Abstract: A level can include a measurement base portion having a reference surface arranged thereon to abut on a measurement surface and a bubble tube having a liquid and a bubble enclosed therein, the bubble tube arranged to be inclined at a certain angle in such a fashion that the bubble tube is away from or near to the reference surface in a direction from a peripheral portion of the reference surface toward a central portion of the reference surface.

Abstract: A carpenter's level with an integral bubble vial illumination system is herein disclosed. A plurality of level vials is illuminated by lamps located at either end to light the vials internally. The vials are arranged in close parallel pairs having a blackout panel between for enhanced accurate viewing of the bubbles from either side of the level. Power to the lamps is supplied by a battery which is charged by solar cells, thereby reducing battery changes. The level is equipped with a graduated slope indicator port located on the top surface of the level to easily measure sloped surfaces. An auto-off feature will also be integrated to save power.

Abstract: A distance indicating mechanism can be used in combination with a bow sight to quickly determine distances to targets from an elevated position. The distance indicating mechanism has a generally circular, fluid-filled tubular device with one or more adjustable indicators located thereon. The indicators are positionable to correspond with the fluid level in the tubular device to indicate the orientation of the mechanism when aiming at a known distance. Each indicator generally corresponds to a sight pin of a bow site that indicates a corresponding linear distance for which an arrow will be at a desired vertical position when shot by a bow operator.

Abstract: A distance indicating mechanism can be used in combination with a bow sight to quickly determine distances to targets from an elevated position. The distance indicating mechanism has a generally circular, fluid-filled tubular device with one or more adjustable indicators located thereon. The indicators are positionable to correspond with the fluid level in the tubular device to indicate the orientation of the mechanism when aiming at a known distance. Each indicator generally corresponds to a sight pin of a bow site that indicates a corresponding linear distance for which an arrow will be at a desired vertical position when shot by a bow operator.

Abstract: The present invention helps golfers consistently execute the ideal golf swing. To consistently execute the ideal swing, golfers must consistently align the shafts of their clubs at the ideal angle with respect to the horizontal at setup, prior to executing the swing. The present invention helps golfers set their clubs at the ideal angle by attaching an angle indicating device to the club that indicates the angle of the club with respect to the horizontal. The preferred embodiment of the angle indicating device is a small, lightweight circular bubble level, that has angle markings around its edge, and quickly clips onto an off of the golf club. The angle indicating device is sufficiently small and lightweight that it does not affect the golfers swing. The same device may be used on different golf clubs to show the desired angle for the club in use.

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

Abstract: An omnidirectional torpedo level composed of non-ferrous material has a central web and parallel side flanges defining a torpedo level geometry. The central web and side flanges define windows within which are mounted vertical and horizontal tubular spirit level elements that permit selective orientation of the side flanges to determine when surfaces being engaged by the side flanges are either vertically or horizontally oriented. A rotary protractor is mounted to the central web and contains a spirit level tube for accurate positioning of the side flanges with respect to the selected angle of the protractor. Magnet members are mounted to one or both of the side flanges and serve to support the level device in hands-off relation when in contact with ferrous metal objects. A circular omnidirectional level enlargement is provided at the upper end portion of the level body and provides for support of a circular omnidirectional level device having a circular lens marked with circular positioning indicia.

Abstract: A vial for use in a level and a method of forming such a vial are disclosed. The vial includes a cylinder having an inner surface defining a cavity, and a material molded around the cylinder. The vial preferably includes at least one marker ring positioned between the cylinder and the material. The method comprises providing the cylinder; molding a material around the cylinder; machining the inner surface to a desired shape; and positioning a bubble in the cavity.

Abstract: A level system for accurately and efficiently providing a levelness measurement. The level system includes a container positionable within a frame structure for retaining a volume of liquid, a upper compartment within an upper portion of the container for retaining a buoyant member, a first paddle and a second paddle pivotally attached within the container about the buoyant member, and an indicator member attached to the paddles for indicating a levelness or plumbness of a structure. As the buoyant member moves within the upper compartment, the paddles move the indicator member accordingly.

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 pen/pencil or other writing instrument is equipped with an end-mounted level vial which mates with the pen/pencil barrel. The housing of the level is entirely clear allowing for the bubble of the level to be visible from all sides of the pen/pencil. The level pen/pencil is designed with sufficient length for reaching from a center of a child's head to a vertical wall surface for marking the child's height thereon. The level pen/pencil can also be used for other applications requiring both a level and a marking means such as construction, repair work, hanging pictures or shelves, or various other leveling and marking tasks.

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. 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: 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 non-handed headlamp position indicator device is used to denote the proper aiming or "zero position" of a movable reflector component mounted in a stationary component of a headlamp arrangement so that a vehicle mechanic can easily return the headlamp in the moveable reflector component to the zero position. The non-handed indicator device of the present invention utilizes one component that can be used for right-hand and left-hand applications. The indicator device includes a bracket mounted on the reflector beneath an opening in the stationary housing which includes a U-shaped track portion. An arrow member is mounted on the U-shaped track portion and is slidable around the track portion. A scale, which includes a zero indicia, is provided on the stationary housing proximate to the opening.

Abstract: A support for a laser beam generator in a carpenter's level is positioned on the level so that the laser beam generated will lie in the plane of a flat reference surface of the level. A battery or other power supply is housed in the carpenter's level together with circuitry to connect the power supply to the laser beam generator and preferably a switch allowing the generator to be turned off and on. Gauges may be employed in the level for vertical, as well as horizontal, orientation to the reference surface and, if desired, a gauge enabling the reference surface to be repeatedly placed at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal may be included. Such a gauge may be a commercial gauge such as an inclinometer. Preferably, however, a conventional gauge employing an arcuate tube filled with liquid having a bubble in it which seeks the highest level of the tube with calibration marks for accurately positioning the bubble.

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: 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: The reflector of the headlamp is pivotally supported within a housing for vertical tilting about a horizontal axis and for horizontal pivoting about a vertical axis. A bubble level is carried by the reflector and may be adjusted relative thereto to a level position after the reflector has been tilted about the horizontal axis to establish proper vertical aiming of the headlamp beam. A horizontal indicator is located at the same inspection position as the bubble level and may be adjusted to a zero setting after the reflector has been pivoted about the vertical axis to establish proper horizontal aiming of the beam. Part of a mounting platform for the bubble level also serves as part of an indicating scale for the horizontal indicator.

Abstract: A module for measuring level, plumb and various angles by a simple hand manipulation. The module, which contains a bubble in a vial, is in one modality located in a carpenter's leveling bar and is slidable therein so that it may always be oriented at eye level for ease of viewing. The module is compact in size and design for ease in carrying on one's person and, it may be attached to a framing square or a straight edge, for example, such that measuring of the horizontal, vertical, and acute or obtuse angles may be readily accomplished in a portable fashion. In another mode, the measuring module which is formed upon a four-sided support member may be utilized without any additional structural element to provide a self contained angular measuring mechanism.

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 golf training aide is attached to a golf club shaft and visually indicates to the golfer when the club shaft is held in a vertical plane and when the club head is held in proper angular relation to the ground. An indication of vertical alignment of the shaft is given when a first bubble is centered in a first bubble tube member and an indication of proper club head position is given when a second bubble is centered in a second bubble tube member. In a first embodiment, the second bubble tube member is linear-in-configuration and is rotatable about a horizontal axis. In a second embodiment, the second bubble tube member is arcuate-in-configuration and has a fixed position.

Abstract: A pitch measuring device for measuring the deviation of one line or plane from a referenced line or plane. The device comprises a pitch vial including a cavity containing a liquid and a bubble hermetically sealed therein. Indicia, pre-calibrated to the axis of the vial body, are applied to the vial body to provide a visual display of the amount of pitch of a measured surface by reference to bubble position in the vial cavity in relation to the body indicia. The vial cavity is symmetrically disposed about the vial axis with a larger radius at one end than at the other of the vial to provide pre-selected bubble orientation in response to selected pitch conditions.

Abstract: An improved golf club alignment indicator apparatus, in which a hemispherical bubble level indicator is attached to the handle grip end of the golf club. The indicator is marked with various indicia so as to provide a golfer with the line of aim to the target area, the angle of the club-face relative to the horizontal and the slope of the ground surface upon which the club rests and from which the shot is being played.

Abstract: A dual axis capacitive inclination sensor includes a flat cylindrical vial defined by a lower conductive half and an upper dielectric half with a chamber therebetween containing a dielectric liquid with a bubble therein. A top surface of the upper half has two pairs of axis capacitor plates positioned thereon in spaced relation to two mutually perpendicular horizontal inclination axes, and each of the axis plates forms a capacitor in cooperation with the lower half which functions as a common capacitor plate. Inclination of the vial about one or both of the inclination axes causes a change in the position of the bubble with respect to the capacitive system, thereby changing the capacitance between the plates. Each of the axis capacitor plates has a shape defined by a circumferentially extending web portion having inwardly directed radial portions connected at the opposite ends of the web.

Abstract: A level or pitch measuring instrument of composite metal and plastic construction. A metal frame or base of T-shaped cross-section includes a first planar working surface and an upstanding web portion. Means are provided for mounting vials in the web in precise preselected angular relationship to the planar working surface. A plastic second planar working surface element is assembled to the frame or base to maintain preselected axial alignment of the vials with the plane of the web. Simultaneously, the vial orientation on the frame or base will permit coaction of metal and plastic elements to position the plastic planar working surface in a predetermined relationship to the metal planar working surface. Openings are provided in the plastic and metal elements to permit lateral vial viewing through the web and vertical viewing of plural vials through the plastic working surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bubble tube for a bubble level, comprising the following stages:completely filling a barrel-shaped machined cavity (9) in the tube with suitable liquid such that the entire hollow part of the bubble tube is full;positioning a plug (14), comprising a cavity of which the precisely determined inner shape corresponds to the required bubble volume, into the seat (13);joining the plug to the body of the bubble tube.Application: to the precision-manufacture of bubble tubes by mass production.

Abstract: A slide body of a rigid transparent material is sized to be received within a slide transparency projector. The slide body includes a bubble level indicator having a narrow arcuate chamber which is filled with a liquid to create a bubble of air trapped within a band of fluid. The bubble is displaceable within the arcuate chamber and remains at the highest point therein. When the slide is level, the bubble rests at the mid-point of the band. The slide body is also provided with a pattern of concentric rectangles and a pattern of markings to indicate the extent of deviation of the bubble from its position at the mid-point of the band. The arcuate band, bubble and pattern of markings are projected onto the screen by a projector to permit a projectionist to readily ascertain whether or not the projector is in focus and is level. The projector can then be focused and leveled by adjusting the focusing and leveling system of the projector.

Abstract: An inexpensive spirit level having means for easy attachment to upper surface portions of picture frames or the like. The device comprises a transparent tape having blister-like cavities at regular intervals, a base tape affixed in face-to-face relation against one side of the transparent tape and having a pressure sensitive adhesive on the outside for attachment to a surface portion of a frame, and a liquid partially filling said cavities. Eash blister cavity has a bubble corresponding to the unfilled space which bubbles will move along the curvature of the blister, thereby indicating the relative position of the device with respect to a horizontal plane. Suitable markings on the transparent tape are provided to facilitate reading level position with respect to the horizontal plane.