Abstract: A Distance Measuring (DM)-system comprising a DM-device comprising a measuring beam unit configured for determining a distance between an object and the DM-device by transmitting a measuring beam, and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) configured for determining an absolute first rotational position of the DM-device with respect to a first axis being parallel to the measuring beam, and an absolute second rotational position of the DM-device with respect to a second axis parallel to the gravity field. The DM-system also includes a computer unit configured for receiving from the DM-device a plurality of measured distance values, an absolute first rotational position of the DM-device at the time of a respective distance measurement, and an absolute second rotational position of the DM-device at the time of a respective distance measurement, and generating a layout by consecutively linking the measured distances based on the plurality of measured distance values.

Abstract: A surveying instrument comprises a monopod installed on a reference point, a surveying instrument main body having a reference optical axis and an operation panel, wherein the surveying instrument main body has a distance measuring unit, an arithmetic control module, a measuring direction image pickup module which acquires a first image, and an attitude detector which detects tilts of two axes of the surveying instrument main body to the horizontal, and wherein the operation panel has a display unit, a calculating module, and as operation module, and the at least either one of the arithmetic control module and the calculating module calculates a tilt angle of the reference optical axis to the horizontal and a tilt angle of the monopod to the vertical, and the at least either one measures a horizontal distance and a vertical distance to the object to be measured with reference to the reference point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device that determines the central coordinates of a large-diameter cylindrical structure. The optical device has the function of calculating the central coordinates of a cylindrical structure using the coordinates of a reference point of the optical device, the coordinates of a survey point on the cylindrical structure seen on the optical axis of a telescope in a state where one of right and left reference marks (e.g., a vertical line) coincides with the edge of the cylindrical structure and the optical axis is positioned on the surface of the cylindrical structure, and an aperture angle between the optical axis and the reference mark.

Abstract: An extended reach inspection apparatus may include a scanner device and a robotic manipulator arm. The robotic manipulator arm may include a plurality of arm segments including a distal end arm segment and a proximal end arm segment. A movable joint may couple the distal end arm segment to the robotic manipulator arm. A telescoping extension mechanism may be coupled to the distal end arm segment. The scanner device is mounted to the telescoping extension mechanism for moving the scanner device between a retracted position proximate the robotic manipulator arm and an extended position at a distance from the robotic manipulator arm. A control handle may be coupled to the proximal end arm segment of the plurality of arm segments for manipulating the robotic manipulator arm.

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in surveying operations are provided. A device is provided for selectively connecting to surveying equipment, such as a surveying pole, and is adapted for accurately adjusting a reference point in at least two axes. The device is adapted to work in conjunction with additional surveying equipment, such as theodolites and transits as well as one or more central processing units for analyzing, storing, and providing data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser receiver for detecting a relative position of a defined zero point of said laser receiver with respect to a reference laser beam. Therefore, the laser receiver comprises a laser light photo sensor having a plurality of photo sensitive elements providing an electrical output when illuminated by said reference laser beam, a circuitry connected to said photo sensor for determination of said relative position and a visible readout for indication of said relative position, in particular for indicating if said zero point is on-grade with respect to said reference laser beam. According to the invention, at least a first laser fan emitter, with a laser light source and at least one fan-generating optical element, is provided for projecting a visible laser line onto a target surface, particularly in order to re-project a sharp marking-line through the vertical center of the reference laser beam.

Abstract: A combination red dot sight (reflex sight) and electronic range indicator displayed in a sighting element. The sighting element is housed in a body which includes lens elements and a light source for the red dot sight as well as an optical display for the range indicator. A processor for the red dot sight and the range indicator are housed in a frame. A user interface includes indicia for varying the intensity of the light source for the red dot sight as well as activate the range indicator. Alternately, the range indicator may be activated by a button positioned remotely, such as on the firearm or bow and may be wired to the range indicator circuit or communicate via wireless transmission. An emitting lens and a receiving lens are optically connected via a range finding circuit to the processor.

Abstract: Method for geodetic monitoring of rails provided for conveying devices in that stationed at least in the area of one rail end is a tachymeter with spatial reference, placed on the rail to be checked is a rail measuring vehicle that travels the rail alone for measuring the rail when the rail is not loaded, and that for measuring the rail when loaded is driven at the same speed as the conveying device, the measuring points during the measurement being recorded continuously when the rail is loaded and/or unloaded.

Abstract: An optical device capable of measuring a condition such as deflection of a cylindrical body such as utility pole or cylindrical column precisely and rapidly is provided. The optical device has a telescope with a projection plate. The projection plate has a reference scale made of a plurality of full or substantially full circles arranged concentrically about a central axis of the telescope or a plurality of circular arcs arranged symmetrically about the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying device, which comprises a light source for emitting a distance measuring light 6, an elevation rotary mirror 56 for deflecting said distance measuring light in a direction toward an object to be measured, a high-speed deflection mirror 62 for deflecting said distance measuring light at a speed higher than said elevation rotary mirror, a distance measuring light projecting unit for projecting said distance measuring light, and an arithmetic control unit for controlling driving of said high-speed deflection mirror and said elevation rotary mirror.

Abstract: A handheld measurement device of an embodiment of the invention includes a distance measurement engine and an angular position measurement engine. A controller controls the distance measurement engine and associates an elevation, azimuth position, or relative angular position from the angular position measurement engine with distance measurements taken from the elevation engine. In preferred operations, each point measured from a target under the control of a user is automatically associated with an elevation and/or azimuth position obtained from the angular position engine. Preferably, the controller determines a set of relative coordinates in space for a plurality of related target points. The controller may then calculate a variety of useful distances, areas, volumes, etc., regarding the plurality of target points.

Abstract: An apparatus for making measurements is disclosed. The apparatus includes a straight elongated element and a first laser distance meter rotatably coupled to a first end of the straight element. The apparatus further includes a second laser distance meter rotatably coupled to a second end of the straight element. The apparatus further includes a processor for determining a current angle of the straight element in relation to a remote straight surface based on distance readings from the first and the second laser distance meters. The apparatus further includes a display located on the straight element for displaying the current angle of the straight element as determined by the processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for viewing an object (such as a coating overspray accumulation) disposed in a difficult to view area (such as the underside of a lower trough or weir of a cleaning apparatus) and for measuring a distance between first and second points on the object. The apparatus includes a laser, a mirror and a measuring instrument. The mirror reflects a laser beam generated by the laser such that the laser beam is divided into first and second portions that are disposed at a right angle to each other. The laser is moved along a measurement path to a first measurement position that places the second portion of the laser beam at the first point on the object. The laser is then moved along the measurement path to a second measurement position that places the second portion of the laser beam at the second point on the object.

Abstract: A stabilizer jig for holding a distance measuring laser for determining distances measured along an angle. When an escalator is being installed in a construction site, the jig may be used to make difficult distance measurements between floors to ascertain that the construction distances are correct for the manufactured escalator system. A rotating pocket holds the laser and measures the angle while holding the laser steady as it makes the distance determination.

Abstract: A device for determining the range/height of distant objects using the triangulation method. The device includes a palm-sized housing having merely four main components; (1) a retractable tape measure; (2) a sighting slot; (3) a pendulum and (4) a calibrated graph. A reel is disposed on the rear wall of the housing to provide means for retracting the tape measure. The calibrated graph is imprinted on the face of a thin sheet, which sheet is attached to the front wall of the housing. A transparent cover is disposed to protect the face of the sheet. An offset portion on the sheet functions to prevent the pendulum from swinging freely when the device is not in use. The sighting slot is positioned at the top of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a targeting device comprising a casing which houses a wheel. The wheel is weighted and free to rotate relative to the casing. A mount on the casing mates with a receiving apparatus on the rifle, thereby securing the casing to the rifle. The wheel's absolute orientation remains fixed, while the casing rotates with the rifle as it is aimed upward or downward. The casing has a window through which the wheel is visible. For any angle at which the rifle is positioned, a marker inscribed on the wheel aligns with a cosine number inscribed on the window, indicating the cosine of the angle at which the rifle is positioned. The cosine numbers are readable without requiring the shooter to break his cheek weld with the rifle. The shooter can then calculate the horizontal distance to target by multiplying the cosine by the straight-line distance to target.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surveying instrument and a plumbing device for plumbing the surveying instrument. The plumbing device is capable of calculating dislocations x and y of the surveying instrument from a datum point, and the instrument height H of the surveying instrument. The plumbing device comprises optical means for forming an image of a target placed at a survey station to indicate the survey station, photoelectric means for receiving an image of the target and providing an image signal, and processing means for calculating instrument height corresponding to distance between a reference point on the surveying instrument and the target, and dislocations of the reference point from the survey station.

Abstract: To determine the height of a surveying apparatus (1) above a point (15) on the ground, the surveying apparatus (1) has a distance measuring device and is provided with a front attachment (11) which is mounted on the telescope (8) and effects beam deflection and simultaneous beam divergence of an emitted infrared or laser beam towards the point (15) on the ground. The light beam is deflected around the surveying apparatus (1) and a stand (2) carrying the apparatus. Exact sighting of the point (15) on the ground is no longer necessary. The height is calculated as a function of the distance between the point on the ground and the rotary position of the telescope (8), which distance is in any case relatively accurately measurable in the apparatus.

Abstract: A surveying instrument is provide with a telescope which is movably supported, an auto-focusing system. Based on a movement of the telescope, a moving status of the telescope is determined from among a rough sighting status, a fine sighting status, and a suspended status. A controlling system is further provided, which controls the auto-focusing system to perform the auto-focusing operation in accordance with the moving status detected by the movement detection system. If the status is the fine sighting status, the auto-focusing operation is continuously performed. If the status is the rough sighting status, then the auto-focusing operation is not executed.

Abstract: A sight apparatus for an archery bow which compensates for both the distance to a target and the elevation of the target. The sight apparatus includes a range finder mechanism and a pendulous sight. The range mechanism and the pendulous sight are operatively connected such that the setting for the range to a target positions the pendulous axis. The pendulous sight has a sight element which is suspended from the corresponding pendulous axis to provide a point of aim at the target. The range mechanism includes an adjustment arm which is pivotable to a known or estimated distance. The range mechanism also includes a pair of bracketing pins wherein one of the bracketing pins is movable relative to the other bracketing pin along an arc shaped travel path for bracketing the target and providing a range setting determined from the size of the target.

Abstract: A hand held device adapted to be used by an archer situated in an elevated position to aid in the determination of the approximate ground distance to a stationary or moving target in a simple and efficient manner in order that he might thereby increase his chances of hitting the target.

Abstract: An electronic survey instrument is controlled in accordance with a computer program to store a display image and a count value immediately before a power source is cut off. The display image and count values may then be restored without substantial initialization of the electronic survey instrument. The instrument includes a main system for operating in accordance with a survey program, and plural subsystems for operation based on a control signal from the main system. The main system saves information into a memory immediately before a power-off time and restores the information saved in the memory at the next power-on time. End information corresponding to the saved information is also saved into the memory to normally cut-off the power source. An information restoring process is canceled by the main system at the next power-on time when the end information has not been stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the vertical distance between a point on a vehicle and a reference line comprises a linear measuring device, a fixture to aid in the taking of linear measurements of the point along two oblique angles, and a computer for calculating the vertical distance from these two measurements.

Abstract: A hand held device adapted to be used by an archer situated in an elevated position to aid in the determination of the approximate ground distance to a stationary or moving target in a simple and efficient manner in order that he might thereby increase his chances of hitting the target.

Abstract: Measuring systems for making underwater measurements of relative positions and distances between a plurality of objects positioned on an ocean or lake floor basically include (a) at least one laser or other light source capable of projecting a collimated light beam therefrom, (b) a pan and tilt unit for moving the source light beam both angularly in vertical planes and in horizontal arcs, (c) a protractor or equivalent for measuring vertical angles through which the longitudinal axis of the light beam is moved by the pan and tilt unit, and (d) a compass unit for determining bearings of vertical plane positions of the light beam relative to magnetic or true north or other azimuth position. The system may include a plurality of lasers and a variety of methods of making measurements with both single and plural laser containing systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a specialized sextant of the clinometer type capable of providing the translation of the height of a tree (or any finite line) to a distance along the ground, (or any other orientation sharing a common end point with the first line) on any selected slope of the terrain.A significant aspect is that by two adjustments, made anywhere within sight of the tree (or finite line) the device directs the user to a point on the ground (or other orientation) which lies at the exact distance from the tree's base that the tree's length is. If the tree is to be cut down, the point on the ground where the top of the tree will hit is located. This is accomplished without scales, calculations, tape measurements, or target settings.

Abstract: A bow and arrow sighting device for attachment to the bow and comprised of a range finder of the type having a manually rotatable range adjustment wheel which in one embodiment is coupled by gears to a cylindrical cam in operative engagement with a cam follower mechanism which moves a sighting bead element in synchronism with the angular displacement of the range finder range adjustment wheel so that when the range is found with the adjustment wheel the sighting element will be at the proper archer aiming position for arrow trajectory to the target. The one embodiment incorporates a cylindrical cam in operative engagement with the cam follower mechanism. A second embodiment incorporates a sighting glass in place of the sighting bead element and a parallelogram type lever structure is incorporated in the cam follower mechanism for maintaining the sighting glass in proper axis orientation as well as proper archer aiming position for arrow trajectory to the target.

Abstract: A bow and arrow sighting device for attachment to the bow and comprised of a range finder of the type having a manually rotatable range adjustment wheel which in one embodiment is coupled by gears to a cylindrical cam in operative engagement with a cam follower mechanism which moves a sighting bead element in synchronism with the angular displacement of the range finder range adjustment wheel so that when the range is found with the adjustment wheel the sighting element will be at the proper archer aiming position for arrow trajectory to the target. The one embodiment incorporates a cylindrical cam in operative engagement with the cam follower mechanism. A second embodiment incorporates a sighting glass in place of the sighting bead element and a parallelogram type lever structure is incorporated in the cam follower mechanism for maintaining the sighting glass in proper axis orientation as well as proper archer aiming position for arrow trajectory to the target.

Abstract: An adaptor for mounting one instrument, such as an electronic distance measuring device, atop another instrument, such as a telescope or theodolite, for movement together about a horizontal axis with a base member attached to the upper device and presenting two downwardly facing cam surfaces and support members engaging the cam surfaces for vertical movement against springs to counteract the forces produced by the upper instrument as it pivots.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the distance on the earth between (a) a point below an observation point at a known height, and (b) the base of an object of a known height. The apparatus includes a stadimeter having two pivots spaced from one another and two levers mounted for pivotal rotation with a mirror on each lever which face one another and are in parallel. An object height adjustment assembly is included which has a carriage with guide means and a member for movement perpendicular to the centerline of the guide and which member bears against the lever arm which tilts the lever arms upon movement of the member, the lever arms being biased into a normal position. Reference markings and a reader indicia are included.

Abstract: A device for measuring distances to a target includes electronic circuits for generating a light which is amplitude modulated by three selectable frequencies. Also included are optics for focusing the amplitude modulated light onto the target, and for receiving reflection of the light therefrom. Additional circuits convert the received light to electrical signals representative thereof, and compute the phase angles between these signals and the amplitude modulating signals. The distance to the target is then calculated based on these phase angles and the wavelength of frequencies equal to the differences between the three selectable frequencies. Another circuit uses an accelerometer to measure vertical angle to the target, and further distance measurements are made based thereon. Still other circuits compensate for a variety of potential error causing conditions, such as signal waveform asymmetry and component tolerance.

Abstract: Fine adjustment of a surveying instrument telescope reference spirit level is effected by rotating the bubble vial of the level about an axis which is slightly angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis of the vial.

Abstract: An auto-focus camera includes a range finder device having no moving parts. First and second stationary lens devices receive radiation from an object along two spatially separate paths. First and second sensing devices, each comprising a plurality of photo-responsive elements, are arranged to receive the radiation passing through the first and second lens devices, respectively. The first and second sensing devices provide electrical signals representative of the relative position of the intensity distribution of the radiation passing through the second lens device and falling on the second sensing device with respect to the position of the intensity distribution of the radiation passing through the first lens device and falling on the first sensing device. A detecting circuit connected to the first and second sensing devices provides an output signal indicative of that of a plurality of predetermined zones in which the object is located.