Abstract: A spirit level is provided that incorporates an illuminated optical indicator of the level orientation. The spirit level housing is at least partially translucent. At least one light-emitting diode (LED) is disposed within the housing for illuminating the translucent portions of the housing. Vertical, horizontal and angular orientation indication assemblies are provided including a tubular curved glass vial having a constant inner diameter at a viewing point and having a slight upward curve and incompletely filled with a liquid to create a bubble. An angle sensing circuit electrically connected to a battery controls the LED's to illuminate in a first color in a vertical orientation and in a second color in a horizontal orientation. Gradual changing of the color and/or the intensity of the light occurs during transition of the orientation between the vertical orientation and the horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device (100) for suspending a plumb line over a corner region of a wall to be built, comprising an elongate support member (102) having a first end region (104) and a second end region (106); a first locating region (108) disposed proximal the first end region for locating the device on a first support surface; and a second locating region (112) disposed between the first end region and the second end region for locating the device on a second support surface, wherein the first locating region and/or the second locating region is/are selectively movable in at least a longitudinal direction relative to the elongate support member. A kit and method of suspending a plumb line over a corner region of a wall to be built are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stringline guide system for setting required vertical and horizontal distances, while laying out and preparing a road, sidewalk, driveway or similar construction surface. The system is adapted for use with string, twine, wire, fishing line, tubing, or other similarly and commonly used construction type lines. Circular collars are positioned on the marking rods or stakes of the system. The collars have internal and external surfaces and are mounted on the rods or stakes at and through their interior surfaces. The collars are adjustably mounted on the rods by wing nuts extending through the collars to the rods. The collars have dual grooves which substantially encircle the exterior surface of the collar. The grooves are configured to accept and maintain the stringline, thus securing the lines in position on the collars. Stringlines with external diameters which approximate the width of the grooves can be compressed within the grooves for added securing ability.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a combination protractor/chalk line device, including: a housing; a chalk line string disposed in the housing and withdrawable from the housing at a first end of the housing; a manually graspable handle loosely attached to the housing; a protractor disposed on a side of the housing; and the combination protractor/chalk line being arranged such that, when the chalk line string is withdrawn from the housing and held taut and the handle is grasped, the protractor will indicate an angle from horizontal defined by the chalk line string.

Abstract: A device for the measurement/layout of angles when using surveyor's stakes to locate reference points and erect building lines for construction of a structure. Capable of being used to determine one angle at a time for non-regular polygons, or for the simultaneous determination of multiple angles for the layout of regular polygons such as hexagons and octagons, this device provides a greatly simplified solution to the very first problem in construction, which is how to effect the layout.

Abstract: A tool for laying out a pattern of a measured size and orienting the pattern with respect to an exterior point of reference is disclosed. A cord having a plurality of anchoring points spaced along its length is arrayed to form the pattern. A direction finding device orients the pattern formed by the cord to a point of reference exterior to the pattern. Anchoring devices anchor each anchoring point of the cord to a surface so that the cord is held to the surface in the shape of the pattern. The cord is attached to a spool which stows the cord, anchoring devices, and direction finding device when not deployed.

Abstract: A manual apparatus for facilitating railway track alignment and/or track profile measurements. The tool consists of two fastening units, each having a cord positioner designed to engage the rail head and to properly place a cord for measuring, a reel for storing and using the cord, and a direct reading ruler for measuring profile and alignment. Wherein, this manual tool can be used by a single person to quickly, effectively and accurately measure track profile and/or track alignment deviations.

Abstract: A line marking device includes an elongated body which mounts a marking filament that is loaded with marking powder. When the filament is snapped against a surface a portion of the powder is deposited on that surface along a well defined line. The body also mounts a protractor and spirit levels that are used to locate or set the device in a predetermined position prior to snapping the marking filament against the surface to be marked. The marking filament extends through a shuttle chamber that contains a supply of marking powder. That shuttle is moved back and forth on the body to recharge the marking filament with marking powder. In a second embodiment of this invention the marking filament is pressed rather than snapped against the surface to be marked. In a third embodiment of this invention a writing instrument mounted on the body of the device is drawn along the length of the body to draw a line on a receiving surface adjacent the body.

Abstract: A device having a top end and a bottom end is characterized by a longitudinal bore extending into the device from the bottom end a particular distance and adapted for receiving a contractor's grade stake therein, which bore is intercepted at its top end by a slot extending through the device from a one side to an opposite side thereof and configured to accept a contractor's grade line therethrough in a manner to maintain the line on the top surface of the grade stake within the bore such that a particular grade level as between at least two grade stakes which each carry a device on their top ends may be maintained via the line extending between them.

Abstract: A plumb bob string holder comprises a molded plastic unitary structure having first and second annular rings joined together by a bridge. Each of the first and second annular rings defines a circular aperture having a diameter sufficiently large whereby a plumb bob may by passed therethrough. The bridge is wide enough whereby a plumb bob string may be wound therearound for storage. The structure is constructed and arranged whereby a user may grip and hold the structure with his/her forefinger extended through one of the first and second annular rings, his/her middle finger wrapped around the bridge, and his/her fourth and fifth fingers extended through the other of annular ring, when a plumb bob string extends downward from the structure.

Abstract: A battery powered chalk line comprising a housing having a top and bottom face and side walls forming a chamber therein. A drive shaft is secured within the side walls for rotational movement and extends across the width of the chamber. A spindle is mounted on the shaft and is selectively couplable for rotation therewith. A chalk line is mounted on the spindle for being dispensed and retrieved with the rotation of the shaft. The chalk line extends through an aperture in the front end of the housing with a hook secured to the exterior end of the line. A cavity in the chamber adjacent to its front end in proximity to the aperture for coating the line with chalk powder as the line passes therethrough. A driven bevel gear forms with the spindle for rotation therewith. A motor with an output shaft with drive bevel gear secures thereto for rotation to rotate the spindle to reel in the line. Batteries within the chamber couple the motor with a switch to activate and inactivate the motor.

Abstract: A plumb bob having a central body portion and at least three substantially identical webs extending outwardly from the body portion along respective radial axes. The angles separating each successive web must be equal to maintain vertical symmetry, and an even distribution of weight, with respect to a longitudinal axis extending centrally through the body portion. In addition, the webs uniformly and linearly taper in a decreasing manner from the top end to the bottom end of the body portion. This geometry permits a worker standing in vertically aligned position above the plumb bob to be able to clearly see both the bottom end of the plumb bob and the preexisting datum from which alignments are being made.

Abstract: An apparatus for the alignment of an edge of a cornerbead including a first clip for attachment to an upper edge of a section of cornerbead, a second clip for attachment to a lower portion of the edge of the cornerbead, and a line connected to the first and second clips and extending between the first and second clips. Both the first and second clips include a body, a first hook formed at one end of the body for engaging the metal lath of the cornerbead, and a second hook formed at an opposite end of the body for engaging the edge of the cornerbead. Both the first and second hooks extend outwardly from the same side of the body. The second hook is a semi-cylindrical member that has an interior area generally matching an exterior of the edge of the cornerbead. The first hook is angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the semi-cylindrical member. An arm is formed so as to extend outwardly from the body.

Abstract: A device for indicating the aim, at least in bearing, of the optical axis of the reflector of a motor vehicle headlight relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, wherein the device comprises apparatus for establishing a reference direction and suitable for being mounted on a fixed portion of the vehicle to define a reference direction that is well determined relative to the longitudinal axis apparatus. Apparatus is also included for establishing the direction of the optical axis of the reflector and is fixed relative to the reflector and distinct from a surface of the reflector for generating its beam. Finally, an indicator is provided for establishing the position of the optical axis direction relative to the reference direction. Indications thus given by the device enable the reflector to be adjusted after is has been mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: A device adapted to be mounted on a wall for vertically and horizontally aligning masonry corners. The device comprises a pair of members connected at a joint, the members defining an interior angle of approximately 90 degrees and a corresponding exterior angle of approximately 270 degress. An adjustable, elongated rod is mounted at the joint to bisect, in the alternative either the interior or exterior angle. A plumb line is secured to the elongated rod a selected distance from the joint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the extent of damage to a vehicle body prior to its repair includes first and second means to be coupled with the vehicle body for holding a first string in spaced relationship to the body. First string means is coupled with the first and second string holding means and drawn taut. Third and fourth means adapted to be coupled with the vehicle body on the opposite side from the location of the first and second means is adapted to hold a second string in spaced relationship to the vehicle body. A second string means is drawn taut between the third and fourth holding means. Comparative measurements are then taken between the first string and the undamaged area of the vehicle body which corresponds to the damaged area on the opposite area. Second measurements are taken between the second string and the damaged area of the vehicle body and compared with the first measurements. The amount of damage to the body can then be determined by this comparison.

Abstract: A lip extends along the free side of the base of a protractor for suspending the protractor upside down from a guide cord. A freely hanging weight or "plumb bob" is suspended from the center point between the protractor base lines. When the plumb bob points to a predetermined angle on the protractor scale, the guide cord will be laid out along the same desired angle from the horizontal.

Abstract: A pipe assembly has arm members pivoted to the opposite ends thereof, guide wheels are rotatably mounted on each of the arm members, a spirit level, reels and a handle are mounted on the pipe assembly, an ink pad assembly is mounted on one of the arm members, a line marking string is anchored to the opposite ends to the reels to be payed out of one of the reels and wound about the other reel under tension whereby the string is struck against an object on which a line is to be marked. Angle members are secured to the opposite ends of the pipe assembly and a weighted string is suspended vertically from one of the angle members for marking a line on an object orientated vertically.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument for leveling, and indicating and measuring angles for use with an anchored guide string, including a case, a fixed scale and a pendulum-activated indicator mounted in the case, a disc-shaped string direction sensor member rotatably mounted in the case and having a string alignment mark, and an aperture with peripherally located case axis marks for determining coincidence between the string alignment and case axis marks.

Abstract: A tool for use by carpenters and the like for conveniently establishing a reference line on a working surface at a predetermined angular disposition from an established base line on said surface. The tool includes an elongated member from which angle lines or cords are each adapted to extend a predetermined distance such that the intersecting terminal ends of such cords in combination with the member, form a triangle having sides of known length. Inasmuch as the length of the triangle's sides are known, the angles included thereby are also known such that a chalked line connected to the member may be utilized to establish a reference line at a known angular disposition to the member. The tool has particular utility when it is desired to establish the angular relationship of a wall to be built with respect to an already existing wall.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus in which two casings are connected together each housing a coiled measuring means adapted for being selectively un-coiled and withdrawn from the casing or recoiled and retracted into the casing. A sighting device is provided on one of the casings to sight a target. The sighting means includes a level for determining when the sighting device is sighting along a horizontal line and a second level is provided to indicate when the casings are also appropriately arranged relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the first said horizontal line. Triggers are provided for the two coiled measuring devices and a brake is provided for each of the measuring devices. A digital display is employed and a counting circuit is provided for indicating the amount of measuring means which is uncoiled from the two respective casings. An alarm is provided to indicate when the unwound measuring devices are off line relative to the sighting device.

Abstract: An alignment line supporting assembly is provided with releasable locking means for attachment to a rail of a railway track. Each assembly includes a pair of spaced reference line support devices having respective line support arms positioned outside the track to which are coupled respective ends of a tautly drawn string or wire. Two pairs of support assemblies are preferably provided on respective rails to establish reference lines on either side of the railway track. Measurements are made between a vehicle adapted to ride the rails and the reference line at various positions to ensure the correct alignment of the vehicle for railway operation.

Abstract: A tool for holding lines such as are used in guiding paving machines, in earth moving and leveling, and the like, comprising a stake, ordinarily a length of cylindrical metal rod or tubular stock with a ground penetrating point, a line holder of similar, lighter stock and having an offset or angulated end portion to which the line is connected, and a unique clamp for mounting the line holder on the stake with multi-mode adjustment capability.

Abstract: A method of measuring the deviation of the run of the actual vertical center axis of fluid filled bore holes and trenches relative to the direction of the design center axis thereof which bore holes and trenches are excavated under bentonite slurry comprises inserting into said bore holes and trenches a gauge means suspended from a cable means, whereby said gauge means is arrested inside said bore hole at any desired level, and thereafter a measuring cable means is connected to said gauge means and substantially tensioned and brought to run in an exact vertical direction whereupon above ground level the horizontal deviation of said cable means from the design center line of said bore hole or said trench is measured.

Abstract: A chalk line protracting tool comprising a housing defining a compartment for holding chalk and line; a chalk line guide; and a level. A chalk line is fed from a manually operated reel, through an aperture between the compartment and the exterior of the housing, in a straight line to the guide and is protracted in a continued straight line for a desired distance where the line may be snapped against a surface for marking. The level is in a known angular relationship with the aperture guide axis whereby a protracted chalk line along the axis may provide a marking of desired length and at a known angle relative to level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bracket for supporting a mason's guide line in place adjacent an existing courses of bricks that form intersecting walls. The bracket includes a base portion defining planar inner surfaces for engaging a pair of wall faces adjacent a corner and a retaining line, of adjustable length, secured to the base and including a spring portion. The retaining line is suitable for engaging a fixed structure (e.g., a similar line of another bracket) remote from the corner to retain the bracket in place through friction resulting from the essentially horizontal force applied to the base by the retaining line. The base also includes a pair of position indicators for determining the orientation of the planar inner faces of the bracket with respect to the vertical. A guide line support is secured to the base and projects therefrom in a direction parallel to the line of intersection of the two planes defined by the base.