Abstract: A connecting apparatus includes a snap-fit member configured to be detachably coupled to a gimbal or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and including a body and an accommodation space in the body, a movable member arranged in the accommodation space and configured to rotate relative to the snap-fit member, and a connector fixed to the movable member and configured to electrically couple the UAV and a photographing device carried by the gimbal. The connector is in a to-be-connected status when the movable member is at a first position. The movable member and the snap-fit member are in a locked status when the movable member is at a second position.

Abstract: TDR limit level switch determines whether or not the measuring probe is surrounded by the filling material on the basis of the positions relative to the transmission pulse that can be read out from the detected measuring signal and on the basis of the associated amplitudes of the reflections of the transmission pulse on the coupling point and on the end of the measuring probe. In this way, a limit level message can be formed in a simpler, more secure and more reliable manner.

Abstract: A borescope plug includes a threaded section that extends from a head section along an axis, the threaded section including a central passage along said axis. A spindle is located within the central passage. A multiple of detents are positioned in response to an axial position of the spindle along the axis.

Abstract: A surveying instrument includes a main body including a base and a pedestal rotating in a horizontal direction relative to the base, and a cover member which covers the main body, wherein the pedestal is provided with a support member which supports a lens barrel of a ranging optical system to be rotatable in a vertical direction, and the cover member covers the support member of the pedestal, the lens barrel, and a guide light irradiation unit which irradiates with guide light indicating a collimation direction of the main body to an operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a floor plan projection apparatus, using a scanning laser projector, to project a floor plan on a floor surface to indicate where to position furnishings such as tables, chairs, decorations, lighting fixtures, and displays on the floor. The use of the floor plan projection apparatus eliminates the need to physically measure and layout the floor surface according to the desired floor plan which is typically a very labor-intensive and time-consuming task, requiring a large staff of workers. The present invention increases the efficiency in setting up for events, decreases the time to setup, and decreases the number of labor staff required for setting up the event.

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.

Abstract: A holding device for fastening a laser instrument, in particular to a magnetic construction, a pipe, a wall rail or ceiling rail, and/or a wall, is disclosed. The holding device includes a basic frame, a receptacle device connected to the basic frame to accommodate the laser instrument, a first fastening device connected to the basic frame and a second fastening device connected to the basic frame. At least the first or second fastening device is configured to be adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the basic frame.

Abstract: The 6-axis position and attitude of an imaging vehicle's detector assembly is measured by mounting the detector assembly on a compliant isolator and separating the main 6-axis IMU on the vehicle from secondary inertial rate sensors on the detector assembly. The compliant isolator couples low-frequency rigid body motion of the vehicle below a resonant frequency to the isolated detector assembly while isolating the detector assembly from high-frequency attitude noise above the resonant frequency. The secondary inertial rate sensors measure the angular rate of change in yaw and pitch of the isolated detector assembly. A computer processes measurements of the 6-axis rigid body motion and the angular rate of change in yaw and pitch of the isolated detector assembly to estimate the 6-axis position and attitude of the detector assembly.

Abstract: An accessory module is installed between a weapon accessory (optical sighting device) and its corresponding mounting interface. The accessory module includes a body having a lower surface which is configured and arranged to mate with the corresponding upper surface of the mounting interface and an upper surface that includes a seat that is configured and arranged to conform to and receive the outer surface of the weapon accessory. The accessory module includes electronic accessories, such as for example, a flashlight configured to emit visible white light, colored light and/or infrared light. Further, the accessory module may include laser devices therein such as a laser sight, an infrared laser for night vision targeting, or a laser range finder device. The accessory module may also be configured to include a taser and/or a compact video camera.

Abstract: A geodetic apparatus, in particular tacheometer or theodolite, comprises an optical device for sighting objects, a first support on which the optical device is supported such that the optical device may turn around a first axis, and a first gear unit for transmitting a drive torque on the optical device so as to turn the optical device around the first axis. In thegeodetic apparatus, the first gear unit comprises a worm and a worm gear meshing with each other, wherein the worm has a plate-like body and a spirally extending worm thread is formed on a first side face of the body, and the worm gear has a plurality of teeth evenly distributed along a circle.

Abstract: An accessory module is installed between a weapon accessory (optical sighting device) and its corresponding mounting interface. The accessory module includes a body having a lower surface which is configured and arranged to mate with the corresponding upper surface of the mounting interface and an upper surface that includes a seat that is configured and arranged to conform to and receive the outer surface of the weapon accessory. The accessory module includes electronic accessories, such as for example, a flashlight configured to emit visible white light, colored light and/or infrared light. Further, the accessory module may include laser devices therein such as a laser sight, an infrared laser for night vision targeting, or a laser range finder device. The accessory module may also be configured to include a taser and/or a compact video camera.

Abstract: A light-based guidance system mountable on a forklift and method for guiding a plurality of load bearing members of a forklift is disclosed. The light-based guidance system includes first and second light sources disposed within a housing. The first light source is configured to emit a first light beam that is substantially parallel with the load bearing members. The method includes emitting a first light beam substantially parallel with the load bearing members, emitting a second light beam, and guiding the plurality of load bearing members based upon a position of irradiated light from the first and second light beams.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to secure survey equipment to a top portion of a hydrant monument. The apparatus comprises a support plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. The support plate is adapted to be securely mounted to the top cover of the hydrant monument. The apparatus also comprises an attachment device to secure the survey equipment proximate the upper surface of the support plate.

Abstract: A method of laying out a grid of points across an area comprises designating a starting reference point; projecting with the laser beam a first reference line intersecting the first reference point and extending in a first direction relative to the area; designating the set of first line reference points along the first reference line; projecting with a laser beam a second reference line from each of the set of first reference line points in a direction at least partially across the area; designating a set of second line reference points at or near the area along each of the second reference lines, so that a grid of points across the area correlated to at least one laser beam projection is created. In this manner, the laser provides a quick and accurate straight line for referencing points in the grid. The method could be used to just lay out a grid of lines.

Abstract: A stabilizing weight for use with a survey instrument stand includes a pouch having weight receiving openings therein. The pouch includes closure structure positioned to close the weight receiving openings after a plurality of weight elements are positioned in the weight receiving openings. An attaching device is affixed to the pouch and formed to secure the pouch to a component of the survey instrument stand, such as a leg, etc.

Abstract: Survey tool for performing as-built survey measurements with improved accuracy by engaging with and centering on stationary fasteners. The survey tool has a substantially conical receiver with a narrow end and a wide end, the wide end adapted for centering on stationary fasteners of various sizes. A connector is coupled to the narrow end of the conical receiver and is adapted for engaging a rod.

Abstract: A geodetic apparatus, in particular tacheometer or theodolite, comprises an optical device for sighting objects, a first support on which the optical device is supported such that the optical device may turn around a first axis, and a first gear unit for transmitting a drive torque on the optical device so as to turn the optical device around the first axis. In thegeodetic apparatus, the first gear unit comprises a worm and a worm gear meshing with each other, wherein the worm has a plate-like body and a spirally extending worm thread is formed on a first side face of the body, and the worm gear has a plurality of teeth evenly distributed along a circle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Survey tool for performing as-built survey measurements with improved accuracy by engaging with and centering on stationary fasteners. The survey tool has a substantially conical receiver with a narrow end and a wide end, the wide end adapted for centering on stationary fasteners of various sizes. A connector is coupled to the narrow end of the conical receiver and is adapted for engaging a rod.

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.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a novel gauge apparatus for rapidly and repeatably attaching a conventional survey target to a structural element in order to facilitate plumb and level alignment and erection. Relatively unskilled workers can use this gauge to set a survey target a predetermined distance from the centerline of the structural element and maintain a consistent registration, thus saving time. The plumb/level alignment gauge consists, in an exemplary embodiment, of a graduated shaft with a target head fitted to receive both a standard surveyor's target and a prism. Attached to the shaft are two sliding jaws that magnetically attach to the structural element. The gauge is positioned by setting the scale mark corresponding to the offset distance directly above the centerline of the column. Plumbing is achieved by aligning the target to the offset line through conventional means.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A light source unit holder, on which a light source unit is mounted, is rockably supported via a gimbal mechanism, and projects a brightline using a laser beam emitted from the light source unit, the gimbal mechanism includes a pair of shafts that support the rocking body rockably from both sides thereof, a spherical-body receiving hole is formed at a tip of the pair of shafts, and also in the rocking body a spherical-body receiving hole is formed in a position to which the tips of the pair of shafts face, and a spherical body is interposed between the spherical-body receiving hole of the pair of shafts and the spherical-body receiving hole of the rocking body, the latter spherical-body receiving hole facing the spherical-body receiving hole of each shaft, so that the rocking body is rockably supported, for preventing dynamic sensitivity of the gimbal mechanism from decreasing.

Abstract: A method of laying out a grid of points across an area comprises designating a starting reference point; projecting with the laser beam a first reference line intersecting the first reference point and extending in a first direction relative to the area; designating the set of first line reference points along the first reference line; projecting with a laser beam a second reference line from each of the set of first reference line points in a direction at least partially across the area; designating a set of second line reference points at or near the area along each of the second reference lines, so that a grid of points across the area correlated to at least one laser beam projection is created. In this manner, the laser provides a quick and accurate straight line for referencing points in the grid. The method could be used to just lay out a grid of lines.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An image forming device has plural photoreceptor drums on which a latent image is formed, wherein one of the photoreceptor drum is different diameter from the other photoreceptors. A belt in contact with the plural photoreceptor drums and plural transfer rollers press the photoreceptor drums from a side of the belt, the side being opposite to the side contacts with the photoreceptor, wherein a distance from a contact reference position. The contact reference position at which the photoreceptor contacts with the belt, to a pressed position of the transfer roller of a large-diameter photoreceptor drum is greater than that of a small-diameter photoreceptor drum.

Abstract: Assembly for the defined support of a first object (6) on a second object (1), such as a director-mounted sight. In the top face of the director three pairs of steel balls (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) are fitted, positioned in a triangle. In a sole plate of the sight three steel balls (7, 8, 9) are fitted, positioned in an identical triangle. The three balls rest on the three ball pairs. The sight is then fastened using, for instance, a screw, a spring or a magnet.

Abstract: A wall form aligning tool includes a tool for determining a straight line along which wall forms may be constructed. Inner wall forms are positioned between a pair of corner wall forms. The device comprises a target attachment for selective attachment to one of the upper edges of the wall forms. A sight attachment is selectively attached to another one of the upper edges. A sight may be removably attached to the sight attachment. The target attachment is positioned on one of the corner wall forms and the sight attachment is positioned on another one of the corner wall forms. The sight is aligned with the panel. The target attachment may be moved along inner wall forms positioned between the corner wall forms such that the inner wall forms may be aligned along a line formed by the sight.

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 measurement device has a telescope supported by a main body of a total station so as to be rotatable about the horizontal axis. A vertically extending light-passing hole is formed in the main body, so that a distance measuring light wave, which is emitted through the telescope from a light-emitting element provided in the main body, can pass. A prism unit having a corner cube prism is placed on a base point. A centering operation is carried out by rotating the telescope vertically downward. Then, a distance measurement is carried out by radiating the distance measuring light wave onto the corner cube prism through the telescope.

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

Abstract: A method of measuring machine height of a surveying machine includes setting a surveying machine such that the machine center situates on a vertical line passing through a measuring point defining a crossing point between a horizontal line passing through the machine center of the surveying machine and the side of the machine as the machine height point, determining a point symmetrical with the machine center with respect to a segment connecting the machine height point and a measuring point as the machine center symmetrical point, and measuring the distance between the determined machine center symmetrical point and the measuring point as the machine height. A machine height measuring device for a surveying machine includes an elongate bar and a cursor slidably disposed on the bar such that the cursor is perpendicular to the bar. The bar has a linear scale provided thereon and a tapered tip end which allows the measuring point to be indicated as a point.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing plumb and level functions includes a base unit that can be leveled in a horizontal plane. A detachable socket with a bearing surface rotates about a complementary bearing mechanism on the base unit about an axis of rotation that is vertical when the base unit is horizontal. The cavity carries a rotatable body that carries a battery-operated laser light-emitting diode for projecting a beam along a projection axis that is a radius from the center of the rotatable body. The rotatable body can move between vertical and horizontal positions to define a vertical extension of the axis of rotation to perform a plumb function or to a horizontal position to move the projected light beam in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A laser beam device to perform sightings and tracings which makes use of a calibrated tube inside which resides a laser emitting component of which the optical emitting axis coincides with the mechanical axis of the tube, a mirror securely mounted at the end of the tube and set at a 45.degree. angle from the incident laser beam, an end piece mounted and rotating on the end of the tube which includes a number of ports which can be brought to be coaxially centered in the reflected beam by simply rotating the end piece and a number of optical systems respectively mounted in the ports. The device provides flexibility without requiring additional set-up.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus adaptable for attaching to a plurality of lugs associated with a vehicular wheel assembly to enable mounting a wheel alignment instrument or other device adjacent to the vehicular wheel assembly, the apparatus including a plurality of lug engaging members or assemblies movable to angularly and radially spaced positions relative to the axis of rotation of a vehicular wheel assembly corresponding to the locations of selected lugs of different lug patterns for attachment thereto, the preferred construction being adaptable for attachment to at least lug patterns having four, five, six and eight lugs and to different size and shape lugs, and including structure enabling radially moving the lug engaging members simultaneously by rotation of a hand knob or other member and structure enabling positioning and maintaining the lug engaging members in a desired angular relationship during radial movement thereof and attachment to the wheel lugs.

Abstract: An alidade surveying instrument, comprising a pair of gimbeled yokes, a mounting base supporting the pair of gimbeled yokes for rotation on axes perpendicular to one another, a ranging device carried by the gimbeled yoke pair for targeting a remote object both as to elevation and azimuth, a first gear set coupled to one of the yokes and second gear set coupled to the other yoke, a pivot plate supporting one of the gears of each gear set for a varying degree of gear meshing with respect to its associated gear, and a spring for applying a variable force to the pivot plate for driving the gears of each gear set into a yielding engagement to counteract physical variations in the degree of gear set engagement as the gears of each set mesh and rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a scientific or measuring instrument or the like in a level horizontal plane. The apparatus comprises an inclinometer comprising a support housing and a plumb member freely suspended within the support housing. The plumb member has an exterior surface provided with first sensing means and the support housing has an interior surface provided with second sensing means cooperative with the first sensing means in determining simply variation of the support housing from an exact upright position. Automatic adjustment means are also provided which are responsive to the first and second sensing means for adjusting the support housing to maintain an upright positioning of the support housing and the instrument attached thereto.

Abstract: An adjustable stand developed to facilitate an accurate measurement of vertical distances from a surface, on which at least one leg of the stand rests to a given point above that surface. The surface may be either ground surface or a surveyor's hub on a stake. The stand has two legs one leg of which is both a distance measuring device and a plumb finder by which the verticality of the leg may be ascertained. The second leg is formed of two spaced apart beams to provide stability, the beams having pointed ends for insertion into the surface on which the device stands.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus having a high water-proof property has water-proof rings rotatably disposed about outer peripheries of a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft bearing. Gaps between the rings and the peripheries of corresponding openings in a housing are blocked by respective deformable elastic water-proof members which secure the rings to the housing.

Abstract: A shock absorbing collar assembly mountable in projecting relation to instrumentation supported from a stand. In one construction, a resilient, annular cushion member and mating rigid cover protect the instrumentation upon stand collapse or tip over. In other constructions, tip detection means release latches secured to various caged spring and pneumatic constructions which resiliently expand to raise a second resilient collar and encase the instrument.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for accurately and precisely locating specific points on ceilings or, alternatively, on the the same horizontal plane. A light emitting means, a pendulum, a support, and two cylindrical rods act in concert to provide a light beam that is always plumb or always horizontally level.

Abstract: A device for centering geodetic instruments over defined ground marks or defined position marks is described, in which a visible light beam is projected onto a ground mark or position mark. In an advantageous additional feature, the light beam of the invention can be used to measure the distance between the sighting line of the geodetic instrument and the sighted ground mark or position mark.

Abstract: A line of sight target adaptor to be used with theodolite and photogrammetric optical targets involves a base portion in the shape of a segment of a sphere provided with a cylindrical portion upstanding from the side of the segment from the flat portion of the interior portion of the segment having a centrally disposed coaxial cylinder to receive a target positioned therein, the target being so dimensioned that it will be concentric with the center of a sphere based on the dimensions of the segment of the sphere constituting the base portion of the target adaptor.

Abstract: A laser beam is used to align instruments, directional core barrel assemblies or other directional equipment before the assemblies are run into wells. A low power laser and special means for clamping the laser and a target to the members of the assembly are employed.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for use in the measuring of horticultural growth defined as a base tube, including series of tubes of progressively decreasing diameters, each telescopingly receivable within an underlying tube defining five to seven sections, each of a predetermined gradation. The tube structure is mounted within a socket of a support plate, with the support plate secured for support of the extensible tubes.

Abstract: An improved target for use in an optical measurement system comprising an upper cylindrical housing portion and a lower cylindrical housing portion separably coupled at an intermediate location, the lower housing portion having a lower cylindrical region of a reduced diameter depending therefrom for receipt in a hole of the tooling to be sighted and an upper region having threads and an upwardly facing cylindrical recess, the upper cylindrical portion having threads at a lower region for separably coupling with threads of the lower portion and with the upper region having a downwardly facing cylindrical recess; illumination mechanisms positioned within the recesses and comprising a battery, a light emitting diode and potting material therebetween in a cylindrical configuration with electrical contacts extending from its lower face in contact with the battery and from one side surface in contact with the housing for establishing electrical contact between the battery and the light emitting diode; and a viewer

Abstract: A system is disclosed for materializing in space a point whose coordinates in a system of reference axes are known, comprising:an optical aiming apparatus, occupying a pre-determined position with respect to said system of axes and making it possible to determine, in said system of axes, the coordinates of any point aimed at, anda tooling assembly comprising a stand, one part at least of which is movable with respect to said system of axes and a hemispherical ball joint mounted in a spherical concave seat fixed to said movable part of the stand, the center of said ball joint being marked so as to be visible by said aiming apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to targets for use where precise alignment and location measurements on an object is required. Several embodiments of the invention are described. The targets have at least a portion of their outer surface curvilinear. The target is supported on a convex supporting surface on a support body. Various configured single targets and multiple targets are described for use on flat as well as curved surfaces. Some of the targets have either non-reflective or reflective target surfaces. The various embodiments of the ball targets are used in conjunction with either optical or laser theodolites or the like to preform the required location measurements.

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.