Abstract: An optical monitoring system includes a ring-shaped object suspended by and engaged with a plurality of vertical plunger shafts. Normally, the vertical plunger shafts move upward and downward reciprocally and coherently, but independently, such that the ring-shaped object ascends or descends horizontally. A light transceiver device is affixed to one vertical plunger shaft. A plurality optical reflector elements are affixed to respective other plunger shafts. A light beam emanated from said light transceiver is reflected by the optical reflector elements and is eventually re-directed back to the light transceiver device.

Abstract: The utility model relates to a display means of digital level. Said digital level is provided with one notch in basal body, where said display lies. Two ends of said display are provided with two center-axles that lie in the same axis line of rotation, and two sidewalls of said notch are provided with two center-axle-holes, wherein said display is rotatablely connected with said basal body of digital level by inserting said two center-axles into said two center-axle-holes. Said display of this utility model is rotatable, so in practical application, user can locate this display on the desired position, thus to read the value shown thereon conveniently. Moreover, the positioning and position restriction to the rotation of said display could suit many conveniences for users to read the value shown thereon.

Abstract: A surveying apparatus includes an antenna to receive a positioning signal. The surveying apparatus further includes a tilt sensor to obtain a tilt measurement that indicates a degree of tilt of the survey apparatus. The surveying apparatus further includes a processor to obtain a positioning measurement from the positioning signal, and to determine a degree of accuracy of the positioning measurement based on the tilt measurement.

Abstract: A golf green reading device has a lens with a reference line that is illuminated when the reference line is in a horizontal or vertical orientation. The reference line is illuminated by an electrical circuit secured within a housing having a power source, a light source, and a level switch. The user holds the device in a horizontal or vertical orientation to read the slope of a golf green relative to the reference line and determine the correct line to putt the golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new piezoelectric quartz level sensor mainly applied in the attitude stabilized and control system of the aircraft, robot, vehicle, ship, oil drilling platform, construction, industrial automation equipment, radar, and satellite, comprising a sensitive element, signal processing circuit, base, outer case and socket. The piezoelectric quartz level sensor transfers the deflection angle of the object to the force exerted on two symmetrical mounted round piezoelectric quartz wafers, and then utilizing the prominent force sensitivity of the piezoelectric quartz, the level attitude parameter of an objected can be detected through the frequency variation due to the force exerted on the two piezoelectric quartz wafers. Therefore, the present invention can satisfy the demand of high stability and resolution, low non-linear degree, quick start time, wide measuring range and operating temperature, good ability to resist shock, and digital output.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an inexpensive and easy to use apparatus and method that permits a user to attach an apparatus to existing picture frames or other objects with various advantages. Such embodiments will keep a picture, object or frame in a substantially continuously level position or otherwise aligned position. Thus, using the disclosed apparatus, a user can ensure that any picture, frame or other hanging and relatively flat object will generally remain in a pleasantly horizontal or other desired aspect, without need for ongoing user inspection or manual adjustment.

Abstract: Taught herein is a portable digital horizontal inclinometer which utilizes magnetic field to dampen the free swing of the pendulum. The inclinometer features simple structure, small size, high sensitivity, good linearity, high precision, and strong anti-jamming capability. It is also easy to manufacture and provide fast and accurate reading over a wide range of inclination angles of up to 360° .

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: The disclosure relates to a method for entering commands and/or characters for a portable communication device equipped with an input device comprising a tilt sensor, including the steps of determining a motion of the portable communication device through measurements of the tilt sensor calculated in reference to a neutral position of said tilt sensor; and deducing from said motion an associated command and/or character. According to the disclosure, the method further includes a preliminary calibration step triggered by a user of the portable communication device, consisting in defining the neutral position as being the current position of the sensor at the time of triggering the calibration step.

Abstract: An inclination sensor is provided having a level which has a liquid and a gas bubble in a housing under a covering glass, wherein a light source is arranged above the covering glass. The invention is based on the object of providing an inclination sensor which can be used to determine the direction and degree of an inclination with high accuracy and which is suitable for automatic orientation of an apparatus provided with such an inclination sensor. The object is achieved according to the invention by virtue of an inclination sensor in which at least two light receivers are arranged above the covering glass such that light, which is emitted by the light source and undergoes total internal reflection at the gas bubble when the gas bubble is centered, can be detected by means of these at least two light receivers, wherein different quantities of light can be detected by means of these light receivers when the gas bubble is not centered, and the light receivers are arranged on a chip substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an electronic product whether being placed vertically or horizontally, includes a fixed support member connected to a constraint base at an anchor point, a cantilever having a first end connected to the fixed support member so as to be approximately parallel with the constraint base, and a counterweight mounted on a second end of the cantilever in order to provide a force thereof. A sensing device converts bending of the cantilever into a circuitry status. When the cantilever extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to a gravity line defined by the counterweight, the sensing device converts the distortion of the cantilever into a first circuitry status. When the cantilever extends in a direction approximately parallel to the gravity line, the sensing device converts the distortion of the cantilever into a second circuitry status different from the first circuitry status.

Abstract: A tilt control method includes a tilt control step for automatic control of the tilt (?) of a tilt device (1) by at least one electronic tilt sensor (2) based on gravitational force (G) and by a tilt control device (5), and a sensor test step which is carried out automatically at a test initiation signal, and in case of a malfunction, supplies an error signal (?) which prevents the tilt control step from being carried out.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided to measure the angle between two arbitrary surfaces, using the local direction of gravity as an absolute direction reference. One case is an electronic device to measure the angle between the keel of a rowing shell and the oarlock pin.

Abstract: A combination of components for the dynamic measurement of the grade of terrain, including a rocker arm disposed horizontally across a reference structure, a first displacement transducer positioned at the first end of the rocker arm and a second displacement transducer positioned at the second end of the rocker arm. An absolute angle measurement device is positioned on the reference structure to provide the angle of the rocker arm relative to earth horizontal.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a proper level of an item on any surface. The apparatus comprises a frame member having a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. A first LED readout is disposed in the frame member for determining a level in a vertical direction and a second LED readout is disposed in the frame member closely adjacent to the first LED readout for determining a level in a horizontal direction. There is at least at least one magnet disposed on a bottom portion of the frame member for holding the frame member against a metal surface and such frame member has a counterweight disposed therein for offsetting the weight of the LED readouts. A power means is in electrical communication with the first and the second LED readouts and is disposed in a back portion of the frame members and a switch means is disposed in the frame member and is in electrical communication with the power means and such first and second LED readouts for turning the apparatus either on or off.

Abstract: A tilt sensor contains a first electrically conductive element, a second electrically conductive element, an electrically insulative element, and either a plurality of electrically conductive weights, or a first electrically conductive weight and a non-conductive weight. The electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive weights are located within a cavity of the tilt sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element.

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: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: A tilt sensor contains a first electrically conductive element, a second electrically conductive element, an electrically insulative element, and a plurality of electrically conductive weights. The electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive weights are located within a cavity of the tilt sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element.

Abstract: A laser level with temperature control device (2) and the temperature control method thereof are disclosed. The temperature control device includes a thermal insulation chamber (22), a thermoelectric cooler (25), a control unit (21), and first and second temperature sensors (23, 24). The second temperature sensor is received in the thermal insulation chamber together with a tilt sensor (12). The control unit controls operation of the thermoelectric cooler according to the external and internal temperature signals respectively output by the first and second temperature sensors, so as to adjust the internal temperature inside the thermal insulation chamber to be a calibration temperature point close to the external temperature. Accordingly, the temperature drift problem can be addressed, and the working temperature of the tilt sensor can be maintained in a stable range. Further, the acceptable ambient temperature range within which the tilt sensor works can be expanded.

Abstract: The selection and output of a signal, such as an alphanumeric character, is provided depending upon the orientation of a device, such as a mobile telephone. In particular, a neutral position of a device is determined in relation to at least a first axis, the device including at least a first control associated with a first plurality of output signals, and an angular displacement of the device is measured about at least the first axis. A selection of the first control is also received, and one of the first plurality of output signals is output based at least upon the selection and the angular displacement.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an inexpensive and easy to use apparatus and method that permits a user to attach an apparatus to existing picture frames or other objects with various advantages. Such embodiments will keep a picture, object or frame in a substantially continuously level position or otherwise aligned position. Thus, using the disclosed apparatus, a user can ensure that any picture, frame or other hanging and relatively flat object will generally remain in a pleasantly horizontal or other desired aspect, without need for ongoing user inspection or manual adjustment.

Abstract: Taught herein are portable digital horizontal inclinometers which utilize magnetic field to dampen the free swing of the pendulum. The inclinometers feature simple structure, small size, high sensitivity, good linearity, high precision, and strong anti-jamming capability. They are also easy to manufacture and provide fast and accurate reading over a wide range of inclination angles of up to 360°.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gravity gradiometer for measuring components of the gravity gradient tensor. The gravity gradiometer comprises a housing and a gimballed support structure with at least one actuator. The gravity gradiometer further comprises at least one sensor mass arranged for movement in response to a gravity gradient. The gravity gradiometer also comprises a transducer that is arranged so that the movement of the at least one sensor mass relative to a portion of the transducer generates a transducer signal. Further, the gravity gradiometer comprises an electrical feedback loop arranged to direct an electrical signal to the actuator of the external support structure. The gravity gradiometer is arranged so that an influence of an external angular acceleration on the rotation of the housing is reduced by the actuator when the transducer generates a transducer signal effected by the external angular acceleration on the gravity gradiometer.

Abstract: A potential parking area level indicator is provided that includes a centralized hub with a plurality of arms depending therefrom. Preferably, four arms are provided that are spaced 90 degrees from each other thereby defining two sets of opposing arms. In operation, a driver of an RV would locate the level indicator on a potential parking area thereby placing the arms onto the potential parking surface. If the line defined by a pair of opposed arms is placed on a generally level area, indicator lights will illuminate indicating that fact. If, however, the line defined by opposing arms is placed on a grade that is not acceptable for parking, the indicator lights will not illuminate showing that the potential parking area is unsafe for parking. Proper illumination of the lights is driven by accelerometers incorporated into the arms of the level indicator.

Abstract: A device adapted to be integrated with a wall hanging for indicating an off-level condition is provided. The device includes a series electrical circuit including a power supply and a signal element connected with the power supply, wherein the signal element is capable of generating a perceptible output (such as a visible light or audible sound). The device also includes a level indicating switch connected between the signal element and electrical ground. The level indicating switch is capable of connecting the signal element with electrical ground only when the device is oriented at least at a selected acute angle relative to a substantially level condition such that the signal element generates the perceptible output only when the wall hanging is oriented in an off-level condition.

Abstract: The tilt detector has a container with a receptacle located therein. The receptacle has open and closed ends. In its normal, upright orientation, a first mass is located inside of the receptacle. A second mass is located adjacent to the open end of the receptacle. When the receptacle is in its normal, upright orientation, the second mass is located above the receptacle and blocks the exit of the first mass from the receptacle even when the first mass moves in response to vibration frequencies to which the first mass is sensitive. When the receptacle is tilted beyond a predetermined angle, the second mass moves from its blocking position so as to allow the first mass to exit the receptacle. A tilting indication occurs when the first mass has exited the receptacle.

Abstract: The portable self-contained horizontal and vertical level, angle and distance measuring device is suitable for indicating whether or when two or more points are level with each other and for measuring distances and angles between two or more points, a point and a line or a point and a plane. Moreover, the measuring device is capable of displaying such measurements to a user in real time. The measuring device includes a measuring point (3) for identifying from where measurements are to be calculated, a user actuated trigger (11) and a display (9) for displaying measurements to the user either in real time or in memory mode. The measuring device is compact and light-weight making it particularly convenient and portable. It is also very versatile and is capable of replacing a multiplicity of measuring devices commonly employed in DIY, engineering, and in trade in general.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an inexpensive and easy to use apparatus and method that permits a user to attach an apparatus to existing picture frames or other objects with various advantages. Such embodiments will keep a picture, object or frame in a substantially continuously level position or otherwise aligned position. Thus, using the disclosed apparatus, a user can ensure that any picture, frame or other hanging and relatively flat object will generally remain in a pleasantly horizontal or other desired aspect, without need for ongoing user inspection or manual adjustment.

Abstract: A device adapted to be integrated with a wall hanging for indicating an off-level condition is provided. The device includes a series electrical circuit including a power supply and a signal element connected with the power supply, wherein the signal element is capable of generating a perceptible output (such as a visible light or audible sound). The device also includes a level indicating switch connected between the signal element and electrical ground. The level indicating switch is capable of connecting the signal element with electrical ground only when the device is oriented at least at a selected acute angle relative to a substantially level condition such that the signal element generates the perceptible output only when the wall hanging is oriented in an off-level condition.

Abstract: An inclination sensor includes: a case having a turning shaft section projected in a lateral direction on a front surface thereof; magnetism detecting means fixed on an upper side of the turning shaft section; a pair of magnets fixed in parallel to a rear surface of the case to be located on both sides of the magnetism detecting means; a pendulum axially supported by the turning shaft section to turn freely; and a pair of ferromagnetic bodies fixed on an inward surface of the pendulum. When the case inclines, one of the ferromagnetic bodies approaches the magnetism detecting means, and a magnetic circuit is closed by the pair of magnets and one of the ferromagnetic bodies. Magnetic fluxes of the magnets pass over front and rear surfaces of the magnetism detecting means.

Abstract: A rotation sensor comprising a Y-shaped strip and a conducting strip is disposed in a digital imaging device. The conducting strip is disposed below the Y-shaped strip. The Y-shaped strip has two sensing arms and a fixed arm. A metal piece is disposed on each of the two sensing arms. When the sensing arm hangs down due to the weight of the metal piece to touch the conducting strip, the Y-shaped strip and the conducting strip will form a closed circuit and send out a signal. Whether the digital imaging device is rotated is determined based on this signal. Whether the device body is horizontal or vertical can thus be accurately and quickly determined. Moreover, because the detection is accomplished through gentle deformation or rotation of the sensing arms, there will be no noise during the detection process.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a tiltmeter includes a first elongate element having first and second ends, and a second elongate element having a first end supported by the first end of the first element, and a second end supported by the second end of the first element. The tiltmeter also includes sensing apparatus supported by the second element.

Abstract: A potential parking area level indicator is provided that includes a centralized hub with a plurality of arms depending therefrom. Preferably, four arms are provided that are spaced 90 degrees from each other thereby defining two sets of opposing arms. In operation, a driver of an RV would locate the level indicator on a potential parking area thereby placing the arms onto the potential parking surface. If the line defined by a pair of opposed arms is placed on a generally level area, indicator lights will illuminate indicating that fact. If, however, the line defined by opposing arms is placed on a grade that is not acceptable for parking, the indicator lights will not illuminate showing that the potential parking area is unsafe for parking. Proper illumination of the lights is driven by accelerometers incorporated into the arms of the level indicator.

Abstract: A mobile terminal with a horizontality display function is provided. In the mobile terminal, a body plane is formed at one side of an exterior of a body of the mobile terminal, and an acceleration sensor is installed parallel to the body plane and detects an acceleration corresponding to a physical change with reference to a reference XY horizontal plane. A memory stores preset sensor offset value and sensor sensitivity value of the acceleration sensor, and a controller calculates inclination angles at which the body plane is inclined with respect to the reference XY horizontal plane, using the sensor offset value and the sensor sensitivity value stored in the memory. A horizontality display unit displays as an image a current horizontality detected by the controller on the basis of the calculated inclination angles with respect to the reference XY horizontal plane.

Abstract: An accurate, easy-to-use, low cost level indication system can be easily installed on the exterior or interior of an RV. The device provides a visible and/or audible level indication that can be viewed from within the cab of the tow vehicle or motor home day or night. The device provides level indication along the 2 main RV axis's (side to side and front to back). The device can be calibrated at any time by the operator. Calibration can be performed on uneven terrain. The device can also store arrival inclination information for later recall during departure preparations.

Abstract: A modular protection housing with a first housing module and a second housing module is provided. The first housing module comprises a first volume and a first potential rail, while the second housing module comprises a second volume and a second potential rail. In this arrangement the first housing module and the second housing module are coupleable to an operating state in such a way that the first volume and the second volume form a shared volume. In this arrangement the first potential rail and the second potential rail are coupleable such that in the coupled operating state the first potential rail and the second potential rail form a shared potential rail for the overall volume.

Abstract: A tilt sensor contains a first electrically conductive element, a second electrically conductive element, an electrically insulative element, and either a plurality of electrically conductive weights, or a first electrically conductive weight and a non-conductive weight. The electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive weights are located within a cavity of the tilt sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a celestial identification device. According to some embodiments, the device includes a housing, a positioning sensor, and a light generator structured to generate an indicator beam that can be pointed at celestial objects. The positioning sensor can include sensors to determine altitude and azimuth of the device. The light generator can be a laser and mounted to a moveable pivot or deflected by mirrors and/or lenses such that the light beam points in a different direction than the housing. The device can be coupled to a feedback device, such as an audio player to communicate information about celestial objects to a user. The device can also contain or be coupled to a database of celestial objects such that, when combined with the positional data of the device, can determine at which object the device is pointing.

Abstract: An electronic inclination sensor is provided for the determination and display of surface inclination and the direction of such inclination. The information regarding the inclination and direction of inclination can be displayed such that an end user can readily and easily comprehend and use the information without additional interpretation. Further, when the inclination is displayed in decimal values, a large range of inclination angles can be displayed with significant accuracy.

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: An apparatus used for notifying a user of a patient's upper body physical orientation. The apparatus uses an inclinometer that is attached in the region of the patient's upper body to measure the physical orientation of the patient's upper body, which is then transmitted to a display. In one embodiment, the display can be set to display a plurality of alarm conditions. In other embodiments the patient upper body orientation information is transmitted to a processor and then to the nurses' station or to a ventilator. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the physical orientation of a patient, using such an apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for conserving power in an electronic device. The system includes a processor and a tilt sensor operatively coupled to the processor. The processor utilizes the tilt sensor to monitor a tilt angle of the electronic device, and causes the electronic device to enter a power conservation state if the tilt angle falls outside of a predetermined range. As a result, the electronic device goes into a power conservation state immediately when the electronic device is no longer in use.

Abstract: An adjustment-free tiltsensor for application in the fields of geodesy, geophysics and geotechnics, with a tilt angle measuring range greater than ±5° to ±10° and an essentially enhanced angular resolution better than 1 microradiant, in which an electrolytic liquid and a gas bubble are present in a closed spirit level, the spirit level is curved over an angle of up to 360°, a plurality of electrode configurations each having a plurality of electrodes are arranged along the spirit level for sensing the position of the gas bubble, the electrodes are in electric contact with the electrolytic liquid, and the electrodes are connected to a first electronic circuit, by means of which the electric quantities between selected electrodes can be measured.

Abstract: Methods and systems for realizing accurate coordinate measurement using a multi-joint measuring arm. A system includes a support member, a multi-joint measuring arm having a first end attached to the support member and a second end at which a probe can be installed, and a processor configured to produce a three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to a position of the probe based on an angle of each joint of the measuring arm. A parameter concerning a posture of the measuring arm is detected exceeding a prescribed value, and a user is warned in accordance with a result of the detection. The prescribed value has been determined, for example, in accordance with a probability that a measurement error due to a user action pulling the measuring arm away from the support member becomes out of an allowable range.

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance tilt angle sensor having a size that is reduced without lowering detection capacity. The sensor is provided with a case including a first wall and a second wall facing each other. A common electrode is arranged on the first wall and a differential electrode is arranged on the second wall. A liquid electrostatic capacitance medium is accommodated in the case and contacts the common electrode and the differential electrode. The electrostatic capacitance medium includes an insulative liquid base and fine particles mixed in the base. The fine particles have a dielectric constant that is higher than that of the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orientation device that may be deployed in a mechanical assembly such as a surveillance camera or enclosure to positively determine the physical orientation and/or attitude (tilt), or any change in such physical orientation and/or attitude, of either the camera or the enclosure, and report that information electronically. The invention includes a sensor that is triggered by the movement of a weighted flag along a shaft caused by gravity or gravity in conjunction with the operation of a spring. As the invention is rotated through 360°, the force of gravity and force of the spring are exerted on the weighted flag, causing it to move along the shaft as the assembly is rotated. Each movement by the flag is detected by the sensor which sends an electronic signal indicating that a predetermined point has been reached. Multiple assemblies may be used, offset from each other, to provide additional and more precise position information.

Abstract: An ergonomically equipped and interference signal-reducing position measurement probe for mutual alignment of bodies has a speech input device and/or a speech output device. The probe is wirelessly linked to an external control or a higher-level supervisory computer either by an infrared interface or a radio link which operates at an extremely high frequency. Error-reducing measured value acquisition is effected by averaging. The average represents several individual measured value. In the acquisition of the individual measured values, it is watched that the times of measured value recording and the time peaks of a solid-borne sound oscillation on the measurement object are essentially asynchronous to one another.

Abstract: A rifle scope system allows adjustment of the scope while a shooter maintains the shooting posture and the scope sight picture. The scope system comprises an adjustment system comprising an electromechanical mechanism that responds to a signal from a remote controller manipulated by the shooter without having to significantly disturb the shooting posture. The adjustment system allows the shooter to adjust the scope's point of aim to coincide with a bullet's point of impact at a target. Such adjustment can be performed either by the shooter. Alternatively, such adjustment could be performed by a processor configured to adjust the point of aim based on a ballistic parameter associated with the bullet or the shooting environment. The adjustment system allows such processor-determined adjustments to be effected in a quick manner.