Self Leveling Patents (Class 33/291)
  • Patent number: 11754393
    Abstract: Various laser level designs and remote controls are shown. In another example, the remote control for a laser level receives a plurality of interface protocols configured to control one or more laser levels, and subsequently selects one of the interface protocols when initiating control of a laser level. In another example, the relative positions a remote control with respect to a laser level are determined, and subsequently a visual representation is presented at the remote control based on the relative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel A. Gould, Samuel J. Howard, Garrett E. Schoonover, Jacob D. Hadfield
  • Patent number: 11421988
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a laser marker includes a supporter, a movable portion, at least one laser optical source, a tilt sensor, a first actuator, and a controller. The movable portion is tiltably supported by the supporter. The tilt sensor is provided to the movable portion, detects a first tilt of the movable portion, and outputs a first detection value that indicates the first tilt. The first actuator changes a tilt of the movable portion with respect to the supporter. The controller controls the first actuator such that a center value of a first series of detection values and a reference value coincide with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunta Mizuno
  • Patent number: 11320195
    Abstract: A chamber for a distillation column that is to operate at a temperature below 0° C., comprises at least four walls, which in use are vertical, and a roof, the chamber being designed to contain at least one distillation column, at least one other element that is to operate at a cryogenic temperature, and insulation, at least one wall being convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Franck Lemaire
  • Patent number: 10739124
    Abstract: A pendulum-based laser leveling device comprises a micro controller unit connected to a shock sensor for sensing a shock experienced by the laser leveling device. The micro controller unit is configured to send out a warning message when the magnitude of the shock sensed by the shock sensor exceeds a shock threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hung-Ying Yuen, Louis Chan, Thomas Kohlert
  • Patent number: 10704906
    Abstract: A method for producing a pendulum arrangement of a pendulum laser device includes producing a universal joint of a pendulum of the pendulum arrangement by forming two orthogonal, at least partially micro-structured shafts via plastic injection moulding and positioning at least two bearing shells on the at least partially micro-structured regions of at least one shaft of the universal joint. The method further includes producing an optic carrier of the pendulum of the pendulum arrangement as a single piece with the bearing shells by overmoulding at least two bearing shells surrounding a shaft of the universal joint via plastic injection moulding. The optic carrier is connected to the universal joint such that it is configured to rotate about the one shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Geise
  • Patent number: 10591806
    Abstract: A tripod head for supporting a camera includes an electronic leveling and display system to produce a continuously visible display of the leveling of the tripod head and the camera mounted thereon. That is, the tripod head may be rotated (a full 360 degrees) so the display system is visible regardless of the position of the camera. The display system attached to, or made part of, the tripod head includes light indicating elements (e.g., LEDs or LCDs) which may be easily seen, day or night and under physical constraints limiting access to the camera, regardless of the orientation of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Larry J Tiefenbrunn
  • Patent number: 10119817
    Abstract: A laser beam generating device which includes a housing. A laser light generator is disposed in the housing and is operable to generate two output beams which project outside of the housing. The laser light generator includes a light source and a leveling mechanism on which the laser light generator is disposed. A mounting member is disposed on the housing and is configured to mount the laser beam generating device on a screw thread. The mounting member is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: James Spaulding, Michael T. Matteo
  • Patent number: 10048377
    Abstract: The invention provides a posture detecting device, which comprises a tilt detecting unit as rotatably supported around two shafts perpendicular each other to an outer frame and for detecting a tilting from the horizontal, encoders provided on each of the shafts, motors provided so as to rotate each shaft, and a first arithmetic processing unit for driving/controlling the motor based on a detection result from the tilt detecting unit, wherein the first arithmetic processing unit drives the motors so that the tilt detecting unit detects the horizontal based on a signal from the tilt detecting unit when the outer frame is tilted and calculates a posture of the outer frame based on outputs of the encoders when the tilt detecting unit detects the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai, Kazuki Osaragi
  • Patent number: 10006767
    Abstract: The invention provides an automatic leveling device comprising; one tilt sensor provided on a leveling base plate, a leveling mechanism unit capable of tilting the leveling base plate in at least two directions and a control device for controlling the leveling mechanism unit and for tilting the leveling base plate, wherein the control device is configured to tilt the leveling base plate so that the tilting of the leveling base plate follows a searching route as set in a process of a leveling from a condition where a tilt detecting signal from the tilt sensor is not obtained, carries out an auxiliary leveling to obtain signals from the tilt sensor in a process of changing the tilting, and carries out a main leveling by controlling the leveling mechanism unit based on the detection result from the tilt sensor where a tilt detecting signal is obtained from the auxiliary leveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Homare Momiyama, Satoshi Yanobe
  • Patent number: 9541390
    Abstract: A surveying device includes: an angle-of-view value acquisition unit which acquires the angle of view of a telescope; and a manipulation amount correction unit which, on the basis of the angle of view acquired by the angle-of-view value acquisition unit, corrects the displacement amount of the telescope such that the displacement amount of the telescope with respect to the rotation amounts of a horizontal tangent screw and a vertical tangent screw when the angle of view of the telescope is a first angle of view is smaller than the displacement amount of the telescope with respect to the rotation amounts of the horizontal tangent screw and the vertical tangent screw when the angle of view of the telescope is a second angle of view wider than the first angle of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: NIKON-TRIMBLE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9441963
    Abstract: A multifunction laser leveling tool (1) is provided. The multifunction laser leveling tool (1) comprises: a housing (2); a pendulum (28) supported by the housing (2) via a universal joint so that the pendulum (28) is pivotable with respect to the housing (2) around a first axis (24) and a second axis (26) perpendicular to the first axis (24); a locking means (4) which is able to fixedly lock the pendulum (28) to the housing (2) and to release the pendulum (28) therefrom, wherein when the pendulum (28) is released, the pendulum (28) is in a plumb orientation and the first and second axes (24,26) lie in a horizontal plane; a first laser beam emitter (36) attached to the pendulum (28) for emitting a first laser plane; an angle sensing means (44) attached to the pendulum (28) for measuring the orientation of the pendulum (28); a display module having two sections (6,8) attached to the housing (2) for displaying the measured orientation of the pendulum (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Company Limited
    Inventors: Eric Hung-Ying Yuen, Wah Pong Chan, Yat Wah Lam
  • Patent number: 8959783
    Abstract: A laser surveying system comprises a leveling unit (3) having a motor for leveling, a light source unit (14) for emitting a laser beam, a light projecting optical system installed on the leveling unit and for projecting the laser beam, a power supply unit for supplying electric power to each of component sites, a control unit (7) for driving and controlling each of the component sites, a storage unit (26), a tilt detecting means (11) installed on the leveling unit and used for detecting leveling conditions, a rotation number detecting means (13) for detecting number of rotations of the motor, a light source detecting means (16a and 16b) for detecting light emitting condition of the light source unit, a voltage detecting means (24) for detecting output voltage of the power source unit, and an abnormality detecting means for detecting operational abnormality, and in the laser surveying system, the control unit monitors whether there is abnormality or not by the abnormality detecting means, samples a detection s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Kaoru Kumagai, Jun-ichi Kodaira
  • Publication number: 20150007437
    Abstract: A self-leveling multi-line laser device is disclosed. The multi-line laser device includes at least two laser beams and at least two reflecting cones, wherein the cone axes of the reflecting cones are perpendicular to each other and each of the laser beams can be directed, preferably eccentrically, parallel to the axis of one of the reflecting cones against the tip of said reflecting cone. With the multi-line laser device, at least two projectable laser lines can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140352161
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a laser level system. The laser level system includes a laser level, a quick connect tool mounting bracket, and/or other components. The laser level may be mounted to the quick connect tool mounting bracket in one or more different orientations via a quick connect adapter. The quick connect adapter may be removably coupled with the bracket and/or one or more quick connect mounts supported by one or more external surfaces a housing of the laser level. One or more laser beams generated by the laser level may be controlled via a controller to visually indicate whether the laser level is in a “manual” mode, whether the laser level is in a “self-leveling” mode, and/or whether the laser level is “out of level” while in the “self-leveling” mode. In some embodiments, the laser level system includes a self-leveling mechanism lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventors: Eric RANIERI, Spencer Paul Maheu, Kenneth W. Strickland, Daniel Sadowski
  • Publication number: 20140338206
    Abstract: Layout equipment for locating a plurality of positions at a construction site is provided. The layout equipment includes a laser target rod, a self-leveling laser transmitter, and a remote control device. The rod has an elongated rod body including retroreflective material extending substantially the entire length of the body. The laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light, and receives laser light reflected from the rod. The laser transmitter includes a first wireless communication unit, and a transmitter control. The transmitter control is responsive to the first wireless communication unit. The remote control device includes a second wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with to the laser transmitter to cause the laser transmitter to project the beam of laser light toward a position at the construction site, and signals the user of the layout equipment when the rod has been placed at the position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Kent Kahle
  • Patent number: 8857069
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tilt detecting device (1), comprising a first tilt sensor (2) for detecting a tilting with respect to direction of gravity with high accuracy, a second tilt sensor (3) for detecting the tilting with respect to direction of gravity and for detecting the tilting with lower accuracy than that of the first tilt sensor and in a range wider than that of the first tilt sensor, wherein the first tilt sensor and the second tilt sensor are fixed relatively to each other, and the tilting is detected by the second tilt sensor by using a reference position and a detecting direction as detected by the first tilt sensor as reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventor: Toshikazu Adegawa
  • Publication number: 20140283399
    Abstract: A construction laser system includes a rotating laser with self-leveling and a laser receiver. The system performs a self-leveling recalibration process by which-the self-leveling is checked automatically for quality and the related calibration data is updated automatically. A sequence of N calibration measurements is defined, where N is greater than or equal to three. The calibration measurements are obtained by the rotating laser and the laser receiver with a respective azimuthal alignment of the stand while the position of the laser receiver remains unchanged. As part of each calibration measurement, one output signal dependent on the laser beam impingement position is detected. The respective output signals or specified impingement positions are evaluated in pairs correlated with the respective I-th azimuthal alignments. The quality of the beam leveling functionality is thereby checked. If the requirements are not met, the previously stored calibration data can then be updated automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Thilo FESSLER, Bernd STÖCKEL, Thomas AMMER
  • Patent number: 8813379
    Abstract: A self-leveling multi-line laser device is disclosed. The multi-line laser device includes at least two laser beams and at least two reflecting cones, wherein the cone axes of the reflecting cones are perpendicular to each other and each of the laser beams can be directed, preferably eccentrically, parallel to the axis of one of the reflecting cones against the tip of said reflecting cone. With the multi-line laser device, at least two projectable laser lines can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140202011
    Abstract: A method of operating a rotary laser level includes actuating a drive system to level a laser assembly of a base unit of the rotary laser level, and emitting a laser beam from the rotating laser assembly after the laser assembly has been leveled. A first beam center position of the emitted laser beam is detected using a portable receiving unit. An initial level position is determined at the first beam center position, and the receiving unit is fixed at the first beam center position. The base unit is then rotated so the laser assembly is pointing away from the receiving unit and the laser assembly is leveled again. The laser beam is then centered on the receiving unit again and a current level position is determined. The current level position is compared to the initial level position to determine a state of calibration of a level position of the laser assembly based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jay R. Munroe, Nathan J. Light, Antony J. Wilks
  • Patent number: 8711369
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventor: Clayton Eugene Campagna
  • Patent number: 8712721
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Shayne Hamel, Todd Liebbe
  • Publication number: 20140047724
    Abstract: Rotating construction laser device with a grade mechanism, including a code element and a position detection device for providing and detecting a feedback position information, and a leveling mechanism, which supports a lens barrel tiltably and is designed to tilt the lens barrel in order to have the level position detected by a tilt sensor and therewith to level the grade arm, the code element or the position detection device is arranged directly on the grade arm, and the feedback position information directly depends on the position of a reference point on the grade arm, the reference point being defined by the code element or the position detection device, respectively, thus allowing to deduce a position of the grade arm directly from the feedback position information, and/or to calculate a tilting angle of the grade arm with respect to the lens barrel directly from the feedback position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Martin Winistörfer, Thomas Ammer
  • Publication number: 20140000120
    Abstract: A method for determining a top dead-center of a wheel. The method includes (i) removably connecting a self-aligning laser guide to a wheel balancer shaft; (ii) allowing gravity to position said self-aligning laser guide such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to a floor surface; and (iii) powering said self-aligning laser guide to indicate said top dead-center of said wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Perfect Results, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan William FISHEL
  • Publication number: 20130340268
    Abstract: A laser-leveling device having a at least one radiation module and mounting module, where laser radiation sources and the prisms for developing planes from the laser beams are combined in the radiation module. The radiation module with housing contains a device for horizontal fine adjustment, an additional power supply with control, and an additional self-leveling support plate for receiving the laser radiation sources and prisms for developing the planes from the laser beams The mounting module with housing contains a self-leveling support plate, power supply with control, and a mount for securing to a tripod. The housing of the at least one radiation module and the housing of the mounting module are embodied such that the radiation module can be coupled to the mounting module, and it is possible to connect at least one additional radiation module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Alexey V. Gulunav
  • Publication number: 20130276315
    Abstract: Layout equipment for locating a plurality of positions at a construction site, and a method of using the layout equipment, contemplate a laser target rod having an elongated rod body and including retroreflective material on the rod body. The retroreflective material extends substantially the entire length of the rod body, and has scale markings visible thereon. A self-leveling laser transmitter at a known position projects a beam of laser light horizontally, and receives laser light reflected from the laser target rod. A remote control device signals the user of the layout equipment when the rod has been placed at a selected one of the plurality of positions. The layout equipment may also be used to determine relative locations in a previously built structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Kent Kahle
  • Publication number: 20130152412
    Abstract: A laser surveying system comprises a leveling unit (3) having a motor for leveling, a light source unit (14) for emitting a laser beam, a light projecting optical system installed on the leveling unit and for projecting the laser beam, a power supply unit for supplying electric power to each of component sites, a control unit (7) for driving and controlling each of the component sites, a storage unit (26), a tilt detecting means (11) installed on the leveling unit and used for detecting leveling conditions, a rotation number detecting means (13) for detecting number of rotations of the motor, a light source detecting means (16a and 16b) for detecting light emitting condition of the light source unit, a voltage detecting means (24) for detecting output voltage of the power source unit, and an abnormality detecting means for detecting operational abnormality, and in the laser surveying system, the control unit monitors whether there is abnormality or not by the abnormality detecting means, samples a detection s
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Kaoru Kumagai, Jun-ichi Kodaira
  • Patent number: 8407904
    Abstract: A rotary laser beam emitter includes a base unit including a reference reflector with a reference reflective face parallel to a reference plane, a rotary element rotatably supported on the base unit around a rotary axis, and a beam emitting unit contained in the rotary element and including a light source and an optical emission system emitting the laser beam from the light source in a direction parallel to the reference plane on the optical axis. When the rotary element is inclined relative to the rotary axis and the emitted laser beam is inclined to the reference plane, the optical emission system emits the laser beam from the light source to the reference reflective face and emit the laser beam reflected by the reference reflective face in a direction inclined to the optical axis of the laser beam so as to neutralize the inclined laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Kunihiro Hayashi, Fumihiko Kamizono
  • Patent number: 8407903
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotating construction laser (1), in particular a self-compensating construction laser. The construction laser (1) comprises a base (2,115) and a laser unit (3,114) for emitting a laser beam (11,83) rotating around an axis (18) of rotation so that the rotating laser beam (11,83) defines a laser plane. Therein, the laser unit (3,114) is built and tiltably arranged to the base (2,115) in such a way, that the axis (18) is tiltable in at least one direction. Furthermore, a tilt sensor (19,96,109) is present for measuring the tilt of the axis (18). According to the invention, the tilt sensor (19,96,109) is supported by a sensor platform being pivotable with respect to the laser unit around the axis (18) between at least two defined pivoting-positions (54,55,70-22) in such a way, that the tilt of the axis (18) is measurable by the tilt sensor (19,96,109) in the at least two pivoting-positions (54,55, 70-22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Christopher Koleszar, Martin Winistoerfer
  • Publication number: 20130074349
    Abstract: A surveying and measuring device and method of using the same is provided. The device, which is particularly suited for determining or measuring a rotational position of an object, comprises an elongate rigid member extending radially away from a known center of an object. Distal ends of the rigid member downwardly project points which may be compared to, for example, survey markers or known points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: John D. Baker, Reed W. Baker, Michael J. Gregory
  • Patent number: 8397392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking and/or leveling device (1) comprising a light source (4) disposed on a pendulum (3) that can pivot relative to a housing (2). According to the invention, means are provided for accelerating (9) the pendulum (3) and/or a pendulum bearing (8) in a pulsing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8171649
    Abstract: A laser device, including a cradle with a laser unit exiting from this, the cradle being connected to a base element, relative to which the cradle can be adjusted in terms of inclination by at least one actuating drive. In order to achieve a secure mounting of the cradle for the laser unit with simple structural means, while at the same time eliminating any play between the mutually tilting parts, it is proposed that the cradle be connected to the base element, first, by a solid joint, and secondly by two adjusting drives, wherein the adjusting drives are arranged with respect to the solid joint so that the lines of connection between lengthwise axis of the solid joint and the adjusting drives subtend a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Stabila Messgerate Gustav Ullrich GmbH
    Inventors: Gabriel Kallabis, Thomas Kremer
  • Publication number: 20120090184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-leveling multi-line laser device. Said multi-line laser device comprises at least two laser beams and at least two reflecting cones, wherein the cone axes of the reflecting cones are perpendicular to each other and each of the laser beams can be directed, preferably eccentrically, parallel to the axis of one of reflecting cones against the tip of said reflecting cone. By means of the multi-line laser device, at least two projectable laser lines can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20120042529
    Abstract: A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. The laser light planes also project lines that will intersect along the ceiling at a point that is truly plumb above the crossing point on the floor. The laser planes also provide an “implied” plumb line that is projected in space, which is visible along a solid vertical surface to between the intersecting floor and ceiling points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: James N. Hayes, Chris W. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20110314684
    Abstract: A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. The laser light planes also project lines that will intersect along the ceiling at a point that is truly plumb above the crossing point on the floor. The laser planes also provide an “implied” plumb line that is projected in space, which is visible along a solid vertical surface between the intersecting floor and ceiling points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: James N. Hayes, Chris W. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8029272
    Abstract: This invention relates to a self-activated automatic candle snuffer. The device generally comprises a back plate connected to a base and to a spoon having a hole so that the back plate supports the spoon for spring movement with respect to the base. A candle mounted to the base so that the candle passes through the hole in the spoon. A set pin movably affixed to the spoon proximate the hole, operatively arranged to pierce and enter the candle so as to maintain tension in the spoon. A ball balanced on the spoon and a means for release of tension in the spoon which causes release of potential energy that allows the spoon to elevate to an inclined plane to cause the ball to roll down the spoon to settle on the hole and the wick and extinguish a flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Randall L. Kunkle
  • Patent number: 7946044
    Abstract: A surveying instrument includes a measuring system having a component, a support, and a mounting unit that is arranged at the support. The component is mounted on the mounting unit and the support and the mounting unit are configured such that the mounting unit is adjustable relative to the support. The instrument also includes a fine inclination sensor that is arranged at the component and is configured to measure an inclination angle of the component and to output fine inclination data. The instrument further includes a coarse inclination sensor that is arranged at the component, is configured to measure the inclination angle and to output coarse inclination data, and includes an electronic acceleration sensor. The instrument additionally includes an evaluation unit that is configured to select inclination data from the coarse inclination data and the fine inclination data and an output unit that is configured to output the inclination data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Kludas, Uwe Beyer
  • Publication number: 20110010953
    Abstract: A frictional pivot 100 for use in a device measuring gravitational alignment is provided. The frictional pivot 100 comprises a gravity-responsive directional means 200 for indicating a datum direction of alignment with gravity; frictional pivoting means 300, 400 for allowing the gravity-responsive means coarsely to align with gravity; vibration means 303, 403 for vibrating one or more elements of the pivoting means; and portable power means 303a for powering the vibration means 303, 403.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Nigel Emlyn Williams
  • Patent number: 7861426
    Abstract: An optomechanical leveling device (1) has an external housing (2) with a bottom surface (4), a carrier frame (6) located inside the external housing (2) and fastened in an elastically damped manner by means of damping elements (5) elastically preloaded along respective tensioning axes (S) and an optics carrier (7) suspended at the carrier frame (6) such that it can be oriented by the gravitational field (G).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Detlef Juesten, Roman Steffen, Peter Bruggmueller, Petra Eyrich
  • Patent number: 7861427
    Abstract: The application relates to indicating a grade for example in constructions applications using a laser beam. A laser beam is emitted from a laser unit to a desired direction having a grade angle with regard to a level angle. The level sensor is provided for adjusting the level angle and a grade sensor is provided for indicating a grade angle on the basis of the level angle from the level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Trimble Kaiserslautern GmbH
    Inventors: Lars Schumacher, Karsten Woll, Otto Bellon
  • Publication number: 20100313433
    Abstract: A rotary laser beam emitter includes a base unit including a reference reflector with a reference reflective face parallel to a reference plane, a rotary element rotatably supported on the base unit around a rotary axis, and a beam emitting unit contained in the rotary element and including a light source and an optical emission system emitting the laser beam from the light source in a direction parallel to the reference plane on the optical axis. When the rotary element is inclined relative to the rotary axis and the emitted laser beam is inclined to the reference plane, the optical emission system emits the laser beam from the light source to the reference reflective face and emit the laser beam reflected by the reference reflective face in a direction inclined to the optical axis of the laser beam so as to neutralize the inclined laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kunihiro HAYASHI, Fumihiko KAMIZONO
  • Patent number: 7752764
    Abstract: An automatic apparatus for leveling suspended articles or hung objects to an angle relative to a reference. The shift lever assembly (112), used as a gravity reference, is activated when the pendulum member swings horizontally in response to slightest inclination or tilt, thereby causing the conductor pin (114.14) to contact one side of a pair of conductor plates (114.24b) or (114.24b). The contacting of the conductor pin to one side of the pair of conductor plates (114.24b) or (114.24b) completes the electrical circuit and allows the electrical storage device (118) to provide electrical current to the planetary motor (116), causing it to rotate. The turning of the planetary motor (116) causes the shift lever assembly (112) to automatically shift the elongated lever arm (112.10) against the rigid axle (122.22), thereby shifting the center of balance of the object in the opposite direction of the rotation of the wheel-like driven gear (112.20). Leveling occurs when the elongated lever arm (112.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Silvers, James Stone
  • Patent number: 7665217
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pendulum assembly within a laser levelling apparatus. In use, the assembly is rotatably mounted with the levelling device to hang under the effect of gravity such that opposed light emitting devices produce light on a horizontal plane. The assembly includes a main body rotatably mountable in the levelling apparatus and at least two light emitting devices mounted in or on light emitting mounting portions. At least one of the light emitting mounting positions is rotatably mounted to the main body and adjustable in its orientation with respect to the main body by an threaded adjustment means. Once one light emitting device is mounted, the adjustable one can be brought into a substantially co-linear position by movement of the threaded adjustment means. A further embodiment includes a further light emitter acting on a reflective surface to provide a substantially vertical light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Huang
  • Patent number: 7637022
    Abstract: A damping system and method for a pendulously supported crossline generator is disclosed. The crossline generator comprises a support body pendulously supported and having ear portions and a paddle. A rotation damping device having cages each with a magnet set is provided, wherein the ear portions extend into respective ones of the cages. A pitch damping device having a damping housing and a ring magnet supported in the damping housing is also provided. The paddle has a plate portion situated below the ring magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: James Hayes
  • Patent number: 7591075
    Abstract: A level, particularly a laser level is provided with a chassis simultaneously pivotable in at least a first direction and a second direction under the influence of gravity and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the chassis. The chassis carries a first light source for emitting a first light beam from the housing along a first plane and a second light for emitting a second light beam from the housing along a second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited
    Inventor: Robert E. McCracken
  • Patent number: 7571546
    Abstract: 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. In operation, the device may be utilized to generate either a self-leveling horizontal light line or a manually-leveled vertical light line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Black and Decker
    Inventors: Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, James Marshall
  • Publication number: 20090193672
    Abstract: An optomechanical leveling device (1) has an external housing (2) with a bottom surface (4), a carrier frame (6) located inside the external housing (2) and fastened in an elastically damped manner by means of damping elements (5) elastically preloaded along respective tensioning axes (S) and an optics carrier (7) suspended at the carrier frame (6) such that it can be oriented by the gravitational field (G).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Detlef Juesten, Roman Steffen, Peter Bruggmueller, Petra Eyrich
  • Patent number: 7536796
    Abstract: To obtain a laser marker capable of effectively reducing an impact force applied to essential components of the laser marker including a gimbal mechanism, a light source unit holder, and a light source unit when the laser marker falls, and in particular, capable of reducing damage to the gimbal mechanism, a main body case including a gimbal mechanism, a light source unit holder suspended swingably by the gimbal mechanism, light source units attached to the light source unit holder and outputting a projection line beam, a base supporting the main body case, and a plurality of legs provided at the bottom of the base and supporting the base are provided, and the base and each leg are coupled via an elastic body that bends when an impact in the vertical direction is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Akihito Tamamura
  • Patent number: 7523558
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Black and Decker
    Inventors: Michael A. Milligan, Ted Andrew Kimball, James D. Marshall, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Robert J. B. Hobden
  • Patent number: 7513052
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Black and Decker
    Inventors: Michael A. Milligan, Ted Andrew Kimball, Mark Slobodian, Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Robert J. B. Hobden
  • Patent number: 7500317
    Abstract: A self-leveling laser emitter (1) has a portable housing (2) in which a beam unit (5) is mounted so as to be swivelable in two dimensions in a self-leveling manner at a bearing point (4) arranged in the area of one third to two thirds of the height (H) of the housing exclusively by the downwardly directed gravitational force (G), which beam unit (5) emits two axis beams (7) in axial directions, including a plumb beam (6), and at least one first beam source is arranged in the beam unit (5) above the bearing point (4) and at least one second beam source is arranged below the bearing point (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Roman Steffen, Detlef Juesten