Abstract: A data transmission method including the step of controlling excitation current for a laser diode of a laser beam emitter device by servocontrolling the excitation current on laser beam power and by modulating the excitation current as a function of the data for transmission in order to encode the data with laser beam power levels, the method being characterized in that it includes the step of measuring a temperature (TINT) in the vicinity of the laser diode in order to perform, in accordance with the invention, two modes of operation having different setpoint values.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an anti-vibration optical system, a telephoto optical system, a binocle (binoculars), and an anti-vibration unit that are capable of appropriate distant observation even in a case where the number of reflective members is reduced. In a telephoto optical system, an anti-vibration optical system, which is provided with a first reflective member and a second reflective member, is disposed between an objective optical system and an ocular optical system. The anti-vibration optical system corrects image blurring in a first direction (pitch direction) by rotating the first reflective member around a first rotary shaft, and corrects image blurring in a second direction (yaw direction), which is orthogonal to the first direction, by rotating the first reflective member and the second reflective member around a second optical axis.

Abstract: A mobile leveling apparatus for quickly and simply transferring the height of a visible, fixed datum point from a distant wall or column across a room. The leveling apparatus is hand-held and can be operated by a single user. The operator physically holds the apparatus at the actual point where the height of the datum point is required, thereby ensuring that the apparatus is always under his/her control.

Abstract: A frictional pivot 100 for use in a device measuring gravitational alignment is provided. The frictional pivot 100 comprises a gravity-responsive directional means 200 for indicating a datum direction of alignment with gravity; frictional pivoting means 300, 400 for allowing the gravity-responsive means coarsely to align with gravity; vibration means 303, 403 for vibrating one or more elements of the pivoting means; and portable power means 303a for powering the vibration means 303, 403.

Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer/spectrophotometer system and methods are disclosed. A probe tip including one or more light sources and a plurality of light receivers is provided. A first spectrometer system receives light from a first set of the plurality of light receivers. A second spectrometer system receives light from a second set of the plurality of light receivers. A processor, wherein the processor receives data generated by the first spectrometer system and the second spectrometer system, wherein an optical measurement of a sample under test is produced based on the data generated by the first and second spectrometer systems.

Abstract: An arrangement for the vertical orientation of a geodetic instrument over a ground point, comprises an optical observation device for visual sighting of the ground point with a target beam, a laser device for generating a laser beam, and an optical in-coupling element by which the laser beam and the target beam can be coupled into a target axis impinging vertically on the target point. In this way, an exact orientation of the geodetic instrument can be achieved under all light conditions. The geodetic instrument retains its compact dimensions. In addition, a laser in a lower hazard class can be used.

Abstract: A multiple axis laser emitter (1) comprising an optical beam splitter (4) having at least two reflectively coated mirror surfaces (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) oriented perpendicular to each other and each oriented at an angle of 45° to a collimated main beam (H) of a laser light source (6) and at an angle of 90° to each other, wherein, in the beam path, an optical wedge (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e) is arranged downstream to at least one of the component beams (Ta, Tb, Tc, Td) deflected by the mirror surfaces (7) at an angle of 90° to the main beam (H).

Abstract: A measuring device (6) subjected to gravitational forces and including at least one laterally oscillating, pendulously suspended, support structure (7) for supporting at least one of a measuring element, and optical element, and a suspension element for suspending the support structure and including at least one hinge formed as a tape hinge (21; 40).

Abstract: A self-leveling laser plumb apparatus comprising an elongated straight tubular housing having an upper end and a pointed lower end thereof and a laser beam module prealigned and connected in said upper end in conjunction with confirmed precise alignment of a laser beam emitted from the laser beam module with a longitudinal axis of said housing. The pointed lower end of the housing is also in precise alignment with the longitudinal axis of said housing. A generally elongated C-shaped support includes a lower base supportable in a horizontal surface and an upper housing suspension member which is cooperatively structured with an upper portion of the housing to suspend the housing with the laser beam module in place in free-moving pendulum fashion. With the pointed lower end positioned just above the horizontal surface, a laser beam from said laser beam module strikes an overhead surface directly vertically above a mark on the horizontal surface over which said pointed lower end is aligned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser level device that includes a reference surface, and a laser beam generator that is coupled to the reference surface. The laser level device also includes a compensator that is supported proximate to the reference surface. The compensator has a pendulum that includes a polygonal body with at least a four point suspension. The compensator also has optics that are coupled to the polygonal body in the path of a laser beam that is produced by the laser beam generator to redirect the laser beam, and a keeper that is coupled to the reference surface and is at least partially surrounding the polygonal body such that an air gap may be provided between the polygonal body and the keeper. The laser level device further includes a beam sweeper that is supported above the reference surface in the path of the redirected laser beam to sweep the redirected laser beam in a plane.

Abstract: A device for leveling a laser transmitter is provided. An optical position sensor is used to measure the position of a compensator assembly. The compensator assembly automatically adjusts the position of the laser beam once the compensator assembly is within a specified range of level. Once the compensator assembly is within the specified range, the compensator assembly optically adjusts the laser beam so that it is plumb. A leveling device may be used to level the laser transmitter in response to the position of the compensator assembly as measured by the position sensor.

Abstract: A plumb laser beam generator includes an internal self-leveling feature to assure the projection of a substantially plumb beam despite tilt of the instrument's housing. Tilt compensation is achieved in preferred embodiments using the angular deflection of a spring due to gravity along with the compensating angular magnification of a telescope which moves pendulously by support on the spring. A laser diode of the instrument is mounted fixedly in the housing, and the telescope resides above the diode and collimating optics, the telescope either hanging by a spring or supported at its base by a spring. The pendulous telescope preferably is motion-damped and includes motion limiting and shock absorbing devices to prevent damage due to sudden acceleration or dropping.

Abstract: A laser is pivotally concentrically mounted in a gimballed mounting structure having outer and inner pivotally mounted concentric rings. An angle indicator is mounted to said outer ring so as to be viewable by a user and cooperates with said inner ring to as to indicate to said user an angle of inclination of said gimballed mounting structure when lowermost ends of said legs are placed on a solid surface. A generally elongate linearly calibrated gauge is mounted to a base between said legs of the structure so as to extend between said legs beneath a lowermost end of said laser. The gauge is graduated so that a first angle gradation, may be aligned with a mark to be transposed on said solid surface.

Abstract: A beam projecting apparatus has a light source and a reflecting device for reflecting and rotating a bundle of light emitted from the light source for forming a reference plane. A shape converting optical system is provided in an optical path from the light source to the reflecting device for converting the bundle of light from an elliptical sectional shape to a circular sectional shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser beam levelling device which is provided with two rotatable heads wherein a horizontal laser plane can be emitted from the first head which is rotatable round a vertical axis and a vertical laser plane can be emitted from the second head which is rotatable round a horizontal axis. An apparatus consisting of two separate pendulums is provided for self-levelling of the two laser planes. One pendulum is mounted substantially in the lower extension of the axis of rotation of the first head. The other pendulum is arranged to the side of it in its own vertical axis. The first pendulum is pivotal about a substantially horizontal axis and the second pendulum about an axis which is also horizontal and at right angles thereto. A laser beam produced by a laser light source is guided by reflectors such that it is deflected from one pendulum to the other pendulum and from there into the rotating heads.

Abstract: A plumb apparatus is described in two embodiments having common operational and construction features. In a first embodiment, a beam projector is mounted within an upper end of an elongate pipe which is slidingly fit in an angularly pivotable mounting. The lower end of the pipe is formed with a point adapted to contact a target point on a supporting surface when a base in which the angularly pivotable mounting is held is placed on the surface. A bi-axial level is attached to the upper end of the pipe to ascertain vertical orientation of the pipe, which orientation is maintained by the weight of the base structure which is in contact with the supporting surface. The beam projector is activated to project a beam to a target point on the ceiling above. According to the second preferred embodiment, a beam projector is mounted into an upper end of a pipe, the lower end of which is mounted into a ball. The ball is placed into a cup which is engaged by a clamp cover having an opening through which the pipe extends.

Abstract: The projector device for laser rays (4) is mounted on an apparatus which oscillates and is self-leveling (2, 3, 5) under the force of gravity whereby in the equilibrium position a ray is projected on one or more walls always in a perfectly horizontal position. The oscillating apparatus is interrupted in its oscillations by a manual mechanical brake (6, 7, 8 and 9). The device can rotate and includes a graduated ringnut (11) on which it is possible to read the angle of rotation of the laser ray with respect to a predetermined reference point.

Abstract: A laser scanner 50 includes a laser 76 affixed to a pendulum 66 with a damper 80 for damping the movement of the pendulum 66. The laser scanner 50 is controllable through a remote control 62 for positioning the laser beam as desired. Both horizontal and vertical laser beams can be projected in order to orient the laser scanner 50 with respect to gravity and simultaneously elevation.

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 5.degree. out of level. In the second mode of operation the unit is able to project two orthogonal beams or light both approximately in the horizontal plane for aligning one or more reference lines. Accurate, low cost methods of generating level and plumb beams and planes of light are disclosed. One method uses an approximately or partially leveled platform combined with a refractive correction as a second stage.

Abstract: Efficient and cost-effective generation of two co-linear laser beams or two or more intersecting beams, for the purpose of alignment as in the construction industry, takes advantage of the unequal divergence of light from a typical laser diode that produces a beam of elliptical cross section. Two roughly equal co-linear beams of light, or two or more intersecting beams, can be generated by reflecting the collimated elliptical beam from preferably two mirror surfaces oriented obliquely to the beam and so as to divide the elliptical beam in two. If one of the reflective surfaces is a beam splitter, three essentially intersecting beams can be generated. In preferred embodiments these three beams are at right angles to each other, particularly for use in construction layout.

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: 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: 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: 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 mount for use by optical elements in a laser tooling alignment system. The mount provides a high degree of isolation from external rotational disturbances about any horizontal axis (i.e., pitch and roll) by retaining optical components in a fixed relationship to the local gravity gradient. The mount is a passive gravity referencing two stage, fluid damped pendulum. When a constant deviation optic (e.g. pentaprism beam splitter) is attached to the mount, effective isolation from yaw disturbances is also achieved.

Abstract: A non-magnetic apparatus is disclosed for finding the deflection of the vertical. That apparatus has a device for finding an instrument spatial angle between a reference direction and an instrument characterization direction, and a device for finding a deflection spatial angle between the instrument characterization direction and a direction along a plumb line. Preferably, the device for finding the instrument spatial angle uses a system of gyroscopes. Preferably, the device for finding the deflection spatial angle uses a pendulum.

Abstract: A simple structure for providing a level laser beam. A pendulum is suspended by at least two suspension supports along the line parallel to a path of a laser beam emitted from a laser. An optical element is mounted on the pendulum to intercept the laser beam and reflect it along a path orthogonal to the first path. The pendulum will maintain the optical element in a vertical alignment, and accordingly the beam reflected off the optical element will be horizontal.

Abstract: A pendulous compensator for use in a light beam projector including a light beam source comprises first and second upper pulleys spaced from one another and secured to the light beam projector. First and second lower pulleys are positioned beneath the first and second upper pulleys and supported by filament strands, tapes, loops or the like extending around the upper and lower pulleys. A pendulum mirror is secured to and supported between the first and second lower pulleys for receiving a light beam from the light beam source and reflecting the light beam in a desired angular orientation relative to horizontal. The first and second lower pulleys in the pendulum mirror are supported such that the pendulum mirror is moved to compensate for tilting of the light beam projector. The first and second upper pulleys or a folding mirror may be controlled to select a grade angle relative to horizontal of a projected light beam.

Abstract: Motion damping apparatus is provided for use in a light beam projector including a light beam and a pendulous compensator adapted to movably support a mirror for deflecting the light beam to compensate for tilting of the projector. The apparatus comprises at least one motion damping plate formed of an electrically conducting material and coupled to the pendulous compensator. Magnets are positioned adjacent the damping plate for generating a magnetic field through which the plate passes as the result of motion of the pendulous compensator such that the motion is damped by the interaction of magnetic fields produced by the magnets and by eddy currents generated in the plate by its movement within a magnetic field. The motion damping plate preferably is curvilinear and coupled to the pendulous compensator to move in substantial conformity with a corresponding curvilinear plane defined by the movement of the pendulous compensator.

Abstract: The laser beam level instrument includes a laser diode mounted on a pendulous platform suspended from a frame by gold plated Mylar strips which also serve as conductors for supplying power to the diode. The strips are mounted with a 180 degree twist to overcome resistance to flexing/bending so that the platform moves freely under the influence of gravity to provide automatic self-leveling. The diode operates on low d.c. voltage but if d.c. is applied to the strips the magnetic field around the Mylar strips will have sufficient force relative to the geomagnetic field to interfere with free pendulation. So 4.5 volts d.c. is stepped up and inverted to about 20 volts a.c. to avoid interference with the geomagnetic field and to reduce power loss across the gold plated strips. The a.c. voltage is then stepped down and converted back to d.c. voltage (2-3 volts) on the platform to power the diode.

Abstract: An improved optical reticle having a high degree of reflection suppression is provided. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention a fused silica reticle substrate is optically contacted with a fused silica cover plate to yield a sandwich optical reticle having virtually zero reflectance.

Abstract: The sensor comprises a radiation source (2), optical elements (5), a pattern generator (4), and a sensor field (3) which includes a plurality of distinguishable, measurable points. The pattern generator (4) changes the beam reflected from an object (8), imaging a pattern on the sensor field (3). An evaluator means (6) samples the individual distinguishable, measurable points of the sensor field and determines the measurement variable on that basis.

Abstract: A system for monitoring changes in shape of a structure employs a laser source attached to the structure and a set of beam splitters mounted at various locations on the structure and arranged to route portions of a laser beam produced by the laser source into various video cameras also mounted on the structure. Each video camera includes a photodetector array and produces an output signal indicating the intensity of light detected by each photodetector of the array, thereby indicating the beam intensity distribution in a corresponding plane of interest. The video output signal of each camera is digitized and stored as an intensity data array in the memory of a digital computer. The computer calculates from the intensity data array the position of the centroid of the beam with respect to a reference point on the plane of interest using a least squares fit of the intensity data to a two-dimensional Gaussian intensity distribution.

Abstract: A light source, such as a laser diode, is positioned on a mount bed facing upwardly. A lens device is supported a support member extending upwardly from the mount bed. The lens device consists of a concave lens and convex lens and is provided to convert the rays of light emitted by the light source to parallel rays of light perpendicular to a true horizontal plane. The concave lens is suspended above the light source by plural wires from the support member. The convex lens is supported above the concave lens by at least one arm attached to the support member. A motorized rotatable reflector device is mounted on the support member above the lens device and reflects the parallel rays of light therefrom in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: In the stabilized optical system against vibratory motions, a front lens unit restrained from movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is followed rearwardly by a movable lens unit for decentering away from the optical axis to compensate for the image shift resulting from the vibratory motion, satisfying the following conditions:4F.sub.T <.vertline.F.sub.1 .vertline.0.25F.sub.T <.vertline.F.sub.2 .vertline.<0.8F.sub.Twhere F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 are the focal lengths of the front and movable lens units respectively, and F.sub.T is the focal length of the entire lens system.

Abstract: A laser surveying equipment includes a laser beam luminous section, a suspending reflection member suspended in such a manner as to reflect laser beam radiated from the laser beam luminous section upward and always to direct the optical axis of such reflected light in the perpendicular direction, and a projection lens system adapted to project the laser beam after forming it into a generally parallel flux of light. A rotary reflection member can be rotatably arranged in order to displace by approximately 90 degree an optical path of parallel flux of light obtained from the projection lens system and to scan the parallel flux of light toward a surveying object within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A transmitter for an alignment system in which a field of electromagnetic radiation is propagated in a non-planar reference cone is disclosed. The transmitter includes a chassis with a source fixed to the chassis for providing a beam of electromagnetic radiation and an optical deflector which converges toward the source reflects the beam into an omni-directional cone of radiation. A flexible support having an omni-directional stiffness supports the optical deflector in the beam to reflect the reference field in a level orientation when the chassis is level. An angular error in the orientation of the chassis from level results in the optical deflector deviating from the aligned position to maintain the reference field in the level orientation. Damping of the deflector is also provided for and sensors detect when the angular error of the chassis has exceeded an allowable amount.

Abstract: A transmitter for an alignment system in which a field of electromagnetic radiation is propagated in a non-planar reference cone is disclosed. The transmitter includes a source for providing a collimated beam of electromagnetic radiation directed parallel to a beam axis. A cantilever strand supports a bob within the beam. The bob has a conical reflecting surface to reflect the collimated beam conically. Optimally, the cantilever strand and bob are chosen to provide a deflection between the bob and plumb which is substantially one-half of any angular error between the beam axis and plumb. In an especially preferred form, a housing surrounds the bob and has inner and outer surfaces which minimize temperature effects on the orientation of the reference plane. Also, detectors are provided to sense when the angular error between the beam axis and plumb is outside of an acceptable range.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a floor marking to a location on an overhead in direct true vertical relationship to the floor marking comprising a laser device generating a pair of beams directionally separated 180 degrees, gimbal mounted to swing free within a wind shielding housing, the housing having collapsible tripod legs with caging arms on each leg extending into the housing to engage and hold said laser in a centralized position when said legs are collapsed for transport of said apparatus.

Abstract: A dynamic damping system for stabilizing the motion of a large object with respect to inertial space by adding mechanical damping to an angular positioning servo system for the object. The mechanical damping is achieved by a dynamic damper assembly which attaches to an inertial balancer that provides inertia feedback to the servo system. The dynamic damper assembly along with the inertia balancer mechanically assist the positioning servo system.

Abstract: A pull-through structure for measuring the flexure of a pipe or tube such as, for example, a gun barrel. The pull-through structure includes a laser beam detector which is freely swingably mounted in a casing forming part of the pull-through structure. The arrangement is adapted to coact with a laser beam emitter which is adapted to emit a laser beam substantially axially through the gun barrel. The laser beam detector includes a dead weight which causes an active detection surface thereof to automatically assume a predetermined angular position in the casing.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable laser beam level instrument has an optical path which includes a solid state light source; a pendulous, positive lens; a rotatable pentaprism or mirror equivalent; and a glass plate which is tilted to provide fine tuning. The level instrument also includes a damping mechanism, a waterproof enclosure and a clip-in battery pack.The solid state light source is a diode in a specific embodiment and produces an intense beam of rapidly diverging infrared laser light.The postiive lens is suspended below the diode at approximately the focal length of the lens from the diode to collimate the light. The pendulous suspension lens maintains the beam in a truly vertical position with respect to the earth to provide self-leveling in a limited range of movement of the instrument. The pentaprism or equivalent converts this vertical beam to a horizontal beam.

Abstract: A light-ray indicator having a support on which is mounted by a universal joint a housing containing a radiation source and provided with a weight at the lower end so as to seek a plumb line. The universal joint forms a portion of an electrical circuit which connects the radiation source contained in the housing a power supply mounted on the support mounted externally of the housing and universal joint, with an adaptor unit including an adjustable mirror being mounted on an upper end of the housing so as to permit the mirror to deflect a radiation beam received from the radiation source through an angle variable with respect, but intersecting, an axis along which the beam is originally emitted from the radiation source.

Abstract: This automatic level comprises an optical compensator for non-horizontality, an image erecting device and an optical focusing system. The compensator, the image erector and the focusing system consist of an assembly of three reflecting element disposed in the fashion of a "Crova" prism, two of said reflecting elements being disposed on a support suspended from the case of the apparatus by means of a pair of flexion bars so selected that said two reflecting elements rotate through an angle equal to one-half the angle formed by the optical axes of the objective and eyepiece of the level with respect to the horizontal when the case departs slightly from its horizontal position, the distance between said objective and one of said two reflecting elements being equal to the distance between other of said two reflecting elements and the reticule, and the third and intermediate reflecting element is movable in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: An aperture control mechanism particularly for use in planetarium projectors, including a weight lever for controlling the horizontal position of the edge of an aperture, said weight lever is seated for rotation on a plate, the rotations being limited to two stops mounted on said plate, at which stops a projection of the weight lever is arrested.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for defining a vertical axis by means of a reely suspended optical system acting as a plumb line. In equilibrium, the optical system has a vertical optical axis about which real images can be detected at distances of the order of a thousand feet above or below the optical system. The apparatus is capable of considerable accuracy in generating a vertical axis for alignment purposes.

Abstract: A horizon indicating device adapted to be mounted behind the horizon glass of a conventional marine sextant, comprising a wire indicator which is kept always in a horizontal position with two sets of pivotal axis forming a two dimensional universal support to cope with a rolling and pitching ship. The said device enables the sextant to function normally under poor visibility when the real horizon can not be seen. The self-illuminated wire indicator makes the sextant being able also to work during night time.

Abstract: Archery bow sighting structure incorporating an elongate housing and light shield interiorly annularly stepped to reduce glare. The housing is interiorly provided with mutually spaced sighting means, the forward sighting means comprising a centrally disposed lens having a central sighting dot. The lens is surrounded by viewing space so that a target can be viewed naturally by the eye, solely the central portion of the target being magnified by the lens. The rear lens means comprises a pendulum type sighting mechanism that is rotatively adjustable. An adjustment screw is provided for adjusting the dampening factor of the pendulum.

Abstract: An apparatus which provides a reference light beam projected onto one and preferably all the walls of a room whereby a reference line is provided for positioning articles thereon.

Abstract: Self-leveling light beam projection apparatus for projecting and maintaining a beam of light along a predetermined path relative to the earth's vertical. A housing adapted for mounting in a predetermined plane includes a light source such as a laser generator for generating a collimated beam of light. A lens system including a pendulum mounting at least one lens is mounted for movement about mutually perpendicular axes to seek the vertical and to maintain the projected beam along the predetermined path despite the relative positions of the housing and light source.