US3895871A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic tachymeter
Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
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Filing: 1972-10-25
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Granted: 1975-07-22
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Expires: 1992-10-25
Abstract
Abstract To permit easy, accurate movement of the transit element of an electronic tacheometer, about its support axis, without interference by connecting cables or heavy electronic component attachments, the electronic components of the tacheometer are placed in a housing which is rotatable about the main support post of the transit unit, connected by cables to the transit unit, so that the electronic components and the transit unit can rotate together, without, however, introducing a drag on the transit, or heavy weight on the telescope or transducer structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Georg Strasser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 20:48
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C3/00; G01C3/26; G01C3/28; G01C3/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
In a tacheometer structure assembly having a transit unit (31, 33, 34) for optical measurement of surveying angles, and movably mounted for rotation, and tilt about respective perpendicular measurement axes, an electronic measuring head unit (28) secured to and rotatable with said transit unit to obtain signals representative of distance of a target from said structure; an electronic console unit (12) including circuit components to evaluate the signals and to compute and display distance information; and a base support unit (1) adapted to be positioned with respect to a reference marker; the improveMent comprising a support shaft (8) having a central axis connectable to said base support unit (1) at one end and connectable to said transit unit (31, 33, 34) at the other end; means (9, 32) centering said transit unit on said central axis; said electronic console unit being rotatably secured to and surrounding said support shaft (8), located intermediate of the base support unit (1) and the transit unit (31, 33, 34) and rotatable about said central axis, and signal transmission means (22, 23) interconnecting the radiation head unit (28) and the electronic console unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
In a tacheometer structure assembly having a transit unit (31, 33, 34) for optical measurement of surveying angles, and movably mounted for rotation, and tilt about respective perpendicular measurement axes, an electronic measuring head unit (28) secured to and rotatable with said transit unit to obtain signals representative of distance of a target from said structure; an electronic console unit (12) including circuit components to evaluate the signals and to compute and display distance information; and a base support unit (1) adapted to be positioned with respect to a reference marker; the improveMent comprising a support shaft (8) having a central axis connectable to said base support unit (1) at one end and connectable to said transit unit (31, 33, 34) at the other end; means (9, 32) centering said transit unit on said central axis; said electronic console unit being rotatably secured to and surrounding said support shaft (8), located intermediate of the base support unit (1) and the transit unit (31, 33, 34) and rotatable about said central axis, and signal transmission means (22, 23) interconnecting the radiation head unit (28) and the electronic console unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central axis extends vertically from the base support unit (1); and the centering means (9, 32) releasably secure the transit unit (31, 33, 34) to the support shaft (8) such that, when connected, it is centered on said base support unit (1).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base support unit (1) comprises a centering means (5); and the support shaft (8) comprises matching centering means (7) engageable in the centering means (5) of the base support unit (1).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the end of the lower end of the support shaft (8) is formed with an engagement and centering socket (7); and the base support unit (1) is mountable on a tripod.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the signal transmission means comprises flexible cables (22, 23) to conduct electric or optic signals between the radiation head unit (28) and the electronic console unit (12).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support shaft (8) is formed with a central bore (44) colinear with said axis to provide an optical path between the transit unit (31, 33, 34) and the base support unit (1).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electronic console unit (12) is rotatable about said shaft (8); and locking means (21) are provided to secure the electronic console unit (12) on the shaft (8) in a selected angular position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transit unit (31, 33, 34) is rotatable about said central axis; and said electronic console unit (12) and the transit unit (31, 33, 34) are interconnectable for conjoint rotary movement.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 8, wherein the upper portion of the electronic console unit (12) and the upper portion or alidade, of the transit unit (31, 33, 34) are formed with interengaging motion transmitting interlock means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a carrying handle (11) secured to said electronic console unit (12).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electronic console unit (12) comprises and an assembly of modular, functionally separate and separately removable electrically connected subassemblies (42), which are also mechanically connected together for joint rotation about said axis.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electronic console unit (12) comprises electronic computer circuit means (42) and manual data insertion means (18).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
107 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electronic console unit (12) includes a central bearing (43) journalling the console unit on the central shaft (8) colinear with said axis, said shaft being formed with upper (9) and lower (7) centering and attachment means; said electronic console unit (12), journalled on the shaft, the shaft (8), and said centering and attachment means (7, 9) forming a subassembly; said electronic console unit being rotatable by means of said bearing about said shaft to permit rotation of said electronic unit about said axis upon swinging movement of the transit unit and the electronic measuring head thereon about said axis.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
42 words
Tacheometer assembly according to claim 13, wherein said shaft (8) is hollow, and an optical path (44) is formed through said subAssembly to permit optical observation of a ground reference marker from said transit unit (31, 33, 34) along said central axis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-07-21 | 1979-01-20 | 1979-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-21 | 1983-01-20 | 1983-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-21 | 1987-01-20 | 1987-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |