CN201269948Y - Light ray generating component and light ray generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a component used for producing light at the surface. The component can comprise a first shell connected to a second shell. The first shell can comprise a first light source and a second light source and can produce intersectant light at the surface. Moreover, the first shell can be relocated in connection with the second shell so as to redirect light on the surface. The component can further comprise a pendulum-typed component, which can operate the horizontal light to produce materially vertical (plumb) and/or horizontal light on an approximately vertical surface such as a wall.

Description

Light generating component and light generating device

technical field

The utility model relates to a light generating assembly, in particular to a self-leveling laser leveling device comprising a repositionable line generating unit.

Background technique

Alignment of surfaces is a long-standing problem in fields ranging from architecture to interior decoration. Proper alignment is necessary to ensure that the wall is perpendicular to the ground or plumb. Laser levels are often used in architecture to create a light plane that serves as a reference for various projections. Laser levels save considerable time during the initial layout of construction projects compared to other tools such as beam levels, pink line or torpedo levels. Examples of some projects where laser levels are useful include laying tile, hanging drywall, placing cabinets, installing counter tops, and building decking.

Utility model content

The utility model discloses a component for generating light on a surface, a self-level light generating component, and a light generating device. The assembly may include a first housing connected to a second housing. The first housing may include a first light source and a second light source capable of producing intersecting light rays on the surface. Also, the first housing can be repositioned relative to the second housing to redirect light on the surface. In particular, the first housing is rotatable about a horizontal and/or vertical axis. The assembly may also include a pendulum assembly operable to generate substantially vertical (plumb) and/or horizontal lines from horizontal light rays on substantially vertical surfaces such as walls.

The utility model has the advantages of compact volume, flexible and convenient use.

Describe the embodiment of the utility model in detail below with reference to accompanying drawing.

Description of drawings

1A and 1B show a front view and a rear view, respectively, of a wire generating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the wire generating assembly of Figure 1A with the front housing portion removed for clarity.

3A and 3B are enlarged views of a pendulum locking mechanism with the front portion of the locking lever removed for clarity, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4A-4B illustrate exemplary laser assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a side view of the laser tube with a portion removed for clarity, while FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the laser tube of FIG. 4A taken along line 4B-4B.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the line generating assembly of Figure 1A, illustrating the generation of light planes.

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the wire generating assembly shown in Figure 2, showing the connection between the first housing and the second housing.

7A-7C are cross-sectional views of the second housing taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2, illustrating the stop mechanism of the strut.

8A, 8B and 8C are front views of the wire generating assembly showing rotation of the first housing with respect to the second housing.

9A-9C show bottom views of the first housing alone, showing the sliding of the struts along the slots.

Figures 10A and 10B show front views of the wire generating assembly, showing rotation of the first housing in a plane.

11A and 11B show front and rear views, respectively, of a mounting accessory operable to support a wire generating assembly proximate a surface.

Figure 12 shows the mounting assembly of Figures 11A and 11B connected to the line generating assembly of Figures 1A and IB.

Like reference numerals are used to refer to like parts throughout the disclosure.

Detailed ways

1A and 1B show a front view and a rear view, respectively, of a light generating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , the wire generating assembly 10 may include a first housing or head 100 (also referred to as a light generating unit) and a second housing or base 105 . The wire generating assembly 10 may be formed from a hard impact resistant, preferably moldable material such as a hard thermoplastic material such as ABS or polystyrene. Assembly 10 may also include a grip portion formed from a soft or low durometer thermoplastic elastomer. For example, the grip portion may be attached or overmolded to the second housing 105 . Alternatively, in addition, the grip portion may be formed from a "soft touch" resilient material such as SANTOPRENE, KRATON and MONOPRENE.

The first housing 100 contains a mechanism operable to produce at least one fiducial or light onto a support or work surface. The shape of the first housing 100 is not particularly limited to those shown here. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first housing 100 may have a truncated ring shape. That is, the first housing 100 may have a generally curved C-shaped configuration with spaced apart ends 115A, 115B defining the opening 120 . The angle of opening 120 may include, but is not limited to, about 90°. An opening having a central axis 125 may extend through the first housing 100 .

The first housing 100 may include one or more windows operable to allow light beams to propagate from the first housing 100 . The term "window" includes not only openings with transparent or translucent covers, but also holes through which light beams can pass. By way of specific example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first housing 100 may include a first window 110A spaced from a second window 110B at an angle including, but not limited to, about 90°. With this configuration, when the first housing 100 is positioned in its normal (upright) position, the first window 110A can direct light beams in a generally horizontal direction, while the second window 110B can direct light beams in a generally vertical direction . In particular, the beams may propagate from the first housing 100 such that the beams intersect along the axis 125 of the central bore through the opening 120 of the first housing 100 . In this manner, the beam of light creates light on a support or work surface (eg, a wall or the floor), providing a reference line that allows the user to orient objects on the surface (discussed in more detail below).

The wire generating assembly 10 may further include a first actuator 140 (e.g., located on the second housing 105) operable to control a light source contained within the first housing and a second actuator 145 (e.g., located on the second housing 105) operable to engage the locking mechanism ( For example, on the first housing 100) (each discussed in more detail below). Furthermore, the wire generating assembly 10 (ie, each of the first housing 100 and the second housing 105 ) may be formed as a unitary structure or may be formed from a front housing portion 150 and a rear housing portion 155 . The front housing portion 150 may include measurement indicia (not shown) configured to indicate the angle of rotation of the first housing 100 relative to the second housing 105 . For example, markers can provide protractor measurements. Alternatively, the first housing may include a protractor device similar to that disclosed in US Patent Application No. 11/441,451, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Referring to FIG. 1B , rear housing portion 155 may include slots 160 configured to receive arms of mounting accessories (discussed below). In yet another embodiment, the rear housing portion 155 may also include angle markings to measure angles when, for example, the upper housing is rotated about a vertical axis (discussed in more detail below).

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the wire generating assembly 10 of FIG. 1A with the front housing portion 150 removed for clarity. The first housing 100 may further include a pendulum assembly 200 including a pendulum 205 , one or more light sources 210A, 210B and a damping mechanism 215 . The rocker 205 may be connected to the rear housing portion 155 such that it is free to pivot within the first housing 100 (ie, it may be swingably suspended within the first housing 100 ). Specifically, the rocker 205 is pivotally connected to a post 220 extending from the inner surface of the rear housing portion 155 . Guide 225 may be positionable to guide and/or limit the angle and/or direction of pivoting within rocker 205 . For example, rocker 205 can rock about 12° (±6° from its normal (0°) position). One or more bearings (not shown) may optionally be disposed between rocker 205 and post 220 to allow for smoother and more stable movement.

In operation, when the wire generating assembly 10 is placed against a work or support surface, such as a substantially vertical wall, the rocker 205 will pivot to automatically reorient the light sources 210A, 210B so that the wire generating assembly 10 is substantially vertical (plumb) and/or horizontal lines. In other words, the pendulum assembly 200 is self-levelling, thereby correcting the direction of the light beam on the work surface even if the work surface is uneven or even if the line generating assembly 10 is placed against the work surface in a slightly inclined orientation.

The light sources 210A, 210B may each comprise means operable to generate a light beam LB, such as a plane or line of light. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first light source 210A is connected to the rocker 205 to direct the light beam LB through the first window 110A, and the second light source 210B is connected to the rocker 205 so that it directs the light beam LB through the second window 110B. The light sources 210A, 210B may include, but are not limited to, laser assemblies (discussed in more detail below). The light source is selectively controllable by a switch 230 in communication with the first actuator 140 . For example, a switch may selectively energize one or both of the light sources 210A, 210B.

The damping mechanism 215 can reduce the vibration amplitude of the pendulum 205 . The damping mechanism 215 may be any mechanism suitable for its stated purpose (ie, damping the motion of the rocker 205). For example, bent rod 235 may be formed from a conductive non-ferrous material (eg, aluminum, zinc, copper, brass). The rear housing portion 155 may also include a magnet 240 that aligns with the flex bar 235 . Also, the curved rod 235 is formed and positioned such that a precise gap of a predetermined width is maintained when the rocker 205 is in motion (ie, as the rocker rocks about the post 220 ). The interaction between the eddy currents in the bent rod 235 and the magnetic field of the magnet causes the rocking motion of the rocker 205 to be retarded. An alternative embodiment of the damping mechanism 215 can be found in US Patent No. 5,144,487, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The line generating assembly 10 may further include a calibration mechanism configured to calibrate the orientation of the rocker 205 . For example, the calibration mechanism may include balance screws disposed along rocker 205 . A calibration mechanism may be utilized to adjust the path of the light beams, and in particular to allow angular adjustment of the light sources 210A, 210B relative to the first housing 100 . Additionally, at least one of the light sources 210A, 210B may be adjustable on the rocker 205 to calibrate the beam alignment. For example, this can be done with a spring and screw mechanism.

The wire generating assembly 10 of the present invention may further include a locking mechanism operable to stabilize the rocker 205 against pivotal movement thereof. The locking mechanism may include a locking lever 300 including a first end 305 and a second end 310 , and a biasing member 320 that biases the first end of the locking lever 300 against the curved lever 235 of the rocker 205 . The lock lever 300 may be pivotally connected to the first housing 100 at a pivot point P. As shown in FIG.

The second actuator 145 of the first housing 100 may be adapted to engage and disengage the locking lever 300 to selectively secure the rocker at a desired inclination. 3A and 3B are enlarged views of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 2 with a portion of the locking lever 300 removed for clarity. Specifically, the second actuator 145 can control the ramp member 330, which selectively engages the locking lever 300, thereby pivoting it. Referring to FIG. 3A , in operation, the second activator 145 begins in a first position, wherein the biasing member pushes the first end 305 of the locking rod 300 against the curved rod 235 of the rocker member 205 . When the locking lever 300 engages the rocker 205, it prevents the rocker from pivoting about its pivot point P (and thus cannot be self-levelling). This results in substantially immobilizing the light sources 210A, 210B.

Engaging the second activator 145 by applying a force (indicated by arrow S) slides the second activator 145 from the first position to the second position, wherein the ramp 330 contacts the second end 310 of the locking lever 300 . The ramp member 330 drives the second end 310 of the locking rod 300 upwards, thereby overcoming the biasing force of the biasing member 320 . In this way, the first end 305 of the locking rod 300 is driven downward, away from the rocker 205 (indicated by arrow F). This releases the rocker 205 allowing it to pivot freely so that the light beams produced by the light sources 210A, 210B are leveled.

In this manner, the user can selectively activate the self-levelling feature of the line generation assembly 10 . Selectively preventing movement of the rocker 205 within the first housing 100 not only prevents damage to the rocker 205 during storage and/or transportation, but also allows the user to stabilize the light generated on the work surface (i.e., it prevents the light from leveling ). As a result, line generating assembly 10 can be repositioned on the work surface to project light at a desired angle (eg, a user can establish a zero or reference position and then rotate assembly 10 at a desired angle from the zero position).

Furthermore, the locking mechanism can not only fix the rocker in its normal position (where true vertical and horizontal lines are created), but also any angle of inclination of the rocker throughout the swing of the rocker. That is, the first end 305 of the locking lever can engage any point of the curved lever 235 as it rocks within the first housing 100 . As a result, rocker 205 can be stabilized in any position during its rocking (eg, ±6° from its normal (0°) position).

As mentioned above, the light sources 210A, 210B of the first housing 100 may include laser components. 4A-4B illustrate exemplary laser assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a laser assembly according to an embodiment of the present aspect. The laser assembly may include a laser diode 410 , a collimating lens 420 and a line lens 430 . Each of laser diode 410 , collimating lens 420 and line lens 430 may be housed within laser barrel 440 . Canister 440 may have, but is not limited to, a substantially cylindrical shape. Additionally, the cartridge 440 may be adjustable to allow its repositioning within the first housing 100 .

In operation, laser diode 410 directs laser beam LB through collimating lens 420 . The collimating lens 420 may form the laser beam LB into a beam having a substantially elliptical cross-section (FIG. 4B), and then the line lens 430 converts the laser beam LB into a planar beam (ie, a laser plane). The line lens 430 can have various shapes to achieve this purpose. For example, line lens 430 may be a prismatic lens comprising at least two cylindrical lenses formed with substantially different focal lengths to produce at least two overlapping laser planes with different divergence angles and trajectories. By way of specific example, line lens 430 may be formed from a large radius convex lens portion disposed between two small radius concave lens portions. As best shown in Figure 4B, with this configuration, the line lens sections form three laser planes that overlap as a single laser beam onto the surface. The resulting rays are a single bundle with a symmetrical line pattern that is less intense near the middle and more intense at each end. This ensures that when the upper housing is rotated about the vertical axis, the lines produced on the support surface are substantially the same (discussed in more detail below). Further details of a laser assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention are disclosed in US Patent No. 6,914,930 to Raskin et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Alternatively or additionally, either light source 210A or 210B may be associated with a mirror configured to reflect the light beam LB through the window 110A, 110B. The use of mirrors allows for a more compact construction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the second light source 210B has a mirror 250 positioned between the collimating lens 420 and the line lens 430 . Additionally, the mirror may be adjustable on the rocker 205 to calibrate the beam alignment. This can be achieved with a spring and screw mechanism.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the wire generating assembly 10 of FIG. 1A , illustrating the operation of the first housing 100 . As shown, when the assembly 10 is placed against a support surface (e.g., a vertical surface such as a wall), the first light source 210A propagates a first beam LB1 (i.e., a laser plane), which forms a first line on the work surface LL1. Similarly, the second light source 210B propagates a second light beam LB2 in a second direction, thereby generating a second light ray LL2 on the work surface. Due to the orientation of the windows 110A, 110B, the first ray LL1 intersects the second ray LL2 proximate to the axis of the central hole 125 .

The wire generating assembly 10 may also be configured such that the first housing 100 is selectively repositionable with respect to the second housing 105 . For example, the first housing 100 is rotatable about an axis extending through the first and second housings. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the wire generating assembly 10 shown in FIG. 2 showing the connection of the first housing 100 to the second housing 105 . As shown, a support bar or post 600 may connect the first housing 100 to the second housing 105 such that the post 600 defines a generally vertical axis extending through the first and second housings. Strut 600 may include shaft 605 , plate 610 and flange 630 . The board 610 is locked in the first housing 100 . Also, the bush 615 , which is fixed to the second housing 105 by the receiver 255 , rotatably receives the shaft 605 . In this way, when the first housing 100 is rotated, the second housing remains stationary (eg, in its normal position) while the shaft 605 rotates within the bushing 615 .

The assembly 10 may further include a detent mechanism to selectively position/fix the first housing 100 with respect to the second housing 105 . Specifically, the shaft 605 of the strut 600 may include a resilient tab 620 configured to engage one of a plurality of notches 625 formed in the bushing. 7A-7C are cross-sectional views of the base taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2 . In operation, starting in the first position ( FIG. 7A ), a force may be applied to the first housing 100 to rotate the shaft 605 within the bushing 615 . 7B, as the shaft 605 rotates (indicated by arrow R), the resilient tabs 620 on the shaft 605 successively engage the notches 625 formed in the bushing 615, thereby securing the bushing 615 in a desired position.

In this way, the first housing 100 of the wire generating assembly 10 is rotatable about a vertical axis defined by the shaft 605 . The angle of rotation may include, but is not limited to, any angle up to and including 360°. For example, the post 600 may limit the rotation of the first housing 100 relative to the second housing to 180°. In particular, the shaft 605 of the strut 600 may include a flange 630 having shoulders 635 arranged 180° apart. The shoulder 635 is configured to engage a stop rib 640 located within the second housing 105 . As such, when the shaft 605 is rotated, the shoulder 635 engages the stop rib 640, thereby preventing further rotation of the shaft 605 (best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C ).

8A , 8B and 8C are front views of the wire generating assembly 10 showing rotation of the first housing 100 with respect to the second housing 105 . With the configuration described above, the line generating unit 100 can be redirected from a first position to a second position and, as such, enables a user to selectively orient the direction of the light beams LB1, LB2 generated on the work surface. Referring to FIG. 8A, the first housing 100 begins at a first normal position, where the first beam LB1 (propagating through the first window 110A) is directed toward the right side of the assembly 10 in a generally horizontal direction (perspective view from FIGS. 8A-8C )spread. Rotating the first housing 100 (indicated by arrow R) reorients the first housing 100 with respect to the second housing 105, thereby moving it from a first normal position to a second normal position, wherein the first beam LB1 (propagating Transmits through the first window 110A) in a generally horizontal direction toward the left side of the assembly 10 (from the perspective view of FIGS. 8A-8C ). In the first or second normal position, the second light beam LB2 (propagating through the second window 110B) propagates in a substantially vertical direction. In this way, assembly 10 is capable of selectively directing the direction of beams LB1, LB2 onto a work surface (eg, a generally vertical wall).

Alternatively or additionally, the first housing 100 may be adapted to rotate in a plane that includes or is parallel to the second housing 105 (i.e., it may rotate in a plane substantially parallel to the surface on which the light rays are generated) . 9A-9C show bottom views of the first housing 100 alone. The first housing 100 may include a channel or slot 900 having a keyway 910 . The strut 600 is slidable (indicated by arrow S) along the slot 900 , allowing angular pivoting of the first housing 100 with respect to the second housing 105 . Slot 900 may define an angle of pivoting that includes, but is not limited to, about 45°.

10A and 10B are front views of the wire generating assembly 10 illustrating the pivotal movement of the first housing 100 with respect to the second housing 105 . Referring to FIG. 10A , the first housing starts at its first normal position, where the first beam LB1 (traveling through the first window 110A) propagates in a substantially horizontal direction and/or the second beam LB2 (traveling through the second window 110B ) propagate in a roughly vertical direction. In the first normal position, strut 600 is positioned within keyway 910, as described above. Referring to FIG. 10B , application of a force (indicated by arrow R) rotates the first housing 100 from a first normal position to a second position offset from the normal position. In the second position, the first light beam LB1 may be directed in a direction deviating from the horizontal, and/or the second light beam LB2 may propagate in a direction deviating from the vertical. In this way, the first housing 100 rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, in particular about the axis 125 defined by the central hole of the first housing 100 . This enables rotation of the first housing 100 to change the "protractor angle" of the beams LB1, LB2 on the support/work surface.

With the configuration described above, the line generating assembly 10 is configurable to provide two angles of rotation, for example along horizontal and vertical axes, thereby allowing the user to change the position and direction of the light beam on the work surface. In other words, the first housing 100 is capable of rotating in a first direction in which the first housing rotates in a first plane including the second housing 105 and in a second direction in which the first housing rotates substantially transverse to the first plane. Movement in the second direction of rotation in the second plane.

The light generating device may also be adapted to be attached to a support or to a work surface such as a wall. 11A and 11B show front and rear views of a stand or mounting accessory 1100 operable to support a light generating device proximate a work surface. Mounting accessory 1100 may include a structure operable to connect to a supporting surface, such as a wall or the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting accessory 1100 includes a body 1105 having a first or front surface 1110 and a second or rear surface 1115 . Body 1105 may have any shape and/or dimensions suitable for its stated purpose. The mounting accessory 1100 can include a hook 1120 that releasably engages with a slot or receptacle 160 on the second housing 105 of the light generating device 10 (the receptacle 160 can be located on the rear housing portion 155 as explained above). Mounting accessory 1100 may further include guide members 1125 to align wire generating device 10 onto the accessory.

Mounting accessory 1100 may be adapted to provide multiple attachment modes. For example, rear surface 1115 of body 1105 may include groove 1130 operable to receive double-sided tape (tape not shown). Mounting accessory 1100 may further include a support plate 1135 having an aperture 1140 operable to receive a point fastener 1210 (e.g., a thumbtack, nail, tack) extending through aperture 1140 to engage a work surface and secure mounting accessory 1100 thereto. wait). The support plate 1135 may also include fastener openings 1145 configured to receive fasteners, such as screws. The fastener opening 1145 may include an opening adapted to receive a fastener and a conical recess for receiving the head and stem of the fastener such that it is self-centering on the conical recess. In operation, once mounting accessory 1100 is placed in a desired location, fasteners are inserted into openings 1145 and engage a work surface. The head of the fastener is positioned within the conical groove, thereby supporting the mounting accessory 1100 on the work surface. Additional information regarding securing mechanisms can be found in US Patent No. 11/441,451 (Hobden et al.), which was incorporated herein by reference in its entirety above.

The support plate 1135 of the mounting accessory 1100 is repositionable with respect to the main body 1105 . Specifically, the main body 1105 may include a plurality of rails 1150 along which the support plate 1135 moves. The support plate may also include teeth 1155 that engage the rails 1150, thereby providing a series of detents that secure the support plate at a desired height.

Figure 12 shows a side perspective view of the wire generating assembly 10 including the mounting accessory 1100 connected thereto. In operation, the mounting accessory 1100 is connected to the rear portion 155 of the second housing 105 . The hook 1120 of the mounting accessory 1100 engages the slot 160 of the second housing 105 , thereby connecting the wire generating assembly 10 to the mounting accessory 1100 . The user can then attach the entire assembly 10 to the work surface by placing the mounting accessory 1100 at the desired height and then inserting point fasteners into the holes 1140 or inserting screws into the openings 1145 . The user can also adjust the height of the support plate 1135 (eg, by sliding it up and down) to position the fastener accordingly (eg, the user can align the fastener with the shaft 125 of the first housing 100). The user may then operate the device to generate light rays on the work surface to reorient the protractor angles and/or the horizontal orientation of the lines, as described above.

Although the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the first housing 100 and the second housing 105 of the wire generating assembly 10 may have any suitable dimensions and may be of any shape suitable for their stated purpose (here, to house components of the assembly). For example, the second housing 105 may include a U-shaped structure. The second housing 105 may be aligned along the same plane as the first housing 100 or may extend at an angle (eg, from an obtuse angle) from the first housing 100 . Furthermore, the light sources 210A, 210B may be any source capable of producing light on a support or work surface, such as a substantially vertical wall or substantially horizontal ground.

The number, shape and/or dimensions of the windows 110A, 110B are not particularly limited to those shown here. Furthermore the windows 110, 110B may be spaced apart relative to the first housing 100 at any angle suitable for their stated purpose. Also, the windows 110A, 110B may be sized to prevent the light beams LB1 , LB2 from projecting out of the first housing 100 when the pendulum assembly 200 contacts another component disposed within the housing 100 . In addition, the windows 110A, 110B also prevent the light beams LB1, LB from exiting the housing 100 when the pendulum assembly 200 approaches the limits of its angular range. In other words, assume that the angular range is between about -6° to about +6° from normal (i.e., from the vertical centerline to where the pendulum assembly 200 is self-level), and that the pendulum assembly 200 can be positioned at more than Wherever angular movement occurs within this range, the windows 110A, 110B may be sized and/or shaped to block the light beam when the rocker 205 is moved beyond about -5° and/or about +5° from normal. This configuration prevents the user from also utilizing the emitted beam (as substantially horizontal or vertical) when the rocker has almost reached or exceeded its range of motion - when the beam may in fact no longer represent a true plumb or level.

The number and positioning of light sources 210A, 210B are not particularly limited to those described herein. The light sources 210A, 210B may comprise any structure operable to form light into a surface. Laser source 410, collimating lens, and/or line lens 430 may be formed into any shape suitable for their stated purpose. For example, the collimating lens may be a cylindrical lens operable to convert a laser beam into light. Also, the line lens 430 may have any shape operable to transform the laser beam LB into a planar beam (ie, a laser plane). For example, the wire lens 430 may have a substantially circular cross-section, a substantially semi-circular cross-section, a substantially quarter-circular cross-section, and/or a combined cross-section that includes rectangle.

Furthermore, the first actuator 140 and/or the second actuator 145 may be any actuator suitable for its purpose as described above, and may comprise any suitable switch (mechanical push, slide type, etc.), and may be arranged in any suitable position. Location. The wire generating assembly 10 according to the present invention may further include a column sensor circuit. Information regarding post sensor circuits can be found in US Patent Nos. 4,099,118 and 4,464,622, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The wire generating assembly 10 may include a safety mechanism that prevents rotation of the first housing with respect to the post 600 when the first housing is not in its normal position. For example, keyway 910 of channel 900 receives shaft 605 and bushing 615 as described above. While in the keyway 910, the shaft 605 can rotate, as described above. However, rotation of the first housing 100 may be prevented by the bushing 615 when the shaft 605 is positioned away from the keyway along a portion of the channel 900 (ie, when the first housing is pivoted away from normal). This provides a safety mechanism preventing the first housing 100 from turning when it is pivoted to a protractor angle.

The strut 600, which allows the first housing 100 to rotate from left to right with respect to the second housing 105 (and vice versa), may also include other stops to limit rotation of the first housing (e.g., other than about 180 degrees) outside). Similarly, the stopper may be configured such that the first housing 100 may slide therein along the slot 900 and stop at a desired protractor angle (eg, 0, 45 or 90 degrees).

Mounting accessory 1100 may further include a measuring device operable to measure a protractor angle of the first housing. For example, a 360° protractor is available.

Thus, the present invention is intended to include the modifications and variations of the present invention as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents. It is understood that terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "side", "height", "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "Inner," "outer," etc., as used herein, are used to describe points of reference only, and do not limit the invention to any particular orientation or configuration.

Claims (17)

1. A light generation assembly, characterized in that, comprising: a first housing comprising a light source operable to generate a light beam in a first direction, wherein the light beam is capable of forming rays on a surface; and a second housing, which is connected to the first housing, wherein the first housing is movable in a first direction, wherein the first housing rotates in a first plane including the second housing, and the first housing is movable in a second direction, Wherein the first housing rotates in a second plane transverse to the first plane. 2. The light generating assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a laser assembly comprising a laser diode, a collimating lens and a line lens. 3. The light generating assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source is connected to a self-levelling pendulum assembly including a rocker suspended within the housing. 4. The light generating assembly of claim 3, further comprising a locking mechanism operable to secure the rocker against movement. 5. The light generating assembly of claim 3, wherein the pendulum assembly further comprises a damping mechanism. 6. The light generating assembly of claim 1, wherein the first housing comprises a first light source configured to generate a first light beam in a first direction, and a first light source configured to generate a first light beam in a second direction Second light source for two beams. 7. The light generating assembly of claim 6, wherein the first light beam intersects the second light beam at an angle of 90°. 8. The light generating assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second directional and second light sources are connected to a self-leveling pendulum assembly comprising a rocker member swingingly suspended within said first housing . 9. The light generating assembly of claim 1, wherein movement of the first housing in the first direction changes the position of the light generated on the working surface. 10. The light generating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first housing can rotate 45° in the first direction. 11. The light generating assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first housing can rotate 180° in the second direction. 12. The light generating assembly of claim 1, wherein the first housing comprises a C-shaped structure: a curved body having first and second ends defining an opening; and An open channel is defined by the body extending transversely to a first plane comprising the first housing and the second housing. 13. The light generating assembly of claim 12, wherein: The first housing includes a first light source configured to generate a first light beam in a first direction, and a second light source adapted to generate a second light beam in a second direction; and The first beam and the second beam intersect at a point within the channel. 14. The light generating assembly of claim 1, further comprising attachment means configured to attach said assembly to said work surface. 15. A self-horizontal light generating component, comprising: the first shell; and a second housing, which includes: A pendulum assembly comprising a pendulum swingingly suspended in said housing: a first light source connected to said rocker and configured to generate a beam of light in a first direction, a second light source connected to the rocker and configured to generate a light beam in a second direction, and a locking mechanism operable to prevent movement of the rocker within the second housing, wherein the first housing is connected to the second housing such that the second housing moves in a first direction, wherein the second housing rotates in a first plane including the first housing, Also moving in a second direction, wherein the second housing rotates in a second plane transverse to the first plane. 16. A light generating device, characterized in that it comprises: a first housing comprising a light source operable to generate a light beam in a first direction, wherein the light beam is capable of forming rays on a surface; a second housing connected to the first housing; and a vertical shaft extending through the first and second housings, wherein the first housing is movable in a first direction, wherein the first housing rotates about the vertical axis, and the first housing is movable in a second direction, wherein the first housing rotates about the vertical axis Axis rotation perpendicular to the first direction. 17. The light generating device according to claim 16, wherein the first housing is capable of rotating 45° in the first direction and 180° in the second direction.

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