Method, apparatus, and devices for projecting laser planes

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed, along with methods and constituent devices, for generating omnidirectional planar projections for an exemplary laser application to provide visual references for the construction field. The preferred embodiment utilizes a convex cone lens, the lateral surface of which provides for total internal reflection, to disperse the incident beam. The curvatures of the interior and exterior surfaces of a toroidal ring lens normalize and athermalize the dispersed beam such that the resulting projection is orthogonal to the incident beam throughout an operable temperature range. Alternate optical embodiments are also disclosed which utilize various means of dispersal and normalization such as a conical reflector, concave cone lens, double-prism ring and well-adapted spherical lenses. The preferred embodiment is adapted as a portable construction tool by additionally disclosed components including a path-compression prism assembly, an adjustable tripod support adapted to a structural base assembly, and various embodiments of a lens-shield concept.