WO1992020998A1 - Niveau a bulle - Google Patents

Niveau a bulle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1992020998A1
WO1992020998A1 PCT/SE1992/000327 SE9200327W WO9220998A1 WO 1992020998 A1 WO1992020998 A1 WO 1992020998A1 SE 9200327 W SE9200327 W SE 9200327W WO 9220998 A1 WO9220998 A1 WO 9220998A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
spirit level
laser beam
level according
abutment surface
light source
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE1992/000327
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ulf ÖGREN
Original Assignee
Laser Level Sweden Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Laser Level Sweden Ab filed Critical Laser Level Sweden Ab
Publication of WO1992020998A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992020998A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C15/00—Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00
    • G01C15/002—Active optical surveying means
    • G01C15/008—Active optical surveying means combined with inclination sensor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a spirit level accord- ing to the preamble of Claim 1.
  • a spirit level is used on many different occasions, for example in building construction work, setting-up work, etc.
  • the usefulness of a spirit level is relatively restricted, however, because the physical length of the level is limited for practical reasons.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a spirit level which can be readily handled and the use ⁇ fulness of which is greatly improved. This object is achieved with an inventive spirit level having the characteristic features set forth in the following Claims.
  • the inventive spirit level has a far greater range or span than a conventional spirit level of corresponding size. This increased span enables the inventive spirit level to be used in those instances when it has earlier been necessary to use expensive and complicated levelling instruments.
  • inventive spirit level is that it can be used very readily and that its low manufacturing cost enables the spirit level to be sold at a price which makes it attractive to so-called do-it-yourself carpenters.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inventive spirit level
  • Figure 2 is a schematic, partly cut-away longitudinal view of the spirit level
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view which shows the spirit level fitted with an angling unit
  • Figure 4 is a sectioned view of the angling unit illustrated in Figure 3, and shows the unit separated from the spirit level
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view which illustrates one embodiment in which the spirit level includes a remotely controllable intermediate part having an an ⁇ gling unit fitted thereto, and a remote control means
  • Figure 6 is a longitudinal, section view illustrat ⁇ ing the intermediate part and the angling part of Figure 5 separate from the spirit level.
  • the inventive spirit level 1 is built around a body element 2, for instance in the form of an extruded aluminium section having a length of about 600 mm, although other lengths can, of course, be used.
  • the profiled section 2 has a top and a bottom setting or abutment surface or plane 3 and 4.
  • the abutment surfaces are mutually parallel and are each provided with a respective longitudinally extending T-channel 5 and 6, which enable the different accessories to be fitted to the spirit level, such as extension straight-edges, for instance.
  • the profiled section 2 also includes an elon ⁇ gated cavity or hollow 7 which, in the present case, is intended to house a number of components included in the spirit level 1, among other things.
  • the cavity 7 is shown to have a circular cross-section, it will be understood that other cross-sectional shapes are conceivable.
  • the spirit level 1 also includes a so-called level indicator or "bubble” 10 which enables the surfaces 3 and 4 to be levelled horizontally and a level indicator 11 or “bubble” which enables the surfaces 3 and 4 to be levelled vertically.
  • the profiled section 2 is also provided with recesses in which the level indicating devices, or “bubbles" 10 and 11 are housed.
  • the inventive spirit level 1 also includes a beam source 20, in the form of a laser diode, which, for instance, emits well-visible red light having a wave length of about 633 nm. Other wave lengths and light colours are also possible, of course.
  • a beam source 20 in the form of a laser diode, which, for instance, emits well-visible red light having a wave length of about 633 nm. Other wave lengths and light colours are also possible, of course.
  • the laser diode 20 and other electrical components are operated by an energy source which may either have the form of standard dry-cell batteries or chargeable nickel-cadmium accumulators (not shown).
  • the batteries or accumulators are placed in the cavity 7, in a region thereof marked 21.
  • the laser diode 20 is supported by a bushing or fitting 22 having a fixed position within the cavity 7 of the profiled section 2.
  • the laser diode 20 is operated by means of a circuit board 23.
  • the circuit board 23 is positioned between the energy source and the laser diode 20, and a recess which accommodates the circuit board is provided in the pro- filed section 2.
  • the circuit board 23 is covered by a protective cover 24 which may be manufactured, for instance, from an impact-resistant plastic material.
  • the circuit board 23 includes a pressure switch 25 and an electrical contact (not shown) for connection to a battery charger.
  • the pressure switch 25 functions such that when pressed briefly, the laser diode 20 will produce a flashing light, so as to conserve the energy consumed from the energy source. When the pressure switch 25 is pressed over a longer period, the laser diode 20 will produce a fixed light beam. The flashing or fixed light beam will cease when the switch 25 is again pressed, and so on.
  • the spirit level 1 also includes a lens or a lens system 30 which is carried by a bushing or a fitting 31 and which has a fixed position within the cavity 7 of the profiled section 2.
  • the function of the lens system 30 is to collimate the light emitted by the laser diode 20 to form a parallel light beam 40 of very small diameter, even at a relatively long distance from the beam source 20.
  • the light beam may, for instance, have a diameter of about 5 mm.
  • the laser diode 20 and the lens system 30 are so mutu ⁇ ally aligned in the spirit level 1 that the concentrated beam 40 will be emitted in the longitudinal direction of the profiled section 2, while being parallel with the two planes defined by the surfaces 3 and 4.
  • Activation of the switch 25 results in either a fixed or flashing laser beam 40.
  • the inner surface 8 of the cavity 7 is used to affix an ancillary device in the form of an angling unit 50, wherein a circular fitting or shoulder 51 on the housing 52 of said angling unit fits into the space 7 in a manner to secure the angling unit 50 to the spirit level 1 until manually removed there ⁇ from.
  • Figure 3 shows the angling unit 50 fitted to the spirit level 1.
  • the angling unit 50 includes a so-called pentagon prism 53 which is configured so as to deflect incoming laser beam 40 through an angle of precisely 90°, irrespective of how the prism 53 is fitted or of whether the prism is fitted or moves with a certain angular error in relation to the laser beam 40.
  • the laser beam 60 exiting from the angling unit 50 is thus perpendicular to the longitudi ⁇ nal axis of the spirit level 1.
  • the angling unit 50 can be rotated in relation to the longitudinal centre axis of the cavity 7, thereby enabling the laser beam 60 to be pointed in different directions.
  • Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the spirit level 1 carries or includes a manoeuvering device in the form of a remotely controllable intermediate part 70.
  • the intermediate part 70 comprises an outer casing 71 which houses a number of components.
  • the outer casing 71 can be opened and to this end is provided with pins 72 and 73 intended for guiding engagement with respective channels 5 and 6 on the spirit level.
  • the pins 72 and 73 may be provided with fastener devices, for instance in the form of countersunk locking screws, so as to fix the pins reliably in relation to the profiled section 2.
  • the inter ⁇ mediate part 70 further includes a number of exterior- ally visible photodetectors 81 which face in different directions, for instance four photodetectors, although other numbers may be used.
  • the photodetectors 81 receive control signals for operating the electric motor 78.
  • a circuit board 82 having requisite components is provided as a link between the photodetectors 81 and the electric motor 78.
  • the electric components carried by the inter- mediate part 70 are driven by an energy source, either in the form of dry-cell batteries or chargeable nickel- cadmium accumulators 83, for instance.
  • the centre bore 84 of the shaft 74 has a circular inner surface 85 which is used, when so desired, to fix the aforedescribed angling unit 50 temporarily to the inter ⁇ mediate part 70.
  • the fit between the shoulder 51 on the angling unit 50 and the inner surface 85 of the centre bore 84 is chosen so that the angling unit 50 will accompany the shaft 74 as it rotates.
  • the remote control 90 illustrated in Figure 5 is prefer ⁇ ably battery driven and includes preferably a transmit ⁇ ter which emits so-called infrared light (IR-light), the frequency or amplitude of which can be modulated for controlling the rotary movement of the motor 78 of the intermediate part 70, and therewith rotation of the angling unit fitted to the intermediate part, so as to enable the laser beam 100 exiting from the angling unit 50 to be brought to desired rotational positions, where ⁇ in the laser beam 100 is always perpendicular to the laser beam 40.
  • the manoeuvering buttons or keys 91 used to manoeuvre the rotational position and rotational direction of the laser beam 100 are mounted on the remote control 90.
  • the remote control 90 thus emits light signals which are caught by one of the photodetec ⁇ tors 81 and activate operation of the electric motor 78, when so desired.
  • the remote control 90 can be used to position the rotational position of the exiting light beam 100 in a desired direction, to enable, for instance, marking of desired positions in the rotational plane therewith formed by the beam 100 in relation to the longitudinal axis of the spirit level.
  • the remote control 90 can be used to position the beam 100 in desired rota ⁇ tional positions at a distance from the spirit level.
  • the intermediate part 70 may continuously remain seated on the spirit level 1, since it will not present an obstacle or influence the longitudinally directed laser beam 40 of the spirit level when the angling unit 50 is removed therefrom, since the laser beam 40 is able to pass freely through the centre bore 84 of the shaft 74. If desired, the intermediate part 70 may be made a fully integral part of the spirit level 1.
  • the inventive spirit level 1 can be used as a conventional spirit level and that the range or span of the spirit level can be extended when necessary by activating the same in a manner to produce a concentrated laser beam 40 which is parallel with the abutment or setting surface 4 of the spirit level.
  • the laser beam 40 can be angled through 90° so as to emit a laser beam 60.
  • the spirit level 1 is given several facilities over and above what is normal with a standard spirit level. Those skilled in this particular art will realize that the inventive spirit level 1 is particularly useful in many different connections.
  • the spirit level can be provided with solely one abutment or setting surface 4 and that this surface may be divided into a number of part-surfaces.
  • the intermediate part 70 may be provided with a surface which coincides with the abutment sur ⁇ faces 3 and 4 of the profiled section 2, although the intermediate section 70 may be undersized with respect to the profiled section, so that its vertical extension is smaller than the distance between the abutment sur ⁇ faces 3, 4 and thus will not influence the intended function of the abutment or setting surfaces 3 and 4.
  • the manoeuvering device so that it will generate a rotational movement between the spirit level and, for instance, a stand which will enable the spirit level to be rotated rela ⁇ tive to the stand by remote control, such that the laser beam exiting from the spirit level can be brought to desired positions by remote control.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Semiconductor Lasers (AREA)
  • Laser Surgery Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un niveau à bulle (1) comprenant une source lumineuse (20) et au moins une surface de butée (4). La source lumineuse est une diode laser (20) émettant un faisceau laser (40) à travers une ou plusieurs lentilles (30) dans un sens parallèle à la surface de butée (4). Le niveau à bulle (1) comprend une source d'énergie alimentant la source lumineuse (20) en énergie. Le niveau à bulle (1) comprend une partie profilée (2) comportant une cavité ou un creux (7) s'étendant dans le sens de la longueur et logeant plusieurs éléments dudit niveau à bulle. D'après un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, le niveau à bulle comprend un dispositif d'actionnement (70) pourvu de moyens (81) servant à recevoir des signaux de commande d'un dispositif de commande à distance (90), afin de permettre le déplacement du faisceau laser (40, 60, 100) à partir d'une position distante du niveau à bulle vers une position correspondant à un réglage souhaité.
PCT/SE1992/000327 1991-05-21 1992-05-19 Niveau a bulle WO1992020998A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9101525A SE9101525L (sv) 1991-05-21 1991-05-21 Vattenpass
SE9101525-5 1991-05-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992020998A1 true WO1992020998A1 (fr) 1992-11-26

Family

ID=20382786

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE1992/000327 WO1992020998A1 (fr) 1991-05-21 1992-05-19 Niveau a bulle

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU1780192A (fr)
SE (1) SE9101525L (fr)
WO (1) WO1992020998A1 (fr)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994012852A1 (fr) * 1992-12-03 1994-06-09 Societe Civile De Recherche Bhm Laser d'arpentage
EP0617258A1 (fr) * 1993-03-24 1994-09-28 MICRO ITALIANA S.p.A. Goniomètre portatif du type à deux bras pivotants
US5394616A (en) * 1993-03-05 1995-03-07 Claxton; Douglas Laser positioning device
WO1995008094A1 (fr) * 1993-09-17 1995-03-23 Jatco (Australia) Pty. Ltd. Dispositif d'alignement de laser
WO1995018355A3 (fr) * 1993-12-27 1995-07-27 Thomas Zimmermann Module indicateur lumineux pour niveaux a bulle
WO1996001978A1 (fr) * 1994-07-08 1996-01-25 Michael Connolly Dispositif de nivellement telecommande
US5519942A (en) * 1995-03-02 1996-05-28 Webb; James Levelling and transit system
US5604987A (en) * 1995-02-10 1997-02-25 John P. Cupp Laser level, accessories and method of use
AU682122B2 (en) * 1994-07-08 1997-09-18 Michael Connolly Remotely operated levelling device
GB2319084A (en) * 1996-11-05 1998-05-13 Clive David Dibben Laser extended spirit level
DE19833657A1 (de) * 1998-07-27 2000-02-10 Mayer & Wonisch Gmbh & Co Kg Laserwasserwaage
EP0990115A1 (fr) * 1997-06-19 2000-04-05 DWBH Ventures Limited Dispositif a balayage laser oriente par gravite positionnable a distance
US6332276B1 (en) 2000-03-30 2001-12-25 Ronnie L. Mangel Articulate laser degree finder
EP1719974A2 (fr) * 2005-05-04 2006-11-08 The Stanley Works Niveau à bulle
US7908041B2 (en) 2004-04-29 2011-03-15 Munro & Associates, Inc. Self-leveling laser horizon for navigation guidance
US7983694B2 (en) 2004-02-17 2011-07-19 Nav-Track, Inc. Target and base station for a navigation system
US8214147B2 (en) 2007-03-21 2012-07-03 Nav-Track, Inc. Navigation unit and base station
USD866365S1 (en) 2018-04-28 2019-11-12 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
US10955240B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2021-03-23 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Length adjustable level

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3771876A (en) * 1971-11-17 1973-11-13 E Ljungdahl Producing a plane or conical optical reference surface
EP0013683A1 (fr) * 1979-01-23 1980-08-06 Istvan Papak Niveau mètre marqueur diviseur
EP0141870A1 (fr) * 1983-11-14 1985-05-22 Spectra-Physics AG Laser pour la construction de canaux
US4718171A (en) * 1986-01-17 1988-01-12 Nestle & Fischer Levelling system with rotating laser beam
FR2636732A1 (fr) * 1988-09-20 1990-03-23 Berny Jean Appareil miniature autonome a laser de reperage et de trace
EP0401815A1 (fr) * 1989-06-09 1990-12-12 Lawa Gmbh Niveau à bulle d'air
WO1991002217A1 (fr) * 1989-08-01 1991-02-21 Ralf Hinkel Regle a niveler goniometrique

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3771876A (en) * 1971-11-17 1973-11-13 E Ljungdahl Producing a plane or conical optical reference surface
EP0013683A1 (fr) * 1979-01-23 1980-08-06 Istvan Papak Niveau mètre marqueur diviseur
EP0141870A1 (fr) * 1983-11-14 1985-05-22 Spectra-Physics AG Laser pour la construction de canaux
US4718171A (en) * 1986-01-17 1988-01-12 Nestle & Fischer Levelling system with rotating laser beam
FR2636732A1 (fr) * 1988-09-20 1990-03-23 Berny Jean Appareil miniature autonome a laser de reperage et de trace
EP0401815A1 (fr) * 1989-06-09 1990-12-12 Lawa Gmbh Niveau à bulle d'air
WO1991002217A1 (fr) * 1989-08-01 1991-02-21 Ralf Hinkel Regle a niveler goniometrique

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, Vol. 11, No. 116, P566 ; & JP,A,61 262 611, FUKITA CORP, 20-11-1986. *

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994012852A1 (fr) * 1992-12-03 1994-06-09 Societe Civile De Recherche Bhm Laser d'arpentage
US5394616A (en) * 1993-03-05 1995-03-07 Claxton; Douglas Laser positioning device
EP0617258A1 (fr) * 1993-03-24 1994-09-28 MICRO ITALIANA S.p.A. Goniomètre portatif du type à deux bras pivotants
WO1995008094A1 (fr) * 1993-09-17 1995-03-23 Jatco (Australia) Pty. Ltd. Dispositif d'alignement de laser
WO1995018355A3 (fr) * 1993-12-27 1995-07-27 Thomas Zimmermann Module indicateur lumineux pour niveaux a bulle
WO1996001978A1 (fr) * 1994-07-08 1996-01-25 Michael Connolly Dispositif de nivellement telecommande
AU682122B2 (en) * 1994-07-08 1997-09-18 Michael Connolly Remotely operated levelling device
US5604987A (en) * 1995-02-10 1997-02-25 John P. Cupp Laser level, accessories and method of use
US5519942A (en) * 1995-03-02 1996-05-28 Webb; James Levelling and transit system
GB2319084A (en) * 1996-11-05 1998-05-13 Clive David Dibben Laser extended spirit level
EP0990115A4 (fr) * 1997-06-19 2003-01-08 Dwbh Ventures Ltd Dispositif a balayage laser oriente par gravite positionnable a distance
EP0990115A1 (fr) * 1997-06-19 2000-04-05 DWBH Ventures Limited Dispositif a balayage laser oriente par gravite positionnable a distance
DE19833657B4 (de) * 1998-07-27 2005-03-10 Mayer & Wonisch Gmbh & Co Kg Laserwasserwaage
DE19833657A1 (de) * 1998-07-27 2000-02-10 Mayer & Wonisch Gmbh & Co Kg Laserwasserwaage
US6332276B1 (en) 2000-03-30 2001-12-25 Ronnie L. Mangel Articulate laser degree finder
US8010133B2 (en) 2004-02-17 2011-08-30 Nav-Track, Inc. Navigation system
US7983694B2 (en) 2004-02-17 2011-07-19 Nav-Track, Inc. Target and base station for a navigation system
US7908041B2 (en) 2004-04-29 2011-03-15 Munro & Associates, Inc. Self-leveling laser horizon for navigation guidance
US7204029B2 (en) 2005-05-04 2007-04-17 The Stanley Works Level
US7316074B2 (en) 2005-05-04 2008-01-08 The Stanley Works Level
EP1719974A3 (fr) * 2005-05-04 2006-11-22 The Stanley Works Niveau à bulle
EP1719974A2 (fr) * 2005-05-04 2006-11-08 The Stanley Works Niveau à bulle
US8214147B2 (en) 2007-03-21 2012-07-03 Nav-Track, Inc. Navigation unit and base station
US10955240B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2021-03-23 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Length adjustable level
US11662202B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2023-05-30 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Length adjustable level
USD866365S1 (en) 2018-04-28 2019-11-12 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
USD902059S1 (en) 2018-04-28 2020-11-17 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
USD938837S1 (en) 2018-04-28 2021-12-21 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
USD993792S1 (en) 2018-04-28 2023-08-01 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE9101525D0 (sv) 1991-05-21
SE9101525L (sv) 1993-01-11
AU1780192A (en) 1992-12-30

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