Light projecting goniometer

• US 20030226268A1
• Filed: 02/27/2003
• Published: 12/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: William F. Gibson
• Original Assignee: William F. Gibson
• Inventors: Gibson, William F.
• Granted Patent: US 6,948,252 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 33/281
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1071 measuring angles, e.g. using goniometers A61B5/1123 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4528 Joints A61B5/4533, A61B5/4538 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/26 for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes

Abstract

This device is a handheld, battery-operated instrument that utilizes light beams to project visible lines for increasing the accuracy in determining angles. A linear potentiometer is incorporated at the pivot point between the two diodes and measures a voltage change based on the angle between the arms of the device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for measuring an angle, comprising:

a first light source for producing a first beam of light;

a second light source for producing a second beam of light, said second light source being pivotably connected to said first light source; and

means for detecting the angle between the first beam of light and the second beam of light.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying said angle between the first beam of light and the second beam of light.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein means for displaying said angle is a liquid crystal display.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for detecting the angle between the first beam of light and the second beam of light includes:

a. a potentiometer having a linear output over a range of rotational motion, said potentiometer having a one component operatively associated with the first beam of light and a second component operatively associated with the second beam of such that a change in the angle between the first beam of light and the second beam of light results in a change of the resistance of the potentiometer;

b. means for measuring the resistance of the potentiometer at a first angle between the beams of light and generating a first signal;

c. means for measuring the resistance of the potentiometer at a second angle between the beams of light and generating a second signal;

d. a subtractor for comparing the first and second signals and producing an output indicative of the difference between the first and second signals.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one means for redirecting the beam of light from at least one of said first and second light sources from a linear path.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for redirecting the light beam includes a beam splitter.

7. An apparatus for measuring an angle, comprising:

a means for producing a first beam of light;

a means for producing a second beam of light, wherein said second beam of light is pivotably adjustable so as to move relative to said first beam of light; and

means for detecting the angle between the first beam of light and the second beam of light.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said means for producing a first beam of light and means for producing a second beam of light is a common light source.