Abstract A bubble level has at least two position sensing devices, such as mercury switches, disposed at right angles to each other and connected in a circuit having a three-position switch and an audio indicator, such as a buzzer. When the level is to be used to determine horizontal alignment, these switches move to a first position causing a horizontally disposed one of the position sensors to be cut into the circuit, while simultaneously cutting out the other position sensor. When the level is horizontally aligned, which may be in a position not in full view of the user, the position sensor completes the circuit and causes the audio indicator to sound. When the level is to be used to determine vertical alignment, the switch is moved to a second position, which cuts out the horizontal position sensor and cuts in the vertical position sensor and the same procedure can be undertaken. The switch has a central off position.
Inventors
👤 Russell W. Vining
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-07 20:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C9/00; G01C9/02; G01C9/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A level having a means for generating an audio indication when said level is exactly horizontally or vertically disposed, comprising: a vertically disposed mercury switch having continuous end-face metallizations at opposing ends thereof, a first spring retaining clip securing said vertically disposed switch to a first inner portion at a first end of said level, a horizontally disposed mercury switch having continuous end-face metallizations at opposing ends thereof, a second spring retaining clip securing said horizontally disposed switch to a second inner portion at said first end of said level, an audio indicator mounted in a second opposite end of said level, an electrical circuit connected to said audio indicator and having first and second branches thereof electrically connected to respective ones of said vertically disposed switch and said horizontally disposed switch, a battery mounted in said second end of said level and electrically connected to said circuit, and a manually operable switch in said circuit being operable to connect alternate ones of said branches to said battery and to disconnect both of said branches from said battery.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A level having a means for generating an audio indication when said level is exactly horizontally or vertically disposed, comprising: a vertically disposed mercury switch having continuous end-face metallizations at opposing ends thereof, a first spring retaining clip securing said vertically disposed switch to a first inner portion at a first end of said level, a horizontally disposed mercury switch having continuous end-face metallizations at opposing ends thereof, a second spring retaining clip securing said horizontally disposed switch to a second inner portion at said first end of said level, an audio indicator mounted in a second opposite end of said level, an electrical circuit connected to said audio indicator and having first and second branches thereof electrically connected to respective ones of said vertically disposed switch and said horizontally disposed switch, a battery mounted in said second end of said level and electrically connected to said circuit, and a manually operable switch in said circuit being operable to connect alternate ones of said branches to said battery and to disconnect both of said branches from said battery.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A level as claimed in claim 1 wherein said switch is mounted at an intermediate location along said level.