SELF LEVELING TRANSMITTER FOR LASER ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS

摘要

A transmitter for an alignment system in which a field of electromagnetic radiation is propagated in a non-planar reference cone is disclosed. The transmitter includes a source for providing a collimated beam of electromagnetic radiation directed parallel to a beam axis. A cantilever strand supports a bob within the beam. The bob has a conical reflecting surface to reflect the collimated beam conically. Optimally, the cantilever strand and bob are chosen to provide a deflection between the bob and plumb which is substantially one-half of any angular error between the beam axis and plumb. In an especially preferred form, a housing surrounds the bob and has inner and outer surfaces which minimize temperature effects on the orientation of the reference field. Also, detectors are provided to sense when the angular error between the beam axis and plumb is outside of an acceptable range.