Bubble level and apparatus containing a bubble level
US9631925B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C2009/066
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for measuring the horizontal position uses a gas bubble in a bubble level. The gas bubble is in a cylindrical sealed housing that is partially filled with liquid. At least two light-emitting devices are used to illuminate the gas bubble and an inner bottom surface of the bubble level. A corresponding number of receiving devices are used to receive the light that is either reflected by the inner bottom surface or is reflected and refracted by the gas bubble. The amount of light received is translated into an electrical signal and is sent to a processing unit to calculate the position of the gas bubble. The light-emitting devices and the receiving devices are disposed in an alternating manner at the periphery of the cylindrical sealed housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.