Abstract

A level includes a body having first and second arms attached to each other for relative pivotal movement about a pivot axis between open and closed positions. The level also includes a bubble vial mounted to the body and having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the pivot axis. Movement of the arms from their closed position to their open position exposes a measurement portion of the first bubble vial for use. Movement of the arms from their open position to their closed position shields the measurement portion of the first bubble vial within the body to protect the bubble vial from damage during storage.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 9/26 - Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels by using liquids in closed containers partially filled with liquid so as to leave a gas bubble Details

Abstract

A method and apparatus for reading a plurality of RFID tags using a plurality of antennas (110-114) includes ranking a plurality of antennas based on RFID tags readable, wherein the antenna that can read most RFID tags receives a highest ranking, and the antenna that can read the most RFID tags that were not read by another, higher ranked antenna receives ' the next highest ranking, progressively until each of the antennas are ranked. During a read operation, the antennas are used in series to read the RFID tags, commencing with using the highest ranking antenna and subsequently using the antennas with progressively lower ranking to read the RFID tags.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
• G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers

Abstract

A compact utility knife includes a blade holder slidably connected to a handle. A trapezoidal utility blade detachably mounts to the blade holder via a blade lock mechanism. A slide lock mechanism selectively retains the blade holder in its extended or retracted position relative to the handle. When the blade holder is extended, the blade holder and a majority of the blade extend forwardly of a forwardmost point of the handle. Extending the blade holder significantly increases an overall length of the knife such that the knife is comfortable to use when in the extended position and longitudinally compact when in the retracted position. The knife includes a blade lock mechanism. An aperture in the front of the handle creates a gap between the blade and the handle to discourage debris on the blade from transferring to the handle when the blade is retracted.

IPC Classes  ?

• B26B 1/08 - Hand knives with adjustable bladePocket knives with sliding blade

Abstract

A level is provided that includes a body comprising upper and lower parallel walls and first and second side walls operatively connected with the upper and lower walls. The upper wall has first and second linear edges extending longitudinally along opposite sides and an opening therethrough. The first of the side walls has an opening therethrough such that the opening in the upper wall and the opening in the first side wall are contiguous with one another. The first linear edge is disposed at the operative connection between the upper wall and the second side wall and extends uninterruptedly from end to end of the body. A bubble vial is disposed in the body and is visible through the opening in the upper wall and through the opening in the first side wall.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 9/24 - Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels by using liquids in closed containers partially filled with liquid so as to leave a gas bubble
• G01C 9/32 - Means for facilitating the observation of the position of the bubble, e.g. illuminating means

Abstract

One aspect of an invention disclosed herein relates to improved durability of the thumb engaging portion of a tape rule locking assembly. In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a retractable rule assembly comprising a housing assembly; a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly; and an elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal being wound on the reel. The elongated blade has measuring indicia formed on a concave side thereof; and a coil spring formed of a ribbon of metal is constructed to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade. A blade holding assembly for holding the blade in a position of extension outwardly of said housing, said blade holding assembly comprising a resilient thumb engaging portion and a receiving region behind the thumb engaging portion to enable the thumb engaging portion to deform into the receiving region to absorb impact.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 3/10 - Measuring tapes

Abstract

An improved portable, ground stabilized, drop hammer assembly for impacting a ground surface and adapted to be removably coupled to a driven host transport apparatus is composed of a drop weight, a host transport apparatus engagement assembly, a support assembly supporting the drop weight, and a power assembly for vertically reciprocatingly moving the drop weight to impact the ground surface. A shock absorbing element is carried either the support assembly close to the ground surface or by the drop weight at its end close to the ground. Such shock absorbing material absorbs any movement by the drop weight into the support assembly close to the ground surface to prevent damage to the support assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• E01C 23/12 - Devices or arrangements for working the finished surfaceDevices for repairing the surface of damaged paving for taking-up, tearing-up, or breaking-up paving

Abstract

A power tool system includes a two-handed power tool having first and second start actuators, one for each hand of an operator. A controller prevents the power tool from initiating an operating cycle unless both actuators are turned ON to reduce the possibility of the operator's hands being disposed in a hazardous position during operation of the power tool. To discourage manual override of the dual-start-switch system, the controller prevents the power tool from initiating an additional operating cycle until both actuators have been switched OFF and then ON again. The second actuator includes a tubular sleeve that extends over part of the power tool to allow the sleeve to slide axially relative to the power tool between ON and OFF positions. Axial movement of the sleeve from its OFF position to its ON position turns ON the second start actuator.

IPC Classes  ?

• B25B 21/00 - Portable power-driven screw or nut setting or loosening toolsAttachments for drilling apparatus serving the same purpose