Sergio A Gomez

US Patent:

47165340, Dec 29, 1987

Filed:

Oct 31, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/666806

Inventors:

D. Michael Baucom - Charlotte NC
Sergio V. Gomez - Charlotte NC

International Classification:

G01C 100
G01C 900

US Classification:

364559

Abstract:

An angle finder (10) and level (40) are disclosed. The level (10) and angle (40) have digital displays (17) which provide a visual, numerical representation of the angular alignment of a reference surface in relation to a gravitational vector. Angle finder (10) and level (40) are controlled by a microprocessor (19). A disc enclosure (18) contains a rotatably mounted disc (23) on which is mounted a weight (26). Weight (26) keeps disc (23) in a relatively constant position relative to the gravitational vector. Also mounted in the disc enclosure (18) are photodetectors (27), (28) and (29). Disc (23) contains markings (30) which, in the disclosure of this application, each represent two degrees of arc. The three photodetectors (27), (28) and (29) sense the movement of markings (30) and by logical computation microprocessor (19) determines the angular alignment of the reference surface. In another embodiment of the invention, a disc enclosure ( 18') includes u-throat detectors (60), (61) and (62) which count the passage of markings (55) on a transparent disc (50) in the manner described above.