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 fluorocarbon resin having terminal alkoxide groups or a fluorine-containing resin having terminal alkoxide groups.

Abstract: A method for compensating for the slope of a golf green when putting begins with sighting a first line extending from a first point at eye level about two to twelve feet behind a golf ball, over the center of the golf ball, and toward a cup. Then a second line is projected generally downwardly at a first angle with a first plane perpendicular to the green surface and containing the first line, such that the first angle is indicative of the slope of the green surface and the projection of the second line defines a second point on the green surface. The golfer continues by sighting a third line from the second point over the center of the golf ball. In the basic method the golfer completes the process by striking the golf ball along the third line to propel the golf ball toward the cup along a path tangent with the third line. In an extended version of the method, the golfer repeats the projecting and sighting steps at least one more time for greater accuracy.

Abstract: The indicating device includes a bubble level formed by a transparent plastic vial filled with liquid having a gas bubble therein, the bubble coacting with an underlying scale to indicate the degree of tilt of the vial from horizontal. To enhance the visibility of the bubble and enable more accurate readings, portions of the vial are darkened with a strip of black material adapted to be secured to the vial by pressure-sensitive adhesive. A cap for closing the vial is darkened by molding the cap from black-tinted plastic.

Abstract: A spirit level includes a spirit level body having an I-shaped cross section, end caps arranged at the end faces of the spirit level body and at least one spirit level vial mounted in the spirit level body. Each end cap has a plate-like base member which is rectangular in the elevational view thereof and whose height and width corresponds to the height and width of the I-shaped cross section of the spirit level body. The base member has on one side thereof two wing lugs which define a gap therebetween. The width of the gap between the wing lugs corresponds to the wall thickness of the web of the spirit level body which is I-shaped in cross section. At least one recess is provided in the end face of the web of the spirit level body. The at least one recess has at least one toothed side. At least one projecting lug is provided within the gap between the wing lugs of the base member.

Abstract: A level vial assembly for use in a carpenter's or mason's level. The assembly includes a vial mounting subassembly to be mounted in a level body, consisting of at least a vial holding plate and one or more vials which are mountable therein, and one, or preferably two, bezel-lens subassemblies for protecting the vial. The vial is positioned in the mounting plate between a pair of oppositely directed notches, and is held in position by a tab which extends outwardly from the side of the vial and bears against the holding plate. The tab limits lateral movement of the vial in one direction. The holding plate is mountable within an aperture in the level body. The bezel-lens subassemblies are mountable in the level body aperture on opposite sides of the vials. One of the bezel-lens subassemblies includes a vial support portion adapted to bear against the vial to prevent lateral movement in another lateral direction.

Abstract: A putting aid device for aiding a golfer in reading a putting green by measuring the direction and amount of slope in a green and indicating to the golfer a putting variance factor for a particular ball lie relative to a ball hole. The putting variance factor produced by the putting aid device corresponds to the distance from a reference putting line to an off-set target point. The putting aid device includes an elongated housing, an elongated bubble vial, and a putting variance scale calibrated with respect to the bubble vial. In use, the putting aid device is selectively positioned on a reference putting line and indicates an off-set target distance. The putting aid device can be used to produce a putting variance chart of the conditions of a green.

Abstract: In an optical-axis adjustment confirming device for use with an automotive headlamp, a level is mounted on a to-be-adjusted member which is covered with a transparent cap to protect the level against external shock or the like. An initial setting device has a resilient retainer which can be provided integrally on a mount member or casing, so as to reduce the number of parts required. The resilient retainer provided for the level can absorb the distortion caused due to a difference in thermal expansion ratio between the casing and bubble tube and may include pawls and cuts formed at both sides of the pawls to permit the pawls to resiliently open and close. Couplings may be provided to prevent an edge of the casing from being deformed, and thus the bubble tube can be rigidly fixed in the casing. Since the body and cover are formed integrally, the level can be made of a reduced number of parts. A level reference provided on the casing permits an accurate confirmation of the optical-axis adjustment.

Abstract: An accessory for addition to a standard carpenter's level includes: a light source fastenable into the finger slot common to such levels and fiber optic, light-transmitting tubes extending from the light source to illuminate the bubble vials of the level.

Abstract: A hand tool usable as a combination square having a precalibrated angle measuring vial and enhanced tensile strength, comprising a composite metal and plastic body, wherein a frame, including the working surfaces of the tool, is made from metal for precision and long-term durability, and the remainder of the body, including critical interactive portions of the tool, is made from an injection molded plastic matrix and the method of manufacture. The molded matrix is retained by frame elements providing blade support in cooperation with the frame, structure for a blade retaining means and structure for vial mounting.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the distance of break, on a surface of golf green for a properly putted golf ball moving from a given point toward a golf cup. The gauge includes a base having measure indica at each end thereof and a level indicating member on one edge thereof. A sighting element is pivotally secured with the base and includes measure indica pointing means at each end thereof. By selecting a given point from the golf cup and arranging the base so that the level indicating member indicates level and arranging the sighting element to be coplanar with the surface of the golf green at the golf cup, the indica pointing means will point to measure indica denoting the distance of break of the golf ball to the left or right of the cup.

Abstract: A clinometer provided with a level vial filled with a transparent liquid and a bubble, and a projector for irradiating the level vial. The clinometer includes center calculating means for calculating the center of a bubble from light receiving signals of first and second line sensors and inclination calculating means for calculating an inclination of the level vial from the center calculated by the center calculating means, wherein the first and second line sensors which receive light passing through the level vial are crossed at right angles and located so that the crossed point exists on the central axis of the level vial.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically aligning a given point on a pressure transducer unit with a desired point an a patient, the apparatus comprising: (a) a light source; (b) a housing adapted to contain the light source; (c) at least one leveling tube having a leveling axis that is substantially parallel to the light beam, the leveling tube comprising (i) a closed transparent envelope containing a liquid and a bubble of gas, and (ii) lines formed on the envelope, where the leveling axis is substantially horizontally aligned when the bubble of gas is located between the two lines; (d) an indicating mark formed on the housing means, where the beam of light is vertically aligned with the given point on the transducer unit when the indicating means is vertically aligned with the given point on the transducer unit; and (e) a locking system for selectively locking the housing means to prevent movement thereof relative to the transducer unit when the beam of light is both horizontally aligned and vertically aligned with the

Abstract: A measuring instrument provided with measuring vials for determining level or pitch relationships and a graduated straight edge for measuring linear distance. In the first embodiment, the instrument consists of a composite aluminum and plastic structure where the plastic structure forms the body portion having the vial holders and viewing windows and the aluminum portion forms the graduated straight edge. A second embodiment consists of an aluminum structure having a flat elongated frame portion and an integrally formed base portion disposed perpendicularly thereto. The frame portion forms the graduated straight edge and carries the measuring vials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a level which detects a level line or horizontal surface. The mixed liquid, composed of a main agent, 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane and an additive agent, comprising one or more of a soluble agent selected from the group of methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, acetone, hexane, heptane, isoamyl alcohol, allyl chloride, isopropyl chloride, propyl chloride, diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, pentane, methyl hexane and silicon oil, is contained and sealed, having a ratio of about 60:40 to about 70:30 between the main agent and the additive agent, with the dyestuff in a transparent heat-resistant tube.

Abstract: A post level having two spaced holders fixed to two plate-like body members with a notch between the holders. A floor member is integrally attached to the body members. Each holder provides a channel that receives the end of a level vial. One of the holders has a stop to engage an end of the vial. The other holder has a detent fixed thereto that urges and resiliently engages a second end of the vial to hold the vial in position in the holder.

Abstract: A leveling arrangement for a vehicle headlamp that includes a support portion formed in the upper portion of the reflector member that has a spirit level member mounted thereon which is characterized in that it includes a living hinge serving as a pivotal connection for a depending member fastened to a substantially vertically oriented surface of the support portion so that rotation of screw means carried by the spirit level results in pivotal movement and calibration of the spirit level relative to the optical axis of the reflector member.

Abstract: A masonry level is arranged and configured as an elongate plate, including a planar top surface spaced from and parallel to a planar bottom surface, wherein a U-shaped handle is mounted medially of the top surface extending orthogonally and upwardly thereof having a first spirit level positioned within the handle to the top surface, with second and third spirit levels orthogonally oriented relative to the first spirit level and parallel relative to one another arranged to provide for a planar top surface in the leveling of masonry block and brick. A modification of the invention includes impact structure arranged to enhance ease of manipulation of underlying masonry workpieces.

Abstract: A spirit level is added to the clubhead of a golf club and observation of the bubble in the spirit level tells the golfer the slope of the green when the clubhead is positioned in bridging relation to a golf hole. A pair of indicia members are marked on the top wall of the clubhead on opposite ends of the clubhead so that the spirit level is between them and so that the bubble is exactly midway between them when the green is level. The indicia members are positioned directly above the peripheral edges of the hole when the golfer desires to read the slope of the green. In a preferred embodiment, the indicia members are arcuate to match the contour of the hole to facilitate their alignment with the hole. An opaque cover member is placed over the spirit level during regulation play. It is slideably mounted so that it may be retracted to expose the spirit level during practice sessions.

Abstract: A post level is defined by a pair of right-angle walls. A horizontal bubble vial is mounted in each wall, and a vertical bubble vial is mounted at the intersection of the walls. The vials are mounted in the interior of a pair of spaced protrusions formed in each wall, which define internal structure engaging and cradling an end of the vial without positively retaining the vial within the protrusion. The protrusions open onto the inner surface of the walls, and a retainer plate is positioned over the opening of the protrusions to retain the vials within the interior of the protrusions. The retainer plate is light-reflective to enhance visibility of the vial bubble.

Abstract: A lighted level including a frame having parallel working surfaces and an inner connecting web having an aperture with a pair of notches for supporting a liquid-containing vial. The level includes a light emitting diode for illuminating the vial. The level is constructed for automatic drop-in assembly of each of the component parts, including a printed circuit board containing the lighting circuitry, without requiring wires, screws, pins, pegs or bolts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tool for aligning and manipulating an electrical outlet comprising: a base member including a top portion and bottom portion, front portion and rear portion, the rear portion including plugs for plugging into the electrical outlet; and a removable shield for minimizing the possibility of shorting out an electrical connection of the outlet with a metallic junction box during installation for example, the removable shield and the base member being coupled together or released.

Abstract: A leveling arrangement for a vehicle headlamp that includes a slot formed in the upper portion of the reflector member in which a spirit level member is located and combined with a spring clip which is fastened to the reflector member and to one end of the spirit level member and includes a leaf spring which continuously biases the other end of the spirit level member in one direction so that an adjustment screw threadably received by the spirit level member permits the aforementioned other end of the spirit level member to be raised or lowered for providing calibration of the spirit level member relative to the optical axis of the reflector member.

Abstract: Low power tiltmeter electronics with compensation for bubble level fluid temperature include compensating methods both for temperature-induced conductivity changes and temperature-induced viscosity changes in the bubble level fluid of a tiltmeter. The conductivity changes are compensated for by comparing the difference between the tilt conductances with the average of the tilt conductances. The viscosity changes are compensated for with a critically damped bandpass filter and a thermistor filter.

Abstract: An inclinometer 20 includes a module 22 which is mounted to a rail 32. The rail 32 has a hollow I-shaped cross-section which affords substantial resistance to torsional and bending loads about the longitudinal axis 34 of the inclinometer 20. The rail 32 and in particular a first end 36 of the I-shaped cross-section includes first and second curves 48, 50 which define lobes which provide a rail design more suitable for gripping and placement by the user.

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

Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle having a level for adjusting the direction of light emission from the headlight in the vertical direction in which the quantities of heat transmitted to the respective regions of the casing of the level which face the bubble vial of the level are made substantially equal to each other, even if the temperature around the level changes due to the lighting or extinction of the bulb of the headlight or the like, so that the accuracy of the measurement performed with the level is maintained despite changes in the temperature around the level.

Abstract: A level is provided with a top-reading feature, allowing a vial to be viewed through the upper flange of the level. A magnifying element is disposed between the vial and an opening formed in the upper flange, to magnify the vial when it observed from the top of the level. The magnifying element is preferably formed integrally with a transparent lens, which is retained between a vial cover and a side of the web of the level frame. Complementary structure is provided on the lens on the opposite side of the web, for sealing the internal cavity defined by the vial covers, in combination with the lenses, to prevent entry of dirt or other foreign material into the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leveling tool that has three leveling indicators mounted thereon, one of which is removable and usable as a separate tool when bending electrical conduit. A calculator is integrated into the leveling tool for performing calculations during leveling or during the bending of conduit. A phosphorescent liquid is used in the bubble level indicators for low light use.

Abstract: A device for hanging pictures and the like including a flat elongated ruler-like body adapted to be held in a generally horizontal position on a wall. The device has a centering means, such as a notch, at its midpoint and calibrated indicia extending outwardly longitudinally from the centering point. Conventional picture hooks are frictionally engaged at predetermined points along the upper edge of the device by a rod which is attached to the device parallel to and spaced apart form the upper edge. In using the device, a single mark is made on the wall to indicate the height and lateral position of the picture, and then the device is held with one hand in a horizontal position, with the centering notch registering with the mark on the wall, while the picture hooks are nailed into place with the other hand.

Abstract: An inclination angle detector electrically detects an angle of inclination of an object of measurement with respect to the horizontal direction or the direction of gravitation. An inclination angle detector includes a bubble tube having a transparent container formed such that the inner surface of an upper part thereof has a spherical concave surface. The transparent container has a gas and a transparent liquid sealed therein. A light-emitting unit emits light towards the bubble tube from the upper or lower side thereof. A light-receiving element converts the light transmitted by the bubble tube into an electric signal. An operating unit calculates an angle of inclination based on the electric signal. The light-receiving element includes a light-receiving unit for position detection within a movable range of a bubble shadow and a light-receiving unit for reference outside the movable range.

Abstract: An illuminated spirit level comprising an elongated bar having a number of apertures wherein bubble tubes are positioned for measurement of the flatness of a surface. An illumination means including lamps, a system of conductor wires, a dual battery configuration connected in series and a switch are contained within the bar. Each aperture is illuminated by a lamp and each lamp communicates with the batteries by conductor wires which are immersed in a channel containing a vibration-dampening fluid. The fluid is supplied through a duct which is accessible from the exterior of the bar. A switch protruding through the exterior of the bar permits power to the lamps.

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

Abstract: This disclosure has been directed to those parts of hand tools utilized in gripping and manipulating the tool, most frequently and generically: the handle. The handles are fabricated of water resistant materials, provided with ergonomic enhancing curves, equipped with stress resistant inserts, and made multifunctional to increase their usefulness and productive efficiency.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprising a light source, a reflector, a housing, and a front glass, and also comprising an indicator device for indicating the elevation direction of the reflector, the indicator device being of the type comprising a spirit level mounted on the reflector in a plane which is essentially vertical and parallel to the optical axis defined by the reflector, and the spirit level occupying a predetermined angular relationship with the optical axis. The spirit level is mounted on a support suitable for being removably and temporarily installed in a lamp hole provided in the reflector, with the support then replacing the lamp.

Abstract: A level of the type having parallel working surfaces and an interconnecting web is provided with an aperture having at least a pair of oppositely directed notches prearranged and configured relative to each other so that ends of a level vial accurately fit within the notches. The vial is provided at one end with a vial retaining tongue that extends from one end thereof and abuts one side of the web to laterally position and orient the vial within the plane of the web. The assembly includes a vial retainer cover that overlies the aperture and includes a vial engaging abutment that bears against the tongue of the vial to hold that member in retentive butting engagement against the side of the web and prevent lateral displacement or misorientation of the vial. The elongated vial may have a gradually tapered surface that not only permits rapid molding of the vial but also facilitates the use of a curved vial configuration with the proper degree of curvature accurately molded therein.

Abstract: A headlamp for a power vehicle comprises a reflector mountable in a chassis and turnable for adjusting its inclination, a water level provided on the reflector for controlling its inclination, the water level having adjusting marks and being displaceable relative to the reflector for reflector specific fine adjustment, a support insertable in the reflector and receiving the water level, the water level having an outer side and provided on the outer side with a cover glass forming a part of an outwardly curved spherical surface, the water level being turnable in the support for fine adjustment about a vertical axis.

Abstract: The bubble vials of a carpenter's level are individually illuminated by a respective light emitting diode (LED) energized from a battery supported within the body of the level. Charge on the batteries is maintained by one or more solar cells mounted on an exterior surface of the body, and the LED's are energized by a control circuit including a normally open manually actuable switch and a pair of mercury switches supported within the body at different fixed orientations relative thereto such that one of them closes when the body is horizontally oriented to apply voltage to the LED for the horizontal bubble vial, and the other closes when the body of the level is vertically oriented and connects the battery to the LED for the bubble vials of the plumbing levels. Thus, the circuit automatically illuminates only the bubble vial, or vials, that need to be illuminated in order to observe the position of the bubble for the orientation selected by the user.

Abstract: An indicator to be squeezed between the parts to be aligned in which the indication is provided by a level device associated with the indicator.

Abstract: A level vial for use in connection with a level instrument for determining angular relationships wherein the geometry of the internal vial components and, in particular, the bore and core surfaces co-act with the bubble to produce a level vial having an increased radius of curvature while maintaining standard sensitivity and having the capability of providing a visual measure of a relatively wide range of angular deflections from horizontal.

Abstract: A snap-in vial cover for retaining a level-indicating vial on the web of a frame includes first and second vial cover members. The vial cover members are substantially identical in construction. A vial is adapted for placement within a pair of oppositely disposed notches formed in an opening provided in the web of the frame. The first and second members are securable to each other for retaining the vial on the web of the frame.

Abstract: A lie indicator for a golf clubhead that has utility as a golf practice aid. The indicator includes a straight bubble tube mounted in slightly skewed relation to a base member so that the axis of the tube and the axis of the base member are skewed at about one degree with respect to one another. The base member includes a flush mounted magnet that releasably secures the indicator to the face of the clubhead. The base member is aligned with a score line on the face of the clubhead so that when the golfer centers the bubble in the tube, an apparent one degree over compensation is provided. However, the lie angle of the clubhead is correct at the moment of ball impact because the mass of the clubhead causes it to rotate during the swing by about one degree.

Abstract: A spirit level including a frame having parallel working surfaces and a web interconnecting the working surfaces. One or more vial openings of regular octagonal configuration are formed in the web. A vial case member having an octagonal wall is selectively positionable in the opening in the web with the vial extending either parallel to or perpendicular to or at an angle of forty-five degrees to the working surfaces. A second vial case member is disposed at the side of the web opposite the first mentioned case member and bonded to the octagonal wall on the case member to hold the case members in assembled relation on the web. A pair of case covers of like configuration are mounted at opposite sides of the web with hook portions on the cover members extending through openings in the web.

Abstract: The composite level consists of an I-shape aluminum frame having ribbed or working surfaces and a pair of one-piece plastic cover plates integrally formed with end plates secured to the frame. A plurality of measuring vials are supported by the frame and retained by the cover plates. The alignment between the plastic cover plates and the metal frame is provided by an indexing system that minimizes the deleterious effect of the shrinkage of the plastic material of the cover plates during the curing process on the fit between the cover plate and frame. The use of the plastic cover plates and the ribbed working surfaces of the aluminum frame eliminate the necessity of painting and milling the level.

Abstract: The liquid indicating leveling device consists of a modular unit having four walls each at 90.degree. to one another, the inside surfaces of the walls having a flat non-reflective white surface together with a white back wall and having an open viewing front defining a viewing chamber. The bubble vial is disposed in the viewing chamber parallel to the bottom wall of the viewing chamber so that the vial may be viewed through the open front for both vertical and horizontal leveling. Illumination is provided for selectively maintaining the light level within the viewing chamber at a level sufficiently above ambient for taking a bubble reading without glare or reflections from outside elements. A beam is provided in which the modular unit is mounted to increase the accuracy of the unit over a greater length for more accurate readings. A cross bubble device is provided for taking both vertical and horizontal readings.

Abstract: An illuminated level includes a main frame providing parallel spaced-apart flat plane working surfaces connected together by a flat main frame web. The web is provided with three main frame sight ports extending therethrough. A bubble vial is positioned across each of the main frame sight ports. First and second side plates are positioned, one on either side of the web. Mounted on one of these side plates in adjacent relation to the web are six light emitting diodes, each positioned in adjacent relationship to an end portion of one of the three bubbles vials. A switch and a battery are also mounted to this side plate as are appropriate electrical conductors. The electrical conductors couple the light emitting diodes, the battery and the switch to cause energization of the light emitting diodes when the switch is actuated.

Abstract: A bubble level with a hollow metal section has a circular window, in which a cylindrical level tube for a vertical level can be inserted with a positive interlock in the axial direction and can be fastened with a material interlock. A level support is inserted into the hollow section in the axial direction. The support has a cylindrical seat aligned with the window, to receive a level holder that bears a level. An interlock device is disposed between the level support and the level holder. By means of this interlock device, the level holder is mounted axially fixed, but rotatable until it is fastened by the material interlock.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for positioning a tilt meter (12) in a horizontal plane (14) and maintaining it horizontal despite temperature changes, with greater precision than heretofore. Leveling screws 25-27 which hold the upper surface (18) of a base member (16) precisely horizontal, are engaged with nuts (21-23) attached to the base member, where the nuts are made of the same material as the screws, to eliminate tilting of the base member with temperature changes, due to different nuts engaging a screw at a different height. The nuts are attached to the upper surface (18) of the base member, to further avoid imprecision. The curved glass bubble tubes (60) are mounted in V-grooves (80) in four point contact therewith.

Abstract: A headlamp aiming and leveling device is provided for attachment to an automotive headlamp to facilitate leveling and aiming of the headlamp beam relative to an automotive vehicle upon which the headlamp is installed. The device comprises: a level-indicating device including a housing. At least one, first part of the housing is affixed to a given surface of a headlamp, such that a remaining portion of the housing is movable relative to said affixed part for varying the inclination of the housing in such a fashion as to permit adjustment of the level-indicating device to indicate a level condition. An adjusting arrangement is operatively coupled with the housing at a second part thereof spaced from the part thereof affixed to the headlamp for moving the housing for achieving the level indication while the headlamp is held in a condition wherein the headlamp beam is level. A locking arrangement is provided for locking the adjusting arrangement in the position at which the level condition is indicated.

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

Abstract: For a level having a platform with an opening, a caddy supporting a level vial so that the vial can be replaced. The caddy includes a keeper body and a latch body which mutually support the vial and which are positioned respectively on opposite sides of the opening. Latch and keeper means hold the bodies in tight engagement with the platform and can be released to allow the bodies to be separated for vial replacement.