Abstract: A construction laser tool which projects a plumb beam is provided with a marking template, movable and separate from the tool's housing but securable to the housing, for transferring a point on a floor to the laser beam or, in another case, for transferring the beam to locate a point on the floor. The template has a marker such as a hole to receive a pencil, and the marker is positioned under the laser tool housing, on the vertical line of the plumb beam where the floor point of interest cannot be seen, when the plumb beam is projected at a point on the ceiling. To accurately mark the floor point, the user holds the template in place on the floor and moves the laser tool away to gain access to mark the point. The reverse procedure is used to align the plumb beam over a known point on the floor. Several arrangements involving sliding templates are disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for use in checking the level or grade of the ground surface in a construction area or site using a daylight visible wavelength semiconductor laser diode module to project a laser beam from the location of interest to a location where the elevation or the amount of cut or fill is known. The tool is a relatively small, hand-held and compact device that utilizes batteries contained within the tool to power the laser diode. The laser diode module fits within a module plug that fits within a module plug compartment in the front of the tool. A front end cap encloses the laser diode module and the module plug in the tool. The laser beam emitted from the tool is in axial alignment with an edge or ridge on outside surface of the tool. A bubble level ensures that the tool is held parallel to the ground during use.

Abstract: A plumb apparatus is described in two embodiments having common operational and construction features. In a first embodiment, a beam projector is mounted within an upper end of an elongate pipe which is slidingly fit in an angularly pivotable mounting. The lower end of the pipe is formed with a point adapted to contact a target point on a supporting surface when a base in which the angularly pivotable mounting is held is placed on the surface. A bi-axial level is attached to the upper end of the pipe to ascertain vertical orientation of the pipe, which orientation is maintained by the weight of the base structure which is in contact with the supporting surface. The beam projector is activated to project a beam to a target point on the ceiling above. According to the second preferred embodiment, a beam projector is mounted into an upper end of a pipe, the lower end of which is mounted into a ball. The ball is placed into a cup which is engaged by a clamp cover having an opening through which the pipe extends.

Abstract: A device for displaying a center position of a laser beam in a vertical-degree measuring system comprises a light receiving device constituted by photosensors and a liquid crystal display panel for displaying a light receiving position. The light receiving device and the liquid crystal display panel are integrally fixed with coordinate axes registered on a vertical line. A center portion of a laser beam is subjected to data processing by an arithmetically processing section from a laser beam receiving position of the light receiving device to display a center point on the liquid crystal display panel. Since the center position displayed on the liquid crystal panel is registered with the center position of the laser beam received by the light receiving device, it is possible to directly access to the display position to utilize it as a reference point for a setting-out.

Abstract: A system for use in construction or similar activities, for layout of points or lines using a projected laser beam includes a remotely controlled turntable unit having a rotatable turntable for receiving a portable, hand-carryable self-leveling laser projecting instrument. The portable self-leveling laser instrument preferably has a relatively wide self-leveling range, such as up to about 4.degree. in two axes, and is useful in layout operations separate from the remote turntable. When placed on the remote turntable unit, the direction of pointing of the laser or lasers from the instrument can be controlled by the operator from a distance, through operation of a hand-held remote unit having directional buttons which control a motor of the turntable unit. Provision can be included for measuring angles on the turntable unit, for varying the speed of rotation of the turntable, as by holding down one of the buttons, and for generating a preselected angle (such as 90.degree.) from a remote position.

Abstract: A compact, low-cost, hand-held builder's tool for use in defining reference lines perpendicular and parallel to a specified surface. The tool comprises a housing that is generally small enough to fit conveniently in the user's hand and that includes a battery-powered laser for projecting a visible laser beam through an exit window in the housing over an extended range. An on-board alignment mechanism is provided within the housing for adjusting and setting the alignment of the laser beam in fixed disposition for establishing an accurate reference line. The housing has two generally parallel broad faces joined by a plurality of connecting faces extending substantially perpendicular to the broad faces. One of the broad faces and two of the perpendicular connecting faces taken together define three reference planes that are mutually perpendicular to one another within a margin sufficiently small that the tool has an accuracy suitable for use over an extended range of at least about 20 ft (about 6.1 m).

Abstract: A self leveling laser plumb assembly having a battery powered laser unit, a laser unit mounting support, and at least three support legs secured to the bottom of a gimbal ring assembly. The top end of the laser unit mounting support removably receives the laser beam unit. The laser unit mounting support vertically aligns itself by gravity. This allows a beam of light from the laser unit to be directed upwardly to a surface where a predetermined spot can be marked.

Abstract: In a projected light plumb device which is buoyantly supported within a fluid-filled container on a float platform which is horizontally supported by the fluid, an improvement wherein the float platform is inclined upwardly from its outer diameter to its inner diameter on its lower surface which rests in the fluid to allow any developed air bubbles on the lower surface of the float platform to escape. Improvements also include a locator plate to align the container. The locator plant has apertures to view and align a locator mark on the surface on which the device is placed with indicia on the locator plate.

Abstract: An improved tribrach device for attaching an optical sighting instrument to a support such as a tripod. The tribrach device includes a pivotable locking ring for securing the legs of the sighting instrument to the tribrach. The locking ring is biased towards its locked position and is easily unlocked when desired. A laser beam is projected upwardly and downwardly along a vertical axis.

Abstract: A laser marker which includes a casing having a battery chamber covered by a lid, a level bearing plate fastened to the casing at the bottom, a level mounted on the level bearing plate above the casing, adjustment rack pivotably fastened to the casing by two spring-supported locating plates and two axle caps to hold a light concentrator, a rotary socket covered by a lens cover to hold a lens in line with the light concentrator, whereby the adjustment rack is turned on the casing and retained in the desired angle by the locating plates, and the rotary socket is turned on the adjustment rack to let the light of the light concentrator be emitted through the lens and formed into a light spot or a line of light projected on an object.

Abstract: An automatic plumb, level, pointing and distance measuring tool uses a visible laser diode to project a beam in any of several different modes through a beam exit window. The tool, approximately the size and shape of a tape measure, can be placed on one edge to project a tilt-compensated vertical beam. Placed on another edge 90.degree.-rotated, the tool projects through the same exit window a tilt-compensated horizontal beam. When laid on either of its larger flat sides, the tilt compensation becomes inoperative and the tool projects a beam which is fixed relative to the housing. Acoustic distance measurement is facilitated using a second component or target side device which receives both a light beam an acoustic signal simultaneously projected from the laser tool across a space to be measured. A receiver in the target side device first detects arrival of a characteristically modulated or pulsed light beam, received at a photodetector on the target side device, and then receives the acoustic signal.

Abstract: In the surveying for construction work carried out prior to actual construction to set up new stations serving as references of the construction work, measurements to set up various angles are contemplated, but it will be readily understood, from the viewpoint of many buildings or structure being based on the right angles, that most angle measerments are made to set up the right angles. A surveying machine for construction work is provided with a rotating projector adapted for rotational projection of at least a pair of laser beams in planes being perpendicular to each other so that new stations in a vertical plane, new station in another vertical plane being perpendicular to the first-mentioned vertical plane or new stations in a horizontal plane may be easily set up merely by observing the pair of laser beams intersecting perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: A plumb device includes a direction determination unit suspended on an upper, movable, convexed portion of a universal joint. A lower, fixed, concaved portion of the movable joint is rigidly connected to a stand by means of a housing. The lower joint part has a lubricant supply line through which a lubricant can be introduced to a groove located on the upper joint part and positioned so as to be between the upper and lower joint parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to projected light plumb device generally utilized in vertically aligning a floor position with a corresponding ceiling position in which a light projecting device is buoyantly supported within a fluid filled container. The light projecting device is selectively mounted on a float platform which is horizontally supported by the fluid in such a manner that regardless of the floor's inclination, the light projecting device will transmit a beam of light along a perfectly vertical line.

Abstract: An automatic plumb, level, pointing and distance measuring tool uses a visible laser diode to project a beam in any of several different modes through a beam exit window. The tool, approximately the size and shape of a tape measure, can be placed on one edge to project a tilt-compensated vertical beam. Placed on another edge 90.degree.-rotated, the tool projects through the same exit window a tilt-compensated horizontal beam. When laid on either of its larger flat sides, the tilt compensation becomes inoperative and the tool projects a beam which is fixed relative to the housing. Acoustic distance measurement is facilitated using a second component or target side device which is activated to send an acoustic signal across a space to be measured, toward the laser tool. A receiver in the laser tool detects arrival of the acoustic signal and causes the laser to project a characteristically modulated or pulsed beam, received at a photodetector on the target side device.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for accurately and precisely locating specific points on ceilings or, alternatively, on the the same horizontal plane. A light emitting means, a pendulum, a support, and two cylindrical rods act in concert to provide a light beam that is always plumb or always horizontally level.

Abstract: A device for centering geodetic instruments over defined ground marks or defined position marks is described, in which a visible light beam is projected onto a ground mark or position mark. In an advantageous additional feature, the light beam of the invention can be used to measure the distance between the sighting line of the geodetic instrument and the sighted ground mark or position mark.

Abstract: A laser compass projects a laser beam along an axis. A mirror is rotated within a rotation plane perpendicular to the axis. The mirror is pivotally adjusted relative to the axis of the laser beam to reflect the laser beam at an angle ".alpha.". As the mirror rotates, the reflected laser beam is swept through an inverted cone having an apex at the point of intersection of the laser beam with the mirror, and having a base on whatever projection surface happens to be located above the laser compass (typically, a ceiling). The base of the cone defines a perfect circle on the projection surface. The radius "r" of the circle is governed by the distance "d" between the projection surface and the intersection of the laser beam with the mirror; and, by the angle .alpha.. The mirror pivot angle .alpha. required to yield a circle of desired radius "r" is given by the formula:tan .alpha.

Abstract: An automatic plumb, level and pointing tool uses a visible laser diode to project a beam in any of three different modes through a beam exit window. The tool, approximately the size and shape of a tape measure, can be placed on one edge to project a tilt-compensated vertical beam. Placed on another edge 90.degree.-rotated, the tool projects through the same exit window a tilt-compensated horizontal beam. When laid on either of its larger flat sides, the tilt compensation becomes inoperative and the tool projects a beam which is fixed relative to the housing. In a preferred embodiment, separate pendulous or cantilevered mirrors are used for vertical and horizontal tilt correction and are selected by the influence of gravity as the tool is laid on one edge or the other. In further described embodiments, two separate laser diodes may be used, or the laser tool may be intergrated with other tools such as a tape measure or a squaring tool.

Abstract: A method wherein a light emitting device, such as a laser, is used to precisely measure strike measurements of planar geologic features; for example, bedding planes, fractures, or fold axes. A pre-existing survey line between two spads is first located on a plan view map of the mine. A tape measure is placed between the two located spads in the mine. A laser is then placed on the planar surface to be measured, and the instrument leveled. The laser unit in the instrument is activated and the beam located at its intersection with the tape measure. The location point of the laser unit on the wall of the mine is marked on a mine map, the point on the tape where the beam intersects the tape is marked on a mine map, and a line is drawn between the two points. This line defines the strike of the planar feature relative to the survey line.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth for providing vertical alignment and indication of a fixture positioning within a dwelling relative to a floor plan reference point, wherein the apparatus includes a laser oscillator mounted within a lower first housing coaxially aligned through a second and third upper coaxially aligned housing to focus a laser beam onto the ceiling surface of the associated dwelling. A spherical housing is provided medially of the coaxially aligned first and second housings and includes support members for positioning of the housing upon a support surface, such as a floor, or optionally utilizes ring members and associated tether lines to suspend the organization relative to vertical support surfaces.

Abstract: There is proposed an instrument for determining true bearing during daytime using the sun as a reference preferably for use together and as an attachment to known angular measuring instruments, such as geniometers, the instrument consisting of a shadow producing member to produce a shadow on a reference member. The shadow is to be cast at a predetermined location on the reference member when the shadow producing member is exactly aligned with the sun.

Abstract: A tool for use in establishing a precise level line or plumb line or line for alignment uses a visible laser diode for projecting the line. The tool is relatively small and compact, drives the laser diode using batteries contained in the tool, and includes tilt compensation for use on surfaces which are not level, up to about 5.degree. off level, for still delivering a truly plumb or truly horizontal beam. A manual selector device is provided for shifting the beam from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation when desired. Specific forms of tilt compensation apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating the vertical axis of symmetry of a sace of horizontal circular cross-section. The apparatus has a plumb structure that establishes a vertical line of sight, and a horizontal translating structure that preselectedly locates the plumb in the two horizontal dimensions. The plumb has at least three arms whose ends are constrained to lie on a circular perimeter which, because the arms are fixed to the plumb, is horizontally disposed. The translating structure and the arms are manipulated so that the end of the arms touch the surface, constraining the line of sight to be colinear with the axis of symmetry. A laser can make the axis visible. The apparatus and method are useable to locate the focal axis and focus of a parabolic antenna.

Abstract: A tool for use in establishing a precise level line or plumb line or line for alignment uses a visible laser diode for projecting the line. The tool is relatively small and compact, drives the laser diode using batteries contained in the tool, and includes tilt compensation for use on surfaces which are not level, up to about 5.degree. off level, for still delivering a truly plumb or truly horizontal beam. A manual selector device is provided for shifting the beam from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation when desired. Specific forms of tilt compensation apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: An external axis parallel alignment sytem is provided for monitoring and adjusting the alignment of conduits employed to form substantially vertically disposed pipe strings prior to joining a conduit to a previously installed conduit so that the conduits are aligned and have a common central axis extending therethrough. The apparatus employed in the alignment of the conduits includes a signal generating unit capable of producing a signal representative of a vertical plumb line of the conduit being joined to a previously installed conduit, and a target element adapted to receive the signal from the signal generating unit. The apparatus further includes support and connecting assemblies for connecting the signal generating unit and target element to the conduits being aligned and joined.

Abstract: A laser measuring device which comprises a horizontal rail, a vertical pole slidable on the horizontal rail, a laser source mounted on the vertical pole for sliding movement in the longitudinal direction of the vertical pole, a ferromagnetic web provided on each of the horizontal rail and the vertical pole and extending in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal rail or the vertical pole, respectively, a self-retractable tape measure provided on each of the horizontal rail and the vertical pole and extractable in the longitudinal direction, a paramagnetic member attached to the leading end of each tape measure; and an engaging member provided on the leading end of each tape measure and engageable with the base portion of the vertical pole or the mounting base of the laser source.

Abstract: An optical system for measuring azimuth and elevation angular data for making a shadowgraph of an object under study. The system includes a pair of scaled assemblies which are secured together perpendicular to each other, with each of the scaled assemblies having degree markings thereon. An object under study, such as a scale model of an aircraft, is positioned within an imaginary sphere formed by the two scaled assemblies. Azimuth and elevation angular measurements are then obtained by the use of laser systems as the model aircraft is rotated within the imaginary sphere of the ring assemblies.

Abstract: A solar sight having a scale calibrated in terms of solar declination angle and reflector angle is provided with diffraction pattern forming means comprising a movable sighting tube which, when directed at the sun, provides a Fresnel pattern on a viewing surface, which pattern indicates when said sighting tube is in proper alignment such that its axis is parallel to that of the incoming rays of the sun. The solar sight is portable and may be moved about on a heliostat so as to adjust the operation of the heliostat clock drive to agree with local sun time and to adjust the heliostat reflector tilt angle so that the sun's rays are reflected along or parallel to the polar axis. Movement of the sighting tube causes the movement of a vernier plate bearing an index which permits readout of the solar declination in degrees north or south declination. The vernier scale permits the reading of solar declination angles to 0.1.degree. and the establishment of reflector angles to 0.2.degree..

Abstract: A viewing angle measuring device for automotive vehicles. The measuring device includes an elliptical template representing a so-called visual ellipse. The template is arranged in the vehicle in a prescribed position with respect to a driver's seat regarding a center position and an axial inclination. A measuring beam projector may be guided with its optical axis and/or with a measuring beam tangentially along a governing curve of the elliptical template. A goniometer, continuously indicating the viewing angle, is connected to the measuring beam projector to determine the beam direction with respect to a reference plane as a measure of the viewing angle.

Abstract: An apparatus including a source of a coherent light beam of low divergence for quickly and simultaneously establishing a plurality of reference lines or planes for use in leveling, squaring, plumbing, and other alignment functions and for controlling the operation of construction equipment is disclosed. The apparatus includes feet for supporting the housing on a surface, the feet being attached to the housing through an alignment and leveling device that permits adjustment of the orientation of the housing relative to the surface. The alignment and leveling device may be controlled in part by a pair of level vials which, when the feet support the housing on a substantially horizontal surface, have substantially horizontal axis that are perpendicular to one another. The level vials actuate a motor drive servomechanism that adjusts that housing relative to the surface until the axis of each level vial is horizontal.

Abstract: Plumbing devices (10,30,60) are described comprising a source of light in a gimbal system (12,13,51,72) for providing two oppositely directed aligned vertically oriented beams of light. The gimbal system (12,13,51,72) is removably attached to a support (14,31,61). A handle (14a,45,62) is provided for holding the plumbing device at various distances from underlying and overlying surfaces. Each of the light beams can be focused individually. A windshield (15) is provided for removable attachment to the support for preventing wind induced oscillation of the light source. A rigid frame (32,33,65) is provided for holding the light source in a fixed position relative to an object to be plumbed and for removable attachment to the object while the object is being plumbed.

Abstract: A tubular aluminum housing, having vertically centered pinpoint light bulbs at either end in nose cones, is suspended on a stand by a gimbal system, and has an on-off switch and batteries such that the light bulbs will emit aligned light beams above and below the housing. The nose cones are threaded onto the housing such that they can be moved upwardly and downwardly for focusing of the light beams. Colluminator and magnifying lenses are contained in the nose cones for magnification and additional focusing. A wind shield is disposed on the stand around the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining whether an intermediate terrain feature blocks the line of sight between a pair of spaced terrain points, comprising a linearly extending base, at least three spaced posts extending perpendicularly to the base and having cursors on them, the distances between the posts being selectively adjustable. In one embodiment, the base is of three telescopic sections, with a post mounted on each of the sections. In another embodiment, the base is fixed and has three sliders, on each of which a post is mounted. The posts are pivotally mounted on the base, so as to be stored substantially parallel to the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-contained sighting device for use in aircraft that will give visual descent guidance to the pilot while making his final approach to a runway for a landing. The device comprises frames or windows that sight along an imaginary approach path which automatically directs the pilot's line of sight to parallel the desired approach path thereby aiding the pilot in his approach to the intended landing spot.

Abstract: A plumb light device for locating a plumb spot on a ceiling or tracing a line from floor to ceiling, the device has a leveling platform with adjustable support pegs, alignment means and leveling indicators, and has further a light source with a power supply and a focal means for directing a parallel pencil beam of light through an aperture preferably located in a carrying handle.

Abstract: A visual approach and landing system for aircraft including a basic slope indicator supported on or adjacent the ground in predetermined relation to a runway for visually indicating to a pilot the correct path which he should follow when approaching the runway together with supplementary warning devices to provide the pilot with a definite visual warning of a low approach and other indicating and warning devices also provided in the form of signs or symbols indicating to the pilot the direction he should look and fly ahead and upward from the approach or descent path defined by a slope indicator.