Abstract: A theodolite that includes a stand, a telescope, a friction gear and a worm gear. The telescope is pivotally secured to the stand. The clutch plate is secured to the telescope for at least limited rotational movement upon pivoting of the telescope. The friction gear is mounted for rotation about substantially the same axis as rotation of the clutch plate. The worm gear is mounted to the stand and is in constant mesh with the friction gear so that rotation of the worm gear causes rotation of the friction gear. A device engages the friction gear with the clutch plate with a frictional force. The frictional force is adjustable to allow for adjustment of the telescope separately from the worm gear.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a telescope of a theodolite. The mechanism includes a worm gear that is coupled to a friction gear of the theodolite. The friction gear is coupled to the telescope so that any rotation of the gear will induce a corresponding movement of the scope. The worm gear is coupled to a linear screw and an outer sleeve. The linear screw has a shaft that can push the worm gear and rotate the friction gear to provide a fine movement of the telescope. The linear screw also has a stop that engages an arm of the sleeve. Continued rotation of the linear screw rotates the engaged sleeve and the worm gear to provide a coarse movement of the telescope. The linear screw is connected to a knob which can be rotated by an operator. The operator can induce a coarse movement of the telescope by turning the linear screw so that the stop engages the sleeve.

Abstract: A surveying instrument comprises a tripod with a tribrach that receives both a theodolite and a C-bracket that half vertically encircles the theodolite. The C-bracket and the theodolite are each independently pivotable on the same vertical axis and the C-bracket is able to completely orbit around the theodolite such that it can be positioned so as not to optically interfere with the use of the theodolite. The top of the C-bracket provides a mount for a navigation satellite receiver antenna that positions the axis of rotation of the C-bracket through the electrical center of the antenna.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a telescope of a theodolite. The mechanism includes a worm gear that is coupled to a friction gear of the theodolite. The friction gear is coupled to the telescope so that any rotation of the gear will induce a corresponding movement of the scope. The worm gear is coupled to a linear screw and an outer sleeve. The linear screw has a shaft that can push the worm gear and rotate the friction gear to provide a fine movement of the telescope. The linear screw also has a stop that engages an arm of the sleeve. Continued rotation of the linear screw rotates the engaged sleeve and the worm gear to provide a coarse movement of the telescope. The linear screw is connected to a knob which can be rotated by an operator. The operator can induce a coarse movement of the telescope by turning the linear screw so that the stop engages the sleeve.