Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging unit, a detecting unit, a recording unit, a correcting unit, and a video generating unit. The imaging unit captures images of a plurality frames. The detecting unit detects a tilt of the imaging unit with respect to a reference direction. The recording unit records time-series data of the tilt detected by the detecting unit. The correcting unit applies tilt correction to an image of each of the frames captured by the imaging unit, based on the time-series data of the tilt recorded by the recording unit and additional information unique to the imaging unit. The video generating unit generates video data based on the image of each of the frames corrected by the correcting unit.

Abstract: Technology for determining a position of a platform is described. A location of a horizon line can be determined using a sensor onboard the platform. One or more celestial objects in the sky can be detected using the sensor onboard the platform. Differential angular measurements between the horizon line and at least one of the celestial objects in the sky can be determined over a duration of time. The position of the platform can be determined based on the differential angular measurements between the horizon line and the celestial objects.

Abstract: An optical device has a post and a reference. A knob is rotatably connected to the optical device and has see-though portions and a gear pivotably disposed therein. The gear has a ring engagement member and a receiver for receiving the post and an inner ring is disposed within the housing. The inner ring includes a first indicia and second indicia. The first indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in a first position. The second indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in a second position. Each of the first and second indicia is associated with a single specific rotated position of the housing relative to the reference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining a position by emitting a first laser beam (7) by a laser source (6) positioned in a reference system onto a detector (1) and simultaneously detecting the first laser beam (7) by the detector (1), thus defining an emission direction of the laser source (7). The detector (1) has a segmented detection area comprising a plurality of discrete partial detection areas (17), each having a defined partial detection direction and at least two partial detection directions thereof being different. When detecting the first laser beam (7), an impingement point (9) of the first laser beam (7) on the detector (1) is detected by means of at least one partial detection area (17), and when determining the incidence direction (10), said direction is derived from the at least one partial detection direction. The location of the detector (1) relative to the laser source (6) and the reference system is then determined using the emission direction and the incidence direction (10).

Abstract: The application relates to indicating a grade for example in constructions applications using a laser beam. A laser beam is emitted from a laser unit to a desired direction having a grade angle with regard to a level angle. The level sensor is provided for adjusting the level angle and a grade sensor is provided for indicating a grade angle on the basis of the level angle from the level sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical instrument with an angle indicator and a method for operating the same enabling simple monitoring of instrument inclination and operation in a large angle range. The optical instrument comprises a base portion, a head portion tiltable relative to the base portion within a device angle range, a base angle indicator attached to the base portion for determining a base angle of the base portion and a determination unit for determining an indication angle range of the head portion based on the base angle and the device angle range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the vertical spacing of objects while carrying out positioning tasks with a vertical travel portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the azimuth of a tube having a bore axis includes a centering mandrel having a longitudinal axis; a flexible member for defining a bore axis projection of the bore axis; a tensioner fixed to one end of the flexible member, and a pair of adjusters connected to the tensioner, the adjusters for moving the tensioner along a respective pair of axes that are perpendicular to the bore axis projection, the axes of the adjusters being mutually perpendicular.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the angle of sloped ground includes a panel, having a transparent window located in it, which can be held by a user so that the sloped ground can be viewed through the window. The panel has a spatial reference associated with it which allows the panel to be oriented properly with respect to the horizontal or vertical. Inscribed on the window are a positioning indicia and a plurality of lines which radiate outwardly from the positioning indicia at specific angles with respect to the horizontal. In use the panel is held such that the positioning indicia is located on the slope. The user can then determine which one of the lines overlies the slope. The angle associated with that line is the angle of the slope.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the angle of sloped ground includes a panel, having a transparent window located in it, which can be held by a user so that the sloped ground can be viewed through the window. The panel has a spatial reference associated with it which allows the panel to be oriented properly with respect to the horizontal or vertical. Inscribed on the window are a positioning indicia and a plurality of lines which radiate outwardly from the positioning indicia at specific angles with respect to the horizontal. In use the panel is held such that the positioning indicia is located on the slope. The user can then determine which one of the lines overlies the slope. The angle associated with that line is the angle of the slope.

Abstract: A device for assisting a user in marking an overhead surface to correspond with a mark on a surface below includes a substantially hollow housing having pressurized gas containers received therein. The pressurized gas containers are in communication with a projection barrel extending upwardly from the housing. A lower laser module is positioned on the lower surface of the housing for projecting a laser beam downwardly onto a target mark on an underlying surface. The paint ball projection barrel is coaxial with the lower laser module such that when the laser beam is directed toward the target mark, a paint ball can be projected upwardly to produce an overhead mark that is axially aligned with the target mark.

Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, a first lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a first line on the reference surface, a second laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a second laser beam along a second path, and a second lens disposed on the pendulum in the second path for converting the second laser beam into a second planar beam, the second planar beam forming a second line on the reference surface, wherein the first and second lines are substantially perpendicular and non-intersecting.

Abstract: A laser projection system capable of irradiating a light beam for alignment is provided. The alignment laser projection system comprises a reflection unit, a moving reflection unit, irradiation units that irradiate light to the reflection unit and the moving reflection unit, a guide unit which drives the moving reflection unit, a housing which contains a driving unit, a control unit which controls the irradiation unit and the driving unit, and a display unit which displays control states. In irradiating a laser beam, the laser projection system resolves the problem of instable power supply and information transfer due to the damage in a cable apparatus caused by alternating movements of an irradiation unit such that it supplies stable alignment line in repetitive works.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser-plumbing leveler with adjustable height of the horizontal line, which comprises a laser emitting device, a laser line (plane) projecting optical system, and a laser line (plane) rotating and/or moving unit, wherein the laser line (plane) projecting optical system comprises a horizontal laser unit, a vertical laser unit and/or inclined laser unit and so forth. The laser-plumbing leveler according to the invention can be used in building decoration or the like for positioning at different height in horizontal, vertical and inclined directions, and has the advantages of easy use, reliable leveling, simple construction and low price.

Abstract: A multiple axis laser emitter (1) comprising an optical beam splitter (4) having at least two reflectively coated mirror surfaces (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) oriented perpendicular to each other and each oriented at an angle of 45° to a collimated main beam (H) of a laser light source (6) and at an angle of 90° to each other, wherein, in the beam path, an optical wedge (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e) is arranged downstream to at least one of the component beams (Ta, Tb, Tc, Td) deflected by the mirror surfaces (7) at an angle of 90° to the main beam (H).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leveling at least one output light beam in a construction tool. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a laser optical assembly for producing output light beams that define plumb, level, and right angle beams for use in construction applications. The optical assembly is mounted on an optical platform which permits tilting about “slip-stick” joints that define two perpendicular axes of rotation. Such joints allow the optical platform to change its angle of tilt in response to an applied torque and to maintain the changed angle of tilt until further torque is applied. Also, the “slip-stick” mechanism prevents substantial movement or oscillation of the optical platform in the absence of the applied torque. The embodiment further includes a sensor element for determining whether the output beams are level.

Abstract: A surveying instrument assumes either a high-speed drive control mode for driving a surveying optical system at high speed or a low-speed drive control mode for driving the surveying optical system at low speed. A motor is continuously driven through a PWM control method in the high-speed drive control mode. Then, the low-speed drive control mode is selected to drive the motor so as to allow the motor to alternate acceleration and a virtual stop. As the surveying optical system approaches a predetermined position, a condition for next motor acceleration is set based upon the detected rotational angle of the surveying optical system. Thus, it becomes possible to stop the surveying optical system at the predetermined position with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A laser plumbing device including a laser beam emitting device; a supporting device for supporting the laser beam emitting device and allowing swinging movements of the laser beam emitting device in a first direction X1 and a second direction Y1; a two-direction drive device for swinging the laser beam emitting device in the first and second directions X1 and Y1; an inclination angle detecting device for detecting an inclination angle of the laser beam emitting direction with respect to the vertical direction; and a controller for controlling the position of the laser beam emitting device by the two-direction drive device so as to change the laser beam emitting direction toward the vertical direction based on the angle detected by the inclination angle detecting device. The long member plumbing device and method utilizing the laser plumbing device.

Abstract: An integral apparatus having laser sighting means embodied in a pocket sized device, for use in determining end points along ceilings and wall perimeter edges to more accurately size drywall pieces to be installed in generally non-rectangular perimeter sections of ceilings and walls. The sighting apparatus, comprises a housing having a longitudinally elongated base member and a longitudinally elongated column member, said base member and column member being at right angles to one another and joined longitudinally to one another, said base member and column member having opposing parallel and substantially flat longitudinal faces and an edge surface extending between the longitudinal faces, thereby defining at least one rail having two longitudinal perpendicular surfaces; a laser module and batteries. In a preferred embodiment, laser modules are provided at each axial end of the housing to enable beams to be selectively projected in either longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A laser beam direction correcting optical system for a surveying instrument comprises a laser light source (1) for emitting a laser beam, an exit angle correcting system (17) for correcting an exit angle of the laser beam emerging therefrom in accordance with an inclination of an instrument main body so that the laser beam is oriented in a specific direction, and an incident angle correcting system provided between the laser light source (1) and the exit angle correcting system (17) to correct an incident angle of the laser beam incident upon the exit angle correcting system in accordance with the inclination of the instrument main body. The exit angle correcting system (17) comprises an objective lens (19), the objective lens (19) being constituted by a variable-focus lens in which a position of a principal plane thereof on an optical axis thereof is fixed and also which can vary a position at which an image of the laser beam is formed.

Abstract: A 3D laser leveler is provided for accurately locating distant parallel or extension lines. The 3D laser leveler has a base block and a rotator. The base block provides a base plane for resting upon a flat surface when in use, a first leveling unit for examining the leveling status of the base plane, and a pivot mechanism. The rotator is rotatably connected to the base block and rotatable around the pivot mechanism, and includes a housing for providing an internal accommodating space, a battery set and a laser unit received inside the accommodating space. The laser unit uses power provided by the battery set for generating a spanning plane laser beam that can be utilized to locate a spatial extension or a perpendicular line. In addition, a joining bracket can be included separately to connect the 3D laser leveler and a conventional beam leveler.

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: A construction laser tool which projects a plumb beam is provided with a marking template, movable and separate from the tool's housing but securable to the housing, for transferring a point on a floor to the laser beam or, in another case, for transferring the beam to locate a point on the floor. The template has a marker such as a hole to receive a pencil, and the marker is positioned under the laser tool housing, on the vertical line of the plumb beam where the floor point of interest cannot be seen, when the plumb beam is projected at a point on the ceiling. To accurately mark the floor point, the user holds the template in place on the floor and moves the laser tool away to gain access to mark the point. The reverse procedure is used to align the plumb beam over a known point on the floor. Several arrangements involving sliding templates are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for displaying a center position of a laser beam in a vertical-degree measuring system comprises a light receiving device constituted by photosensors and a liquid crystal display panel for displaying a light receiving position. The light receiving device and the liquid crystal display panel are integrally fixed with coordinate axes registered on a vertical line. A center portion of a laser beam is subjected to data processing by an arithmetically processing section from a laser beam receiving position of the light receiving device to display a center point on the liquid crystal display panel. Since the center position displayed on the liquid crystal panel is registered with the center position of the laser beam received by the light receiving device, it is possible to directly access to the display position to utilize it as a reference point for a setting-out.

Abstract: A laser plumb device (10) comprising a facility (12) for emitting two narrow light beams (A) and (B) in which the light beams (A) and (B) are opposite and aligned to each other. A structure (14) is for supporting the light emitting facility (12) in a vertical position. When the supporting structure (14) is placed over a layout mark (16) upon a floor (18) under a ceiling (20) in a building (22), the light emitting facility (12) will cast the first narrow light beam (A) onto the layout mark (16) upon the floor (18) and will simultaneously cast the second narrow light beam (B) onto the ceiling (20) to transfer the layout mark (16) from the floor (18) to the ceiling (20).

Abstract: In a projected light plumb device which is buoyantly supported within a fluid-filled container on a float platform which is horizontally supported by the fluid, an improvement wherein the float platform is inclined upwardly from its outer diameter to its inner diameter on its lower surface which rests in the fluid to allow any developed air bubbles on the lower surface of the float platform to escape. Improvements also include a locator plate to align the container. The locator plant has apertures to view and align a locator mark on the surface on which the device is placed with indicia on the locator plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vertically aligning a structure. The vertical alignment device has a main body with a front face, a back surface, two side surfaces, and a top reflective surface with an edge and a cross hair extending from the edge; a planar member having a cross hair and being attached to the top surface; and horizontal level. The method of vertically aligning a structure substantially comprises the steps of positioning the vertical alignment device against the structure to be vertically aligned, moving the alignment device such that the top surface cross hair is in alignment with the planar member cross hair when looking into the top reflective surface, manipulating the structure such that both the top surface cross hair and the planar member cross hair are in alignment with the center line of the structure when looking into the top reflective surface, and positioning the main body such that the level indicates that the main body is horizontally level.

Abstract: The invention features an elevation-sensing system comprising an elevation-sensing instrument which includes a sighting device having an optical axis for aiming at an object and an electronic elevation-angle sensor attached to the sighting device and having an electrical characteristic indicative of elevation angle relative to an axis of the electronic elevation-angle sensor and a repeatability of at least 6 arcminutes over an angular range of said electronic elevation-angle sensor, and a processor for deriving an elevation angle from the electrical characteristic.

Abstract: A spring element, surrounding the drum-screw axis, is fitted between an annular shoulder on the bearing bush of a drum screw and the measuring drum. The spring element, preferably an annular spring assembly, produces a defined contact-bearing force of the drum screw against the bearing bush while at the same time making low-friction adjustment without axial backlash possible for the drum screw.

Abstract: A drum screw with measuring drum for fine setting of a sextant includes a coaxial setting ring. The ring, which includes a vernier scale, is rotatable independently of the measuring drum to permit the user to avoid the tiresome zero correction and the need to consider correction factors in calculating location.

Abstract: An optical measuring instrument permits the user to adapt the handle position optimally to his individual wishes and habits while holding the instrument. An adapter is fixed to the limbus body. The adapter includes curved slots for accepting fixing screws that lie within bores of the head part of the handle. By loosening the screws, one may adjust the position of the handle through a preselected angular range, tightening the screws to fix a preferred handle position.

Abstract: A manually-rotatable switch knob is provided on the alhidade of a sextant that is connected to a switching pin of hardened steel arranged eccentrically to the mounting of the knob. The switching pin engages the drum-screw mounting and, under the action of a stop spring, permits the drum screw to be switched back and forth between two stable stop locations when the knob is rotated. In the one stop location, the drum screw engages the limbus toothing. In the other location, the drum screw is completely disengaged from the limbus toothing so that the alhidade can be freely pivoted without risk of the drum screw damaging the limbus toothing during the movement of the alhidade. The stop spring also produces precisely defined contact pressure between the drum screw and the limbus toothing. The previously possible introduction of bending moments into the alhidade during rough adjustment is eliminated.

Abstract: A viewing device to assist a golfer or the like in assessing transverse inclination of terrain along his sight line, including a base assembly adapted for attachment to a cap, hat or headpiece worn by the golfer or the like, a vertical plumb element pivoted to the base assembly about an axis parallel to the wearer's sight line of the terrain and a horizontal sighting element fixed perpendicularly along its length permitting the wearer to view seleccted terrain relative to the horizontal sighting element and rapidly assess its transverse inclination. With the base assembly secured to the bill of a cap or the like, a viewing frame surrounds the vertical plumb element and horizontal sighting element while including means for retaining both the viewing frame and vertical plumb element and horizontal sighting element out of the wearer's sight line when desired.

Abstract: An angle measuring instrument such as a theodolite having a housing containing a viewing optical system. The housing has a pair of axially aligned horizontal shafts through which it is mounted on a support frame for a swingable movement in a vertical plane. The shafts are mounted on the frame through ball bearings having inner and outer races. One of the inner and outer races is preloaded in the axial direction so that a stable movement of the bearing is ensured.

Abstract: An optical device for vertically positioning a sextant to minimize the "tilt error" which occurs in a measured angle of altitude whenever the sextant is not held orthogonal to the horizon. The optical device can be fixed to the sextant and provides in the sextant's viewing area a secondary horizon which will align with the direct horizon only when the sextant is in a vertical orientation. The device is capable of periodic calibration and can be pivoted out of the line of sight when the sextant's user is initially locating the celestial body whose altitude is being measured.

Abstract: A solar sight having a scale calibrated in terms of solar declination angle and reflector angle is provided with diffraction pattern forming means comprising a movable sighting tube which, when directed at the sun, provides a Fresnel pattern on a viewing surface, which pattern indicates when said sighting tube is in proper alignment such that its axis is parallel to that of the incoming rays of the sun. The solar sight is portable and may be moved about on a heliostat so as to adjust the operation of the heliostat clock drive to agree with local sun time and to adjust the heliostat reflector tilt angle so that the sun's rays are reflected along or parallel to the polar axis. Movement of the sighting tube causes the movement of a vernier plate bearing an index which permits readout of the solar declination in degrees north or south declination. The vernier scale permits the reading of solar declination angles to 0.1.degree. and the establishment of reflector angles to 0.2.degree..

Abstract: A grade checker for determining the elevation of a grade relative to a pair of reference points spaced apart on opposite sides of the grade. The checker comprises an elongated sighting tube vertically orientable between the reference points and including a pair of inclined, oppositely facing reflecting surfaces at its lower extremity. The sighting tube can be raised to horizontally align the reflecting surfaces with the reference points, as determined by viewing through a window at the upper extremity of the sighting tube. The amount by which the sighting tube must be raised to effect such alignment is indicated, thereby indicating the elevation of the grade relative to the reference points.

Abstract: An apparatus to be mounted on conventional sextants permitting faster, more accurate readings with memory storage capability. Alternative transducing means are attached to a sextant arm and generate electronic signals corresponding to amount of rotation of the arm. An electronic timing circuit is coupled to the angle signal generator such that both angle and time may be displayed instantaneously in digital format or stored for later display. Multiple memory circuits allow multiple sextant readings and times to be consecutively taken and stored without requiring separate acts of manual data recordation by the operator after each sighting.

Abstract: A precise indexing detent comprises a pair of grooved members the plane groove faces of which define a polyhedron within which there may be positioned a sphere in surface contact with all such faces. A detent member comprising a spherical section is situated in close association with the grooved members to govern the positional indexing of movable apparatus parts as in a level-transit surveying instrument or drafting machine protractor head.