Using Laser Rangefinders To Align Two Structures

An optoelectronic system provides information on the relative position and orientation of two structures that are required to be brought together slowly and gently in a prescribed alignment. In the original intended application, the two structures will be the X-33 launch vehicle and a launch mount. With modifications, the system could likely be used for aligning other paired structures; it may be particularly valuable for aligning such large and/or heavy structures as prefabricated sections of bridges, for docking of ships, and possibly even for coupling of railroad cars.