Abstract: A prism assembly and sighting target which are omni-directional in azimuth and which provide a plurality of prisms dispersed symmetrically around the radial wall of a cylinder for reflecting incident laser light from any direction over 360 degrees in azimuth. A uniquely shaped sighting target for use with the prism assembly of the invention provides a visible target pattern from any direction over 360 degrees in azimuth. A cylindrical housing portion of the invention provides receptacles for receiving six prisms spaced at 60 degree intervals so that irrespective of the angle of azimuth from which the laser light is incident, a sufficient amount of light energy is reflected back to the laser light instrument to permit distance measuring over a pre-selected minimum distance.

Abstract: An improved combination of prism assembly and sighting target in a novel structure in which the sighting target provides a dual function by acting as the structural support for the prism assembly in addition to its usual function of providing a readily observable target from long distances. More specifically, the present invention provides, in a preferred embodiment, a diamond shaped sighting target, the center of which is provided with an aperture for receiving the prism assembly housing which extends therethrough in a direction normal to the plane of the sighting target. The prism housing is secured to the sighting target by means of a bracket into which the prism assembly is threaded, the bracket being secured to the sighting target.

Abstract: An improved line lens for producing output radiation in the form of a narrow sheet from a collimated input beam despite the use of a lens material having an index of refraction of less than 1.6. A novel design method permits redistribution of output energy as a function of angle along the surface of the lens to achieve the specified output pattern and defines the polynomials of the contoured surface curves of such a lens. In one embodiment of such a lens, which is designed by the inventive method, the input shape is contoured by circular segments and the exit surface is contoured according to the design-method-produced polynomials.

Abstract: A method of constructing a lens of the type receiving a collimated beam of input radiation for transmitting a narrow sheet of output radiation of substantially uniform intensity over an angular range of approximately + and -45 degrees relative to the input radiation beam. The method includes steps relating to defining the lens surface geometry and to implementing that geometry on a transmissive material having an index of refraction no greater than 1.6. The implementation of the method employs grinding and polishing steps which may be carried out by a disclosed lapping machine.

Abstract: A combined sighting target and bracket adapted for receiving a reflector housing for use with electronic distance measuring instruments in surveying and other civil engineering applications. The unique structure permits adjustment of three parameters that render the present invention generally compatible for use in conjunction with virtually any kind of electronic distance measuring instrument. One such adjustment, namely, vertical displacement between a reflector housing and the sighting target, permits duplication of any offset distance that exists between a telescope and ranging optics of the remotely located measuring instrument. The other adjustment features include elevation and azimuth angle variations that permit orientation of the reflecting device to be virtually normal with respect to the incoming and reflected laser, infrared, or other such energy commonly used by such electronic distance measuring instruments.