With Laser Patents (Class 33/DIG21)
  • Patent number: 6151788
    Abstract: A new laser beam for sight alignment for projecting a beam of a light out of gun for the sight to be adjusted until it aligns with a dot formed by the beam on a target. The inventive device includes a hollow cylindrical casing having a main cylindrical portion and a tapered end portion. The tapered end portion is coextensive with the main cylindrical portion. The main cylindrical portion has an open interior end. The tapered end portion has an opening in an outer end thereof. The cylindrical casing is dimensioned for being slidably received within a chamber of a gun. A lens is disposed within the opening in the outer end of the tapered end portion of the cylindrical casing. A laser module is disposed within the tapered end portion of the cylindrical casing inwardly of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Stacey Cox, Danny Young
  • Patent number: 6123453
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The laser beam may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beam may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone. Such an embodiment improves the efficiency of the laser and results in a brighter laser beam being projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, W. Earl McKinley
  • Patent number: 6105264
    Abstract: A laser measuring device, for accurately measuring and realigning damaged vehicle structural elements. The device comprises a body with a horizontal magnetic surface, a ruler which extends perpendicularly to the magnetic surface, a slide which moves along the ruler, and a laser affixed to the slide. The laser can be moved to a designated distance from the upper magnetic surface of the magnet. The laser is pivotally moveable relative to the slide so that the laser can be leveled. The laser includes a line generation prism to project a horizontal line from the laser. The invention is used in conjunction with an autobody frame and helps establish a horizontal (laser) datum line from which reference measurements can be taken to designated measurement points on the frame of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Jeff Phillips
  • Patent number: 6101728
    Abstract: A plumb system for construction projects having a laser module embedded within includes a spring or the like device acting as a connecting device to a tripod or the like apparatus for projecting a vertical laser beam to a vertical end point, from the floor to a certain top point. Conversely, a spring or the like device mounted to the opposite end of the laser module of the plumb can be mounted to a certain high point for projecting a top to bottom laser beam for determining an end point at the floor. An optional horizontal base designed to horizontally receive the plumb for projecting a horizontal laser beam. A horizontal level indicator mounted onto the horizontal base can ensure a true horizontal plane. An optional self standing horizontal block can be used to determine the intermediate points of the horizontal laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Hai Lin Keng
  • Patent number: 6098297
    Abstract: The laser alignment tool includes a laser beam emitter supported in a projector assembly which, when mounted on a precision alignment component, such as a pulley, is directed at a target assembly mounted on another precision alignment component. The plate of the target assembly against which the laser beam is directed is coated, textured or the like (e.g., has inscribed cross hairs) to produce a distinctive visual effect when struck by the laser with the precision alignment components in the correct or preselected alignment relative to one another. Moreover, if the precision alignment components are not in the correct or preselected alignment, impingement of the laser beam against the target plate does not produce the distinctive visual effect. The target plate may be contoured such that the distinctive visual effect indicates that the precision alignment components are in the correct or preselected alignment relative to one another in additional orientation planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Flavio Carmelo Belfiore
  • Patent number: 6094829
    Abstract: A laser sight with automatic angle compensation for bow hunting from tree platforms, comprising a box with open front and back ends attached to a bow handle. A laser pointer is pivotally mounted in the sight box. A cam operated by a pendulum moves the laser pointer to compensate the laser beam direction for different shot distances by detecting the vertical angle of the bow. The higher the bow is aimed, the lower the laser beam is aimed relative to the bow to compensate for the greater drop of the arrow over greater distance. A second pendulum in the sight box operates a peep pin for use with a conventional peep sight on the bowstring. The peep pin maintains an angle via its pendulum that guides the archer's line of sight to the laser spot, allowing the archer to visually acquire the spot quickly even during daylight. The laser beam and peep pin are coordinated via adjustments that are independent of each other and independent of cam or pendulums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Leo Vick Koestler, III
  • Patent number: 6096049
    Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument adapted for alignment with a light beam, which instrument includes an instrument body having a point of entry of the light beam, a light conducting channel, and a sensing element carried by the instrument and being spaced from the point of entry of the light beam. The sensing element serves to provide indication of alignment or misalignment between the instrument and the light beam. The light beam travels inside the instrument along the light conducting channel extending from the point of entry to the sensing element. One or more light guiding devices are disposed inside the light conducting channel to increase precision of alignment between the instrument and the light beam. The light guiding device has a wall forming a guiding passage inside the guiding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Minrad Inc.
    Inventors: John C. McNeirney, Michael K. Landi
  • Patent number: 6087645
    Abstract: An inexpensive remote-controllable laser projection apparatus projects a laser light onto a target object that is located at a prescribed distance from the laser projection apparatus. The laser projection apparatus includes a main body and a remotely controllable reflection target. The main body includes a projection means for projecting the laser light, a reflected light detection means for detecting the reflected light of the projected laser light, a controller, which is connected to the projection means and the reflected light detection means, for controlling the projection of the laser light in multiple operation modes. The reflection target is placed at a position that is separated from the main body, on which prescribed reflection patterns for reflecting the projected laser light are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichi Kitajima, Hiroshi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 6082013
    Abstract: For leveling an object, in particular a suspended ceiling, which is to be attached to mounting members, such as suspension wires, the latter are cut off or provided with a suited mark. A device with a detector for detecting a reference level is used for this purpose. The device is pushed over the mounting member. As soon as the detector determines that the device is at the appropriate position, the mounting member is cut off by means of a cutter or worked in another suitable way for generating a reference mark thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Dieter Peterhans
  • Patent number: 6073353
    Abstract: The present invention provides a laser leveling device, which comprises a light emitting unit for irradiating a laser beam, a rotating unit for rotating the laser beam for scanning, and a means for turning off the scanning laser beam so that a spotlike is formed in a specific direction. By forming a reference spot light, and aligning an irradiating point of the spot beam with the reference point, it is possible to install the laser leveling device 1 to the reference point and to perform accurate positioning of the laser leveling device by the scanning line of the laser beam formed on a portion other than the spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Jun-Ichi Kodaira, Takayuki Fujioka
  • Patent number: 6073352
    Abstract: A laser rangefinder bow sight adapted for use preferably with a conventional multi-pin bow sight having a frame and a plurality of sighting pins adjustably positioned on said frame. The laser rangefinder has a housing removably fastened to the bow sight frame. The housing supports a laser transmit section, a laser receive section, a precision timing section and a central processing unit (CPU) for measuring distance to a target coupled to an LCD display. The CPU also provides outputs to a plurality of range window indicator lights which are preferably LEDs. The indicator lights may be externally mounted to the bow sight pins or mounted within the rangefinder housing. In the latter case, a plurality of optical fibers are connected to the distance window lights in the housing. Each of the sighting pins is optically coupled to a separate one of the plurality of distance window lights via one of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Laser Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair J. Zykan, Jeremy G. Dunne
  • Patent number: 6071243
    Abstract: An optical system for positioning a pressure transducer relative to a patient to provide for accurate measurement of bodily fluids within the patient. A light source such as a laser is used to direct light onto a specified location on the human body to accurately identify the elevation of the transducer relative to the specified location to provide an absolute measurement of fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Arrow International Investment Corp.
    Inventor: A. Walter MacEachern
  • Patent number: 6070335
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the position of a holder for a tool or a workpiece has a frame and drive units connected to the frame. Rods connect the drive units to the holder. At least one load-free measuring arm is freely extendable between two measuring points. Elements for detecting a position of the at least one measuring arm within a reference space are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Gunter Pritschow
  • Patent number: 6065217
    Abstract: A laser crossline device suitable for construction includes at lease a first and a second laser beam produced by diode modules. The diode modules revolve around a horizontal axis so as to form a 360.degree. laser scanning plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the module. The plane can be adjusted with a bubble level and an adjustment screw. The two modules are situated so as to generate planes that intersect at a right angle. The line of intersection forms a plumb line. If desired, a third orthogonal plane can be added to the device. A single rotary motor drives all of the diode modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Dawei Dong
  • Patent number: 6052911
    Abstract: A laser centering apparatus including a frame for supporting a laser, the frame being adapted for selective attachment to a pipe, and a laser rotatably connected to the frame. The laser can be rotated in a plane containing the centerline of an existing pipe to enable quick and easy alignment of pipes parallel to an existing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: William R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6012229
    Abstract: A combined leveling device and laser pointer includes a support body which holds a bubble tube and a rotary seat. The rotary seat extends from a front face to a rear face of the support body and has a through-hole which extends from the front face to the rear face and which includes a tapered clamping hole section that is tapered in a direction from the rear face to the front face. The rotary seat is graduated adjacent to the front face, and a clamp is movably provided in the through-hole. The clamp has a plurality of resilient clamp members which are resiliently movable toward or away from one another when the clamp moves into or outward from the tapered clamping hole section. A detachable laser light source unit is insertable into the clamp from the rear face so as to be clamped removably by the resilient clamp members. A hologram is mounted to the rotary seat adjacent to the front face to produce a one-dimensional linear projection image from the laser light source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Hsuan-Sen Shiao
  • Patent number: 5992029
    Abstract: A laser line device suitable for construction. The laser line instrument automatically aligns a vertical laser beam so that the beam is perpendicular to the earth's core. The laser module is connected to a pendulum which serves to automatically level the device. The pendulum is damped by permanent magnets. The bearing on which the pendulum is mounted serves as a portion of the electrical circuit of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Dawei Dong
  • Patent number: 5987762
    Abstract: A pulley alignment gauge for aligning pulleys in a drive system, such as a front end accessory drive system on an automotive engine, includes pulley mounts and a laser connected to a frame. The drive belt is removed before the gauge is placed on the pulleys. The pulley mounts position the gauge on one of the pulleys in the pair to be aligned. The laser emits a light beam onto the adjacent pulley to determine pulley alignment. The laser targets the center rib of the adjacent pulley being aligned and the rib spacing is used to gauge the degree of misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Gerard Steven Toth, William C. Deneszczuk
  • Patent number: 5983510
    Abstract: A three-dimensional laser levelling and angle-calibrating instrument includes: a stand; a magnetically-attractive laser level having a horizontal bottom attractable on the stand, a vertical wall perpendicular to the horizontal bottom and a first laser illuminator mounted on the laser level for projecting a horizontal laser ray for levelling purpose; and a magnetically-attractive laser angle calibrator having a second laser illuminator and attracted on the vertical wall of the laser level for projecting a vertical laser light line for checking a verticality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Chyi-Yiing Wu, Chih-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 5966826
    Abstract: A dual usage level marking instrument is provided that includes a leveling rod. This rod has a dotted-type laser device fixed at one end and a straight-type laser device fixed at the other end. Leveling elements are installed on this rod. The dotted-type or straight-type device installed on the both ends emit dotted or vertical/horizontal marking lines. The instrument is used on construction sites for marking measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Ko-Liang Ho
  • Patent number: 5907907
    Abstract: The present invention provides a laser leveling system for forming a reference line or a reference plane by a laser beam. The laser leveling system comprises a laser light emitting means for emitting a laser beam, a projection optical system for projecting the laser beam irradiated from the light emitting means, a rotating unit for rotating the light beam projected by the projection optical system, and a leveling means for tilting the rotating unit, whereby a horizontal reference plane and a vertical reference plane are formed by the light beam, and a reference irradiation spot is formed on the horizontal reference plane or on the vertical reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Satoshi Hirano, Kazuki Osaragi, Jun-ichi Kodaira, Ken-ichiro Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5894675
    Abstract: A new Combination Tool for use in measuring, leveling, squaring, and plumbing operations. The inventive device includes a housing adapted to encase a tape measure including an extendable and retractable tape and adapted to encase a laser source capable of projecting a visible light beam, wherein the extendable and retractable tape is extendable from the housing and the visible light beam is projectable from the housing perpendicular to the extendable and retractable tape. A horizontal bubble-leveling vial and a vertical bubble-leveling vial are mounted on the housing for leveling thereof in horizontal and vertical planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph Cericola
  • Patent number: 5864956
    Abstract: A combination of square alloy rulers with precisely machined planes, each ruler unit having two 1.5v batteries and two bubble levels to level in all directions. A line generator is mounted in front of a laser diode module. This basic laser line ruler unit can produce an accurate laser level line or plumb line after it is calibrated. By adjusting the calibrating knob, the laser line ruler will produce a precise level line or plumb line when the level bubbles are centered. Putting a properly aligned level line unit and a properly aligned plumb line unit together will produce a cross line in front of the combination. Adding at least one more laser line ruler, that is combining three or more line units, will produce 90.degree. lines, 45.degree. lines, and 180.degree. lines, as well as 270.degree. lines up and down or on the right and left sides by simply adjusting the position of the relevant ruler. The housing of the ruler unit is machined with accurate planes and vertical angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Dawei Dong
  • Patent number: 5860220
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating lines along which cuts are to be made on a pipe has a clamp for attaching to the pipe. A longitudinal guide is fixedly attached to the clamp and a first bracket is slideably releasably coupled to the longitudinal guide at one of a plurality of locations. A pivot arm pivotally coupled to the first bracket and has a second bracket slideably coupled thereto at one of a plurality of positions. A laser attached to the second bracket projects a beam of light onto a surface of the pipe. A the pivot arm is rotated with respect to the first bracket the laser beam traces a line on the pipe along which a cut should be made. A marker is used to mark the line traced by the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: John A. Gerd
  • Patent number: 5842282
    Abstract: A laser angle adjustment device for laser measuring instruments including a rectangular casing, a fixed bubble level and an adjustable bubble level mounted on the casing at right angles, a barrel turned in a hole in the casing, a top cover fixedly fastened to the barrel at one end to hold a laser module for providing a laser reference line for measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Opcom Inc.
    Inventor: Jack C. T. Ting
  • Patent number: 5839199
    Abstract: A laser gradient setting device, having such arrangement that a reference laser beam with a gradient emitted and a reference laser beam in vertical direction is emitted, whereby the laser gradient setting device can be easily positioned by the reference laser beam in vertical direction by a single worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventor: Yohei Ogawa
  • Patent number: 5839829
    Abstract: An improved method for aligning the aiming beams of an infrared heat sensor included the steps of providing a heat source at a target site, orienting the infrared heat sensor so that output signal is maximized to orient an optical axis toward the target site, and aligning the aiming beams relative to the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Raytek Subsidiary, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Litvin, Ronald P. Briars
  • Patent number: 5836081
    Abstract: A light beam leveling device and method utilizable particularly in hemodynamic cardiac monitoring of patients in which a pressure transducer is required to be leveled with the tip of a catheter placed at the heart of a patient. The light beam device, preferably a laser, is placed at the transducer and is raised and lowered therewith relative to a reference point on the patient corresponding to the level of the tip of the catheter. When the laser beam is projected horizontally as established with associated bubble level means and is directed so as to cause a reflection directly at the reference point, the transducer is assured thereby to be at the level of the catheter tip in the patient. A transparent cylindrical bar at the tip of the laser through which the laser beam passes causes a line of light to be projected at right angles to the orientation of the bar. An associated protractor permits selection of the desired angle of orientation of the line of light projected from the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Charles F. Schroeder
    Inventor: Steven J. Orosz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5836694
    Abstract: A system for aiming a remote IR temperature sensing device includes a laser aiming assembly and a scope assembly mounted to the IR temperature sensing device. The laser aiming assembly provides for adjusting the vertical and azimuthal positions of an alignment beam to facilitate the use of inexpensive, low-tolerance parts while providing high accuracy to improve sensitivity, accuracy, and resolution. The laser aiming assembly includes a laser aiming mirror for directing the alignment beam toward the target. The system includes a beam splitter which reflects incoming visible radiation toward the scope assembly and allows incoming IR radiation to pass through to an IR temperature sensor. The beamsplitter has an opening of sufficient size to allow the alignment beam to pass through unobstructed but not so large as to interfere with the operation of the beamsplitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Raytek Subsidiary, Inc.
    Inventor: Phan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5838431
    Abstract: The laser marking device comprises a laser source, an optical system for projecting a laser beam emitted from the laser source to form a laser spot on an object, a light distributing element that is disposed in an optical path of the optical system and includes at least one light distributing portion that distributes a part of the laser beam to form at least one static reference line on the object so that the laser spot is formed on the static reference line, a rotating mechanism that rotates at least a part of the optical system to form a dynamic reference on the object, and a switch for selecting between a rotation mode in which the rotating mechanism is activated and a stationary mode in which said rotating mechanism is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Hara, Satoshi Takami, Teruo Sakai, Noriaki Takahashi, Eiichi Ito
  • Patent number: 5823678
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at last one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The laser beam may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beam may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronised manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone. Such an embodiment improves the efficiency of the laser and results in a brighter laser beam being projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton Bernard Hollander, William Earl McKinley
  • Patent number: 5823679
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit more than two laser beams against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit more than two laser beams against the surface and means to position said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beams may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronised manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone. Such an embodiment improves the efficiency of the laser and results in brighter laser beams being projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton Bernard Hollander, William Earl McKinley
  • Patent number: 5819424
    Abstract: The present invention provides a laser leveling device, which comprises a light emitting unit for irradiating a laser beam, a rotating unit for rotating the laser beam for scanning, and a means for turning off the scanning laser beam so that a spotlike is formed in a specific direction. By forming a reference spot light, and aligning an irradiating point of the spot beam with the reference point, it is possible to install the laser leveling device 1 to the reference point and to perform accurate positioning of the laser leveling device by the scanning line of the laser beam formed on a portion other than the spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Ken-Ichiro Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5810841
    Abstract: An invasive instrument, such as a biopsy needle, syringe or drill, is adapted to be guided by an energy beam such as a laser beam along a predefined line of sight path toward a subsurface target. The instrument is adapted for use in conjunction with an energy beam targeting and directing system which directs an energy beam in a line of sight path toward a target. The instrument includes a portion for percutaneously accessing a subsurface target, an energy conducting portion and an energy responsive means interposed between the means for percutaneously accessing a subsurface target and the energy conducting portion. In use of the instrument, whereby an operator monitors the energy responsive component for a visual indication of alignment of the instrument with the predefined line of sight path, while advancing the portion for percutaneously accessing the subsurface target along the line of sight path toward the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Minrad Inc.
    Inventors: John C. McNeirney, Michael K. Landi
  • Patent number: 5799403
    Abstract: This invention is a method for remotely obtaining roadway crown point elevation and horizontal location based on projecting a horizontal laser beam configured vertically in either a continuous or discrete manner across the roadway surface at a predetermined elevation substantially coincident with the crown point of the roadway. The highest elevation of the roadway partially occludes the vertically configured laser beam. The lowest elevation of the laser beam which contacts an array of vertically configured laser receivers positioned on the opposite side of the roadway is by necessity the highest elevation of the roadway crown. By using an optical detector at a known vertical offset from the laser beam emitter, the angle and hence the distance can be determined to the furthest laser impact with the roadway. This distance information can be combined with the known line between the laser emitter and laser receivers to resolve the horizontal coordinates of that point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Paul T. Schrum
  • Patent number: 5784792
    Abstract: A tool for use in checking the level or grade of the ground surface in a construction area or site using a daylight visible wavelength semiconductor laser diode module to project a laser beam from the location of interest to a location where the elevation or the amount of cut or fill is known. The tool is a relatively small, hand-held and compact device that utilizes batteries contained within the tool to power the laser diode. The laser diode module fits within a module plug that fits within a module plug compartment in the front of the tool. A front end cap encloses the laser diode module and the module plug in the tool. The laser beam emitted from the tool is in axial alignment with an edge or ridge on outside surface of the tool. A bubble level ensures that the tool is held parallel to the ground during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: James A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5784793
    Abstract: A construction laser tool which projects a plumb beam is provided with a marking template, movable and separate from the tool's housing but securable to the housing, for transferring a point on a floor to the laser beam or, in another case, for transferring the beam to locate a point on the floor. The template has a marker such as a hole to receive a pencil, and the marker is positioned under the laser tool housing, on the vertical line of the plumb beam where the floor point of interest cannot be seen, when the plumb beam is projected at a point on the ceiling. To accurately mark the floor point, the user holds the template in place on the floor and moves the laser tool away to gain access to mark the point. The reverse procedure is used to align the plumb beam over a known point on the floor. Several arrangements involving sliding templates are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: LeveLite Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Rando
  • Patent number: 5782003
    Abstract: A device for projecting a flat beam of diverging laser rays comprises a base supporting a movable gravity self-leveling equipment and at least a laser beam or ray projector mounted thereon and provided with an optical lens assembly for transforming the laser beam emitted by the projector into a flat beam of diverging laser rays and laying in a horizontal or vertical plane for projecting at least a straight line laying on a perfectly horizontal or vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Mario Doriguzzi Bozzo
  • Patent number: 5727880
    Abstract: Method and apparatus provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The laser beam may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beam may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone. Such an embodiment improves the efficiency of the laser and results in a brighter laser beam being projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, W. Earl McKinley
  • Patent number: 5724744
    Abstract: The projector device for laser rays (4) is mounted on an apparatus which oscillates and is self-leveling (2, 3, 5) under the force of gravity whereby in the equilibrium position a ray is projected on one or more walls always in a perfectly horizontal position. The oscillating apparatus is interrupted in its oscillations by a manual mechanical brake (6, 7, 8 and 9). The device can rotate and includes a graduated ringnut (11) on which it is possible to read the angle of rotation of the laser ray with respect to a predetermined reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Micro Italiana S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Doriguzzi Bozzo
  • Patent number: 5718054
    Abstract: A device for displaying a center position of a laser beam in a vertical-degree measuring system comprises a light receiving device constituted by photosensors and a liquid crystal display panel for displaying a light receiving position. The light receiving device and the liquid crystal display panel are integrally fixed with coordinate axes registered on a vertical line. A center portion of a laser beam is subjected to data processing by an arithmetically processing section from a laser beam receiving position of the light receiving device to display a center point on the liquid crystal display panel. Since the center position displayed on the liquid crystal panel is registered with the center position of the laser beam received by the light receiving device, it is possible to directly access to the display position to utilize it as a reference point for a setting-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kitajima
  • Patent number: 5694713
    Abstract: An automatic handgun with a laser sight which may be adjusted in elevation is disclosed. A laser beam source and mechanism for adjusting the elevation are all contained within the guide rod chamber. At the front of the guide rod cylinder an adjusting ring is turned clockwise or counter-clockwise to rotate a slotted cylinder having a spiraled slot therein in which rides a finger of a cam rod. The cam rod is moved forward or backward to move a cradle to tilt a yoke holding an optical prism through which the laser beam passes. The beam is bent depending upon the tilt of the prism. The automatic handgun is thus provided with a laser sight that may be adjusted for elevation and all of the components of the sight are contained internally of the handgun within the slide return chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Arthur Paldino
  • Patent number: 5673492
    Abstract: The invention consists of a focused light beam source mounted on a straight-edge, which is aligned to an off-drawing vanishing point target reference, to sketch object lines in a manner which creates depth perspective and thus maintains the three-dimensional visual character of the object to be drawn. The desired line of the object is drawn after locating and marking the reference vanishing point which will maintain that object line in visual perspective with related object lines. The straight-edge is aligned by targeting a focused light beam at the vanishing point, and the object line is drawn along the straight-edge while the light beam is striking the target marking the vanishing point. The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured with one light source, and uses reflecting mirrors which direct the light beam along the straight edge. The invention can alternately be configured with more than one light beam source, either with or without reflectors, to accomplish the same alignment function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Adena Ideas
    Inventor: Jack D. Williams
  • Patent number: 5671540
    Abstract: A new and improved laser beam track alignment safety device with a tube having an inner surface and an outer surface. A first metal housing has an opening therein. The opening of the first metal housing is secured to the tube. An indicator means is secured within the first metal housing. A second metal housing has an opening therein. The opening of the second metal housing is secured to the tube. An indicator means is secured within the second metal housing. A restriction plate is secured within the inner surface of the tube. The restriction plate has a transmitting aperture formed therethrough. A plurality of securement means, each of which, couples around the outer surface of the tube and couple around the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel S. Davis
  • Patent number: 5644850
    Abstract: A laser plumb device (10) comprising a facility (12) for emitting two narrow light beams (A) and (B) in which the light beams (A) and (B) are opposite and aligned to each other. A structure (14) is for supporting the light emitting facility (12) in a vertical position. When the supporting structure (14) is placed over a layout mark (16) upon a floor (18) under a ceiling (20) in a building (22), the light emitting facility (12) will cast the first narrow light beam (A) onto the layout mark (16) upon the floor (18) and will simultaneously cast the second narrow light beam (B) onto the ceiling (20) to transfer the layout mark (16) from the floor (18) to the ceiling (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Straf G. Costales
  • Patent number: 5626424
    Abstract: A system for aiming a remote IR temperature sensing device includes a beam splitter assembly and mirror assembly mounted on opposite sides of the body of the device. Both assemblies provide for adjusting the vertical and azimuthal positions of alignment beams to facilitate the use of inexpensive, low-tolerance parts while providing high accuracy to improve sensitivity, accuracy, and resolution. A dual action trigger initiates temperature measurement and logs currently measured temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Raytek Subsidiary, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Litvin, Ronald P. Briars
  • Patent number: 5621975
    Abstract: A system for use in construction or similar activities, for layout of points or lines using a projected laser beam includes a remotely controlled turntable unit having a rotatable turntable for receiving a portable, hand-carryable self-leveling laser projecting instrument. The portable self-leveling laser instrument preferably has a relatively wide self-leveling range, such as up to about 4.degree. in two axes, and is useful in layout operations separate from the remote turntable. When placed on the remote turntable unit, the direction of pointing of the laser or lasers from the instrument can be controlled by the operator from a distance, through operation of a hand-held remote unit having directional buttons which control a motor of the turntable unit. Provision can be included for measuring angles on the turntable unit, for varying the speed of rotation of the turntable, as by holding down one of the buttons, and for generating a preselected angle (such as 90.degree.) from a remote position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Levelite Technology
    Inventor: Joseph F. Rando
  • Patent number: 5619802
    Abstract: An automatic plumb, level and pointing tool uses a visible laser diode to project light beams in two modes through two windows. In the first mode of operation, the unit is able to project a plumb-up beam and a level beam of light while resting on a surface which is as much as 5.degree. out of level. In the second mode of operation the unit is able to project two orthogonal beams or light both approximately in the horizontal plane for aligning one or more reference lines. Accurate, low cost methods of generating level and plumb beams and planes of light are disclosed. One method uses an approximately or partially leveled platform combined with a refractive correction as a second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Levelite Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Rando, Christiaan Ligtenberg
  • Patent number: 5617643
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously and automatically measuring deformation and warp of a shaped electrode plate for electrolysis before the electrode plate includes means for lifting shaped electrode plates 1 hanging from crossbars 2 one by one to a predetermined measurement position by a suspending apparatus having a hanger mechanism and adjusting it about a measurement vertical plane position; for so freely suspending the electrode plate 1 vertically about the underside of a crossbar 2 that the electrode plate is not subject to deformation caused by the influence of its own weight or external forces; and a computing device 23 for continuously scanning the flatness of the electrode plate 1 by a moving mechanism which moves sensors 11a, 11b which measure distances between the electrode plate 1 and planes parallel to and facing the front and rear sides of the electrode plate 1 respectively without making contact with the electrode plate horizontally and vertically over those planes and A/D converting and analyzing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kato, Mitsuharu Oonishi, Hideaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: RE36257
    Abstract: A real estate electro tape is provided that measures the length of an interior or exterior wall or other similar structure using optical means. A sonic tape is used to measure the perpendicular distance from the device to the interior or exterior wall. Two steerable lasers are then used to determine the angles between the perpendicular and the beams aimed at the wall edges. An algorithm is applied to the angular and perpendicular distance data to obtain the length of the wall. A microprocessor performs the calculations, the results of which are displayed on an electro optical display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher S. Thomson