초록 ▼

A plumb laser beam generator includes an internal self-leveling feature to assure the projection of a substantially plumb beam despite tilt of the instrument's housing. Tilt compensation is achieved in preferred embodiments using the angular deflection of a spring due to gravity along with the compe

A plumb laser beam generator includes an internal self-leveling feature to assure the projection of a substantially plumb beam despite tilt of the instrument's housing. Tilt compensation is achieved in preferred embodiments using the angular deflection of a spring due to gravity along with the compensating angular magnification of a telescope which moves pendulously by support on the spring. A laser diode of the instrument is mounted fixedly in the housing, and the telescope resides above the diode and collimating optics, the telescope either hanging by a spring or supported at its base by a spring. The pendulous telescope preferably is motion-damped and includes motion limiting and shock absorbing devices to prevent damage due to sudden acceleration or dropping.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A portable hand tool for projecting a plumb laser beam in spite of a tilted condition of the tool, comprising:a tool housing,laser beam generating means mounted in the housing for projecting a laser beam in a generally plumb direction and fixed relative to the housing,a telescope wi

[ I claim:] [1.] A portable hand tool for projecting a plumb laser beam in spite of a tilted condition of the tool, comprising:a tool housing,laser beam generating means mounted in the housing for projecting a laser beam in a generally plumb direction and fixed relative to the housing,a telescope within the housing and positioned optically within the path of the laser beam, with pendulous mounting means supporting the telescope within the housing such that the position of the telescope in the housing swings rotationally about a generally horizontal axis due to gravity in response to tilting of the tool housing,the housing including a beam exit window positioned in the path of the beam from the telescope,and the telescope including optics selected such that, in combination with the degree of stiffness of the pendulous mounting means, the optics are effective to adjust the direction of the laser beam to substantially truly plumb despite a tilted condition of the tool, within an effective operating range.