Alignment device

Abstract

An alignment device provides one or more references, such as laser lines and planes in horizontal and vertical orientations. One version of the alignment device includes an optics mounting assembly situated in a pivot socket on a frame to provide an output beam. A spring system and one or more alignment assemblies align and secure the optics mounting assembly in the socket. As a result, the output beam has a desired orientation with respect to true level. The spring system holds the optics mounting assembly in communication with the alignment assemblies to reduce system backlash. One implementation of the pivot socket has a surface in the form of a sphere's interior surface. A set of support members on the optics mounting assembly rest on the pivot socket's spherical surface-causing the output reference beam to extend from the center of a sphere including the socket's spherical surface. This reduces the translation of the output reference beam's origin when the optics mounting assembly pivots in the socket.

Description

[0001] This Application is related to the following applications:[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 928,244, entitled "Laser Alignment Device Providing Multiple References," filed on Aug. 10, 2001 and[0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 004,694, entitled "Servo-Controlled Automatic Level and Plumb Tool," filed on Dec. 4, 2001.[0004] This Application incorporates each of the above-identified applications herein by reference.CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0005] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 of, and is a continuation-in-part of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 004,694, entitled "Servo-Controlled Automatic Level and Plumb Tool," filed on Dec. 4, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.[0006] 1. Field of the Invention[0007] The present invention is directed to the field of alignment devices.[0008] 2. Description of the Related Art[0009] People undertaking construction and repair projects frequently require the use of reference guides. People e...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The purchase, maintenance, storage, and transportation of several alignment tools are undesirable inconveniences that consume time and money.

In some circumstances it is simply impractical to have multiple alignment tools readily available on a job site.

In electromechanical control systems, such as an automated reference tool, backlash can be a leading source of inaccuracy.

Otherwise, the control system's accuracy will be compromised.

Traditional systems frequently employ expensive high precision components to overcome the problem of backlash and minimize other sources of inaccuracy.

However, this can result in increasing the expense of a reference tool beyond the acceptable threshold of many users.

With a perfectly angled penta-prism, the alignment can be difficult, due to challenges in mounting reflector 96 on rotation shaft 98 with a zero roll alignment.

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