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: 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: Inclination sensors with magnetic XMR- or Hall-sensor-principles were implemented in the past by the pivotably supported indicator magnet being supported on the front face of the axle of a pendulum, with the consequence that the static friction of the support had to be overcome first, before the inclination sensor would react. Thereby very small and very slow inclinations often could not be detected. These designs always have a large amount of hysteresis. According to the invention this problem is being solved by the indicator magnet being mounted either on a float, or on a pendulum that is being supported ferrofluidic, whereby the static friction is much smaller or eliminated entirely.

Abstract: A level system for accurately and efficiently providing a levelness measurement. The level system includes a container positionable within a frame structure for retaining a volume of liquid, a upper compartment within an upper portion of the container for retaining a buoyant member, a first paddle and a second paddle pivotally attached within the container about the buoyant member, and an indicator member attached to the paddles for indicating a levelness or plumbness of a structure. As the buoyant member moves within the upper compartment, the paddles move the indicator member accordingly.

Abstract: An inclinometer comprising a spherical mass, a spherical shell having a reference axis and surrounding said spherical mass and a plurality of electrodes mounted on the spherical inner surface of said spherical shell, said inclinometer applied to detect the inclination angle of said reference axis by the output signal of said electrodes.

Abstract: An instrument for use in alignment, plumb and leveling functions includes a laser diode projecting a beam through a liquid contained in a vessel. Floating in the liquid is a compensator float which includes telescope optics so as to diminish the angle of rays leaving the telescope as compared to rays entering the telescope. The laser beam passes through the liquid and through the telescope, exiting from a window at the top or side of the instrument. By selecting the proper relationship between the telescope's magnification and the index of refraction of the liquid, the instrument is made to correct for small tilt angles of its housing. Various embodiments are disclosed for projecting upward or downward plumb beams, level beams or both.

Abstract: A device for positioning an elongate gravity-actuated measuring instrument, such as a goniometer, adjacent two three-dimensional objects to measure an angle between the two objects includes first and second members. The first member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, and positionable against a surface of one of such objects. The second member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, is spaced from the first member a preselected distance, and is positionable against a surface of the other of such objects. Preferably, the first member is formed as a frame that is coupled to such instrument, and the second member is formed as an elongate positioning probe that is coupled to the frame. The device may also be formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe about an axis defined by the long axis of the probe.

Abstract: An adaptable tip sensor is useful for detecting the angular tipping of an object relative to a selected frame of reference. The sensor comprises a case that defines a two dimensional straight sided V-groove in which a disk can roll. A sensing device detects the presence or absence of the disk within the apex of the V-groove. As long as the object does not tip to a predetermined angle, the disk remains in the V-groove apex, and the sensing device produces a first signal. If the object tips to the predetermined angle, the disk rolls out of the V-groove apex, and the sensing device produces a different signal. Fluid in the case damps spurious vibrations. A labyrinth and air bubble in the case enhance desired rolling of the disk when the predetermined tipping has occurred.

Abstract: In a projected light plumb device which is buoyantly supported within a fluid-filled container on a float platform which is horizontally supported by the fluid, an improvement wherein the float platform is inclined upwardly from its outer diameter to its inner diameter on its lower surface which rests in the fluid to allow any developed air bubbles on the lower surface of the float platform to escape. Improvements also include a locator plate to align the container. The locator plant has apertures to view and align a locator mark on the surface on which the device is placed with indicia on the locator plate.

Abstract: An inclinometer which is compatible for use with night vision equipment on aircraft and other vehicles. The inclinometer includes a white zirconia sphere movable within a damping liquid of a liquid capsule.

Abstract: A slope/level indicating apparatus for determining the degree of slope or grade being created by a machine, such as a grader. The apparatus comprises a slope indicator unit which transmits slope information through a cable to a digital display which can be viewed by an operator. The slope indicating unit comprises one or more tubular chambers, each of which has a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section, and each of which includes a disk that can move freely within the tubular chamber. The tubular chamber is machined or molded with the longitudinal axis curved in an arc of one or more predetermined radii so that the disk moves within the tubular chamber according to the earth's gravitational force vector. A plurality of photodetectors are situated preferably evenly spaced behind the tubular chamber and are preferably placed such that they detect transitions of slope of the tubular chamber based on the position of the disk within the tubular chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical indicator unit for measurement comprising placing a float in a vessel filled with a liquid, supporting the vessel with an external supporting frame, securing a doughnut-like magnet integrally with the outside of the lower end portion of the float, connecting a vertical supporting rod to a hinge contact point at the lower end of the external supporting frame, securing a separate funnel-like doughnut magnet to the upper end head portion of the vertical supporting rod, reversely polarizing both the magnets for diamagnetically repulsively maintaining both the magnets from each other at a certain air space, inserting the head portion of the vertical supporting rod into the inner space of the upper vessel, and vertically maintaining the vertical supporting rod with respect to a predetermined position of the lower portion of the supporting frame by diamagnetism of the doughnut-like magnet of the float and the funnel-like magnet provided in the head portion of the vertical supporti

Abstract: A pendulum-type accelerometer for use on trucks, cranes, airplanes, and boats as a multipurpose sensor. A cylinder with a damping fluid includes four equally spaced coils in a base of the cylinder and a pendulum suspended from a top of the cylinder which swings over the coils. Coils connected to a signal processing system which provides an angular momentum and banking signal and an acceleration and deacceleration or grade indicator signal.

Abstract: A level sensing unit, designed to be incorporated in a carpenter's level, is relatively insensitive to the expansion and contraction of the buoyant fluid, independent of the specific gravity of the fluid, and virtually free of oscillations accompanying a change in liquid orientation. The device can be constructed inexpensively of commonly available materials. The device has a float with an electrically conducting plate bisecting the float between its ends and is pivotally mounted on pins protruding from walls of a sealed housing. Adjacent to the opposing surfaces of the plate are two electrically conducting strips. At level neither strip contacts the nearest surface of the plate, but when the unit is not at level one or the other strip makes physical and electrical contact.

Abstract: An inclination sensor, in particular for measuring an inclination of service lines and/or ram boring machines, comprising a pendulum arranged in a measuring cell and at least one displacement sensor measuring the deflection of the pendulum. The pendulum comprises a body moving on a circular arcuate path in the measuring cell, the length of the pendulum being the same as the radius of the path. In this way a pendulum length can be obtained that is larger than the diameter of the measuring cell so as to obtain a large deflection of the body for a given angle and thereby achieve high sensitivity and accuracy of measurement.

Abstract: A level for determining whether a surface is horizontal and which can also be used to determine the angular relationship between the surface or a line on the surface and the horizontal. The level utilizes a rotating pendulum designed with a pointer that indicates a direction representing the vertical. The pointer (or vertical indicator) is biased in this position by a weight (or alternatively a float) and it points to scale markings that calibrate the position of the rotating pendulum to correspondingly represents the angular deviation of the surface from the horizontal. The weight and the pointer are attached by a set screw which allows the weight to be pivoted with respect to the pointer so that the center of gravity of the rotating pendulum as a whole can be altered and the direction in which the pointer points can be adjusted for accuracy.

Abstract: A sonar system for a water craft including a transducer assembly mounted to the hull of the water craft, and a control circuit for applying signals to the transducer for forward transmission by the transducer and for sensing signals reflected from objects forwardly of the craft and for causing actuation of an alarm. The transducer assembly is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the hull such that during pitching motion of the craft, the signals transmitted by the transducer remain in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A level sensing unit, designed to be incorporated in a carpenter's level, is relatively insensitive to the expansion and contraction of the buoyant fluid, independent of the specific gravity of the fluid, and virtually free of oscillations accompanying a change in liquid orientation. The device can be constructed inexpensively of commonly available materials. The device has a cylindrical float mounted on a centrally positioned axle with a plate extending above the float surfaces and placed normal to the axle. The axle extends between the walls of a sealed housing, and adjacent to the edge of the plate are two electrically conducting strips. At level neither strip contacts the edge of the plate, but when the unit is not at level one or the other strip makes physical and electrical contact.

Abstract: A level for determining whether a surface is horizontal and which can also be used to determine the angular relationship between the surface or a line on the surface and the horizontal. The level utilizes a rotating pendulum designed with a pointer that indicates a direction representing the vertical. The pointer (or vertical indicator) is biased in this position by a weight (or alternatively a float) and it points to scale markings that calibrate the position of the rotating pendulum to correspondingly represent the angular deviation of the surface from the horizontal. The weight and the pointer are attached by a set screw which allows the weight to be pivoted with respect to the pointer so that the center of gravity of the rotating pendulum as a whole can be altered and the direction in which the pointer points can be adjusted for accuracy.

Abstract: An electronic level for determining the angular orientation of a structure, where the error angle between actual and desired angular orientation of the structure is indicated by a variable signal perceptible to the user.

Abstract: A high resolution, digital inclinometer having a full 360.degree. linear range with accuracy which is independent of the angle of inclination. The linearity of the inclinometer is essentially flat throughout its range and greatly exceeds analog equivalents. A mathematical model to predict resolution is presented which allows the designer to design the device to maximize resolution at transverse angles. The device can be used in a celestial navigational instrument by storing celestial navigation tables and providing clock and inclination angle information so that the device can be pointed at particular stars and a latitude and longitude calculated. The inclinometer is capable of minimizing effects of pressure and/or temperature which cause microbubbles to form within the supporting fluid.

Abstract: A magnetic angular position sensor having a ferrofluid filled spherical chamber in a cylindrical housing, within which floats a body comprising a buoyant core carrying a magnet which aligns itself and the body with the earth's magnetic field, and carrying an odd number of small permanent magnets. Hall effect devices are located in recesses in the ends of the housing. The housing also carries a calibration solenoid.

Abstract: An inclinometer for producing high resolution signals of inclination relative to various references and which is capable of displaying inclination angles in various modes. High resolution data signals are produced through the use of a digital encoding wheel which is suspended in equilibrium in a fluid to substantially eliminate frictional forces. A microprocessor, or state logic machine is used to analyze and process the data to provide various displays of inclination including an audible output.

Abstract: A level comprises a sealed casing which holds a liquid and has a flat bottom end. It also includes a light admissive top section, bearing a periodic grating of alternating transparent and opaque stripes. A float is in the liquid inside a compartment of the casing underneath the light admissive top section. The float is capable of changing its position inside the chamber so as to retain its position relative to the horizon when the chamber is filled, and a mirror on the top face of said float.

Abstract: A device for sensing angular deviation from the vertical. A housing forming a spherical chamber contains pendulous element comprising a circular plate immersed in a liquid having a low viscosity. The center of the plate is supported for rotational movement about two perpendicular axes of rotation by a pivot at the top of a normally vertical support rod aligned with the vertical axis of the chamber extending upwardly from the bottom of the chamber. The plate provides a couple with the liquid. Electrical pick-offs associated with the two axes of rotation provide an electrical signal proportional to the angular tilt of the circular plate about the two axes relative to the housing.

Abstract: A vertical indicating device is comprised of a compound pendulum immersed in a liquid and one or more paddles attached to the pendulum to couple its motion to the liquid. The effective length of the equivalent pendulum is much longer than the physical dimension of the device. The loading on the bearing is minimal, thus, achieving low friction and high accuracy.

Abstract: A verticality sensor comprises a casing within which is mounted a rotary pick-off device having a body attached to the casing and mounted on a shaft for relative rotational movement with respect thereto, such movement producing an output signal from the pick-off representative of the angular rotation of the casing with respect to the vertical, pendulum means mounted on the pick-off shaft for relative rotational movement with respect thereto, and inertia means fixed to the pick-off shaft and coupled to the pendulum means through a fluid, with which the casing is filled, and through spring means. The arrangement is such that when the pendulum is subjected to lateral accelerations and undergoes rotational movement relative to the pick-off, the spring means is torsioned and thereby attempts to transmit that rotational movement to the inertia member which the latter resists, whereby the effect of lateral acceleration is reduced.

Abstract: A dip angle data transmitter wherein a laminated pendulum, housed in a viscous fluid completely filling a casing, is arranged in the latter so that the distance between the surfaces of the pendulum's plates and the inner surface of the casing is found from the following formula: ##EQU1## WHEREIN .chi. IS THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE SURFACES OF THE PENDULUM PLATES AND THE INNER SURFACE OF THE CASING FOR THE GIVEN TWO POINTS;.nu. is the kinematic viscosity of the viscous fluid at a minimum working temperature;.omega. is the natural frequency of the transmitter oscillations; and g is the gravity acceleration.

Abstract: A support body is provided defining a first pair of sides, a circular recess in the body opening outwardly of the first pair of sides and a second pair of sides for abutting against a surface whose orientation relative to the horizontal is to be measured. A level element is adjustably, rotatably disposed in the recess and defines a hollow housing having opposite sides including at least one outer side facing outwardly of the recess. The opposite sides include central journal bearing structures and the opposite ends of a support shaft are journaled from the journal bearing structures. A weighted pendulum-type upstanding pointer arm has a midportion thereof supported from the shaft and includes an upper end indicator or portion swingable in close proximity to the inner surface of the outer periphery of the outer side of the housing, the outer periphery being constructed of transparent material and provided with peripherally spaced indicia.

Abstract: A grade level comprising a hollow, fluid-tight cylindrical housing having its central axis normally disposed in a horizontal attitude. The housing comprises an annular wall portion and spaced-apart end members mounted on opposite sides thereof. A horizontally disposed shaft is mounted in the housing and extends between the end members and has a float-weight mechanism operatively rotatively mounted thereon. The mechanism comprises a float portion which extends upwardly from the shaft and a counterbalacing weight which extends downwardly from the shaft. A pair of baffles are secured to the annular wall portion at opposite sides thereof and extend substantially horizontally inwardly therefrom towards the shaft. A fluid is provided within the housing to dampen the movement of the mechanism as the housing is moved to various attitudes. A ballast material is provided in the weight portion to cause the mechanism to normally be positioned in an upright positive relative to horizontal.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed which comprises a liquid filled casing and a float structure in the casing. The float or floats of the float structure are fully submerged and this structure is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The buoyancy force on the floats tends to return the float structure to a datum position and resist movement from that position. A gear system is provided for converting tilting movement of the casing with respect to the float structure into movement of a counterbalanced needle across a scale, the scale itself being mounted on the float structure. In a further disclosed form, the needle of a lower instrument has the casing of an upper, smaller but otherwise identical instrument secured thereto. In this form proximity sensors are used to detect movement of the needles with respect to the casings. Two floats are preferably employed, these being one to each lateral side of a mounting spindle of the float assembly and above a horizontal plane through the spindle.

Abstract: An angular positional sensor comprises a housing in which is mounted a rotary sensing device including a shaft which mounts a pendulum having relatively low inertia and a balanced member having relatively high inertia and rotatably mounted within the housing adjacent the pendulum member. At least the part of the housing containing the pendulum and the balanced member also contains a liquid to provide a viscous coupling between the pendulum and the balanced member. The arrangement is such, that in use, angular movement of the housing about the longitudinal axis of the shaft causes movement of the rotary sensing device relative to the shaft which is retained stationary by the pendulum which in turn is damped by the balanced member, to produce a signal representative of such angular movement from the rotary sensing device.

Abstract: A hydraulic controller is disclosed which includes a housing assembly hermetically enclosing a hydraulic fluid, conduits for transporting hydraulic fluid into and out of the housing assembly, a valve control assembly for regulating the hydraulic fluid in selected conduits and a float unit for activating the valve control assembly.