Abstract: A supplemental vehicle illumination system is mounted on a structure that is received by a trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle. The supplemental illumination system receives a signal from the vehicle. This actuates a supplemental lighting system that provides additional illumination, in addition to lights disposed on the vehicle. The supplemental lighting system can also, or instead, be activated over a wireless connection.

Abstract: An angle gauge for immediately determining if an inclination of a ladder against a vertical surface is satisfactory is provided. The angle gauge has a circular base portion and an indicator dial rotatably connected to the center of a face of the base portion. A straight edge flange is connected to the base portion to provide a straight edge extending tangentially from the circumference thereof. The face has top and bottom halves dividing by an angle line, wherein the angle line is adjustable so as to select a target angle between the angle line relative to the straight edge. The indicator dial obscures half of the face at all times. The straight edge is connected to a rung of a ladder so that if the ladder is not oriented at the target angle relative to vertical supporting surface, the bottom half is partially visible above the indicator dial.

Abstract: A level indicator for a skid steer attachment. The level indicator comprises a reference component configured to display a plurality of references, with each of the references being associated with a particular orientation of the skid steer attachment. The level indicator additionally comprises a securement component for supporting the reference component with respect to the skid steer attachment. The level indicator further comprises an indicator mechanism rotatably connected to the reference component or to the securement component. The indicator mechanism is configured to highlight one of the references of the reference component based on an orientation of the skid steer attachment.

Abstract: A right angle square includes a right isosceles triangle shaped right angle square with three sides. The three sides comprise a pitch edge, a hypotenuse, and another side. The right angle square also has a closed and arced angular measurement tube extending along a portion of a circumferential arc between the non-hypotenuse sides and the tube contains a fluid and a bubble that moved through the fluid. The right angle square also has a measurement scale. When the pitch edge is aligned against a slope to be measured, the bubble rises to the highest point in the tube, and the bubble is aligned on the measurement scale at a point along the measurement scale corresponding to the slope being measured.

Abstract: A non-electronic head-worn system for providing visual inertial head orientation information to a person is disclosed. The system comprises a head-worn unit that displays at least one orientation reference symbol to the person wearing the unit wherein the orientation reference symbol stays in a fixed visual position for the person when the person's head changes orientation. The system also comprises a pitch indicator that gives visual pitch information to the person and a roll indicator that gives visual roll information to the person. The pitch indicator and the roll indicator are responsive to a pendulum, a rolling element, or a fluid in a reservoir. The pitch element and the roll element do not use electricity or electronics.

Abstract: A multi-purpose measurement apparatus having a combination spirit level and a protractor, for precise measurement of orientation and angle of a material, the apparatus having a frame for resting against the material, said frame having a strip of ruler markings at the bottom portion of the face of the frame and the bottom portion of the rear of the frame, said frame further having a slot at a substantially centermost position of the frame; a clear, global housing, forming front and rear windows on the frame and in the slot at the substantially centermost position of the frame, the housing filled with an oil composition.

Abstract: Forklift and material handling procedures involve many safety, productivity, and efficiency constraints. Foremost among these is the inability of equipment operators to accurately determine the alignment of equipment forks to the material or vessle being handled. The “Forklift/Material Handling Fork Level Indicator” described herein, eliminates this problem. By employing a rearward facing baseplate, mirror, indicator needle, and graduated scale, the equipment operator can literally “see around a corner” to easily determine equipment mast vertical condition, fork to floor parallelism, and thus accurate alignment of equipment forks to pallets, skids, or other shipping and storage containers upon approach to, or withdrawl from said vessles. Installed on the side of the main vertical mast of material handling equipment, this device provides a side view of the main mast position, via the freely rotating indicator needle, directly to the operator while in normal operating position.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for tilt detection and indication is disclosed. The tilt indicator includes a first member having a reservoir for retaining a granular indicating media therein; and a second member coupled to the first member and having an adhesive portion located corresponding to an indicating area of the first member. Responsive to a tilt event, at least a portion of the indicating media exits the reservoir and travels to the indicating area where the adhesive portion retains at least a portion of the indicating media within the indicating area.

Abstract: To be able to measure the angular deviation simultaneously in two directions in space a magneto-sensitive sensor unit on the one hand (that can measure the magnetic flux density in at least two directions in space or orthogonal to each other) and a magnet on the other hand are moved relatively to each other, wherein one of both elements are provided in such a way that it aligns itself directly or indirectly according to the gravity. An optimal measuring result is achieved by guiding one of both elements on a defined, reproducible surface so that the center axis of this element is directed always to the center axis of the other element.

Abstract: A motion-sensing device for sensing tilt and acceleration when either tilt, horizontal acceleration, or tilt and horizontal acceleration acting concurrently, influence the device, including: a substrate having a vertical surface, a first accelerometer fixed to the vertical surface of the substrate; a pendulum flexibly coupled to the substrate proximate to the first accelerometer; and a second accelerometer fixed to the pendulum. The first and/or second accelerometers are preferably an accelerometer; a spring-mass system; and/or any tilt or accelerometer sensitive elements. The first accelerometer includes an accelerometer that measures tilt and linear acceleration in a first geometric plane, the pendulum is constrained to move in the first geometric plane, and the second accelerometer is operable to measure linear acceleration in the first geometric plane. The motion-sensing device or devices coupled to a machine, vehicle, and/or a control system. The pendulum is critically damped using a damping fluid.

Abstract: A motion-sensing device for sensing tilt and acceleration when either tilt, horizontal acceleration, or tilt and horizontal acceleration acting concurrently, influence the device, including: a substrate, a first tilt sensor fixed to the top of the substrate; a pendulum flexibly coupled to the bottom of the substrate proximate to the first tilt sensor; and a second tilt sensor fixed to the pendulum. The first and/or second tilt sensors are preferably an accelerometer; a spring-mass system; and/or an arcuate resistive element. The first tilt sensor includes a tilt sensor that measures tilt in a first geometric plane, the pendulum is constrained to move in the first geometric plane, and the second tilt sensor is operable to measure tilt in the first geometric plane. The motion-sensing device or devices coupled to a machine, vehicle, and/or a control system. The substrate may include a portion of the first tilt sensor.

Abstract: A motion-sensing device for sensing tilt and acceleration when either tilt, horizontal acceleration, or tilt and horizontal acceleration acting concurrently, influence the device, including: a substrate, a first tilt sensor fixed to the top of the substrate; a pendulum flexibly coupled to the bottom of the substrate proximate to the first tilt sensor; and a second tilt sensor fixed to the pendulum. The first and/or second tilt sensors are preferably an accelerometer; a spring-mass system; and/or an arcuate resistive element. The first tilt sensor includes a tilt sensor that measures tilt in a first geometric plane, the pendulum is constrained to move in the first geometric plane, and the second tilt sensor is operable to measure tilt in the first geometric plane. The motion-sensing device or devices coupled to a machine, vehicle, and/or a control system. The substrate may include a portion of the first tilt sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an inclinometer that is compact, can be easily read with a vertical or horizontal line of sight, and/or readily convey a preferred range of incline angles for an operational sluice box.

Abstract: An alignment tool and method is disclosed for use in aligning wheels of trucks and truck trailers. The tool includes at least one self-leveling laser for checking wheel alignment. The self-leveling laser includes a body, an attachment member and a laser. The attachment member secures the alignment tool to the vehicle or trailer and the alignment tool provides for self-leveling to enable a user to make various predetermined measurements from the laser marking “+” when aligning the wheels of the vehicle or trailer. The alignment tool also may include a fifth wheel adapter for attaching the alignment tool to a fifth wheel pin of a truck trailer when checking the alignment of a truck trailer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an inclinometer that is compact, can be easily read with a vertical or horizontal line of sight, and/or readily convey a preferred range of incline angles for an operational sluice box.

Abstract: A magnetically damped inclinometer has a shaft with attached pendulum that rotates. The rotation causes an index member to rotate past one or a set of magnets or electromagnets that are connected to the load. The magnet or electromagnet may be mounted directly to the load or it may be in the form of an off center ring. Another embodiment uses a spring to bias two magnets apart. A cam is attached to the shaft such that, as the pendulum and shaft rotate, a roller connected with the load or spreader bar allows the spring to push the magnets farther apart. The damped inclinometers are used to determine and provide information to respond to the initial sway of a load prior to bringing the load to a stop.

Abstract: A level measuring device for measuring the level of a surface includes a support, a first pivot shaft, a second pivot shaft, a pendulum, a first rotation sensor, a second rotation sensor and a computing module. The support includes a bottom surface which is configured for contacting the surface. The first pivot shaft is rotatably supported by the support. The second pivot shaft is rotatably linked to the first pivot shaft and perpendicular to each other. The pendulum is suspended from the second pivot shaft. The first rotation sensor and the second rotation sensor are configured for sensing rotated angle and direction of the first pivot shaft and the second pivot shaft, caused by the displacement of the pendulum. The computing module is configured for calculating the level of the surface using the rotated angle and direction.

Abstract: To be able to measure the angular deviation simultaneously in two directions in space a magneto-sensitive sensor unit on the one hand (that can measure the magnetic flux density in at least two directions in space or orthogonal to each other) and a magnet on the other hand are moved relatively to each other, wherein one of both elements are provided in such a way that it aligns itself directly or indirectly according to the gravity. An optimal measuring result is achieved by guiding one of both elements on a defined, reproducible surface so that the center axis of this element is directed always to the center axis of the other element.

Abstract: A celestial navigation device. A full-featured embodiment is useful as a sundial and planisphere and for measuring, among other things, latitude, longitude, and for time to angle conversions. The device may have one or more rings and is based on a transparent circular tube having a gravity indicator, typically a ball or bubble, in the circular tube, which locates the lowest or highest point in the tube to indicate time or angle measurements against a corresponding scale. The device may have a 24-hour time scale, a calendar scale, and/or an angle scale. One embodiment includes a split analemma with separate north and south portions. Each analemma portion is used with a corresponding gnomon of a pair of gnomons, each on opposite sides of the tubular ring. A two-ring embodiment has an inner ring and outer ring rotatably slidable relative to one another. Two additional gnomons and star position marks may be provided for star sighting observations.

Abstract: An angle indicator is provided for measuring an angle of inclination of a structure with respect to a plane, such as a horizontal or vertical plane. The angle indicator includes a housing adapted and configured to be mounted to the structure, an indicator movably disposed in the housing having an angular range of motion about an axis intersecting the plane, and indicia provided on the housing for indicating proper angulation of the structure with respect to the plane. The indicia can be defined at least in part by a first arcuate segment, wherein the indicia and the indicator are configured to be in visual alignment to an observer when the angle of inclination of the structure with respect to the plane achieves a predetermined angle. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the predetermined angle can be about thirty degrees.

Abstract: In a leveling, plumbing, and angular calibration instrument a swinging suspended vertical body (4) is provided, which carries groups (5, 6) of light elements and/or lenses and optionally a beam splitter and/or beam converging element provided to create and emit laser light. A clamping element (7) is allocated to the vertical body (4) to block a swinging motion in an exactly central position, if necessary, which is formed from two clamping shoes (8, 9) arranged opposite each other, which can be synchronously displaced in reference to the clamping section (10) of the vertical body (4).

Abstract: A gauge for use in a surgical procedure, including a body with a plumb bob mounted to the body. The plumb bob hangs from the body under the influence of a local gravitational field. More particularly, the plumb bob is rotatable relative to the body in both a first plane and a second plane, said planes being orthongonal to each other. In use, a connector allows the gauge to be connected to various surgical implements. The position of the indicator needle on the plumb bob is noted with reference to two sets of markings on the body to allow a surgeon to determine a first angle in a first plane and a second angle in a second plane. In one exemplary application of the invention, the first and second angles are anatomical angles associated with the surgical insertion of prosthetic components.

Abstract: A magnetically damped inclinometer has a shaft with attached pendulum that rotates. The rotation causes an index member to rotate past one or a set of magnets or electromagnets that are connected to the load. The magnet or electromagnet may be mounted directly to the load or it may be in the form of an off center ring. Another embodiment uses a spring to bias two magnets apart. A cam is attached to the shaft such that, as the pendulum and shaft rotate, a roller connected with the load or spreader bar allows the spring to push the magnets farther apart. The damped inclinometers are used to determine and provide information to respond to the initial sway of a load prior to bringing the load to a stop.

Abstract: Is disclosed an inclination sensor for detecting a tilted state of a case by detecting by a magnetic sensor a magnetized portion of a pendulum type movement mounted rotatably on a shaft in accordance with inclination of the case, wherein the shaft fitted with a clearance in a rotation shaft hole of the movement is further provided at both ends with loosely fitted thereon spacers and mounted in the case. This realizes non-restricted state of both the movement and the shaft. Thus, the movement obtains an improved response characteristic and an increased stability since no oscillation of a running vehicle is transmitted through the shaft to the movement.

Abstract: In a leveling, plumbing, and angular calibration instrument a swinging suspended vertical body (4) is provided, which carries groups (5, 6) of light elements and/or lenses and optionally a beam splitter and/or beam converging element provided to create and emit laser light. A clamping element (7) is allocated to the vertical body (4) to block a swinging motion in an exactly central position, if necessary, which is formed from two clamping shoes (8, 9) arranged opposite each other, which can be synchronously displaced in reference to the clamping section (10) of the vertical body (4).

Abstract: A magnetically damped inclinometer has a shaft with attached pendulum that rotates. The rotation causes an index member to rotate past one or a set of magnets or electromagnets that are connected to the load. The magnet or electromagnet may be mounted directly the load or it may be in the form of an off center ring. Another embodiment uses a spring to bias two magnets apart. A cam is attached to the shaft such that, as the pendulum and shaft rotate, a roller connected with the load or spreader bar allows the spring to push the magnets farther apart. The damped inclinometers are used to determine and provide information to respond to the initial sway of a load prior to bringing the load to a stop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slope measuring device for measuring the underlying sloped surface the device including a substantially planar surface having at least one circular opening with a graduated scale received within the circular opening, a pendulum placed between two spaced apart panels, one of which optionally including the scale. The pendulum generally includes a shaft extending laterally between the spaced panels with a pair of spacers received by the shaft at the shaft midsection with a wire extending downwardly from the shaft between the spacers and terminating at a weighted member having a pointed marker with pointed end, the pointed marker being generally adapted for placement along the graduated scale, the pointed end being associated with the measuring indicia for measuring the slope of the underlying sloped surface.

Abstract: The angle meter and spirit level apparatus can be affixed to a ladder and used to determine the angle at which the ladder is placed. The apparatus is also self-verifying in that it provides a way to know that the apparatus is operating properly. The apparatus also allows for a ladder or other similar device to be used as a carpenter's level or mason's level to determine true horizontal and also to determine the slope from the horizontal.

Abstract: Is disclosed an inclination sensor for detecting an inclination of a vehicle body in both lateral and longitudinal directions by a pendulum type movement rotatably supported on a rotation shaft mounted in the case, wherein the rotation shaft of the movement in the case is slanting to form a specified angle between a rotation plane of the movement and the case mounting plate surface attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: The tilt detector has a container with a receptacle located therein. The receptacle has open and closed ends. In its normal, upright orientation, a first mass is located inside of the receptacle. A second mass is located adjacent to the open end of the receptacle. When the receptacle is in its normal, upright orientation, the second mass is located above the receptacle and blocks the exit of the first mass from the receptacle even when the first mass moves in response to vibration frequencies to which the first mass is sensitive. When the receptacle is tilted beyond a predetermined angle, the second mass moves from its blocking position so as to allow the first mass to exit the receptacle. A tilting indication occurs when the first mass has exited the receptacle.

Abstract: A tilt sensor system (10) is provided comprising a housing (12), a magnetized region (13) within the housing (12), and a magnetized, articulated pendulum (14) magnetically coupled to the magnetized region (13) for suspending the pendulum (14) within the housing (12). In a particular embodiment, the tilt sensor system (10) is incorporated into a park brake system (50) including a park brake for securing a portion of a vehicle in a static condition, and a control system for actuating the park brake responsive to a tilt measurement from the tilt sensor system. In addition, the tilt sensor system (10) may be incorporated into (or functionally coupled to) other vehicle control systems adapted for receiving tilt-related information from the tilt sensor system for use in performing respective vehicle control functions.

Abstract: An inclination sensor includes: a case having a turning shaft section projected in a lateral direction on a front surface thereof; magnetism detecting means fixed on an upper side of the turning shaft section; a pair of magnets fixed in parallel to a rear surface of the case to be located on both sides of the magnetism detecting means; a pendulum axially supported by the turning shaft section to turn freely; and a pair of ferromagnetic bodies fixed on an inward surface of the pendulum. When the case inclines, one of the ferromagnetic bodies approaches the magnetism detecting means, and a magnetic circuit is closed by the pair of magnets and one of the ferromagnetic bodies. Magnetic fluxes of the magnets pass over front and rear surfaces of the magnetism detecting means.

Abstract: A rotation sensor comprising a Y-shaped strip and a conducting strip is disposed in a digital imaging device. The conducting strip is disposed below the Y-shaped strip. The Y-shaped strip has two sensing arms and a fixed arm. A metal piece is disposed on each of the two sensing arms. When the sensing arm hangs down due to the weight of the metal piece to touch the conducting strip, the Y-shaped strip and the conducting strip will form a closed circuit and send out a signal. Whether the digital imaging device is rotated is determined based on this signal. Whether the device body is horizontal or vertical can thus be accurately and quickly determined. Moreover, because the detection is accomplished through gentle deformation or rotation of the sensing arms, there will be no noise during the detection process.

Abstract: An inclinometer (600) can include a first housing portion (400) having a sloped surface (402) including plurality of conductive areas or surfaces (401, 415, 430, 445, 460, 416, 431, 446, and 461) on the sloped surface, and a second sloped surface (404) having a common contact (480) separate from the conductive areas. The conductive areas can be a plurality of conductive areas corresponding for example to tilt degrees of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 respectively in a left orientation and 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 respectively in a right orientation. The inclinometer can include a housing (602) that mates with the first housing portion and encloses the first housing portion and a conductive substantially spherical element or ball (700) therein. The ball can traverse the sloped surface and form a connection between the common contact and the at least one conductive portion as it traverses the sloped surface.

Abstract: An inclination sensor is provided with a main body fixed to a vehicle, a pendulum supported by the main body so as to swing in response to an inclination of the vehicle, and a magnetic sensor that senses the inclination of the pendulum in order to detect as to whether or not the vehicle has been inclined. The pendulum is swingable around two axes as to both a width direction of the vehicle, and forward/backward directions thereof. A sensitivity of the pendulum as to the width direction is higher than a sensitivity thereof as to the forward/backward directions.

Abstract: A level and protractor tool (100) includes a body (102) with three sections. The first section (106) includes a spring clip (108) mounted on the body. The spring clip is adapted to be attached to an item that is to be bent or otherwise measured with the level and protractor tool (FIG. 6). The second section (128) is contiguous with the first section. The second section includes a mounting pin (132) defining a rotational axis for both a pointer (134) and a degree wheel (136) having a pendulum weight (306). The degree wheel and the pointer are positioned with respect to the mounting pin for rotational movement about the mounting pin independent of one another. The third section (142) includes a bubble level or spirit vial (144) and is attached perpendicularly to the second section and parallel to the mounting pin.

Abstract: A magnetically damped inclinometer has a shaft with attached pendulum that rotates. The rotation causes an index member to rotate past one or a set of magnets or electromagnets that are connected to the load. The magnet or electromagnet may be mounted directly the load or it may be in the form of an off center ring. Another embodiment uses a spring to bias two magnets apart. A cam is attached to the shaft such that, as the pendulum and shaft rotate, a roller connected with the load or spreader bar allows the spring to push the magnets farther apart. The damped inclinometers are used to determine and provide information to respond to the initial sway of a load prior to bringing the load to a stop.

Abstract: A self-leveling laser alignment tool and method thereof which provides a laser beam in a substantially truly level or plumb orientation are disclosed. Magnetic attraction is used to compensate for leveling errors of an approximately or partially leveled pendulum platform that is suspended from a flexible suspension element having a predetermined material stiffness. The material stiffness of the suspension element is compensated by using a magnet which pulls the pendulum platform into an orientation that is substantially truly level and plumb.

Abstract: The invention relates to an earthquake protection system that is entirely immune to seismic activity. According to the inventive method buildings and other objects are supported by Virtual Pendulums (Pv) designed as QuakeProtect Modules (56). Although requiring only little height for installation, these earthquake protection modules allow a freedom of movement for the load bearing support points of the supported structure as if they were the oscillating ends of long pendulums with long cycles of their own. As the result of which the supported object is efficiently isolated from the considerably higher frequent earthquake ground oscillations. The functional behavior of the system is not affected by the extent of the base acceleration or the frequency of the ground oscillation. Even in an earthquake of greatest magnitude the supported object will remain still. The system can be configured for any load and any conceivable ground oscillation amplitudes.

Abstract: A device which is attachable to the mast of a forklift for indicating to the forklift operator the tilt angle of the mast in a vertical plane centered on the forklift includes a pivotably supported weighted pendulum, and an elongated activating arm secured to the upper extremity of the pendulum. The activating arm operates a component that is slideably mounted to a base plate, and carries an indicating pointer. A cover member fits over the base plate, and contains a window which accommodates the pointer. Indicia on the cover member interact with the pointer to show the tilt angle of the mast.

Abstract: A slope measurement instrument consistent with certain embodiments has a magnetic base with a compartment attached to the magnetic base, the compartment having an inner face and a clear outer face, with the inner face having indicia of angular graduations thereon, the indicia being viewable through the outer face. The angular graduations are arranged in a semi-circular pattern with a zero grade position at the bottom and increasing angles indicated on either side of the bottom. An indicator needle is pivotally suspended so that gravitational forces acting on the needle cause the needle to point to the zero grade position when the instrument is positioned at a zero degree grade. A fluid disposed within the compartment between the inner face and the outer face to stabilize movement of the needle. The volume of the fluid can be adjusted to adjust the amount of fluid stabilizing effect provided for various conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating correct or faulty back posture comprises a housing and an indicator body. The housing is supported on the user's body. When the user's back posture or head position is incorrect, the indicator body moves and signals the user of the incorrect posture or position, e.g., through an audible alarm.

Abstract: An angle measuring and level combination device includes an elongated member having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The elongated member has a length from the first end to the second end greater than three feet. An angle indicating assembly is mounted in a circular opening in the elongated member and is positioned generally between the first and second ends. The angle indicating assembly is viewable on each of the first and second lateral sides. Angle indicia are positioned on the first lateral side and extending around the opening. The angle indicia are zeroed along a line orientated perpendicular to the top and bottom sides.

Abstract: A laser alignment device provides horizontal and vertical reference planes, lines, and points. The alignment device includes a pendulum assembly that supports a laser beam source assembly, two reflectors, and two motors. The laser beam source directs beams onto the reflectors—producing a horizontal reference beam and a vertical reference beam. Each reflector is rotated by one of the motors. Continuous rotation generates a reference plane; dithering generates a reference line, and no movement results in a reference point. The pendulum assembly includes a coarse pendulum that supports a fine pendulum, as well as the rotating motors and beam reflectors. The coarse pendulum roughly levels the alignment device. The fine pendulum supports the laser beam source assembly and brings the alignment device to a level position. The laser alignment device also includes a motor control system that enables users to accurately position the device's references.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes a support body having a concave surface, a spherical body formed of a magnetic material and placed on the concave surface of the support body so as to roll freely thereon, a permanent magnet producing a magnetic field affecting the magnetic spherical body, and a magnetic sensor detecting a change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of said magnetic spherical body. The magnetic spherical body and the permanent magnet are provided to oppose each other with a given distance therebetween in a vertical direction. The magnetic sensor is provided between the magnetic spherical body and the permanent magnet. An output is produced in accordance with the detection by the magnetic sensor.

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 plumb bob apparatus comprises a rigid surface mount member for coupling at a proximal end to a surface. The surface mount member is rotatable about its axis. The plumb bob apparatus further includes a rigid device support member for pivotally coupling at a proximal end to a distal end of the surface mount member. When the plumb bob apparatus is coupled to the surface, the device support member will align vertically. The plumb bob can be mounted on a substantially vertical surface.

Abstract: Inclination measurement apparatus includes an indexable clinometer bearing turntable rotatable in a single plane between a pair of precisely reproducible diametrically opposite orientations with respect to the desired measurement axis for respectively issuing inclination measurements V0 and V180 responsive to the inclination of a surface with respect to a desired measurement axis, and a reference clinometer for enabling uninterrupted accurate bias corrected inclination measurements of the inclination of the surface with respect to the desired measurement axis by virtue of its inclination measurements being employed for calculating bias corrected inclination measurements.

Abstract: A level indicator utilizing an alignment device, together with a power tool utilizing such a level indicator to determine when such a tool is held in a horizontal or vertical plane. An alignment device (10) has a first component part (12) with an arcuate track (14) with a track following member in the form of a ball bearing (28) to follow the track under the influence of gravity to seek an equilibrium position.

Abstract: A tilt sensing device and method for its operation, the device being of the type comprising a) a housing, b) a radiation transmitter and a radiation receiver arranged in or at the housing to form a beam path therebetween, c) a radiation obstructing or deflecting body movable in relation to the beam path and d) a rest surface for the body defining at least two possible rest positions for the body relative the beam path between which rest positions the body can move by gravity at defined tilt angles for the device and which rest positions are selected to give a detectable output difference from the radiation receiver depending on which of the rest positions is occupied by the body. The size of the movable body, expressed as the diameter of a sphere of corresponding volume, is less than 10 mm. Operation of the device includes monitoring the output from the receiver to obtain an amplitude versus time function and processing data from the function to obtain a modified signal.