Laser activated audible signal emitting leveler

• US 20070193048A1
• Filed: 02/21/2006
• Published: 08/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Molitech Corporation
• Original Assignee: Molitech Corporation
• Inventors: Molitorisz, Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 7,350,305 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 33/366.16
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 9/04 Transmission means between sensing element and final indicator for giving an enlarged reading
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 9/06 Electric or photoelectric indication or reading means

Abstract

This invention pertains to the leveling device applying the optical interaction between a laser beam and a freely floating air bubble confined in a transparent, liquid-filled vial. When the air bubble is impacted by the laser beam, the curved surface of the air-bubble deflects the beam toward the end of the vial, where a photo-electric device is positioned. The photo-electric device activates a sound emitter such as a buzzer. The function of the level being based on the optical interaction between a laser beam and the curvature of an air-bubble, it is highly accurate and consistent. It is applicable for vertical and horizontal settings, has an adjustable arm for secure attachment to structural frames or other objects. No direct eye and manual contact with the device is needed while in operation.

Claims

1. The leveling device operating on the application of the optical interaction between a laser beam and a freely floating air-bubble confined in a liquid-filled transparent tubular vial, said laser beam being directed externally and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said tubular vial at or near its mid-section,

when said air-bubble is at the impact point of said laser beam, its curved surface deflects the laser beam toward the end of the vial, the deflected (portion of said) laser beam activates a suitably positioned photo-electric device, said activated photo-electric device closes the electric circuits between a power source and a sound emitter, producing an audible signal.

2. The leveling device of claim 1 comprising:

a longitudinally extending tubular casing,

said tubular casing containing two adjustably mounted assembly blocks, both of said assembly blocks comprising a laser beam emitter, a transparent tubular vial filled with liquid and containing a freely floating air-bubble, a photo-electric device, a sound emitter, of claim 1,

said tubular casing also containing batteries to power the laser beam emitter and the sound emitter, an electric switch closing the electric circuits between said assembly blocks and said batteries when said leveling device is in direct contact with a structural frame or other object.

3. One of said adjustably mounted assembly blocks of claim 2 being installed in said tubular casing having the longitudinal axis of said transparent tubular vial substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said tubular casing, said assembly block is to signal the horizontality of said leveling device,

the other of said adjustably mounted assembly blocks being installed in said tubular casing having the longitudinal axis of said transparent tubular vial substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said tubular casing, said assembly block is to signal the verticality of said leveling device,

said assembly blocks of claim 2 having fine adjustment means for the exact angular positioning of the transparent vials relative to the longitudinal axis of said tubular casing.

4. The leveling device of claim 1, having an adjustable attachment arm for holding the leveling device securely attached to structural frames or other objects.