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Laser tracker with enhanced handling features

  • US 8,842,259 B2
  • Filed: 04/13/2012
  • Issued: 09/23/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/15/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A coordinate measurement device that sends a first beam of light to a remote target point, the target point returning a portion of the first beam as a second beam, the coordinate measurement device having a top side, a bottom side, and a weight, the measurement device comprising:

  • a first motor and a second motor that together direct the first beam of light to a first direction, the first direction determined by a first angle of rotation about a first axis and a second angle of rotation about a second axis, the first angle of rotation produced by the first motor and the second angle of rotation produced by the second motor;

    a zenith carriage mounted on an azimuth base and having the second axis, wherein a thick portion of the zenith carriage extends across the top side, and wherein the second axis is rotatable about the first axis relative to the azimuth base;

    a first angle measuring device that measures the first angle of rotation and a second angle measuring device that measures the second angle of rotation;

    a distance meter that measures a first distance from the coordinate measurement device to the target point based at least in part on a first portion of the second beam received by a first optical detector;

    a processor that provides a three-dimensional coordinate of the target point, the three-dimensional coordinate based at least in part on the first distance, the first angle of rotation, and the second angle of rotation; and

    a retractable handle located at the top side, the retractable handle retractable into and out of the zenith carriage such that when the retractable handle is extended into an open position the thick portion of the zenith carriage remains extended across the top side to provide a stiff zenith carriage.

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