Abstract: A laser level with a sensorless DC motor controller having a feedback sampling circuit connected in parallel with the coil to sense back EMF. An integrator provides a feedback signal from the sensed back EMF, which the amplified difference from a reference level is used as a pulse width control signal. A pulse width modulation generator uses the control signal to generate variable “on” time pulse widths for each motor drive pulse such that high resolution is provided to the DC motor, permitting accurate rotor position at low rotational speeds. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract to allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Field-deployable spatial positioning or measurement systems are provided for improved versatility, reliability and performance. The spatial positioning or measurement systems use rotating laser fans or beams for positioning and measuring and include a system integrated field-deployable length standard that uses a reelable tape with positional indents. The systems further include 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. Further, new dynamic leveling techniques are provided to plumb positional laser transmitter systems. Still further, strobe beam configurations are provided for improved near/far performance and a vertical mode sensing scheme that allows switching to measuring tall structures when needed.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the relative position of reference light includes a plurality of photodetector arrays arranged in a generally vertical row. Each array includes a plurality of photodetector elements arranged in a generally vertical array row. The photodetector elements in the arrays are arranged in a generally vertically oriented, extended row. Each of the photodetector elements provides an electrical output when illuminated with the light. A plurality of weighting circuits is provided, each weighting circuit being associated with a respective one of the plurality of photodetector arrays.

Abstract: Field-deployable spatial positioning or measurement systems are provided for improved versatility, reliability and performance. The spatial positioning or measurement systems use rotating laser fans or beams for positioning and measuring and include a system integrated field-deployable length standard that uses a reelable tape with positional indents. The systems further include 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. Further, new dynamic leveling techniques are provided to plumb positional laser transmitter systems. Still further, strobe beam configurations are provided for improved near/far performance and a vertical mode sensing scheme that allows switching to measuring tall structures when needed.

Abstract: Receiver circuits are provided for detecting a target light source such as a swept laser beam. The circuits include a photodetector adapted to produce a first detector output signal and a second detector output signal where the relative amplitudes of the first and second detector output signals are related to the position of a swept laser beam impinging thereon. A first log signal is determined, which is based upon a logarithmic and optionally scaled calculation utilizing the first detector output signal. Correspondingly, a second log signal is determined, which is based upon a logarithmic and optionally scaled calculation utilizing the second detector output signal. The position of the beam is then computed based upon a subtraction of the second log output signal from the first log output signal.

Abstract: Field-deployable spatial positioning or measurement systems are provided for improved versatility, reliability and performance. The spatial positioning or measurement systems use rotating laser fans or beams for positioning and measuring and include a system integrated field-deployable length standard that uses a reelable tape with positional indents. The systems further include 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. Further, new dynamic leveling techniques are provided to plumb positional laser transmitter systems. Still further, strobe beam configurations are provided for improved near/far performance and a vertical mode sensing scheme that allows switching to measuring tall structures when needed.

Abstract: Field-deployable spatial positioning or measurement systems are provided for improved versatility, reliability and performance. The spatial positioning or measurement systems use rotating laser fans or beams for positioning and measuring and include a system integrated field-deployable length standard that uses a reelable tape with positional indents. The systems further include 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. Further, new dynamic leveling techniques are provided to plumb positional laser transmitter systems. Still further, strobe beam configurations are provided for improved near/far performance and a vertical mode sensing scheme that allows switching to measuring tall structures when needed.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the relative position of reference light includes a plurality of photodetector arrays arranged in a generally vertical row. Each array includes a plurality of photodetector elements arranged in a generally vertical array row. The photodetector elements in the arrays are arranged in a generally vertically oriented, extended row. Each of the photodetector elements provides an electrical output when illuminated with the light. A plurality of weighting circuits is provided, each weighting circuit being associated with a respective one of the plurality of photodetector arrays.

Abstract: Field-deployable spatial positioning or measurement systems are provided for improved versatility, reliability and performance. The spatial positioning or measurement systems use rotating laser fans or beams for positioning and measuring and include a system integrated field-deployable length standard that uses a reelable tape with positional indents. The systems further include 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. Further, new dynamic leveling techniques are provided to plumb positional laser transmitter systems. Still further, strobe beam configurations are provided for improved near/far performance and a vertical mode sensing scheme that allows switching to measuring tall structures when needed.

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.