Geometrical instruments – Straight-line light ray type – Level
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-01
2003-08-19
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Straight-line light ray type
Level
C033S227000, C033SDIG002
Reexamination Certificate
active
06606798
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Laser levels have been used in construction for many years. They typically seek to produce a plane of light for a reference for construction projects. Laser levels have been used for large scale construction projects like commercial excavating, laying foundations, and installing drop ceilings. Laser levels save considerable time during initial layout of a construction job compared to other tools such as beam levels, chalk lines, or torpedo levels. Some examples of jobs where laser levels would be useful include laying tile, mounting cabinets, installing counter tops, and building outdoor decks. Because these laser levels can typically cost thousands of dollars, only those who regularly land larger construction projects can justify purchasing a laser level. Laser levels have not achieved widespread adoption by the general public despite the time savings because of their initial cost of ownership. The expense can be attributed to the cost of suitable laser sources such as He-Neon laser and associated optical system used to manipulate the beam generated by the laser source.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an improved laser level is employed. The laser level comprises a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, a housing fixedly disposed on the shaft, the housing having a bore therein, a barrel pivotally connected to the housing, a laser diode module disposed within the barrel, and a screw disposed on the housing and contacting the barrel for adjusting the pivotal position of the barrel.
Also disclosed is a light detector, which comprises a housing having front and rear walls, a light receiving section disposed on the front wall, and displays disposed on the front and rear walls for showing the location of received light relative on the light receiving section.
Additional features and benefits of the present invention are described, and will be apparent from, the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4973158 (1990-11-01), Marsh
patent: 4988192 (1991-01-01), Knittel
patent: 5485266 (1996-01-01), Hirano et al.
patent: 5572796 (1996-11-01), Breda
patent: 5636018 (1997-06-01), Hirano et al.
patent: 6073353 (2000-06-01), Ohtomo et al.
patent: 6209832 (2001-04-01), Yamazaki
patent: 6249983 (2001-06-01), Wright et al.
patent: 6256895 (2001-07-01), Akers
patent: 6449856 (2002-09-01), Matsumoto et al.
patent: 6532676 (2003-03-01), Cunningham
patent: 6539638 (2003-04-01), Pelletier
patent: 11-287654 (1999-10-01), None
F. Hoekstra, Partial European Search Report, May 29, 2002, The Hague.
Brelsford Allen
El-Katcha Karim
McCracken Robert E.
Reeve William R.
Watts Fred S.
Ayala Adan
Bennett G. Bradley
Black & Decker Inc.
LandOfFree
Laser level does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Laser level, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Laser level will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3125615