'(MOdGL) W. W. VAUGHN. Reflector for Spirit Levels.
No. 236,282. Patented Jan. 4,1881.
Witness s Iwvra'nYJO?" N. PETERS. PHOTO-LITMOGRAPHER. WASHMGTON D c ilnrrns STATES 'ATENT Erica WALTER W. VAUGHN, OF STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HALF TO ASA CLARK, OF SAME PLACE.
REFLECTOR FOR SPIRIT-LEVELS.
SPEClIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 236,282, dated January 4., 1881.
Application filed. September 30, 1880.
ments in spirit-levels; and it consists in the combination, with a level having the tubes of the level and plumb placed midway. between the sides and opening equally to both sides, of
a reflector which is pivoted or journaled above the tube, so that the angle of the reflection may be changed from one side to the other,
and thrown outward to any desired degree.
It further consists in partially enveloping or coating the bubble-tube with a metallic refleeting-surface, whereby the image of the bubble in the reflector will be rendered more distinct, as will be more fully described by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a view of the level in a horizontal position, looking at it from below. Fig. 2 shows the plumb in a vertical position. Fig. 3 shows the shape of the reflector by which the image of the bubble is thrown outward so as to be easily seen. Fig. 4 is a modification of the device. Figs. 5 and 6 are side elevation and section of the bubble tube and easing removed, a portion of the casing being cut away, so as to show the metal reflectingbacking of the tube.
A is the body of my level, which is made of wood or metal in the usual manner, and it is,
provided with a longitudinal central tube, filled with a liquid, so as to show a bubble of air in the center when the body A is perfectly horizontal. A transverse tube is fitted in the level, at G, for a plumb, these tubes being similar to the ordinary construction of spiritlevels.
I have shown at E the manner of pivoting or suspending the reflector, so that the image of the air-bubble may be thrown downward and outward to either side and at any desired angle. The journals of this reflector may be' (Model) extended from its sides into the sides of the opening in which it is placed, or, if desired, an arm, F, may extend upward from its back and havdits upper end pivoted in the top of the opening, as shown in Fig. 4. A spiral spring surrounds the axle of the reflector, and its tension serves to ,hold the reflector at any angle desired. mirror may be swung out from the interior of the opening, which will enable it to show the im age of thebubble more distinctly.
In order to render the image of the bubble distinct in obscur e light or in ordinary use, I
have enveloped the bubble-tube with a bright...
reflecti l l g-su rface,-H, virich"ext'emds" aroun d beneath it and up the sides, as shown. This envelope may be independent of the tube, or it may be applied directly in the same manner as the back of a mirror.
In order to apply the level to parts which are out of reach, I employ a rod, G, which has a screw out upon one end. This screw is adapted to fit a socket in one end of the level when it is desired to test the plumb of a vertical post or wall at a considerable height. A similar socket is. titted to the lower side of the level, and the rod maybe screwed into this socket to raise the level up to an elevated floor or beam. hen not in use the rod may be inserted into a hole (shown in dotted lines, Fig. l) which is made through the level longitudinally, and by screwing the end into a socket or nut at the farther end of the hole, or by other suitable means, it will be held securely in place.
The additional expense is trifling and the advantages considerable.
Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. The level A, with its tube (3, in combination with the mirror E, situated above the By this construction the whole tube and made adjustable, as shown, so as to of the air-bubble downward, as shown in In witness whereof I have hereunto set; my combination with the rod G, whereby the hand.
level may be applied and observed at points above the observer, substantially as herein de- WALTER VAUGHN 5 scribed. Witnesses:
3. In a spirit-level, the bubble-tube provided S. H. NOURSE, with a metallic wheeling-surface, H, substan- FRANK A. BROOKS.
tially as set forth.