Abstract: A head rest accessory is provided for coupling to a bed frame of a hospital bed. The head rest accessory includes a frame and a head rest mount coupled to the frame. A head rest is coupled to the head rest mount and includes a face rest shell. A first angle sensor measures a first tilt angle of the face rest shell. A second angle sensor measures a second tilt angle of the face rest shell.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus, a system, and a method for locating and marking a position on a surface during surveying. The apparatus is for use with a rotorcraft or flying machine and a positioning device, and comprises a gimbal securable to the rotorcraft or flying machine, a prism fixed to the gimbal for reflecting signals from the positioning device, the prism having a center of mass, a laser secured to the gimbal and directed away from the center of mass of the prism towards the surface, and a controller for communication with the positioning device, the controller operatively coupled to the laser to operate the laser.

Abstract: A method for measuring an operating temperature of equipment which can be oriented in a defined state using a leveling instrument, where the leveling instrument includes at least one tilt sensor with a housing that is filled with a liquid and a gas bubble, a light source, and a photosensor. The method includes storing a characteristic curve of bubble lengths for the gas bubble and temperatures in a control device of the equipment, measuring the bubble length of the gas bubble, and determining the temperature associated with the measured bubble length of the gas bubble with the aid of the characteristic curve.

Abstract: A method for orienting a device axis of equipment in a defined state by a leveling unit includes storing, in a control device, a characteristic curve of zero positions of a tilt sensor of the leveling unit according to an operating temperature of the equipment, measuring the operating temperature, determining the zero position of the tilt sensor associated with the measured temperature with the aid of the characteristic curve, and using the leveling unit to orient the device axis in the defined state which has been established by the zero position determined with the aid of the characteristic curve.

Abstract: A mobile cellular telephone including an incline sensor arranged to detect inclination of the mobile telephone in a first plane. The mobile cellular telephone has an inclinometer mode, in which a processor receives an indication of the detected incline in the first plane from the incline sensor and controls a display to display an item at a position dependent upon the received indication. A mobile cellular telephone including first incline sensor means for detecting inclination of the mobile telephone when in a first orientation and second incline sensor means for detecting inclination of the mobile telephone when in a second orientation. The mobile cellular telephone has an inclinometer mode, in which a processor determines an approximate orientation of the mobile telephone from inputs from the first and second incline sensor means and automatically controls the display to display an item at a position representative of the incline for the determined orientation.

Abstract: Sensor based information from a base station is received by a configuration management device and is used to determine orientation, altitude and/or location. In some embodiments, the configuration management device compares measurement based information to corresponding expected values in a deployment plan to determine whether or not the base station has been correctly deployed. In some embodiments, the configuration management device uses received sensor based information from a base station to control re-configuration of the base station, e.g., re-orient an antenna or change an antenna pattern.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an electronic compass. The electronic compass may include magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensors may include thin-film magnetic sensor elements such as giant magnetoresistance sensor elements. Magnetic flux concentrators may be used to guide magnetic fields through the sensor elements. The magnetic flux concentrators may be configured to reduce the angular sensitivity of the magnetic sensors. A magnetic flux concentrator may be formed from multiple stacked layers of soft magnetic material separated by non-magnetic material. The non-magnetic material may have a thickness allows the magnetic layers to magnetically couple through the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing user interfaces are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a menu having a number of icons can be provided on a display device such that the icons are arranged around an initial cursor position, or an area that is touched by a user's finger or stylus, for example. Due to the icons being arranged around the initial cursor position, any one of the icons from the menu can be chosen with relatively small cursor movement. In certain embodiments, the menu can be divided into regions that overlap with the icons, such that cursor movement from the initial cursor position into a given region has a similar effect as movement into the corresponding icon itself (without actually moving the cursor onto the desired icon).

Abstract: A level sensor for a motor vehicle includes a housing, a rotor rotatably mounted on the housing, and a printed circuit board enclosed in the housing. The printed circuit board includes at least one stator and is connected to a plug which can be attached to an opening in the housing, and seals the opening thereby. The printed circuit board and electronic components are readily and permanently protected against environmental influences. Housing has a chamber for accommodating the printed circuit board , and the opening is allocated to the chamber. The chamber is closed on all sides, with the exception of the opening. The printed circuit board can be inserted in the chamber in the manner of a drawer and can be positioned therein.

Abstract: A guard for a sensor apparatus in a tilting arrangement. The guard includes a first tubular portion supported on the tilting arrangement, a longitudinal portion extending from the first tubular portion, and a second tubular portion extending from the longitudinal portion. The first tubular portion provides a first cavity adapted to partially enclose a first mounting stud of the sensor apparatus. Similarly, the second tubular portion provides a second cavity adapted to partially enclose a second mounting stud of the sensor apparatus. And, the longitudinal portion provides a recess adapted to partially enclose a lever member of the sensor apparatus.

Abstract: Inclinometer devices and methods of manufacturing the same are provided herein. The inclinometer device includes an inclinometer for measuring attitude data of an object, a wireless communication interface for communicating the object attitude data, and a casing. The casing is configured to house the inclinometer and the wireless communication device, and is further configured for use in hazardous environments.

Abstract: A process for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed comprises: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used.

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: An acceleration detector includes a base portion, a plate-like movable portion connected to the base portion via a joint portion, an acceleration detecting element laid over the base portion and the movable portion, and a supporting portion having a part extending along the movable portion from the base portion, as viewed in a plan view. A mass portion partly overlapping the supporting portion, as viewed in a plan view, is arranged on at least one of two main surfaces of the movable portion. The movable portion is displaceable about the joint portion as a fulcrum in a direction intersecting the main surface according to an acceleration applied in the direction intersecting the main surface. A space is provided between the mass portion and the supporting portion in an area where the mass portion and the supporting portion overlap each other.

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: 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: The present disclosure provides a gravity gradiometer for detecting a gravity gradient. The gravity gradiometer comprises at least two sensor masses that are pivotable about respective axes and each experience a change in torque in response to a change in gravity gradient whereby the at least two sensor masses move relative to each other in response to the change in gravity gradient and wherein a signal indicative of the gravity gradient is generated in response to the relative movement of the at least two sensor masses. Further, the gravity gradiometer comprises an acceleration sensor for sensing an acceleration associated with an external acceleration applied to the gravity gradiometer. The gravity gradiometer also comprises an actuator for generating an adjustment force that is dependent on an acceleration sensed by the acceleration sensor. The adjustment force is also dependent on a mechanical response parameter associated with at least one of the at least two sensor masses.

Abstract: There is provided an inclination sensor device. The inclination sensor device includes: a substrate which mounts an inclination sensor configured to calculate an inclination angle of a vehicle; a case which accommodates the substrate; a first positioning mechanism which positions the substrate relative to the case in a first direction that is substantially parallel to a first main surface of the substrate; and a second positioning mechanism which positions the substrate relative to the case in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first main surface of the substrate.

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: The invention relates to a form of a passive or active annunciator that solves the problem of reminding a caregiver to reposition a patient at risk for aspiration usually located in an adjustable bed to some predetermined angular position. The annunciator may take the form of an inclinometer (100) that measures the angle of the bed (160) relative to a local gravity reference or a goniometer that measures the angle between the horizontal (140) and elevated portions (130) of the bed. The invention reminds the caregiver of the patient at risk for aspiration to maintain or reestablish the elevation of the torso of the patient at risk for aspiration to at least 30 degrees up to 45 degrees above the local horizontal to prevent or reduce the incidence of aspiration.

Abstract: A three-dimensional inclination angle calculation circuit is provided. The three-dimensional inclination angle calculation circuit includes: X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis vibration sensors which change X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis electrostatic capacitances according to three-dimensional positions of a measured plane with respect to a reference plane, respectively; X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis position value acquisition units which acquire X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis position values corresponding to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis electrostatic capacitances, respectively; and an inclination angle calculation unit which calculates an inclination angle of the measured plane with respect to the reference plane based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis position values. Accordingly, it is possible to very easily calculate an inclination angle according to a three-dimensional position of a to-be-measured apparatus by using an existing vibration sensor.

Abstract: A staff for electronic level comprises a substrate where a short-range barcode 14 is engraved, and in the staff for electronic level, said short-range barcode is a barcode obtained by scaling down a barcode 13 for regular measurement and reversing the monochrome.

Abstract: To be able to measure the angular deviation simultaneously in two directions in space a magneto-sensitive sensor unit on the one hand (that can measure the magnetic flux density in at least two directions in space or orthogonal to each other) and a magnet on the other hand are moved relatively to each other, wherein one of both elements are provided in such a way that it aligns itself directly or indirectly according to the gravity. An optimal measuring result is achieved by guiding one of both elements on a defined, reproducible surface so that the center axis of this element is directed always to the center axis of the other element.

Abstract: A tilt-sensing apparatus for sensing whether the tilt of an object exceeds a predetermined level, and to an automatic posture control apparatus using same. An amplifying lever moves along with a tilt lever which rotates in accordance with the level of fluid. in a balanced state, the end of the amplifying lever is spaced apart by a predetermined gap from a contact of a case. when the tilt of the object significantly exceeds a predetermined level, the case fixed at the object is tilted together with the object. the tilt lever in the case keeps the balanced state by the level of fluid, the tilt lever rotates in one direction relative to the case, and the rotational displacement of the tilt lever is amplified by the amplifying lever to enable contact sensors and contacts to be interconnected and turned to the ON state.

Abstract: A tilt sensor comprises a multi-layer circuit board, a holder, a first light-sensing component, a second light-sensing component, a light-emitting component, and a movable component. The multi-layer circuit board comprises a first layer board and a second layer board disposed on the first layer board. The second layer board comprises first, second, and third holding spaces each of which exposing a respective portion of the first layer board. The holder is disposed on the second layer board and has a containing recess connecting the first, second, and third holding spaces. A bottom surface of the containing recess is reflective. The first and second light-sensing components and the light-emitting component are disposed on the first layer board and in the first, second, and third holding spaces, respectively. The light-emitting component emits a light beam toward the bottom surface of the containing recess. The movable component is disposed in the containing recess.

Abstract: Orientation-sensitive signal output, in which a neutral position of a device is automatically determined in relation to at least a first axis, an angular displacement of the device is measured about at least the first axis, and shaking of the device is detected. A selection of the first control is received, and an output signal is output based at least upon the selection and the angular displacement or based upon detecting the shaking of the device.

Abstract: An underwater foundation leveling device is capable of preventing a slack wire connected to a support element with a plumb weight from colliding with reflectors. The reflectors 5 are provided for measurement of a position of a leveling area, around an upper portion of the support element 2 supporting the plumb weight for leveling riprap surface of underwater foundation. The support element is hoisted with the wire 4 and then made fall by its own weight for leveling for the foundation surface. The reflectors reflect light toward a light receiving unit for a position detection for the leveling area. The device comprises, a protective element 8 preventing the slack wire 4 from hitting the reflectors, and a light passage located in a position allowing an optical path of the light reflected from the reflectors to travel toward the light receiving unit.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, devices, and systems for autoleveling of an apparatus. In particular, the invention provides devices and systems for autoleveling support apparatuses, such as hospital-type beds, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote leveling and positioning. An embodiment includes a leveling device assembly. Another embodiment provides a system including a leveling device assembly and a plurality of audio devices. Further embodiments provide for systems having a plurality of leveling device assemblies.

Abstract: An orientation sensor includes a measure of ferrofluid that moves as the orientation sensor moves. The movement of the ferrofluid, which lies over a number of coils, alters the magnetic permeability of the flux path around each coil. The orientation sensor determines a change in orientation by measuring a change in the voltage across each coil. The voltage across each coil changes as the inductance changes which, in turn, changes as the magnetic permeability of the flux path changes.

Abstract: An analog electronic angle sensor circuit with a ground connection (GND) and with a supply voltage connection (+UB) and with an output (OUT), comprising an actual sensor (12) and a suitable wiring of said sensor (12), wherein the voltage at the output (OUT) relative to ground is proportional to the product of the supply voltage (+UB) and the measured angle (?) and a method for electronic emulation of an optimum potentiometer wherein the input voltage (+UB) is reduced to a fixed fraction (1/k) and an analog angle sensor (12) is operated with this fraction of the input voltage (+UB) as an operating voltage (Uv), wherein the output voltage (OUT1) of said angle sensor is proportional to the operating voltage and to the rotation angle (?) measured by said angle sensor (12).

Abstract: Orientation-sensitive signal output, in which a neutral position of a device is automatically determined in relation to at least a first axis, an angular displacement of the device is measured about at least the first axis, and shaking of the device is detected. A selection of the first control is received, and an output signal is output based at least upon the selection and the angular displacement or based upon detecting the shaking of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote leveling and positioning. An embodiment includes a leveling device assembly. Another embodiment provides a system including a leveling device assembly and a plurality of audio devices. Further embodiments provide for systems having a plurality of leveling device assemblies.

Abstract: A three-dimensional inclination angle calculation circuit is provided. The three-dimensional inclination angle calculation circuit includes: X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis vibration sensors which change X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis electrostatic capacitances according to three-dimensional positions of a measured plane with respect to a reference plane, respectively; X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis position value acquisition units which acquire X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis position values corresponding to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis electrostatic capacitances, respectively; and an inclination angle calculation unit which calculates an inclination angle of the measured plane with respect to the reference plane based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis position values. Accordingly, it is possible to very easily calculate an inclination angle according to a three-dimensional position of a to-be-measured apparatus by using an existing vibration sensor.

Abstract: An alignment device which comprises an alignment member, and a measuring mechanism for measuring the orientation of the alignment member. The measuring mechanism is retained by the alignment member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tilt sensor comprising at least one body movable along a predefined path and an optoelectronic unit for determining the position of said body, said tilt sensor being surface-mountable. The invention is further directed to a tilt sensor assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a tilt switch that solves the problem of poor electrical contact, excessive/unpredictable hysteresis, high contact resistance, short life and/or electrical bounce. The tilt switch uses conventional ball-in-tube construction and adds a graphite powder film to all electrically conductive surfaces in the switch. This non-mercury tilt switch provides additional features such as enhanced electrical contact, reduced or eliminated hysteresis, lowered contact resistance, increased contact life and eliminates electrical bounce.

Abstract: To implement a detection technique in which a tumble of and a shock to on articles can be detected even with a simple and low-cost structure. An indicator according to the present invention for detecting a tumble of and a shock to an article moves away from a holding guide in a detector when the detector inclines and goes beyond a limit for inclination. The indicator includes a first part in the shape of rolling on the holding guide when the detector inclines, and a second part smaller than the first part and in the shape of not preventing the first part from rolling. The first part and the second part join together and separate when receiving a shock.

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.

Abstract: In a method and an engagement sensor device for engagement measurement for a machine tool for processing workpieces using tools or a laser the machine tool possesses a clamping device with a clamping face for clamping an object, in particular a tool or a workpiece and the engagement sensor device is provided for the measurement or engagement of a face of clamped object at the clamping face or any gap between the face of the clamped object and the clamping face. The sensor device comprises at least one engagement sensor, arranged to the side of the clamping face, with a measurement range aligned in the direction of the gap or of the clamping face for the detection of an electrical or magnetic stimulation field, such field extending between the face of clamped object and the clamping face and being able to be influenced by any gap, the measurement range extending essentially along the clamping face in accordance with a depth direction of any gap or parallel to the clamping face.

Abstract: Fabrication methods are provided for an electrolytic tilt sensor which includes a containment envelope defining an interior space; at least first and second electrodes disposed along, and in contact with, a first interior surface portion of the containment envelope, said first and second electrodes being spaced apart from each other to define a gap between respective opposing edges of the first and second electrodes; at least a third electrode disposed along and in contact with a second interior surface portion of the containment envelope opposite said first interior surface portion; an electrolyte solution at least partially filling the interior space of the containment envelope to provide a bubble; and means for hermetically sealing the containment envelope.

Abstract: The system is used to determine the position of a tool mounted on a digging machine. It includes a monitoring appliance and several independent position-detecting devices each including a face equipped with attachment elements to be held flush against an articulated component of the machine, a wireless communication module remotely sending data to the monitoring appliance, an independent electrical power supply source, a processing unit, and an electronic module with angular position sensors. The devices are distributed so that each is on a different articulated part of the machine. They need no cables, and are easy to fit. The signals emitted by the devices are received by the monitoring appliance, which calculates a setpoint for positioning the tool.

Abstract: An underwater foundation leveling device is capable of preventing a slack wire connected to a support element with a plumb weight from colliding with reflectors. The reflectors 5 are provided for measurement of a position of a leveling area, around an upper portion of the support element 2 supporting the plumb weight for leveling riprap surface of underwater foundation. The support element is hoisted with the wire 4 and then made fall by its own weight for leveling for the foundation surface. The reflectors reflect light toward a light receiving unit for a position detection for the leveling area. The device comprises, a protective element 8 preventing the slack wire 4 from hitting the reflectors, and a light passage located in a position allowing an optical path of the light reflected from the reflectors to travel toward the light receiving unit.

Abstract: Orientation-sensitive signal output, in which a neutral position of a device is automatically determined in relation to at least a first axis, an angular displacement of the device is measured about at least the first axis, and shaking of the device is detected. A selection of the first control is received, and an output signal is output based at least upon the selection and the angular displacement or based upon detecting the shaking of the device.

Abstract: Portable communication devices are disclosed. The devices each include a motion detector configured to measure a movement of the device relative to a neutral position of the device, an indicating unit configured to provide an indication that a current position of the device is to be set as the neutral position of the device, and a control unit configured to set the current position as the neutral position responsive to the indicating unit providing the indication. In an embodiment of the portable communication device, the control unit is further configured to associate the measured movement of the device relative to the neutral position of the device with an associated command and execute the associated command. In another embodiment of the portable communication device, the control unit is further configured to associate the measured movement of the device with an associated character and enter the associated character as an input character.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote leveling and positioning. An embodiment includes a leveling device assembly. Another embodiment provides a system including a leveling device assembly and a plurality of audio devices. Further embodiments provide for systems having a plurality of leveling device assemblies.

Abstract: An electronic level indicator for facilitating the leveling of RV's including battery-powered base and handheld mobile units with an RF link between them. A sensor in the base generates a coded signal transmitted to the mobile unit which activates LED's in a pattern showing low corners of the RV.

Abstract: [Object] To implement a detection technique in which a tumble of and a shock to on articles can be detected even with a simple and low-cost structure. [Solving Means] An indicator according to the present invention for detecting a tumble of and a shock to an article moves away from a holding guide in a detector when the detector inclines and goes beyond a limit for inclination. The indicator includes a first part in the shape of rolling on the holding guide when the detector inclines, and a second part smaller than the first part and in the shape of not preventing the first part from rolling. The first part and the second part join together and separate when receiving a shock.

Abstract: A device and method for quickly and accurately leveling a surface in either the horizontal or vertical plane while not in proximity to the surface being leveled. The device comprises a rigid base designed to be places on any surface to be leveled, inclinometer circuitry used to determine the position of the rigid base relative to level or plumb, wireless circuitry used to transmit the results of the inclinometer to a remotely transportable unit containing a digital display used to read the results of the inclinometer reading.

Abstract: Portable communication devices are disclosed. The devices each include a motion detector configured to measure a movement of the device relative to a neutral position of the device, an indicating unit configured to provide an indication that a current position of the device is to be set as the neutral position of the device, and a control unit configured to set the current position as the neutral position responsive to the indicating unit providing the indication. In an embodiment of the portable communication device, the control unit is further configured to associate the measured movement of the device relative to the neutral position of the device with an associated command and execute the associated command. In another embodiment of the portable communication device, the control unit is further configured to associate the measured movement of the device with an associated character and enter the associated character as an input character.