Abstract: An additive manufacturing device build platform is disclosed having a build area having an initial build surface, the initial build surface further having an outer area that is separable from the initial build area for use as a secondary build surface, the outer area having a rotation mechanism wherein the secondary build surface is locatable in a different plane away from the initial build surface by placement of the outer area with the rotation mechanism. Another system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a firearm aiming system comprising: an inclinometer measuring at least the angle of elevation of the weapon; a computer comprising a memory of an initial angle of elevation; a ballistics chart included in the computer, which matches a shooting distance with an angle of elevation (a) relative to the initial angle of elevation; a first display device which, when in use, displays for the user the shooting distance as a function of the initial angle of elevation and the instantaneous angle of elevation.

Abstract: A tool, such as a level, including one or more covers or sleeves is provided. The level body and sleeve each have a cooperating engagement structure that allows the sleeve to be removably coupled to the level body. A level kit including a level body and a plurality of removable sleeves is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for calibrating a magnetometer. The method comprises responsive to a determination that a magnetic inclination is less than a threshold, measuring first magnetic field data by detecting a magnetic field with the magnetometer through a first rotation path, measuring second magnetic field data by detecting the magnetic field with the magnetometer through a second rotation path, and determining calibration values for the magnetometer based on the measured first magnetic field data and the measured second magnetic field data.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for forecasting the flow of traffic. The method includes: detecting measurement information of a vehicle by using a sensor; generating vector data based on the measurement information; and transmitting the generated vector data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved Inertial Navigation System (INS), which comprises: (a) an INS unit which comprises (a.1) an IMU which in turn comprises a set of at least three gyros and at least three accelerometers, all mounted on a rotatable stage; and (a.2) an INS algorithm for measuring the behavior of said gyros and said accelerometers during a mission, and calculating a navigation solution based on said measurements; and (b) a north finding determination unit, which comprises: (b.1) one or more from said IMU gyros and one or more from said IMU accelerometers; and (b.2) a north finding algorithm which utilizes measurements from said one or more north finding gyros and one or more north finding accelerometers during an initial conditions stationary state in which the stage is positioned in at least two separate stationary orientations, said north finding algorithm determines a north finding solution which is provided to the INS unit for initializing its said INS algorithm.

Abstract: A wheel alignment device (10) is disclosed having a base crossbar (12), a top crossbar (14), a right stanchion (15) and a left stanchion (16) coupled to the base and top crossbar, and a stabilizing rod (17) to maintain the stanchions parallel to each other. The base crossbar has two lower rim engaging posts (22) and oppositely disposed ends (25) each having an inwardly extending tape measure holding slot (26). The top crossbar has two upper rim engaging posts (33). The right and left stanchions each an elongated top mounting slot (41) therethrough through which a threaded post (46) of an upper fastening knob (47) passes to slidably coupled the top crossbar to the stanchions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clinocompass for measuring a strike and a dip on an irregular geological outcrop and a method of measuring the strike and the dip by using the same. Since the level meter of the clinometer is supported by providing a support force and a fixing force on an irregular geological outcrop having no exposed flat plane, the clinocompass serves as a supporting member or a fixing member for the measurement of the strike and the dip on an irregular geological outcrop having no exposed flat plane. Accordingly, the clinocompass has a structure to measure the strike and the dip suitable for the geological structure and the orientation of the outcrop having no exposed flat plane, so that the strike and the dip are usefully measured.

Abstract: A non-electronic head-worn system for providing visual inertial head orientation information to a person is disclosed. The system comprises a head-worn unit that displays at least one orientation reference symbol to the person wearing the unit wherein the orientation reference symbol stays in a fixed visual position for the person when the person's head changes orientation. The system also comprises a pitch indicator that gives visual pitch information to the person and a roll indicator that gives visual roll information to the person. The pitch indicator and the roll indicator are responsive to a pendulum, a rolling element, or a fluid in a reservoir. The pitch element and the roll element do not use electricity or electronics.

Abstract: A method for alignment of a vehicle and a levelling bench arrangement in relation to one another is disclosed, wherein the levelling bench arrangement comprises a levelling bench (1), a support structure (3), a plurality of beams (5), and a plurality of fixture devices (7). According to the method the support structure is arranged on the levelling bench, at least some of the beams are locked to the support structure, at least some of the fixture devices are releasably mounted at the beams, a vehicle, which is to be repaired or inspected, is arranged above the levelling bench, the mounted fixture devices are aligned with respect to the vehicle by means of continuously moving the beams and the support structure in a horizontal plane so that the fixture devices will define certain specific reference points of the vehicle and the beams are releasably fastened to the levelling bench.

Abstract: Rail cant measurement tools and associated methods enable users to measure rail cant. The measurement tools comprise a reference assembly, and a cant angle measurement assembly. The reference assembly comprises a track plane reference bar, a rail centerline reference head, and a measurement gauge for measuring rail cant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for determining vehicle wheel alignment, and namely, camber angles, total and individual toe and front wheel steering axis caster and tilt angles (caster and kingpin inclination), by measuring changes in wheel sensor angles from a predetermined position. Changes are measured using gyroscopic sensors or MEMS angular rate sensors (MEMS gyroscopes).

Abstract: An alignment tool for a steering wheel, where the steering wheel is mounted on a steering column and the tool is configured to attach to the steering wheel. The tool includes a wheel orientation mechanism including a first tilt sensor, reporting a clockwise angle of the steering wheel, and a tilt monitoring mechanism that includes a second tilt sensor to report a tilt angle of the steering column.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and a system of interpreting angular orientation data. It is determined, whether the angular deviation of a current angular orientation (C) of a sensor device (12) from a last extreme angular orientation (L) currently decreases after having increased before up to a provisional new extreme angular orientation (P), thereby determining that the provisional new extreme angular orientation (P) is a new extreme angular orientation. Information relating to a new extreme angular orientation, such as an angular range of motion, may be output to a user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to measure an angular position of craft components are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an opening to receive a component along a first plane; and a first magnetic coupler positioned along a first exterior side of the apparatus to removably couple an inclinometer to the apparatus at a first angle relative to the first plane.

Abstract: Components of an unmanned undersea vehicle are inspired by jellyfish that uses its flexible body and tilt sensing to achieve efficient swimming and turning. A tilt sensor, based on a statocyst, has a metal ball in a chamber lined with resistors. The tilt is sensed in accordance with which resistors the ball contacts. A composition of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel with ferritin particles dispersed therein mimics the qualities of a jellyfish's mesoglea.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for measuring the slope of a surface. The device includes a frame, one or more clear tubes containing a liquid and a gas bubble, and an attachment facilitating attachment to a sloped surface. The attachment may be a removable strap or magnets. The tubes are fixed at angles greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees relative to the bottom surface of the frame and a visual indication of the angle of each tube is present on the device. The device is designed to be placed parallel to the slope of a sloped surface and the slope of the surface can then be increased or decreased such that the gas bubble will become centered within the tube when the angle of slope conforms to a desired standard.

Abstract: A method of indicating an interference magnetic field at an electronic device includes: displaying a first arrow indicating a direction of magnetic north on a display of the electronic device, the direction of the first arrow corrected to remove interference caused by an interference magnetic field; and displaying a second arrow indicating a direction of a source of the interference magnetic field on a display of the electronic device.

Abstract: A positioning device is adapted to mark an assembly position of a wall mount on a wall surface. The wall mount is formed with a plurality of through holes. The positioning device includes a wall mount reference diagram and a level tool. The wall mount reference diagram can be brought against the wall surface, and is provided with a plurality of position indications, which are spaced apart from each other, and which respectively correspond in position to the through holes in the wall mount. The level tool is disposed on the wall mount reference diagram, and is configured to assist in correcting leveling of the position indications of the wall mount reference diagram.

Abstract: Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leveling apparatus, methods of using the leveling apparatus, and kits that include the leveling apparatus. The leveling apparatus is useful in various applications, including, without limitation, those applications that involve positioning a planar object (e.g., a wall stencil) against a substantially vertical surface (e.g., a wall) at a desired angle relative to horizontal (e.g., relative to the floor or ceiling).

Abstract: One embodiment includes a positioning device configured to couple with a first work-tool device coupling portion, receive an indication of coupling with a first work-tool, detect a first leveling status of the positioning device, wirelessly communicate the detected first leveling status of the positioning device, couple with a second work-tool device coupling portion, receive an indication of coupling with a second work-tool, detect a second leveling status of the positioning device and wirelessly communicate the detected second leveling status of the device. An embodiment may further include a display device configured to wirelessly receive a first leveling status from the positioning device, display a first work-tool working-axis leveling status based on the first leveling status, wirelessly receive a second leveling status from the positioning device, and display a second work-tool working-axis leveling status based on the second leveling status.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide an optical leveling system and method. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a pendulum having an opening through which light can pass to create varying light patterns in response to movement of the pendulum relative to an enclosure. The varying light patterns are detected and utilized to determine the position of the pendulum relative to the enclosure, which can be expressed as degrees and increments of degrees of deviation from a level condition. Embodiments of the present invention can be utilized, for example, to remotely monitor whether a mainframe computer system is level and, if necessary, alert service personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus enabling inclination measurements or irregular surfaces comprising a retaining end adapted to temporarily hold a device equipped with an inclinometer and a supporting end, fixed to the retaining end, conformed to abut an irregular surface whereby the apparatus enables the device equipped with an inclinometer to measure inclination of an irregular surface.

Abstract: A container for holding a volume of fluid and having a housing defining an interior for retaining the volume of fluid; at least one in-tank tilt sensor connected to a controller and disposed inside the housing for generating a signal corresponding to a level of fluid inside the housing; and a support material attached to the housing and connected to the at least one in-tank tilt sensor to mechanically support the at least one in-tank tilt sensor such that the at least one in-lank tilt sensor is not in direct contact with the fluid inside the housing. The in-tank tilt sensor detects a change in fluid level which may only be caused by tilting of the imaging device. When tilting is registered, protective action is taken to prevent fluid from leaking.

Abstract: A device comprising a level line detector selectively oriented in reference to a surface; a moveable arm; and a processor in communication with the detector and arm to selectively move the arm, to maintain the arm in surface reference. In another embodiment, a system comprising a level line detector selectively oriented in reference to a surface; a moveable arm; a processor in communication with the detector and arm to selectively move the arm, to maintain the arm in surface reference; and a level line to communicate with the detector. In another embodiment, a method comprising: selectively orienting a level line detector in reference to a surface; detecting a level line; communicating detection data to a moveable arm; and moving the arm based on the data, to maintain surface reference.

Abstract: A calibration frame for calibrating a reference system for vehicle measurement has setting elements, which enable a precise spatial orientation of the calibration frame, and multiple defined points of support, which are designed to accommodate a reference system carrier. In one specific embodiment, the points of support are designed in such a way that the reference system carrier is situatable on the points of support in at least two different orientations. In a second specific embodiment, a leveling element is provided which indicates the spatial orientation of the calibration frame in relation to the earth's gravitation field.

Abstract: An alignment tool for a steering wheel, where the steering wheel is mounted on a steering column and the tool is configured to attach to the steering wheel. The tool includes a wheel orientation mechanism including a first tilt sensor, reporting a clockwise angle of the steering wheel, and a tilt monitoring mechanism that includes a second tilt sensor to report a tilt angle of the steering column.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting a test article relative to a loading axis includes a first member and a second member. The first member may have a concave surface. The second member may have a convex surface configured to engage the concave surface in a manner such that the second member is movable relative to the first member. The test article may be coupled to one of the first and second members such that relative movement thereof facilitates general alignment of the test article with the axial loading axis. The leveling apparatus may further include a plurality of positioning devices configured to facilitate adjustment of an orientation of the second number relative to the first member such that the alignment of the test article may be adjusted.

Abstract: A bulls eye indicator device and method of manufacture used to measure the two-dimension angle of inclination of equipment that is mounted on a sea bed. A base and transparent window are sealed and fastened together. The transparent window is spherical and forms a dome. A volume between the base and transparent window is filled or substantially filled with liquid. A floating sphere floats against the two-dimensional angular degree indicia.

Abstract: In one aspect a method of determining direction east is provided that in one embodiment includes dropping objects under influence of gravity, determining locations where the objects drop, and determining the direction east from the locations where the objects drop.

Abstract: A method for determining a position change of a handheld tool in space includes: alignment of an initial tool position with a reference position to determine at least a first position vector of the tool, at least one component of the first position vector being determined by measurement of a component of the gravitational acceleration in the direction of a predetermined axis of the tool; establishing a modification of the tool position during an actual position change by determining at least one angular discrepancy of a second position vector of at least one temporally preceding position vector, at least one component of the second position vector being determined after the position change by measuring the component of the gravitational acceleration in the direction of the predetermined axis of the tool; and providing information relating to the orientation of the tool established from the at least one angular discrepancy.

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.

Abstract: A system is disclosed, consisting of scalable array of distributed and networked control systems such as small heliostats, and orthogonal trackers capable of precise sun-position measurements, directing incident solar radiation to one or more predetermined targets. A method for implementing a scalable heliostat array for use in solar-energy applications, telescopy, etc., is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hinged level and method for utilizing the same in connection with the leveling of a pressure transducer with respect to a reference point are provided. The hinged level includes a plurality of elongate members interconnected to one another by a hinge. The hinge allows the elongate members to be pivoted relative to one another within a first plane. A level device is aligned with the first plane. The level or elevation of a pressure transducer relative to a reference point, which corresponds to the elevation of an implanted catheter, is determined by placing the free ends of the hinged level relative to the reference point and the pressure transducer. The height of the pressure transducer is then adjusted until the level device indicates that the elongate members are level.

Abstract: Method for operating a display device driven by at least one stepping motor with display scales, having the following steps: determining suitable step widths at least in ranges affected by stroboscopic flicker effects when driving in each case one stepping motor for moving the display scale in a measuring run when starting the instrument or on request, storing the determined step widths in the form of a matching parameter, and operating the stepping motor(s) with a suitable step-width resolution in the ranges that are identified as affected by the stroboscopic flicker effects to be avoided.

Abstract: A method of determining a direction of a triaxial electronic compass oriented in a specific direction by using the triaxial electronic compass and an inclination sensor, the method includes obtaining an elevation angle of the specific direction from the inclination sensor to switch a selection of two output values from the three output values to another selection of two output values therefrom; determining a geomagnetic aspect from the two output values; obtaining a rotational angle about an axis extending in the specific direction from the inclination sensor; calculating a deviation angle of the direction of the triaxial electronic compass which is caused by the selection switching, in accordance with the elevation angle, the geomagnetic aspect and the rotational angle; and correcting the direction of the triaxial electronic compass in accordance with the deviation angle.

Abstract: Device and method for precisely aligning at least one wire in a plane projecting from a surface on which an end of the wire is anchored. The wire in taut position is held by a fastener rigidly connected to an inclinometer capable of measuring an inclination of the wire. The inclinometer is connected to a mobile member of a structure by a joint having elements articulated with respect to each other in order to allow a relative angular displacement of the elements. The mobile member is movable with respect to the surface in order to allow a positioning of the wire in the plane according to the inclination of the wire measured by the inclinometer free to turn freely according to an axis of the wire. The device is adaptable for aligning two wires forming a precise reference plane.

Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining a heading by means of an inertial device (1) comprising at least one vibratory angle sensor (3) having a resonator associated with detector means and means for setting the resonator into vibration connected to a control unit to have a first mode of operation in which the vibration is left free to move in an angular frame of reference of the resonator, and a second mode of operation in which the vibration is maintained at a predetermined angle in the frame of reference of the resonator, and the method comprising the steps of: controlling the sensor in the second mode of operation to maintain the vibration on a predetermined electric angle corresponding to a least-error value of the sensor; and controlling the sensor in the first mode of operation to take a heading measurement, and controlling the sensor in the second mode of operation once the measurement has been taken and until the next measurement in order to maintain the vibration on the predetermined electric angle.

Abstract: A universal precise leveling measuring device and measurement method thereof, comprising: a plate-shaped horizontal base, a round bubble level set at the center of an upper surface of the base, and three outriggers set on the base, wherein at least one through-hole is set at one end of each of the outriggers far from the base, and a point contact bolt set in the through-hole; the three outriggers are extended in different directions and in the same plane parallel to the base, and included angle of two adjacent outriggers is smaller than 180°. With the universal precise leveling measuring device of the present invention, the prior art manual levelness measurement of foundation flange of wind power generator carried out by using a scale and a level is modified into dynamic measurement only by using the universal precise leveling measuring device, thus increasing the measurement precision and simplifying the measurement procedures.

Abstract: A ski pole is disclosed. The ski pole includes a ski pole shaft and a ski pole grip. The ski pole includes an inclinometer mounted to the ski pole shaft or grip, wherein the inclinometer is configured to be integral to the shaft or the grip.

Abstract: Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.

Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and a system of interpreting angular orientation data. It is determined, whether the angular deviation of a current angular orientation (C) of a sensor device (12) from a last extreme angular orientation (L) currently decreases after having increased before up to a provisional new extreme angular orientation (P), thereby determining that the provisional new extreme angular orientation (P) is a new extreme angular orientation. Information relating to a new extreme angular orientation, such as an angular range of motion, may be output to a user.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.

Abstract: A leveling device having a sighting device that defines an alignment axis, an imaging system, spatially separated from the sighting device, having an imaging lens to which a lens primary plane is allocated and a detector having a recording surface lying in an image plane and an evaluation device that is connected to the detector. A visual field of the imaging system is defined by the imaging lens and the detector as the maximum angle range within which points can be registered by the imaging lens by means of the recording surface of the detector. The imaging lens and the detector are designed and arranged relative to one another and to a lens plane comprising the alignment axis such that all points of the lens plane within the visual field are simultaneously imaged in focus on the recording surface of the detector.

Abstract: An adjustable hanging device for hanging frames, shelves, mirrors, etc., comprising a linear element having thereon a pair of spaced sliders, each slider having a point thereon to enable a spot to be marked on a wall, and a level mounted on the linear element for facilitating leveling of the device so that the item to be mounted will be level, the linear element being retractable into a storage case.

Abstract: Casing or work string orientation indicating apparatus and methods. A system for indicating orientation of a structure in a wellbore includes an orientation indicating device responsive to fluid flow through the device, whereby fluid flow through the device at a selected flow rate produces a reduced pressure differential across the device when the device is at a preselected azimuthal orientation, compared to an increased pressure differential across the device produced by fluid flow through the device at the selected flow rate when the device is not at the azimuthal orientation. A method of detecting orientation of a structure in a wellbore includes the steps of: flowing fluid at a selected flow rate through an orientation indicating device interconnected to the structure; and observing a substantially constant pressure differential across the device during the flowing step, thereby indicating that the structure is at a predetermined azimuthal orientation.

Abstract: Device and method for precisely aligning at least one wire in a plane projecting from a surface on which an end of the wire is anchored. The wire in taut position is held by a fastener rigidly connected to an inclinometer capable of measuring an inclination of the wire. The inclinometer is connected to a mobile member of a structure by a joint having elements articulated with respect to each other in order to allow a relative angular displacement of the elements. The mobile member is movable with respect to the surface in order to allow a positioning of the wire in the plane according to the inclination of the wire measured by the inclinometer free to turn freely according to an axis of the wire. The device is adaptable for aligning two wires forming a precise reference plane.