Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-30
2002-06-25
Le, Que T. (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
C250S573000, C356S139100, C356S249000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06410932
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of levels; more particularly, the present invention relates to a radiation-sensitive-device based level.
2. Description of Related Art
Levels are typically used to determine whether a line or plane is perpendicular to the force of gravity. Levels are used in numerous applications.
One type of level is a structure that has a flat surface and a tubular container mounted to the structure such that the longitudinal axis of the tubular container is parallel to the length of the flat surface. The tubular container is partially filled with a liquid such that there is a bubble in the tubular container. Two lines are marked about the middle of the tubular container such that when the length of the flat surface is level, the bubble is between the two lines.
Some levels include a tubular container that is parallel to the width of the flat surface. Two lines are marked about the middle of the tubular container such that when the width of the flat surface is level, the bubble is between the two lines.
Some levels include a tubular container that is at some other orientation to the length (or the width) of the flat surface. Two lines are marked about the middle of the tubular container such that when the length and/or the width of the flat surface has a particular orientation to the level orientation, the bubble is between the two lines. For example, the tubular container may be oriented at a 45 degrees incline relative to the length of the flat surface. Thus, when the length of the flat surface rises at a 45 degree angle, the bubble in that tubular container is between the two lines.
Determining whether the bubble is centered between the lines may be difficult in poor lighting conditions or because of awkward positioning of the level relative to the line of sight. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a level that is readable in a wider range of conditions.
The orientation of the tubular containers is fixed relative to the flat surface of the level. Thus, the typical level can determine whether the orientation is one of a limited number of orientations defined by the fixed positions of the tubular containers relative to the flat surface. In some applications, it is desirable to determine whether a line has another orientation besides the standard ones, such as level and a 45 degree incline. For example, one may want to determine if a line is at a 30 degree incline.
In some applications, it is desirable to measure the orientation (for example, in degrees) rather than simply determine whether or not the level has a particular orientation or not. Furthermore, it may be desirable to periodically measure the orientation and store it.
What is needed is an apparatus to more easily determine the orientation of a line or a surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus including an enclosure having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a first radiation sensor coupled to the interior surface being configured to produce a first signal dependent on the radiation sensed by the first radiation sensor; a second radiation sensor coupled to the interior surface being configured to produce a second signal dependent on the radiation sensed by the second radiation sensor; and a bus accessible from the exterior surface, the bus being coupled to the first radiation sensor and the second radiation sensor.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3464276 (1969-09-01), Leibert
patent: 4182046 (1980-01-01), Ludlow et al.
patent: 5761818 (1998-06-01), Hopkins et al.
Intel Corporation
Le Que T.
Luu Thanh X.
Seeley Mark V.
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