Abstract: A plurality of multifunctional underwater 3D displacement meters are arranged in a lattice and connected sequentially; four rotation shafts may be rotatably mounted in a housing and extend in a vertical direction, one end of the rotation shaft and the housing are connected to a compressible spring, four perforations penetrate the housing in a circumferential direction at intervals, the metallic lines correspond to the perforations one to one, one end of the metallic line is wound around the rotation shaft, and the other end thereof penetrates out of the perforation and is connected to the metallic line of the adjacent 3D displacement meter; and the displacement meter corresponds to the metallic line for measuring a take-up and pay-off length of the metallic line, and a three-axis acceleration sensor and a fluxgate monitor inclination angle change and azimuth angle change of the 3D displacement meter.

Abstract: A Robotic Total Station (RTS) system includes an RTS disposed for at least two-axis rotation on a tripod, and a rover including a pole mounted prism and GNSS receiver with inclination sensors. The RTS rotates on the tripod to point towards the rover and generate an RTS-position measurement using an optical signal reflected by the prism. The RTS is communicably coupled to the data collector and/or the GNSS receiver, and receives and uses the GNSS-derived position measurements and the inclination data for the range pole in real-time, to automatically track and point the RTS towards the prism.

Abstract: A hair styling device for a hairstylist includes a housing configured to be attachable to a styling tool such as a comb, an electronic-based alignment means that determines the angle of orientation of the housing, and a user-actuated operational control for selecting the housing's desired angle of orientation. The electronic-based alignment means provides a human-perceivable indication of the angle of orientation and can be selectively locked to a desired angle. The electronic-based alignment means also selectively provides a human-perceivable indication when the housing is approaching and has arrived at the desired angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a high-precision GNSS receiver, an EDM, and an optical camera in combination for making accurate measurements of multiple remote points. The accurate measurement of a plurality of remote points is facilitated by integrating a high-precision GNSS receiver, an EDM and an optical camera such that their combined physical location and orientation can be measured and known, and allowing for a single calibration thereof. The integration of the high-precision GNSS receiver, an EDM, and an optical camera may take various forms such as a single, integrated device, or individual devices assembled together on a surveying pole, for example. The integrated device may also include one or more sensors such as an inclination sensor and an inertial measurement unit.

Abstract: A GNSS data collection system includes a pole mounted GNSS receiver and inclination sensors. A data collection module provides a data collection graphical user interface (GUI) visible on a hand-held data collector computer. The data collector computer is communicably coupled to the GNSS receiver and receives three-dimensional location data and inclination data for the range pole in real-time. A virtual level component uses the inclination data to display on the GUI real-time tilt information in the form of a virtual bubble level indicator. The inclination data and height of the range pole are used to calculate and display horizontal distance and direction to level the GNSS receiver, using: incline=a cos(cos(x_tilt)*cos(y_tilt)) where, xtilt=the inclination data for the range pole along the x axis, ytilt=the inclination data for the range pole along the y axis, and horizontaldistancefromlevel=rh*sin(incline) where, rh=the height of the range pole.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are presented for sensing or estimating a tilt angle, in which a current flowing in an eccentric mass motor is sensed, and a detector circuit assesses the amplitude of a synchronous component of the motor current and provides an output signal or value indicating a tilt angle relative to a gravitational axis at least partially according to the amplitude of the synchronous component of the motor current.

Abstract: Novel solutions for position measurement, including without limitation tools and techniques that can be used for land surveying and in similar applications. One such tool is a greatly enhanced position measurement system that takes the form of a surveying rod with substantial independent functionality, which can be used with or without a total station or similar device.

Abstract: A GNSS data collection system includes a pole mounted GNSS receiver and inclination sensors. A data collection module provides a data collection graphical user interface (GUI) visible on a hand-held data collector computer. The data collector computer is communicably coupled to the GNSS receiver and receives three-dimensional location data and inclination data for the range pole in real-time. A virtual level component uses the inclination data to display on the GUI real-time tilt information in the form of a virtual bubble level indicator. The inclination data and height of the range pole are used to calculate and display horizontal distance and direction to level the GNSS receiver.

Abstract: A method for contextual inference of user activity is disclosed. In one embodiment, an indication of the motion of a pole mounted sensing device comprising at least one motion sensor and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver configured to at least generate raw GNSS observables is received from the at least one motion sensor. The indication of the motion of the pole mounted sensing device is correlated with an operation defined in a gesture library regarding GNSS data collect by the GNSS receiver at a time when the indication of the motion is detected. The indication and the GNSS data are stored.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to an inclination sensor for determining an inclination of an object with respect to a reference vector of a reference coordinate system. The inclination sensor may include a tilt detector for determining gravity vector data of a local gravity vector, and a calculation unit comprising means for providing, based on the position data, position-related vertical deflection data, the vertical deflection data comprising information about a relation between the local gravity vector and the reference vector, and calculation means for calculating reference vector data based on the vertical deflection data and on the gravity vector data, wherein an inclination of the object with respect to the reference vector is derivable from the reference vector data, to a surveying system comprising such an inclination sensor and to a method for determining the inclination of the object with respect to the reference vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tilt sensor for a device, comprising a tank receiving a flowable medium, wherein the position of the medium relative to the tank depends on the tilt, and the tank comprises a polygonal, in particular triangular, or an elliptical, in particular circular base, a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating projections of at least one part of a boundary of the medium, at least two detectors for detecting one of the projections, respectively, and for converting same into signals, wherein the detectors each comprise a detecting direction and the detecting directions of the detectors are disposed at angles to each other, and further comprising an analysis unit for determining the tilt in two axes from the signals of the at least two detectors, wherein the tilt is determined jointly for the two axes from a combination of the signals.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a flag in a desired position, and comprising a position transducer is disclosed. A support mounts the position transducer on a flagstaff. An alarm indicates a deviation in the position of the transducer from the desired position. The alarm has an audio output. The audio output of the alarm optionally indicates the direction of the deviation whereby a user may correct the position of the flag. The position transducer may comprise a central conductive member and a plurality of contacts surrounding that central conductive member. More particularly, the central conductive member may be a conductive ball resting on a concave conductive electrode.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.

Abstract: A motion-sensing device for sensing tilt and acceleration when either tilt, horizontal acceleration, or tilt and horizontal acceleration acting concurrently, influence the device, including: a substrate having a vertical surface, a first accelerometer fixed to the vertical surface of the substrate; a pendulum flexibly coupled to the substrate proximate to the first accelerometer; and a second accelerometer fixed to the pendulum. The first and/or second accelerometers are preferably an accelerometer; a spring-mass system; and/or any tilt or accelerometer sensitive elements. The first accelerometer includes an accelerometer that measures tilt and linear acceleration in a first geometric plane, the pendulum is constrained to move in the first geometric plane, and the second accelerometer is operable to measure linear acceleration in the first geometric plane. The motion-sensing device or devices coupled to a machine, vehicle, and/or a control system. The pendulum is critically damped using a damping fluid.

Abstract: A motion-sensing device for sensing tilt and acceleration when either tilt, horizontal acceleration, or tilt and horizontal acceleration acting concurrently, influence the device, including: a substrate, a first tilt sensor fixed to the top of the substrate; a pendulum flexibly coupled to the bottom of the substrate proximate to the first tilt sensor; and a second tilt sensor fixed to the pendulum. The first and/or second tilt sensors are preferably an accelerometer; a spring-mass system; and/or an arcuate resistive element. The first tilt sensor includes a tilt sensor that measures tilt in a first geometric plane, the pendulum is constrained to move in the first geometric plane, and the second tilt sensor is operable to measure tilt in the first geometric plane. The motion-sensing device or devices coupled to a machine, vehicle, and/or a control system. The substrate may include a portion of the first tilt sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for calibrating a mobile terminal including a motion sensor reduces erroneous calibrations. The method of calibrating a mobile terminal by detecting an inclination of at least two directions preferably includes: activating a calibration mode for calibrating an error of the motion sensor. When a calibration mode is activated, a user interface screen for calibrating the motion sensor is output. The user interface screen outputs a coordinate system for displaying at least two facets of information; and inclination information of at least two directions received from the motion sensor is output as one image on the coordinate system.

Abstract: A surveying instrument includes a measuring system having a component, a support, and a mounting unit that is arranged at the support. The component is mounted on the mounting unit and the support and the mounting unit are configured such that the mounting unit is adjustable relative to the support. The instrument also includes a fine inclination sensor that is arranged at the component and is configured to measure an inclination angle of the component and to output fine inclination data. The instrument further includes a coarse inclination sensor that is arranged at the component, is configured to measure the inclination angle and to output coarse inclination data, and includes an electronic acceleration sensor. The instrument additionally includes an evaluation unit that is configured to select inclination data from the coarse inclination data and the fine inclination data and an output unit that is configured to output the inclination data.

Abstract: A system for detecting scour associated with a structure having a part thereof extending into a bed of material located under a body of water is provided. The system comprises a sensor unit buried in a portion of the bed of material located in proximity to the part. The sensor unit is structured to float to a surface of the body of water and automatically wirelessly transmit a message after being released from the bed of material in response to at least some of the portion of the bed of material being scoured. The system also comprises a receiver unit structured to wirelessly receive the message.

Abstract: The utility model relates to a display means of digital level. Said digital level is provided with one notch in basal body, where said display lies. Two ends of said display are provided with two center-axles that lie in the same axis line of rotation, and two sidewalls of said notch are provided with two center-axle-holes, wherein said display is rotatablely connected with said basal body of digital level by inserting said two center-axles into said two center-axle-holes. Said display of this utility model is rotatable, so in practical application, user can locate this display on the desired position, thus to read the value shown thereon conveniently. Moreover, the positioning and position restriction to the rotation of said display could suit many conveniences for users to read the value shown thereon.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inertial sensor or an actuator based on diamagnetic levitation, said inertial sensor or actuator comprising support means serving as main support body for an inertial sensor or for an actuator, a two dimensional array of permanent magnets and a diamagnetic element facing the said array characterized in that said diamagnetic material constitutes the inertial mass or the moving part of the actuator.

Abstract: A multi-axis bubble vial device includes a bubble vial having a vial body defining a fluid chamber with a curved upper surface, and a quantity of fluid partially filling the chamber. The fluid defines a bubble in the upper portion of the chamber that moves along the upper surface in dependence upon the orientation of the vial. A centrally positioned light source above the bubble vial directs light into the chamber, and four light sensors, positioned above the bubble vial and arranged circumferentially around the centrally positioned light source, detect the reflection of light from a reflector beneath the fluid chamber. A first pair of the sensors is positioned on opposite sides of the light source along a first axis, and a second pair of the sensors is positioned on opposite sides of the light source along a second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: The portable self-contained horizontal and vertical level, angle and distance measuring device is suitable for indicating whether or when two or more points are level with each other and for measuring distances and angles between two or more points, a point and a line or a point and a plane. Moreover, the measuring device is capable of displaying such measurements to a user in real time. The measuring device includes a measuring point (3) for identifying from where measurements are to be calculated, a user actuated trigger (11) and a display (9) for displaying measurements to the user either in real time or in memory mode. The measuring device is compact and light-weight making it particularly convenient and portable. It is also very versatile and is capable of replacing a multiplicity of measuring devices commonly employed in DIY, engineering, and in trade in general.

Abstract: The method and the device serve to monitor the alignment of a measuring instrument, specifically a balance. To perform this function, the monitoring device is equipped with an inclination sensor based on the principle of a spirit level, with a container filled with a fluid in which a bubble is formed. According to the invention, the position of the bubble is measured optically by means of a radiating element that is arranged on one side of the bubble and serves to emit a radiation, and a sensor element that is arranged on the opposite side of the bubble and serves to receive the radiation. The radiating element, preferably a light-emitting diode, and the sensor element, preferably a photodiode, together define the sensor axis (sx) on which the bubble is centered as long as the sensor axis runs parallel to the axis of the gravity force. Furthermore, the sensor element is flanked by at least two reference elements that are likewise receiving the radiation.

Abstract: A tilt sensor has a source for optical radiation, a pattern support having an optically effective pattern for the passage of the optical radiation generated by the source, a tilt-sensitive unit downstream of the pattern support in the direction of propagation of the radiation, and a projection area for the incidence of the radiation generated by the source and passing through the pattern support and the tilt-sensitive unit, wherein the source is in the form of a pattern support.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for aligning a vertical shaft or multiple axially coupled vertical shafts in a hydroelectric turbine generator or a similar vertical-shaft system, and for providing precise plumb inclination alignment of a vertical rotating shaft. Precision inclinometers attached to the vertical shaft measure plumb inclination. Proximity probe displacement devices mounted externally of the vertical shaft measure radial movement, throw, or run out at various shaft elevations as the shaft is rotated relative to a fixed point. Data acquisition devices and communication devices accumulate and transmit alignment data to a micro-computer which receives and processes such data. Methods of defining shaft plumb inclination in a static single rotational position and defining plumb inclination of the virtual centerline of a shaft's rotational throw position. A method of swinging, tilting, or adjusting a vertical shaft to a corrected or different plumb position relative to the earth's gravity.

Abstract: An aerospace system includes a leveling device defining two plane levels (yz-plane and xz-plane). The plane levels are included within an inertial measurement unit and each of the plane levels includes two capacitance controlled oscillators. Each of the capacitance controlled oscillators includes a quad capacitor bubble sensor.

Abstract: An improved, dynamic level detection and leveling system utilizing a biaxial inclinosensor to generate a series of measurements that reflect a level of tilt. When sufficient measurements have been collected, an average value is obtained. If the average value obtained exceeds (in either direction, low or high) a selected value limit, then corrective action may be instituted, or a signal may be generated to indicate a need for automatic or manual correction. Such measurements are taken along both axes of the biaxial sensor. Leveling system response is minimized by selecting not only a value limit, but also a value null limit.

Abstract: A tilt sensing device and method for its operation, the device being of the type comprising a) a housing, b) a radiation transmitter and a radiation receiver arranged in or at the housing to form a beam path therebetween, c) a radiation obstructing or deflecting body movable in relation to the beam path and d) a rest surface for the body defining at least two possible rest positions for the body relative the beam path between which rest positions the body can move by gravity at defined tilt angles for the device and which rest positions are selected to give a detectable output difference from the radiation receiver depending on which of the rest positions is occupied by the body. The size of the movable body, expressed as the diameter of a sphere of corresponding volume, is less than 10 mm. Operation of the device includes monitoring the output from the receiver to obtain an amplitude versus time function and processing data from the function to obtain a modified signal.

Abstract: A two-axis angle sensor comprising a pair of bubble chambers (3,4) and associated bubble detectors (5,6). A processor (42) calculates the angle of the sensor by combining the signals from the first and second bubble detectors in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. A radiation source (1) illuminates a bubble (8) with radiation whereby the radiation is refracted by the bubble. A radiation detector (5,6) is positioned to detect the refracted radiation from the bubble and generate a signal indicative of the angle of the bubble chamber. An angle sensor is used to calibrate a vibrating structure gyroscope (70). A flywheel (91) is provided to generate a gyroscopic resistance to operator input. A method of manufacturing a bubble angle sensor is disclosed, the method employing a lid (61) with an internal recess (65).

Abstract: An electronic inclinometer and a centrally controlled network of inclinometers are disclosed. A resistive or capacitive inclinometer sensor measures inclination in two orthogonal axes. Measuring electrodes can be provided on the exterior of a dielectric sensor cell isolated from a sensor fluid. In another embodiment, measuring electrodes comprise pins partially immersed in a cell fluid contained in a metal housing and reference electrodes are provided to compensate for temperature and electrochemical changes in the sensor. Sensor signals are converted to frequency signals that are processed by a microprocessor having a unique logical address and preferably having an external solid state memory. A plurality of inclinometers can be arranged in multiple logical branches to be centrally controlled. The controller operates the network in real time or in a programmable timed autonomous mode. Network data can be presented in a graphical 3D format using software provided on the controller.

Abstract: A multiple-axis inclinometer for measuring inclinations and changes in inclination comprises a cell which contains a liquid forming a horizon and which has a transparent base, and a device for illuminating a cross-line plate and imaging optics in the form of a piano-convex lens, which is arranged at the base of the cell or is a component part of the base, for imaging the cross-line plate on a receiver arrangement in the form of a CCD line. Two cross-line plates are provided, each having a cross-line grid formed of parallel cross-lines, wherein a light source is associated with each cross-line plate and illuminates the cross-line plate associated therewith. These two cross-line plates lie one above the other in an imaging plane which extends perpendicular to the surface of the liquid and in which the CCD line is also arranged, wherein the cross-lines of the two cross-line plates enclose an angle relative to one another whose bisector extends perpendicular to the imaging plane.

Abstract: A laser levelling instrument with a levelling base (7) and fine self-levelling of the laser beam (10) has an inner cylinder (5) which bears aligning elements and is suspended in an oscillating manner inside an outer cylinder (1). The laser levelling instrument is characterized in that the outer cylinder (1) and the inner cylinder (5) form a capacitor system with opposite electrode faces; the outer cylinder (1) is joined at right angles to the base (7) and is centred with respect to the beam axis (11); and signals for detecting the oscillating position of the inner cylinder (5) may be derived from the capacitor system.

Abstract: A tilt sensor capable of sensing tilt in two axes includes an outer shell, a magnet at a fixed position inside the shell, and a reference element movable within the shell in response to gravity. Magnetic flux follows a plurality of paths from a pole of the magnet, around the shell, through the reference element, to the opposite pole of the magnet. Magnetic sensors detect changes in reluctance of the flux paths resulting from the movement of the reference element within the shell, from which the angle of tilt can be determined.

Abstract: A turntable acceleration generating apparatus includes a first servo motor, a large-diameter turntable rotated by the first servo motor, and a small-diameter turntable being mounted on the large-diameter turntable at a position offset from the central axis of the large-diameter turntable such that the small-diameter turntable is rotated by a rotary shaft. Furthermore, the turntable acceleration generating apparatus includes a signal line for deriving signals from an acceleration sensor located on one of the sides of the large-diameter turntable, and a control signal line for applying control signal to a second servo motor located on the other side of the large-diameter turntable, wherein the large-diameter turntable is grounded such that the large-diameter turntable prevents noise leakage from the control signal line to the signal line.