×

Self-aligning laser transmitter having a dual slope grade mechanism

  • US 5,852,493 A
  • Filed: 03/13/1997
  • Issued: 12/22/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for projecting laser light in a plane having predetermined slopes with respect to an X-axis and with respect to a Y-axis, said Y-axis being orthogonal to said X-axis, said apparatus comprising:

  • a housing;

    a base rotatably coupled to said housing;

    a gimbal mechanism coupled to said base and adapted for pivotal movement about said X-axis;

    a frame coupled to said gimbal mechanism and adapted for pivotal movement along said Y-axis;

    an optical device coupled to said frame and including a light source to generate said laser light which rotates about a first axis and an optical projecting device to project said laser light in said plane which is orthogonal to said first axis;

    an X-axis leveling device coupled to said gimbal mechanism to control an angular orientation of said gimbal mechanism about said X-axis with respect to a Z-axis, said Z-axis being substantially orthogonal to said X and Y axes;

    a Y-axis leveling device coupled to said gimbal mechanism and said frame to control an angular orientation of said frame about said Y-axis with respect to said Z-axis;

    a grade arm rotatably coupled to said frame and including a first level sensor adapted to sense said angular orientation of said gimbal mechanism and a second level sensor adapted to sense said angular orientation of said frame;

    a grade arm pivoting device coupled to said grade arm to control a predetermined angular orientation of said grade arm with respect to one of said X or Y axes;

    a rotating device coupled to said base to adjust an angular orientation of said base with respect to a reference axis, said base being rotated about said Z-axis; and

    a processor programmed to set said predetermined angular orientation of said grade arm and said angular orientation of said base based on said predetermined slopes, said processor adapted to control said X-axis leveling device and said Y-axis leveling device so that said first and second level sensors are substantially level and said plane of light has said predetermined slopes.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×