Abstract: A cradle for a handheld electrical device comprises a base constructed to support the device such that the device can be freely placed on and removed from the base. At least one arm is operatively connected to the base for movement relative to the base and the device. An actuator moves the arm between a release position wherein the arm is spaced from the device, allowing the device to be freely removed from and placed on the base, and a hold position wherein the arm engages and holds the device in the cradle. The cradle is adapted for attachment to an object in a first orientation on a right-hand side of the object and in a second orientation on a left-hand side of the object. The cradle is arranged to hold the device in an upright position in both orientations.

Abstract: A support unit for a level indicator capable of being mounted on a geomatic pole, such as a prism pole or a GPS pole. A housing of the support unit is mounted on the geomatic pole. A first holder in the housing holds the level indicator and a second holder holds a tool, such as a stylus or a hex wrench, for use along with of the support unit. The level indicator is pivotally adjustable with respect to the housing for alignment with the geomatic pole when mounted thereon.

Abstract: A clamp comprises an anvil and a jaw member moveable relative to the anvil between a secured positioned and an unsecured positioned. A driver, which moves the jaw member between the secured and unsecured positions, includes a torque limiter to inhibit overtightening the jaw member against an object. The jaw member has a rigid engagement portion and an elastomeric pad on its engagement surface. In the unsecured position, the elastomeric pad projects above the rigid material such that when the jaw member is brought into contact with the object, the elastomeric pad contacts the object and the object is substantially free of contact with the rigid engagement portion. In the secured position, the elastomeric pad is compressed such that both the elastomeric pad and rigid engagement portion contact the object.

Abstract: Supports for geomatic equipment, and in particular geomatic poles, can come in the form of bipods and tripods. The support system can be selectively configured as a bipod support and as a tripod support. No modification needs to be made to the geomatic pole, the system is independently capable of configuration. The position of legs of the supports is particularly selected to provide stability in both the bipod and tripod configurations.

Abstract: A coupler comprises a male component and a female component including an interior chamber for receiving the male component. A catch extends into the interior chamber for cooperating with the male component to axially secure the male component with respect to the female component. A release comprises a slide located adjacent the catch, whereby depression of a button on the catch causes the catch to resiliently deform and move along the slide to a position free of engagement with the male component. The coupler can be used to attach a holder for holding an auxiliary device to a clamp. The coupler has a first position wherein the holder is spaced a first distance from the clamp and is fixed rotationally relative to the clamp, and a second position wherein the holder is spaced a second distance from the clamp and is free to rotate with respect to the clamp while remaining coupled to the clamp.

Abstract: A leg for use in supporting geometric equipment includes a first leg section and a second leg section for telescoping receiving the first leg section. A locking device includes an actuator and an engagement portion. The locking device is operable in a lock position in which the engagement portion bears against the second leg section on the interior thereof with a force selected to lock the first and second leg sections with respect to each other, and an unlock position in which the engagement portion is spaced from the second leg section such that the leg sections are free to move in telescoping relation with respect to each other.

Abstract: A support capable of supporting geomatic equipment has hinged legs which allow the legs to pivot about a horizontal axis to selected positions. A hinge lock associated with each of the legs allows the leg to be locked in the selected angular position. Locking of the legs in this manner facilitates stability of the support.

Abstract: A telescoping leg particularly adapted for use in supporting geomatic equipment is capable of locking in different selected positions of extension. A lock is provided for holding the leg at the selected position of extension. The lock is biased to a lock position, but is capable of being moved and retained in an unlock position by operation of a single thumb on one hand so that locking and unlocking the leg for telescoping movement occupies only one hand.

Abstract: A support for geomatic equipment such as a geomatic pole has feet which facilitate stability of the pole. The feet are constructed to resist forces applied along legs of the support to which they are connected in both directions, including forces which tend to lift the feet upward. The foot is formed to readily penetrate certain surfaces and to resist withdrawal from the surfaces after penetration. In one embodiment, a fixed connection to the underlying surface may be achieved. The foot is also constructed to resist rotation of the foot and leg to which it is attached which could cause instability of the support.

Abstract: A support particularly adapted for supporting a geomatic pole has telescoping legs, each having telescoping leg sections which can be locked by a locking device in a selected position of extension, fixing the length of the leg. The locking device is easily actuated and released and is biased toward a locked position. In an unlocked position, the locking device is positively positioned to inhibit contact with the released leg section so that movement is smooth and unnecessary wear is limited. The locking device has an engagement portion which is constructed to promote locking, but also to facilitate release and limit unnecessary wear of the engagement portion.

Abstract: A support capable of supporting geomatic equipment has hinged legs which allow the legs to pivot about a horizontal axis to selected positions. A hinge lock associated with each of the legs allows the leg to be locked in the selected angular position. Locking of the legs in this manner facilitates stability of the support. The locks are readily engaged and disengaged and can be used to hold the legs in a stowed position.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. A lock for fixing telescoping sections of the pole provides fixed positioning without high initial clamping forces. An air cushion system inhibits damaging the pole sections when they are retracted, but the pole sections can be simply pulled apart without any other required disassembly for cleaning or repair. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the fittings are attached. A cover can be attached over a point of the surveying pole when the point it not needed, and the cover can be stowed on the surveying pole when the point is used.

Abstract: A support particularly adapted for supporting a geomatic pole has telescoping legs, each having telescoping leg sections which can be locked by a locking device in a selected position of extension, fixing the length of the leg. The locking device is easily actuated and released and is biased toward a locked position. In an unlocked position, the locking device is positively positioned to inhibit contact with the released leg section so that movement is smooth and unnecessary wear is limited. The locking device has an engagement portion which is constructed to promote locking, but also to facilitate release and limit unnecessary wear of the engagement portion.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. The pole may include two or more pole sections which may be screwed together to make a longer pole. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the pole sections are connected together.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. A lock for fixing telescoping sections of the pole provides fixed positioning without high initial clamping forces. An air cushion system inhibits damaging the pole sections when they are retracted, but the pole sections can be simply pulled apart without any other required disassembly for cleaning or repair. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the fittings are attached. A cover can be attached over a point of the surveying pole when the point it not needed, and the cover can be stowed on the surveying pole when the point is used.

Abstract: A support for surveying equipment and the like has telescoping legs and a locking system including a clamp for locking the legs in a selected position of extension. The two telescoping leg members making up each leg have wedge formations which engage over a wide surface when clamped together to facilitate locking. The clamp is formed to actively release from locking the leg members which the clamp is unlocked. The leg members are particularly constructed to permit surveying tools or other objects to be permanently or replaceably mounted on the legs. A hinge connection of the legs permits them to pivot together in a collapsed position is formed in a unitary fashion with one of the leg members for additional strength. The hinge also holds the leg member to facilitate interlocking the leg members at a selected position of extension.

Abstract: A support for geomatic equipment such as a geomatic pole has feet which facilitate stability of the pole. The feet are constructed to resist forces applied along legs of the support to which they are connected in both directions, including forces which tend to lift the feet upward. The foot is formed to readily penetrate certain surfaces and to resist withdrawal from the surfaces after penetration. In one embodiment, a fixed connection to the underlying surface may be achieved. The foot is also constructed to resist rotation of the foot and leg to which it is attached which could cause instability of the support.

Abstract: A telescoping leg particularly adapted for use in supporting geomatic equipment is capable of locking in different selected positions of extension. A lock is provided for holding the leg at the selected position of extension. The lock is biased to a lock position, but is capable of being moved and retained in an unlock position by operation of a single thumb on one hand so that locking and unlocking the leg for telescoping movement occupies only one hand.