Self-aligning laser transmitter having a dual slope grade mechanism
US5852493A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C15/002
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-aligning laser transmitter having a dual slope grade mechanism is provided. The laser transmitter includes a light source coupled to a frame which is suspended from a gimbal mechanism. The gimbal mechanism and the frame are coupled to a rotatable base. X and Y axes leveling devices are coupled to the gimbal mechanism and the frame to level the light source. A grade arm having two level sensors mounted at ninety degrees to one another is coupled to the frame. The grade arm is pivoted along the X or Y axes by a grade arm pivoting device. The X and Y axes leveling devices reposition the light source so that the level sensors are level thereby introducing a slope to the light source corresponding to the amount of pivot of the grade arm. The base may be rotated for a dual slope capability. The laser transmitter may be self-aligned automatically by aligning the laser transmitter with a target positioned at a reference location. A digital processor may be used to control the rotating device so that the laser transmitter is automatically aligned with the target. The digital processor may control a directional indicator which indicates a direction to rotate the laser transmitter so t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.