Abstract: A method for mechanically communicating, from a user to a laser tracker, a command to control operation of the laser tracker includes providing the tracker with an angular encoder, providing a rule of correspondence between each command and each rotational pattern of a portion of a tracker, and selecting a first command. Also, rotating by the user, between first and second times, the portion of the tracker in a first rotational pattern, the first rotational pattern corresponds to the first command, and obtaining a collection of first angular readings from the angular encoder, wherein the angular readings are obtained between the first and second times. Also, determining the first command based at least in part on processing the first angular readings according to the rule of correspondence, and executing the first command with the tracker.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for computer modeling of amplitude modulated light in dispersive optical systems. Ray tracings are extended to include calculations of the modulated phase for the rays. Examples are given for electronic distance measurement instrument applications.

Abstract: Lessons of the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attack (9/11), the Aug. 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina, the Mar. 11, 2011 tsunami off the coast of Tohoku Japan and ensuing Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant malfunction, and the Oct. 29, 2012 Hurricane Sandy are incorporated. Methods are disclosed for rapidly establishing alternate electronic messaging for person-to-person communications in a large-scale emergency. Details for constructing electronic access addresses comprised in part by subscriber telephone numbers and an event identifier, allows the provider to establish a default system with no specific information from the user while allowing the user to access the messages in a systematic way. No registration or passwords are required, which allows free access to all interested parties. Methods are disclosed to reunite lost pets with owners and employ cloud computing and data storage services to provide the equipment on an as needed basis.

Abstract: The invention extends classical time-invariant optical design to include optical amplitude modulated light, using tools from communications theory. Effects of dispersion are derived from first principles.

Abstract: Lessons of the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attack (9/11) and Hurricane Katrina are incorporated. Methods are disclosed for rapidly establishing alternate electronic messaging for person-to-person communications in a large-scale emergency. Details for constructing electronic access addresses comprised in part by subscriber telephone numbers and an event identifier, allows the provider to establish a default system with no specific information from the user while allowing the user to access the messages in a systematic way. No registration or passwords are required, which allows free access to all interested parties. Expedited contact of lost pet owners and parents, as well as identification of the dead, is provided.

Abstract: A method of conveying information to a user of a coordinate measurement device, includes providing a first target projector, sending a first light beam from the device to a retroreflector; receiving a second light beam from the retroreflector; measuring the orientational and translational sets, the translational set based on the second light beam; selecting first information to be conveyed from the group consisting of one or more positions on the object, a direction indicated by a moving pattern, a message that includes one or more symbols or alphanumeric characters, a hidden feature, a measured object characteristic, a modeled characteristic, a magnified representation of surface characteristics, a pattern having meaning according to a rule, and combinations thereof; determining a first light pattern corresponding to the information; storing the first light pattern; and projecting the first light pattern onto the object based on the translational and orientational sets.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, pressure vessel, or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analyses includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: A method for mechanically communicating, from a user to a laser tracker, a command to control operation of the laser tracker includes providing the tracker with an angular encoder, providing a rule of correspondence between each command and each rotational pattern of a portion of a tracker, and selecting a first command. Also, rotating by the user, between first and second times, the portion of the tracker in a first rotational pattern, the first rotational pattern corresponds to the first command, and obtaining a collection of first angular readings from the angular encoder, wherein the angular readings are obtained between the first and second times. Also, determining the first command based at least in part on processing the first angular readings according to the rule of correspondence, and executing the first command with the tracker.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for easily locating an underground septic tank, distribution box, field line, conduit, or underground cavity is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, prescribed acoustic signals are injected into an underground cavity via an accessible port and remotely detected by a time synchronized detector in contact with the ground which cross correlates the detected signal with a duplicate of the prescribed acoustic signal in order to reject background noise, and thus locate the underground cavity. A frequency sweep is conducted to exploit cavity resonance modes and thus further enhance the signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: Acoustic waves are transmitted bidirectionally through-the-earth in a simple robust architecture in combination with signal-to-roise reduction techniques which ensure the ability to communicate using simple tools available in a mine. An enhanced version includes a personal electronics device designed to be carried by a miner to automatically decode acoustically transmitted text messages.

Abstract: A method of relocating a portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) from a first location to a second location, wherein the AACMM has, at the first location, a first origin point and a first frame of reference and, at the second location, a second origin point and a second frame of reference, the method including the steps of: measuring an amount of tilt of the portable AACMM along two perpendicular directions, each of which are approximately perpendicular to a gravity vector, with the portable AACMM in each of the first and second locations; measuring a first target and a second target with the portable AACMM in the first location to obtain, in the first frame of reference, a first set of x, y, and z coordinates and a second set of x, y, and z coordinates; measuring the first target and the second target with the portable AACMM in the second location to obtain, in the second frame of reference, a third set of x, y, and z coordinates and a fourth set of x, y, and z coordinates; and finding

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes; comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM), comparison to historical data, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby a laser-based spherical coordinate measurement system is dynamically calibrated. A mechanical oscillator, such as, but not limited to, a Foucault pendulum is used to generate periodic motions which can be fitted to Fourier series models. The residuals between the experimental measurements and the model can provide information which can be used to calibrate the instrument. The calibration information is used to augment the ASME B89.4.19-2006 standard to improve sensitivity to cyclic errors and include the servo systems.

Abstract: The invention extends classical time-invariant optical design to include optical amplitude modulated light, using tools from communications theory. Effects of dispersion are derived from first principles.

Abstract: A portable light intended for mounting on a garment as support includes two LED light sources spaced apart towards the rear of the portable light. A clipped base below on anchor facilitates locating a garment between the anchor and the base, and a spring action urges the base toward the anchor. A hingedly movable head for the LEDs is mounted on the housing to move to and form the housing. An opening of the housing causes a switch in the housing to move between an opened and closed position such that a circuit actives or deactivates the LED lights when the head opens or closes relative to the housing.

Abstract: A protective case which includes two mating case components and a liner extending between a peripheral area for mating engagement to ensure a relatively sealed relationship when the case components are closed. A latch face is a single elongated element on the front and has two spaced interlocking components to cooperate with hooks in the opposite case component.

Abstract: A portable light intended for mounting on a garment as support includes two LED light sources spaced apart towards the rear of the portable light. A clipped base below on anchor facilitates locating a garment between the anchor and the base, and a spring action urges the base toward the anchor. A hingedly movable head for the LEDs is mounted on the housing to move to and form the housing. An opening of the housing causes a switch in the housing to move between an opened and closed position such that a circuit actives or deactivates the LED lights when the head opens or closes relative to the housing.

Abstract: Multidirectional retroreflectors and methods of reflecting light beams from multiple directions are provided. The multidirectional retroreflectors utilize a four-mirror retroreflector with a common virtual reflection point.