FR2650665A1 - Level with communicating vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for retaining liquid in communicating-vessel levels and for directly measuring the horizontality of a surface. It comprises two identical flasks 3 joined by a hose. The stopper 1 simultaneously closes the upper and lower orifice of the flask by means of the linkage of the system 4, in order to prevent air entering the hose. The tube 2 which dips into the flask prevents the liquid from flowing when it is inclined. A float 5 closes the entry of this tube in the event of overflow of the liquid. The graduated bottom part 6 of the flask includes a base 7 whose height can be adjusted. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for use on building sites in order to draw level lines and to level surfaces.

Description

 The present invention relates to water levels with open communicating vessels, used to measure horizontality.

 In known devices of this kind, these levels are simply composed of two vials filled with water and connected together by a flexible pipe.

 The vials are closed using a stopper to conserve the liquid during maneuvers or transport.

 When the vials are overturned, the air trapped above the liquid enters the pipe to form air bubbles which distort any new measurement. Each time, it is therefore necessary to purge the whole by siphoning, which causes a waste of time and a source of terror if the operation is badly done.

 On the other hand, during this measurement, it is essential to unscrew the closure caps to balance the atmospheric pressure at the surface of the liquid. The distance between the vials is generally several meters, it is enough for one of the two operators to drop one of the vials well below the level of the other for the liquid to escape, which requires filling and refilling. waste of time.

 Because of their frequent siphoning, these levels are filled with water which, in winter, on building sites, freezes; they therefore become unusable.

 The water used for filling is colorless and its surface forms a meniscus, which makes it difficult to read.

 These levels are mainly used to draw level lines, but become difficult to measure when it comes to measuring the horizontality of a flat surface.

 You have to have two people to take a measurement, which is a handicap.

 The devices according to the invention make it possible to avoid all of these drawbacks.

 Purging is no longer necessary. The liquid can no longer overflow from the vials and therefore remains permanently in the level.

Filling can be done with colored water and antifreeze, or any other liquid.

 Reading is faster, it is done using an index. Measuring a flat surface is no longer a problem.

Only one operator can use this level.

 As on all levels of this type, the principle of open communicating vessels is used, the liquid surfaces of which they contain are balanced to form a level line between them.

 The device which is the subject of the invention comprises two identical vials partially filled with liquid and connected to each other by a flexible pipe.

 At the upper end of the vials is screwed a cap provided with a loop for fixing the level so that it can be used by one person.

 On the surface of the liquid, a float serves as a reading index and closes the vials in the event of liquid overflowing.

 The lower opening of the vials which is connected to the tube is blocked by screwing the caps.

 In a single maneuver, the upper and lower part of the flask is closed, which prevents any air from entering the pipe. It is then possible to keep the same liquid in the level.

 The accompanying drawings illustrate by way of example an embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

 Figure 1 shows a front view of the device according to the invention.

 Figures 2-3-4 show in section this device.

 The device which is similar on the two vials comprises a graduated transparent tube (or vial) (9) made of plastic or glass.

 On the upper part of this tube fits a molded part (5) on which is screwed the closure cap (2). This part (5) is extended at its lower part by a small tube (7) forming a baffle in order to avoid the flow of liquid during the tilting of the device.

 At the base (8) of this tube (7) are fixed two washers (21-22) in Figure 3, made of flexible rubber on which the float (12) is applied, which closes the orifice of this tube in the event of liquid overflow. Figure 4 shows the bottom section of this tube.

 At the lower part of the tube (9) fits a second molded part (17) terminated by an end piece (19) on which the pipe which connects the two tubes or vials is fixed.

 The interior orifice (18) of this endpiece is closed by a rubber pad (16) housed in a bowl (15) connected to the plug by a steel rod (10) at the end of which is fixed a cylinder (6) which slides freely in the cap.

 When the cap is closed, a spring (3) ensures constant pressure on the pad 16) via the rod (10).

 The plug (2) consists of two parts glued to make the spring (3) trapped; on the side, it has a vertical groove which cuts the thread and allows, after a slight unscrewing, the entry of air into the tube, which at the same time opens the orifice (18) at the bottom of the tube.

 Four fins (14) guide the bowl (15) when the tube or vial (9) is opened and closed.

 The measurement is read using an index (13) fixed on the float and made up of a thin colored aluminum washer which slides on the rod (10).

 Another washer (11) on the float closes the tube (7) when the float rises. These two washers are used to guide the float. This set can be in one piece and made of blown plastic.

 In another embodiment, FIG. 5 represents the right view of the device according to the invention. Figure 6 shows in section this device.

 With reference to these drawings, the end piece (19) is horizontal instead of being vertical.

 The base of the part (17) is terminated by a base (20) for positioning the level in order to be able to measure the horizontality of a flat surface.

 Figure 7 shows a variant of the base (23) which is adjustable in height by screwing on the base of the vial (17).

 The measurement of the drop is read directly on a transparent graduated scale (24) ineluse in this base.

 The top of the base (25) serves as a reading index when moving behind this window.

 In Figure 8 this base is shown with the cross (26) open cross (27) which increases its stability.

 The butterfly nut (28) is used to hold this crosspiece.

Claims (9)

 1) Device making it possible to store the same liquid in open site levels with communicating vases or flasks and to directly measure the horizontality of a flat surface. Characterized by the fact that it comprises means intended to avoid losses of liquid and any entry of air into the pipe, and a base for the positioning of the level.  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for preventing the flow of liquid during the inclination of the measuring flasks (9) consists of a baffle in the form of a tube (7) plunging inside the volume of air above the liquid.  3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that a float (12) obstructs the upper opening (8) of the vial (9) when the liquid tends to overflow.  4) Device according to claim 3 characterized in that a rod (10) of small diameter located in the axis of the flask guides the float (12).  5) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the upper closure system of the vial (9) at the same time closes its lower opening (18).  6) Device according to claim 5 characterized in that a rod (10) integral with the stopper (2) controls the closing system of the bottom of the vial (15-16).  7) Device according to claim 4 and 6 characterized in that the rod (10) is used at the same time to control the closing system of the bottom of the flask and to guide the float (12).  8) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the base of the measuring flask (9) comprises a base (20) for horizontal positioning.  9) Device according to claim 8 characterized in that the base (23) of the measuring flask (9) is adjustable in height and graduated (24)  IO) Device according to claims 8 and 9 characterized in that the base of the vial (9) widens by unfolding in the form of a cross (27).