Adjustable high precision surveying device

Abstract

Methods and devices for use in surveying operations are provided. A device is provided for selectively connecting to surveying equipment, such as a surveying pole, and is adapted for accurately adjusting a reference point in at least two axes. The device is adapted to work in conjunction with additional surveying equipment, such as theodolites and transits as well as one or more central processing units for analyzing, storing, and providing data.

1 . A system for locating and marking one or more locations, comprising:
 a first device in association with a first location;   a second device;   a positioning device attached to said second device and extending in a plane;   wherein at least a portion of said positioning device is capable of being selectively positioned in a plurality of locations in the plane;   said first device capable of determining a relative distance of said positioning device; and   a central processing unit in communication with at least one of said first device and said second device, said central processing unit providing information related to a location of said second device;   wherein said positioning device is translatable in at least a first direction and a second direction;   said first direction being substantially perpendicular to said second direction;   said positioning device comprising a device for receiving at least one of a prism, a reflective surface, and a self-leveling laser, said device being translatable in said first direction and said second direction.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said positioning device comprises a surveying prism. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said first device comprises a Total Station. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said positioning device comprises a surveying prism and a self-leveling laser. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said second device comprises at least one of a pole, bipod, and a tripod. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said positioning device is controlled by said central processing unit. 
     
     
         7 . A method for locating and marking a location, comprising:
 providing a first device in association with a first predetermined point;   providing a second device;   providing a positioning device attached to said second device and extending from said second device in a horizontal plane;   determining the relative distance of said positioning device from said first device;   based on said determining step, selectively positioning said object in a desired location; and   projecting a point on at least one surface; and   wherein said positioning device extends in a first direction and a second direction, said first direction being perpendicular to said second direction;   the positioning device being translatable in at least said first direction; and   wherein said positioning device comprises a device for securing at least one of a prism, a reflective surface, and a self-leveling laser.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the relative distance of said positioning device from said first device is conveyed to a central processing unit. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said central processing unit indicates a required movement of the positioning device. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said first device is a Total Station. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said second device comprises at least one of a pole, bipod, and a tripod. 
     
     
         12 . A system for locating a position, the system comprising:
 a first device operable to be provided in a first location;   a positioning device extending in at least one plane and operable to be provided in visual communication with the first device;   the positioning device being selectively positionable in a plurality of locations about the plane;   said first device operable to determine a relative distance of said positioning device;   wherein said positioning device extends in a first direction and a second direction, said first direction being substantially perpendicular to said second direction;   wherein said positioning device comprises at least one of a prism, a reflective surface, and a self-leveling laser translatable in the first direction and the second direction.   
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein said positioning device comprises a first member and a second member, the second member comprising a substantially rigid member extending laterally and perpendicularly away from the first member. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the second member comprises a hinge for providing freedom of movement for said at least one of a prism, a reflective surface, and a self-leveling laser. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the second member is rotatable about the first member. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein said first device comprises a Total Station. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a tripod for supporting the positioning device. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein said positioning device is controlled by a central processing unit. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said central processing unit indicates a required movement of the positioning device.