Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices related to target tracking by UAVs. The UAV may be configured to receive target information from a control terminal related to a target to be tracked by an imaging device coupled to the UAV. The target information may be used by the UAV to automatically track the target so as to maintain predetermined position and/or size of the target within one or more images captured by the imaging device. The control terminal may be configured to display images from the imaging device as well as allowing user input related to the target information.

Abstract: A slope sample value at a sample point on a target route and a distance sample value from a reference point on the target route to the sample point are calculated based on three-dimensional position data of the target route. Undetermined elements contained in a model formula for the approximation formula representing relation between the slope sample value and the distance sample value are determined using an error evaluation formula for the model formula. The error evaluation formula contains a slope error evaluation component for evaluating a slope error between the slope sample value and a slope model value that is calculated using the model formula, and an altitude error evaluation component for evaluating an altitude error between an altitude model value that is obtained through integration of the slope model value and an altitude value that is obtained from the three-dimensional position data.

Abstract: In a method for processing data of a route profile, which represent local physical roadway properties of a route segment, position information is determined, which is representative of a global position of the route segment. Route profile data are determined, which are representative of local physical roadway properties of the route segment. A spectral distribution is determined in dependence on the route profile data, with regard to a quantity that represents location information. The spectral distribution is associated with the position information.

Abstract: A plant trimming guide apparatus, including a plurality of guide blades made of a resilient material, and a flat collar having a length, a width, an attachment surface, and made of a resilient material. Each of the plurality of guide blades has a pivot end that is secured pivotably with a common securement pin, and an opposed based end, with the plurality of base ends attached to and extending from an attachment surface of the collar, in a series along the length between the first end and the second end of the collar. Securing the first and second ends of the collar into a formed ring with the attachment surface facing outwardly causes the guide blades to extend radially from the common pivot ends and bend semi-spherically to the base ends, forming a spherical trimming guide.

Abstract: The present invention defines a method of determining a vertical profile signal of a rail surface that includes, obtaining a vertical acceleration signal acc1, by measuring vertical acceleration of a bogie of a rail vehicle that runs on the rail surface; processing the vertical acceleration signal to obtain a vertical velocity signal; determining the vertical profile signal of the rail surface, by using the vertical acceleration signal and the vertical velocity signal as inputs to a simulation model of the bogie, the model having an unsprung mass connected to a sprung mass, the vertical acceleration signal acc1 represents the vertical acceleration of the unsprung mass; and measuring a linear velocity signal of the rail vehicle, the linear velocity signal is used in the step of determining to convert the vertical profile signal from the time domain to the distance domain.

Abstract: A plant trimming guide apparatus, including a plurality of guide blades made of a resilient material, and a flat collar having a length, a width, an attachment surface, and made of a resilient material. Each of the plurality of guide blades has a pivot end that is secured pivotably with a common securement pin, and an opposed based end, with the plurality of base ends attached to and extending from an attachment surface of the collar, in a series along the length between the first end and the second end of the collar. Securing the first and second ends of the collar into a formed ring with the attachment surface facing outwardly causes the guide blades to extend radially from the common pivot ends and bend semi-spherically to the base ends, forming a spherical trimming guide.

Abstract: An example trailer road grade estimating method includes calculating a road grade beneath a trailer vehicle based on a difference between a first estimated mass and a second estimated mass.

Abstract: In a method for detecting the road condition for a vehicle, the following steps are performed: a vehicle dynamics variable describing the dynamics of the motor vehicle is detected while the vehicle is driving; the vehicle dynamics variable is subjected to a frequency analysis; and a road condition variable describing the instantaneous roughness of the roadway surface is ascertained as a function of the frequency analysis of the vehicle dynamics variable.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring geologic strike and dip of a formation. The apparatus includes a support plate, a first rotation plate disposed on the support plate and parallel to the support plate, the first rotation plate being rotatable parallel to the support plate, a second rotation plate hinge-coupled to the first rotation plate, the second rotation plate being rotatable about a hinge shaft, a protractor configured to read an angle between the first rotation plate and the second rotation plate; and a measuring unit including a compass disposed on the second rotation plate.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for measuring the inclination of a roadway using highly precise digital inclinometer and a frame for holding and suspending the digital inclinometer over the width of a lane of traffic. The device and method require a single, and only a single, human operator. The device is lightweight and highly portable.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the angle of sloped ground includes a panel, having a transparent window located in it, which can be held by a user so that the sloped ground can be viewed through the window. The panel has a spatial reference associated with it which allows the panel to be oriented properly with respect to the horizontal or vertical. Inscribed on the window are a positioning indicia and a plurality of lines which radiate outwardly from the positioning indicia at specific angles with respect to the horizontal. In use the panel is held such that the positioning indicia is located on the slope. The user can then determine which one of the lines overlies the slope. The angle associated with that line is the angle of the slope.

Abstract: The application relates to indicating a grade for example in constructions applications using a laser beam. A laser beam is emitted from a laser unit to a desired direction having a grade angle with regard to a level angle. The level sensor is provided for adjusting the level angle and a grade sensor is provided for indicating a grade angle on the basis of the level angle from the level sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the grade/slope of the road upon which a vehicle is traveling and displaying said grade/slope through a visual display that is adjustable by the driver/operator of said vehicle to his/her convenient sight of vision; wherein such device can also be used by many industries, machineries, and engineering fields of many types; wherein such device does so by its internal parts which include shafts, gears, bushes, weights, a spring, brake shoes, cylinders, and other, all within a shell, with (or in some cases without) oil; wherein positive or negative accelerations will not affect the performance of said device. Said device is fixed in the said vehicle by either said operator or the manufacturer of said vehicle and said device will measure said grade/slope independent of any driving members or parts of said vehicle or other devices, power, sensors of any kind, and/or anything else outside of its shell.

Abstract: The removable grade pin system includes a base pin and a removable upper pin. The base pin is a rod that is driven into the ground within the concrete form, typically such that the head of the base pin is approximately two inches below the desired level of concrete. The upper pin is a rod with a hollow bore formed in its lower end having a diameter slightly larger than the head of the base pin so that the upper pin telescopes over the base pin. The upper pin has an annular plate or disc extending about its center or medial section to mark the desired level of the concrete. The upper end of the upper pin provides a handle to remove the upper pin when the desired level of concrete has been poured into the form. The position of the circular plate on the upper pin may be adjustable.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the angle of sloped ground includes a panel, having a transparent window located in it, which can be held by a user so that the sloped ground can be viewed through the window. The panel has a spatial reference associated with it which allows the panel to be oriented properly with respect to the horizontal or vertical. Inscribed on the window are a positioning indicia and a plurality of lines which radiate outwardly from the positioning indicia at specific angles with respect to the horizontal. In use the panel is held such that the positioning indicia is located on the slope. The user can then determine which one of the lines overlies the slope. The angle associated with that line is the angle of the slope.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the angle of sloped ground includes a panel, having a transparent window located in it, which can be held by a user so that the sloped ground can be viewed through the window. The panel has a spatial reference associated with it which allows the panel to be oriented properly with respect to the horizontal or vertical. Inscribed on the window are a positioning indicia and a plurality of lines which radiate outwardly from the positioning indicia at specific angles with respect to the horizontal. In use the panel is held such that the positioning indicia is located on the slope. The user can then determine which one of the lines overlies the slope. The angle associated with that line is the angle of the slope.

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: A bed-depth gauge consists of a guide member, a screed member, and means for assembling them for relative movement, for effective depth adjustment, in a vertical direction that is generally perpendicular to a bottom edge of the screed member. The guide member has a pair of arms that extend laterally, at different heights, which are used to engage and follow a fixed reference surface to thereby enable the bottom edge of the screed member to level and control the depth of both a base layer and also an overlying upper layer, comprising a bed prepared for installation of paving blocks and the like.

Abstract: A method of measuring rolling resistance of a machine is disclosed. The method may include determining a drive axle torque value of the machine and calculating a total effective grade value using the drive axle torque value. The method may further include determining at least one drivetrain efficiency loss factor value and calculating a total drivetrain efficiency loss value of the machine using the at least one drivetrain efficiency loss factor value. The method may also include determining position data of the machine and calculating an actual grade value based on the position data. The method may additionally include calculating a rolling resistance value of the machine by subtracting the actual grade value and the drivetrain efficiency loss value from the total effective grade value and outputting the rolling resistance value.

Abstract: A stencil assembly for marking paving required grade levels in a paving operation includes a front plate, a back plate and a support member, the support member being used to support the front and back plates on top of a curb. The front plate and the back respectively, carry finish grade level indicia, and sub par grade level indicia. The front and back plates can be relatively positioned one with respect to the other to present positioning of indicia at the levels where finish grade and sub par grade are to be located. The levels are marked on a side face of the curb so that sub par layer of, e.g., crushed stone can be applied up to the sub par grade level marking followed by applying the finish layer of, e.g., bituminous paving material up to the finish grade level, curb reveal at the outside face of the curb being a remaining distance between the finish grade level and the top of the curb.

Abstract: Vehicle Travel Grade Indicator (VTGI) is an instrument that is designed to measure and show the slope/grade of a road/terrain through a visible display of a vehicle to the driver of that vehicle.

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: In a sensing device for detecting the distance of a vehicle or work device from structures that can be sensed mechanically, in particular plant stands, plant rows, soil structures, ploughing furrows or the like, with a rod-shaped, resilient sensing feeler which has a freely movable sensing end and at a distance therefrom is fixed rigidly to a housing, and an electrical measuring system which detects a change in location of the sensing end in respect of the holder and generates a measuring signal dependent on the change in location, the sensing feeler has at a distance from its fixing location a permanent magnet whose magnetic field is detected by a field-sensitive sensor with a fixed location in respect of the fixing location of the sensing feeler, which sensor generates an electrical signal dependent on the distance between the permanent magnet and the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a geoscientific observation technology, especially relates to a ground surface tiltmeter by using microscope for micro measuring. In order to solve the problems such as low reading accuracy and enormous error of the traditional ground surface tiltmeter, the invention provides a ground surface tiltmeter by using microscope for micro measuring, comprising a main body of the ground surface tiltmeter and a micro-measuring device, the main body of the ground surface tiltmeter is a vertical pendulum ground surface tiltmeter or a horizontal pendulum ground surface tiltmeter, the micro measuring device comprises an optical microscope, the focus of objective lens of said microscope is coincident to the reading point of the ground surface tiltmeter. The invention adopts optical microscope to amplify the ground gradient of the ground surface tiltmeter, ensures high measuring accuracy of the ground surface tiltmeter, and also makes the assembly simple, and the production cost reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slope measuring device for measuring the underlying sloped surface the device including a substantially planar surface having at least one circular opening with a graduated scale received within the circular opening, a pendulum placed between two spaced apart panels, one of which optionally including the scale. The pendulum generally includes a shaft extending laterally between the spaced panels with a pair of spacers received by the shaft at the shaft midsection with a wire extending downwardly from the shaft between the spacers and terminating at a weighted member having a pointed marker with pointed end, the pointed marker being generally adapted for placement along the graduated scale, the pointed end being associated with the measuring indicia for measuring the slope of the underlying sloped surface.

Abstract: A device for setting and leveling tile is provided that comprises an elongated straight edge. The straight edge includes a horizontal tile support flange and a vertical flange. A support leg is adjustably attached to the vertical flange adjacent each end of the straight edge and a bubble level is centered on the vertical flange between the support legs. The thickness of the horizontal support flange is sized so that after all the courses of tile are laid and the straight edge is removed, only a layer of grout is required to complete the installation. If the floor is not level, the support legs are adjusted to center the bubble in the level prior to laying the tiles. When leveling tile around a bathtub, an adjustable brace is affixed onto each of the support legs. Each brace includes and adjustment slot therethrough and a rubber boot secured on one end for engaging the bottom of the tub for supporting the straight edge on the edge of the tub.

Abstract: A movable platform is provided for use with a surface profiling system. The platform eliminates all errors associated with wheel inconsistencies. A frame is supported above a surface by, among other supports, three supports arranged in a linear alignment that defines a direction of travel for the frame. The three supports are defined by a front support, a rear support and a center support centered between the front support and rear support. The center support is a floating support capable of substantially vertical movement. At least two of the front support, rear support and center support are wheels configured to roll in the direction of travel defined by the three supports that are linearly aligned. These wheels are coupled to one another for synchronizing rolling movement thereof on the surface.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional Measuring Wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two direction sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements to allow the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements.

Abstract: A conduit bending guide, where in a preferred embodiment, the guide has a base a member with a first base section and a second base section with means for repositioning of the two base sections with respect to each other, a fastening member for securing of the guide to a conduit, a suspension mount housing an angle indicator, and a bend angle indicator. The angle indicator could have various degrees of freedom of rotation in space as it is supported by a suspension means of the suspension mount. The guide allows making of consecutive co-planar bends in a conduit by observation of the reading on the angle indicator. By observing the angle indicator, it is also possible to make consecutive out-of-plane bends with a desired angle of deviation from the plane established by any one bend in the conduit. The degree of a bend along the longitudinal axis of the conduit is measured by the bend angle indicator or by realignment of the angle indicator.

Abstract: A plant trimming guide apparatus for creating a pattern from which brushes, shrubs, and trees can be neatly trimmed. The plant trimming guide apparatus includes a support assembly including a plurality of telescoping leg members; and also includes a trimmer guide assembly being mounted to the support assembly and including upper guide members being adapted to extend over a plant, and also including lower guide members being adapted to extend about a bottom portion of the plant.

Abstract: A measurement block 10 which moves longitudinally on a road surface includes disk-shaped first, second, and third rollers 11, 12, and 13 having the same outer diameter with a predetermined spacing set therebetween, a first coupling rod 14 which is mounted on rotary shafts of the first and second rollers in a revolving manner, a second coupling rod 15 which has the same length as the first coupling rod and which is mounted on rotary shafts of the second and third rollers in a revolving manner, a distance measurement device 16 which is mounted on the rotary shaft of the first or second roller, and a rotary encoder 18 which is mounted on the second coupling rod to detect an angle between the first and second coupling rods. Each time the measurement block moves by a length between the first and second coupling rods, the angle between the first and second coupling rods is detected by the angle detection means to thereby create a longitudinal profile based on the detected value.

Abstract: A leveling assembly for setting a vertical prop is comprised of an inclined surface setting member 20 and a horizontal surface forming member 30. The horizontal surface forming member 30 has a horizontal surface 32 to be adjusted to a horizontal position and an opposite first adjusting surface 31 that is not parallel to horizontal surface 32. The inclined surface setting member 20 has a setting surface 21 facing a slope inclined surface 11 and an opposite second adjusting surface 22 facing the first adjusting surface 31 which is not parallel to the setting surface 21. The horizontal surface forming member 30 and the inclined surface setting member 20 are placed on top or each other, and the horizontal surface 32 is adjusted to the horizontal position relative to the slope inclined surface 11 by rotating the members relative to each other to change the degree angle between the horizontal surface 32 and the setting surface 21.

Abstract: A longitudinal profile measuring apparatus including a relative distance meter located on a frame supported by more than two wheels in a row in a direction of a measuring line for measuring relative distance to a target surface, a moving distance meter for measuring moving distance of movement along the measuring line on the target surface, and a data processing unit for finding spatial data, which shows a rough profile of the target surface, along the measuring line from the relative distance measured by the relative distance meter.

Abstract: A measurement block 10 which moves longitudinally on a road surface includes disk-shaped first, second, and third rollers 11, 12, and 13 having the same outer diameter with a predetermined spacing set therebetween, a first coupling rod 14 which is mounted on rotary shafts of the first and second rollers in a revolving manner, a second coupling rod 15 which has the same length as the first coupling rod and which is mounted on rotary shafts of the second and third rollers in a revolving manner, a distance measurement device 16 which is mounted on the rotary shaft of the first or second roller, and a rotary encoder 18 which is mounted on the second coupling rod to detect an angle between the first and second coupling rods. Each time the measurement block moves by a length between the first and second coupling rods, the angle between the first and second coupling rods is detected by the angle detection means to thereby create a longitudinal,profile based on the detected value.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional measuring wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two robust attitude sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements such as the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements and other uses.

Abstract: The present invention includes tree crown volume measuring devices and measuring systems useful in determining the necessary amount of growth regulator product to be applied to trees near power lines. The present invention also includes measuring methods and processes using the devices of the present invention.

Abstract: A running type road surface shape measuring apparatus for measuring the unevenness and grade of road surface in the longitudinal and transverse directions during running of vehicle comprises a vehicle body (1), on which two running wheels (3, 5) and one measuring wheel (6) are supported rotatably in series, said measuring wheels (6) is located movably in the upward and downward direction between said two running wheels (3, 5), and an ancillary wheel (8) is rotatably mounted on said body (1) in parallel to said measuring wheel (6). The measuring wheel (6) is provided with a displacement measuring sensor (13) for measuring a displacement in upward and downward directions of said measuring wheel (6) and a distance measuring encoder (16) for measuring a moving distance of said measuring wheel (6), and said vehicle body (1) is provided with an angle measuring sensor (19) for measuring a grade of road surface.

Abstract: The method of reconstituting the profile of a pavement (3) consists in:

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional measuring wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two robust attitude sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements such as the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements and other uses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an offset level for translating a particular grade location and line location from a reference point. The offset level includes a ruler for measuring vertical height from the reference point and a housing selectively slibable on the ruler for positioning the housing at the specific vertical height from the reference point. The offset level further includes a pointer extending outwardly from the housing for translating the desired vertical measurement to an offset location. The pointer also includes a ruler component to permit a horizontal distance to be measured from the reference point to establish a line. The offset level further includes a leveling device to insure the horizontal alignment of the pointer during the line and grade designations.

Abstract: A tile laying gauge and leveling assembly for preparing a recipient surface for the laying of tiles and for properly positioning the tiles on the recipient surface includes a plurality of elongated side members and a leveling assembly. Each of the side members has a first flange and a second flange whereby each side member has a generally L-shaped cross section. The leveling assembly has a substantially planar central panel and extension arms. The extension arms extend outward from opposite sides of the central panel and are designed to rest on the second flanges of the side members when the side members are positioned generally parallel with respect to each other. The central panel has a first longitudinal side that has a straight edge for determining if a plurality of tile has been properly positioned. In addition, the central panel has a second longitudinal side that has a plurality of notches designed for facilitating preparation of a recipient surface and for properly positioning tile.

Abstract: A running type road surface shape measuring apparatus for measuring the unevenness and grade of road surface in the longitudinal and transverse directions during running of vehicle comprises a vehicle body (1), on which two running wheels (3, 5) and one measuring wheel (6) are supported rotatably in series, said measuring wheels (6) is located movably in the upward and downward direction between said two running wheels (3, 5), and an ancillary wheel (8) is rotatably mounted on said body (1) in parallel to said measuring wheel (6). The measuring wheel (6) is provided with a displacement measuring sensor (13) for measuring a displacement in upward and downward directions of said measuring wheel (6) and a distance measuring encoder (16) for measuring a moving distance of said measuring wheel (6), and said vehicle body (1) is provided with an angle measuring sensor (19) for measuring a grade of road surface.

Abstract: A longitudinal profile measuring apparatus including a relative distance meter located on a frame supported by more than two wheels in a row in a direction of a measuring line for measuring relative distance to a target surface, a moving distance meter for measuring moving distance of movement along the measuring line on the target surface, and a data processing unit for finding spatial data, which shows a rough profile of the target surface, along the measuring line from the relative distance measured by the relative distance meter.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring two parallel spaced surface profiles is disclosed. The apparatus disclosed has dual laterally spaced beams linked to a transport device shown as a trailer that is towable by a motor vehicle. Each beam has a profiling wheel that measures road surface deviations and transmits the resulting measurements to a recording device. The beams are foldable and stowable on the trailer for transport of the apparatus between measuring sites.

Abstract: Equipment for non-contact measurement of the deflection of a road (2) comprises a self-propelled vehicle with a load (7) which influences at least one wheel (4), the speed of which is measured in the direction of travel. The equipment further comprises a laser device (8) from which at least one electromagnetic beam (9) is directed towards the rodway in the vicinity of the vehicle, and the Doppler frequency change in the reflection (9) is detected. An electronic circuit (10) continuously registers the results of the measurements and herewith the deflection at normal traveling speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for comparing compliance of a grade to a predetermined slope includes a block and a level. The block has at least one notch positioned at a distance from a first end of the block such that when the method of this invention is practiced, a level indicator will indicate whether a grade on which the apparatus is resting matches a predetermined grade. A method of this invention includes the steps of inserting an arm of predetermined length into the notch and placing the joined block and arm on a grade. A level is placed at the arm to thereby compare compliance of the grade to a predetermine slope.

Abstract: A profilometer having a beam placement system which includes a beam pivotally connected to a front and a rear foot member. The foot members are spaced along the length of the beam and are arranged to be positioned on a section of pavement. The beam placement system also includes a system for repositioning the front and rear foot members so that, upon forward movement of the profilometer along the pavement whose profile is to be measured, the rear foot member is positioned on the section of pavement previously occupied by the front foot member. The beam placement system additionally includes an apparatus for measuring the slope of the beam between the front and rear foot members.

Abstract: This invention is a method for remotely obtaining roadway crown point elevation and horizontal location based on projecting a horizontal laser beam configured vertically in either a continuous or discrete manner across the roadway surface at a predetermined elevation substantially coincident with the crown point of the roadway. The highest elevation of the roadway partially occludes the vertically configured laser beam. The lowest elevation of the laser beam which contacts an array of vertically configured laser receivers positioned on the opposite side of the roadway is by necessity the highest elevation of the roadway crown. By using an optical detector at a known vertical offset from the laser beam emitter, the angle and hence the distance can be determined to the furthest laser impact with the roadway. This distance information can be combined with the known line between the laser emitter and laser receivers to resolve the horizontal coordinates of that point.

Abstract: A light weight, bi-directional, computerized profilograph is disclosed. The bi-directional profilograph includes an odometer for measuring the horizontal movement of the profilograph in either a first direction or a second direction, and a road surface measuring device for measuring a road surface profile while the profilograph is traveling in either the first direction or the second direction. A computation device is also included for plotting the profile of the road surface versus the horizontal movement of the profilograph while the profilograph is traveling in either the first direction or the second direction.

Abstract: This invention is a method for remotely obtaining roadway crown point elevation and horizontal location based on projecting a horizontal laser beam configured vertically in either a continuous or discrete manner across the roadway surface at a predetermined elevation substantially coincident with the crown point of the roadway. The highest elevation of the roadway partially occludes the vertically configured laser beam. The lowest elevation of the laser beam which contacts an array of vertically configured laser receivers positioned on the opposite side of the roadway is by necessity the elevation of the roadway crown. By using an optical detector at a known vertical offset from the laser beam emitter, the angle and hence the distance can be determined to the furthest laser impact with the roadway. This distance information can be combined with the known line between the laser emitter and laser receivers to resolve the horizontal coordinates of that point.