Straight-line Light Ray Type Patents (Class 33/227)
  • Patent number: 11788836
    Abstract: Alignment tools are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an alignment tool may include a vertical member comprising a front surface, a back surface, and upper surface between the front surface and the back surface, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface is angled, and at least a portion of the upper surface comprising a reference marker centered along a length of the upper surface; and a plurality of horizontal members attached to the vertical member. The alignment tool may be configured to interact with a laser beam emitted by a laser source such that the vertical member is in alignment when the reference marker is aligned with the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
    Inventors: Brian M. Saiya, Paul Jurina
  • Patent number: 11733508
    Abstract: A foot imprinting device includes a plurality of foot imprinting units each of which includes a base seat, a colored pad disposed on the base seat, and a light transmitting sheet flippably disposed on and covering the colored pad. The light transmitting sheet is movable between a first state, in which the light transmitting sheet is configured to be stepped on by a person, and a second state, in which the light transmitting sheet is configured to show a footprint of a foot of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: HOMEWAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chin-Hsing Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11287251
    Abstract: A support structure having a vertical element supporting a set of cameras associated with a vehicle measurement or inspection system together with at least one target structure required for realignment or recalibration of onboard vehicle safety system sensors. A camera crossbeam carried by the support structure locates the set of cameras as required to view a vehicle undergoing measurement or inspection. The target structure is affixed to the vertical element of the support structure, at an elevation suitable for observation by at least one vehicle onboard sensors during a realignment or recalibration procedure. A set of rollers facilitates positioning of the target structure on a supporting floor surface during a realignment or recalibration procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Brian M. Cejka
  • Patent number: 11287258
    Abstract: A laser projection device with compact frame is provided, as is a corresponding frame or mount for one or more laser projection devices. In one embodiment the frame or mount includes a coupling interface that permits multiple coupling positions with respect to a laser projection device, such as at 90 degree intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel A. Gould, Benjamin T. Jones, Andrew Kenneth Dorscheid, Gregory R. Strommen, Jacob D. Hadfield
  • Patent number: 11156444
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance measuring device, which includes a shell and a laser ranging device provided at the inside and/or the outer surface of the shell. The advantages of the invention lie in that a distance measuring device is provided, which combines the tapeline with the laser ranging device, possessing both short distance measuring and long distance measuring functions, and has such features as simple operation, convenience for carrying, lower cost, high measuring accuracy, etc., being suitable to be widely used in applications such as in the fields of construction work, interior decoration, measurement in danger zone, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: HANGZHOU GREAT STAR INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., HANGZHOU GREAT STAR TOOLS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yueming Li
  • Patent number: 11125877
    Abstract: A system for indicating points equidistant from a line is provided, as well as devices and methods of doing the same. The system may include a housing; and a laser supported by the housing, the laser being configured to emit laser light from the housing in both a first direction and an opposing second direction; wherein the emitted light in the first direction is configured to include an indicator and the emitted light in the second direction is configured to include a corresponding indicator, and wherein the indicator and the corresponding indicator are configured to be projected onto the surface at about the same distances from the point on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Bryan Jayvon McGill
  • Patent number: 11047681
    Abstract: A levelling apparatus includes a housing, a light generation unit, at least one first lens, a second lens, and a holding apparatus. The light generation unit is arranged in the housing, is mounted in an oscillating manner relative to the housing and has at least one light source, to which the at least one first lens for generating a first light plane and the second lens for generating a second light plane are assigned. The holding apparatus includes a first holding element and a second holding element for arranging the at least one first lens and the second lens. The at least one first lens is arranged on the first holding element and the second lens is arranged on the second holding element. The holding apparatus is configured to orient the at least one first lens and the second lens at least substantially perpendicular to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Eric Yuen, Philip Cheung, John Jiang
  • Patent number: 10890446
    Abstract: A surveying device for determining the position of a target, comprising a means for orienting a target axis of the surveying device towards the target point, an angle-measuring functionality for the highly precise detection of the orientation of the target axis, and evaluation means for data storage, a height measuring system for determining a height of the surveying device above the ground by means of triangulation, wherein the height measuring system comprises at least one laser plummet for emitting a laser beam along a standing axis of the surveying device onto a ground point, and a detection unit comprising a line sensor for detecting a diffuse backscattering of the laser beam, and wherein the height measuring system for determining a height of the surveying device above the ground point is designed based on a position of the diffuse backscattering on the line sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Bernhard, Jürg Hinderling, Alice Traber
  • Patent number: 10823558
    Abstract: The invention provides a surveying instrument, which comprises a protractor table installed via an installation base and capable of detecting a lateral rotation angle and a surveying instrument main unit mounted on the protractor table via supporting mechanisms capable of rotating longitudinally, wherein the supporting mechanisms enables the surveying instrument main unit to set in a predetermined angle condition with respect to the protractor table, wherein the surveying instrument main unit comprises a distance measuring unit which has a light emitting element for emitting a distance measuring light, a distance measuring light projecting unit for projecting the distance measuring light, a light receiving unit for receiving a reflected distance measuring light and a photodetector for receiving the reflected distance measuring light and for producing a light receiving signal, and the distance measuring unit performs a distance measurement of an object to be measured based on the light receiving signal from th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: TOPCON Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai
  • Patent number: 10701999
    Abstract: Images can be used to determine the size of an article of clothing matching the physical characteristics of a user. An image can include an article of clothing known to fit well or a representation of a body part, which can comprise the body part itself. Images can also include a reference item. Various techniques are used to determine one or more perspective distortions in the image based on analysis of the reference item and information known about the reference item. The one or more perspective distortions can be accounted for to determine physical characteristics of the article of clothing or the body part associated with the article of clothing. The physical characteristics can be used to determine the size of an article of clothing matching, or corresponding to, the physical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: A9.COM, INC.
    Inventors: Eran Borenstein, Chetan Pitambar Bhole, Erick Cantu-Paz, Arnab Sanat Kumar Dhua, Anish Ramdas Nair
  • Patent number: 10563968
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a distance from the apparatus to an object; the apparatus includes a housing, a retractable-tape, a laser-rangefinder, a controller, a digital-display, and a power supply. The apparatus is useful for providing an improved measuring apparatus for measuring the distance, and for recording a plurality of distances within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Mrozinski
  • Patent number: 10522735
    Abstract: The invention provides a surveying instrument, in which an output shaft of an ultrasonic motor is attachably and detachably connected by a bolt to a lower end of a horizontal shaft of a frame unit supported rotatably in a horizontal direction, a rotating plate is fixed to the output shaft, a vibration generating component is formed on an outer circumferential portion of the rotating plate, a stator in close contact with the vibration generating component via a predetermined friction torque T1 is rotatably provided on the output shaft, the stator is restricted on a rotation by a whirl-stop unit, ultrasonic vibration is generated in the vibration generating component and the output shaft is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: TOPCON Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Tokuda, Satoshi Nakamura, Yosuke Okudaira
  • Patent number: 10338526
    Abstract: A device, system and method for holographic 3D imaging. The device includes a laser light source that delivers a laser beam; an aperture disc including at least two pinholes, the laser beam being filtered by the pinholes so that a reference wave and an object wave are generated; a sample having a first area containing an object to be imaged and a second area without any object, in which the first area and the second area are illuminated by the object wave and the reference wave respectively; and an image sensor that captures an off-axis hologram for reconstructing an image of the object, in which the reference wave and the object wave are interfered on the image sensor and the hologram is captured based on an interference pattern of the reference wave and the object wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Yujie Lu, Yunhui Liu
  • Patent number: 10267948
    Abstract: The disclosed instrument includes not only a compass, but also a laser for the emission of a laser beam arranged to define, together with the laser beam, a direction to a point at a distance from the instrument. The compass housing and the laser are mounted in an instrument housing such that the laser is arranged to emit a laser beam parallel to the direction in which the compass is pointing. The compass housing is a separate unit that can be ejected from and inserted into a cavity in the instrument housing from one of its ends. Opposing grooves are arranged in the cavity in order to position the compass housing in the instrument housing. A lock arrangement is present to lock the compass housing fixed in the instrument housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: HAGLOF SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Stefan Haglof
  • Patent number: 10054441
    Abstract: A building surveying device comprising a base, an upper part supported on the base such that it can rotate about a rotation axis, a sighting unit with a laser source designed for emitting a laser beam, and a laser light detector and an evaluation and control unit. The building surveying device has a plumb point finding functionality which, after being triggered, runs automatically, at least in part, and in the course of which the alignment of the sighting unit is changed under automatic control by the evaluation and control unit with the aid of the first and/or the second rotary drive and as a function of a known, defined first spatial point in such a way that precisely one such second spatial point lying on an object surface is approached and marked by the laser beam, which lies on a vertical plumb line containing the first spatial point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Christian Schorr, Frank Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9919195
    Abstract: A short game golf trainer system in three releasably coupled parts: a horizontal base, a vertical support, and a cantilever horizontal top plate. The base has anchoring features, such as holes for receiving spikes, for anchoring the base to a putting green. The support is preferably one piece of molded plastic. The top plate is generally an irregular hexagonal plate and may have an arcuate front side. When assembled, the top plate is cantilevered from the support. The top plate has a viewing port located nearer the front side than the rear, but spaced apart from the front side by more than half of a golf ball diameter. The viewing port has a diameter less than a golf ball diameter. Top plates may be made in different lengths: longer for putting and shorter for chipping and pitching. Supports may be made in different heights: shorter for putting and higher for chipping and pitching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Dutch Skiver
  • Patent number: 9889021
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, manufacturing processes and the like, for utilizing a series of images of a patient's anatomy to determine an estimation of relevant lengths and angles and other dimensions for use during a hip replacement procedure, which may be used to create one or more femur and/or acetabulum cavity implants or inserts useful in a partial or total hip replacement. In one particular embodiment, a jig mechanism for providing a scraper of the acetabulum cavity may be created with the information of the patient's anatomy. Further, the location of these features in the images may be determined by analyzing the gray scale value of one or more pixels around a selected point on the image. The pixel with the lowest gray scale value may then be assumed to be the edge of the cortical bone in the 2D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Ilwhan Park
  • Patent number: 9664514
    Abstract: A laser level assembly includes a base kit and an adjustment unit which is pivotably connected to the base kit. The adjustment unit has a block, a pivotable member, multiple shafts and multiple bearings. The shafts extends through the bearings and the block such that the block is pivotable relative to the connection member of the base kit, and the pivotably member is pivotable to the block. The pivotable member is connected to the laser level. The pivotable member is pivotable about an axis that is perpendicular to the pivotable axis of the connection member. The laser level is always maintained at a position that the laser beam is parallel to a desired plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Precaster Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Yu Liao
  • Patent number: 9562765
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a measuring system (16) for determining the alignment of a first pulley (10) of a belt drive (12) with respect to a second pulley (14) of the belt drive (12), whereby the measurement system (16) includes a laser light emitting device (18) and a laser light recording device (20), and whereby the method includes Steps A to F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: PRUFTECHNIK DIETER BUSCH AG
    Inventor: Johann Lenz
  • Patent number: 9546861
    Abstract: The invention discloses a 3D laser measuring scanning apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a measurement scanning body; an -axial laser beam outlet and an X-axial reception lens arranged on a side wall of the measurement scanning body, and a Y-axial laser beam outlet and a Y-axial reception lens arranged on another side wall; a Z-axial laser beam outlet and a Z-axial reception lens arranged on the bottom of the measurement scanning body, wherein a groove being open at the side wall with the X-axial laser beam outlet and at the side wall with the Y-axial laser beam outlet is formed in the bottom; a control device placed inside the measurement scanning body and for controlling the emitting of the laser beams from the laser beam outlets when receiving a measurement instruction through a measurement button on the measurement scanning body. A bar code and 2-dimensional bar code scanning laser head, a laser reception lens and a camera are also placed at the bottom of the measurement scanning body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Zhong Jian Lin
  • Patent number: 9532788
    Abstract: A method positions a profile of a prosthetic component on the three-dimensional model of a limb. Patient-specific anatomical data of the limb is gathered. First and second anatomical landmarks are identified to determine a first spatial relationship. A third anatomical landmark is identified to determine a second spatial relationship with respect to the first spatial relationship. The profile of the prosthetic component is positioned in all but one degree of freedom. A fourth anatomical landmark is identified to position the profile of the prosthetic component in the one remaining degree of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Sean Jordan, Michael Dean Hughes, Mark Ellsworth Nadzadi, Brian William McKinnon, Paul Charles Crabtree, Jr., David Timothy Mehl
  • Patent number: 9508244
    Abstract: An implementation of systems, devices and methods for a sensor to find a hidden element behind a surface are provided. The sensor includes a housing with a radiant indicator in a bottom section of the housing. The radiant indicator is translucent and acts as another indication that the sensor is over the hidden element. The sensor also includes a light source, such as an LED, which lights the radiant indicator with a beam, as well as optionally projecting an image on the surface, for example, formed by the bottom section and a top section of the housing. The same light source may also be used to project a second beam to an indicator on the top section of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ZIRCON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry Wingate, Chien-Hsu Chen
  • Patent number: 9303990
    Abstract: A laser beam generating device is provided for generating multiple mutually orthogonal light beams. The device includes a laser light generator that generates at least three output beams. A beamsplitter of the laser light generator has two incident surfaces orientated at forty-five degrees in relation to an optical axis. A first portion of a light from a light source is incident on a first of the two incident surfaces and output as a first output beam in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis. A second portion of the light is incident on a second of the two incident surfaces and output as a second output beam in a second direction opposite the first direction. The light source is arranged in relation to the beamsplitter such that a third portion of the light bypasses the beamsplitter and forms a third output beam projected parallel to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Bascom, Kun Chang, Jia Yong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9285215
    Abstract: A system for alignment of a pulley system and a method of use are provided. A laser alignment tool includes an arcuate front surface having a target pattern of parallel vertical lines. The tool is provided with a laser light source that projects a laser light beam through an aperture in the front surface. A pair of laser alignment tools may be mounted on two pulleys of a pulley system such that the laser light beams are displayed on the target pattern of the opposite laser alignment tool. In the event of a misalignment, the laser light beams displayed on the target patterns do not align with the vertical lines thereon. A user may adjust the pulleys so that the laser light beams produced by each laser alignment tool are aligned with the vertical lines of the opposite laser alignment tool to achieve alignment of the pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Michael A. Olszewski
  • Patent number: 9239227
    Abstract: The invention discloses a portable and movable 3D laser measuring device, comprising: a measurement body; an X-axial laser beam outlet and an X-axial reception lens arranged on a side wall of the measurement body, and a Y-axial laser beam outlet and a Y-axial reception lens arranged on another side wall; a Z-axial laser beam outlet and a Z-axial reception lens arranged on the bottom of the measurement body, and a groove formed in the bottom and being open at the side wall with the X-axial laser beam outlet and at the side wall with the Y-axial laser beam outlet; a control device placed inside the measurement body and configured to control the emitting of the laser beams from the laser beam outlets when receiving a measurement instruction through a measurement button on the measurement body. By using the 3D laser measuring device, the three dimensions of a shipping box can be easily measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: Zhong Jian Lin
  • Patent number: 9074875
    Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for relative positioning of an appliance having a shaft end in relation to fastening elements which are arranged at a distance to the longitudinal axis of the shaft end and at a distance in front of the end of the shaft end and is disposed for generation of a first and a second light fan which extend symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the shaft end and form light lines extending over the end of the shaft end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Aliba Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Hunze
  • Publication number: 20140363030
    Abstract: A relocating device for locating and relocating a first object relative to a second object includes at least one light source, and a power source. The at least one light source is for producing at least two beams of light wherein each beam of light is capable of defining a beam location point on the second object. The at least one light source is operably connected to the first object. The power source is operably connected to the at least one light source. The relocating device also includes a means for defining the beam location point. A method of locating and relocating a first object relative to a second object is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Darren Glen Atkinson, Keith Louis Haughton
  • Patent number: 8881390
    Abstract: A process for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed comprises: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Frank DiLorenzo
  • Patent number: 8806767
    Abstract: A laser instrument and a method for adjusting the laser power is disclosed. The laser instrument includes a laser device which generates a laser beam and a rotating device which moves the laser device back and forth around an axis of rotation between a first turning point and a second turning point. The laser beam generates a laser line between a first end point and a second end point on a target surface. A control device is provided which adjusts the laser power of the laser beam as a function of a rotation angle and/or an angular velocity of the rotating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Winter, Sasha Lukic, Lieu-Kim Dang
  • Publication number: 20140196293
    Abstract: A surveying instrument which comprises a rotation unit 7 adapted to direct a distance measuring optical axis to an object to be measured and the rotary drive unit 5 rotates the rotation unit, comprising a rotary motor for rotating an output shaft 6 and a clutch unit for connecting or disconnecting the rotary motor and the output shaft, wherein the rotary motor and the clutch unit are arranged in a series along the output shaft, and the output shaft is fixed to the rotation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Jun-ichi Kodaira, Naoto Miki
  • Publication number: 20140197838
    Abstract: A setting apparatus configured for setting and/or adjusting an attachment position of an attachment element for attaching a housing cover of a magnetic resonance apparatus in relation to a magnetic center of a magnet unit is provided. The setting apparatus includes a base plate unit, an attachment unit for attaching the base plate unit to the magnet unit and a setting unit. The setting unit includes at least two laser beam units for marking the attachment position of the attachment element for attaching the housing cover to the magnet unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Peter Distler, Peter Kasper, Bernd Maciejewski, Ingo Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140033552
    Abstract: An aperture ratio measurement sensing device is provided. The aperture ratio measurement sensing device comprising a light sensing module and a signal measurement module is used for measuring a distance/angle to which a motion object in a use state is moved/opened with respect to an opening portion. The light sensing module is disposed on a structure of a building near the motion object. The signal measurement module is used for measuring a light signal received by the light sensing module, and determining the aperture ratio of the opening portion according to the intensity of the light signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
  • Patent number: 8621759
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a light source which produces a first radiation within a first wavelength range and which produces a second radiation within a second wavelength range when a property of the light source is changed. The apparatus further comprises an optical device which receives the first radiation and attenuates the first radiation to emit a first attenuated radiation having a first perceived brightness. The optical device also receives the second radiation and attenuates the second radiation to emit a second attenuated radiation having a second perceived brightness. The first and second perceived brightnesses are approximately equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Canada Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Jacob Reimer
  • Publication number: 20130174432
    Abstract: An attachment device 46 is for attaching and removing a distance measuring instrument 3 to and from an angle measuring instrument, and the attachment device comprises a base unit 61 where the distance measuring instrument is fixed, a fixing unit 55 for fixing the base unit on the angle measuring instrument, and an optical member 52 for deflecting a distance measuring light from the distance measuring instrument so as to concur with a sighting optical axis of the angle measuring instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventor: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
  • Publication number: 20130167384
    Abstract: A laser centering tool for surface areas used to find the center point of a surface. The laser centering tool uses single or multiple laser sources to project a plurality of lines on a horizontal or vertical surface. It may comprise of multiple lasers, rotational plates, prism, beam splitter, gear housing, and/or a gear mechanism. At least one center laser line remains stationary between at least two edge laser lines. The edge lasers may be moved to outline the edge of a surface. At least one center laser projects a beam that indicates the center point of the edge lasers. The edge laser lines may be moved by rotational plates, a set of mirrors, or prism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Chris Olexa
  • Patent number: 8353112
    Abstract: A signal emitting or receiving pointer and method for its use to enable the determination of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry. The pointer has emitters or receivers installed on the pointer and the signals sent or received as the gantry is rotated allow the calculation of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas G. Zacharopoulos, Robert Boyd
  • Publication number: 20130000133
    Abstract: A rotary laser irradiating system, comprising a light emitting unit (41, 42) for emitting a laser beam, a rotator for forming a reference plane by projecting the laser beam by rotary irradiation, a tilt driving unit (21) for tilting the reference plane, a control unit (35) for controlling a light emission of the light emitting unit, and a tilted axis indicating means (35, 44) for turning off the laser beam so as to form a tilted reference axis indicating range in a tilt setting reference axis direction for setting a tilt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventor: Jun-ichi Kodaira
  • Patent number: 8321167
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying instrument, which comprises rotating units operated rotatably, supporting units to support the rotating units, a reflection mirror portion provided on one of the supporting unit or the rotating unit, tilt sensors arranged on the other of the supporting unit and the rotating unit and for projecting a detecting light and for detecting a relative tilting of the reflection surface of the reflection mirror portion with respect to the supporting unit by receiving the detecting light reflected by the reflection mirror portion, and a control unit for calculating an unsteadiness of rotation of the rotating unit based on a signal from the tilt sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Yasuhito Haijima, Kaoru Kumagai
  • Patent number: 8302318
    Abstract: An aiming system is disclosed. The aiming system may be used with various slingshot and projectile-launching devices, but is particularly useful for use with “shoot-over” slingshots. The aiming system comprises a clip or other device with an integrated aiming or sighting system. In the preferred embodiment, the integrated aiming system comprises a plurality of fiber optic strands disposed within the clip and terminating at the rearward face of the clip. In this matter, the tips of the fiber optic strands provide a series of illuminated points allowing the user of a device to look forward while shooting and to align the points with the target. The points may be color coded to aid in the aiming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Charles A. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20120198711
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with three-dimensional laser position systems are described. In one embodiment, a system includes first and second vertical laser plane transmitters and a horizontal laser plane transmitter. The first and second vertical laser plane transmitters are configured to emit first and second vertical laser planes, respectively, that are each rotatable about rotational axes. The horizontal laser plane transmitter has a fixed position relative to the rotational axis of the second vertical laser plane transmitter and emits a horizontal laser plane that is rotatable to position the horizontal laser plane at a pitch angle. The system is configured to translate between a three dimensional coordinate and positions of the first and second vertical laser transmitters and the horizontal laser transmitter, respectively, that will cause the first and second vertical laser planes and the horizontal laser plane to intersect at a the three dimensional coordinate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: James N. HAYES
  • Patent number: 8209874
    Abstract: A frame construction tool system, for wood frame buildings, or for metal, polymer, concrete, or composite frame buildings, and methods of using some or all of the tools of said tool system, are particularly well-adapted for roof and/or wall construction. Preferably, a laser light unit comprises a plurality of adjustments for directing the laser light in a variety of directions, preferably for vertical, horizontal, and pivotal adjustment. The laser light unit may be used with targets, cuttings guides, and/or prism units for splitting and/or redirecting the laser beam. In one embodiment, the laser light unit is used with reflective and/or translucent/transparent targets to accurately build a “build-over roof” wherein the laser light unit maps out points and lines of an accurate connection between the roofs. In another embodiment, the laser light unit is used with one or more targets used at the top of a stud wall, to produce a straight line reference from one end/corner of a wall to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Tri-Walker, LLC
    Inventors: Randy L Tribble, Scott E Moore, Michael A Walker
  • Publication number: 20120137528
    Abstract: A guidance system is used with a striping tool for creating a straight line on a surface. The guidance system has a dust resistant housing, a laser, a power supply, and a laser support arm. The dust resistant housing has an opening through which a laser beam may pass. The laser is disposed within the housing and aligned such that a beam from the laser will pass through the opening. The power supply provides power to the laser. The laser support arm is pivotally affixed to the striping tool. The housing is affixed to the arm such that the laser within the housing is aligned to pivot in a plane perpendicular to the surface and along a straight line created by the striping tool. The arm is pivotal to allow projection of a beam from the laser to the surface in the direction of movement of the striping tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Perry B. Bloodworth
  • Publication number: 20120042529
    Abstract: A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. The laser light planes also project lines that will intersect along the ceiling at a point that is truly plumb above the crossing point on the floor. The laser planes also provide an “implied” plumb line that is projected in space, which is visible along a solid vertical surface to between the intersecting floor and ceiling points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: James N. Hayes, Chris W. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20110314684
    Abstract: A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. The laser light planes also project lines that will intersect along the ceiling at a point that is truly plumb above the crossing point on the floor. The laser planes also provide an “implied” plumb line that is projected in space, which is visible along a solid vertical surface between the intersecting floor and ceiling points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: James N. Hayes, Chris W. Snyder
  • Patent number: 7979992
    Abstract: What is new in this invention, it is the complete automation of the remote marking process. It is completely computer controlled and made possible by laser printer type marking/pointer equipment. Also, completely new is the concept of embedding digital information into a laser beam or other coherent information vector and attaching this way data/information to any object or place. New is the idea of using a discrete information vector not only as a beacon but also as a selector for the marking of more than one target objects. New is the idea of completely software controlled computerized digital marking of places or objects for closing motion control loops. No on-site human operators/soldiers needed. No position sensors needed anymore, nothing is bolted down, easy to reconfigure any environment. The invention is a major step in robotics and controls, improving considerably the eye-hand coordination of robots, making fully possible the action of the digital world on the real/physical world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Zoltan Filep
  • Patent number: 7954246
    Abstract: The transmitter has a generally flat, circuit board stator, a rotor including a plurality of magnets mounted in a ring around a central opening, and a bearing, supporting the rotor for rotation about an axis that extends through the central opening, A pentaprism assembly including an optics holder is mounted on the rotor for rotation therewith. The pentaprism assembly receives a beam of laser light through the central opening and redirects at least a portion of the laser light outward in a direction normal to the rotation axis. A laser source, mounted on the stator, provides a beam of laser light through the central opening to the pentaprism assembly. The beam of laser light is aligned with the rotation axis. The laser source includes a collimating lens positioned within the rotor. A shield plate of magnetic material beneath the stator exerts a force on the rotor in conjunction with the magnets, taking play out of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Ayman Hajmousa, Michael F. Glantz, James N. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20110099821
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an image calibration device integrated with an optical locater. The image calibration device includes an image calibrator and the optical locater. The image calibrator can be arranged on an image capturing device to act as a reference to calibrate the image taken by the image capturing device. The optical locater has at least one pointing light source, which is located on a surface of the image calibrator, so that the pointing light source is used to assist in marking the location aimed by the image calibrator, thereby realizing the area captured by the image capturing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: AccuMIS Inc.
    Inventors: Jia-Jyun Hong, Ming-Chang Wu, Hung-Sheng Tien, Chi-Bin Wu
  • Publication number: 20110066399
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote object or a size of the remote object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Manish Mahajan
  • Publication number: 20100257985
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus for measuring paper for the scrapbooker. Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of use of an apparatus for measuring paper for the scrapbooker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Cindy Hall
  • Patent number: 7797843
    Abstract: An optical sight comprises an elongate housing defining a light channel. A lens is provided at one end of the light channel and has a partially reflecting surface. A laser diode is energised by a pulsating electric current delivered by a battery powered energising circuit, and the energised laser diode emits light towards the reflecting surface to produce a light spot by direct imaging of the laser diode on the surface. The light spot shall be superimposed on the target when sighting through the light channel from the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: GS Development AB
    Inventors: Valerie Anne Scott, Alan Edward Green, Euan Morrison