Abstract: An apparatus for continuously and automatically measuring deformation and warp of a shaped electrode plate for electrolysis before the electrode plate includes means for lifting shaped electrode plates 1 hanging from crossbars 2 one by one to a predetermined measurement position by a suspending apparatus having a hanger mechanism and adjusting it about a measurement vertical plane position; for so freely suspending the electrode plate 1 vertically about the underside of a crossbar 2 that the electrode plate is not subject to deformation caused by the influence of its own weight or external forces; and a computing device 23 for continuously scanning the flatness of the electrode plate 1 by a moving mechanism which moves sensors 11a, 11b which measure distances between the electrode plate 1 and planes parallel to and facing the front and rear sides of the electrode plate 1 respectively without making contact with the electrode plate horizontally and vertically over those planes and A/D converting and analyzing

Abstract: The invention is a non-contact precision measurement system and a method of measuring using the system. The surface contour of an object is measured,utilizing non-contact components, such as lasers. A measurement unit traverses a linear positioner which is parallel to the object to be measured. Then deviations are measured from a baseline reference to determine any deviations in the positioner. The measurement unit also measures the distance between the positioner and the object to produce a distance profile which is adjusted in accordance with the deviations to determine a true surface profile. This system can also be used to measure both an upper and lower surface profile to determine a thickness or to align a plurality of objects in parallel.

Abstract: A laser gradient setting device, having such an arrangement that a reference laser beam with a gradient is emitted and a reference laser beam in vertical direction is emitted, whereby the laser gradient setting device can be easily positioned by the reference laser beam in vertical direction by a single worker.

Abstract: A support for a laser beam generator in a carpenter's level is positioned on the level so that the laser beam generated will lie in the plane of a flat reference surface of the level. A battery or other power supply is housed in the carpenter's level together with circuitry to connect the power supply to the laser beam generator and preferably a switch allowing the generator to be turned off and on. Gauges may be employed in the level for vertical, as well as horizontal, orientation to the reference surface and, if desired, a gauge enabling the reference surface to be repeatedly placed at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal may be included. Such a gauge may be a commercial gauge such as an inclinometer. Preferably, however, a conventional gauge employing an arcuate tube filled with liquid having a bubble in it which seeks the highest level of the tube with calibration marks for accurately positioning the bubble.

Abstract: A compact, low-cost, hand-held builder's tool for use in defining reference lines perpendicular and parallel to a specified surface. The tool comprises a housing that is generally small enough to fit conveniently in the user's hand and that includes a battery-powered laser for projecting a visible laser beam through an exit window in the housing over an extended range. An on-board alignment mechanism is provided within the housing for adjusting and setting the alignment of the laser beam in fixed disposition for establishing an accurate reference line. The housing has two generally parallel broad faces joined by a plurality of connecting faces extending substantially perpendicular to the broad faces. One of the broad faces and two of the perpendicular connecting faces taken together define three reference planes that are mutually perpendicular to one another within a margin sufficiently small that the tool has an accuracy suitable for use over an extended range of at least about 20 ft (about 6.1 m).

Abstract: An alignment fixture and method including a support base, mounting brackets for supporting a part in a fixed position on the base, first and second laser transmitters mounted on the base and oriented in a fixed position relative to the part for projecting laser beams defining intersecting registration lines on the part.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing plumb and level functions includes a base unit that can be leveled in a horizontal plane. A detachable socket with a bearing surface rotates about a complementary bearing mechanism on the base unit about an axis of rotation that is vertical when the base unit is horizontal. The cavity carries a rotatable body that carries a battery-operated laser light-emitting diode for projecting a beam along a projection axis that is a radius from the center of the rotatable body. The rotatable body can move between vertical and horizontal positions to define a vertical extension of the axis of rotation to perform a plumb function or to a horizontal position to move the projected light beam in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A laser beam device to perform sightings and tracings which makes use of a calibrated tube inside which resides a laser emitting component of which the optical emitting axis coincides with the mechanical axis of the tube, a mirror securely mounted at the end of the tube and set at a 45.degree. angle from the incident laser beam, an end piece mounted and rotating on the end of the tube which includes a number of ports which can be brought to be coaxially centered in the reflected beam by simply rotating the end piece and a number of optical systems respectively mounted in the ports. The device provides flexibility without requiring additional set-up.

Abstract: A level tool with laser light alignment capabilities including a straight rigid first rail having a leveling vial coupled thereto; a laser light source coupled to the first rail and with the laser light source transmitting a laser beam that is longitudinally aligned with the first rail to a remote location for use in alignment operations; and an electrical power supply coupled to the first rail for providing electrical energy to the laser light source for operation.

Abstract: This invention provides a laser beam transmitting apparatus which can make the levelling work unnecessary to thereby mitigate the burden of an operator and improve work efficiency. The apparatus is provided with a base, a beam transmitter for supplying a beam of light, a housing, for holding the beam transmitter, and a levelling mechanism provided between the housing and the base, the housing being oscillatably supported on the base, and the center of oscillatory movement thereof lying above the centroid of the housing. Thus, there is achieved double bearing combined with a precise levelling mechanism, provided between the beam transmitter and the housing.

Abstract: Scalable measuring apparatus for use by an operator with a laser beam from a laser-level transmitter comprising a vertically disposed grade pole having lower and upper extremities. A laser-level receiver is provided for detecting the laser level beam. A controller is mounted on the grade pole and carryies the laser-level receiver. At least a portion of the controller is being capable of ascending and descending the grade pole. An indicator is electrically coupled to the laser-level receiver for giving a response perceptible to the operator when the laser beam is detected by the laser-level receiver. The controller has a brake for retaining the controller at a predetermined elevation with respect to said grade pole. The controller is capable of ascending and descending the grade pole which is free of markings.

Abstract: An optical levelling, plumbing and angle-calibrating instrument includes: a frame; a plumb body universally pendulously mounted on the frame and defining a vertical plumb line gravitationally; at least an illuminator electrically connected to a power supply and mounted on the plumb body for emitting laser light; and at least a cylindrical-surfaced lens mounted on the plumb body in front of the illuminator for planarly diverging the laser light as emitted from the illuminator through the lens to form a laser light plane transverse to a lens axis of the cylindrical-surfaced lens, whereby the laser light plane will projectively intersect an objective wall to form a straight line of optical image, serving as a reference line for levelling or plumbing use.

Abstract: A self leveling laser plumb assembly having a battery powered laser unit, a laser unit mounting support, and at least three support legs secured to the bottom of a gimbal ring assembly. The top end of the laser unit mounting support removably receives the laser beam unit. The laser unit mounting support vertically aligns itself by gravity. This allows a beam of light from the laser unit to be directed upwardly to a surface where a predetermined spot can be marked.

Abstract: An apparatus for projecting a laser beam at an angle to an axis and sweeping the laser beam around the axis around a conical surface having a selected slope is described. The apparatus may be used to aid in the alignment of structures having conical surfaces. The apparatus projects a laser beam along an axis onto a rotating deflection assembly. The deflection assembly contains two mirrors which are optically equivalent to the reflective faces of a pentaprism. Consequently, the angle of the deflected beam is relatively insensitive to vibrations of the deflection assembly. The angle of the deflected beam may be varied by tilting the two mirrors. The alignment of the mirrors is maintained as the mirrors are tilted by a linkage which includes a roller mounted to one of the mirrors which rides on a cam surface coupled to the other mirror. The adjustable mirror-alignment linkage may be used in other optical equipment.

Abstract: A device for leveling and squaring which includes a level body having a spirit vial or electronic inclinometer, wherein a battery powered laser module assembly is rotatably mounted in one end of the level body for emitting a visible laser beam therefrom. The level body contains a transparent window which allows the laser beam to exit therefrom. Further, the level body has a groove parallel the longitudinal axis thereof to provide a horizontal (0.degree.) reference line. Wherefore, the laser beam establishes a precise line, which is variably adjustable from horizontal (0.degree.) to 90.degree. thereto, for alignment and squaring uses. Magnetic strips are used for attaching the level body to ferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone.

Abstract: A self-leveling plumb, level and pointing tool uses a visible laser diode to project light beams in two modes through two windows. Accurate, low cost structures for generating level and plumb beams and planes of light are disclosed. In principal embodiments, all leveling is accomplished using a very flexible coil spring as a pendulum element, a chain link connection in combination with such a spring, or a point contact suspension. Several accessories are disclosed for use with the laser tool, as well as other embodiments.

Abstract: A device for performing levelling and transit functions is disclosed herein having an elongated member with parallel spaced-apart top and bottom flat surfaces separated by a thickened web. The web includes several cutouts exposing bubble indicators arranged in a variety of orientations and includes a rotary module at one end movably mounting a laser beam generator. The module has a passageway conducting a laser beam to a selected one of several slots or passageways provided in the end of the member in response to manual rotation of the module by the user whereby the beam exits the device in a linear path. The web includes a housing adjacent to the module enclosing electrical circuits, battery power supply and button controls for operation of the laser. A pivoting panel is coextensive with the top flat surface in a stored position while pivotal to a position normal to the top flat surface when used as a corner square.

Abstract: A laser beam plane generator is provided and supported from a datum line vehicle body reference point measuring jig for generating either a vertical longitudinal laser beam plane parallel to the vertical centerline plane of the vehicle body, a vertical transverse laser beam plane normal to the datum line, or a horizontal laser beam plane. A hand-held wand type probe is used in conjunction with either of these laser beam planes to check and/or verify the spacing of specific vehicle reference points relative to a selected laser beam plane.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for inspecting machine tie bars. The apparatus broadly comprises a laser emitter, a photocell target, a control unit, a computer, a display unit and precision adapters for mounting the emitter and target. The laser emitter is mounted on a fixed platen and oriented substantially square to a surface of the fixed platen. The target is mounted on the tie bar and intercepts a laser beam from the emitter to generate voltages which are processed in the control unit and computer. Angular and lateral deviations of the laser beam from a rotational axis of the target, which are indicative of tie bar straightness and squareness, are displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A laser and laser mount system for a vehicle measurement system wherein the laser is powered by a direct current source, such as a battery, and the laser is mounted on the same axis as its rotational pivot axis which provides for up to 360.degree. of rotation of the laser about such axis.

Abstract: A field portable site survey system includes a portable computer interfaced directly with a rangefinder of the type which needs no reflector, e.g. a rangefinder which receives a signal from a feature of a survey site by backscattering of an incident beam such as a laser beam. A computer program causes the computer to prompt an operator to use the range finder to take measurements appropriate for calculation of the volume of a survey site according to its shape or of its component shapes. The computer calculates the volume in realtime. If the density has been entered into the computer weight will also be calculated.

Abstract: An improved tribrach device for attaching an optical sighting instrument to a support such as a tripod. The tribrach device includes a pivotable locking ring for securing the legs of the sighting instrument to the tribrach. The locking ring is biased towards its locked position and is easily unlocked when desired. A laser beam is projected upwardly and downwardly along a vertical axis.

Abstract: A device for aiding in the cross-hair alignment of the reticle of a gun-mounted telescopic sight wherein the gun includes at least one scope base for securing the telescopic sight. The device includes a light source for projecting a beam of light against a surface. The light source is mounted to the scope base of the gun. The projected light beam is modified to form a reference line which may be viewed through the telescopic sight. The projected reference line is automatically aligned with the barrel axis of the gun. One of the cross-hairs of the reticle of the telescopic sight may be compared with the aligned projected reference line and adjusted accordingly to align the cross-hairs with the barrel axis of the gun.

Abstract: A laser sight including a mounting base fixed to the bow back of a bow, a first holder frame fastened to the mounting base and adjusted in the X-axis direction, a second holder frame fastened to the first holder frame and adjusted in the Y-axis direction, a third holder frame fastened to the second holder frame and adjusted in the Z-axis direction and having a sight blade, and a laser module fastened to a swivel laser module holder on the third holder frame, wherein the swivel laser module holder is fastened to the third holder frame by an adjustment screw and can be turned about the adjustment screw to adjust the angle of inclination of the laser module for allowing the laser beam from the laser module to be aimed at a target when the sight blade is aligned with the target.

Abstract: A real estate electro tape is provided that measures the length of an interior or exterior wall or other similar structure using optical means. A sonic tape is used to measure the perpendicular distance from the device to the interior or exterior wall. Two steerable lasers are then used to determine the angles between the perpendicular and the beams aimed at the wall edges. An algorithm is applied to the angular and perpendicular distance data to obtain the length of the wall. A microprocessor performs the calculations, the results of which are displayed on an electro optical display.

Abstract: A measurement referencing and transferring technique includes locating a platform base at a working location, mounting a sighting mechanism having a sighting axis on the platform base, and sighting a selected point on a first object in a given direction from the platform base by adjusting the position of the platform base relative to the working location thereby directing the sighting axis of the sighting mechanism toward the first object, and aligning the axis incident with the selected point on the first object. A reference point is then marked on a second object in a direction opposite the given direction from the platform base, by observing along the aligned sighting axis in the direction away from the first object, and defining the reference point as that point on the second object with which the sighting axis is incident. A measurement associated with the selected point on the first object is determined by referring to the reference point marked on the second object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for positioning flexible printing plates comprising at least two markings on a printing cylinder, a support device for the printing cylinder, a projection device for projecting reference marks on the printing cylinder at a location where the markings will have to come, a display device for displaying the markings and the reference markings, and a positioning table extending substantially horizontal for locating the printing plate to be positioned.

Abstract: A laser plumb bob uses a conventional blumb bob body, hollowed to include a laser device therein. The laser device is affixed within the plumb bob body to preclude relative movement therebetween, to ensure accuracy for the device. With the use of a laser to provide a plumb line of coherent light which beam does not spread, the plumb bob may be suspended from a relatively short line in order to dampen oscillations more quickly. Apparatus providing for use of the plumb bob by a single person is also disclosed, comprising an upper fixture from which the plumb bob is suspended, an extension arm, and a target. The target and upper fixture may be connected by a telescoping column, if desired. The upper fixture may include a wind shield or guard, if desired, so provide greater stability for the plumb bob. The apparatus allows a single person to check plumb lines for walls and the like, thus providing greater efficiency and economy in building construction.

Abstract: A pipe alignment system and method is provided for positioning a pipe line along a predetermined path. A light transmitter generates a reference light beam along which the pipe line is to be positioned. The light beam has wavelengths substantially in the green portion of the optical spectrum. An optical target is positioned at one end of each pipe section to assist in alignment thereof. Preferably, the optical target has a green tint which filters the green light from ambient light. The optical target may also have reference indicia thereon to assist in aligning the target with the reference beam of light.

Abstract: An improved self centering guide pipe axis laser guide is based on the use of three parallel links spaced 120 degrees apart which are engaged to be expanded or contracted. When expanded the links contact the inside diameter of the pipe which accordingly establishes the center axis of the pipe. The links are actuated for expansion or contraction by mounting a spring base spider element in association with a spider lever element on a smooth pipe housing, wherein the movement of the spring base spider element and the spider lever element is controlled by thumbscrews on each of the elements, the smooth pipe housing containing within, the power supply and laser module, and a removable switch assembly at the rear enabling easy access to the batteries. The laser guide can readily be withdrawn from the pipe by attaching a tether line to the front end and levels for determining the slope are mounted in slots in both the front and rear spider elements.

Abstract: An automatic plumb, level and pointing tool uses a visible laser diode to project light beams in two modes through two windows. In the first mode of operation, the unit is able to project a plumb-up beam and a level beam of light while resting on a surface which is as much as five degrees out of level. In the second mode of operation the unit is able to project two orthogonal beams of light both approximately in the horizontal plane for aligning one or more reference lines. An accurate, low cost method of generating level and plumb beams and planes of light is disclosed. One method uses an approximately leveled platform combined with a weak optical correction. The approximate leveling is done using a single wire or coil spring pendulum element which allows the platform to level itself to within a small fraction of true level, and remaining correction is provided by a weak negative lens or a weak reverse telescope.

Abstract: A telescope sight collimating device including a laser aimer, a longitudinal center axle at one end of the aimer sleeved with a split sleeve and threadably engaged with a lock nut at its free end for positioning the device in the barrel of the gun, a tapered tubular locating rod and a tapered tubular tightening up rod respectively mounted around the longitudinal center axle and engaging both ends of the split sleeve, and an adjusting nut mounted around the longitudinal center axle and turned in either direction to move the tapered tubular tightening up rod forward or backward, causing the sleeve to be fixed to or released from the inside wall of the barrel of the gun.

Abstract: A strut height adjusting apparatus for adjusting the height of a strut automatically and simultaneously to measure the height of a floor while ensuring the perpendicularity of the strut with a warning sound or other indication. The strut height adjusting apparatus includes a light receiving unit for receiving a laser beam for use in setting a hypothetical level which is vertically movably and fitted to a hollow body. A pointer provided for the light receiving unit and a scale plate member indicates the position of the pointer provided for the hollow body. The lower end of a rotary unit is set upright in such a way that it abuts against a base floor to be examined. The light receiving unit is moved up and down so that the laser beam from a laser beam emitter may be received at the center of the light receiving unit. The height of the second floor can be measured by reading graduations on the scale plate member as indicated by the pointer.

Abstract: A laser sight mounting device including a mounting block, which has a mounting foot at the bottom for fastening to the flash attachment of a camera, a flash attachment at the top for mounting an electronic flash, a longitudinal center through hole, which receives the laser module of a laser sight, a longitudinal mounting groove inside the longitudinal center through hole, and a side screw hole; a first spring plate mounted inside the longitudinal mounting groove; a second spring plate mounted within the flash attachment of the mounting block to hold down the electronic flash; and a tightening up screw threaded into the screw hole to press the first spring plate causing it to hold down the laser module.

Abstract: An adjustable laser beam sight comprises a supporting plate and first, second and third serially arranged and rotationally coupled levers mounted on the supporting plate by two pivots. The first pivot rotationally couples the first lever to the supporting plate and the second pivot rotationally couples the third lever to the supporting plate. A laser beam emitting device is attached to the first lever. Rotation of the third lever, acting through the second lever, imparts a change in direction of the first lever and the laser beam. A range scale with its reference center substantially at the second pivot is provided on the supporting plate. An indicator on the third lever moves across the range scale as the third lever is moved to adjust the aim of the laser beam, thereby indicating a range setting.

Abstract: A fixture automatically aligns a laser transmitter bolted to a rifle. A case is horizontally oriented and a hinged end cover is swung upwardly to reveal a control unit. The barrel of the rifle is supported on a weapon rest mounted to the base unit and the trigger guard or clip receptacle is mounted in a vise on a sliding rack inside the case. The vise has knobs for adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the weapon, thereby permitting the soldier to aim at a target reticle. An optics unit is mounted on a forward portion of the base unit and includes a lens and a beam splitter which is transparent to infrared light from the laser transmitter but reflective to visible light. The illuminated target reticle is mounted inside the optics unit. The beam splitter is positioned forward of the lens and is angled at forty-five degrees to project the image of the target reticle through the lens at infinity.

Abstract: Various devices are disclosed for projecting a beam of coherent collimated light at a surface for use as reference lines and planes. The devices are also useful for projecting tracings of light in any of various geometric patterns. The devices comprise a pointer unit containing a light source, such as a laser diode. The light source is mounted so as to undergo periodic reciprocating motion in least one dimension, as imparted by any of various possible mechanisms. Combinations of such motions in two dimensions allows production of an infinite variety of geometric tracings. The pointer unit can be detachably mounted perpendicularly to a rotatable shaft provided by a base portion, or used separately as a level or hand-held pointer.

Abstract: A laser positioning device is provided in which a level is associated with a demountable mounting set-up and a plate member. The plate member projects laterally from the level and is scribed with a protractor. A pointer is pivotally associated with the apex of the protractor. A laser beam generator is associated with the pointer. Thus, a laser beam from this generator can be impinged against a remote target location that is in a predetermined orientation relative to the generator when the device is mounted by the mounting set-up.

Abstract: A laser marker which includes a casing having a battery chamber covered by a lid, a level bearing plate fastened to the casing at the bottom, a level mounted on the level bearing plate above the casing, adjustment rack pivotably fastened to the casing by two spring-supported locating plates and two axle caps to hold a light concentrator, a rotary socket covered by a lens cover to hold a lens in line with the light concentrator, whereby the adjustment rack is turned on the casing and retained in the desired angle by the locating plates, and the rotary socket is turned on the adjustment rack to let the light of the light concentrator be emitted through the lens and formed into a light spot or a line of light projected on an object.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser-sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone.

Abstract: A device for engaging a vehicle chassis has mounted thereon a pair of tandem axles to be aligned perpendicular to frame rails of the chassis and parallel to one another, the device creating the alignments and having first and second spaced apart pairs of laterally spaced towers for engaging the ends of both tandem axles in a manner to maintain them parallel to one another, structure for supporting a rear end of the chassis in fixed position; and structure for moving the front end of the chassis to a predetermined position relative to the towers and being laser directed to position the chassis perpendicular to at least one of the axles.

Abstract: A boresight for determining the accuracy of a gunsight wherein a cartridge-shaped housing is dimensioned to fit within the gun chamber. A laser is contained in the housing. A switch is positioned in the end surface of the boresight housing to be contacted by the bolt face of the gun. The switch contains an indentation to receive the firing pin when the bolt face contacts the switch to activate the laser and illuminate a distant spot.

Abstract: A self centering guide pipe axis laser guide is based on the use of three parallel links spaced 120 degrees apart which are engaged to be expanded or contracted. When expanded the links contact the inside diameter of the pipe which accordingly establishes the center axis of the pipe. The driving means for the links is a rotating screw mounted in a base centrally located with respect to the three links. In the front of the base is a laser module whose beam is aligned with the center axis of the pipe once the links contact the inner diameter of the pipe. Gauges mounted in a saddle on top of the pipe determine the proper slope once the center axis has been established. A calibrated scale on the guide can be used for determining both inner and outer diameters of the pipe. While the laser guide has been illustrated in determining the center line of pipes, it also has other uses such as aligning pillow blocks to a center line.

Abstract: A low-profile illumination and laser sighting device is provided for sighting a weapon. The illumination and laser sighting device of the present invention includes a single compartment housing and a receptacle placed at one end of the housing. At least one laser is fixed to a support member adjustably coupled to the receptacle and an illumination lamp is coupled to the receptacle in an offset position over the laser. The illumination lamp includes an aperture placed through a reflector wall to allow passage of a laser beam or beams from the laser or from more than one laser. Accordingly, the laser beams and illumination from the lamp pass through a single lens at the forward end of the device. The lasers as well as illumination lamp are thereby self-contained within a single housing and can be easily sealed against outside gas, liquid or solid material. Adjustment mechanism remains primarily inside the device and thereby protected against the outside environment or objects striking the mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for emitting a selectively adjustable laser beam for illuminating a target at various distances from the apparatus, whereby the width of the laser beam may be broadened or narrowed selectively, so as to maintain the diameter of the beam imprint at a constant on targets of various distances. A mechanism is provided for selectively sliding the laser source with respect to a lens system, to thereby achieve a particular distance between the laser source and the lens system, this particular distance determining the width of the laser beam. The apparatus is mounted directly to a weapon for sighting purposes, and further comprises a windage and elevation adjustment mechanism; a remote control system whereby the laser beam can be narrowed or broadened without having to directly access the main housing; and a drop compensation mechanism whereby projectile drop is compensated for automatically.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for surveying a railway track includes a light-receiving and emitting head capable of swivelling about vertical and pitch axes mounted on a measuring platform moveable along the track, as constantly aligned with a reference mark such as by stepping motors controlled by electronic control elements that evaluate the signals detected by the head. These control signals represent at the same time the value of the relative angular displacement of the head with respect to the reference mark while travelling along the track. A space-stabillized gyroplatform on the measurement platform detects the absolute change in position of the measurement platform which is used to correct the angular displacement values of the displacement head. The distance covered is detected by a separate distance measuring device or by the gyroplatform.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a laser leveling instrument along a building line can remain standing unchanged on its base throughout both horizontal and vertical leveling operations. The light source is located in the base of the instrument. The instrument head can be swung through 90.degree. and houses a rotating prism which generates the vertical plane, and an adaptor. The adaptor includes a prism for deflecting the light from the source into the rotating prism and a triple prism which, when brought into the light path, deflects the light coming from the base perpendicular to the generated vertical plane, projecting it onto the building line.

Abstract: A method of aiming a headlight for a vehicle includes removing a bulb from a headlight, installing an aiming device in the headlight in place of the bulb, and connecting the aiming device to a source of power to produce a laser beam. The method also includes locating the laser beam on an aiming screen placed in front of the vehicle and adjusting the position of the headlight, if necessary, to locate the laser beam at a predetermined position on the aiming screen.

Abstract: The invention provides a device to facilitate precise positioning of a tape head at a particular track on a magnetic tape. Typically, the magnetic tape is adapted to be received in a drive assembly which has a memory and a motor. The device includes a mounting tray for receiving the tape drive assembly, and a laser beam emitted from a laser source. On the tape head of the device, a reflector is positioned and moves with the tape head. Beam directors are provided to ensure that the laser beam passes from the laser source to the reflector. The distance traveled by the tape head from a predetermined point to a position adjacent a track on the magnetic tape is accurately measured, and the extent of movement of the motor required to move the tape head through such a distance is also measured. Thereafter, the measurements are programmed into the tape drive assembly memory.