Abstract: A light leveling device includes a housing having a chamber to rotatably receive a light instrument which may generate a light beam or a reference line out through the housing. One or more batteries may be used to energize the light instrument. The light instrument may be rotated relative to the housing, for allowing the light beam or the reference line to be rotated relative to the wall members. The light instrument includes a knurled surface to be rotated by users. The light instrument includes a projection slidably engaged in a curved passage of the housing, to limit the rotational movement of the light instrument relative to the housing.

Abstract: A watertight fluid level device comprises a container in which a fluid is filled and a floating body, a shaft is connected to the upper end of the floating body; the upper end of the shaft is passed through a film. The film and the shaft are airtight connected. The circumference of the film is connected to the opening of the container to prevent the fluid of the container from leaking. A seat body is connected to the upper end of the shaft; the floating body floats on the surface of the fluid, the seat body is driven to maintain at a level state automatically by the shaft.

Abstract: An alignment device provides one or more references, such as laser lines and planes in horizontal and vertical orientations. One version of the alignment device includes an optics mounting assembly situated in a pivot socket on a frame to provide an output beam. Multiple spring systems and one or more alignment assemblies align and secure the optics mounting assembly in the socket. As a result, the output beam has a desired orientation with respect to true level. A first spring system directs the optics mounting assembly through the pivot socket. A second spring system holds the optics mounting assembly in communication with the alignment assemblies to reduce system backlash. One implementation of the pivot socket has a surface in the form of a sphere's interior surface. A set of support members on the optics mounting assembly rest on the pivot socket's spherical surface—causing the output reference beam to extend from the center of a sphere including the socket's spherical surface.

Abstract: A line laser device, comprising a light source for emitting a laser beam, a light emitting unit having optical means for projecting the laser beam from the light source in fan-like shape, an optical member arranged on the fan-shaped laser beam and for forming a spot light on a part of the fan-shaped laser beam, and support means for supporting the optical member so that the spot light formed on the fan-shaped laser beam can be shifted.

Abstract: A arrangement for determining the alignment of marked axes (22, 28, 36, 38, 48, 50) of a first (20, 30, 40) and a second body (26, 32, 42) relative to one another, which is provided with a first and a second measurement device (10, 12) which can be attached to the first body or to the second body in a fixed spatial relation to the respective marked axis, the first measurement device (10) having a first source (L2) for delivering a light beam and a second (D1) and a third optoelectronic sensor (D3), and the second measurement device (12) having a second (L1) and a third source (L3) for a light beam and a first optoelectronic sensor (D2), the optoelectronic sensors being made such that they can determine the impact point of a light beam on the sensor, and the first light source being assigned to the first sensor and the second and the third light source being assigned to the second and third sensor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel, portable, self-powered laser alignment device which can simultaneously generate plumb, square and level laser reference points. The laser alignment device is comprised of a main body that is pendulously suspended from a unit housing. The main body is adapted to house a plurality of orthogonally oriented laser diodes that, when energized, produce a plurality of orthogonal output beams to allow the operator to easily mark plumb, square and level reference points. The laser alignment device is self-leveling, which eliminates the time consuming calibration previously required for instrument setup. The movement of the main body is dampened by use of a magnetic dampening system that is comprised of a non-magnetic metallic plate, which is passed through a permanent magnetic field. The housing of the laser alignment device contains the main body, the laser diodes, the dampening system and a power supply to energize the diodes.

Abstract: A laser meter includes a casing; a laser module inside the casing; and a reflection means coaxial with the laser module and having circular circumference. The laser meter can provide both horizontal and vertical light beam for mark and consumes lower power.

Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a laser diode disposed within the housing for emitting a laser beam along a path, a lens disposed in the path for converting the laser beam into a planar beam. The planar beam thus forms a line on the reference surface. The laser level also includes an electronic distance measurement circuit disposed within the housing for measuring distance. The distance measurement circuit including a display for showing the measured distance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mounting and aligning a modular lamp controller. A representative embodiment includes a mounting adapter assembly and a laser alignment tool. The mounting adapter assembly is configured to couple to a housing of the modular lamp controller and includes a jam nut and a mounting adapter. The mounting adapter includes internal threads for connecting to a mounting pipe, external threads for locating the jam nut, and a step configured to revolve around an axis of the mounting adapter. The step is configured to rotatably lock the housing. The laser alignment tool is configured to couple to the housing and includes a bracket configured to couple to the housing and a laser coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method to accurately transfer one or multiple points on one surface to one or multiple points on another surface, such as a reference line or markings on a floor to target points on an overhead ceiling for hanging support brackets. The apparatus includes a base supported by four wheels and a leveled top plate to facilitate use on uneven surfaces. Laser brackets mounted on said top plate support fixed lasers for single point layout. Laser brackets mounted on the ends of transversely movable support arms support movable lasers from said top plate for dual point layout. Vertical pointers on said base position the base on the floor markings. A linear measurement device accurately measures linear movement of the apparatus along the floor surface. A drum attachment supports a laser to provide indicator lines along radiuses in a horizontal and vertical plane.

Abstract: An arrangement for the vertical orientation of a geodetic instrument over a ground point, comprises an optical observation device for visual sighting of the ground point with a target beam, a laser device for generating a laser beam, and an optical in-coupling element by which the laser beam and the target beam can be coupled into a target axis impinging vertically on the target point. In this way, an exact orientation of the geodetic instrument can be achieved under all light conditions. The geodetic instrument retains its compact dimensions. In addition, a laser in a lower hazard class can be used.

Abstract: A system for aligning a hub/mast with a soffit penetration point uses an insert that is similar in shape to a terminal adapter that is threadably received within a hub of a meter base. An opening within the insert receives a laser such that when the insert is received within the terminal adapter, the laser beam emitted by the laser, corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the terminal adapter, illuminates the proper penetration point on the soffit of a building from which an electrical conduit holding an electrical conductor should extend.

Abstract: Apparatus (4) for converting an optical theodolite (2) into a laser theodolite, which apparatus comprises a laser diode adapter (6) for connection to the optical theodolite in place of an eyepiece of a telescope (8) of the optical theodolite, and driver means (10) for the laser diode adapter (6); the laser diode adapter (6) comprising a housing (12), a laser diode (14); a holographic image reshaping lens (51), and a focusing lens (52) in the housing (12), and an externally threaded male portion (16) for screwing into the telescope (8) in place of the eyepiece; and the driver means (10) having securing means (18) for securing the driver means (10) to the optical theodolite (2) remote from the laser diode adapter (6).

Abstract: A portable construction layout tool generates laser beams in two or more directions related by a specific angle, such as 90°. The instrument emits two fans of light in such a way as to project a pair of lines on the floor, wall or other surface on which the instrument is mounted or placed, with the intersection of the two being visible rather than being a virtual intersection hidden beneath the instrument itself, enabling easier setup. Compared to rotating-beam instruments, the disclosed device is simpler by avoiding moving parts and provides for better visibility. In a preferred embodiment the non-collimated beam from a laser diode is used, and is passed through a cylinder lens to converge the beam on the narrower axis to generate the desired fan of light to be projected as a line.

Abstract: A laser beam irradiation device, comprising a light source for emitting a laser beam, a cylindrical lens, an optical system for entering the laser beam to the cylindrical lens perpendicularly with respect to a center line of the cylindrical lens, and a luminous flux rotating means for rotating the incident laser beam around an optical axis of the laser beam.

Abstract: A system of lasers is used to precisely locate the spot for placing a racked set of pool balls and to identify the porch line of a pool game.

Abstract: A light detector which includes a housing having front and rear walls, a light receiving section disposed on the front wall, and displays disposed on the front and rear walls for showing the location of received light relative on the light receiving section. Also disclosed is a laser level including a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, a housing fixedly disposed on the shaft, the housing having a bore therein, a barrel pivotally connected to the housing, a laser diode module disposed within the barrel, and a screw disposed on the housing and contacting the barrel for adjusting the pivotal position of the barrel.

Abstract: A laser sighting device for improving the overall targeting accuracy of the gun.

Abstract: A combination laser level line and plumb line generation device that utilizes a single laser generator module to create perpendicular lines, a level line and a plumb line. In line with the laser generator module is a first optical unit that generates a vertical line. The first optical unit has a central aperture which allows a portion of non-refracted light to pass through. The non-refracted light then passes through a second optical unit, the second optical unit creating a horizontal line. With this configuration, the single laser generator module can be used to create a pair of orthogonal lines. This allows the elements to be manufactured into a simple and inexpensive combination laser level line and plumb line generation device.

Abstract: A system for imaging eyeglasses having lenses, and obtaining data indicative of the outline of the eyeglasses and designated locations associated with the outline. The system includes a positioning device for placing the eyeglasses. The system further includes a short focal length imaging device for acquiring an image of the eyeglasses. The system further includes a processor and a display configured to calculate an editable outline for each eyepiece of the eyeglasses and display the outline and the image, such that the editable outline can be compared to a respective eyepiece of the image. The processor is further configured to calculate supplemental locations linked to the outline for manufacturing holes and/or slots that anchor clip-on parts that include bridge and legs, and for providing data indicative of the specified outline and supplemental locations.

Abstract: A compact optical calibrating apparatus includes: a housing having a base formed on a bottom of the housing, a horizontality calibrator universally pendulously mounted in the housing, a plurality of illuminators embedded or secured in a plumb pendulously secured to the horizontality calibrator, and a switch device pivotally secured in the housing for switching on or off a power source supplied to the illuminators and for braking or releasing the pendulous movement of the plumb; whereby upon embedding of the illuminators in the plumb, the height and volume of the calibrating apparatus is decreased for obtaining a compact optical calibrating instrument.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a line projecting device that can project a line spanning 360 degrees onto a working surface. The line projecting device preferably comprises two line projectors back to back and a leveling device. The leveling device is used to indicate the horizontal position of the line projectors, both being in a same plane. Each line projector consists in a source of light that can direct a collimated light beam on a transparent annular cylinder. A plurality of partial reflections and refractions of the light beam inside the cylinder create a line that spans over 360 degrees on working surfaces in the line of sight of the projector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently generating a visible line of light on a surface such as a wall or a floor for the purpose of facilitating the layout process used in construction. The apparatus comprises a light beam generator projecting a beam of visible light on a surface. Reference marking elements on the instrument correspond to the light beam's position. One or more level vials may also be included for indicating vertical and horizontal, as well as a magnet for mounting and a reference bracket for a stud-finder instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a mechanism for positioning video cameras for use in measuring vehicle wheel alignment includes optical targets for mounting to the wheels of a vehicle, at least one video camera for viewing said optical targets and producing at least one image thereof, a computer system for measuring said at least one image and for using said measurements to compute vehicle wheel alignment information, a positioning system for positioning said at least one video camera such that said optical targets are visible to said at least one video camera and such that said at least one video camera can produce said at least one image of said targets, and a controller for controlling said positioning system such that a user of said apparatus can cause said at least one video camera to be positioned in at least one desired position and such that said user can further cause said controller to remember said at least one desired position so that any user can, at a later time, cause said controller to

Abstract: The flatness measuring equipment can highly precisely measure flatness of a surface of a large-sized planar member, e.g., an abrasive plate. In the equipment, an elongated member is provided above and parallel to the surface of the planar member to be measured. A movable member is provided to the elongated member and capable of moving along the elongated member. A distance sensor, which is provided to the movable member, measures distance between the movable member and the surface of the planar member. A laser beam source emits a laser beam, at a fixed level, toward the movable member. A light receiving sensor detects a variation of a level of the movable member with respect of the fixed level of the laser beam.

Abstract: A mobile machine for determining information at a forestry site. The mobile machine includes a gimbal base mounted on the mobile machine, a rotating laser beam range detector mounted on the gimbal base so that the rotating laser beam maintains a horizontal plane, a position determining system mounted on the mobile machine, and a slope determining system located on the mobile machine and electrically connected to a set of gimbals on the gimbal base, the gimbals being adapted to sense a slope of the mobile machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fast alignment telescopic sight for use in connection with firearms to improve sighting accuracy. It comprises a tube, an optical sighting system, and an alignment unit. An alignment mark is provided in the target image plane of the optical sighting system, and is coupled to the tube through an adjustable connection unit. The adjustable connection unit comprises a base coupled to the tube, an adjustable positioning support mounted in the base, and a rotation pin passing through and secured to the adjustable positioning support. The alignment mark is secured to the front end of the rotation pin. The invention can be used for adjusting the alignment mark in arbitrary directions to ensure the alignment mark to be exactly located in the target image plane and at the center of the field of view against various manufacturing errors. The invention features simple construction, reliable performance and low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A center line marking apparatus for marking holes or bores in beams for running pipe or electrical wiring through the beams. The center line marking apparatus includes a clamping assembly for clamping to a beam such as a joist; and also includes a first elongate support member being pivotally mounted to the clamping assembly; and further includes a laser marking assembly rotatably mounted to the elongate support member.

Abstract: A mobile machine for determining information at a forestry site. The mobile machine includes a gimbal base mounted on the mobile machine, a rotating laser beam range detector mounted on the gimbal base so that the rotating laser beam maintains a horizontal plane, a position determining system mounted on the mobile machine, and a slope determining system located on the mobile machine and electrically connected to a set of gimbals on the gimbal base, the gimbals being adapted to sense a slope of the mobile machine.

Abstract: For assisting a golfer to determine the yardage from a golf ball to a target golf hole and to select the proper base club for the golf shot, a flat card has an elongated aperture with its top edge spaced from its bottom edge at parallel intervals taken across the aperture by distances decreasing in length from one end of the aperture to the other. The front and back faces of the card have first and second pluralities of the parallel intervals marked along the edges of the aperture respectively. The distances across the aperture at the marked intervals are nomographically coordinated to intervals of distance from the golf ball to the pin placed in the target golf hole. The distance from the golf ball to the pin is thus determinable by coincidental alignment of one of the marked intervals with the pin when the pin is visually registered in the aperture by the golfer.

Abstract: A projection apparatus for projecting the axis of a plumbing fixture or an existing opening in a construction member onto a remote member, for locating an opening to be made in the remote member, has a body having at least a first cylindrical portion with a first diameter ending in a shoulder, the first cylindrical portion having an axis, and a laser pointer constrained in a cavity of the body such that the laser, when activated, projects along the axis. The apparatus is useful for projecting a center point from a plumbing fixture onto a remote member, such as for vent installation, and for aligning openings in construction members for pipes and other conduits. In an alternative embodiment the projection apparatus has a vertical-seeking element associated with the laser pointer, so a vertical line may be determined for an upward-facing open pipe that does not point perfectly vertical, but faces generally upward.

Abstract: Apparatus (4) for converting an optical theodolite (2) into a laser theodolite, which apparatus comprises a laser diode adapter (6) for connection to the optical theodolite in place of an eyepiece of a telescope (8) of the optical theodolite, and driver means (10) for the laser diode adapter (6); the laser diode adapter (6) comprising a housing (12), a laser diode (14); a holographic image reshaping lens (51), and a focusing lens (52) in the housing (12), and an externally threaded male portion (16) for screwing into the telescope (8) in place of the eyepiece; and the driver means (10) having securing means (18) for securing the driver means (10) to the optical theodolite (2) remote from the laser diode adapter (6).

Abstract: Laser alignment methods and apparatus are disclosed whereby pipe and similar materials may be aligned. The methods and apparatus are adapted to be utilized on the end of pipe or other material and thereby using as a reference point that pipe or other material with the reference beam generated by the laser providing a center reference point from the pipe on which the laser is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the laser apparatus mounting is threaded so as to be used in mating relationship with the ends of complimentarily threaded pipes. Another preferred embodiment utilizes caps of various sizes, adapted to be placed on a pipe end, with mounting means for the laser.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a housing, a distance measuring apparatus carried on the housing, one or more housing orientation indicators, and a focused light beam source. Using the housing orientation indicators, the housing can be properly oriented so that a focused light beam emitted by the focused light beam source will illuminate a point on a remote surface to accurately transfer the position of the housing to the remote surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating two or more visible lines of light on a floor for the purpose of facilitating the layout process used in construction. The apparatus comprises a light beam generator producing two or more beams of light at 90° to each other and in a plane parallel to the plane of the floor. Subsequently cylinder lenses on the apparatus spread the beams and position them on the floor or target providing visible reference lines.

Abstract: A volumeter, for determining a volume of an item by measuring the item in at least one of the three main spatial directions defining a volume, has a support surface on which the item rests and a transparent surface moveable in a first one of the three main spatial directions against the item, wherein the transparent surface extends substantially parallel to the support surface and has a side facing away from the support surface. An optical camera is connected to the side facing away form the surface. The camera moves together with the transparent surface and measures a second and third one of the three main spatial directions. The volumeter is used in particular in connection with self-service postal stations.

Abstract: An automatic optical plumbing instrument includes: an objective telescopically mounted at a front portion of a telescopic housing adjacent to an object to be observed, an ocular telescopically mounted at a rear portion of the housing adjacent to an observer's eye, and a transparent plumbing protractor defining a plumbing line thereon and mounted in the housing between the objective and the ocular, whereby upon entrance of a vertical line (or plane) of the object into the instrument to form an image therein, a verticality of the vertical line (or plane) of the object can be checked whether the vertical line is aligned with the plumbing line marked on the protractor, thereby providing a plumbing instrument for calibrating a verticality of the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser leveling device, which comprises a light emitting unit for irradiating a laser beam, a rotating unit for rotating the laser beam for scanning, and a means for turning off the scanning laser beam so that a spotlike is formed in a specific direction. By forming a reference spot light, and aligning an irradiating point of the spot beam with the reference point, it is possible to install the laser leveling device 1 to the reference point and to perform accurate positioning of the laser leveling device by the scanning line of the laser beam formed on a portion other than the spot.

Abstract: A self-leveling laser plumb apparatus comprising an elongated straight tubular housing having an upper end and a pointed lower end thereof and a laser beam module prealigned and connected in said upper end in conjunction with confirmed precise alignment of a laser beam emitted from the laser beam module with a longitudinal axis of said housing. The pointed lower end of the housing is also in precise alignment with the longitudinal axis of said housing. A generally elongated C-shaped support includes a lower base supportable in a horizontal surface and an upper housing suspension member which is cooperatively structured with an upper portion of the housing to suspend the housing with the laser beam module in place in free-moving pendulum fashion. With the pointed lower end positioned just above the horizontal surface, a laser beam from said laser beam module strikes an overhead surface directly vertically above a mark on the horizontal surface over which said pointed lower end is aligned.

Abstract: A combined leveling device and laser pointer includes a support body which holds a bubble tube and a rotary seat. The rotary seat extends from a front face to a rear face of the support body and has a through-hole which extends from the front face to the rear face and which includes a tapered clamping hole section that is tapered in a direction from the rear face to the front face. The rotary seat is graduated adjacent to the front face, and a clamp is movably provided in the through-hole. The clamp has a plurality of resilient clamp members which are resiliently movable toward or away from one another when the clamp moves into or outward from the tapered clamping hole section. A detachable laser light source unit is insertable into the clamp from the rear face so as to be clamped removably by the resilient clamp members. A hologram is mounted to the rotary seat adjacent to the front face to produce a one-dimensional linear projection image from the laser light source unit.

Abstract: A tool resembling a carpenter's level is used in establishing a precise level line and projecting an existing line using a visible laser beam projector in the same instrument. A manual selector device is provided for switching from a laser beam parallel to a reference surface to one which self-levels in one axis. Methods for switching between modes are described as well as a tilt compensator.

Abstract: A laser line device suitable for construction. The laser line instrument automatically aligns a vertical laser beam so that the beam is perpendicular to the earth's core. The laser module is connected to a pendulum which serves to automatically level the device. The pendulum is damped by permanent magnets. The bearing on which the pendulum is mounted serves as a portion of the electrical circuit of the device.

Abstract: A pulley alignment gauge for aligning pulleys in a drive system, such as a front end accessory drive system on an automotive engine, includes pulley mounts and a laser connected to a frame. The drive belt is removed before the gauge is placed on the pulleys. The pulley mounts position the gauge on one of the pulleys in the pair to be aligned. The laser emits a light beam onto the adjacent pulley to determine pulley alignment. The laser targets the center rib of the adjacent pulley being aligned and the rib spacing is used to gauge the degree of misalignment.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laser levelling and angle-calibrating instrument includes: a stand; a magnetically-attractive laser level having a horizontal bottom attractable on the stand, a vertical wall perpendicular to the horizontal bottom and a first laser illuminator mounted on the laser level for projecting a horizontal laser ray for levelling purpose; and a magnetically-attractive laser angle calibrator having a second laser illuminator and attracted on the vertical wall of the laser level for projecting a vertical laser light line for checking a verticality.

Abstract: A measurement device has a telescope supported by a main body of a total station so as to be rotatable about the horizontal axis. A vertically extending light-passing hole is formed in the main body, so that a distance measuring light wave, which is emitted through the telescope from a light-emitting element provided in the main body, can pass. A prism unit having a corner cube prism is placed on a base point. A centering operation is carried out by rotating the telescope vertically downward. Then, a distance measurement is carried out by radiating the distance measuring light wave onto the corner cube prism through the telescope.

Abstract: A laser is pivotally concentrically mounted in a gimballed mounting structure having outer and inner pivotally mounted concentric rings. An angle indicator is mounted to said outer ring so as to be viewable by a user and cooperates with said inner ring to as to indicate to said user an angle of inclination of said gimballed mounting structure when lowermost ends of said legs are placed on a solid surface. A generally elongate linearly calibrated gauge is mounted to a base between said legs of the structure so as to extend between said legs beneath a lowermost end of said laser. The gauge is graduated so that a first angle gradation, may be aligned with a mark to be transposed on said solid surface.

Abstract: A combination of square alloy rulers with precisely machined planes, each ruler unit having two 1.5v batteries and two bubble levels to level in all directions. A line generator is mounted in front of a laser diode module. This basic laser line ruler unit can produce an accurate laser level line or plumb line after it is calibrated. By adjusting the calibrating knob, the laser line ruler will produce a precise level line or plumb line when the level bubbles are centered. Putting a properly aligned level line unit and a properly aligned plumb line unit together will produce a cross line in front of the combination. Adding at least one more laser line ruler, that is combining three or more line units, will produce 90.degree. lines, 45.degree. lines, and 180.degree. lines, as well as 270.degree. lines up and down or on the right and left sides by simply adjusting the position of the relevant ruler. The housing of the ruler unit is machined with accurate planes and vertical angles.

Abstract: A laser angle adjustment device for laser measuring instruments including a rectangular casing, a fixed bubble level and an adjustable bubble level mounted on the casing at right angles, a barrel turned in a hole in the casing, a top cover fixedly fastened to the barrel at one end to hold a laser module for providing a laser reference line for measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser leveling device, which comprises a light emitting unit for irradiating a laser beam, a rotating unit for rotating the laser beam for scanning, and a means for turning off the scanning laser beam so that a spotlike is formed in a specific direction. By forming a reference spot light, and aligning an irradiating point of the spot beam with the reference point, it is possible to install the laser leveling device 1 to the reference point and to perform accurate positioning of the laser leveling device by the scanning line of the laser beam formed on a portion other than the spot.

Abstract: An improved tribrach device for attaching an optical sighting instrument to a support such as a tripod. The tribrach device includes a pivotable locking ring for securing the legs of the sighting instrument to the tribrach. The locking ring is biased towards its locked position and is easily unlocked when desired. A laser beam is projected upwardly and downwardly along a vertical axis.