IP Library › Granted Patent US 11,221,215
Granted Patent B2
US 11,221,215 · App. 16/376,786 · Granted Jan 11, 2022

Digital level

Inventors: Matthew Leidel (Wind Lake, WI); Eric Mackey (Milwaukee, WI)
Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
G01C9/06G01C2009/066
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,221,215
App. No.
16/376,786
Granted
Jan 11, 2022
Kind
B2
Abstract

A level, such as a digital level, with various features or embodiments, such as an ultrasonically welded lens covering a display screen, a pipe insert molded in front of a light sensor, one or more button assemblies, and cartridge assemblies that are used to secure compartments within the frame of a level.

Claims (18)

1. A level comprising:

a planar base surface;

a top surface opposing the base surface;

an orientation sensor configured to measure an orientation of one of the top and bottom surfaces with respect to a perceived direction of the force of gravity;

a controller that calculates an orientation difference between the measured orientation and a target orientation;

a light sensing module that measures a brightness level, the light sensing module comprising:

a primary channel;

a front surface defined by primary channel, the front surface in visual communication with an exterior of the level;

a light sensor that measures the brightness level; and

a light impediment between the light sensor and the primary channel, the light impediment configured to interfere with light transiting from the front surface to the light sensor; and

a display that emits an image that corresponds to the orientation difference, the image comprising a brightness that is at least partly based on a measurement by the light sensor.

2. The level of claim 1 , the primary channel comprising a longitudinal axis, wherein each of the light sensor and the light impediment are aligned with the primary channel's longitudinal axis.

3. The level of claim 2 , wherein a width of the light impediment is greater than a width of the light sensor.

4. The level of claim 3 , the light sensing module comprising a side channel in visual communication with the primary channel, wherein the side channel radially surrounds the light impediment.

5. The level of claim 4 , wherein the light impediment is opaque to light.

6. The level of claim 4 , the side channel defining a reflective interior surface that faces towards the primary channel's longitudinal axis.

7. The level of claim 6 , the light sensing module comprising a cavity between the side channel and the light sensor.

8. The level of claim 4 , the level comprising a circuit board that is communicatively coupled to the controller and orientation sensor, and fixedly coupled to the light sensor.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 3, 2019
From: LEIDEL, MATTHEW
To: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 050620/0460 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 3, 2019
From: MACKEY, ERIC
To: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 050620/0520 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation PCTUS2019022967 · Mar 19, 2019
Provisional Application 62645417 · Mar 20, 2018
Related Publication 20190293420A1 · Sep 26, 2019