Vial illumination feature for a tool such as a level
US7024781B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C9/32
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vial illumination feature for a tool, such as a level, is configured so as to emit light toward a vial when the tool is used in a darkened environment. The vial extends across an opening or a space defined by the tool, and one or more vial retainer members engage the ends of the vial to maintain the vial in position within the opening or space. The vial illumination feature is carried out by forming the one or more vial retaining members of a luminescent material. The luminescence of the one or more vial retaining members functions to absorb light when the tool is exposed to light, and to emit light toward the surfaces of the vial when the tool is in a darkened environment, to illuminate the vial and to enable the bubble of the vial to easily be viewed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.