Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting loads support from a crane to eliminate swaying of the load includes providing the crane with a laser source on either side of the crane. The center of gravity of the load is marked on the load and the boom is positioned such that the laser lights projection on the ground or on surface of the load and the center of gravity of the load are aligned in a straight line.

Abstract: An inclinometer for measuring a change in the inclination of a structure from a given initial position. The inclinometer comprises a frame, a pendulum and at least three distance-measuring device. The frame is rigidly connected to the structure such that the inclination of the frame has the same changes in inclination as the structure. The pendulum is freely suspended from the frame and comprises a first end attached to the frame and a freely moving opposite end. The distance-measuring devices at the frame have respective coplanar measuring axes converging at a single point. Each measuring device measures a change in the distance separating same from the pendulum.

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

Abstract: A level measuring device for measuring the level of a surface includes a support, a first pivot shaft, a second pivot shaft, a pendulum, a first rotation sensor, a second rotation sensor and a computing module. The support includes a bottom surface which is configured for contacting the surface. The first pivot shaft is rotatably supported by the support. The second pivot shaft is rotatably linked to the first pivot shaft and perpendicular to each other. The pendulum is suspended from the second pivot shaft. The first rotation sensor and the second rotation sensor are configured for sensing rotated angle and direction of the first pivot shaft and the second pivot shaft, caused by the displacement of the pendulum. The computing module is configured for calculating the level of the surface using the rotated angle and direction.

Abstract: A magnetically damped fork level indicating device comprises a housing having a gauge section; an elongate indicator arm pivotally coupled to the housing, the arm having first and second sections disposed on opposite sides of the axis; a weight coupled to the indicator arm so as to cause the first section to assume a predetermined orientation with respect to level ground; wherein the indicator arm at least partially overlies the gauge section and wherein the relative position of the indicator arm and the gauge section indicate the relative angular relationship between the orientation of the forks and level ground; a dampening means comprising a first magnet associated with the arm and moveable therewith and a second magnet associated with the housing and spaced from the first magnet, the second magnet magnetically coupled to the first magnet so as to dampen oscillations of the arm.

Abstract: A hand-held system for determining the slope of an element having an irregular surface, such as a shingled roof, or along a surface that is partially obscured by adjacent elements. The system comprises an inclinometer having a double indicator to provide two simultaneous readings of slope.

Abstract: Inclination measurement apparatus includes an indexable clinometer bearing turntable rotatable in a single plane between a pair of precisely reproducible diametrically opposite orientations with respect to the desired measurement axis for respectively issuing inclination measurements V0 and V180 responsive to the inclination of a surface with respect to a desired measurement axis, and a reference clinometer for enabling uninterrupted accurate bias corrected inclination measurements of the inclination of the surface with respect to the desired measurement axis by virtue of its inclination measurements being employed for calculating bias corrected inclination measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leveling at least one output light beam in a construction tool. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a laser optical assembly for producing output light beams that define plumb, level, and right angle beams for use in construction applications. The optical assembly is mounted on an optical platform which permits tilting about “slip-stick” joints that define two perpendicular axes of rotation. Such joints allow the optical platform to change its angle of tilt in response to an applied torque and to maintain the changed angle of tilt until further torque is applied. Also, the “slip-stick” mechanism prevents substantial movement or oscillation of the optical platform in the absence of the applied torque. The embodiment further includes a sensor element for determining whether the output beams are level.

Abstract: Inclination measurement apparatus for measuring the inclination of a surface to the horizontal. The apparatus includes (a) a base plate for mounting the apparatus on the surface; (b) a ball bearing with i) a housing washer rigidly mounted on the base plate, and having a flat upper bearing surface, ii) a ball and cage thrust assembly set on the upper bearing surface, and iii) a shaft washer having a flat lower bearing surface set on the ball and cage thrust assembly, and being rotatable thereon between a first pair of diametrically opposite orientations defining a first measurement axis on the horizontal to the local gravity vector prevailing at the location of the apparatus; and (c) a first clinometer mounted on the shaft washer for obtaining an inclination measurement in each of the first pair of diametrically opposite orientations whereby the true inclination of the surface to the horizontal along the first measurement axis is determinable from the difference between the pair of measurement inclinations.

Abstract: There is provided a laser line beam emitting apparatus with high durability. The apparatus according to the present invention has avoidance of deformed or damaged shafts by construction where possible free maintenance of the balance of the pendulum being locked against the swings prevents production of applied unnatural force to the shaft. It includes a pendulum 60 having a laser beam source unit assembled thereinto, gimbals mechanism having the pendulum 60 hung therefrom, a stopper 70 having a function of stop of swings of the pendulum 60, and a pressure member 75 to press the pendulum against the stopper for stop of swings of the pendulum 60. The gimbals mechanism comprises a plurality of links 53, 55, 57, which are linked in series through combination of a plurality of horizontal shafts 52, 54 disposed in a parallel arrangement with each other and a plurality of horizontal shaft 56, 58, which is at the right angle to the horizontal shafts 52, 54.

Abstract: A projection apparatus for projecting the axis of a plumbing fixture or an existing opening in a construction member onto a remote member, for locating an opening to be made in the remote member, has a body having at least a first cylindrical portion with a first diameter ending in a shoulder, the first cylindrical portion having an axis, and a laser pointer constrained in a cavity of the body such that the laser, when activated, projects along the axis. The apparatus is useful for projecting a center point from a plumbing fixture onto a remote member, such as for vent installation, and for aligning openings in construction members for pipes and other conduits. In an alternative embodiment the projection apparatus has a vertical-seeking element associated with the laser pointer, so a vertical line may be determined for an upward-facing open pipe that does not point perfectly vertical, but faces generally upward.

Abstract: A gimballed compass apparatus with digital logic is disclosed which provides directional and attitudinal data. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted slotted disk wherein the slot is continuously varying in width around the circumference of the disk. The disk incorporates an elongated magnet which cause it to rotate in relation to an external magnetic field. A first and second aperture are located on the top and bottom elements of the chamber defining a light passage. The apertures have a rectangular length approximately the maximum width of the slot. The slotted disk is positioned intermediate the apertures. A light housing is provided below the chamber and includes a light source. A linear array of source detector are provided above the chamber. Each source detector element provides a response proportional to the specific amount of light incident upon it. The light beam is reflected from the aperture by a mirror to a beam focusing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a scientific or measuring instrument or the like in a level horizontal plane. The apparatus comprises an inclinometer comprising a support housing and a plumb member freely suspended within the support housing. The plumb member has an exterior surface provided with first sensing means and the support housing has an interior surface provided with second sensing means cooperative with the first sensing means in determining simply variation of the support housing from an exact upright position. Automatic adjustment means are also provided which are responsive to the first and second sensing means for adjusting the support housing to maintain an upright positioning of the support housing and the instrument attached thereto.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for accurately and precisely locating specific points on ceilings or, alternatively, on the the same horizontal plane. A light emitting means, a pendulum, a support, and two cylindrical rods act in concert to provide a light beam that is always plumb or always horizontally level.

Abstract: A three-dimensional homologous surveying instrument includes a base with a spherical cover mounted thereon for receiving therein a shell holder, an intermediate spherical shell and an inner spherical shell with respective zero references set in a homologous relationship with each other. The inner spherical shell rotates within the intermediate spherical shell on a first axis serving as a dynamic X-axis. The intermediate spherical shell rotates in the shell holder on a second axis perpendicularly intersecting the first axis and thus serves as a dynamic Y-axis. The cover is positioned in the base to serve as the Z-axis. Longitudinal and latitudinal scaling on the cover matches longitudinal and latitudinal scaling on the intermediate and inner shells, resulting in a three-dimensional, completely homologous surveying instrument.

Abstract: A device (10) for facilitating use of the shaft (28) of a golf club (30) for plumbing is disclosed. The device comprises two concentric members (12, 16), one freely movable inside the other, with the inner member (16) seated about the shaft (28) of the club (30). Plumbing is achieved by gripping the outer member (12) between two or more fingers, whereupon the free movement of the inner member (16) relative to the outer member (12) permits the club (30) to assume a truly vertical orientation with the head (44) of the club (30) serving as a plumb weight. The shaft (28) may then be used to judge the relief of the putting surface in the usual manner, but with the assurance that the club (30) is in a true vertical orientation.

Abstract: A self-erecting tiltmeter includes a vertical seeking assembly suspended on a gimbals within a housing which contains a viscous fluid. Portions of the assembly outer surface spherically match corresponding portions the housing inner surface, leaving a gap or gaps across which the fluid may transfer tilts to the vertical seeking assembly. Different portions may have different radii or curvature. The fluid is sufficiently dense as to reduce the weight of the assembly on the gimbals. The vertical seeking assembly includes a conductivity difference bubble sensor assembly, signals from which are transmitted to the exterior of the housing through wires which pass through the pivots of the gimbals. An annulus of closed cell neoprene accommodates thermal expansion of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inclinometer comprising a supporting housing and a plumb member suspended within that supporting housing. The plumb member is provided on its exterior surface with a sensor, while the supporting housing is provided on its interior surface with a sensor co-operative with the sensor on the plumb member for determining exact upright positioning of the supporting housing. The inclinometer, as arranged above, is useable in many different apparatus, including an apparatus for maintaining a scientific and measuring instrument on a level plane.

Abstract: A vertical shaft system for gyroscopic theodolites with two degrees of freedom for ensuring the vertical alignment of the azimuth determining pendulum system in the apparatus, wherein perforated stones are arranged in two axial points on the housing and on the azimuth determining pendulum system of the apparatus, and wires clamped on both ends are threaded through the perforated stones and tensioned by tensioning elements, furthermore perforated guiding stones are formed for alignment of the tensioned wires, and surfaces of rotation are formed in the vicinity of the axial points between the housing and azimuth determining pendulum system with an air gap about the wires.

Abstract: A viscous dampened sensitive pendulum carries a generally upwardly directed light source for indicating the gravity vertical. The sensitive pendulum is carried for two degrees of pivotal freedom by flexural pivots which are biased for operation at an error free or hysteresis free zero spring rate for small pivotal deflections. A drive pendulum coupled through the flexural pivots to the sensitive pendulum maintains a small pivotal deflection so that error free, zero spring rate, operation is achieved.

Abstract: A drill core inclinometer is releasably mountable in a core barrel and includes a device for measuring the vertical and transverse inclination of the drill core before the core is detached from the matrix. The device, once it has effected the measurements, is arrested so that the measurements are retained and remain unaffected while the core is brought to the surface.

Abstract: A device for setting the direction and/or inclination of an elongated rock drilling apparatus. The actual value of the direction in each of two perpendicular planes is sensed by a rotatable screen having a pattern of parallel opaque lines separated by interspaces. Corresponding set values are set by prepositioning a carrying member on which a second screen is mounted which also has a pattern of lines and interspaces. The elongated rock drilling apparatus and the carrying member are moved in common until the line patterns on the screens form a desired moire pattern.

Abstract: A directing instrument for control of the inclination of the drill post of a drilling apparatus comprising means for sensing the inclination of the post in two directions at right angles to one another. Said means being supported by a holder arranged to be mounted rotatably on said post and so that the axis of rotation of said holder can be set relative to the post dependent on the type of operation to be carried out.