Level (i.e., Surveyor's Type) Patents (Class 33/290)
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Patent number: 7886450Abstract: A leveling device that facilitates quick and precise placement of laser beams at a standardized distance from the surfaces against which it bears for the purpose of establishing plumb and level reference lines. It includes a mounting platform that includes various methods of bearing and attachment, including a telescoping pole that includes various features for deployment and stabilization. While the device can be used as a conventional level, it is specifically designed to be temporarily attached to vertical surfaces by a variety of methods, enabling all the advantages of laser use for the operation of plumb alignment, and also eliminating the need for a full time attendant.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventor: Joseph Fiano
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Patent number: 7861423Abstract: A surveying instrument for measuring three-dimensional position of a measured object, has a detecting section for detecting a direction of the measured object by rotational emission of two or more fan-shaped laser beams in which at least one beam is inclined; an optical system including a tracking-light-emitting section for emitting a tracking light and a distance-measuring-light-emitting section for emitting a distance-measuring light; a tracking-light-receiving section for receiving the tracking light reflected by the measured object; and a driving section for driving the optical system in order to collimate the measured object according to an output of the detecting section and an output of the tracking-light-receiving section.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TopconInventors: Kaoru Kumagai, Fumihiko Kamizono
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Patent number: 7861424Abstract: The invention provides a pipe laser that automatically self levels an inner frame system in both cross-axis and on-axis directions to provide a completely level reference for grade and line control adjustments mechanisms of a reference line generating laser source. The invention also provides a pipe laser that is operable via a bidirectional remote control.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch Tool CorporationInventors: Jay R. Munroe, John Davenport, Duard Wilson
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Patent number: 7841094Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Trimble Kaiserslautern GmbHInventor: Lars Schumacher
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Patent number: 7797845Abstract: A mobile leveling apparatus for quickly and simply transferring the height of a visible, fixed datum point from a distant wall or column across a room. The leveling apparatus is hand-held and can be operated by a single user. The operator physically holds the apparatus at the actual point where the height of the datum point is required, thereby ensuring that the apparatus is always under his/her control.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: John Anthony Douglas Bruce Durham
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Patent number: 7797846Abstract: A reference beam generator (1c) for guiding a marking machine, which can be moved in relation to the reference beam generator (1c), for producing ground markings has a support element with at least three adjustable legs (2a, 2b) as positioning elements relative to the surface of the ground (EOB) and a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating a first and a second guide beam which is emitted with a prespecified opening angle in a fan-shaped manner. In this case, two legs (2a?) of the at least three adjustable legs (2a?, 2b) can be adjusted by an adjusting component in an associated manner in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Leica Geosystems AGInventor: Bernd Walser
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Patent number: 7793424Abstract: A positioning device comprises a frame (60); a motor (61) having a drive shaft; a spindle (63) having a first end (71) and a second end (76) and being rotatable in relation to the frame (60); a coupling (62) resiliently connecting said drive shaft to said first end (71) of said spindle (63) such that the spindle (63) rotates when the drive shaft of the motor (61) rotates; and a support assembly (72, 74, 75) elastically supporting at the frame (60) at least one of the second end (76) of the spindle (63) and the motor (61).Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbHInventors: Steffen Laabs, Matthias Nowak
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Publication number: 20100223795Abstract: A combination level/try square includes an elongated body with an arm at one end thereof. The arm is rotatable between a non-use position against the body and a use position in which the body and the arm define a try square. The body incorporates three indicators, namely a plumb indicator, a level indicator and a slope indicator. In a second embodiment, a laser pointer is provided on one end of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Ronald Chisholm, Peter Alex
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Publication number: 20100186243Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventor: Lars Schumacher
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Patent number: 7739803Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying system, which comprises a surveying device 1 provided with a function for tracking a target 13, and a remote control device 16 for remotely controlling the surveying device on a target side, said surveying device comprises a measuring unit 21, an image pickup unit 23, a first radio unit 33, and a first control arithmetic unit 29, said remote control device comprises a second radio unit 37, a second control arithmetic unit 35, a second display unit 18 and a second operation input unit 20, said first control arithmetic unit transmits measurement data of the measuring unit to the remote control device via the first radio unit when a detection result is within the tracking range based on the detection result of a reflection light from the target, and transmits an image data taken by the image pickup unit via the first radio unit when the detection result is out of the tracking range, said second control arithmetic unit receives the measurement data and the image data viaType: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCONInventors: Kazuyoshi Yahagi, Masaaki Kobayashi, Terukazu Nagashima, Yoshikatsu Miyao
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Patent number: 7731709Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, and a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision. The viewing element and the reference point indicator define a line of sight. The device further includes a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator is effective to indicate the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Ferrer Wilson
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Patent number: 7730624Abstract: A laser marker capable of emitting laser light with its optimum intensity in accordance with a level of illuminance at any environment where the laser marker is used. The laser marker includes a stand and a cover rotatably provided on the stand. The cover accommodates therein a laser unit that emits laser light outside of the cover through a window formed in the cover. Laser light intensity changing unit is provided, which changes the intensity of the laser light to be emitted from the laser unit in accordance with the illuminance at the environment, the illuminance being detected by a illuminance sensor provided on the cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Nishimura, Junichi Sudou
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Patent number: 7726033Abstract: There are provided a telescope unit (5) having a first image pickup unit for acquiring a wide-angle image and a second image pickup unit for acquiring a telescopic image with higher magnification than the wide-angle image, a distance measuring unit for performing distance measurement by projecting a distance measuring light and by receiving a light reflected from an object to be measured, an angle measuring unit for detecting a horizontal angle and a vertical angle of the telescope unit, a drive unit for rotating and driving the telescope unit in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, and a control device for controlling image pickup of the first image pickup unit and the second image pickup unit and for controlling the drive unit based on the results of detection from the angle measuring unit, wherein the control device synthesizes a panoramic image by connecting the wide-angle image obtained by the first image pickup unit, sets up a scheduled measuring point by edge processing of the wide-angleType: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCONInventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Hitoshi Otani, Junki Kaneko, Tetsuji Anai, Terukazu Nagashima
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Publication number: 20100122466Abstract: An alignment apparatus includes an adapter base having a support for rotatably mounting a laser level device thereon and at least one bracket receptacle adapted to attach to an end of a raceway-mounting bracket or other type of bracket. The adapter base may also include more than one type of bracket receptacle to accommodate different types of brackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: The Wiremold CompanyInventors: Jeffrey Hemingway, Richard R. Picard
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Publication number: 20100088910Abstract: A method for aiming a surveying instrument towards a selected target is disclosed. The method includes, in at least one embodiment, capturing an image using a camera in the surveying instrument; selecting a target by identifying an object point in the image captured by the surveying instrument; calculating first horizontal and vertical rotation angles based on the object point identified in the image; rotating the surveying instrument over the first horizontal and vertical rotation angles to an intermediate line of sight; measuring a distance to a point along the intermediate line of sight; and calculating second horizontal and vertical rotation angles based on the object point in the image and on the measured distance. In at least one embodiment, the method may be implemented using computer software, hardware, firmware or a combination thereof. There is also disclosed a surveying instrument in which at least one embodiment of the method is implemented.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Set Svanholm, Christian Grässer, Michael Vogel, Nick Mein
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Patent number: 7685725Abstract: A theodolite support tool includes a base plate configured to couple to the theodolite. The base plate has at least three rods extending from the bottom side of the base plate with each rod being vertically adjustable. The theodolite support tool also includes a clamp configured to attach to a support of an antenna. A cantilevered frame supports the base plate and is coupled to the clamp such that the frame is approximately level when the clamp is attached to the support of the antenna that is a predetermined angle from vertical.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Samuel J. Rodriguez, David A. Zion, Kris W. Wallace
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Publication number: 20100064534Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: Trimble Kaiserslautern GmbHInventors: Lars Schumacher, Karsten Woll, Otto Bellon
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Publication number: 20100058598Abstract: A reference beam generator (1c) for guiding a marking machine, which can be moved in relation to the reference beam generator (1c), for producing ground markings has a support element with at least three adjustable legs (2a, 2b) as positioning elements relative to the surface of the ground (EOB) and a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating a first and a second guide beam which is emitted with a prespecified opening angle in a fan-shaped manner. In this case, two legs (2a?) of the at least three adjustable legs (2a?, 2b) can be adjusted by an adjusting component in an associated manner in opposite directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AGInventor: Bernd WALSER
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Patent number: 7669340Abstract: A surveying apparatus is provided that includes a telescope block, a support block, and an imaging unit. The telescope block includes a sighting telescope and is rotatably supported about a first axis. The support block rotatably supports the telescope block about the first axis. The imaging unit is provided inside the telescope block. The imaging unit comprises an image-display device and at least one of an image data output device and an image data recording device.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Pentax Industrial Instruments Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunji Matsuo, Homu Takayama, Takanori Yachi, Masatoshi Sakurai
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Publication number: 20100037474Abstract: A geodetic instrument is disclosed, wherein an image sensor is used for locating the instrument above a desired point on the ground. The positioning of the image sensor with respect to the instrument vertical rotation axis is determined, or calibrated, using a method where two images are captured at different horizontal rotational positions for the instrument, and where the center pixel of the image sensor is related to the vertical rotation axis by means of image processing. It is also disclosed how reflecting elements, such as prisms, may be used for providing stereoscopic vision that can be used for determining the instrument height above the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Mikael Hertzman, Magnus Westermark, Set Svanholm
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Publication number: 20100031520Abstract: A laser instrument is disclosed. The laser instrument having a laser unit, and a sliding bearing device with a joint socket and a sliding unit, where the sliding unit has a convex surface in the shape of cylinder section and the joint socket has a concave surface in the shape a hollow cylinder section such that the convex surface can engage in the concave surface and the laser unit tilts in a swivel plane during a relative movement between the convex surface and the concave surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Barth Stefan, Manfred Ammann
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Publication number: 20100031521Abstract: A laser instrument is disclosed. The laser instrument having a laser unit, a drive device for tilting the laser unit, and a damper device between the drive device and the laser unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Barth STEFAN, Manfred Ammann
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Patent number: 7658013Abstract: A support assembly for a counter weight of a laser level is disposed in a main body of the laser level for supporting the counter weight with a laser module mounted therein in the main body. The support assembly includes a fixing unit and a universal bearing. The fixing unit is disposed in the main body and the universal bearing is mounted in the fixing unit. The counter weight has a shaft portion formed on an upper end thereof and connected with the universal bearing. The counter weight is swingingly supported in the main body by the universal bearing. Basing on the structure, the present invention has a simple structure for easy assembly and disassembly, thereby being manufactured, maintained and corrected conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: LECC Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsin-Chih Tung
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Patent number: 7610687Abstract: The invention relates to both a method for determining the horizontal position of an object which is to be oriented toward a height reference plane in a highly precise manner; while using at least one rotating laser, as well as to the rotating laser itself. The rotating laser comprises a rotating unit, a laser source for emitting a laser radiation into a rotating, horizontal direction of emission, and means for affecting at least one radiation parameter of the laser radiation with an item of angle-dependent information from which the direction of emission can be derived so that the direction of emission is associated with the direction from the rotating laser toward the object that receives the laser radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Leica Geosystems AGInventor: Peter A. Stegmaier
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Publication number: 20090249705Abstract: A panel with a receiver is used to install a component into a wallboard. The panel is inserted into an opening into a wallboard, and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is taped and spackled so that the wallboard and panel appear to be a single surface. A spackle rim with a gradient extending from the spackle rim along the surface of the panel is used so that spackle can be spread thinly across the entire surface of the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: TRUFIGInventors: Scott Struthers, Ray Call, Geoff Spencer, Greg Fetter
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Patent number: 7591074Abstract: A medical laser vertical alignment system that has a precise locating strip affixed perpendicularly to a static pressure scale and that vertically and horizontally aligns the center of rotation of a reusable detachable laser aligning device with the zero reference point of the scale. The laser beam light is adjustable to coincide with the indicated horizontal position of a set of two bubble leveling vials. It has a quick release and alignment clamping arrangement that affixes the laser aligning device to the locating strip. The leveling device can be rotated 180 degrees and the leveling vials are located at opposing sides and ends of the device for clear visibility and redundancy. There is a timer circuit in the device that shuts the laser off after a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Inventors: Richard Allen Potts, Larry Ray Potts
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Patent number: 7587832Abstract: The transmitter has a generally flat, circuit board stator, a rotor including a plurality of magnets mounted in a ring around a central opening, and a bearing, supporting the rotor for rotation about an axis that extends through the central opening, A pentaprism assembly including an optics holder is mounted on the rotor for rotation therewith. The pentaprism assembly receives a beam of laser light through the central opening and redirects at least a portion of the laser light outward in a direction normal to the rotation axis. A laser source, mounted on the stator, provides a beam of laser light through the central opening to the pentaprism assembly. The beam of laser light is aligned with the rotation axis. The laser source includes a collimating lens positioned within the rotor. A shield plate of magnetic material beneath the stator exerts a force on the rotor in conjunction with the magnets, taking play out of the bearing.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Ayman Hajmousa, Michael F. Glantz, James N. Hayes
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Publication number: 20090193671Abstract: A light line generating device is configured to generate horizontal and vertical light lines on a work surface. The device includes a pendulum assembly, a pendulum lock mechanism, level indicator device, a light line generating assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a gimbal mechanism that supports a pendulum such that the pendulum levels within two planes. The lock mechanism is configured to selectively capture the pendulum. The level indicator device and the light line generating assembly are coupled to the pendulum. The device further includes a pendulum reorientation mechanism configured to reposition the gimbal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: BLACK AND DECKERInventors: Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, James Marshall
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Patent number: 7552539Abstract: A method of monitoring the location, and the orientation of a machine element, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of the machine include a robotic total station and a plurality of targets in known positions relative to the machine element. The total station, located at a known location near the machine element, repeatedly, successively determines the location of each target. Acquisition and re-acquisition of the targets is aided by stored data regarding the prior locations and movements of the targets. Further, active targets may be used to facilitate re-acquisition. The operation of the machine is controlled based upon the location and orientation of the machine element.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Richard Paul Piekutowski
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Publication number: 20090158604Abstract: An electronic leveling apparatus for optically measuring a height difference relative to a leveling staff comprises a telescope, a camera fixed to the telescope, a first actuator for rotating both said telescope and said camera in a horizontal plane about a fixed vertical axis of the apparatus, and a controller. The camera has a depth of focus that is at least twice a depth of focus of the telescope. The controller uses a first output signal from said telescope to output a leveling signal representing a detected height difference. The controller uses a second output signal from said camera to identify a representation of a leveling staff and to control the first actuator based on the identified representation of the leveling staff. Furthermore a method for optically measuring a height difference of an electronic leveling apparatus relative to a leveling staff is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: TRIMBLE JENA GMBHInventors: Bernd Donath, Thomas Marold
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Patent number: 7523558Abstract: A tool incorporating a device that generates a light line on a work surface such as a wall is disclosed. The device includes a housing containing a self-leveling pendulum assembly and a light source that directs a light beam along a pathway. A redirection assembly, also contained in the housing, is capable of altering the pathway of the light beam prior to exiting the housing. In use, the device selectively generates a light line on the work surface in a desired direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Black and DeckerInventors: Michael A. Milligan, Ted Andrew Kimball, James D. Marshall, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Robert J. B. Hobden
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Publication number: 20090101772Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting clips and structures to support the mounting clips. The mounting clips may use a bubble level or other device to allow the user to level the item supported, such as a camera. The mounting clips may be used with a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. The use of flexible mounting apparatus allows the user to mount an item such as a camera in a variety of locations, but this in turn may make it difficult for the user to level the view from the camera. A clip with a level device within it allows for such leveling.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: JoeBen Bevirt
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Patent number: 7520064Abstract: A laser surveying instrument, comprising a rotating unit for projecting a laser beam by rotary irradiation, a main unit for rotatably supporting the rotating unit, and a sealing means for sealing between the rotating unit and the main unit, wherein the sealing means comprises annular ridges formed on the main unit concentrically to the rotation center of the rotating unit, and annular grooves formed on the rotating unit so that the annular ridges are engaged in the annular grooves and gaps are formed between the annular ridges and the annular grooves, the annular ridges and the annular grooves being arranged concentrically to each other and disposed in double arrangement, and wherein the sealing means further comprises a route bent and crooked in a radial direction by the gaps, and a cavity disposed at least at one point along the route and having larger volume than the volume of the gap.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCONInventors: Shin-ichi Hayase, Yasuhito Haijima
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Patent number: 7513052Abstract: A device that generates a light line on a work surface such as a wall is disclosed. The device includes a housing containing a self-leveling pendulum assembly and a light source that directs a light beam along a pathway. A redirection assembly, also contained in the housing, is capable of altering the pathway of the light beam prior to exiting the housing. The device may further include a measuring tool responsive to rotation of the housing on the work surface. In use, the device selectively generates a light line on the work surface in a desired direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Black and DeckerInventors: Michael A. Milligan, Ted Andrew Kimball, Mark Slobodian, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Robert J. B. Hobden
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Patent number: 7509747Abstract: A laser level includes: a covering; a stand on which the covering is mounted; a laser unit provided in a space surrounded by the covering and the stand; and a radiation window, provided in the covering, through which a laser beam emitted from the laser unit is radiated to an exterior of the covering. The laser level includes removal means which removes moisture in the space.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Sudou, Takashi Nishimura, Takashi Odashima
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Patent number: 7503123Abstract: A surveying apparatus is provided that includes a sighting telescope, an imaging device, and an external orientation parameter calculator. The sighting telescope is rotatable about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The imaging device is integrally rotated with the sighting telescope and the imaging device has an optical axis that is different from the collimation axis. The external orientation parameter calculator calculates external orientation parameters of stereo images that are obtained by the imaging device in an erecting observation and in an inverse observation in terms of the position of the optical axis with respect to the collimation axis, and the sighting directions in the erection observation and in the inverse observation.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: PENTAX Industrial Instruments Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunji Matsuo, Homu Takayama, Takanori Yachi, Masatoshi Sakurai
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Patent number: 7493702Abstract: A tilt control method includes a tilt control step for automatic control of the tilt (?) of a tilt device (1) by at least one electronic tilt sensor (2) based on gravitational force (G) and by a tilt control device (5), and a sensor test step which is carried out automatically at a test initiation signal, and in case of a malfunction, supplies an error signal (?) which prevents the tilt control step from being carried out.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellshaftInventors: Reinhard Waibel, Sasha Lukic, Heinz Kousek, Manfred Ammann
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Patent number: 7487596Abstract: A laser reference device includes at least one planar or flat surface and an internal laser light source for generating a laser light beam. A lens inside the device may convert the laser light into a fan-shaped beam, and project the beam adjacent the planar or flat surface of the housing. The fan-shaped beam thus projects along that surface of the housing. If the laser leveling device is placed with the flat surface on a table or floor, for example, the fan-shaped beam will be in a level plane. This allows a user to place the laser leveling device on a surface and generate a laser light to align surfaces or objects, such as objects on a wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventor: Derek J. Nash
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Patent number: 7469481Abstract: A line generating device generates two fan-shaped beams of light at an angle to each other, and projects the beams onto an adjacent surface, where the beams are visible as lines on the surface. A user has access to the intersection of the lines, so that the intersection can be marked or otherwise used in combination with the lines, such as in aligning objects.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Derek J. Nash, John C. Smith, Jeffrey L. Spanski, Michael Williams
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Publication number: 20080294070Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for metering the jugular venous pressure of a patient, and a method thereof. The apparatus comprises: a slider which comprises a scale for indicating the venous pressure of a patient; a pointer connected to the sliding member of the slider perpendicularly to the scale, for pointing on the filling level of the jugular venous pressure of the patient. The jugular venous pressure is indicated by positioning the patient at a certain angle, such as 30 to 45 degrees with reference to the floor, placing the tip at the sternal-angle of the patient while the slider is held vertically, sliding the pointer until pointing on the top of the filling level of the jugular vein of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: Michael Kinori
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Patent number: 7454842Abstract: A laser surveying apparatus includes: a laser light source configured to emit a laser light flux; a laser projector supported tiltably and configured to rotatably irradiate the laser light flux emitted from the laser light source; a mechanism tiltably supporting the laser projector; tilting arms extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction substantially perpendicular to the laser projector; a tilt driving section provided to at least one of the tilting arms configured to drive corresponding at least one of the tilting arms; detectors provided to each of the tilting arms and each configured to detect a movement amount of the corresponding one of the tilting arms, and an arithmetic section configured to calculate an inclination of the laser projector in the X-direction and the Y-direction from each of the movement amounts of the tilting arms detected by the corresponding detectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TopconInventor: Junichi Kodaira
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Patent number: 7448138Abstract: A laser detector and grade rod coupling device is disclosed. The laser detector and grade rod coupling device can be compatible with laser detectors having different sizes, different shapes, and/or different relative positions of their laser targets. The laser detector and grade rod coupling device can include a height-adjustable bracket, a backing, and a flexible strap. The size of a laser detector opening between the backing and the flexible strap can be adjustable. A method for attaching a laser detector to a grade rod also is disclosed. This method can include positioning a laser detector against a bracket of a laser detector and grade rod coupling device and adjusting the height of the bracket until a laser level marking on the laser detector is aligned with a grade rod measurement indicator on the laser detector and grade rod coupling device.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Laserline Mfg. Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Vanneman
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Patent number: 7441340Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a surveying instrument (10) placed in a orthogonal XYZ-system at (0,0,0) having a movable unit (20), said instrument defining a sight line (128) that is controllably rotatable around a first axis (50), essentially horizontal, and around a second axis (90), essentially vertical, wherein said second axis (90) may be inaccurately positioned so that it deviates from a true vertical axis, and said first axis (50) may deviate from being orthogonal to the second axis (90); the method comprising the steps of determining at least one of the following group of errors relating to the instrument and/or its location: a) a trunnion axis error T as a function of the deviation from 90 degrees between the first axis (50) and the second axis; b) a horizontal collimation error CH, being the deviation between the sight line (128) and the perpendicular angle as related to the first axis (50); and c) a total plumb error defined by components, PI and PII, being two separate angular valType: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Trimble ABInventor: Mikael Hertzman
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Publication number: 20080253834Abstract: A construction system utilizing 3D control includes a fixed base station of known location; a self-propelled construction machine located in the general vicinity of the fixed base station; and a rotating mobile unit assembly mounted on the self-propelled construction machine and having a location-determination device arranged to rotate around an axis. The location-determination device is adapted to operate in conjunction with the fixed base station to determine geodetic information about the self-propelled construction machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: POWER CURBERS, INC.Inventor: John Charles COLVARD
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Publication number: 20080246974Abstract: A portable optical measurement assembly for measuring the dimensions of an upper peripheral region of a wall structure of a swimming pool is provided. The assembly comprises an optical unit subassembly including an optical unit casing. The optical unit casing encloses a light source structured and arranged to direct a light beam onto an upper peripheral region of the wall structure of a swimming pool and a sensor structured and arranged to provide data indicative of the distance from the light source to the particular point on the upper peripheral region of a wall structure of a swimming pool surface. The portable optical measurement assembly also includes a mounting assembly for rotationally supporting the optical unit subassembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Jean Laurent Wilson, Thomas Edward Lucas, Jacques Lamond
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Patent number: 7412770Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the angle of a sighting unit towards a target, in particular for a geodesic-measuring instrument. The inventive device comprises a reference base, at least one bearing for mounting the sighting unit thereon in such a way that it is pivotable with respect to said reference base around an axis, a gear for accurately adjusting an angle of rotation around said axis between the sighting unit and the reference base and a coupling unit for limiting or interrupting a torque flux around the axis. The gear and the coupling unit are in series arranged in the torque flux between the sighting unit and the reference base. The torque flux is carried out around the axis between the sighting unit and the reference base by means of the gear and the coupling unit when it is non-interrupted thereby.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Leica Geosystems AGInventor: Anton Häle
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Patent number: 7412774Abstract: A laser marking device including an oscillating mechanism that enables the laser beams emitted from the device to be emitted in either a constant state or in a pulsed state to enhance the visibility of the laser beam in various lighting conditions. The oscillating mechanism modulates the power supplied by the power source into either a constant state or a pulsed state in order to send the power in that state to the laser generator, which consequently emits a laser beam in either a constant or pulsed state. In bright light conditions in which the beam is not readily visible, the beam can be emitted in a pulsed state to be sensed by a separate detector capable of detecting the pulsed beam from the device. The detector provides an indication to the operator of the position of the beam relative to the detector such that the operator can readily determine the location of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co., Inc.Inventors: Jianhong Lu, Minli Zhang, Yifei Xu
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Patent number: 7395604Abstract: A laser level with temperature control device (2) and the temperature control method thereof are disclosed. The temperature control device includes a thermal insulation chamber (22), a thermoelectric cooler (25), a control unit (21), and first and second temperature sensors (23, 24). The second temperature sensor is received in the thermal insulation chamber together with a tilt sensor (12). The control unit controls operation of the thermoelectric cooler according to the external and internal temperature signals respectively output by the first and second temperature sensors, so as to adjust the internal temperature inside the thermal insulation chamber to be a calibration temperature point close to the external temperature. Accordingly, the temperature drift problem can be addressed, and the working temperature of the tilt sensor can be maintained in a stable range. Further, the acceptable ambient temperature range within which the tilt sensor works can be expanded.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.Inventors: Pie-Yau Chien, Hua-Tang Liu, Yi-qi Li, Yong-ce Qi, Zhang-yong Jian, Yue-ye Chen
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Patent number: 7392592Abstract: A ruggedized laser level. The laser level includes a housing, a base, a protective structure, and a laser assembly. The base and protective structure combine to protect the laser level from damage due to being dropped or impacted. The laser assembly can provide a 360° beam or a five point dot. Some embodiments of the laser level include a plurality of power tool battery charging circuits.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Scott Bublitz, Jonathan Zick, Melissa Ottens-Rendon, David Duecker
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Publication number: 20080120855Abstract: A surveying apparatus is provided that includes a sighting telescope, an imaging device, and an external orientation parameter calculator. The sighting telescope is rotatable about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The imaging device is integrally rotated with the sighting telescope and the imaging device has an optical axis that is different from the collimation axis. The external orientation parameter calculator calculates external orientation parameters of stereo images that are obtained by the imaging device in an erecting observation and in an inverse observation in terms of the position of the optical axis with respect to the collimation axis, and the sighting directions in the erection observation and in the inverse observation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: PENTAX INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Shunji MATSUO, Homu TAKAYAMA, Takanori YACHI, Masatoshi SAKURAI