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: The present invention relates to a laser line beam emitting apparatus having a laser beam emitter from which laser beam flux are emitted and an optical broad element for broadening the laser beam flux to predetermined directions in which objects to be emitted reside for drawing of a straight reference line thereon. The apparatus's housing has an improved dust protective covering fitted into an outlet thereof such that the reflected, broadened laser beam flux from the covering through the cylindrical rod lens of the laser beam emitter becomes no ghost. Preferably, such covering has a curvature formed on its inner surface such that the reflected, broadened laser beam flux therefrom through the laser beam emitter return to the inside of the apparatus.

Abstract: A laser survey instrument, comprising a laser projector for projecting a laser beam onto a plane by rotary irradiation, a tilting unit for tilting the laser projector in two directions running perpendicularly each other and a tilt setting unit for setting a desired tilt angle for the laser projector at least in one direction, wherein the tilt setting unit comprises a tilt sensor for detecting a horizontal position and an angle detector for detecting an angle between the tilt sensor and the laser projector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining the height of a tripod-mounted geodetic tool using a reference area. Said system comprises a spacer element (20) to be mounted on the tripod (25) and means (2) for linear measurement which are to be applied on the spacer element (20). A scale is disposed on the means (2) in such a manner as to directly indicate the height (h) of the tool (28). The means are preferably configured as a tape measure (2) or a plumb bar (1′). The invention provides a means for measuring the height of the tool outside the plumb line (32) with a sufficient amount of exactness and without substantial additional costs and/or effort.

Abstract: A modular laser level determination system includes a laser beam generator in a housing, fixed to a positioner. The laser beam is oriented towards a central shaft inside the housing that is not closed off by any obstacles and passes through a collimator. A rotation drive module of an optical assembly comprises at least one reflection plane. The rotation drive module extends in a direction coaxial with the center line of the laser beam. The rotation drive module comprises a brushless motor with electronic switching, a hollow shaft, and a stator fixed to an element fixed in rotation. The stator can be tilted by a module for determination and adjustment of the inclination with respect to a reference place. The laser beam generator is fixed to the brushless motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser sighting device, which comprises a tilt detecting device having a liquid member for forming a free liquid surface and a fixed reflection member fixedly mounted, the tilt detecting device being used for detecting angular deviation between the free liquid surface and the fixed reflection member, a main unit for accommodating the tilt detecting device, and a laser beam irradiation unit removably mounted on the main unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular laser level determination system comprising a laser beam generator in a housing (1), fixed to positioning means, the laser beam being oriented towards a central shaft inside the housing (1) not closed off by any obstacles and firstly passing through collimation means, a rotation drive module of an optical assembly comprising at least one reflection plane, the said rotation drive module being arranged along a direction coaxial with the centre line of the laser beam, characterized by the fact that the rotation drive module of the said optical assembly comprises a brushless motor (1) with electronic switching and a hollow shaft (51), the stator (53) of which is fixed to a element fixed in rotation and that can be tilted by a module for determination and adjustment of the inclination with respect to a reference place, the said laser beam generator being fixed to the brushless motor (5).

Abstract: A device for horizontal and vertical adjustment in geodetic devices comprises within its housing, a horizontal adjusting system comprising a first fine adjustment drive for rotation of the device about a vertical standing axis and a vertical adjusting system comprising a second fine adjustment drive for the movement of a telescope which is mounted in the support of the device so as to be swivelable about a horizontal tilt axis. A coaxial drive, known per se, is arranged at the support of the device and has two coaxially mounted shafts, each having a rotating knob, for initiating the rotation and/or movement of the respective parts and subassemblies. Each of the two fine adjustment gear units comprises a worm and a worm gear with a friction clutch and can be actuated jointly from a location for generating movement in two movement directions running vertical to one another or at an angle to one another.

Abstract: A surveying instrument which incorporates a magnetic incremental rotary encoder includes a rotary magnetic drum provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof with a multi-pole magnetized layer having a plurality of equally-divided magnetized divisions, a pair of magnetic sensors located on opposite sides of said rotary magnetic drum so that each of said pair of magnetic sensors faces said multi-pole magnetized layer, and at least one magnet, positioned in the vicinity of at least one of said pair of magnetic sensors, for reducing an error in detection of said magnetic incremental rotary encoder.

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 laser centering device (30) that is attached to a survey apparatus by replacing it with a centering telescope optical system is formed of an inner barrel (32) that fixes a pentagonal prism (40) at one end thereof and is internally provided with a laser beam source (42), an intermediate barrel (34) that moves the inner barrel in the axial direction and fixes it so as to adjust the position thereof, and an outer barrel (36) that turns the intermediate barrel around the axis and fixes it so as to adjust the angle thereof, and at the same time, is fixed at the portion (38) for fixing the centering telescope optical system of the survey apparatus (1). The invention provides a laser centering device for which the emission direction of a laser beam is simply adjusted.

Abstract: An incremental rotary encoder includes a rotary portion, a first sensor and a second sensor, the first and second sensors being arranged so as to be opposite from each other with respect to the axis of the rotary portion. The second sensor is offset from the first sensor so that the phase of output voltage of the second sensor advances or delays with respect to the phase of output voltage of the first sensor by &pgr;/X, wherein “X” represents a real number of one or more than one.

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

Abstract: A 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 alignment device provides horizontal and vertical reference planes, lines, and points. The alignment device includes a pendulum assembly that supports a laser beam source assembly, two reflectors, and two motors. The laser beam source directs beams onto the reflectors—producing a horizontal reference beam and a vertical reference beam. Each reflector is rotated by one of the motors. Continuous rotation generates a reference plane; dithering generates a reference line, and no movement results in a reference point. The pendulum assembly includes a coarse pendulum that supports a fine pendulum, as well as the rotating motors and beam reflectors. The coarse pendulum roughly levels the alignment device. The fine pendulum supports the laser beam source assembly and brings the alignment device to a level position. The laser alignment device also includes a motor control system that enables users to accurately position the device's references.

Abstract: A leveling assembly to establish elevations in a building structure for installing cabinets, bookshelves, countertops, etc. There is a telescoping mounting post adapted to be positioned in bearing engagement between a floor surface and the top of a doorway, ceiling or other upper surface. A laser that transmits a horizontal laser beam is mounted to a mounting device that can be moved to different positions along the length of the post. Locking devices hold the laser-mounting device in place, and also properly position the post to be in firm engagement with its bearing surfaces. The laser-mounting device can be swung to upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A laser level with a housing composed of two parts for storing the laser level in a protected manner, wherein the laser level is composed of an instrument body, bubble levels in the instrument body, a laser beam generator with lens system and a fixed leg and two vertically adjustable legs. One of the housing parts is provided with receptacles for the legs, wherein the receptacles are integrally formed at an inner side of the bottom of the housing part. The other housing part has receptacles for the legs, wherein the receptacles are integrally formed in an outer side of a cover of the housing part. At least one stand thread is provided at an inner side of the outer housing part.

Abstract: A surveying instrument which incorporates a magnetic incremental rotary encoder includes a rotary magnetic drum provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof with a multi-pole magnetized layer having a plurality of equally-divided magnetized divisions; and at least two magnetic sensors, each of which detects a magnetic field generated by the multi-pole magnetized layer therefrom. Each of the at least two magnetic sensors detects a variation in the magnetic field due to a rotation of the rotary magnetic drum to measure an angle of rotation of the rotary magnetic drum, and the at least two magnetic sensors are arranged so that two of the at least two magnetic sensors are offset from each other to have a phase angle of an odd-numbered pitch angle therebetween.

Abstract: Leveling instrument—clamping device for mounting leveling instruments to the tripod platform of a tripod. It is provided with a device plate which can be mounted to the bottom of the leveling system and with a stop provided on the upper side of the tripod platform, as well as a clamping device positioned at a distance from the stop with the device plate being mounted removable on the tripod platform via the stop and the clamping device. This allows a quick and secure mounting of leveling instruments by few operations.

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

Abstract: A power tool includes a leveling device which includes a rotatable member which seeks an equilibrium position which corresponds to a level position. A rotating device includes a member which enables passage of a beam. An electrical circuit which includes an emitting device, a receiving device and an indicating device is electrically coupled such that upon activation, the emitting device emits a beam which passes through the beam passing member. The beam is received by the receiving device which, in turn, activates the indicator device. The indicator is generally a light emitting device which has a varying brightness so that the user may view the indicator from all sides of the power tool.

Abstract: A guide method for guiding a device that is designed to insert elements into the ground in order to make a structure. The method includes the steps of: establishing topographical points and determining the coordinates of these points in an X, Y, Z frame of reference; putting a measuring station in place in the vicinity of a location where the structure is to be made and determining the X, Y, Z position of the measuring station with reference to one or more topographical points; determining, by means of the measuring station, the distance and the angle between the insertion device and the measuring station; calculating the position of the device by means of the measured distance and the known position of the measuring station; and displacing the insertion device so that the elements are in register on the insertion axis with given positions where the elements are to be inserted into the ground.

Abstract: A bore path alignment system for accurately determining a desired bore pitch for a ground-boring device. The bore path alignment system includes a first pole, a first tube adjustably positioned upon the first tube, a guide tube with a pitch instrument pivotally attached to the first tube, a second pole, and a second tube including a spotter strip adjustably positioned upon the first tube. The user positions the first pole into the ground surface where boring is to begin and the second pole above a location where a specific depth is required. The user positions the second tube containing the spotter strip according to the depth in the second location. The user then adjusts the angle of the guide tube until the spotter strip is aligned thereby allowing the user to determine the required boring pitch by the pitch instrument.

Abstract: A telescope for geodetic instruments, comprises an objective and device for generating separate beam paths for target seeking or image detection and for distance measurement. In the beam path for target seeking, a CCD camera with CCD matrix or a position-dependent photoelectric receiver arrangement (quadrant photoreceiver) is provided in a first image plane of the objective. A receiver for distance measurement is located in a second image plane of the objective. An evaluating device is connected with the CCD camera or receiver arrangement for signal evaluation and/or image evaluation. A device for generating a third, wide-angle, beam path are provided in the telescope. A supplementary objective cooperating with the objective is advantageously provided for generating the wide-angle beam path.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser sighting device, which comprises a tilt detecting device having a liquid member for forming a free liquid surface and a fixed reflection member fixedly mounted, the tilt detecting device being used for detecting angular deviation between the free liquid surface and the fixed reflection member, a main unit for accommodating the tilt detecting device, and a laser beam irradiation unit removably mounted on the main unit.

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 bore path alignment system for accurately determining a desired bore pitch for a ground-boring device. The bore path alignment system includes a first pole, a first tube adjustably positioned upon the first tube, a guide tube with a pitch instrument pivotally attached to the first tube, a second pole, and a second tube including a spotter strip adjustably positioned upon the first tube. The user positions the first pole into the ground surface where boring is to begin and the second pole above a location where a specific depth is required. The user positions the second tube containing the spotter strip according to the depth in the second location. The user then adjusts the angle of the guide tube until the spotter strip is aligned thereby allowing the user to determine the required boring pitch by the pitch instrument.

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: A line transfer instrument and method for aligning a pipe laser's laser beam are disclosed wherein the instrument includes a base, a self-leveling scope rotatably mounted to the base so that it is capable of looking downward and slightly backward, a horizontal dove-tail slide for horizontally translating the base perpendicular to the line of sight, and a spotting laser for illuminating the pipe laser so that the scope can be centered more easily on it. The method includes positioning the scope over the pipe laser using the spotting laser and slide to illuminate the center of the pipe laser and center the scope over the pipe laser.

Abstract: A measuring system includes an optical site reference, such as a reference line within a scope used in surveying, and a calibrated reference scale which provides measurements by optical comparison to the optical site reference. The calibrated reference scale includes centimeter sections which in turn include upper and lower stepped sections. The upper and lower stepped sections are symmetrical with respect to one another such that the upper and lower stepped sections can be easily distinguished from one another from significant distance. Each of the steps of each stepped section indicates a specific, corresponding offset within the stepped section. The symmetry of the upper and lower stepped sections is in the relative positions of the long and short reference members.

Abstract: A magnetic transmission structure for a laser level includes a driving member provided with two opposite first chambers in each of which is fitted a magnet, a driven member provided with two opposite second chambers arranged in alignment with the first opposite chambers, each of the second chamber being provided with a magnet, and a motor having an output axle drivingly connected with an intermediate portion of the driving member, whereby the driven member will be rotated with the driving member without direct interconnecting members when the motor is turned on.

Abstract: A surveying instrument having an AF apparatus, provided with a focusing lens and a collimation telescope, includes a focus detector for detecting a focus state through the collimation telescope, and a controller for moving the focusing lens of the collimation telescope to a focal position, based on the focus state detected by the focus detector. The surveying instrument includes a single focus mode at which only one detection of the output of the focus detector and only one control operation of the controller based on the detected output are carried out, and a continuous focus mode at which a plurality of detections of the output of the focus detector and a plurality of control operations of the controller based on the detected outputs are sequentially carried out, the single focus mode and the continuous mode being selectively performed.

Abstract: The system according to the present invention comprises means for irradiating a plurality of laser beams by separating the laser beams in a vertical direction and means for forming a plurality of laser beam reference planes by rotary irradiation of said plurality of laser beams. Because a plurality of reference planes are formed at the same time, operation can be carried out at the same time at different working sites, and the tilt reference line as desired can be promptly obtained without performing tilt setting operation for the reference plane.

Abstract: A leveling assembly to establish elevations in a building structure for installing cabinets, bookshelves, countertops, etc. There is a telescoping mounting post adapted to be positioned in bearing engagement between a floor surface and the top of a doorway, ceiling or other upper surface. A laser that transmits a horizontal laser beam is mounted to a mounting device that can be moved to different positions along the length of the post. Locking devices hold the laser mounting device in place, and also properly position the post to be in firm engagement with its bearing surfaces. The laser mounting device can be swung to upper and lower positions.

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

Abstract: Leveling instrument—clamping device for mounting leveling instruments to the tripod platform of a tripod. It is provided with a device plate which can be mounted to the bottom of the leveling system and with a stop provided on the upper side of the tripod platform, as well as a clamping device positioned at a distance from the stop with the device plate being mounted removable on the tripod platform via the stop and the clamping device. This allows a quick and secure mounting of leveling instruments by few operations.

Abstract: A laser survey instrument, comprising a laser projector for projecting a laser beam onto a plane by rotary irradiation, a tilting unit for tilting the laser projector in two directions running perpendicularly each other and a tilt setting unit for setting a desired tilt angle for the laser projector at least in one direction, wherein the tilt setting unit comprises a tilt sensor for detecting a horizontal position and an angle detector for detecting an angle between the tilt sensor and the laser projector.

Abstract: A surveying system has a sighting device and a position measuring unit. The position measuring unit includes an inertial measuring device.

Abstract: A leveling assembly to establish elevations in a building structure for installing cabinets, bookshelves, countertops, etc. There is a telescoping mounting post adapted to be positioned in bearing engagement between a floor surface and the top of a doorway, ceiling or other upper surface. A laser that transmits a horizontal laser beam is mounted to a mounting device that can be moved to different positions along the length of the post. Locking devices hold the laser mounting device in place, and also properly position the post to be in firm engagement with its bearing surfaces. The laser mounting device can be swung to upper and lower positions.

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 levelling apparatus for a laser level includes a base having a central axis and a sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the base. A sphere-shaped ball device is received in the socket component for relative movement with respect thereto. A retention mechanism is spaced radially outwardly from the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the ball device in the socket component. In a second embodiment of the levelling apparatus, the sphere-shaped ball device is mounted to the base and the sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the ball device for relative movement with respect thereto. The retention mechanism is in registry with the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the socket component to the ball device. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic level comprising a clinometer, an image receiving device having a telescope with an objective and with a CCD receiver matrix and with a screen for displaying the image of a graduated staff which is set up at a target and provided with a coded graduation. A vertical axis is rotatable about the level. A leveling device is included for alignment and rough leveling of the level with respect to the graduated staff. An input unit is provided for entering measurement data. A power supply unit and a computer is included for processing the measurement data, calculating measurement values and for image evaluation. The image receiving device comprises a CCD receiver matrix which is preferably operated in video clock.

Abstract: A measuring system includes an optical site reference, such as a reference line within a scope used in surveying, and a calibrated reference scale which provides measurements by optical comparison to the optical site reference. The calibrated reference scale includes centimeter sections which in turn include upper and lower stepped sections. The upper and lower stepped sections are symmetrical with respect to one another such that the upper and lower stepped sections can be easily distinguished from one another from significant distance. Each of the steps of each stepped section indicates a specific, corresponding offset within the stepped section. The symmetry of the upper and lower stepped sections is in the relative positions of the long and short reference members.

Abstract: A surveying spike is described which includes a single nail portion and an end portion; the end portion is attached to the nail portion and coaxial therewith. The end portion has a body portion, and a reference surface forming portion projecting radially from the body portion and having a reference surface formed thereon parallel to the axis of the end portion. The reference surface has a dimple formed therein. When the surveying spike is driven into a vertical surface, the reference surface may then be horizontal and the dimple may receive a vertical pole; this facilitates surveying using EDM (electronic distance measurement) techniques. The surveying spike may advantageously be manufactured by providing a metal nail portion and a plastic end portion, and inserting the nail into the end portion.

Abstract: A rotating laser beam projector includes a power controller having a micro controller coupled to a laser power circuit which determines whether the laser beam emitted by the projector is rotating or stationary. When the laser beam is rotating, the laser power circuit delivers a first level of continuance power to the laser. When the laser beam is stationary, the laser power circuit delivers a second level of continuance power to the laser which is less than the first level of power. The micro controller communicates messages from the laser beam projector to a remotely positioned sensor assembly by rotating the laser beam at a first speed when no message is to be communicated and rotating the laser beam at a second speed, different from the first speed, when a message is to be communicated. The laser beam projector includes a bridge for delivering electrical power to a pendulum-supported device from a stationary source.

Abstract: A distance interpolator incorporated into a total station and a method for digitally interpolating a distance measurement from the total station to a target, such that the distance interpolator measures the distance from the total station to the target using primarily digital electronics and statistical analysis. In one embodiment, the total station transmits an energy pulse from the electronic distance measuring portion of the total station, with the energy pulse directed at the target. This embodiment then receives at the electronic distance measuring portion the energy pulse reflected from the target. This embodiment also contains a reference oscillator and digital counter, which counts the number of reference oscillator clock pulses that elapse from the time the energy pulse is transmitted to the time the reflection of the energy pulse is received.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus for a builder's laser level includes a base having a central axis and a sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the base. A sphere-shaped ball device is received in the socket component for relative movement with respect thereto. A retention mechanism is spaced radially outwardly from the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the ball device in the socket component. In a second embodiment of the levelling apparatus, the sphere-shaped ball device is mounted to the base and the sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the ball device for relative movement with respect thereto. The retention mechanism is in registry with the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the socket component to the ball device.

Abstract: A tilt predictor incorporated into a total station to predict the degree of tilt of the rotational alidade portion of a total station corresponding to the rotational orientation of the rotational alidade portion. In one embodiment, the present invention defines the plane of rotation for the rotational alidade portion with the rotational alidade portion disposed in a first rotational orientation. The rotational alidade portion is then rotated to the desired rotational orientation. This embodiment then predicts the degree of tilt of the rotational alidade portion at the desired rotational orientation.

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