Abstract: A reticle leveling system can include a firearm mount having a base mount, track, scope saddle, and light projector. The system can further include a tripod and an alignment grid. The firearm mount can attach to an elongated portion of a firearm, such as a barrel or picatinny rail. The base mount and track can secure the firearm mount to the elongated portion of the firearm, and the scope saddle can align on top of the scope, thereby creating connection points on both the elongated portion and the scope. The light projector can shine light through the front of the scope, thereby causing scope reticle to project out of the eyepiece. The projected image of the reticle can be shown on the alignment grid, which can be attached to the top of the tripod, and the alignment grid can include cross-hatching to illustrate whether the reticle is properly aligned.

Abstract: A surveying target sphere for use in a three-dimensional measurement has a spherical surface having a constant radius from a center and includes a north pole, a south pole, and a central axis passing through the center of the surveying target sphere and linking the north pole and the south pole, and a level is mounted at the north pole.

Abstract: A laser detector mounting device to mount a laser detector to a grade rod, the laser detector mounting device including a handle assembly to facilitate gripping thereof, a clamp assembly disposed on at least a portion of the handle assembly to squeeze the grade rod in a first position, and release the grade rod in a second position, a clamp trigger disposed on and within at least a portion of the handle assembly to at least partially tighten the clamp assembly in response to squeezing the clamp trigger, and a clamp release disposed on and within at least a portion of the handle assembly to at least partially loosen the clamp assembly in response to depressing the clamp release.

Abstract: A device for measuring cavities has a main body, at least one first distance sensor mounted on the main body and rotatable about an axis of rotation for contactlessly measuring distances in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation, a holder for fixing the device within the cavity in a position in which the main body assumes an orientation in which the axis of rotation of the first distance sensor coincides substantially with a center axis of the cavity, and at least one second distance sensor, arranged on the main body, for contactlessly measuring distances in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the axis of rotation passing through a detection area of the second distance sensor.

Abstract: A device relating to a standalone laser target system which has the capacity to employ gravity to achieve a position plumb with the ground and to be easily operated at night or in low light conditions. The laser target is retro-reflective and is self-plumbing from the target frame. The target frame also has a detachable handle, which is used for positioning the target. The target frame further has an internal power source to illuminate the target. The device is designed to be easily packed in a protective carrying case to facilitate transport of the device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a targeting device for providing a substitution target of natural shape for the individual-point measurement of surface points with an electro-optical measuring apparatus. In some embodiments, the targeting device may include a carrier plate having at least one insertion seat, and a target panel. In some embodiments, the target panel is insertable into the insertion seat of the carrier plate. In some embodiments, the target panel may include at least one defined placement location for being placed onto the surface point to be measured, and at least one targeting marking.

Abstract: A device relating to a standalone laser target system which has the capacity to employ gravity to achieve a position plumb with the ground and to be easily operated at night or in low light conditions. The laser target is retro-reflective and is self-plumbing from the target frame. The target frame also has a detachable handle, which is used for positioning the target. The target frame further has an internal power source to illuminate the target. The device is designed to be easily packed in a protective carrying case to facilitate transport of the device.

Abstract: An alignment tool for alignment of a scope mounted to a rail of a firearm is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the alignment tool includes a support removably securable to a rail of a firearm, and a laser line generator adjustably positionably attached to the support. The laser line generator may project a line having a known geometric relationship to the rail, and a reticle of the scope mounted to the rail may be aligned with the line. Related methods of use are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic level capable of accurately measuring a height difference between two points even when a waving method of finding and determining as a measured height a minimum value of read heights while rocking a leveling rod back and forth is used. An electronic level includes leveling rod reading-in means (S2) which reads graduations on a leveling rod being rocked back and forth and stores read heights, and stores the time of reading, approximate function determining means (S3) which approximates the read heights read in by the leveling rod reading-in means by a quadratic function of time, and measured value calculating means (S4) which determines a minimum value of the quadratic function approximated by the approximate function determining means as a measured height.

Abstract: A surveying method wherein an object belongs to a group of known types of objects, and determining an object representing point corresponding to the type of the object, including determining a series of points at an object by measuring distances and angles to the points in a defined angle area, analyzing the spatial distribution of the points and, based thereon, assigning relevant points to a first group of points, identifying the type of the object on the basis of the first group of points, capturing an image of the object, extracting a contour of the object from the image by use of an image processing method, fitting at least one space curve to the object on the basis of the first group of points and the extracted contour, and determining the coordinates of the object representing point from the fitted space curve.

Abstract: A survey device may include a shaft portion having a longitudinal axis, a prism having a center point and being arranged near the top of the shaft portion and offset laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion, and a laser having a laser emission point in general alignment along the shaft portion with the center point of the prism.

Abstract: A device relating to a standalone laser target system which has the capacity to employ gravity to achieve a position plumb with the ground and to be easily operated at night or in low light conditions. The laser target is retro-reflective and is self-plumbing from the target frame. The target frame also has a detachable handle, which is used for positioning the target. The target frame further has an internal power source to illuminate the target. The device is designed to be easily packed in a protective carrying case to facilitate transport of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser receiver for detecting a relative position of a defined zero point of said laser receiver with respect to a reference laser beam. Therefore, the laser receiver comprises a laser light photo sensor having a plurality of photo sensitive elements providing an electrical output when illuminated by said reference laser beam, a circuitry connected to said photo sensor for determination of said relative position and a visible readout for indication of said relative position, in particular for indicating if said zero point is on-grade with respect to said reference laser beam. According to the invention, at least a first laser fan emitter, with a laser light source and at least one fan-generating optical element, is provided for projecting a visible laser line onto a target surface, particularly in order to re-project a sharp marking-line through the vertical center of the reference laser beam.

Abstract: An Improved target for surveying has a body including a connector member, a stem member connecting the connector member to the body, a spirit level member connected to a surface of the body, a rod member extending vertically from a top side of the body, and a horizontal line drawn on a vertical surface of the body; and a bracket adapted to be rigidly affixed to a wall or post member, the bracket including a receptacle member adapted to receive and rigidly hold the connector member in a chosen position.

Abstract: A support unit for a level indicator capable of being mounted on a geomatic pole, such as a prism pole or a GPS pole. A housing of the support unit is mounted on the geomatic pole. A first holder in the housing holds the level indicator and a second holder holds a tool, such as a stylus or a hex wrench, for use along with of the support unit. The level indicator is pivotally adjustable with respect to the housing for alignment with the geomatic pole when mounted thereon.

Abstract: A three axes or three dimensional adjustment foundation target mount for use in industrial applications to provide for precise settings for machining and related operations, includes a body, the body has internal threads therein, an expandable vertical adjustment disc is provided therein, a lateral adjustment target cone is applied on top of the adjustment disc, and a top retainer disc is located and threadily engaged within the body, and holds a series of adjustment screws which can be adjusted to provide for the lateral and fore and aft adjustments to the target cone, to furnish, along with the adjustment disc, three dimensional adjustments for the survey target when applied to the mount. A cap is also provided to furnish coverage for the receptacle, following its precise setting and usage.

Abstract: A snap-on support has a body and a pair of spaced-apart arms supported by the body and adapted for snap-fit connection with a geomatics target device. The arms are moveable between an operative position wherein the arms extend outward from the body for securing the support to the geomatics target device and a stowed position wherein the arms are retracted generally adjacent to the body for storage of the support.

Abstract: A target object (1a) used for retroflexion of optical radiation comprises at least six triple prisms (p1, p2), combined to give a 360 degree reflector which can be arranged on a geodetic measuring pole (6). The triple prisms (p1, p2) forming the 360 degree reflector are arranged in such a manner as to leave a clearance in the center of the 360 degree reflector for accommodating a section (6a) of the measuring pole (6). The prisms are also arranged in such a manner that the virtual images of the triple prism tips lie substantially in one plane perpendicular to a reference axis (10) that runs through the center of the 360 degree reflector and in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the measuring pole (6).

Abstract: A support for a survey rod having a grip for slidable mounting on a survey rod with a first leg and a second leg rotably connected to such grip. Two spring rods each have a first end and a second end. A first end of the first spring is attached either directly to the survey rod below the grip of the support or to a collar that is connected to the survey rod below the grip of the support, and a second end of the first spring rod is connected, preferably rotatably, to the first leg. A first end of a second leg is attached in the same manner as the first end of the first leg to the survey rod, and a second end of the first leg is rotatably connected to the grip. Preferably, the first and second spring rods are resilient and rotatably mounted to the legs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a geoscientific observation technology, especially relates to a ground surface tiltmeter by using microscope for micro measuring. In order to solve the problems such as low reading accuracy and enormous error of the traditional ground surface tiltmeter, the invention provides a ground surface tiltmeter by using microscope for micro measuring, comprising a main body of the ground surface tiltmeter and a micro-measuring device, the main body of the ground surface tiltmeter is a vertical pendulum ground surface tiltmeter or a horizontal pendulum ground surface tiltmeter, the micro measuring device comprises an optical microscope, the focus of objective lens of said microscope is coincident to the reading point of the ground surface tiltmeter. The invention adopts optical microscope to amplify the ground gradient of the ground surface tiltmeter, ensures high measuring accuracy of the ground surface tiltmeter, and also makes the assembly simple, and the production cost reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic or self plumbing device and method for maintaining survey or data collection or reflection equipment in a vertical plumb position despite horizontal and/or vertical changes of position of the device or vehicle with the device attached thereto. The invention also provides a means for maintaining survey or data collection or reflection equipment in a vertical plumb position and at a constant height above ground or surface to be surveyed. The invention provides a means for mounting or attaching the device to a vehicle or other mobile prime mover and a means for remotely changing the position of the device mounted on the vehicle from within the vehicle for accurate, efficient, and timely collection of data while the device and vehicle are stationary or in motion.

Abstract: Apparatus for correcting the rotation of canted reticle cross hairs in the sighting scope of a firearm is disclosed and is comprised of a vertical reference sub-assembly and a separate firearm level sub-assembly which are utilized together to properly position and orient the firearm prior to rotation of the firearm sighting scope sufficiently to eliminate the included cant of the reticle system cross hairs.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. A lock for fixing telescoping sections of the pole provides fixed positioning without high initial clamping forces. An air cushion system inhibits damaging the pole sections when they are retracted, but the pole sections can be simply pulled apart without any other required disassembly for cleaning or repair. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the fittings are attached. A cover can be attached over a point of the surveying pole when the point it not needed, and the cover can be stowed on the surveying pole when the point is used.

Abstract: A plumb bob apparatus comprises a rigid surface mount member for coupling at a proximal end to a surface. The surface mount member is rotatable about its axis. The plumb bob apparatus further includes a rigid device support member for pivotally coupling at a proximal end to a distal end of the surface mount member. When the plumb bob apparatus is coupled to the surface, the device support member will align vertically. The plumb bob can be mounted on a substantially vertical surface.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. The pole may include two or more pole sections which may be screwed together to make a longer pole. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the pole sections are connected together.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. A lock for fixing telescoping sections of the pole provides fixed positioning without high initial clamping forces. An air cushion system inhibits damaging the pole sections when they are retracted, but the pole sections can be simply pulled apart without any other required disassembly for cleaning or repair. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the fittings are attached. A cover can be attached over a point of the surveying pole when the point it not needed, and the cover can be stowed on the surveying pole when the point is used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an offset level for translating a particular grade location and line location from a reference point. The offset level includes a ruler for measuring vertical height from the reference point and a housing selectively slibable on the ruler for positioning the housing at the specific vertical height from the reference point. The offset level further includes a pointer extending outwardly from the housing for translating the desired vertical measurement to an offset location. The pointer also includes a ruler component to permit a horizontal distance to be measured from the reference point to establish a line. The offset level further includes a leveling device to insure the horizontal alignment of the pointer during the line and grade designations.

Abstract: An electronic level comprising a clinometer, an image receiving device having a telescope with an objective and with a CCD receiver matrix and with a screen for displaying the image of a graduated staff which is set up at a target and provided with a coded graduation. A vertical axis is rotatable about the level. A leveling device is included for alignment and rough leveling of the level with respect to the graduated staff. An input unit is provided for entering measurement data. A power supply unit and a computer is included for processing the measurement data, calculating measurement values and for image evaluation. The image receiving device comprises a CCD receiver matrix which is preferably operated in video clock.

Abstract: A measuring device (20), having an outer base arm (22), an end arm (24), a plurality of intermediate arms (26, 28, 30, 32, 34), and a sequential deployment assembly (36), is utilized to take internal measurements with a high degree of accuracy. The sequential deployment assembly (36) operates to sequentially deploy the arms (24-34) as each arm reaches a fully deployed position. A longitudinal serial of graduations is operatively associated with the arms for an (24-34) operator to read distances therefrom.

Abstract: A fixed length telescoping measuring stick that is self supporting and includes an inner telescoping ruler and two-way level combination. A divided encasement comes together via an air-damped cushion provided by a controlled release air lock that is automatically effective to protect the user. This air cushion damper is in combination with a friction position locking knob for either right or left handed users.

Abstract: A prism support for stabilizing a prism against a generally vertical fixed surface has a first elongate member removably mountable onto an upper end of a range pole so as to be generally aligned with the range pole when the first elongate member is mounted thereon, generally opposable second and third members rotatably mounted onto said first elongate member, and a cantilevered member selectively rotatably mountable onto the first elongate member for mounting a prism thereon. The second and third members may extend outwardly of the first elongate member, the second member lying in a first plane containing the first elongate member and the third member lying in a second plane containing the first elongate member, the second and third members selectively radially positionable about the first elongate member.

Abstract: A laser scanner 50 includes a laser 76 affixed to a pendulum 66 with a damper 80 for damping the movement of the pendulum 66. The laser scanner 50 is controllable through a remote control 62 for positioning the laser beam as desired. Both horizontal and vertical laser beams can be projected in order to orient the laser scanner 50 with respect to gravity and simultaneously elevation.

Abstract: An apparatus that projects the horizontal and vertical axis of an object to be aligned for ready sighting by survey instruments is disclosed. The device consists of a v-frame with a rotatable head to which a target platform for mounting a vertical or horizontal scale may be affixed. The v-frame is held on the object and moved about the object until the surveyor can see the target scale without having to remove ancillary equipment that would ordinarily obscure the target. Standard surveying methods may then be used to align the object.

Abstract: A circular target type bubble level slides easily onto and off of a standard surveyor's sight rod. When slid into position at any desired elevation on the rod for optimal viewing and released, the device automatically assumes a position such that the indicating plane of the level is exactly at right angles to the long axis of the rod. When the rod is adjusted so that the bubble level indicates the true horizontal, then the rod will be plumb. The rod is received in a through hole of a rod-encircling member. A spring bias element within the hole is forced against the rod. This forces a diametrally opposed support wall portion of the member against the rod with sufficient force to hold the level at any position on the rod without operator adjustment. It also automatically positions the indicating plane of the level orthogonal to the long axis of the rod, because the bubble level element is rigidly mounted with the desired orientation relative to the support wall portion forced against the rod.

Abstract: A strut height adjusting apparatus for adjusting the height of a strut automatically and simultaneously to measure the height of a floor while ensuring the perpendicularity of the strut with a warning sound or other indication. The strut height adjusting apparatus includes a light receiving unit for receiving a laser beam for use in setting a hypothetical level which is vertically movably and fitted to a hollow body. A pointer provided for the light receiving unit and a scale plate member indicates the position of the pointer provided for the hollow body. The lower end of a rotary unit is set upright in such a way that it abuts against a base floor to be examined. The light receiving unit is moved up and down so that the laser beam from a laser beam emitter may be received at the center of the light receiving unit. The height of the second floor can be measured by reading graduations on the scale plate member as indicated by the pointer.

Abstract: An adjustable stand developed to facilitate an accurate measurement of vertical distances from a surface, on which at least one leg of the stand rests to a given point above that surface. The surface may be either ground surface or a surveyor's hub on a stake. The stand has two legs one leg of which is both a distance measuring device and a plumb finder by which the verticality of the leg may be ascertained. The second leg is formed of two spaced apart beams to provide stability, the beams having pointed ends for insertion into the surface on which the device stands.

Abstract: A device for defining a plane to determine relative elevations comprising in combination a stationary housing (7) having an aperture (8) and locating a pair of vertical reflecting surfaces (6) at right angles to each other which may be a pair of mirrors (5) or a right angle prism (32) and a levelling rod or staff (14) adapted to be positioned at a vewing distance from the housing (7) and incorporating a light source (12) and an eyepiece (15) whereby an observer at the location of the levelling rod (14) can move the light source (12) up and down the levelling rod (14) until a reflection of the light from the light source (12) is seen in the pair of reflecting sufaces (6). A reading can then be taken on the levelling rod (14) at a point midway between the eyepiece (15) and the light source (12) which defines a horizontal line from the reflecting surfaces (6).

Abstract: The prism pole consists of an extensible aluminum pole that can be adjusted between a length of 30 and 47 inches. The pole has a hardened steel point on one end thereof and a prism assembly on its opposite end. The prism pole also has a steel point mounted to the prism assembly such that the pole can be turned "upside down" placing the prism assembly approximately 4 inches from the point being measured. To assist in plumbing the prism pole, two level vials are provided, the first being observable when the pole is in the upright position and the second being observable when the pole is in the upside down position.

Abstract: This invention is a test apparatus and method for noting whether the axis of sight of an optical instrument is parallel to the axis of a horizontal bubble level of that instrument. The apparatus has: (1) a vertically elongated first scale facing in one direction; and (2) a similarly calibrated second scale closely parallel to the first scale and facing in the opposite direction and selectively adjustable along the first scale. In the present method, first, the optical instrument is leveled midway between two such test apparatuses about 200 feet apart, with their respective second scales facing each other. Using the instrument, readings are taken on these second scales. Then the second scale of one test apparatus is adjusted along its first scale to a position thereon which matches the reading just taken on the second scale of the other test apparatus. Next the optical instrument is leveled at a position close to either test apparatus on the opposite side of it from the other test apparatus.

Abstract: A device for making the location of a football on a football field comprising a large view container having two opposite sides containing see through material and having a vertical line on both sides of the see through material, a spirit level under the container to indicate the levelness of the container, a vertical stand which holds up and is attached to the container, the stand having a vertical white line down the center such that it can be seen from the opposite side of the field, a pointed end for the stand, and a smaller container on the other side of the field so that by looking through the vertical lines they can eye up a line across the field, and a process for using the new device to insure the proper location of the football when it is moved by the referee.

Abstract: A nail structure for providing a support surface for subsequent mounting and positioning of elevational rods for utilization particularly in surveying situations. The nail structure includes a first and second spike member orthogonally mounted to a lower or first leg of a generally triangular support truss head when the head is mounted to a main body support, wherein the main body support provides a planar support surface and includes a projection formed at an upper terminal end of the main body support to provide a planar impact head surface for permitting directing of the nail into various structural components such as utility poles. A further improved embodiment of the instant invention includes a benchmark nail structure, wherein a body member is formed with planar body sides for positioning indicator rods utilized in surveying.

Abstract: A portable stand having a frictionally adjustable receiver for a surveyor's rod permits plumbing of the rod and maintains the rod vertical and stationary with respect to a point on the ground.

Abstract: A surveyors' range pole comprises a bubble level that is attached to the web of a length of channel. When the pole sections are assembled a threaded pin of one of the sections is passed through a hole in the web, locking the channel between two sections.

Abstract: A first rod includes a relative elevation scale and a first fluid container vertically adjustable with respect to the relative elevation scale to a position corresponding to a desired elevation relative to the base of the first rod, and a second rod includes a second fluid container of substantially lesser cross sectional area than the first fluid container, a predetermined level of fluid in the second fluid container indicating that the base of the second rod is at a desired elevation relative to the base of the first rod.

Abstract: A device for setting the inclination of a reference object such as a mirror or the like, used as a reference for lining up, levelling in, etc. The mirror (10) is rotatably balanced about an axle (12) and a portion thereof below said axle is provided with a moveable bob (14). A displacement of the bob causes the desired inclination of the mirror about the axle.

Abstract: An instrument for use when levelling and when laying-out right angles comprises upright mirrors (1) which intersect each other at right angles and are carried on a frame structure (2) that is adjustable relative to the horizontal plane, said mirrors having markings (4) located on the same level relative to a plane (12) which forms right angles with all mirror surfaces, thereby to enable a leveling operation or a laying-out to be carried out by a single person.

Abstract: A pull-through structure for measuring the flexure of a pipe or tube such as, for example, a gun barrel. The pull-through structure includes a laser beam detector which is freely swingably mounted in a casing forming part of the pull-through structure. The arrangement is adapted to coact with a laser beam emitter which is adapted to emit a laser beam substantially axially through the gun barrel. The laser beam detector includes a dead weight which causes an active detection surface thereof to automatically assume a predetermined angular position in the casing.

Abstract: A suspension device for an angle indicator intended to indicate the angle of an object to the vertical line and comprising two angle-indicating devices designed each to indicate a predetermined angle to the vertical line and located in two planes perpendicular to each other. The suspension device comprises an outer ring which is attached rotatably about a diameter of the ring and connected to the object, and an inner ring which is located perpendicularly to and inside of said outer ring. The inner ring is movable along the inside of the outer ring. Attachment components are provided for the angle indicator inside of the inner ring and enable movement along the inner ring. According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment components are designed to attach the angle indicator so that one of the angle-indicating devices indicates the angle of the plane of the inner ring to the vertical line.

Abstract: To align pipe mill rollers and the like both vertically and axially, targets are clamped to the rolls. Each target carries a block formed with a hole, which hole is a fixed distance above the surface of the target which engages the edges of a roll. The block is mounted for transverse movement and carries a horizontally movable indicator which may be aligned with a mark on the center of the roll. A laser instrument is located so that its beam is horizontal and will pass through each hole of each block of each target when the rolls are properly aligned. The targets carry level bubbles to insure vertical positioning of the targets and also may carry supports which engage opposite sides of the roll flanges to insure that the targets are vertical. The workman observes the point where the beam shows on the block and adjusts the bearings for the roll vertically so that the beam is at the level of the hole.

Abstract: A device for holding a surveying instrument plumb and level. The device is attached to a tripod, and a clamp holds a slide bar which, in turn, is affixed to a clip bar. A range pole or other surveying instrument is held by the clip bar and a level is also affixed to the clip bar.