US2505884A - Pendulum inclinometer - Google Patents

Description

y 1950 R. 1 R. COCKERELL 2,505,884

PENDULUM INCLINOMETER Filed Nov. 6, 1945 INVENTOR'. RONALD L. R. COCKERELL,

ATTORNEYS Patented May 2, 1950 PENDULUIVI INCLINOMETER Ronald L. R. Cockerell, Regina, Saskatchewan,

Canad Application November 6, 1945, Serial No. 626,966

3 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to inclinometers and is more particularly concerned with pendulous devices of this character which are provided with scales to indicate degrees of inclination.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned, which is of simpler, more compact and less expensive construction than prior devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character referred to, with novel, simple means for clamping the rotary, angle indicator at any desired point for a quick reading.

With the foregoing and other objects and advantages in view, the invention consists of the novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the device with a portion of casing broken away,

Figure 2 is a top plan view with a portion of casing and enclosed disc in section,

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 2 with the rim of the scale carrying disc broken away to show the mounting of the pendulous weight,

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail side elevation of the disc shaft with disc mounting in section,

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section of pendulous weight.

Like munerals in the description and drawings designate the same parts of construction.

The invention comprises a steel straight edge I of suitable length and width, with a bottom machined to a plane surface adapted to be positioned on any object whose inclination is to be determined.

Upon this straight edge and supported by the upright arms of suitable brackets 2, either integral or welded in place, is the cylindrical casing 3 which has its axis parallel to the plane bottom of the straight edge element or base I The bracket arms are bifurcated at the top to receive threaded pivot screws 4 and 5. These are provided with conical, coaxial journal bearings adapted to contain the conical ends of the disc journal or shaft 6. The pivot screws 4 and 5 are made preferably of sapphire jewel, but casehardened steel may be employed if desired. Lock nuts I on the exterior of the brackets adjustably secure the shaft and case in position.

Secured to the middle of shaft 6 is the hub of a thin disc 8 which is provided on the perimeter with an annular band or rim 9 which is centered thereon and projects laterally. The disc and rim are of suitable diameter and width respectively to partially rotate within casing 3 with clearance all around.

Scribed on the eriphery of the rim 9, or otherwise suitably displayed thereon, are degree scales l0, reading degrees in opposite directions from a fiducial point, or zero at the top. The disc carries in any suitable manner, at a point opposite the fiducial mark, a pendulous weight II which serves to return the scales to zero. This fiducial mark is perpendicular to the axis of disc 8.

To read the scales at the top of the rim, the casing 3 is provided with a window 12 having a glass bearing a hair line registering normally with the fiducial mark. Casing 3 is provided, preferably on its periphery with a push button l3 and pin projecting through with a felt pad I4 on its inner end which serves to stop the disc at any desirable point for a quick reading of the scale. A coil spring it on the pin returns the push button to normal position.

A pivotal catch IS on the outside of the easing adjacent button 13 is provided to hold same down and lock the disc against rotation when not in use.

The pendulous weight I I has a slot I la therein which receives the disc 8 radially of the latter and the rim 9 is fitted over the disc 8 and weight II, the latter being received in a longitudinally positioned slot Hb in the inner face of the rim. The weight ll may be secured to the disc 8 and the rim 9 by soldering, if desired.

One side 3a of casing 3 is removable to permit the installation of disc 8 and components.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An inclinometer comprising a base having a pair of fixed parallel arms rising therefrom, a cylindrical casing positioned between said arms and formed with a viewing opening in its peripheral wall, axial bearing means on said casing having outer portions supportably engaging the related arms and maintaining said casing in fixed relation to said arms and said base, said axial bearing means having inner portions projecting into said casing from opposite sides thereof, a pendulum axle positioned between and having its ends journalled in said inner portions, a disk fixed on said axle intermediate its ends and in spaced relation to the opposite sides of said casing, a cylindrical calibrated rim fixed on the periphery of said disk with its side edges position to said arms and said base, said axial bearing means having inner portions projecting into said casing from opposite sides thereof, a, pendulum axle positioned between and having its ends journalled in said inner portions, a disk fixed on said axle intermediate its ends and. in spaced relation to the opposite sides of said casing, a cylindrical calibrated rim fixed on the periphery of said disk with its side edges positioned close to the sides of the casing and with its calibrations visible through said viewin opening, and a pendulum weight fixed to said disk, said pendulum weight comprising a plate formed with a slot opening through an edge thereof and receiving the peripheral edge of said disk with; substantial portions of said plate positioned on opposite sides of said disk and with said plate. arranged radially on said disk, and mean securing said pendulum weight in place,

3. An inclinom'eter comprising a base'ha-vin a pair of fixed parallel arms risingtherefrom, a cylindrical casing positioned between said arms and formed with a viewing opening in its peripheral wall; axial bearing means on said casing having outer portions supportabl'y engaging the related arms and maintaining said casing in fixed relation to said. armsand said base, said axial bearing means having inner portions projecting into said casing from opposite sides thereof, a pendulum axle positioned between and having its ends journalled in said inner portions, a disk fixed on said axle intermediate its ends and in spaced relation to the opposite sides of said casing, a cylindrical calibrated rim fixed on the periphery of said disk with its side edges positioned close to the sides of the casing and with its calibrations visible through said viewing opening; and a pendulum weight fixed to said disk, said bearing means comprising bolts each having a pair of nuts thereon and said arms being formed with vertical slots receiving said bolts with one of said pair of nuts positioned between the related arm and the adjacent side of the cylindrical casing and the other nut positioned on said bolt at the outer side of the related arm to act as a clamping nut for securing the related bolt in place in the arm slot and securing the bolt against turnin relative to said one nut, said bolts being adjustable endwise relative to said pendulum axle with said other nuts loosened to adjust the engagement of said inrlier bearing portions relative to the ends of said ax e;

RON-ALDL. R'. COCKERELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 221,380 Winter Nov. 4, 1879 1,230,258 Wood June 19, 1917 1,366, Sperry n Jan. 25, 1921 1,533,961 Ziegler 1 Apr. 14, 1925 1,597,960 Eltag Aug. 31', 1926 2,022,452 Aegerter Nov. 26, 1935

Images