Apparatus for measuring angle in relation to a remote surface

• US 20080276472A1
• Filed: 05/07/2007
• Published: 11/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Michael Riskus
• Original Assignee: Michael Riskus
• Inventors: Riskus, Michael
• Application Number:
  US11/800,508
• Publication Number:
  US 20080276472A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 33/284
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 15/008 combined with inclination sensor

Abstract

An apparatus for making measurements is disclosed. The apparatus includes a straight elongated element and a first laser distance meter rotatably coupled to a first end of the straight element. The apparatus further includes a second laser distance meter rotatably coupled to a second end of the straight element. The apparatus further includes a processor for determining a current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface based on distance readings from the first and the second laser distance meters. The apparatus further includes a display located on the straight element for displaying the current angle of the straight element as determined by the processor.

Claims

1. An apparatus for making measurements, comprising:

a straight elongated element;

a first laser distance meter rotatably coupled to a first end of the straight element;

a second laser distance meter rotatably coupled to a second end of the straight element;

a processor for determining a current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface based on distance readings from the first and the second laser distance meters; and

a display located on the straight element for displaying the current angle of the straight element as determined by the processor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising;

a conductor for communicably coupling the first laser distance meter with the processor; and

a conductor for communicably coupling the second laser distance meter with the processor.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the straight elongated element comprises an elongated, metallic rectangular element.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second laser distance meter comprises:

a laser emitter;

a sensor for receiving an incoming laser signal;

a processor for analyzing an incoming laser signal and determining a distance between the laser distance meter and a remote object from which the incoming laser was reflected.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first laser distance meter is rotatably embedded within the first end of the straight element.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second laser distance meter is rotatably embedded within the second end of the straight element.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one level comprises at least one straight elongated tube within which a bubble is suspended in a liquid.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the processor further comprises:

a processor for determining the current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface based on a first distance reading “

a”

from the first laser distance meter and a second distance reading “

b”

from the second laser distance meter, wherein the current angle of the straight element in relation to the remote straight surface is calculated as;

sin<sup>−

1</sup> (|a−

b|/x)

wherein x is the distance between the first and second laser distance meters.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

at least one level embedded in the straight element for leveling the straight element before the processor determines the current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

at least one display for displaying the distance readings from the first and the second laser distance meters.

11. An apparatus for making measurements, comprising:

a straight elongated element including at least one level embedded in the straight element for leveling the straight element;

a first and second laser distance meter, each laser distance meter rotatably coupled to opposing ends of the straight element;

a processor for determining a current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface based on distance readings from the first and the second laser distance meters; and

at least one display located on the straight element for displaying the distance readings from the first and the second laser distance meters and the current angle of the straight element as determined by the processor.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising;

a conductor for communicably coupling the first laser distance meter with the processor; and

a conductor for communicably coupling the second laser distance meter with the processor.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the straight elongated element comprises an elongated, metallic rectangular element.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first and second laser distance meter comprises:

a laser emitter;

a sensor for receiving an incoming laser signal;

a processor for analyzing an incoming laser signal and determining a distance between the laser distance meter and a remote object from which the incoming laser was reflected.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and second laser distance meters are rotatably embedded within the straight element.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processor further comprises:

a processor for determining the current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface based on a first distance reading “

a”

from the first laser distance meter and a second distance reading “

b”

from the second laser distance meter, wherein the current angle of the straight element in relation to the remote straight surface is calculated as;

sin<sup>−

1</sup> (|a−

b|/x)

wherein x is the distance between the first and second laser distance meters.

17. An apparatus for making measurements, comprising:

a straight elongated element;

two levels perpendicular to each other, each level embedded in the straight element for leveling the straight element;

a first laser distance meter rotatably coupled to a first end of the straight element;

a second laser distance meter rotatably coupled to a second end of the straight element;

a processor for determining a current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface based on distance readings from the first and the second laser distance meters; and

a first display located on the straight element for displaying the current angle of the straight element as determined by the processor;

a second display located on the straight element for displaying the distance reading from the first laser distance meter; and

a third display located on the straight element for displaying the distance reading from the second laser distance meter.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising;

a conductor for communicably coupling the first laser distance meter with the processor; and

a conductor for communicably coupling the second laser distance meter with the processor.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first and second laser distance meter comprises:

a laser emitter;

a sensor for receiving an incoming laser signal;

a processor for analyzing an incoming laser signal and determining a distance between the laser distance meter and a remote object from which the incoming laser was reflected.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processor further comprises:

a processor for determining the current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface based on a first distance reading “

a”

from the first laser distance meter and a second distance reading “

b”

from the second laser distance meter, wherein the current angle of the straight element in relation to the remote straight surface is calculated as;

sin<sup>−

1</sup> (|a−

b|/x)

wherein x is the distance between the first and second laser distance meters.