Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a device for determining orientation of an object. The device comprises a hollow spherical member. A plurality of sensors are positioned within a cavity defined by an inner surface and an outer surface of the hollow spherical member. Further, the device comprises a light source fixed within the hollow spherical member, and a solid sphere provided within the hollow spherical member. The solid spherical member is configured to displace within the hollow spherical member, pointing towards gravity and occupies lowermost position of the hollow spherical member, and thus blocks impingement of light on to corresponding one or more sensors at the lowermost position of the hollow spherical member. The blocked one or more sensors activate or deactivate, and generate a signal, which is received by a computing unit, to determine orientation of the object.

Abstract: A level including a sensor that detects a tilt angle; a display unit including a plurality of strip-shaped display members that linearly emits light by an LED to display the tilt angle; and a controller that receives an output signal from the sensor and outputs a control signal so that a specific strip-shaped display member glows. The strip-shaped display members include one horizontal strip-shaped display member positioned at a middle of the display unit and a plurality of strip-shaped display members for tilt-angle display that has tips bent toward a center of the display unit. LEDs are attached to ends of the strip-shaped display members, respectively, and a pair of strip-shaped display members which is point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the display unit simultaneously glows according to the tilt angle.

Abstract: An angular acceleration sensor includes a curved track having first and second metallic layers, and a spherical conductive ball provided within the track. The first metallic layer has a constant, uniform, width along a length of the track while the second metallic layer has a varying-width along the length of the track. An angular acceleration experienced by the spherical conductive ball is associated with a change in a capacitance between the spherical conductive ball and the curved track, which is uniquely associated with an external linear acceleration experienced by the sensor.

Abstract: Sensors for measuring rotation about an axis are disclosed, along with methods of making and using the same. The sensors can utilize ionic liquids and electrodes that provide a unique electrical signal at each angle of rotation about an axis. The sensors can include a solid structure with a channel that circumnavigates the axis, electrodes disposed within the channel, and an ionic liquid positioned within the channel.

Abstract: The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored in said look-up table for a plurality of transmitter temperatures. These offset grade values are separately determined on an empirical basis for each transmitter, such that temperatures induced errors in the direction of the beam of laser light are compensated.

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: A method of sensing tilt includes applying an electrical signal, such as voltage, current, a constant signal, or a time-varying signal to at least one electrode of a first set of electrodes and measuring an electrical parameter using at least one electrode of a second set of electrodes. The electrodes are disposed in a conductive medium within an envelope. The electrical parameter represents tilt relative to a first axis. The electrical roles of the first and second sets of electrodes are reversed to determine tilt relative to a second axis. No more than four electrodes are used to determine tilt relative to two axes. A tilt sensor includes an envelope, conductive medium in the envelope, and four electrodes. A method of making a tilt sensor includes providing at least four electrodes, forming an envelope to receive at least a portion of the electrodes, placing a conductive medium into the envelope, and sealing the conductive medium in the envelope.

Abstract: The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored in said look-up table for a plurality of transmitter temperatures. These offset grade values are separately determined on an empirical basis for each transmitter, such that temperatures induced errors in the direction of the beam of laser light are compensated.

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: A digital inclinometer detects an inclination angle by sensing varying conductive current of various electrodes. When the inclinometer is rotated through an inclination angle, various segments of the sensing electrodes become immersed in a conductive fluid causing varying conductive currents to these sensing electrodes. A driving signal is applied to driving of electrode and the sensing side of electrodes is kept at a constant voltage by connecting them to an analog ground or to current sensing amplifier which maintains virtual ground during measurement to achieve an equipotential at both sides of the sensor plates. An Analog to Digital converter, microprocessor, and LCD display achieves a digital readout. Novel methods allow 360-degree precise measurements, while overcoming traditional limitations and errors due to fringe effects, non-linearity, and various environmental changes.

Abstract: An orientation sensor especially suitable for use in an underground device is disclosed herein. This orientation sensor includes a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber, an arrangement of electrically conductive members in a predetermined positional relationship to one another within the chamber and a flowable material contained within the housing chamber and through which electrical connections between the electrically conductive members are made such that a comparison between an electrical property, specifically voltage, of a first combination of conductive members to the corresponding electrical property of a second combination of conductive members can be used to determine a particular orientation parameter, specifically pitch or roll of the sensor.