Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer system is disclosed herein. The anesthetic vaporizer system may include a sump adapted to retain an anesthetic agent. The anesthetic vaporizer system may also include a level sensor disposed at least partially within the sump. The level sensor is configured to generate an optical beam, and to estimate the amount of anesthetic agent within the sump based on a measured characteristic of the optical beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for aiding in the alignment of a scope of a firearm. The apparatus includes a light generation device and a level indicator. The light generation device is attachable to the firearm and is for generating a reference beam. The reference beam may be a horizontal, vertical, or cross-hair line beam. When the level indicator indicates a level state, the reference beam generated by the light generation device is also level. Typically, the level reference beam is projected against a flat surface and is used as a reference to line up the crosshairs of a scope attached to the firearm.

Abstract: A method and system comprising a Master station, a processor and one or more targets that allows a user of said system to automatically generate a 3 dimensional graphical representation of a construction site and also overlay a drawing onto the graphical representation to guide the user within a virtual space being displayed by the processor.

Abstract: A laser light receiver is provided with an integral laser distance measurement (LDM) device for measuring the distance from a laser plane of a desired elevation to a desired physical target point to be measured on a jobsite. The laser receiver can be combined with a gravity reference device, so that the laser receiver does not necessarily have to be held plumb to a desired target point, when determining the relative elevation of the laser receiver between a rotating beam of laser light and the target point; it can also acquire multiple samples of positions and automatically take a vertical measurement and store that result for later readout. The laser receiver can be further combined with a GPS receiver, to acquire latitude and longitude data, and then in combination act as a three-dimensional transducer that is more accurate in the vertical direction than a GPS receiver alone is capable of.

Abstract: A tilt sensor has a source for optical radiation, a pattern support having an optically effective pattern for the passage of the optical radiation generated by the source, a tilt-sensitive unit downstream of the pattern support in the direction of propagation of the radiation, and a projection area for the incidence of the radiation generated by the source and passing through the pattern support and the tilt-sensitive unit, wherein the source is in the form of a pattern support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser sighting device, which comprises a tilt detecting device having a liquid member for forming a free liquid surface and a fixed reflection member fixedly mounted, the tilt detecting device being used for detecting angular deviation between the free liquid surface and the fixed reflection member, a main unit for accommodating the tilt detecting device, and a laser beam irradiation unit removably mounted on the main unit.

Abstract: A tilt detecting device for detecting tilt by a reflection light from a free liquid surface, comprising a photodetection element, a liquid member for forming the free liquid surface, a fixed reflection member fixed on a structural member, a free liquid surface light projecting system for projecting a light toward the liquid member, a fixed reflection member light projecting system for projecting a light toward the fixed reflection member, a photodetection optical system for guiding the reflection light from the free liquid surface of the liquid member and a reflection light from the fixed reflection member toward the photodetection element, and an arithmetic processing unit for calculating deviation based on two reflection images received by the photodetection element.

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: An apparatus including an enclosure having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a first radiation sensor coupled to the interior surface being configured to produce a first signal dependent on the radiation sensed by the first radiation sensor; a second radiation sensor coupled to the interior surface being configured to produce a second signal dependent on the radiation sensed by the second radiation sensor; and a bus accessible from the exterior surface, the bus being coupled to the first radiation sensor and the second radiation sensor.

Abstract: A laser transmitter is provided including a specialized compensator assembly damping mechanism. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a compensator assembly position detector is arranged to detect a position X1 of the compensator assembly with respect to the X-axis, and a position Y1 of the compensator assembly with respect to the Y-axis. The compensator assembly damping mechanism includes an X-axis magnetic damping mechanism, a Y-axis magnetic damping mechanism, and a rotational damping mechanism. The active feedback circuit is arranged to (i) drive the X-axis magnetic damping mechanism so as to increase a damping force generated by the X-axis magnetic damping mechanism as a rate of change of the signal indicative of the position x1 increases, and (ii) drive the Y-axis magnetic damping mechanism so as to increase a damping force generated by the Y-axis magnetic damping mechanism as a rate of change of the signal indicative of the position y1 increases.

Abstract: The apparatus and the system for precise vertical navigation of a grading machine in profile of a curved job site terrain is disclosed. The system includes an integrated satellite navigational receiver and a laser detector system. A plurality of laser systems generates a plurality of laser beams covering the curved job site terrain. The laser detector system mounted in the grading machine latches on a single laser beam at each location of the grading machine to obtain the precise vertical coordinate of the grading machine.

Abstract: The tilt detecting device of the present invention comprises a light transmission type electric bubble tube, a light source for emitting detection light to the electric bubble tube, a photodetector element for detecting emitted light amount for detecting an amount of light emitted from the light source, and a tilt detection control unit for controlling the emitted light amount of the light source to a constant level based on photodetection signal from the photodetector element for detecting emitted light amount, and causes of error are eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inclination sensor which utilizes a liquid member having a free surface. A first optical system collimates light emitted from a light source, a dark field pattern allows the light from the first optical system to pass therethrough, a half mirror changes the direction of the light which has passed through the scale pattern, a first liquid member having a free surface reflects the pattern light thus changed its direction by the half mirror, a second optical system focuses the pattern light reflected by the first liquid member, a light receiving means receives a light image formed by the second optical system, and a processing means calculates an inclination on the basis of a reception signal provided from the light receiving means. The scale pattern is formed by a plurality of slits, and the half mirror is disposed on an optical path of both the liquid member and the second optical system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical axis compensator, which comprises a liquid sealing container 1 with a transparent liquid 14 sealed therein so as to form a free liquid surface 2, an optical axis compensating unit 44 for allowing a light beam to pass through the liquid sealing container at a predetermined angle and for performing optical axis compensation based on changes of an exit optical axis according to angular change of said free liquid surface with respect to an incident optical axis, a tilting mechanism 12 for tilting said optical axis compensating unit, tilt detecting means for detecting tilt of said optical axis compensating unit, and a control unit for driving said tilting mechanism according to a signal from said tilt detecting means and for leveling said optical axis compensating unit, whereby said control unit drives said tilting mechanism according to tilt detection from the tilt detecting means and levels the optical axis compensating unit, and the optical axis compensating unit compen

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring side-to-side tilt of vehicles such as trucks, trailers and the like that elevate one end of a bin to dump material therefrom. A curved transparent tube filled with liquid except for one gas bubble is mounted on the vehicle. A series of light emitters are arranged along one side of the tube with a corresponding series of light detectors along the other side. The detectors detect light passing through the liquid but not through the bubble. The resulting signals are transmitted to at least one light bar having a series of light emitters, such as incandescent lamps or light emitting diodes. An electronic circuit processes the tube detector signals and causes the light bar to light emitters in a pattern corresponding to the degree of tilt. An audible alarm and a circuit for stopping bin lifting when tilt reaches a predetermined limit are provided.

Abstract: An automatic tilt angle compensator, which comprises a sealed container for sealing at least two types of liquids to form a free interface, a light projecting system arranged to project a light beam through the free interface, an entry window for allowing the light beam to enter, reflecting means for reflecting the light beam after passing through the free interface, and an exit window for irradiating the light beam from said sealed container, wherein said entry window, said reflecting means and said exit window are always in contact with said liquid, and when the system is laid down by 90 degrees, the free interface is rotated by 90 degrees, and the light beam passing through the free interface is irradiated through the exit window in the same manner as before the rotation by 90 degrees.

Abstract: A tilt detecting device of the present invention comprises a bubble tube 21, a light emitting element 22 for emitting detection light and photodetector elements 23 and 24 arranged opposite to each other with the bubble tube therebetween, and at least a light shading plate 35 disposed on an optical path of the detection light 26 and for partially blocking off light components entering the photodetector elements from the light emitting element, whereby a part of the detection light entering the photodetector elements is blocked off and it increase difference and ratio of light amounts between the case where the detection light passes through the air bubble of the bubble tube and the case where it passes through only the liquid portion of the bubble tube, and tilt detection accuracy is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser survey instrument, which comprises a rotary irradiation system main unit and an object reflector, wherein said object reflector has reflection sectors divided into two or more, at least one of the reflection sectors has a reflection surface with shape gradually changing, and said rotary irradiation system main unit comprises a light emitter for emitting a polarized irradiation light beam, a rotator for rotating and irradiating the polarized irradiation light beam toward the object reflector and for detecting an irradiating direction, a tilt setting unit for tilting a rotary irradiation plane of the polarized irradiation light beam, a detecting means for detecting a polarized reflection light beam entering the rotary irradiation system main unit via said rotator and reflected from said object reflector, a reflection light detecting circuit for identifying the object reflector from output of the detecting means, and a control unit for tracing said object reflector by opera

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inclination sensor capable of detecting inclinations in two X- and Y- axis directions with use of only a single linear sensor. In this inclination sensor, a first optical system collimates the light emitted from a light source, a dark field pattern allows the light from the first optical system to pass therethrough, a half mirror changes the direction of the light which has passed through the dark field pattern, a first liquid member reflects the light which has been changed its direction by the half mirror, a second optical system focuses the light reflected by the first liquid member, the light receiving means receives a light image formed by the second optical system, and the processing means calculates an inclination on the basis of a reception signal provided from the light receiving means.

Abstract: An automatic angle compensator comprising a liquid sealing container 4 having transparent liquid to form a free liquid surface 1 sealed therein, light projecting systems 21 and 22 for projecting light at a given angle to the free liquid surface, and an optical system for guiding the light beam, which is reflected by the free liquid surface and irradiated from the liquid sealing container, whereby optical axis of the light beam reflected by the free liquid surface is aligned with optical axis of the optical system regardless of whether the free liquid surface is turned by 0.degree. or 90.degree., and automatic compensation can be achieved regardless of whether the system is positioned in horizontal or vertical directions.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the orientation of a plane defined by a rotating laser beam from a laser transmitter is provided. The laser beam is swept across one or more targets having a plurality of sections. The targets each include a first reflective section and a second reflective section with a non-reflective section positioned therebetween. The non-reflective section includes a portion which slopes across the reflective sections. A photodetector detects a signal representative of the laser beam reflected from each of the targets. The orientation of the laser beam is adjusted until the laser beam traverses the center of the target at which point the width of the first reflective section equals the width of the second reflective section. A processor calculates the distance or angle in which to adjust the laser transmitter so that the laser beam traverses the center of the target once the laser beam traverses the portion of the target including the sloped non-reflective section.

Abstract: The automatic tilt angle compensator of the present invention includes a liquid sealing container with a transparent liquid sealed therein to form a free liquid surface, a light projecting system for projecting light beam to the free liquid surface at a given angle so that it is reflected by the free liquid surface, an optical axis dividing means for dividing an optical axis of the light projecting system, a first light entry means for allowing the light beam from the light projecting system to pass into the sealing container, a second light entry means for allowing the light beams divided by the dividing means into the sealing container, a first light irradiating means for irradiating the light beam reflected by the free liquid surface from the sealing container, and a second light irradiating means arranged face-to-face to the first light irradiating means, whereby a light beam entering the liquid sealing container from the first light entry means is irradiated by the first light irradiating means, and when

Abstract: A tilt angle automatic compensator used for a device requiring verticality or horizontality is disclosed. The automatic compensator comprises a container 4 where a transparent liquid to form free liquid surface 1 is sealed, a light projection system for projecting light beam toward the free liquid surface at a predetermined angle so that it is totally reflected on the free liquid surface, and an optical system arranged at a predetermined position along optical path of the totally reflected light beam after passing through the container with sealed liquid and for equalizing change of reflection angle of optical axis corresponding to change of incident angle of optical axis in all directions. When the liquid container is tilted and incident angle of the light beam is relatively changed with respect to the free liquid surface, sensitivity varying according to the direction of change of reflection angle is optically compensated.

Abstract: According to the present invention, fixed tilt detectors are fixed in planes crossing perpendicularly to each other of shaft center of a laser projector, and tilting tilt detectors are mounted on a plate, which is tiltable with respect to shaft center of the laser projector. The laser projector is leveled in such manner that the fixed tilt detectors indicate horizontal direction or tilting tilt detectors aligned with the fixed tilt detectors indicate horizontal direction, and horizontal reference plane is obtained. The tilting tilt detectors are tilted with the fixed tilt detectors as reference, and the laser projector is leveled so that the tilted tilting tilt detectors indicate horizontal direction, and reference plane tilted at an arbitrary angle is obtained.

Abstract: A two-axis inclinometer having an inclination-sensitive ray-deflecting device is described, via which a geometrical figure having at least one angle is projected onto a linear array. In addition to providing high resolution, a large measurement range is also opened up by the special arrangement and configuration of the geometrical figure. X-, Y- and overlapping inclinations can be determined simultaneously using the described inclinometer.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a stable carrier plate for carrying prisms cemented thereto and conducting an optical ray path from its source to a position sensitive photoelectric receiver. A liquid horizon is provided on the carrier plate for shifting the optical ray path if the apparatus is inclined. A design stable against temperature and mechanical stress with a flat and compact shape is achieved in an easily mountable two axes inclinometer.

Abstract: Apparatus operable in accordance with the method of the present invention for measuring the angle of incidence of a light beam or plane relative to level comprises a photodetector array for sensing the light and a level mirror preferably comprising a pool of mercury. Optics are provided for transmitting the light to the photodetector array in alignment with the angle of incidence of the light (aligned light) and also after the light has been reflected from the mercury pool (reflected light). A shutter is provided for separating aligned light from reflected light such that distinct signals representative of the two are generated by the photodetector array. The distinct signals are processed by up-counting and down-counting a counter circuit to determine the average centers of light spots representative of the aligned light and the reflected light and the distance between those average centers which is representative of the deviation of the light beam or plane from level.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly having a retainer member supporting a rectangular lamp unit and provided with a level device that is capable of being adjusted relative to the retainer member by a screw located between one of the sections of the retainer member and the level device.

Abstract: An orientation indicator is disclosed for observing or reading the orientation of the distal end of an endoscope or of a fiberscope having an elongated flexible shaft relative to the proximate end thereof where the flexible shaft the fiber optic bundles of the scope are subject to torque or rotational stresses. The disclosure includes a method of making the orientation indicator and means for measuring the degree and direction of displacement resulting from said rotational stress or torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a geodetic instrument with a telescope, an objective with a reticle in the focal plane, a clinometer and optoelectronic elements with the objective of avoiding faulty measurements due to a vibrating or oscillating target image, as well as of avoiding hanging or sticking of the pendulum and of achieving a higher measuring accuracy and of facilitating the reading of the pole. The invention is applicable particularly for compensator levels. Its task is to provide the fundamentals for an automated compensator level through the use of optoelectronic components and microprocessors and to carry out measurements on an oscillating substratum.

Abstract: A headlamp aiming and leveling device is provided for attachment to an automotive headlamp to facilitate leveling and aiming of the headlamp beam relative to an automotive vehicle upon which the headlamp is installed. The device comprises: a level-indicating device including a housing. At least one, first part of the housing is affixed to a given surface of a headlamp, such that a remaining portion of the housing is movable relative to said affixed part for varying the inclination of the housing in such a fashion as to permit adjustment of the level-indicating device to indicate a level condition. An adjusting arrangement is operatively coupled with the housing at a second part thereof spaced from the part thereof affixed to the headlamp for moving the housing for achieving the level indication while the headlamp is held in a condition wherein the headlamp beam is level. A locking arrangement is provided for locking the adjusting arrangement in the position at which the level condition is indicated.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly having a retainer ring for supporting a lamp unit and which includes a level device that allows the lamp unit to be readily aimed about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: An inclination measuring apparatus having a prism and a container having a liquid sealed therein for providing a liquid surface perpendicular to the direction of gravity. A member constructed from thermal conductive material is position under the liquid surface to maintain the liquid surface level in the presence of ambient temperature changes.

Abstract: A deflection unit on a path parallel to a light beam has a rider, which grips the track of a measuring guide (not shown) and permits a beam component to pass while deflecting a component. A levelling means is provided on a line bisecting the angle between the incoming and the deflected beams in or parallel to their common plane to facilitate remote positional measurements of reference points on a body in order to make measurements more accurate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose surveying instrument, more specifically a composite instrument which can be used as a theodolite, a level surveying instrument, and a plane table, and which provides a precision surveying instrument needed in general architecture, civil engineering and the like.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the azimuthal and inclination directions of a wave reflector, notably for Hertzian waves, comprises a base plate adapted to be secured to a reference surface of the reflector, a cradle rigid with the plate and supporting a pivoting element movable in the adjustment inclination plane through an angle readable in relation to the cradle. This movable inclination element supports another element rotatably mounted about an axis perpendicular to the inclination pivoting axis, and constituting an element movable in the azimuthal direction through an angle readable in relation to the inclination movable element.

Abstract: An optical system such as an astronomical telescope must be carefully alid to assure that its optical axis is normal to its mounting or support surface. Alignment is achieved by forming circumferentially-spaced diffuse reflectors on the face of the vidicon and by illuminating only these individual reflectors plus a small surface area in their immediate vicinity. Light from the reflectors passes through the optics to a liquid pool for reflection back to the vidicon face plate. If the alignment is true, the reflected images form at fixed locations. In this regard, the locations of the vidicon reflectors are so arranged that the images fall on unilluminated surface areas. Scanning then detects both the reflectors (dark on bright) and the images (bright on dark). Deviations from the fixed image locations represent misalignments which can be corrected.

Abstract: These three new types of leveling instruments do not rely on spirit-level-bubbles in glass vials used in dumpy-levels and in tilting-levels, nor on the so called self-leveling pendulums used in the automatic levels. These new types of leveling instruments use a free mercury surface as a mirror to assure that the line of sight through the center of the cross hairs is horizontal, or has a very small but constant inclination from the true horizontal for all pointings to the leveling rods. In the most precise model, the mercury surface is used to autocollimate the line of sight through the center of cross hairs to be horizontal for every pointing. In the less elaborate models, the mercury surface is used to guarantee that the line of sight through the center of cross hairs has only a very small but constant inclination with the true horizontal. It is important that this inclination stays constant, and it can be adjusted to be less than one tenth of one second of arc if so desired.

Abstract: An optical assembly is provided which comprises a light source, preferably a laser, and a particularly compensated prism unit, the laser and the prism unit being mounted on a common holder or base. The beam emitted from the laser is reflected 90.degree. by the prism unit, and although this unit is only approximately aligned with the laser the reflected beam will always form a right angle to the incident beam with an extreme accuracy, the deviation from 90.degree. being less than half an angular minute. The accuracy in reflexion independently of prism unit setting is attributed to the compensated prism unit, which comprises a quadrangular prism composed of two semi-quadrangular prisms, a reflecting surface being mounted, preferably in an adjustable position, adjacent one side of the prism.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved system for projecting and utilizing a light beam as a reference line for construction purposes. The system includes a light beam projection device mounted in a housing. A light path compensator is positioned within the housing and intercepts the beam of light emitted by the light beam projecting device and automatically corrects slight deviations of the light beam from true horizontal. A vertically adjustable leg is attached to the front end of the housing and a horizontally pivotable leg is attached to each side of the housing near the rear end of the housing to enable leveling and centering of the housing in a conduit or positioning and leveling on any surface. Structure is controllable from the rear of the housing to deflect the light beam in a vertical plane to vary the grade of the beam projected by the device. An indicator, readable from the rear of the housing, is provided for indicating the grade at which the light beam is projected.

Abstract: A transparent liquid container half-filled with opaque liquid is provided in front of a film in a camera body to cover a small portion of the area of a single frame. The shadow of the opaque liquid is recorded on the film when a focal plane shutter is opened to expose the film to take a picture. Alternatively, an arrow shaped rotatable member having a weighted tail end is provided in front of the film. The shadow of the opaque liquid or that of the arrow shaped member indicates the top and bottom of the picture recorded on the film.

Abstract: The optical sighting instrument uses the image of a floating bubble in a spirit level as a self-compensating index mark to indicate a reference line of sight at a given angle to the earth's normal surface.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved system for projecting and utilizing a light beam as a reference line for construction purposes. The system includes a light beam projection device mounted in a housing. A light path compensator is positioned within the housing and intercepts the beam of light emitted by the light beam projecting device and automatically corrects slight deviations of the light beam from true horizontal. A vertically adjustable leg is attached to the front end of the housing and a horizontally pivotable leg is attached to each side of the housing near the rear end of the housing to enable leveling and centering of the housing in a conduit or positioning and leveling on any surface. Structure is controllable from the rear of the housing to deflect the light beam in a vertical plane to vary the grade of the beam projected by the device. An indicator, readable from the rear of the housing, is provided for indicating the grade at which the light beam is projected.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved system for projecting and utilizing a light beam as a reference line for construction purposes. The system includes a light beam projection device mounted in a housing. A light path compensator is positioned within the housing and intercepts the beam of light emitted by the light beam projecting device and automatically corrects slight deviations of the light beam from true horizontal. A vertically adjustable leg is attached to the front end of the housing and a horizontally pivotable leg is attached to each side of the housing near the rear end of the housing to enable leveling and centering of the housing in a conduit or positioning and leveling on any surface. Structure is controllable from the rear of the housing to deflect the light beam in a vertical plane to vary the grade of the beam projected by the device. An indicator, readable from the rear of the housing, is provided for indicating the grade at which the light beam is projected.

Abstract: Laser unit for directing a laser beam in a strictly vertical direction, comprising a laser proper having a substantially vertical axis, an afocal system, an optical device for automatically correcting the verticality of the laser beam, and a base structure provided with means for supporting the assembly of said laser, afocal system and optical device in such position that the laser axis be substantially vertical. This invention is applicable to all fields and techniques in which it is desired to determine with the maximum precision the vertical at a given locus where the laser is installed.