초록 ▼

A laser transmitter adapted for use in small spaces such as pipes and sewers includes a housing having two exit windows positioned in generally orthogonal planes. The laser transmitter includes a leveling mechanism that is capable of directing a collimated beam through a select one of the two exit w

A laser transmitter adapted for use in small spaces such as pipes and sewers includes a housing having two exit windows positioned in generally orthogonal planes. The laser transmitter includes a leveling mechanism that is capable of directing a collimated beam through a select one of the two exit windows, in a generally horizontal direction at a specified grade irrespective of whether the laser transmitter is oriented generally horizontally or generally vertically.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A laser transmitter comprising: a housing having a first laser exit window and a second laser exit window; a laser source configured to emit a non-rotating reference beam of light; a drive leveling device operatively configured to orient said reference beam to exit said

The invention claimed is: 1. A laser transmitter comprising: a housing having a first laser exit window and a second laser exit window; a laser source configured to emit a non-rotating reference beam of light; a drive leveling device operatively configured to orient said reference beam to exit said housing only through a select one of said first and second laser exit windows; and a level sensor whose output signal is used to control said drive leveling device and select which one of said laser exit windows said reference beam will exit said housing. 2. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said first and second laser exit windows on said housing are oriented in substantially orthogonal planes. 3. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said drive leveling device can adjustably orient said reference beam across a range of at least 90 degrees. 4. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said drive leveling device can adjustably orient said reference beam across a range of at least 135 degrees. 5. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein: said first laser exit window is positioned on said housing so as to allow said laser transmitter to be oriented in a generally horizontal position and direct said reference beam at a first select grade; and said second laser exit window is positioned on said housing so as to allow said laser transmitter to be oriented in a generally vertical position and direct said reference beam at a second select grade. 6. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said drive leveling device is configured to incrementally adjust said laser source to a level position in response to said output signal from said level sensor. 7. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said drive leveling device is configured to incrementally adjust said laser source to a level position in response to said output signal from said level sensor, said drive leveling device further comprising: a gear reducer coupled to a stepper motor; a spur gear reducer coupled to said gear reducer, said spur gear reducer is configured to fine tune a predetermined motor step of said stepper motor; and gearing coupled to said spur gear. 8. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising a motor and a slip clutch configured to prevent impact loading transfer to said drive leveling device from said motor. 9. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said drive leveling device is configured to fine tune level positioning in arcsecond level position resolution. 10. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises: a frame having first and second supporting members in spaced relation to one another; a holder pivotably arranged between said first and second supporting members, wherein said laser source is secured by said holder, and said drive device is operative to pivot said holder about said frame; and a controller configured to selectively operate said drive leveling device to pivot said laser source towards a predetermined desired grade based upon information from said level sensor. 11. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to selectively operate said drive leveling device based upon information from said level sensor. 12. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to selectively operate said drive leveling device based upon information from said level sensor and to pivot said laser source to a predetermined desired grade. 13. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to selectively operate said drive leveling device based upon information from said level sensor and to pivot said laser source to a predetermined desired grade, wherein said predetermined desired grade is set via said controller receiving a wireless communication. 14. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to selectively operate said drive leveling device to provide a line adjustment, a tilt adjustment, and a level adjustment to said reference beam. 15. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said laser source is adjustably repositionable to allow adjustment of focus of said reference beam. 16. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said drive device is configured to selectively pivot said laser source to provide a line adjustment, a tilt adjustment, and a level adjustment as selectively operated by a controller receiving said output signal as feedback, and signals from additional sensors as feedback. 17. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said laser assembly is configured to autolevel said reference beam to a predetermined desired grade. 18. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising operational controls and a controller responsive to said operational controls and configured to selectively operate said drive leveling device based upon information from said level sensor and to pivot said laser source to a predetermined desired grade, wherein said predetermined desired grade is set manually via said operational controls. 19. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said drive device comprises a first gear coupled to a shaft of a motor such that said first gear and said shaft rotate with unitary rotation motion, and a second gear fixedly secured about a first leveling point, said first and second gears meshed together such that rotation of said shaft of said motor causes unitary rotational motion of said first gear, which meshes with said second gear to pivot said laser source about said first leveling point; and wherein said laser transmitter further comprises a controller configured to selectively operate said drive leveling device to a desired grade adjustment equated with a corresponding number of gear teeth of said gears and said output signal from said level sensor as feedback. 20. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising a roll sensor configured to sense whether said laser source has been rotatively misaligned along its centerline axis to a magnitude that would not allow said reference beam to meet predetermined accuracy requirements. 21. The laser transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said laser transmitter is programmable to a select a desired grade of said reference beam. 22. A laser system comprising a laser transmitter according to claim 1, and a laser target configured to detect said reference beam.