US 5,402,223 A · Electronic survey stadia

Abstract

An electronic survey stadia to ascertain distance and elevation data from a rotary laser beam(s) in relation to known points. To ascertain elevation data stadia is in perpendicular position in relation to rotary laser beam plane. When beam impinges upon stadia, a measurement is taken by evaluation circuit, processed by an algorithm, then stored in memory and output to display device for use. To ascertain distance measurements, stadia is placed parallel in rotary laser beam(s) plane. The stadia self calibrates by counting rotational speed of laser beam. Once RPM and direction are established, stadia then measures time of laser beam to cover a known distance within stadia. This value is then used in an algorithm to produce distance measurements, thus producing distance and elevation data to memory and display.

Claims2

Dependent claims

A method for ascertaining both distance and elevation from known points using electronic survey stadia with a rotating laser or lasers comprising the steps of;

(a) positioning the face of the stadia in a perpendicular vertical position across the plane of rotation of the rotating laser with opto-electronic elements of the stadia arranged in a vertically oriented array so that the light from the laser impinges upon at least one of opto-electronic elements in the stadia to ascertain elevation data;
(b) positioning the face of the stadia in a horizontal position in the plane of the rotating laser with the opto-electronic elements positioned in a horizontally oriented array so that the light from the laser impinges upon a plurality of the horizontally arrayed opto-electric elements in the stadia while the laser rotates;
and
(c) measuring the time between the laser light impinging upon the opto-electric elements within the stadia and combining that time with the rotational speed and rotational direction of the laser to ascertain distance data.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electronic survey stadia

Life of this patent

Electronic survey stadia

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims2