Abstract: Improved versatility, reliability and performance for field-deployable spatial positioning or measurement systems that use rotating laser fans or beams. Teachings include [1] A system integrated field-deployable length standard uses a reelable tape with positional indents; [2] the use of labyrinth seals at interface volumes between rotating laser heads and transmitter assemblies to prevent ingress of contaminants and allow for elimination of the use of rotary seals; [3] new dynamic leveling techniques to plumb positional laser transmitter systems; [4] strobe beam configurations for improved near/far performance; and [5] a vertical mode sensing scheme that allows switching to measuring tall structures when needed.

Abstract: A laser receiver is provided that is capable of providing an accurate indication of laser receiver tilt and correcting a generated elevation signal based upon the indicated laser receiver tilt. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a laser receiver is provided comprising a laser beam detection unit, an inclination detection unit, and suitable laser receiver control circuitry. The laser beam detection unit is arranged to enable production of an elevation signal indicative of an elevation of a laser beam relative to the laser receiver. The inclination detection unit comprises a reference light source, an optical fiber, and an optical detector. The optical fiber defines a light input end and a light output end and is coupled to the reference light source such that light from the reference light source enters at the light input end and exits from the light output end as an output beam of light. The optical detector is arranged to receive the output beam of light.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for monitoring shocks and vibrations on sensitive devices is provided. The sensor assembly comprises a detector beam supported between a pair of support members. A detector weight is secured to the detector beam between the support members. The detector beam is fracturable in response to the application of a predetermined level of force. An electrical circuit may be coupled to the detector beam for monitoring electrical continuity and structural integrity of the detector beam. The detector beam provides passive monitoring as the detector beam will fracture irrespectively of the power state of the electrical circuit. One or more detector beams may be used to monitor forces along a variety of different axes.

Abstract: A light beam deflecting apparatus is provided for diverting a light beam from an initial path. The apparatus includes first and second substantially transparent plates. The light beam passes through the first and second plates when the first and second plates are positioned in the path of the beam of light. A connector is attached to the first and second plates for connecting the plates to one another and for permitting the plates to be displaced relative to one another. A bellows enclosure is attached to the outer edges of the first and second plates for encasing the first and second plates to form a reservoir therewith capable of supporting a fluid therein. A fluid is filled within the reservoir and causes the light beam to deviate from its initial path when the first and second plates are located in the path of the light beam and are positioned in a non-parallel position.

Abstract: A laser beam projector apparatus is provided and includes a laser tube for producing a primary light beam in an initial path. A first beam diverter is included for diverting a first portion of the primary beam into a first direction to emerge from the apparatus as a first reference beam and for diverting a second portion of the primary beam into a second direction substantially parallel but opposite to the first direction. The apparatus further includes a second beam diverter for intercepting the second portion of the primary beam and allowing a first part of the second portion to pass therethrough and emerge from the apparatus in the second direction as a second stationary reference beam. The second beam diverter further serves to divert a second part of the second portion substantially 90 degrees into a third direction.

Abstract: A portion of first reference light plane is intercepted by a first one of a pair of angularly oriented reflective surfaces and reflected by the second of the pair of reflective surfaces as a second reference light plane at a selectable angle relative to the first reference light plane. The first and second reflective surfaces are movably mounted such that the first reflective surface can be rotated about a first axis coincident with or parallel to an incidence line in the first reflective surface which receives the first light plane and the second reflective surface can be rotated about a second axis parallel to but spaced from the first axis. The first and second reflective surfaces are mounted such that when the first reflective surface moves through an angle of a/2 degrees, the second reflective surface moves through an angle of a degrees.

Abstract: A pendulous compensator for use in a light beam projector including a light beam source comprises first and second upper pulleys spaced from one another and secured to the light beam projector. First and second lower pulleys are positioned beneath the first and second upper pulleys and supported by filament strands, tapes, loops or the like extending around the upper and lower pulleys. A pendulum mirror is secured to and supported between the first and second lower pulleys for receiving a light beam from the light beam source and reflecting the light beam in a desired angular orientation relative to horizontal. The first and second lower pulleys in the pendulum mirror are supported such that the pendulum mirror is moved to compensate for tilting of the light beam projector. The first and second upper pulleys or a folding mirror may be controlled to select a grade angle relative to horizontal of a projected light beam.

Abstract: A low friction bearing arrangement includes first and second poles of magnetically permeable material which define first and second pole surfaces which are spaced apart. The first and second poles also define first and second side surfaces, respectively, which are aligned. A quantity of ferrofluid, positioned intermediate the first and second pole surfaces and adjacent the first and second side surfaces, is held by means of a fringing magnetic flux between the first and second side surfaces at a level which extends beyond the side surfaces. A rotatable shaft of nonmagnetic material is supported on the quantity of ferrofluid and is held out of contact with the side surfaces thereby, such that the shaft may be freely rotated.

Abstract: A magnetic speed device includes a rotatable driving shaft and a driven shaft also rotatable about an axis. A stationary pole includes a plurality of pole elements, each having at least one stationary pole surface. The pole elements are circumferentially arranged around the axis. A rotor is operatively coupled to the driven shaft for rotation with the driven shaft about the axis. The rotor includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged rotor pole surfaces. The number of rotor pole surfaces is different from the number of stationary pole surfaces. The rotor pole surfaces are disposed in a spaced, generally opposed relation to the stationary pole surfaces, and define a series of air gaps therebeween. A magnet is mounted for rotation with the driving shaft for supplying a magnetic flux to a flux path which includes successive, adjacent pairs of pole elements, the rotor, and the air gaps.

Abstract: A laser beam projection device includes a laser plasma tube assembly having a laser plasma tube and a generally cylindrical casing surrounding the tube. The plasma tube is positioned within the casing such that the beam produced by the tube is aligned with the casing and emerges from the casing through a circular opening at one end thereof. A support frame is provided for mounting the laser plasma tube assembly and also for mounting one or more optical elements in precise alignment with respect to the beam produced by the tube assembly. The frame includes an annular member for engaging the circular opening in the casing in order to align the casing with respect to the frame. The frame further defines a pair of non-parallel alignment surfaces, spaced from the annular member, to contact the outer surface of the casing near the end thereof opposite the circular opening. The casing defines an inner beveled surface surrounding the opening through which the beam emerges.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a laser beam projection device for controlling the orientation of a support frame upon which a laser beam source is mounted includes a base frame, a support frame, and a pivot for mounting the support frame on the base frame. A level arm is pivotally supported at one point by the support frame and carries a level vial which provides an electrical indication of the orientation of the level arm. A positioning arrangement engages the support frame and the level arm and adjusts their relative position. The positioning arrangement includes a threaded shaft having a first threaded portion engaging the support frame and a nut engaging a second threaded portion of the shaft. The nut contacts the level arm. By rotating the nut, the relative position of the level arm and the support frame are adjusted.