope of the surface.

Abstract: An adjustable post stabilization support device that includes a multiple sided post receiving sleeve having oppositely disposed pairs of extensible ground engagement leg assemblies thereon. Locking cam levers securing the sleeves on said posts with the extensible leg assemblies being hinged to the bottom of the sleeve. Each of the leg assemblies is independently adjustable and has a ground engagement foot on its extensible portion. Vertical orientation provided for alignment of the sleeve and associated post by two horizontal planes.

Abstract: A bubble level (10) comprises a base (12) and a vial (14). The vial (14) includes two inwardly sloped outwardly bowed interior side-walls (44) and a top exterior surface (36). The interior side-walls (44) are aligned at an approximately forty-five degree angle to the top exterior surface (36) and meet slightly below the top exterior surface (36) at an approximately ninety degree angle. When a longitudinal axis of the level (10) is horizontal, a bubble (52) is centered with respect to graduations (38) and thereby indicates that the level (10) is level. This is true without regard to how the level (10) is rotated about the longitudinal axis. For example, when the level (10) is rotated so that the top exterior surface (36) is aligned downwardly, the bubble (52) is centered due to the effect of surface tension acting upon the bubble (52) and against the interior side-walls (44).

Abstract: A level comprises an extruded thin wall frame structure having an opening of I-shaped configuration extending from end to end thereof. The thin wall frame structure includes a pair of elongated operative walls each having a pair of transversely spaced inwardly turned flanges defining the width thereof and an exterior operative surface extending between the flanges thereof. The operative surfaces are planar and parallel. A pair of angular walls extend from each pair of spaced flanges in converging relation with one another and a pair of central walls are spaced apart in the direction of the width of the operative walls a distance less than the width of the operative walls and integrally interconnected between the pairs of angular walls extending from the flanges. The operative walls and the central walls having a plurality of wall openings therein. An end member closes the opening at each end of the thin wall frame structure.

Abstract: An aid apparatus for level surveying instrument comprises a housing having a receiving chamber therein, two channels at opposite ends of the receiving chamber respectively, a window at one side of the receiving chamber, and a socket opening at the side wall of the housing connecting to receiving chamber via the channel. A controlling member is slidable received in the housing. The controlling member has a movable bar, two seal block disposed at opposite ends of the movable bar for sealing the channel, and a driving member is provided at the housing for driving the controlling to shift, whereby the sealing block being driven by the driving member to seal the channel and to depart from the channel to prevent bubbles formed in liquid.

Abstract: A detachable vial insert for a spirit level is disclosed comprising a casing defining a cavity for receiving a pair of semi-transparent liquid-filled vials having a longitudinal curvature containing a bubble for providing an indication of a true level plane when the bubble is positioned between two markings placed on the body of the vial. The vial insert may be used as a pre-calibrated stand-alone device or as a replaceable insert for a spirit level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing and aligning level indicators such as bubble vials includes the use of a spring structure with a screw adjuster. In some embodiments, multiple spring structures are positioned perpendicular to one another to allow precise adjustment in different planes. The spring structure is economical to manufacture, and allows accurate adjustment of levels placed in equipment having imprecisely bored holes.

Abstract: A vial having an outer wall which is straight and cylindrical and a curved inner cavity. The inner cavity is curved in a substantially uniform arc. The apex of the curved cavity is closer to the cylindrical outer wall of the vial than the ends of the inner cavity. The inner cavity is substantially uniform in cross section throughout its length.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a support structure for supporting electrical equipment. The support structure includes a top surface adapted to have the electrical equipment mounted thereto, and a level element recessed within a portion of the support structure to provide a visual indication of whether the top surface is horizontally oriented.

Abstract: A vial having an outer wall which is straight and cylindrical and a curved inner cavity. The inner cavity is curved in a substantially uniform arc. The apex of the curved cavity is closer to the cylindrical outer wall of the vial than the ends of the inner cavity. The inner cavity is substantially uniform in cross section throughout its length.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for use in measuring surface slope is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the measurement apparatus includes a fluid case having an arch of flat segments forming a sloped ceiling. In another preferred embodiment, a smooth curve, instead of a series of flat segments, is formed by reducing the length, and increasing the number, of the constant slope flat segments. And in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides a mechanism for compensating for any expansion or contraction of the fluid in the fluid case. A method for measuring the slope of a surface includes providing a measurement apparatus, placing the measurement apparatus adjacent the surface and reading an indicator corresponding to the slope of the surface.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a baby bottle having gradations that allow for accurate measure of the fluid contained and/or dispensed from the bottle, wherein the gradations read true when held in a predetermined feeding angle. Invention bottles further comprise a leveling apparatus for determining when the bottle is being held at the angle whereby the gradations show the true volume.

Abstract: A template 10 can be used to mark or scribe either a single gang opening or a dual gang opening for mounting an electrical box in a wall. The template is especially adapted to mark openings for “old work” boxes mounted directly to drywall. The template 10 includes a vertical level 16 and a horizontal level 18 protruding from the front face of the template 10 so that the template can be squared in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation. The level are mounted in housings 20, 30 that protrude far enough to form finger grips. The openings are cut around the periphery of the template and vertical slots 38, 44 are provided intermediate the sides of the template to form an opening for a single gang box. A dual gang box opening can be marked primarily using the peripheral edges of the template 10.

Abstract: A spirit level employs an elongated housing having a rectangular cross-sectional outline and provided with registering elongated slots in its front and rear walls. At least one follower of the level has a main portion slidably installed in the housing and one or two pointers outwardly adjacent the slot in the front wall. The two end pieces of the housing are provided with bubble tubes, and each follower has a passage for introduction of a stylus or another suitable marking tool which can be inserted at the front wall to extend outwardly through the slot in the rear wall of the housing.

Abstract: An aid for the game of golf for assisting a golfer determine the slope or break of a golf green. The aid is placed on the green and the slope is read in two directions by sighting a level on top of the aid. Contact is made with the green by using contacts with preferred shapes. In particular, one preferred shape is a substantial segment of a golf ball complete with dimples. Additionally, in order to increase accuracy of the aid, its weight and the location of the green contacts are arranged so that each contact weighs on the green with the weight of a golf ball. Three green contacts are deemed preferable. A preferred level is a large area circular bubble level.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a tilt angle measuring device comprising a glass container with a solution 11′ and air bubble 12 sealed therein for measuring a tilt angle by detecting displacement of said air bubble 12, wherein said solution contains N-methylformamide and a solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing and aligning level indicators such as bubble vials includes the use of a spring structure with a screw adjuster. In some embodiments, multiple spring structures are positioned perpendicular to one another to allow precise adjustment in different planes. The spring structure is economical to manufacture, and allows accurate adjustment of levels placed in equipment having imprecisely bored holes.

Abstract: A level includes a level body and at least one bubble level mounted in the level body. The level body is of a foamed metal. The foamed metal may be foamed aluminum. The level body may be provided with a coating of synthetic material. The level body has recesses for mounting the bubble levels.

Abstract: A liquid-containing member is insert molded into a body. The liquid-containing member may be in the form of a level vial, which can be insert molded in a mold cavity having a shape corresponding to a vial retainer or corresponding to a level. The mold cavity is defined by a pair of mold sections which are configured to form an opening in the body, and the level vial is positioned to extend across the areas of the mold sections defining the opening. The ends of the level vial extend into an area of the mold cavity adapted to receive moldable material, such that injection of moldable material into the mold cavity surrounds and encapsulates the ends of the level vial. The vial is thus mounted to the body by means of the moldable material surrounding and encapsulating the ends of the vial, to securely engage the vial with the body and to eliminate a previously-required assembly step of mounting a vial to a body such as a vial retainer or a level.

Abstract: A bubble vial is mounted in a carpenter's level by a pivot rod on one side of the vial and an eccentric cam rod on the other side of the vial. The vial housing is supported in the pivot rod so as to be able to move, due to thermal expansion differences between the box frame of the assembly and the bubble vial assembly, with simple linear translation toward and away from the pivot rod and yet is not subject to twisting, torquing or rotating motions. The cam rod is eccentric so that by its rotation the vial is caused to adjust its attitude relative to the carpenter's level and thus accommodate any out of calibration condition.

Abstract: A spirit level having a sub-assembly on the body. The sub-assembly has a vial holder having two spaced pockets. A curved vial having two ends received in the pockets and resilient ribs having a curve matched to the vial and engaging the vial to hold the vial in an adjusted position. Each vial can be adjusted relative to a separate vial holder and each vial holder/vial sub-assembly can be independently adjusted and set relative to an appropriate edge of the level. The vial snaps into a fixed receptacle on either side of the vial holder. One side of the holder is curved to match the curve of the vial to insure that the vial is properly positioned. The underside of the vial holder may be relieved to increase flexibility to make it easier to snap the vial into place.

Abstract: A device is provided for leveling a wall-mounted fixture such as a picture frame. The device has a mounting element, which can be fastened to a back surface of the fixture at a suitable location, such as a corner. A retractable level formed of multiple telescoping cylinders is mounted with the mounting element. The level is movable between a hidden position and a viewing position. In the hidden position the level is retracted into a recess in the mounting element so that the level is substantially hidden from an observer viewing the fixture. In the viewing position the level is extended outwardly from the mounting element for use in leveling the fixture.

Abstract: A level tool is arranged to facilitate gradient measurement and matching of lines on inclined surfaces, such as to establish parallel reference lines when installing roofing materials. The tool has a rule-like base member defining an elongated reference edge, and has a centrally located protrusion on its lower surface and a level on its upper surface for sensing orientation of the tool around an axis perpendicular to the base member and to the level. A plurality of resilient members depend from the protrusion and serve to stabilize the level tool when determining parallel lines. The level can have a fluid filled disk or circularly arched tube with a captive air bubble, and preferably is graduated to mark positions of the bubble. The tool is placed on the inclined surface so that the raised protrusion and at least one of the resilient members rests against the inclined surface and a reference edge is parallel to the plane of the surface and aligned to a pre-existing line to be matched with a parallel line.

Abstract: A slope indicator for indicating the slope of a golf green, comprises a polycarbonate flat circular base and a dome-shaped transparent cover that is filled with distilled water and has an observable bubble. The base has a spike extending from its lower surface and a circular flange extending from its upper surface that has a circular slot. The cover has a periphery which has a circular slot that receives the base flange to form a dome-shaped chamber having a predetermined volume. A direction indicator and radially-spaced slope markings are molded into the cover. The slope indicator is assembled by inverting the cover and metering a predetermined quantity of distilled water into it that is less than the volume to create the bubble. The base is then assembled to it with glue. In use, the slope indicator is placed on a golf green with the spike engaging the golf green. If there is any slope, the bubble will displace from the top of the dome.

Abstract: A level apparatus for spanning two spaced apart building structure points and indicating whether the points are level relative to each other includes an elongate tubular segment having a tubular segment longitudinal abutment face for abutting a building structure point; an extension segment slidably retained within the tubular segment for slidingly extending partly out of the tubular segment and having an extension segment longitudinal abutment face for functionally extending the tubular segment longitudinal abutment face when the extension segment is extended; and a longitudinally oriented bubble site glass.

Abstract: A tilt sensor includes a sealed container formed of a container body, a top cover plate adapted to close the container body and provided on one end surface thereof with a recess having a concave surface whose depth gradually increases from a peripheral edge toward a center thereof. The tilt sensor further includes a liquid enclosure containing an air bubble, that is enclosed in the container body. To coincide the center of the configuration of the top cover plate with a line normal at a deepest portion of the concave surface at a grinding operation after molding the top cover plate, an indicia is provided on the line normal to the concave surface at the deepest point of the concave surface.

Abstract: A disposable foldable rectangular cardboard pizza box has a lid portion having a denoted center which receives a domed spirit level. The spirit level, preferably secured to the box by contact adhesive, facilitates manipulation of the box to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A golf-leveler device, process for making a golf-leveler device, and a method of using a golf-leveling device comprising a 360-degree dome leveler housed within and at one end of a standard golf ball and having a base at the opposite end. Both the dome leveler and the base are inserted into a cylindrical hole drilled through the origin of the spherical golf ball, and secured thereto by glue or adhesive means. The base includes a bottom portion that is a flat plane having a diameter less than the diameter of the golf ball, and being orthogonal to the centerline axis of the hole drilled through the golf ball. A bubble is positioned within a transparent oily liquid within the dome leveler such that when the golfer places the device on a location on a green on a golf course, the bubble indicates the direction that that particular location on the green slants upward.

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: A level tool is arranged to facilitate gradient measurement and matching of lines on inclined surfaces, such as to establish parallel reference lines when installing roofing materials. The tool has a rule-like base member defining an elongated reference edge, and has a centrally located protrusion on its lower surface and a level on its upper surface for sensing orientation of the tool around an axis perpendicular to the base member and to the level. The level can have a fluid filled disk or circularly arched tube with a captive air bubble, and preferably is graduated to mark positions of the bubble. The tool is placed on the inclined surface so that the raised protrusion rests against the inclined surface and a reference edge is parallel to the plane of the surface and aligned to a pre-existing line to be matched with a parallel line.

Abstract: A hook-up memory gauge (10), is a convenient aid in the vertical hitching alignment of a trailer with a tow vehicle. The hook-up gauge is mounted on the side of the trailer near the support legs or support stand so as to provide a settable reminder of the trailer fore-and-aft tilt angle at vehicle disengagement. The device comprises an arcuate spirit vial (38) with a small air bubble, and a squeeze-and-slide pointer (24) for recording tilt angle. For this embodiment, the hook-up gauge is capable of measuring five degrees of tilt angle in either direction. A glass or plastic spirit vial is fastened in a cradle which is part of a mounting base of thermosettable material or metal. The squeeze pointer is slidably mounted in arcuate guide slots on either side of the spirit vial. A slight clearance from the vial is provided so it can easily be moved in the elongate direction for centering over the air bubble.

Abstract: A biaxial inclination sensor including, in the inner bottom of a circular liquid chamber 11 formed in a sensor holder 1 made of an insulating material and having a bottom surface 28 made horizontal, one common electrode 2 made of 18K gold having a low ionization tendency in a central position and vertical with respect to the bottom surface 28 and four outer electrodes 3 made of the same material as the common electrode 2 and passing vertically through the bottom surface 28 at points of intersection of two horizontal orthogonal lines passing through the center and a circle of a predetermined radius about the center and all having the same surface area. An opening in the liquid chamber 11 of the sensor holder 1 is closed off in a liquidproof manner by a glass window plate 4 having a spherical concave portion 9 of a surface roughness less than JIS Rmax 0.25 in its inner surface.

Abstract: An inclination measuring apparatus including a level for measuring the inclination of an object; an LED for creating an image of the level; and a photodiode array for sensing the image of the level and for generating a level signal representative of the inclination of the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: An optical system for positioning a pressure transducer relative to a patient to provide for accurate measurement of bodily fluids within the patient. A light source such as a laser is used to direct light onto a specified location on the human body to accurately identify the elevation of the transducer relative to the specified location to provide an absolute measurement of fluid pressure.

Abstract: A paralleling device comprises a thin sheet of material which is adapted to support a bubble level and be removably attached to a hanging wall article. The paralleling device can be used to parallel a wall article to be hung with the surface of an adjacent piece of furniture.

Abstract: A level having a body portion and one or more openings in the body portion. A vial is mounted in the opening in the body portion. The body portion has vial-recieving seats adjoining the openings which have end walls. The vial-receiving seats have locating elements spaced from the end walls. The locating elements may be in the form of a protrusion or a ridge. In addition, the body of the level has a groove to receive a magnet. The groove is deep enough so that the surface of the level is flush with the surface of the magnet.

Abstract: Adapters removably affixing a hand held laser pointer to selected apparatus are disclosed. The adapters include structure for mounting therein the laser pointer having a laser module emitting a laser beam, a casing, a voltage source and a switch for controlling the laser module. Also included is a device for maintaining the laser pointer in an on condition and means for removably affixing the adapters to the selected apparatus such that when the adapters are affixed thereon, the laser beam emitted from the laser pointer is aimed in a predetermined relation with respect to the selected apparatus. The laser pointer and associated adapters are employed to optimize the use of the laser pointer and enhance the selected apparatus upon which it is mounted.

Abstract: A spirit level including a body portion having at least one open, hollow end, the body portion having at least one aperture formed on a face thereof, and a clamp insertable into the at least one hollow end, the clamp including at least one vial mounting portion, the clamp being folded and inserted into the at least one hollow end, the at least one vial mounting portion being adapted to be fixedly held in the at least one aperture after insertion of the clamp into the at least one hollow end, wherein a vial is fixedly mountable in the at least one vial mounting portion.

Abstract: A tube bender angle indicator is attached to the handle of a manual tube bender and has a frame to which angle indicia are applied which define an apex through which a pointer is pivotally connected to the frame. A bubble level vial is secured to the pointer so as to indicate that the bend angle has been achieved which the pointer is pointing at when the bubble is in its horizontal reference position.

Abstract: A line level comprises a hollow housing having a pair of end portions and a sight opening formed therein. A liquid level indicator has a pair of closed end walls and is observable through the sight opening is slidably received in the housing. A line engaging retainer arrangement is slidable into an interference fit in each of the open end portions of the housing and is engageable with each of the closed end walls of the liquid level indicator for maintaining the position of the liquid level indicator relative to the sight opening in the housing.

Abstract: A liquid vial assembly comprises a liquid-containing vial having a seamless cylindrical wall and a transparent outer sleeve extending along the wall. The resistance of the vial to breakage is dramatically improved. The sleeve may be made of a resilient material capable of being slightly stretched (PVC tubing, for example) or of a hard material such as polycarbonate or tempered glass. Either material is preferably non-shatterable. A new method for making a liquid vial assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A level tool with laser light alignment capabilities including a straight rigid first rail having a leveling vial coupled thereto; a laser light source coupled to the first rail and with the laser light source transmitting a laser beam that is longitudinally aligned with the first rail to a remote location for use in alignment operations; and an electrical power supply coupled to the first rail for providing electrical energy to the laser light source for operation.

Abstract: A level for determining the position of an object relative to the gravitational horizontal. The inventive device includes a rectangular frame having a pair of orthogonally oriented vial levels secured thereto which indicate an orientation of the device in a vertical position. A center web extends across the frame and supports a center level within the frame to indicate an orientation of the device in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A display apparatus has two plates and an intermediate member disposed between the two plates. The two plates are bonded by way of the intermediate member. A liquid is sealed in a gap or space defined by the plates and the intermediate member. The two plates are bonded by means of a soluble fluorocarbon resin or fluorine-containing resin.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp having an aiming leveling device in which a support table is formed so as to project from a reflector which is tiltable relatively to a lamp body, and a bubble tube support frame supporting a linear bubble tube is provided in such a manner that one end of the support frame is fixed to the support table while the other end of the support frame is held by a zero point adjusting means used to adjust the position of the other end of the support frame in the up/down direction, with the support frame extending substantially parallel to an optical axis, and with the quantity of tilting of the reflector in the up/down direction being indicated by the bubble tube.

Abstract: A device for confirming the optical-axis adjustment of an automotive headlamp in which the initial-setting mechanism for the level is composed of a reduced number of parts, the level can be simply attached and the initial setting of the revel can be simply adjusted. The casing of the level and the resilient member are formed integrally with each other, so that the initial setting mechanism for the level can be composed of a reduced number of parts. The level has an engagement projection formed thereon and the to-be-adjusted body has provided thereon a receptacle having an engagement hole. The level can be installed in the receptacle simply and securely by driving the initial-setting adjusting screw into the engagement projection. A seat portion is provided around the head of the initial-setting adjusting screw. The seat portion has provided thereon a mount surface formed nearly perpendicular to the axis of the initial-setting adjusting screw and on which a tool is mounted.

Abstract: A green reader device including a clear body having a horizontal line and a vertical line formed thereon and a bubble level affixed to the body. The horizontal line and the vertical line extend in intersecting relationship. The bubble level serves to indicate a horizontal orientation of the horizontal line. The body has angular indices adjacent the horizontal line and angular markings adjacent the vertical line. The angular indices and angular markings are offset from the horizontal line and the vertical line at uniform increments. The body has a generally rectangular configuration. The bubble level is affixed along a top edge of the body.

Abstract: To increase the slip resistance of level indicators, which comprise an elongate body, spirit level capsules inserted therein and protective end caps, the contact surface adjoining the measuring surface of the level indicator is provided with zones having a high coefficient of friction, for example by clipping on strips consisting of rubber, rubber like plastics material or felt. The strips are shaped to cause the body to incline so that the measuring surface is more toward the support which the contact surface faces.

Abstract: A flap holster with the flap pivotally and removably secured to either side of an ambidextrious holster. The holster inlcudes an opening for the insertion and removal of a handgun and a transverse slot below the opening on each side. The flap is pivotally connected to one side of the holster and extends over the handgun opening. On the underside of the flap, an extensible strip is secured at one end to the flap and includes an end hook at the opposite end to engage one of the transverse slots and secure the flap in place. The extensible strap is preferably captured in a fabric tunnel in the underside of the flap. An inextensible flexible strap is secured at both ends to the extensible strap to limit its extension length to avoid over stressing its elastic properties. The hook is preferably a reverse directed tab dimensioned to slip into the transverse slot allowing the elasticity of the extensible strip to hold the flap closed.