Abstract: An electromagnetic angle sensing structure comprises a front cover with a display module electrically connected to a control circuit with a sensing module provided with a sensing area formed by at least one sensing coil, the circuit comprises a sensing control unit generating an electromagnetic variable quantity and a central processing module receiving the variable quantity and storing an angle data; and an inner assembly body with a front side formed with a curvature guide rail, being filled with a liquid and disposed with a metal ball displacing in the guide rail, an electromagnetic field generated by the coil generates changes in an inductance value due to the ball passing through, the sensing control unit generates the variable quantity being transmitted to the central processing module, an angle information converted by the central processing module through the variable quantity and the angle data is displayed on the display module.

Abstract: An electro-optical level employs a bubble tube with opposite first and second ends. First and second light emitters are disposed respectively beyond the first and second axial ends of the tube and direct light toward the ends of the bubble in the tube. Electro-optical detectors are aligned substantially parallel to the axis of the tube and are spaced from the tube. First and second beams from the respective first and second light emitters scatter as the beams impinge upon the bubble. However, the scattered light from each light emitter will form a bright spot on the respective electro-optical detector at a point corresponding to the end of the bubble. The locations of the bright spots are detected by the electro-optical detectors and precisely determine the locations of the opposite ends of the bubble regardless of dimensional changes of the tube or the bubble due to temperature variations.

Abstract: A level, such as a digital level, with various features or embodiments, such as an ultrasonically welded lens covering a display screen, a pipe insert molded in front of a light sensor, one or more button assemblies, and cartridge assemblies that are used to secure compartments within the frame of a level.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a levelling offset meter (LOM) for calculating the angular offset between a plane parallel to the LOM and a predetermined reference plane, the LOM comprises a bull's eye spirit level having a bubble and a processor coupled to an image, comprising: capturing, by the imager, a plurality of images of the spirit level associated with a respective plurality of known angular offsets; calculating in respect of each image a pixel distance from the bubble center to a predetermined zero offset pixel, thereby obtaining a plurality of pixel distances, each pixel distance associated with a known angular offset; fitting a function to a plurality of pairs of values, each pair of values comprising a pixel distance and its associated known angular offset; and storing the function in a memory.

Abstract: This is a level designed to light-up when level. The drawings and specifications illustrate how each embodiment, nos. 1 thru 10, FIGS. 1 thru 10a, is designed to achieve this by its unique switching system. Each system is designed to complete the electrical circuitry as required for the level's lights to illuminate when the level is level. Each embodiment and switch system, also referred to as switch mechanism or contact switch, utilizes gravity and balance to direct the moving parts and complete the circuitry, whether by use of a pendulum, wheels, ball, balls, roller, rollers, liquid or leveling arm. The circuitry includes lights(s), battery(s), wiring, the switch system, and optionally a manual on/off override switch.

Abstract: A tool, such as a digital level, having multiple methods of indicating the orientation of the level. One embodiment of the level includes two or more accelerometers arranged in complimenting orientations, such as 90 degrees with respect to each other. The complimenting orientation allows for more precise measurements from less expensive accelerometers compared to a level with a single more expensive accelerometer. A power supply module, and an associated control module in charge of the power supply, selectively provides power to the accelerometers and displays based in part on user input, movement of the level, and the disposition of the level.

Abstract: A system for managing workspace configurations disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, at least one of the sensors being associated with a corresponding workspace, determining changes in a current configuration of the work space with regard to a previous configuration of the space, wherein the current configuration is determined based on signals received from selected ones of the sensors and providing an indication when the a change in the configuration has been determined.

Abstract: An electrowetting optical device is provided. The electrowetting optical device includes a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid. The non-conductive fluid includes a naphthalene based compound having Formula (I), Formula (II), and/or Formula (III): where R1, R2, and R3 are individually alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or aryloxy groups; X includes carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, and combinations thereof; and Z includes oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, polonium, and combinations thereof. The conductive liquid may additionally include a transmission recovery agent having Formula (IV) and/or Formula (V): where R4 is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or aryloxy group. The electrowetting optical device additionally includes a dielectric surface in contact with both the conductive and non-conductive liquids where the conductive and non-conductive liquids are non-miscible.

Abstract: A tilt detecting device comprising, a light source for projecting a pattern, a liquid component having a free liquid surface and for rear-surface reflecting by the free liquid surface, a photodetection element for photodetecting a reflection image of the rear-surface reflected pattern, and an arithmetic processing unit, wherein the arithmetic processing unit is adapted to scan a predetermined range of a photodetection surface of the photodetection element as many times as required and performs averaging processing to a photodetection signal as detected and calculates a barycentric position of the pattern based on signals subjected to averaging processing.

Abstract: A level includes a frame having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and a web coupling the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface. The top planar surface and the bottom planar surface are parallel. The level further includes a vial supported by the frame. The vial has a longitudinal axis passing through a center of the vial and a body defining an interior containing a liquid and an indicator bubble. The level further includes a plurality of LEDs. Each of the LEDs has a light emitting point, and each of the plurality of LEDs is positioned adjacent an end of the vial and is oriented such that the light emitting point is positioned within the interior of the body of the vial.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibration of 2-axis high precision digital angle measurement device, particularly for initializing a planar angle measuring device and an apparatus to generate simultaneous two-dimensional resultant planar angles of full 360° rotation. The planar angle measurement device is, typically but not exclusively, used in concurrent two-dimensional angles leveling, setting and alignment tasks for precision machine setup in the fields of precision engineering and metrology applications.

Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit. The implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A geodetic target 1 for use in geodesy comprises an orienting device 10 with a bearing direction P, a first inclinometer 20 with a first axis of inclination 20A, a reflector 30 reflecting incident measurement beams S, an imaging optics 40 that focuses the incident measurement beams S, a matrix sensor 50, whose receiving surface 51 is situated in an image plane of the imaging optics 40, and an interface 60, which is connected to the first inclinometer 20 and the matrix sensor 50. The spatial arrangement and orientation of the optical axis and/or axis of symmetry 30A of the reflector 30 relative to the bearing direction P of the orienting device 10 is predetermined here. The first axis of inclination 20A makes an angle ? other than zero with an optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40. The optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40 coincides with an optical axis 30A and/or axis of symmetry of the reflector 30 or is parallel to it or make an angle with it.

Abstract: A simple type dual axes optoelectronic level includes a carrier, an adjustable fixing mechanism, a level sensing device, a container cup holding a liquid, and a reflector. The adjustable fixing mechanism and the container cup are fixed at the carrier. The level sensing device is fixed at the adjustable fixing mechanism and faces the container cup. The reflector is fixed at the bottom surface of the container cup. The level sensing device provides a measuring light beam, which is refracted by the liquid surface to the reflector, and reflected back to the liquid surface by the reflector, and refracted again by the liquid surface to the level sensing device. Through the refraction effect, the level sensing device can detect two angles between the bottom surface of the carrier and the liquid surface. The dual axes optoelectronic level has advantages of simple structure, low cost and differentiating angles of two axes.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes: a circuit board integrally formed with a driving element for driving a display element and a light receiving sensor for receiving light; a light change structure provided in a region of the circuit board, in which the light receiving sensor is formed, and includes a light change material that selectively changes a light receiving amount of the light receiving sensor by moving by itself according to an attitude with respect to a direction of gravitational force; and an attitude determining unit that determines the attitude based on the light receiving amount of the light receiving sensor.

Abstract: A weighing scale, e.g. a top-pan scale, having a scale pan (01, 02) supported on a force transducer, and a corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) measuring the tilting of the scale pan (01, 02) relative to the force transducer. The corner load sensor includes a light beam source (03, 04, 06) emitting a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam and the second light beam are directed toward a reflecting surface on an underside of an arrangement that includes the scale pan (01, 02). The first light beam and the second light beam are respectively inclined relative to the reflecting surface of the untilted scale pan (01). The corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) of the scale also includes a first optical sensor (08) measuring the first light beam reflected by the reflecting surface. If no corner load exists, a predetermined proportion (12) of the reflected first light beam is directed to the first optical sensor (08).

Abstract: An inclination detector device is disclosed. The detector device has a light source, a light sensor device, and a level arranged between the light source and the light sensor device. In addition, a light guide is arranged between the light source and the level. The light source is joined to the light guide, the light guide is joined to the level, and the level is joined to the light sensor device in such a way that the light source, the light guide, the level, and the light sensor device form a closed unit.

Abstract: The inclination sensor (A1) according to the present invention includes a pair of light receiving elements (4A, 4B), a light emitting element (5) for directing light to the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and a case (2) including a space (20) for accommodating a rolling member (6). The space (20) is configured to cause the rolling member (6) to be located at a pair of light shielding positions at which the rolling member overlaps the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) or a neutral position at which the rolling member does not overlap either of the light receiving elements (4A, 4B). The light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and the light emitting element (5) are mounted on a substrate (1) attached to the case (2) at a surface facing the space (20). A plurality of surface-mounting terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) are provided on a surface of the substrate (1) which is opposite from the surface on which the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and the light emitting element (5) are mounted.

Abstract: An electronic scale having a measuring sensor (1 . . . 16), a digital signal processing unit (18), a digital display (19), a bubble level (20), which includes a container (21) that is partially filled with a liquid (22) while forming a gas bubble (23), and circuit component or program routine in the digital signal processing unit (18) for detecting a displacement of the gas bubble (23). An additional circuit component or program routine detects the diameter of the gas bubble (23). The diameter of the gas bubble changes due to vertical vibrations of the scale. The signal from the measuring sensor (1 . . . 16) falsified by vibrations can thus be corrected by the digital signal processing unit (18) by calculation, making use of the diameter signal.

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: An electronic scale having a measuring sensor (1 . . . 16), a digital signal processing unit (18), a digital display (19) and an inclinometer (40). The inclinometer derives a signal for the tilt of the scale from the difference of at least two signals. The digital signal processing unit (18) is provided with an additional circuit component or program routine that adds the two signals and, by way of this cumulative signal, corrects the vibration-distorted signal of the measuring sensor (1 . . . 16). A plurality of inclinometers enables the simultaneous detection of momentary gravitational acceleration. For example, in an electric bubble level, the gas bubble moves out of place when tilted and the diameter of the gas bubble changes when the gravitational acceleration changes. The scale thus provides an additional signal for correcting the influence of disturbances with minimum complexity.

Abstract: The inclination sensor (A1) according to the present invention includes a pair of light receiving elements (4A, 4B), a light emitting element (5) for directing light to the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and a case (2) including a space (20) for accommodating a rolling member (6). The space (20) is configured to cause the rolling member (6) to be located at a pair of light shielding positions at which the rolling member overlaps the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) or a neutral position at which the rolling member does not overlap either of the light receiving elements (4A, 4B). The light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and the light emitting element (5) are mounted on a substrate (1) attached to the case (2) at a surface facing the space (20). A plurality of surface-mounting terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) are provided on a surface of the substrate (1) which is opposite from the surface on which the light receiving elements (4A, 4B) and the light emitting element (5) are mounted.

Abstract: An inclination sensor is provided having a level that has a liquid and a gas bubble under a covering glass in a housing. A light source is arranged above the covering glass. The inclination sensor can be used to determine a direction and degree of an inclination with high accuracy and which is suitable for automatically aligning an apparatus provided with the inclination sensor. An arrangement is provided that has at least two light receivers arranged above the covering glass such that the light that is emitted from the light source and, in the case of a centered gas bubble, is scattered on the surface of the covering glass coming in contact with the gas bubble can be detected by the at least two light receivers. Different quantities of light can be detected by the light receivers when the gas bubble is not centered, and the light source and the light receivers are arranged on a chip substrate.

Abstract: An inclination detector device is disclosed. The detector device has a light source, a light sensor device, and a level arranged between the light source and the light sensor device. In addition, a waveguide is arranged between the light source and the level. The light source is joined to the waveguide, the waveguide is joined to the level, and the level is joined to the light sensor device in such a way that the light source, the waveguide, the level, and the light sensor device form a closed unit.

Abstract: An inclination sensor is provided having a level that has a liquid and a gas bubble under a covering glass in a housing. A light source is arranged above the covering glass. The inclination sensor can be used to determine a direction and degree of an inclination with high accuracy and which is suitable for automatically aligning an apparatus provided with the inclination sensor. An arrangement is provided that has at least two light receivers arranged above the covering glass such that the light that is emitted from the light source and, in the case of a centered gas bubble, is scattered on the surface of the covering glass coming in contact with the gas bubble can be detected by the at least two light receivers. Different quantities of light can be detected by the light receivers when the gas bubble is not centered, and the light source and the light receivers are arranged on a chip substrate.

Abstract: A tilt detector and tilt detecting method for the same are disclosed. The tilt detector includes a light-detecting unit and a light-permeable unit. The light-detecting unit includes a body, a window formed on the body, and a signal port device formed on the body. The window detects the position of a moving facula, and the signal port device outputs the facula location signal. The light-permeable unit mounted in the window and includes a chamber, an opaque fluid filled with the chamber, and a light-permeable substance formed on the opaque fluid. The window detects a facula by the light-detecting unit when a beam is emitted to the window via the light-permeable substance. Therefore, the level of a subject is detected by observing the light-permeable substance directly, and obtains the precise level by the signal outputted from the signal port device.

Abstract: An inclination sensor is provided having a level which has a liquid and a gas bubble in a housing under a covering glass, wherein a light source is arranged above the covering glass. The invention is based on the object of providing an inclination sensor which can be used to determine the direction and degree of an inclination with high accuracy and which is suitable for automatic orientation of an apparatus provided with such an inclination sensor. The object is achieved according to the invention by virtue of an inclination sensor in which at least two light receivers are arranged above the covering glass such that light, which is emitted by the light source and undergoes total internal reflection at the gas bubble when the gas bubble is centered, can be detected by means of these at least two light receivers, wherein different quantities of light can be detected by means of these light receivers when the gas bubble is not centered, and the light receivers are arranged on a chip substrate.

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 present invention discloses a method for detecting an orientation of a device (1) with respect to a direction of an acceleration force and a device (1) comprising an optical device (10) comprising a first liquid (A) and a second liquid (B), said liquids (A; B) being immiscible, having different refractive indices and different densities and being in contact with each other via an interface (14), a sensor (20) comprising a grid of pixels (22), the sensor (20) being arranged to sense an image captured by the optical device (10) on a subset (24, 24?) of the grid of pixels (22); and calculating means (30) for calculating an orientation of the device (1) with respect to a direction of an acceleration force from the position of the subset (24, 24) on the grid (22). Consequently, the orientation of the device (1) with respect to the direction of an acceleration force such as gravity can be obtained without mechanically moving parts.

Abstract: An automatic leveling device is provided, which is disposed in an electronic device for adjusting the level of the electronic device. The automatic leveling device includes a liquid level gauge filled with a liquid and a bubble, a bubble position detection module for detecting a relative position of the bubble in the liquid level gauge, a control unit electrically connected to the bubble position detection module for receiving a bubble position signal from the bubble position detection module and outputting a leveling signal, and a drive unit electrically connected to the control unit for receiving the leveling signal from the control unit, thereby adjusting the electronic device to be at a level state.

Abstract: A lean detector for a vehicle is capable of reducing the cost of the parts of a lean sensor and enhancing the waterproof property thereof. The lean detector also detects when the leaning of the vehicle body has reached a prescribed angle in the right, left, front or rear direction. The lean sensor is installed at a position above a bottom end of a baseplate of the seat of a saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the leveling device applying the optical interaction between a laser beam and a freely floating air bubble confined in a transparent, liquid-filled vial. When the air bubble is impacted by the laser beam, the curved surface of the air-bubble deflects the beam toward the end of the vial, where a photo-electric device is positioned. The photo-electric device activates a sound emitter such as a buzzer. The function of the level being based on the optical interaction between a laser beam and the curvature of an air-bubble, it is highly accurate and consistent. It is applicable for vertical and horizontal settings, has an adjustable arm for secure attachment to structural frames or other objects. No direct eye and manual contact with the device is needed while in operation.

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: A tilt detector and tilt detecting method for the same are disclosed. The tilt detector includes a light-detecting unit and a light-permeable unit. The light-detecting unit includes a body, a window formed on the body, and a signal port device formed on the body. The window detects the position of a moving facula, and the signal port device outputs the facula location signal. The light-permeable unit mounted in the window and includes a chamber, an opaque fluid filled with the chamber, and a light-permeable substance formed on the opaque fluid. The window detects a facula by the light-detecting unit when a beam is emitted to the window via the light-permeable substance. Therefore, the level of a subject is detected by observing the light-permeable substance directly, and obtains the precise level by the signal outputted from the signal port device.

Abstract: An electro-optical level includes a bubble level having a tube with a liquid therein and a bubble formed by the liquid in the tube. A substantially linear light source is directed toward and through the tube. A linear lens array focuses light passing through the bubble tube onto a linear lens array for producing an image of the bubble in the bubble level. The lens array employs the focused light to identify precisely end points of the bubble in the tube and then employs locational data for the end points to assess levelness. The electro-optical level further includes an out put display that is pivotally mounted into an optimal alignment for easy viewing by a user.

Abstract: A bubble leveling device includes a bubble level having a gas bubble formed on a liquid surface, an illuminator projecting light through or towards the gas bubble for producing an optical image of the gas bubble, and a sensor having a coordinate screen for locating the image of the gas bubble on the screen for checking the coincidence or deviation of the image with or from the coordinate center of the screen for reliably checking the horizontality or inclination angle as measured by the bubble leveling device.

Abstract: A tilt detecting device for detecting tilt by a reflection light from a free liquid surface, comprising a photodetection element, a liquid member for forming the free liquid surface, a fixed reflection member fixed on a structural member, a free liquid surface light projecting system for projecting a light toward the liquid member, a fixed reflection member light projecting system for projecting a light toward the fixed reflection member, a photodetection optical system for guiding the reflection light from the free liquid surface of the liquid member and a reflection light from the fixed reflection member toward the photodetection element, and an arithmetic processing unit for calculating deviation based on two reflection images received by the photodetection element.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely measuring the direction and grade of tilt, and the rate of change of tilt. The apparatus consists of a lighted fiber optic cable that is fitted with a flotation collar on one end, and the other end is vertically tethered to the bottom of a liquid filled chamber. The light projecting from the cable is sensed by a photodetector and assigned spatial coordinates. The fiber optic cable is sensitive to changes in orientation, and when the apparatus is tilted, or subject to an acceleration, then the cable deflects to correct for the tilt, and the photodetector picks up the new spatial coordinates of the projecting light. The new spatial coordinates reflect the direction and magnitude of tilt.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely measuring the direction and grade of tilt, and the rate of change of tilt. The apparatus consists of a lighted fiber optic cable that is fitted with a flotation collar on one end, and the other end is vertically tethered to the bottom of a liquid filled chamber. The light projecting from the cable is sensed by a photodetector and assigned spatial coordinates. The fiber optic cable is sensitive to changes in orientation, and when the apparatus is tilted, or subject to an acceleration, then the cable deflects to correct for the tilt, and the photodetector picks up the new spatial coordinates of the projecting light. The new spatial coordinates reflect the direction and magnitude of tilt.

Abstract: A tilt sensor for use in an automatic leveling device includes a level vial with a level bubble, the vial including a metal base member. The metal base has provisions for mounting the sensor device to an instrument or object to be leveled, and optical as well as capacitive sensing arrangements are disclosed for sensing the position of the level bubble and providing a signal to be used by a motor that brings the instrument or object to level.

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: The present invention provides a tilt angle measuring device comprising a glass container with a solution 11′ and air bubble 12 sealed therein for measuring a tilt angle by detecting displacement of said air bubble 12, wherein said solution contains N-methylformamide and a solvent.

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.