Abstract: The present invention provides an inclinometer comprising a supporting housing and a plumb member suspended within that supporting housing. The plumb member is provided on its exterior surface with a sensor, while the supporting housing is provided on its interior surface with a sensor co-operative with the sensor on the plumb member for determining exact upright positioning of the supporting housing. The inclinometer, as arranged above, is useable in many different apparatus, including an apparatus for maintaining a scientific and measuring instrument on a level plane.

Abstract: A direct measuring device for the direct and exact measurement of the height of a surveying instrument above a ground point. The direct measurement device includes a frame having an upstanding portion and a pair of arms substantially normally extending therefrom. The upper arm has an adapter thereon which is similar to the base or centering flange of the theodolite or other surveying instrument to be used in the surveying operation. The adapter is positioned in an instrument support (tribrach) carried on the tripod in a manner similar to that which the base or centering flange of a surveying instrument is mounted in the tribrach, and a measuring tape secured to the lower arm of the frame measures the distance to the ground from the device. The surveying instrument is then positioned on the tripod in the place of the direct measurement device.

Abstract: In a device for use as a remote reflector in an electronic distance measuring instrument, a prism is mounted in the center of a two sided target, with both the prism and target being rotatable 360.degree., as a unit, about an elevational axis to provide bi-directional plunging. A yoke assembly allows this 360.degree. rotation. A second rotational joint on the yoke provides azimuth orientation of the prism and target assembly. Elevational alignment indicators, on the rotatable connection between the yoke and target allow rough alignment, while collimator sights mounted on the target provide more precise alignment.

Abstract: A telescope (10) is precisely pointed by a detent mechanism (32) in a sighting direction (18) after a motor (22) generally positions the telescope. The detent mechanism includes a roller assembly (60) precisely journalled at one end of an arm (38) which is biased into contact with a precisely formed V-groove (36) on the telescope by a spring 72.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automotive wheel alignment in which a telescope is mounted with its axis precisely parallel with the end plane defined by the automotive wheel hub. A calibrated target is placed and centered directly in front of the telescope on its optical axis. This procedure is repeated for the wheel on the other side of the vehicle. The vehicle is then moved a distance, for example 50 feet, from the targets which are left in place. The telescope is again placed on the wheel hubs and the targets sighted. If both targets remain on the optical axis the wheels are in perfect alignment. If they are not, the calibrations on the target indicate the direction and extent of misalignment.

Abstract: A device for visually identifying the bisector of an angle, curve, line or space between two points and for visually identifying any point or points along the bisector. The device includes a base, a first arm, a second arm, an indexing assembly, at least two connection assemblies, and a sight. The first and second arms each have a proximal end pivotally connected to the base. The longitudinal axes of the arms are generally coplanar and pivot coplanarly. The indexing assembly is connected between the first arm and the second arm and indexes the relative pivotal motion of the arms. The indexing assembly communicates the pivotal motion of either of the first or second arm into a pivotal motion of the other of the first or second arm and pivots both arms equidistantly and equiangularly relative to a median line between and generally coplanar with the arms in such a manner that the same median line always bisects the angle defined by the longitudinal axes of the two arms.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment system uses transverse, longitudinal and vertical bars mounted on a vehicle and equating to X, Y and Z axes for establishing the dimensions of the vehicle, which dimensions are then compared to the vehicle engineering specifications. The transverse bars are connected to the underside of the vehicle and, to enable quickness and ease of transferring the alignment system between vehicles, quick connect fittings extend between the transverse and longitudinal bars. Additional supports extend between the longitudinal bars and a base surface. The system is arranged so that transverse bars in a path of entry and exit of the vehicle can be readily removed and the vehicle removed and replaced, while maintaining the alignment system substantially set up and ready for use. The process improves the speed of use of the system by substantially alleviating the dismantling previously required.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotation axis fine adjustment apparatus for finely adjusting rotation of a mounting portion rotatably mounted on a rotation axis with respect to a base portion through a fastening frame by suitably fastening and finely adjusting the rotation axis.

Abstract: A bracket between the head of a tripod and a primary surveying instrument has a bottom ring provided with a disc, a collar rotatable on the disc and a top collar-retaining ring releasably attached to the bottom ring. A plate, integral with and extending laterally of the collar has a lip which supports an inclined, removable shelf which is, in turn adaptable for having a secondary instrument detachably mounted thereon. A fastener is interposed between a boss on the primary instrument and a stud rigid to the tripod head within a cavity of the latter that receives a flange on the bottom ring.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle capable of stabilized observation of topographic features for land surveying is provided. The vehicle is adapted to convert to a stabilized observation platform by the use of stabilizing means, such as swing and lift apparatus mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Observation of topographic features is provided by mounting surveying apparatus, such as a digital theodolites, on gimbaled apparatus employing two axles which in turn is supported by extensible means to elevate the surveying apparatus above the roof of the vehicle. Means for raising a portion of the vehicle's roof to accommodate the elevated surveying apparatus is also provided. Computation may be accomplished in the field using a suitable computer powered by a suitable power supply. The computer may also be used to control the various stabilizing, gimbaled and extensible means.

Abstract: An angular measuring system consisting of one or more sensors that transmit angular measurements to a central control unit where numerical readout of any selected sensor is provided. A threshold can be preset at individual sensors or the control unit for an allowable angular deviation, beyond which a warning device is actuated. The circuitry permits locating the sensors remotely from the console and provides precision and stability of operation. Low power consumption permits extended operating periods with internal batteries. False alarms are minimized by incorporating a hysteresis loop in the threshold detection circuitry.

Abstract: A clamp for a tooling ball having a base plate, a ball stand secured to the base plate, and a tooling ball bound to the ball stand. A clamp assembly rotatably sandwiches the tooling ball and supports a scale, or the like, for rotation about the tooling ball. A method for establishing a plane for lay-out purposes with a clamp assembly supporting a scale and rotatably sandwiching a tooling ball bound to the tool ball stand supported on a base plate. The method comprises positioning a pair of the clamp assemblies on a jig under construction such that the scale is in a position to measure vertical distances from the jig under construction. The method additionally comprises situating an independent scale across the two scales of the pair of clamp assemblies such that a horizontal edge of the independent scale defines and identifies the established plane for lay-out purposes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring alignment (attitude) from a land navigation system (LNS) mounted on a carrier vehicle to another structure such as a missile launcher or a radar station. The invention also embodies a scheme for verifying the accuracy of the transfer concept. The essential feature is a mechanical interface between the protable element of the LNS and the housing of the receiving structure. The interface is accomplished through two rods attached to the LNS portable element and two mating V-groove parts attached to the receiving element housing. The scheme is simple, rugged and inexpensive and is different from other methods in that alignment is transferred mechanically via the rod/V-groove mechanization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a topographical surveying instrument, comprising:a horizontal table bearing a shaft perpendicular to the plane of the table,a device adapted to rotate on the shaft and comprising:a generator of a light beam perpendicular to the axis of the shaft,a measuring tape unwindable parallel to the beam,a ruler for plotting on the table.The invention is more particularly applicable to an apparatus for surveying conspicuous points inside premises.

Abstract: An angle measuring instrument such as a theodolite having a housing containing a viewing optical system. The housing has a pair of axially aligned horizontal shafts through which it is mounted on a support frame for a swingable movement in a vertical plane. The shafts are mounted on the frame through ball bearings having inner and outer races. One of the inner and outer races is preloaded in the axial direction so that a stable movement of the bearing is ensured.

Abstract: A laser transmitter is suspended from spads set in the ceiling of the mining tunnel to establish a visible light beam aligned with the desired directional heading of the tunnel. In a first embodiment, the laser transmitter is attached to a bar suspended by means of cables from the spads. In a second embodiment, the laser transmitter assembly is suspended by means of adjustable ball chains, and includes a slide plate for moving the housing in directions transverse to the light beam. The method and apparatus is usable with existing tunnel operations having spads already in place.

Abstract: In an arrangement for adjustably mounting an optical direction indicator, such as a sighting telescope (1) with associated base (4) on a substructure (8), the base (4) is provided with three attachment points (5, 6, 7), which are adjustable to give the direction indicator a prescribed direction in relation to the substructure. All three attachment points (5, 6, 7) are ball points. The ball (11) of the first attachment point is rigidly mounted. The ball (22) of the second attachment point (6) is movable in an arc about the first attachment point (5). The ball (31) of the third attachment point (7) is movable in the plane of the base (4) and at right angles thereto. There are two adjusting screws at the third attachment point (7), one for adjusting in the plan of the base (4) and one for adjusting at right angles thereto.

Abstract: A wheel clamp for supporting a wheel aligning device in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the wheel is disclosed. The wheel clamp includes a frame and a lower bracket attached to one end of the frame, said lower bracket having a support shaft projecting therefrom for supporting the wheel aligning device. An upper bracket slides on the frame in order to adjust the wheel clamp for wheels of different diameter. A set of levels attached to the lower bracket indicates when the clamp, together with the wheel, lies at a first orientation and also when the clamp has been rotated through 90.degree. and 180.degree.. The wheel clamps will frequently be used in pairs with left-hand and right-hand clamps being provided. The levels on each clamp of the pair are oriented so that each wheel clamp may be rotated to a predetermined position so that the wheel aligning tools on each wheel clamp are at the same elevation.

Abstract: A level and support made up of two spaced tripods each having a bracket supporting one end of the level. Each bracket has a rifle sight on it which can be aligned with the other end on a distant object to establish the level thereof. In a separate embodiment a single level has a double bracket arrangement on it with two clamps each having a rifle sight which can be sighted onto distant objects.

Abstract: A leveling instrument for use in the building and construction trades comprises a sighting telescope embraced by one or more support members for sighting along horizontal distances, a spirit level frame having at least one bubble level tube mounted therein for indicating the horizontal alignment of the sighting telescope, and a leveling platform having a plurality of vertically adjustable legs for leveling the instrument on a support surface. The aforementioned components are maintained in relative alignment by means of flat planar mating surfaces without rigid mechanical connection therebetween in order to facilitate rapid assembly and disassembly of the instrument and compact storage. The sighting telescope includes a pair of intersecting crosshairs which may be manually adjusted in elevation, making it possible to sight along non-horizontal lines without physically tilting the leveling instrument as a whole.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for repeatedly connecting a precision instrument to a support frame in an identical position relating to the support frame. The apparatus particularly relates to an improved kinematic restraint for removable equipment.

Abstract: Angle measuring apparatus such as a transit has a pair of superimposed discs which are rotatable with respect to each other. One of the discs is rotatable with a viewing telescope support which has a vertically extending rotatable shaft received in a stationary shaft. A commercially available bearing is used between the shafts with the inner race fitted to the rotatable shaft and the outer race to the stationary shaft. The outer race of the bearing further carries the other of the disc.

Abstract: Plumbing devices (10,30,60) are described comprising a source of light in a gimbal system (12,13,51,72) for providing two oppositely directed aligned vertically oriented beams of light. The gimbal system (12,13,51,72) is removably attached to a support (14,31,61). A handle (14a,45,62) is provided for holding the plumbing device at various distances from underlying and overlying surfaces. Each of the light beams can be focused individually. A windshield (15) is provided for removable attachment to the support for preventing wind induced oscillation of the light source. A rigid frame (32,33,65) is provided for holding the light source in a fixed position relative to an object to be plumbed and for removable attachment to the object while the object is being plumbed.

Abstract: Azimuth and elevation adjustments in a geodetic instrument are provided by systems which include coaxial locking and two-speed adjustment control knobs. In each such system, the control knobs are accessible at both the front and rear of the instrument to facilitate operation in either of the forward- or back-sighting mode.

Abstract: A adaptor for mounting a wheel alignment instrument on a wheel has a frame provided with a slideway and a slide assembly on the slideway of the frame. Both the frame and the slide assembly have gripping elements that are capable of bearing against and gripping axially directed surfaces on the wheel rim. Once the adaptor is positioned on the wheel rim with its gripping elements located along an axially directed surface, one of two actuating elements on the slide assembly is turned. The one actuating element causes the slide assembly to grip the slideway and then move outwardly so that the gripping elements firmly grip an inwardly presented surface, such as the inside face of a rim flange. The other actuating element causes the slide assembly to grip the slideway and then move inwardly so that the gripping elements firmly grip an outwardly presented surface, such as the outside face of a rim flange.

Abstract: An optical gauging apparatus is provided for determining the deviation of a pipe end from squareness with respect to the pipe axis. A viewing scope is placed centrally in the pipe end to be measured so as to be directed at right angles thereto, and a graduated target is centrally located in the opposite end of the pipe. Sighting through the scope, the distance R of the intersection of the line of sight from the center of the target is determined. The deviation S from squareness may then be calculated from R, D the diameter of the pipe, and L the distance of the target from the end being measured, by the equation: S=RD/L.

Abstract: Two rectangular housings are mounted in a pair of spaced recesses in a garage floor to have cover means thereon moved to closed positions flush with the floor surface. Mounted in one end of each housing beneath a first cover is a rotatable wheel-supporting pad, which is slidable longitudinally of the housing, and is reciprocable vertically by a pneumatically operated scissors jack. Each housing has pivoted on its opposite end a second cover which carries on its inside surface a laser, a mirror, and a conventional alignment chart for denoting toe in, toe out, camber, etc., all of which items are disposed within one section of the housing when the pivotal cover is closed. When the pivotal covers are swung to upright positions, each laser directs a beam of light upwardly onto the associated mirror, which is inclined at 45.degree. to the vertical, so that the mirrors direct their beams horizontally through an aperture in the center of the associated chart and coaxially toward one another.

Abstract: A tubular aluminum housing, having vertically centered pinpoint light bulbs at either end in nose cones, is suspended on a stand by a gimbal system, and has an on-off switch and batteries such that the light bulbs will emit aligned light beams above and below the housing. The nose cones are threaded onto the housing such that they can be moved upwardly and downwardly for focusing of the light beams. Colluminator and magnifying lenses are contained in the nose cones for magnification and additional focusing. A wind shield is disposed on the stand around the housing.

Abstract: Telescope elevation controls in a geodetic instrument include coaxially mounted control knobs which respectively effect positive clamping of a lever arm member to the telescope axle, and fine adjustment drive of telescope elevation. Kinematic bearing means are also provided along with telescope plumb line adjustment means capable of effecting true vertical telescope axle adjustment.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for establishing a reference plane or a line comprising a laser beam with means for rotating the beam to establish a plane and including a bracket mechanism which can be attached to the ceiling or a wall so as to support the laser mechanism so that it can be adjusted in a number of directions to allow its height, and its angular relationship to be set to any desired values.

Abstract: This adjustable base, notably for topometric and similar apparatus, comprises a case, a movable member in said case having a substantially vertical axis and bearing on the bottom of said case through three balls, a pair of screws perpendicular to each other for adjusting the verticality of the axis of said movable member, at least one return spring, a pair of passages formed partly in the bottom of said case and partly in the opposite lower face of the movable member, the first passage being defined by a flat surface and by a V-sectioned groove converging toward each other in the direction of a first one of the three balls, the second passage being defined by two other V-sectioned grooves converging toward each other in the direction of said first ball, the two other balls being disposed each in a respective one of the two passages, and each adjustment screw engaging the ball disposed in the relevant passage for pivoting the movable member about the first ball.