The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 03, 2009
Filed:
Jan. 24, 2006
Robert M. Perchak, Dayton, OH (US);
Robin Gwen Mccarty, Fairborn, OH (US);
Robert M. Perchak, Dayton, OH (US);
Robin Gwen McCarty, Fairborn, OH (US);
Trimble Navigation Limited, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
A multi-axis bubble vial device includes a bubble vial having a vial body defining a fluid chamber with a curved upper surface, and a quantity of fluid partially filling the chamber. The fluid defines a bubble in the upper portion of the chamber that moves along the upper surface in dependence upon the orientation of the vial. A centrally positioned light source above the bubble vial directs light into the chamber, and four light sensors, positioned above the bubble vial and arranged circumferentially around the centrally positioned light source, detect the reflection of light from a reflector beneath the fluid chamber. A first pair of the sensors is positioned on opposite sides of the light source along a first axis, and a second pair of the sensors is positioned on opposite sides of the light source along a second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.