Improvements in Levels and Clinometers.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Jan., 1899-Accepted, 11th Mar., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Levels and Clinometers.
I, HERMANN HASSENPFLUG, Architect, of 166, Oststrasse, Dusseldorf, Germany,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
This invention relates to a new spirit level which, whilst being as simple in
construction as the levels generally in use, is distinguished from the latter by
a versatility and simplicity in its application, by the greatest accuracy in levelling,
and, in the case of wear and tear of the levelling rule, by the ease with which it
can be adjusted. As is implied by its name "Universal spirit level" its purpose
is to ascertain the accuracy of vertical, horizontal and inclined planes. The level
can be made in accordance with two different methods one of which is specially
applicable for use in the levelling of planes in general and the other for such
levelling as requires precise accuracy.
On the drawings annexed.
Fig. 1 shows in side elevation and Fig. 2 in longitudinal section the instrument
as made in accordance with the first method.
Fig. 3 is a side elevation, Fig. 4 an end view with the upper part in section
(on the line - Fig. 3) and Fig. 5 a section, on the line y-y Fig. 3, of the
instrument as made in accordance with the second method.
Fig. is a plan and Fig. 7 a cross section of another way of making the
instrument in accordance with the second method.
The universal spirit level (first method) consists of a levelling rule A, very
accurately made, in which is secured a glass tube B closed up so as to be con-
tinuous and which may be of a round, oval, or angular shape as desired; on the
drawing a round tube is shown. In order to retain the glass tube securely in
position an appropriate boxing C, lined with rubber or other suitable elastic
material D, is provided. This boxing C is fitted to the rule by means of screws.
The small glass tube B is quadrantally graduated (see markings at 90° Fig. 1),
in order that levels may be taken on horizontal and vertical planes, in such
manner that the zero line from a to bis parallel-to-the-longitudinal sides_of_the
rule whilst the other zero line from a¹ to b₁, perpendicular to the first, is parallel
to the ends of the rule. Graduations for 30°, 45°, or any other angle, can be also
marked upon the tube (as shown) in order that the instrument may be adapted
for taking the inclination of slopes and inclines.
The glass tube B is, as far as the zero line (from a to b or a¹ to b¹), filled with
spirit, water, or other suitable liquid and is also provided outside of the aforesaid
graduations with an auxiliary scale in case of an expansion of the liquid.
In the first arrangement (Figs. 3, 4 and 5) of the second mode of making the
instrument a number of separate straight glass tubes B1, B2, B3, B4 are, (as
shown at Figs. 3 to 5) fitted in an appropriate manner within a levelling rule À¹.
The tube B is connected with B, the tube B with B³, the tube B3 with B' and
the tube B with B by means of channels made in the material of the rule A¹
so that this arrangement of tubes and channels forms one continuous ring. The

page_text: graduations correspond to those of the first method (Figs. 1 and 2), and, in this
case also, the fluid comes to one or other of the zero lines whenever the instrument
is held in either the horizontal or vertical position.
The construction of the second example of the second method is, in principle,
exactly the same as the first example and it is only differentiated therefrom by
a circular arrangement A2 of the rule in which the glass tubes g¹, g, g³, are fitted.
The channels of communication between these tubes are made in the arms E
which radiate from the central ring i. It will be seen from the Figs. (6 and 7)
that the channels in the arms connect all the tubes g', g, g³, in the outer ring
with the circular channels and the vertical connecting channels of the inner
ring so that the liquid can flow freely through all the tubes and channels in the
device. As will be seen the tubes are graduated. This mode of construction
is specially applicable for the precise determination of plane surfaces, and for
the trucing of surface plates, foundations, and such like. It is also applicable
for speedily and accurately fitting up levelling instruments.
With, for example an instrument constructed in the manner shown at Figs. 1
and 2, the zero line ab is, as before stated, parallel with the straight edge of
the rule from which it follows that when the liquid rests at this zero or normal
line in the glass tube B the planes being determined are at the proper level.
It is exactly the same no matter whether one of the straight edges of the rule
be placed upon the object being levelled or below it, which latter feature is a
great advantage over such levels as are at present in use, because with them, when
it is required to level an object from below an auxiliary of some kind is necessary
The deviation of the object from the horizontal is indicated in the most precise
manner and the angle of deviation can be read exactly by means of the scale on
the glass tube which is a thing not possible of accomplishment with the ordinary
spirit levels in which the sideward movement of the air bubble is the only
indication..
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
consider novel and desire to claim is: -
1. An universal spirit level or clinometer characterized by a ring shaped tube
or its equivalent which is fitted into a level rule said tube being graduated
quadrantally and filled with a fluid up to the zero line, substantially as set forth.
2. The improved construction of spirit level or clinometer, substantially as
herein before described and shown at Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings annexed.
3. The arrangement of the spirit level or clinometer in which a number of glass
tubes are fitted in the rule and made to communicate with each other by means
of channels formed in the material of the rule, substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings annexed.
4. The construction of the spirit level or clinometer substantially as hereinbefore
described and shown at Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings annexed.
Thatod thin 01at dan of Lonummy
1000
Thated this 21st
day
1000
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
100, Wellington Street, Glasgow, Agent.