GB2151023A

GB2151023A - Improvements relating to level indicating devices

Info

Publication number: GB2151023A
Application number: GB08429773A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joseph Petch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-11-24
Filing date: 1984-11-26
Publication date: 1985-07-10
Also published as: GB8331343D0; GB8429773D0

Abstract

A level indicator comprises a housing with a cavity containing a gas-filled float immersed in oil. The float is neutrally but off-centrally bouyant in the housing so as to adopt a fixed position regardless of the housing orientation. Co- operating scale means are provided between the housing and the float. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to level indicating device The present invention relates to level indicating devices and has for an object to provide a device of simple construction which will enable a single indicator to be used for obtaining either vertical or horizontal indication, or if desired, intermediate angular indications. The invention also seeks to provide a level indicator for use by bricklayers and others engaged in building which will give indications as above set forth and which also is unlikely to move after setting up and which can be read easily.

According to this invention there is provided a level indicator comprising a drum element forming a float having a gas filled compartment the drum element being positioned within a housing containing fluid whereby the drum is substantially neutrally bouyant in the fluid so as to afford free rotation about an axis with the centre of bouyancy of the drum being above the axis, co-operating angular indications being provided relatively between the drum and the housing.

Conveniently the drum element has scale graduations around one face and the housing has an indicator such as a pointer or hair line to co-operate therewith or vice versa.

The drum element may be of plastics material preferably formed integrally.

The invention also comprises a level indicator comprising a drum-like air chamber having a circular face and a radial scale marking on said face and around the periphery thereof, a fluid filled housing enclosing said drum for rotation on an axis by virtue of the bouyancy thereof in the fluid with a transparent face or window in one side wall of the housing through which the circular face can be viewed, the window having an indicator line or the like to co-operate with the scales.

The indicator can have an arcuate top, in which case the side walls will be vertical and the bottom horizontal, although the indicator can be built into a level with the arcuate top centrally thereof.

In order that a clear understanding of the invention may be obtained, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings showing by way of example certain preferred constructions. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front view of the float assembly, Figure 2 is a section through the float, Figure 3 shows the rear air chamber of the float assembly, Figure 4 shows the outer housing or casing, Figure 5 shows the float assembled within the casing, Figure 6 shows an alternative construction, Figure 7 shows a bricklayer's level incorporating the float and housing.

Figure 8 shows the float of a second embodiment, Figure 9 shows the float of Fig. 8 in cross section, Figure 10 shows a rear view of the float of Fig. 8, Figure 11 shows the cover of the casing, Figure 12 shows the bearing assembly for the float, Figure 13 shows the casing with the cover removed, and Figure 14 shows the level assembled.

Referring to the drawings, Figs. 1, 2 and 3 show the float which has the front face 1 calibrated with angular markings which in use co-operate with a suitable cursor 3 provided on the front face 5 of an outer housing 4. To the rear of the front face 1 of the float F is secured an air filled chamber 2 asymmetrically positioned with respect to the rotational axis to provide for the float to assume one stable position when immersed in a suitable liquid.

The face 5 at least is transparent.

As may be seen from Fig. 3 the float F is of generally circular profile with a lower segment thereof removed.

The float is positioned within the housing 4 shown in Fig. 4 having a side closure lid 6 the housing being filled with a suitable liquid and thereafter sealed.

Fig. 5 shows the float F and housing 4 assembled and a small gap is provided between the outer periphery of the float and housing.

Fig. 6 shows a small portable level device which is self contained and Fig. 7 shows the float and casing assembled into a bricklayer's level.

Such a construction of level is rugged and will withstand a 2 metre drop test and embodies no easily damaged parts.

The fluid within the casing, preferably an oil, forms also a suitable damping medium as well as affording cushioning against shocks.

An embodiment is shown in Figs. 8 to 1 4 which is of generally similar construction with minor modifications as detailed hereafter. Like references designate the same or similar parts.

In this embodiment the float F is a one piece flexible plastics moulding with a central aperture 6 carrying axle 7 (Fig. 12). The ends 8 of the axle 7 are received in ball races 9 one mounted in a cup 10 in casing 11 with cavity 1 5 to receive the float F and the other in cup 12 of cover 13. The cover 13 is transparent and has a cursor mark 14. The casing 11 is filled with a suitable fluid so that the float is bouyant therein and the axle bearing serves more as a positioning device rather than as a load bearing means.

1. A level indicator comprising a drum

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to level indicating device The present invention relates to level indicating devices and has for an object to provide a device of simple construction which will enable a single indicator to be used for obtaining either vertical or horizontal indication, or if desired, intermediate angular indications. The invention also seeks to provide a level indicator for use by bricklayers and others engaged in building which will give indications as above set forth and which also is unlikely to move after setting up and which can be read easily. According to this invention there is provided a level indicator comprising a drum element forming a float having a gas filled compartment the drum element being positioned within a housing containing fluid whereby the drum is substantially neutrally bouyant in the fluid so as to afford free rotation about an axis with the centre of bouyancy of the drum being above the axis, co-operating angular indications being provided relatively between the drum and the housing. Conveniently the drum element has scale graduations around one face and the housing has an indicator such as a pointer or hair line to co-operate therewith or vice versa. The drum element may be of plastics material preferably formed integrally. The invention also comprises a level indicator comprising a drum-like air chamber having a circular face and a radial scale marking on said face and around the periphery thereof, a fluid filled housing enclosing said drum for rotation on an axis by virtue of the bouyancy thereof in the fluid with a transparent face or window in one side wall of the housing through which the circular face can be viewed, the window having an indicator line or the like to co-operate with the scales. The indicator can have an arcuate top, in which case the side walls will be vertical and the bottom horizontal, although the indicator can be built into a level with the arcuate top centrally thereof. In order that a clear understanding of the invention may be obtained, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings showing by way of example certain preferred constructions. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front view of the float assembly, Figure 2 is a section through the float, Figure 3 shows the rear air chamber of the float assembly, Figure 4 shows the outer housing or casing, Figure 5 shows the float assembled within the casing, Figure 6 shows an alternative construction, Figure 7 shows a bricklayer's level incorporating the float and housing. Figure 8 shows the float of a second embodiment, Figure 9 shows the float of Fig. 8 in cross section, Figure 10 shows a rear view of the float of Fig. 8, Figure 11 shows the cover of the casing, Figure 12 shows the bearing assembly for the float, Figure 13 shows the casing with the cover removed, and Figure 14 shows the level assembled. Referring to the drawings, Figs. 1, 2 and 3 show the float which has the front face 1 calibrated with angular markings which in use co-operate with a suitable cursor 3 provided on the front face 5 of an outer housing 4. To the rear of the front face 1 of the float F is secured an air filled chamber 2 asymmetrically positioned with respect to the rotational axis to provide for the float to assume one stable position when immersed in a suitable liquid. The face 5 at least is transparent. As may be seen from Fig. 3 the float F is of generally circular profile with a lower segment thereof removed. The float is positioned within the housing 4 shown in Fig. 4 having a side closure lid 6 the housing being filled with a suitable liquid and thereafter sealed. Fig. 5 shows the float F and housing 4 assembled and a small gap is provided between the outer periphery of the float and housing. Fig. 6 shows a small portable level device which is self contained and Fig. 7 shows the float and casing assembled into a bricklayer's level. Such a construction of level is rugged and will withstand a 2 metre drop test and embodies no easily damaged parts. The fluid within the casing, preferably an oil, forms also a suitable damping medium as well as affording cushioning against shocks. An embodiment is shown in Figs. 8 to 1 4 which is of generally similar construction with minor modifications as detailed hereafter. Like references designate the same or similar parts. In this embodiment the float F is a one piece flexible plastics moulding with a central aperture 6 carrying axle 7 (Fig. 12). The ends 8 of the axle 7 are received in ball races 9 one mounted in a cup 10 in casing 11 with cavity 1 5 to receive the float F and the other in cup 12 of cover 13. The cover 13 is transparent and has a cursor mark 14. The casing 11 is filled with a suitable fluid so that the float is bouyant therein and the axle bearing serves more as a positioning device rather than as a load bearing means. CLAIMS

1. A level indicator comprising a drum element forming a float having a gas filled compartment the drum element being positioned within a housing containing fluid whereby the drum is substantially neutrally bouyant in the fluid so as to afford free rotation about an axis with the centre of bouyancy of the drum being above the axis, co-operating angular indications being provided relatively between the drum and the housing.

2. A level according to Claim 1, wherein the drum element has a scale graduation around a face and the housing has a pointer or hair line to co-operate therewith.

3. A level according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the drum has a circular face with a gas filled chamber integral therewith, the centre of bouyancy of the drum laying above a central axis.

4. A level indicator comprising a drum-like air chamber having a circular face and a radial scale marking on said face and around the periphery thereof, a fluid filled housing enclosing said drum for rotation on an axis by virtue of the bouyancy thereof in the fluid with a transparent face or window in one side wall of the housing through which the circular face can be viewed, the window having an indicator line or the like to co-operate with the scales.

5. A level according to any preceding claim, wherein the drum is supported by bearings within the housing.

6. A level according to any preceding Claim wherein the housing comprises a chamber to receive the drum, an open side of the housing being closed by a cover.

7. A level substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 7 of the drawings.

8. A level substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 8 to 14 of the drawings.