U.S. patent application number 10/463206 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for power tool control system.
Invention is credited to Robert F. Burkholder, Kathy DeKeyser, Mark A. Etter, Jaime Garcia, Melinda J. Hearn, Alan Phillips, Jeffrey Weston.
Application Number | 20060076385 10/463206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36144262 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060076385 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Etter; Mark A. ; et
al. |
April 13, 2006 |
Power tool control system
Abstract
A power tool control system allows a user to operate a power
tool through a graphical user interface communicatively coupled
with a non-contact measurement and alignment device. The graphical
user interface correlates user engageable selectors with a
logically related menu of power tool setting options displayed on a
display screen in a high quality and easily readable format. The
non-contact measurement and alignment device uses one or more
lasers to determine power tool settings and establish proper
alignment based on user needs. The power tool control system
further enables stud detection and visual indication of stud
location.
Inventors: |
Etter; Mark A.; (Jackson,
TN) ; Garcia; Jaime; (Jackson, TN) ; DeKeyser;
Kathy; (Jackson, TN) ; Phillips; Alan;
(Jackson, TN) ; Burkholder; Robert F.; (Jackson,
TN) ; Weston; Jeffrey; (Jackson, TN) ; Hearn;
Melinda J.; (Jackson, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUITER WEST SWANTZ PC LLO
14301 FNB PARKWAY
SUITE 220
OMAHA
NE
68154
US
|
Family ID: |
36144262 |
Appl. No.: |
10/463206 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10445290 |
May 21, 2003 |
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10463206 |
Jun 16, 2003 |
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10413455 |
Apr 14, 2003 |
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10463206 |
Jun 16, 2003 |
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60429840 |
Nov 27, 2002 |
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60414200 |
Sep 27, 2002 |
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60373752 |
Apr 18, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
227/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 83/141 20150401;
B23D 59/002 20130101; B23Q 17/24 20130101; B27B 27/02 20130101;
B27B 27/06 20130101; B25B 21/00 20130101; B25F 5/00 20130101; B23D
59/008 20130101; G01C 15/002 20130101; B23B 2260/092 20130101; B25C
7/00 20130101; B25B 23/0064 20130101; B23B 49/00 20130101; B23D
59/003 20130101; B24B 49/12 20130101; B23B 25/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
227/002 |
International
Class: |
B21J 15/28 20060101
B21J015/28 |
Claims
1. A power tool control system, comprising: a non-contact
measurement and alignment device operative with a power tool for
determining power tool settings; a graphical user interface
communicatively coupled with the non-contact measurement and
alignment device, the graphical user interface for user operation
of said power tool for indicating at least two of a power tool
setting; and a display menu which logically relates folders
providing power tool setting options and readouts of current
settings.
2. The power tool control system of claim 1, wherein the graphical
user interface provides pictographic display menus.
3. The power tool control system of claim 1, wherein the graphical
user interface comprises selectors, for user operation of said
power tool, correlated to a plurality of tabs displayed on the
display menu.
4. The power tool control system of claim 1, wherein the
non-contact measurement and alignment device includes a kerf
correction.
5. The power tool control system of claim 1, wherein the graphical
user interface comprises a touch screen for user operation of said
power tool.
6. The power tool control system of claim 1, wherein the graphical
user interface is a hand held graphical user interface.
7. A table saw, comprising: a. a frame coupled with a table, said
table having an aperture; b. a trunion moveably and operatively
connected to said frame, said trunion supporting a blade and drive
assembly, said blade capable of being operatively extended from
said table aperture, said blade being operatively tilted in at
least one axis tangent to said table; c. a fence moveably coupled
with said table and generally moveable parallel to said blade; d. a
non-contact measurement and alignment device operative with said
table saw, the non-contact measurement and alignment device for
determining at least two of a table saw setting: (i) blade height,
(ii) blade angle, and (iii) fence to blade distance; and e. a
graphical-user-interface communicatively coupled with the
non-contact measurement and alignment device, the
graphical-user-interface for user operation of said table saw for
indicating at least two of a table saw setting: (i) blade height,
(ii) blade angle, and (iii) fence to blade distance.
8. The table saw of claim 7, wherein said graphical-user-interface
includes both text and graphics.
9. The table saw of claim 7, wherein said graphical-user-interface
includes multiple pages.
10. The table saw of claim 7, wherein said multiple pages of said
graphical-user-interface are logically related in related
folders.
11. The table saw of claim 7, wherein said graphical-user-interface
includes at least one page illustrating (i) blade height, (ii)
blade angle, and (ii) fence to blade distance.
12. A nail gun including a nose casting assembly coupled with a
casing housing a nail driving assembly, comprising: a stud finder
detector assembly coupled with the nose casting assembly, the stud
finder detector assembly for detecting the presence of a stud
behind a first surface; a laser indication assembly including a
laser source for emitting a laser beam communicatively coupled with
the stud finder detector assembly, the laser indication assembly
for indicating the location of the stud, wherein the laser beam
establishes a visual marker on the first surface indicating the
position of the stud.
13. The nail gun of claim 12, wherein the nail gun further includes
a user interface communicatively coupled with the stud finder
detector assembly and the laser indicator assembly.
14. The nail gun of claim 13, wherein the user interface is a
graphical user interface.
15. The nail gun of claim 14, wherein the user interface further
comprises at least one of the laser indication assembly and the
stud finder detector assembly.
16. The nail gun of claim 12, wherein the visual marker is selected
from the group consisting of a point, a cross-hair, a line, a
dashed line, and a line-dash-line marker.
17. The nail gun of claim 12, wherein the stud finder detector
assembly is coupled with the casing of the nail gun.
18. The nail gun of claim 17, wherein the stud finder detector
assembly is pivotally coupled with the casing or the nose casting
assembly.
19. The nail gun of claim 12, wherein the laser indication assembly
is pivotally coupled with the nose casting assembly, the casing, or
the stud finder detector assembly.
20. The nail gun of claim 12, wherein the laser indication assembly
includes a plurality of laser sources for emitting a plurality of
laser beams.
21. A bevel angle indication assembly for a table saw with a saw
blade coupled with a beveling assembly, comprising: a non-contact
measurement and alignment device for determining at least two of a
table saw setting; a graphical user interface communicatively
coupled with the non-contact measurement and alignment device, the
graphical user interface for user operation of said table saw for
indicating a saw blade bevel setting; and a display menu which
logically relates folders providing table saw setting options and
readouts of current settings.
22. A saw blade height indication assembly for a table saw with a
saw blade coupled with a blade height adjustment assembly,
comprising: a non-contact measurement and alignment device for
determining at least two of a table saw setting; a graphical user
interface communicatively coupled with the non-contact measurement
and alignment device, the graphical user interface for user
operation of said table saw for indicating a saw blade height
setting; and a display menu which logically relates folders
providing table saw setting options and readouts of current
settings.
23. A bit height indication assembly for a router table with a
router bit engaged by a router coupled with a height adjustment
assembly, comprising: a non-contact measurement and alignment
device for determining at least two of a router table setting; a
graphical user interface communicatively coupled with the
non-contact measurement and alignment device, the graphical user
interface for user operation of said router table for indicating a
router bit height setting; and a display menu which logically
relates folders providing router table setting options and readouts
of current settings.
24. A non-contact measurement and alignment device for determining
at least two settings for operation of a power tool, comprising: a
graphical user interface for user operation of said power tool for
indicating at least two of a power tool setting; a touch screen
display communicatively coupled with the graphical user interface,
the touch screen display for user operation of said graphical user
interface; and a selector assembly operably disposed upon said
touch screen display, the selector assembly for logically relating
menus of power tool control options.
25. A non-contact measurement and alignment device for determining
at least two settings for operation of a power tool, comprising: a
graphical user interface for user operation of said power tool for
indicating at least two of a power tool setting; an adjustable
display coupled with the graphical user interface, the adjustable
display for presenting the a display screen at various angles,
wherein the display screen may be adjusted to enable visual
monitoring by a user.
26. A non-contact measurement and alignment device for determining
at least two settings for operation of a power tool, comprising: a
graphical user interface for user operation of said power tool for
indicating at least two of a power tool setting; a wireless
networking assembly coupled with the graphical user interface, the
wireless networking assembly for establishing a communicative link
between the graphical user interface and a second computing system,
wherein the wireless networking assembly enables a user of the
non-contact measurement and alignment device to operate the power
tool remotely.
27. A graphical user interface for user operation of a power tool
coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device,
comprising: a housing; a computing assembly, including a memory
coupled with a processor, disposed in the housing, the computing
assembly for providing information handling capabilities; a
computer application stored in the memory and accessed by the
processor for determining at least two settings for operation of
the power tool; a display screen communicatively coupled with the
computing assembly and disposed on the housing, the display screen
for indicating at least two of a power tool setting;
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/445,290, filed on May 21, 2003, which
claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/429,840, filed on Nov. 27, 2002, and U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/413,455, filed on Apr. 14, 2003 which
claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to U.S. Provisional
Application 60/414,200, filed on Sep. 27, 2002 and U.S. Provisional
Application 60/373,752, filed on Apr. 18, 2002, herein incorporated
by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of
power tools, and particularly to a power tool control system for
use with a variety of power tools, such as table saws, belt
sanders, lathes, disc sanders, planers, wood shapers, boring
machines, jointers, drill presses, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Power tools are used to accomplish a variety of tasks. No
matter the task, the production of accurate and precise work is a
high priority. Unfortunately, the precision and accuracy of work
performed on these power tools is limited by human error and
sub-standard equipment. Even when equipment with the latest
advances, such as laser guidance technology, is employed it is
often the case that the use of such technology is difficult for the
equipment operator. The difficulties experienced by an operator may
be due to a variety of reasons, such as inadequate instructional
aids available from the manufacturer or dealer, overly complex
operational requirements, or a poorly designed and organized user
interface. Such difficulties have rendered many valuable advances
in tool technology unpopular or obsolete due to operator
dissatisfaction and frustration.
[0004] Many power tools today have incorporated guidance
mechanisms, such as laser guidance technology, into their power
tool assembly. These mechanisms assist an operator in identifying
and maintaining an accurate work product as the power tool executes
a function upon a work piece. However, the operator is still
required to establish the location of operation and this may result
in imprecise and inaccurate work piece production due to imprecise
measurements and settings established by the operator. Further, it
is often necessary to perform different functions and then return
to previous settings. Consequently, the operator is forced to
establish and then re-establish settings, which may lead to further
imprecision and inaccuracy in the work product produced due to
operator error.
[0005] Additionally, the use of advanced technology such as the
laser guidance systems often provide user interface technology
which is limited in capabilities, lacks a coherent and easily
understood organizational structure for the information it gathers
and provides to the operator, and makes accessing the information
made available by it use difficult due to low quality display
mechanisms and user interaction assemblies. Many of the
difficulties experienced by operator's when employing the user
interface devices may primarily be the result of a focus on the
technology and not the user. For example, the user interface may
provide the ability to access numerous features but have a display
mechanism that is so cluttered that it becomes burdensome to
decipher the relevant information. Many times, to correct for this
problem, the user interface is stripped of numerous capabilities
and the user is left with insufficient resources to accomplish
their tasks.
[0006] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a power tool
control system that enables a power tool operator to establish
precise and accurate measurements and settings for a power tool and
provide a user friendly user interface assembly in order to ensure
work product of a high quality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention is a power tool control
system that enables a user to operate a power tool through a
graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact
measurement and alignment device. The graphical user interface
correlates user engageable selectors with a logically related menu
of power tool setting options displayed on a display screen in a
high quality and easily readable format. The non-contact
measurement and alignment device uses one or more lasers to
determine power tool settings and establish proper alignment based
on user needs.
[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention a table saw
comprising a frame coupled with a table, said table having an
aperture. A trunion moveably and operatively connected to said
frame, said trunion supporting a blade and drive assembly, said
blade capable of being operatively extended from said table
aperture, said blade being operatively tilted in at least one axis
tangent to said table. A fence moveably coupled with said table and
generally moveable parallel to said blade. A non-contact
measurement and alignment device operative with said table saw, the
non-contact measurement and alignment device for determining at
least two of a table saw setting: (i) blade height, (ii) blade
angle, and (iii) fence to blade distance. A
graphical-user-interface communicatively coupled with the
non-contact measurement and alignment device, the
graphical-user-interface for user operation of said table saw for
indicating at least two of a table saw setting: (i) blade height,
(ii) blade angle, and (iii) fence to blade distance.
[0009] In a third aspect of the present invention a nail gun,
including a nose casting assembly coupled with a casing housing a
nail driving assembly, comprises a stud finder detector assembly
coupled with the nose casting assembly, the stud finder detector
assembly for detecting the presence of a stud behind a first
surface. A laser indication assembly including a laser source for
emitting a laser beam is communicatively coupled with the stud
finder detector assembly, the laser indication assembly for
indicating the location of the stud. Wherein the laser beam
establishes a visual marker on the first surface indicating the
position of the stud.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a user
friendly power tool control system which presents information and
options to the user in a logical manner and allows the user to move
within the entire range of applications simply and easily. The
correlation of the position of the user engaged selectors with the
on screen display options provides an easy to follow progression of
power tool setting options. By focusing on the user, the technology
is designed to be accessible within a system that a typical person
can access without having to spend time learning about the system
and its capabilities. This may provide a significant advantage over
prior or current systems where the technology is the focus and the
user is a secondary consideration.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
power tools employing or capable of employing the power tool
control system. In the present application, specific examples
illustrate the use of the present invention with a table saw, belt
sander, lathe, router, nail gun, drills, drill press, and the like.
However, it should be understood that the present invention is
contemplated for use with devices which require precise and
accurate measurements and settings in order to accomplish a
specific task and that would benefit from removing human error from
the establishment of these measurements and settings.
[0012] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a graphical user interface which enables the operation of a
power tool through textual and graphical representations on a
display screen. The user interface provides logically related menus
and folders within the menus which contain various applications and
functionality which are easily accessed and displayed in a clear
format.
[0013] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a power tool control system which may be interchanged with
various power tool systems. Further, the power tool control system
may receive application services which update the existing
applications and may provide new applications.
[0014] It is to be understood that both the forgoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as
claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of
the invention and together with the general description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The numerous advantages of the present invention may be
better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a laser apparatus including a
computing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the laser apparatus showing
alternative power supply embodiments;
[0018] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the computing system shown in FIG.
1, including display screens;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the computing system showing
alternative power supply embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the laser apparatus coupled to
a leveling assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a laser apparatus coupled to a
level assembly and in communication with a remote computing
system;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an isometric illustration of a table saw system
including the laser apparatus shown in FIG. 1 coupled to a fence
connected to a table saw emitting three laser beams;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the table saw system of FIG. 8
illustrating the laser apparatus emitting three laser beams for
establishing distance measurements in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the table saw system of
FIG. 8 illustrating the laser apparatus emitting a single laser
beam for establishing a distance measurement;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an illustration of the laser apparatus coupled
with a combination belt sander and disc sander power tool;
[0026] FIG. 12 is an illustration of the laser apparatus coupled
with a lathe;
[0027] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a laser light indicia and
reading assembly coupled with a computing system in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is an illustration of the laser light indicia and
reading assembly coupled to a level assembly, the computing system
being coupled to the level assembly and in communication with the
laser scanning apparatus;
[0029] FIG. 15A, 15B, and 15C illustrate a known scanning module
which may be employed in the laser light indicia and reading
assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a known scanning module
employing a dithering assembly;
[0031] FIG. 17 is an illustration of a known dithering assembly
employing a drive coil and drive magnet to provide mirror
oscillation;
[0032] FIG. 18 is an illustration of a known dithering assembly
employing travel stops to control the range of rotational travel
imparted to the mirror;
[0033] FIG. 19 is an illustration of a known dithering assembly
employing pads connected to drive and feedback magnets to control
the range of rotational travel imparted to the mirror;
[0034] FIG. 20 is an illustration of the laser light indicia and
reading assembly coupled with a table saw and establishing a laser
light cut line;
[0035] FIG. 21 is an illustration of the laser light indicia and
reading assembly coupled with the table saw and establishing a
laser light cut line on a work piece;
[0036] FIG. 22 is an illustration of the laser light indicia and
reading assembly coupled with a belt sander and establishing a
laser beam line;
[0037] FIG. 23 is an illustration of the laser light indicia and
reading assembly coupled with the belt sander and establishing a
laser beam line on a work piece;
[0038] FIG. 24 is an illustration of the laser light indicia and
reading assembly coupled with a wood shaper and establishing a
laser beam line;
[0039] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating functional steps which
are accomplished by the laser apparatus and the laser light indicia
and reading assembly of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 26 is an illustration of a laser apparatus connected to
a fence on a table saw, whereupon each laser source includes a
dithering assembly;
[0041] FIG. 27 is an illustration of multiple laser light indicia
and reading assemblies connected to a table saw emitting a laser
beam grid produced by laser sources with dithering assemblies;
[0042] FIG. 28 is an illustration of a laser light indicia and
reading assembly connected to a drill press establishing multiple
laser beam drill points in a horizontal plane;
[0043] FIG. 29 is an illustration of a laser light indicia and
reading assembly establishing multiple laser beam drill points in a
vertical plane;
[0044] FIG. 30 is an isometric illustration of a rotating laser
apparatus including a computing system and rotation assembly in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 31 is an illustration of the rotating laser apparatus
including a display menu and an angle measurement device;
[0046] FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate the rotation assembly including
the angle of measurement device and a lock and release unit
operable by the user;
[0047] FIG. 34 is an illustration of the rotating laser apparatus
in operation;
[0048] FIG. 35 is an illustration of the rotating laser apparatus
with laser beams produced by laser sources with dithering
assemblies;
[0049] FIGS. 36 and 37 are illustrations of a computing system of
the laser apparatus showing display menus available;
[0050] FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating functional steps which
are accomplished by the rotating laser apparatus;
[0051] FIG. 39 is an illustration of a laser apparatus with a
single laser source providing a laser beam which is split to emit
separate laser beams from the laser beam source assemblies located
within the housing by optical splitters;
[0052] FIG. 40 is an illustration of the laser apparatus coupled
with a computing system that provides a single laser beam which is
split to emit separate laser beams from the laser beam source
assemblies located within the housing by optical splitters;
[0053] FIG. 41 is an illustration of a rotating laser apparatus
with a single laser source;
[0054] FIG. 42 is an illustration of a rotating laser apparatus
with a first and a second laser source;
[0055] FIG. 43 is an illustration of the laser apparatus in FIG.
39, including a plurality of photo multipliers disposed within a
housing of the laser apparatus;
[0056] FIG. 44 is an illustration of a laser apparatus including a
leveling mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 45 is an illustration of a plurality of the laser
apparatus, shown in FIG. 44, coupled with one another;
[0058] FIG. 46 is an illustration of the laser apparatus in FIG.
44, providing leveling readings to a drop ceiling assembly;
[0059] FIG. 47 shows an exemplary home screen shown on a display of
an exemplary user interface in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 48 shows an exemplary settings screen shown on a
display of an exemplary user interface in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 49 shows an exemplary calibration screen shown on a
display of an exemplary user interface in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 50 shows an exemplary save screen shown on a display of
an exemplary user interface in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 51 shows an additional exemplary save screen shown on a
display of an exemplary user interface in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 52 shows a further exemplary save screen shown on a
display of an exemplary user interface in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 53 shows a still further exemplary save screen shown on
a display of an exemplary user interface in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 54 shows an exemplary scheme according to which a user
interface may operate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 55 shows an exemplary user interface with different
screens in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, which user interface may execute the scheme shown in
FIG. 54;
[0068] FIG. 56 shows an exemplary calibration screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 57 shows an additional exemplary calibration screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0070] FIG. 58 illustrates an exemplary home screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 59 illustrates various exemplary screens in a distance
mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0072] FIG. 60 illustrates various exemplary screens in an angle
mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0073] FIG. 61 illustrates various exemplary screens in a height
mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0074] FIG. 62 illustrates various exemplary screens in a settings
mode in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0075] FIG. 63 shows an exemplary distance screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 64 shows an exemplary distance fine adjustment screen
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0077] FIG. 65 shows an exemplary distance relative zero screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0078] FIG. 66 shows an exemplary default distance units screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0079] FIG. 67 shows an exemplary distance decimal unit screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0080] FIG. 68 shows an exemplary distance offset screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0081] FIG. 69 shows an exemplary distance recall screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0082] FIG. 70 shows an additional exemplary distance recall screen
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0083] FIG. 71 shows a further exemplary distance recall screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0084] FIG. 72 shows a still further exemplary distance recall
screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0085] FIG. 73 shows an exemplary distance save screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0086] FIG. 74 shows an additional exemplary distance save screen
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0087] FIG. 75 shows an exemplary angle screen in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0088] FIG. 76 shows an exemplary angle fine adjustment screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0089] FIG. 77 shows an exemplary angle zero screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0090] FIG. 78 shows an exemplary angle relative zero screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0091] FIG. 79 shows an exemplary angle recall screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0092] FIG. 80 shows an additional exemplary angle recall screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0093] FIG. 81 shows a further exemplary angle recall screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0094] FIG. 82 shows an exemplary angle save screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0095] FIG. 83 shows an additional exemplary angle save screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0096] FIG. 84 shows an exemplary height screen in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0097] FIG. 85 shows an exemplary height fine adjustment screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0098] FIG. 86 shows an exemplary height absolute zero screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0099] FIG. 87 shows an exemplary default height units screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0100] FIG. 88 shows an exemplary height decimal unit screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0101] FIG. 89 shows an exemplary height offset screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0102] FIG. 90 shows an exemplary height recall screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0103] FIG. 91 shows an additional exemplary height recall screen
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0104] FIG. 92 shows a further exemplary height recall screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0105] FIG. 93 shows an exemplary height save screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0106] FIG. 94 shows an additional exemplary height save screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0107] FIG. 95 shows an exemplary settings screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0108] FIG. 96 shows an exemplary default global units screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0109] FIG. 97 shows an exemplary global metric units screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0110] FIG. 98 shows an exemplary system screen in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0111] FIG. 99 shows an exemplary sound screen in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0112] FIG. 100 shows an exemplary brightness screen in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0113] FIG. 101 shows an exemplary laser time out screen in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0114] FIG. 102 is an illustration of a nail gun including a stud
finder laser indicator assembly in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0115] FIG. 103 is an isometric view of the stud finder laser
indicator assembly;
[0116] FIG. 104 is a perspective view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a stud finder laser indicator assembly removed from a
nail gun and being used by an operator to locate and identify the
position of a stud behind a surface;
[0117] FIG. 105 is an illustration of a nail gun including a laser
indication assembly for establishing a visual marker on a surface
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0118] FIG. 106 is an illustration of a stud finder detector
assembly comprising an indicator coupled with a nail gun, the
indicator for providing a visual identification to a user when a
stud has been detected;
[0119] FIG. 107 is an illustration of the coupling assembly used
for coupling the stud finder detector assembly with a nose casing
assembly of a nail gun;
[0120] FIG. 108 is an illustration of the stud finder detector
assembly including a battery cavity with a cover for receiving a
battery;
[0121] FIG. 109 is an illustration of a stud finder detector
assembly including an adapter for receiving an AC power supply
through and a port for coupling with a peripheral device;
[0122] FIG. 110 is an isometric view of the stud finder detector
assembly detecting a stud and identifying the detection of the stud
through an indicator;
[0123] FIG. 111 is an illustration of the coupling assembly used
for coupling the laser indication assembly with a nose casing
assembly of a nail gun;
[0124] FIG. 112 is an illustration of the laser indication assembly
including a battery cavity with a cover for receiving a
battery;
[0125] FIG. 113 is an illustration of a laser indication assembly
including an adapter for receiving an AC power supply and a port
for coupling with a peripheral device;
[0126] FIG. 114 is an illustration of a laser indication assembly
including a laser source providing a visual indicator on a
surface;
[0127] FIG. 115 is an illustration of a second exemplary embodiment
of a stud finder detector assembly and a laser indication assembly
including a coupling assembly allowing the two assemblies to
physically and communicatively couple to form a stud finder laser
indicator assembly;
[0128] FIG. 116 is an illustration of a nail gun employing the stud
finder laser indicator assembly of FIG. 115 and establishing a
cross-hairs visual marker on a surface indicating the location of a
stud behind the surface;
[0129] FIG. 117 is an illustration of a nail gun employing the stud
finder laser indicator assembly of FIG. 115 and establishing a pair
of dashed line visual markers on a surface indicating the location
and approximate width of a stud behind the surface;
[0130] FIG. 118 is an illustration of a nail gun employing the stud
finder laser indicator assembly of FIG. 115 and establishing a pair
of line-dash-line visual markers on a surface indicating the
location and approximate width of a stud behind the surface;
[0131] FIG. 119 is an illustration of a nail gun employing the stud
finder laser indicator assembly of FIG. 115 and establishing a pair
of continuous line visual markers on a surface indicating the
location and approximate width of a stud behind the surface;
[0132] FIG. 120 is an illustration of a nail gun employing the stud
finder laser indicator assembly of FIG. 115 and establishing a pair
of light pointer visual markers on a surface indicating the
location and approximate width of a stud behind the surface and a
cross-hairs visual marker for establishing the approximate center
of the stud;
[0133] FIG. 121 is an illustration of a nail gun employing the stud
finder laser indicator assembly of FIG. 115 and establishing a pair
of light pointer visual markers on a surface indicating the
location and approximate width of a stud behind the surface and a
dashed line visual marker for establishing the approximate center
of the stud;
[0134] FIG. 122 is an illustration of a nail gun employing the stud
finder laser indicator assembly of FIG. 115 and establishing a pair
of dashed line visual markers on a surface indicating the location
and approximate width of a stud behind the surface and a
line-dash-line visual marker for establishing the approximate
center of the stud;
[0135] FIG. 123 is an illustration of a stud finder laser indicator
assembly pivotally coupled with the nose casting assembly of a nail
gun wherein a visual marker is established on a surface indicating
the location of a stud behind the surface and is enabled to
maintain the visual marker on the identified location even when the
nail gun is moved out of position relative to the position of the
stud;
[0136] FIG. 124 is an illustration of a second embodiment of a stud
finder laser indicator assembly pivotally coupled with the nose
casting assembly of a nail gun wherein a visual marker is
established on a surface indicating the location of a stud behind
the surface and is enabled to maintain the visual marker on the
identified location even when the nail gun is moved out of position
relative to the position of the stud;
[0137] FIG. 125 is an illustration of a horseshoe stud finder laser
indicator assembly coupled with a nose casting assembly of a nail
gun in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0138] FIG. 126 is an isometric view of the horseshoe stud finder
laser indicator assembly showing a stud sensor assembly and a
plurality of lens disposed on a housing of the horseshoe stud
finder laser indicator assembly;
[0139] FIG. 127 is an illustration of a third exemplary embodiment
of the stud finder laser indicator assembly coupled with a nose
casting assembly of a nail gun establishing a pair of light pointer
visual markers indicating the location and the approximate width of
a stud and a dashed line visual marker indicating the approximate
center of the stud;
[0140] FIG. 128 is an isometric view illustrating a tracker
assembly coupled with a nail gun, the tracker assembly comprising a
user interface assembly including a stud finder laser indicator
assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0141] FIG. 129 is an expanded view illustrating the tracker
assembly including the user interface assembly and the stud finder
laser indicator assembly, coupled with the nail gun;
[0142] FIG. 130 is a perspective view illustrating a display
screen, a first, second, third, and fourth selector, of the user
interface assembly, the display screen presenting various visual
marker configuration options for selection by the user;
[0143] FIG. 131 is a perspective view of the display screen of the
user interface assembly providing visual feedback to the user of
the position of the nail gun relative to the position of a stud
behind a surface and indicating that the nail gun is not centered
on the stud;
[0144] FIG. 132 is a perspective view of the display screen of the
user interface assembly providing visual feedback to the user of
the position of the nail gun relative to the position of a stud
behind a surface and indicating that the nail gun is positioned at
the center of the stud;
[0145] FIG. 133 is an illustration of the nail gun coupled with the
tracker assembly of the present invention detecting the location of
a stud behind a surface and detecting the location of piping and
electrical wiring to be avoided by the user of the nail gun when
driving a nail;
[0146] FIG. 134 is an illustration of the nail gun of FIG. 133
establishing a visual marker on the surface indicating the location
of the stud behind the surface and avoiding the piping and
electrical wiring located in close proximity to the stud;
[0147] FIG. 135 is an illustration of the nail gun of FIG. 133
wherein the user interface is indicating to the user that piping
and electrical wiring have been detected and that the user should
not drive a nail in this location;
[0148] FIG. 136 is a second exemplary embodiment of a tracker
assembly coupled with a nail gun, the tracker assembly comprising a
user interface communicatively coupled with a stud finder laser
indication assembly through use of a cable;
[0149] FIG. 137 is an expanded view of the second exemplary
embodiment of the tracker assembly coupled with the nail gun,
wherein a display screen of the user interface is displaying stud
size and composition options for selection by the user of the nail
gun;
[0150] FIG. 138 is a third exemplary embodiment of a tracker
assembly coupled with a nail gun wherein a user interface includes
a laser indication assembly and the user interface is
communicatively coupled with a stud finder detector assembly
through use of a cable;
[0151] FIG. 139 is an illustration of a drill coupled with a stud
finder laser indicator assembly in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0152] FIG. 140 is an illustration of a drywall gun, including a
clutched motor, coupled with a second exemplary embodiment of a
stud finder laser indicator assembly in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0153] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0154] Referring generally now to FIG. 1, a laser apparatus 100 of
the present invention is shown. In the present embodiment, the
laser apparatus 100 comprises a housing 102 coupled with a
computing system 104. Further, the housing 102 is disposed with a
first laser source 106, a second laser source 108, and a third
laser source 110. Alternatively, the housing 102 may include a
greater or fewer number of laser beam sources in order to meet the
needs of a manufacturer or consumer. Each of the three laser
sources 106 through 110 is in communication with the computing
system 104. In the current embodiment the communicative link is a
wireless system, however, alternate systems, such as serial cable,
infrared, or the like may be employed.
[0155] In the present embodiment, the laser sources 106 through 110
are enabled to emit infrared laser beams. These laser beams are
invisible to the human eye, however, light emitting diodes may be
linked to the laser beam in order to provide a visual indicator of
the travel of the laser beam. In an alternate embodiment the laser
sources may be enabled to emit various types of laser beams, such
as an ultraviolet laser beam, or the like without departing from
the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0156] Additionally, a first mounting member 112 and a second
mounting member 114 are coupled with the housing 102. The number,
location, and configuration of the mounting members may vary as
contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The mounting
members are suitable for connecting the housing 102 to another
device such as a power tool. The power tool may be a table saw, a
belt sander, a planer, a disc sander, a lathe, a drill press, and
the like. In the current embodiment the laser apparatus 100 is
shown being suitable for mounting on a fence 116 which would
normally be coupled with a table saw. As shown, the mounting
members 112 and 114 include a first latch 124 and a second latch
126 which slide through and latch the housing 102 to a mounting
assembly, power tool, or other devices. In the current embodiment
the first and second latches 124 and 126 are compression latches.
However, it is understood that the current latch system may be a
variety of latching mechanisms without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0157] The latches 124 and 126 are operably coupled with a first
release mechanism 120 and a second release mechanism 122,
respectively. In the present embodiment, the first and second
release mechanisms 120 and 122 are depression buttons, operable by
a user by pressing down on the buttons. However, other release
mechanisms, such as switches, rotation knobs, or the like, may be
employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. By depressing the buttons 120 and 122 the latches 124
and 126 are retracted into the mounting member upon which they are
disposed. This allows the user to engage and remove the housing
102, of the laser apparatus 100, from the mounting assembly, power
tool, or other device the user is currently operating. The location
and number of release mechanisms may vary as determined by the
number of mounting members and latches disposed on the laser
apparatus 100.
[0158] The housing further provides the user a first grip 128 and a
second grip 130 proximally located next to the buttons 120 and 122.
The two grips 128 and 130 are ergonomically shaped to provide the
user a secure location with which to grip the housing 102 for
depressing the first and second buttons 120 and 122 and releasing
the compression latches 124 and 126. The two grips may also be used
in transporting the laser apparatus 100.
[0159] It is further contemplated that the laser apparatus 100 may
include a laser source which emits an incident laser beam from
either a first end 116 or a second end 118 of the housing 102. Such
a configuration may be desirable in situations where a user needs
only one laser beam to produce a finished work product, such as
when working on a lathe machine as shown in FIG. 10.
[0160] In an alternate embodiment, the three laser beam sources
106, 108, and 110, may comprise modular laser source units. The
modular laser source units may be capable of being removed from and
inserted into the housing 102. The modular laser source units may
be locked in position, once inserted into the housing 102, by use
of a variety of system, such as a latch system, compression system,
or the like. There may be a variety of modular laser source units
disposed with laser sources of varying power. Further, the modular
laser source units may include a dithering assembly enabling the
laser source to provide dithering functionality. For further
discussion on dithering assemblies see FIGS. 21 through 24
below.
[0161] Further, the laser apparatus 100 may be comprised of a
single laser source. The single laser source may emit an incident
laser beam through the housing 102. The single laser source may be
attached at either the first end 116 or the second end 118 of the
housing 102. Alternatively, the single laser source may be included
in the computing system 104. In a single laser source configuration
optical splitters, optical reflectors, and photomultipliers may be
employed in order to facilitate the functional capabilities of the
laser apparatus 100. A detailed discussion of the single laser
source design, including the use of optical splitters, optical
reflectors, and photomultipliers, is provided in FIGS. 36 through
40.
[0162] In the present embodiment, the computing system 104 controls
the functioning of each of the three laser sources 106 through 110.
A user interacts with the computing system 104 and directs the
emitting of a laser beam from each of the three laser sources.
Additionally, the computing system 104 monitors the laser beams and
provides a display to the user of relevant information.
[0163] The information provided on the display may include distance
measurements, blade height measurements, blade angle, and the like.
Additionally, the laser beams may provide information regarding the
truing of the machine and a work piece, and the indexing of the
work piece. For example, in a belt sander apparatus as will be
shown and discussed in FIG. 11, the user may ensure that the angle
of the sander matches the desired specifications using the laser
apparatus. Further, a work piece to be presented to the sander may
be verified by the laser apparatus to be in the correct position
for presentation to the sander. The laser apparatus may also
provide an indexing functionality by determining the leading edge
of the work piece and monitoring the distance traveled by the work
piece. It is contemplated that other information relevant to a
variety of power tools may also be provided by the computing system
to the user.
[0164] Referring now to FIG. 2, the laser apparatus 100 is shown.
The housing 102 includes a first receptor port 202 suitable for
receiving a portable power source 204. The portable power source
204 provides power for the operation of the laser sources disposed
within the housing 102. The first receptor port 202 further
includes a removable hatch 206 which fastens in place over the
opening of the first receptor port 202. The portable power source
204 may be a variety of devices, such as a rechargeable battery or
the like, without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present invention.
[0165] Also shown in FIG. 2 is an alternate configuration of the
housing 102 where power may be received via a power cord 208 which
engages a second receptor port 210. It is understood that typically
only one of the above mentioned power source configurations will be
employed on the laser apparatus 100 and that FIG. 2 is only an
exemplary embodiment of two possible configurations. Further, the
location and configuration of the first and second receptor ports
202 and 210 may be varied as contemplated by one of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0166] Additionally, a communication port 212 is included in the
housing 102 of the laser apparatus 100. The communication port 212
provides a communicative link to the computing system 104, allowing
the computing system to communicate with the laser sources 106
through 110 disposed within the housing 102. The location and
configuration of the communication port 212 may vary as
contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, a
first coupling port 214 and a second coupling port 216 are included
on the housing 102 for coupling with the computing system 104 as
will be further described in FIG. 6.
[0167] FIGS. 3 and 4 show exemplary displays on the computing
system 104. Being an interactive system, the computing system 104
includes a first selector 302, a second selector 304, and a third
selector 306. The first selector 302 and the third selector 306
allow a user to scroll through choices presented on a display
screen 308 of the computing system 104. The second button 304
allows a user to select the desired application choice presented on
the display screen 308. For example, in FIG. 3 a user may choose to
turn on or turn off the lasers by using the first and third buttons
302 and 306 to select the desired function and then pressing the
second button 304 to execute the function. In FIG. 4 the display
screen 308 is providing a user with the readouts determined during
the process of truing the machine. The user may accept these
dimensions by selecting the "cont." function or reject these
dimensions by selecting the "reset" function. It is understood that
the displays presented on the display screen 308 are exemplary and
may not be read as exclusive. A variety of displays and interactive
functionalities may be presented on display screen 308 without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0168] Various configurations of the computing system 104 may be
employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. Ergonomic shaping and providing additional capabilities
is contemplated. The display screen may be a liquid crystal
display, back lit monitor, or the like, while the selector features
may include rollers, ball knobs, or the like.
[0169] In the current embodiment, on one end of the computing
system 104 are coupled a first button 310 and a second button 312.
Preferably, these buttons are depression buttons, however, other
systems as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art may be
employed. The two buttons are used in the coupling and uncoupling
of the computing system 104 with the housing 102 of the laser
apparatus 100, as will be described in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0170] In FIG. 5 the computing system 104 includes a first receptor
port 502 suitable for receiving a portable power source 504. The
portable power source 504 provides power for the operation of the
computing system 104 that may be coupled to the housing 102 and is
in communication with the laser sources. The first receptor port
502 further includes a removable hatch 506 which fastens in place
over the opening of the first receptor port 502. As described for
the portable power source 204 of the housing 102, the portable
power source 504 may be a variety of devices, such as a
rechargeable battery or the like, without departing from the scope
and spirit of the present invention. In an alternate configuration
the computing system 104 may receive power from a power cord 508
which engages a second receptor port 510. The location and
configuration of the first and second receptor ports 502 and 510
may be varied as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0171] Additionally, the computing system 104 includes a first
mounting member 512 and a second mounting member 514. These two
mounting members couple with the housing 102 of the laser apparatus
104. It is contemplated that a latch and release mechanism is
disposed within one of the two mounting members and operably
connects with the two buttons 310 and 312. Further, the computing
system 104 includes a communication adapter 516 that engages with
the communication port 212, shown in FIG. 2, disposed on the
housing 102.
[0172] Referring to FIG. 6, the laser apparatus 100 is shown with
computing system 104 in vertical orientation over the communication
port 212 and the first and second coupling ports 214 and 216. The
first and second mounting members 512 and 514, disposed on the
computing system 104, are positioned to engage with the first and
second coupling ports 214 and 216, respectively. The communication
adapter 516 is positioned to engage with the communication port
212. In this preferred embodiment, a user must supply sufficient
force to couple the computing system 104 with the housing 102. As
discussed above in FIG. 3, the first and second buttons 310 and 312
are operably engaged as part of a latch and release mechanism which
locks the computing system 104 in place. A latch or latches may be
located on the mounting members 512 and/or 514, and as the
computing system 104 is pressed into place they may engage with the
inside of the coupling ports 214 and/or 216. In order to remove the
computing system 104 form the housing 102, the user will depress
one or both of the first and second buttons 310 and 312, which will
release the latches from the coupling ports allowing the computing
system 104 to release from the housing 102. Other systems may be
employed to affix the computing system 104 to the housing 102
without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention.
[0173] The laser apparatus 100 is shown engaging a mounting
assembly 602. Preferably, the mounting assembly 602 includes a
leveling device 604. The mounting assembly includes a first
mounting port 606, a second mounting port 608, and a third mounting
port 610. Initially the mounting assembly 602 is mounted to a power
tool or other desired device by using the mounting ports. It is
contemplated that the mounting ports may be a variety of
configurations as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Before the laser apparatus 100 is connected a user may establish
that the mounting assembly 602 is in a level position by checking
the leveling device 604. In this way the user may ensure that the
laser apparatus 100 is level once it is connected to the mounting
assembly 602. The mounting assembly 602 further includes a first
coupling port 612 and a second coupling port 614 which engage the
mounting members 112 and 114 of the laser apparatus 100.
[0174] Referring now to FIG. 7, a laser apparatus 700 is shown. The
laser apparatus 700 includes a housing member 702 in communication
with a remote computing system 703. The housing member 702 is
disposed with a first laser source 726, a second laser source 728,
and a third laser source 730. Additionally, a mounting assembly 704
capable of connecting with the housing member 702 and providing a
communication link between the housing member 702 and the remote
computing system 703, is included.
[0175] The housing member 702 is similar to that shown and
described in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, except that the housing member 702
further includes a communication adapter 708 and does not include
the communication port shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. The communicative
adapter 708 communicatively couples with the remote computing
system 703 by engaging the communication adapter 708 in the
communicative coupling point 706. This communicative linking allows
a user of the laser apparatus 700 to control the laser sources 726
through 730 through the use of the remote computing system 703.
Additionally, the housing member includes a first mounting member
732 and a second mounting member 734. The first mounting member 732
is disposed with a compression latch 736 and is operably engaged
with a first depression button 740. The second mounting member 734
is disposed with a compression latch 738 and is operably engaged
with a second depression button 742. The first mounting member 732
couples with a first coupling port 744 disposed on the mounting
assembly 704, and the second mounting member 734 couples with a
second coupling port 746 disposed on the mounting assembly 704. As
described previously the first and second depression buttons allow
the user to remove the housing member 702 from the mounting
assembly 704.
[0176] The remote computing system 703 is similar to that shown and
described in FIGS. 1, and 3 through 6 except that it couples with a
remote mounting member 710. The remote mounting member 710,
preferably, mounts to a stationary surface, such as a wall, and
provides a first communication port 712 for coupling with a
communication adapter 722 disposed on the remote computing system
703. Additionally, the remote mounting member 710 includes a first
coupling port 714 and a second coupling port 716 for coupling with
a first mounting member 718 and second mounting members 720 of the
remote computing system 703. Further, the remote mounting member
710 includes a second communication port 724 which couples with a
communication adapter 707 connected to the mounting assembly
704.
[0177] The mounting assembly 704 is similar to the mounting
assembly shown in FIG. 6, except that the mounting assembly 704
further includes a communicative coupling port 706 and a
communication adapter 707. The communication adapter 708, disposed
on the housing member 702, engages with the communication port 706
providing a communicative link. The communicative link from the
housing member 702 to the remote computing system 703 is completed
through the coupling of the communication adapter 707 with the
second communication port 724 of the remote mounting member 710.
The mounting assembly 704 includes a first mounting port 748, a
second mounting port 750, and a third mounting port 752. These
mounting ports allow the mounting assembly 704 to be coupled to a
variety of devices such as power tools and the like.
[0178] A table saw system 800 including the laser apparatus 100
mounted on a fence 804 which is connected to a table saw 802, is
shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. Preferably, the laser apparatus 100
provides three laser beams. The laser beams may be used to
establish three distance measurements indicated by d1, d2, and d3.
These measurements are displayed to the user on the computing
system 104. Additionally, the laser beams in communication with the
computing system 104 may display a variety of information, such as
circular saw blade height, circular saw blade angle, or the like.
The table saw 802 further includes a circular saw blade 806, a
first adjustment mechanism 808, and a second adjustment mechanism
810. In the present embodiment, the first adjustment mechanism 808
enables a user of the table saw 802 to adjust the angle of the
circular saw blade 806 relative to the operational field of the
table saw 802. The operational field may be defined as that area of
the table saw 802 upon which a work piece may be placed and the
circular saw blade 806 may perform a cut upon the work piece. In
other embodiments where the laser apparatus 100 is mounted or
connected to another power tool or device the operational field may
include the area where the work piece is placed and a function is
performed upon the work piece. The second adjustment mechanism 810
enables a user to adjust the height which the circular saw blade
806 extends above the surface of the operation field of the table
saw 802.
[0179] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the laser apparatus 100
coupled to a table saw 802 is shown. The laser apparatus 100
includes the housing 102 coupled with the computing system 104. The
housing 102 is mounted to a fence 804 connected to the table saw
802. In FIG. 10 the single laser source 110 is shown, the laser
source 110 is being used to measure the distance d1 from the fence
804 to a circular saw blade 806. In FIG. 9 the housing 102 includes
the first laser source 106, the second laser source 108, and the
third laser source 110 each emitting a laser beam across the
operational field of the table saw 802, from the fence 804 to the
circular saw blade 806.
[0180] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the laser apparatus 100 is
shown coupled to a sander system 1100 and a lathe system 1200. In
FIG. 11 the sander system 1100 includes a belt sander 1102 with an
operational field 1106 and a disc sander 1104 with an operational
field 1108. In the current embodiment, two of the laser apparatus
100 systems are employed. One is mounted upon the belt sander 1102
and the other is mounted upon the disc sander 1104. The laser
apparatus 100 may provide information on the angle of the sander
relative to the operational field and the height the sander extends
above the operational field. In FIG. 12 the laser apparatus 100 is
coupled to the lathe 1202 and employs a single laser source
configuration. The laser source emits a single laser beam which
travels down one side of the operational field of the lathe 1202.
The laser source may monitor the size of the work piece coupled
with the lathe and indicate to the user when the desired work piece
size has been reached. In both FIGS. 11 and 12 the location and
configuration of the laser apparatus 100 may vary as contemplated
by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0181] Referring now to FIGS. 13 a laser light indicia and reading
assembly 1300 is shown. In the current embodiment, the laser light
indicia and reading assembly 1300 comprises a housing 1302 which
includes a laser source 1304 in communication with a computing
system 1306. The housing 1302 is coupled with a mounting member
1308. A communication adapter 1310 communicatively couples the
computing system 1306 with the laser source 1304 disposed within
the housing 1302 through a cable 1311. The type of cable employed
in the present embodiment is a standard serial cable. However, it
is contemplated that a variety of connection mechanisms may be
employed, such as wireless, infrared, or the like. The computing
system 1306 is similar to the computing system 104 in that it
provides a display screen 1312, a first selector 1314, a second
selector 1316, and a third selector 1318. Additionally, the
computing system 1306 may further include a keypad 1320, as shown
in the current embodiment. The keypad 1320 may enable increased
functionality of the computing system, such as increased control
over the laser source.
[0182] In FIG. 14 a laser light indicia and reading assembly 1400
is shown. In the present embodiment, the laser light indicia and
reading assembly 1400 comprises a housing 1402 which includes a
laser source 1404, a computing system 1406, and a mounting assembly
1408. The housing 1402 is coupled with a mounting member 1412 for
coupling with the mounting assembly 1408. The mounting assembly
1408 further includes a communication adapter 1410 which couples
with the laser source 1404 through the housing 1402. Preferably,
the communication adapter 1410 is coupled with a cable 1411 which
connects to the mounting assembly 1408. It is understood that the
configuration of the communication adapter 1410 and type of cable
1411 employed may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in
the art. Through the serial cable 1411 the communication adapter
1410 is further communicatively coupled with the communication port
1414.
[0183] In the present embodiment, the communication port 1414 is
designed to couple with the computing system 1406 when it is
mounted to the mounting assembly 1408. Further, a first coupling
port 1416 and a second coupling port 1418 are disposed on the
mounting assembly 1408 and further engage with the computing system
1406 when the computing system 1406 is mounted to the mounting
assembly 1408. The computing system 1406 is similar to the
computing system 104 shown and described previously, except that
the computing system 1406 includes an indicator 1420. The indicator
1420 is a light emitting diode (LED) which provides indication to
the user of the system 1400 when the computing system 1406 is
properly mounted and engaged with the mounting assembly 1408. It is
contemplated that the computing system 1406 may not include
indicator 1406. However, a variety of configurations may be
employed for indicator 1420 without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0184] A leveling device 1422 is disposed within mounting assembly
1408. As shown and described previously in FIGS. 6 and 7 the
leveling assembly ensures that the laser light indicia and reading
assembly 1400 is level with the device to which it is connected. A
first mounting port 1426 and a second mounting port 1428 are
employed to connect the mounting assembly 1408 with the desired
device. In the present embodiment the mounting ports allow for
screws to be inserted and fastened to the device and the mounting
assembly 1408. However, it is contemplated that a variety of
fastening devices and configurations may be employed.
[0185] The mounting assembly 1408 further comprises a laser source
coupling port 1424. The laser source coupling port 1424 is designed
to receive the mounting member 1412 which is coupled to the housing
1402 disposed with the laser source 1404. The mounting member 1412
includes a release mechanism comprised of a button 1430 disposed on
the housing 1402, and a latch 1432. The button 1430 is a depression
button, operably engaged with the latch 1432, which the user may
depress in order to activate the latch 1432. The latch 1432 is a
compression latch which retracts back into the mounting member 1412
when the button 1430 is depressed. The latch 1432 is extended away
from the mounting member 1412 and engages the inner surface of the
laser source coupling point 1424 to affix the housing 1402 to the
mounting assembly 1408.
[0186] In the preferred embodiment, the laser source for both FIGS.
13 and 14 is enabled as a standard single laser beam producing
laser source. Alternatively, the laser source in both FIGS. 13 and
14 may be enabled as a scanning module. A known scanning module
1500 is shown in FIG. 15A, 15B, and 15C. The scanning module 1500
comprises a laser source 1502 with a spherical lens 1504 disposed
in a housing 1503. The housing 1503 includes an aperture 1505
through which a laser beam, emitted from the laser source 1502
through the spherical lens 1504, passes. The laser beam travels
through a cylindrical lens 1506 and strikes a multifaceted polygon
deflector 1510. The multifaceted polygon deflector 1510 deflects
the incident laser beam emitted by the laser source through the
cylindrical lens 1508 and out to a surface 1512. The surface 1512
is a nominal plane and the incident laser beam is provided a first
focus 1514. As indicated by the arrows the scanning module 1500
moves the focused laser beam along the surface 1512. The scanning
module may further include two light emitting diode assemblies 1516
and 1518. These assemblies emit a visible light that tracks the
position of the laser beam providing an indicator for a user of the
scanning module.
[0187] The laser beam from the scanning module 1500 may appear as a
continuous line defined by the angle of incidence with which the
laser beam strikes the multifaceted polygon deflector 1510. As
such, the light emitting diodes would provide the visual indication
of the defined area to the user.
[0188] The scanning module 1500 receives the reflected laser beams
through the cylindrical lens 1508. The reflected laser beams may
travel directly to the photodetector 1520 or the laser beams may
travel to the multifaceted polygon deflector. The laser beams which
strike the multifaceted polygon deflector are deflected to a
collecting mirror 1522 where they are reflected to the
photodetector 1520. In this manner the scanning module 1500 is
enabled to read a surface it is scanning.
[0189] It is contemplated that the laser source(s) employed in the
laser light indicia and reading assembly and the laser apparatus
may include a dithering assembly. A typical dithering assembly
1600, known in the art, is shown in FIG. 16. The dithering assembly
1600 includes a laser source 1602 and a mirror 1604 disposed within
a housing 1606 and may be employed to establish a laser beam which
presents as a continuous line upon a surface. Further, it is known
that dithering assemblies may comprise a pair of magnets and a pair
of magnetic coils. As shown in FIG. 17 a mirror 1702 is coupled to
a base 1704 which is connected to a flexible support arm 1706 that
is connected to a support member 1708. A drive coil 1710 is
positioned on one side of the flexible support arm 1706 and a
feedback coil 1712 is positioned on the opposite side of the
flexible support arm 1706. A drive magnet 1714 is connected to the
base 1704 and proximally located to the drive coil 1710 while a
feedback magnet 1716 is connected to the base 1704 and proximally
located to the feedback coil 1712. A drive current (e.g., an
oscillating drive current) is run through the drive coil 1710 and
causes the mirror 1702 to rotate. The rotation imparted to the
mirror 1702 causes a change in the angle of incidence of the laser
beam striking the mirror, and thus imparts a change in the angle of
reflection imparted to the incident laser beam. As a result, the
reflected laser beam appears as a continuous line defined by the
rotational range of the mirror 1702.
[0190] Additionally, dithering assemblies which control the range
of rotation of the mirror are known. FIG. 18 shows one such
assembly where a mirror 1802 is connected to a base 1804, which is
connected to a flexible support arm 1806 that is connected to a
support member 1808 coupled to a surface 1810. A drive coil 1812 is
coupled to the support member 1808 in proximal relation to a drive
magnet 1814 which is coupled with the base 1804. A first travel
stop 1816 and a second travel stop 1818 are disposed in a desired
location relative to the mirror 1802 to provide a limited range of
rotation by the mirror 1802.
[0191] Alternative methods for controlling the range of rotation of
the mirror in a dithering assembly may include the use of pads, as
shown in FIG. 19. The mirror 1902 is connected to a base 1904,
which is connected to a flexible support arm 1906 that is connected
to a support member 1908 coupled to a surface 1910. A drive coil
1912 is coupled to the support member 1908 in proximal relation to
a drive magnet 1914 which is connected to the base 1904. A feedback
coil 1916 is coupled to the support member 1908 in proximal
relation to a feedback magnet 1918, which is connected to the base
1904. A first pad 1920 is coupled with the drive magnet 1914, and a
second pad 1922 is coupled with the feedback magnet 1918. The pads,
which impact with the drive and feedback coils, limit the rotation
range of motion of the mirror 1902.
[0192] In many dithering assemblies the effects of feedback between
the drive coil/magnet and the feedback coil/magnet may have harmful
effects, such as increased noise and unstable rotational amplitude
production. A feedback sensor, such as a Hall sensor, may be
employed to monitor electrical potential in a dithering assembly
and trigger a switching of the polarity of the drive current in the
drive coil at the appropriate time in relation to the position of
the mirror. This switching of polarities reverses the drive force
being exerted on the drive magnet and the mirror.
[0193] Referring now to FIG. 20, a table saw system 2000 including
a laser light indicia and reading assembly 2002, is shown. The
laser light indicia and reading assembly 2002 is similar to the
laser light indicia and reading assembly 1300 and 1400 shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14, and includes a computing system 2003 similar to
that shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In the current embodiment, the table
saw system 200 further includes a table 2004, a fence 2006, and a
circular saw blade 2008. Additionally, a first adjustment mechanism
2010 and a second adjustment mechanism 2012 are included in the
table saw system 200 and operably engage with the circular saw
blade 2008 to adjust blade angle and blade height relative to the
operational field of the table saw system 2000, as described
previously in FIG. 8.
[0194] In this embodiment the laser light indicia and reading
assembly 2002 establishes a continuous laser beam line 2014. The
laser beam line 2014 is laid down across the operational field of
the table saw system 2000 and provides a cut line for a user of the
system. It is contemplated that the laser light indicia and reading
assembly 2002 will establish a laser beam line that tracks the
position of the circular saw blade 2008. For example, if the user
adjusts the angle of the circular saw blade 2008 relative to the
operational field of the table saw system 2000, the laser light
indicia and reading assembly 2002 will monitor that change and
establish a laser beam line that tracks the position of the
circular saw blade 2008.
[0195] In an alternate embodiment the laser beam line 2014 may be
established using optically activated indicators that are
integrated with the table 2004 in positions proximal to the
circular saw blade 2008. For example, the table 2004 may be
integrated with sensors which respond by illuminating upon being
struck by light from the laser light indicia and reading assembly
2002. Alternately, optically activated cables may be integrated
into the table saw to provide a laser line. Regardless of the type
of optically activated indicators, their positioning relative to
the circular saw blade 2008 and the lines of cut that may be
established through use of the adjustment mechanisms provides a
user an easily ascertained path to guide the cutting of the work
piece by.
[0196] Referring now to FIG. 21, a table saw system 2100 is shown.
The table saw system 2100 comprises a laser light indicia and
reading assembly 2102, a table 2104, a fence 2106, and a circular
saw blade 2108. The laser light indicia and reading assembly 2102
is coupled to a computing system 2103, similar to that previously
described in FIGS. 13 and 14. Additionally, a work piece 2112 is
located within the operation field of the table saw system 2100 and
is being guided by the fence 2106 and an angular adjustment
mechanism 2110. The angular adjustment mechanism 2110 may position
the work piece 2112 in a desired angular setting and then guide the
work piece 2112 through the circular saw blade 2108 at the set
angle. In the current embodiment the laser light indicia and
reading assembly establishes a laser beam light line 2114 across
the work piece 2112. This laser beam light line 2114 may be used by
the user as the cut line and followed throughout the cut.
[0197] It is contemplated that the laser light indicia and reading
assemblies 2002 and 2102 of FIGS. 20 and 21 may include an indexing
and truing functionality. An example of the truing of a work piece
may include a user attempting to make a forty five degree angled
cut on the work piece. The user may enter this information into the
computing system in communication with the laser light indicia and
reading assembly and when the work piece is set into the
operational field of the table saw system, the laser light indicia
and reading assembly may emit a laser beam which identifies the
angle that the work piece is set at in relation to the circular saw
blade. An example of the indexing of a work piece may include a
user attempting to make a notch cut into a work piece that does not
run the length or width of the work piece. When the work piece is
set into the operational field of the table saw system, the laser
light indicia and reading assembly may emit a laser beam which
determines the position of the leading edge of the work piece. As
the work piece is passed across the circular saw blade, the laser
beam enables the laser light indicia and reading assembly to
monitor the rate of travel imparted to the work piece and the
overall distance of travel across the circular saw by the work
piece. In this manner the laser light indicia and reading assembly
may communicate to the computing system when the desired length of
cut has been accomplished, and have that information passed on the
user.
[0198] The user may be notified as to the truing and indexing
information through the computing system, as previously discussed.
Alternatively, the laser light indicia and reading assembly may be
provided with an indicator to communicate to the user that the
desired specifications have been accomplished. For example, a red
light emitting diode may be coupled to the housing of the laser
light indicia and reading assembly for indicating to the user that
the desired function has not been accomplished. A green light
emitting diode, coupled to the housing of the laser light indicia
and reading assembly, may indicate to the user that the desired
function has been accomplished and it is time to proceed or remove
the work piece from the field of operation. Other indication
systems as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art may be
employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention.
[0199] Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, an edge sander system
2200, is shown. In the current embodiment, the edge sander system
2200 includes a laser light indicia and reading assembly 2202, a
work table 2204, belt sand paper 2206, and an adjustment mechanism
2208. A computing system 2203 is coupled to the laser light indicia
and reading assembly 2202. The laser light indicia and reading
assembly 2202 and the computing system 2203 are similar to those
shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The laser light indicia and reading
assembly 2202 may be enabled for truing and indexing of the edge
sander and a work piece (such as work piece 2302 shown in FIG. 23)
as previously described in FIGS. 20 and 21. For example, a user of
the edge sander system 2200 may be attempting to sand off a
one-quarter inch segment from a work piece. In the process of
sanding, one end of the work piece may be receiving greater
pressure than the other resulting in an uneven depth of sanding.
The laser light indicia and reading assembly 2200 may indicate to a
user that uneven pressure is being applied and identify the end
where this is occurring and the corrections that need to be made to
true the work piece.
[0200] Referring now to FIG. 24, a wood shaper system 2400 is
shown. In the present embodiment, the wood shaper system 2400
includes a laser light indicia and reading assembly 2402, a work
table 2404, a bit 2406, an on/off mechanism 2408, and an adjustment
mechanism 2410. A computing system 2403 is coupled to the laser
light indicia and reading assembly 2402. The laser light indicia
and reading assembly 2402 may be enabled to determine the angle of
presentation and the size of the bit 2406. Additionally, the laser
light indicia and reading assembly 2402 may be enabled for truing
and indexing of the wood shaper system and a work piece being
operated upon by the wood shaper system as described
previously.
[0201] A flowchart illustrating functional steps which may be
accomplished using the laser apparatus of FIGS. 1 through 12 and
the laser light indicia and reading assembly of FIGS. 13 through
24, is shown in FIG. 25. The first step 2510 involves the setting
of the machine. This involves mounting the laser apparatus to the
power tool being utilized. As discussed previously, the laser
apparatus may be directly mounted to a power tool or mounted to a
separate mounting assembly which is connected to the power tool.
Once the laser apparatus has been properly set then in step 2520
the laser apparatus must be trued in order to provide accurate
results. This may be accomplished by checking the leveling
mechanism as described previously, if such a mounting assembly is
being employed or using the laser beams to determine the correct
alignment. If the laser apparatus determines that the mounting is
untrue it notifies the user. Once the laser apparatus determines it
is truly aligned then in step 2530 the work piece is set. Once the
laser apparatus determines that the work piece has been set then in
step 2540 it determines if the setting of the work piece is true.
Once the work piece is trued the user begins operation of the power
tool in step 2550. When it is determined that the machining of the
work piece is completed in step 2560 operation of the power tool is
halted.
[0202] It is contemplated that an optically reflective material may
be disposed upon a surface that is struck by the laser beam emitted
from the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading
assembly. In this manner when the laser beams are emitted they will
strike the optically reflective material and be reflected. In one
embodiment the reflected laser beams may be received by an optical
detector disposed within the housing of the laser apparatus or the
laser light indicia and reading assembly. The optical detector may
be in communication with the computing system and the computing
system may process the laser beam information to determine
measurements and other setting information. In alternate
embodiments the reflected laser beam may be received by one or
several optical detector(s) remotely located with respect to the
laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly,
but in communication with the computing system. As stated above the
optical detector will relay the information gathered from the laser
beam to the computing system where it may be processed and
displayed to a user as measurement of setting information. For
example, an optically reflective material may be circumferentially
disposed about a circular saw blade of a table saw. The table saw
may be disposed with a fence that has a laser apparatus (as
described in FIG. 1) mounted upon it. The laser apparatus may emit
one or more incident laser beams which strike the optically
reflective material on the circular saw blade and, if the circular
saw blade is perpendicular to the incident laser beams, are
reflected back towards the laser apparatus. The laser apparatus may
be disposed with one or more optical detectors to receive the
reflected laser beam(s) and communicate the information gathered to
the computing system for processing and display to a user. The type
and configuration of the optically reflective material may vary as
contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0203] It is further contemplated that the laser apparatus or the
laser light indicia and reading assembly may establish a
communicative link with their respective computing systems through
a communication system disposed within the device, to which the
laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly are
mounted, itself. In this manner a mounting assembly as shown in
FIGS. 6, 7, and 14 would not be necessary and the laser apparatus
or the laser light indicia and reading assembly may be directly
mounted to the device. Additionally, the laser apparatus or the
laser light indicia and reading assembly may be enabled to accept
power from the device to which they are mounted, thus, reducing the
need to have a separate power source or power source connection.
For example, a fence mounted to a table saw system may be disposed
to connect with the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and
reading assembly. The fence may include a communication port, as
shown and described on the mounting assemblies of FIGS. 7 and 14,
which couples with a communication adapter disposed on the housing
of the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading
assembly. The fence may further include a communication adapter
which may be coupled with the computing system, thereby enabling
the computing system to be in communication with the laser
apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly. Further,
the power source for the table saw system may include an outlet on
the fence which may be engaged by the laser apparatus or the laser
light indicia and reading assembly to provide power to either
system.
[0204] Heat build-up within the laser apparatus or the laser light
indicia and reading assembly is an important concern. Overheating
may result in malfunctioning of the laser source(s) within the
housing and cause damage to the laser source or housing
necessitating expensive repair and lost time. In one embodiment of
the present invention the laser source may be a low power and low
intensity laser source to minimize the heat build up with the
housing. Such an embodiment is suitable for situations where the
use of the laser apparatus and the laser light indicia and reading
assembly is sporadic and limited. However, in a situation where the
laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly are
in constant use over prolonged periods of time even a low power and
intensity laser source may experience significant heat build up
which may damage the system.
[0205] To effectively handle a situation where the heat build up is
significant, the laser apparatus and the laser light indicia and
reading assembly may include a cooling system. In one embodiment,
the housing of either system may include vents to allow heat to
escape and cooler air to be drawn into the housing to help cool the
laser sources. In an alternate embodiment, the cooling system may
be comprised of a fan assembly mounted within the housing to blow
air through the housing and over the laser source(s). The housing
may include a vent located at an end opposite the fan to allow the
blown air and heat to escape. In a third embodiment a cooling
system may comprise an inert coolant being run through the housing
of the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading
assembly. The coolant system may include a tank of the inert
coolant connected to the housing through tubing and then an exhaust
system connected to the housing for removing and disposing of the
inert coolant after it has run through the housing. It is
contemplated that a coolant system may be disposed within a device
to which the laser apparatus and the laser light indicia and
reading assembly are connected. The inert coolant may be presented
and exhausted through the mounting connection between the device
and the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading
assembly. For example, the laser apparatus of FIG. 1, may include
connection portals in the mounting members. When the mounting
members are secured to a fence, such as shown in FIGS. 8 through
10, tubing, which is connected to a tank of the inert coolant, may
be connected to one of the mounting members. The inert coolant may
be pumped into the housing through the mounting member and then
exhausted through the other mounting member. It is contemplated
that a variety of coolant systems, as may be contemplated by one of
ordinary skill in the art, may be employed without departing from
the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0206] Referring now to FIG. 26 a table saw system 2600 including a
laser apparatus 2602, is shown. The table saw system 2600 further
includes a work surface 2616, a fence 2618, a circular saw blade
2620, and an adjustment mechanism 2622. The laser apparatus 2602 is
similar to the laser apparatus of FIG. 1 with a housing 2604 and a
computing system 2614. However, the laser apparatus 2602 includes
four laser sources 2606, 2608, 2610, and 2612 disposed within the
housing 2604 and each laser source includes a dithering assembly.
In the present embodiment, the laser sources establish multiple
laser beam lines across the operational field of the table saw
system 2600. The laser beams provide information on distance of the
fence 2618 from the circular saw blade 2620, the angle of the
circular saw blade 2620 relative to the work surface 2616, and have
the ability to sense when a work piece has entered the operational
field of the table saw system 2600. It is understood that the laser
apparatus 2602 may gather a variety of other information as
discussed in FIGS. 1 through 12, without departing from the scope
and spirit of the present invention.
[0207] Referring now to FIG. 27, a table saw system 2700 including
a first laser light indicia and reading assembly 2702 and a second
laser light indicia and reading assembly 2704, is shown. Both the
first and the second laser light indicia and reading assemblies
2702 and 2704 are coupled to a computing system 2703. The computing
system controls the functionality of both laser light indicia and
reading assemblies. Alternatively, each laser light indicia and
reading assembly may be coupled with a separate computing system.
The table saw system 2700 further includes a work surface 2706, a
fence 2708, a circular saw blade 2710, and an angle adjustment
mechanism 2712. The angle adjustment mechanism is similar to that
discussed in FIG. 21. In the present embodiment, the first and
second laser light indicia and reading assemblies are similar to
the laser light indicia and reading assembly shown and described in
FIG. 13, except that each of the housings is disposed with a
plurality of laser sources. The plurality of laser sources may be
enabled as scanning modules or include dithering assemblies to
produce a laser beam grid 2716 upon a work piece 2714. Alternately,
the laser beam grid 2716 may be established upon a work surface
2706 of the table saw system 2700. Using the first and second laser
light indicia and reading assemblies a user of the table saw system
2700 is enabled to establish multiple cut lines and grid points by
intersecting the laser beam lines produced. The exact location of
the grid points may be determined by the user and entered into the
computing system which controls the laser light indicia and reading
assemblies. It is contemplated that a single computing system may
be enabled to control both laser light indicia and reading
assemblies or that a separate and independent computing system may
be used to control each laser light indicia and reading assembly.
In an alternate embodiment the laser light indicia and reading
assemblies may be disposed with a single laser source as described
in FIG. 13.
[0208] Referring now to FIG. 28, a drill press system 2800
including a laser light indicia and reading assembly 2802, is
shown. The drill press system 2800 includes a housing 2803 disposed
with an engagement device 2804 and a drill bit 2806. In the present
embodiment, the laser light indicia and reading assembly 2802 is
disposed with a laser source enabled to provide a plurality of
drill points along two axes. This may be accomplished by a single
laser source rotating identification points in series or multiple
laser sources may be included within the laser light indicia and
reading assembly 2802 to provide multiple identification points.
Alternately, the laser light indicia and reading assembly 2802,
with a single laser source, may establish a single continuous
identification point. A computing system 2803 is coupled to the
laser light indicia and reading assembly 2802 and mounted on the
housing 2803. Alternatively, the computing system 2803 may be
remotely located and couple with the laser light indicia and
reading assembly 2802 via a wireless system.
[0209] Referring now to FIG. 29, a laser light indicia and reading
assembly 2902 included in a boring device system 2900, is shown.
The laser light indicia and reading assembly 2902 is coupled to a
computing system 2903 and may establish one or a plurality of depth
indication points. This may be accomplished by a single laser
source rotating identification points in series or multiple laser
sources may be included within the laser light indicia and reading
assembly 2902 to provide multiple identification points. As the
boring bit 2904 proceeds through the work piece 2906 the laser
light indicia and reading assembly is enabled to monitor the
progress. When the boring bit 2904 reaches the desired depth the
laser light indicia and reading assembly will provide an indication
to the user of the boring device system 2900. As discussed
previously, the indication may be provided through light emitting
diodes, or the like.
[0210] A rotating laser apparatus 3000 including a first housing
member 3002, a second housing member 3004, and a computing system
3006 is shown in FIGS. 30 through 37. The first housing member 3002
includes a first laser source 3014, a second laser source 3016, a
communication port 3018, a first coupling port 3020, a second
coupling port 3022, and a grip 3024. The first housing member may
include a mounting member, a latch, and a release mechanism as
described previously in FIG. 1. The second housing member 3004
includes a third laser source 3026, a fourth laser source 3028, and
a grip 3030. The second housing member 3004 may also include a
mounting member, a latch, and a release mechanism as described
previously in FIG. 1. The communication port 3018 provides
communicative linkage to all four laser sources disposed within the
first and the second housing members.
[0211] In the current embodiment, the computing system 3006 is
coupled with the first housing member 3002. The computing system
3006 is similar to the computing system 104 described previously.
The computing system includes a first selector 3032, a second
selector 3034, and a third selector 3036. Further, a display screen
3038 provides an interactive medium for a user who is operating the
rotating laser apparatus 3000. Additionally, the computing system
3006 includes a communication adapter 3038 for coupling with the
communication port 3018 disposed on the first housing member 3002.
The computing system also includes a first mounting member 3040 and
a second mounting member 3042 for engaging with the first and
second coupling ports 3020 and 3022 disposed on the first housing
member 3002. A first button 3044 and a second button 3046 operably
engage with the first and second mounting members to perform a
latch and release function enabling a user to secure the computing
system 3006 to the first housing member 3002 and remove the
computing system 3006 from the first housing member 3002. An
indicator 3048 is included on the computing system 3006 to provide
a user feedback on whether the computing system 3006 is in
communication with the four laser sources.
[0212] The two housing members 3002 and 3004 are coupled by a
rotation mechanism 3008. The rotation mechanism 3008 comprises a
joint 3010 coupled with an angle measurement device 3012. The angle
measurement device 3012 includes teeth along the outer edge, away
from the joint 3010. The teeth of the angle measurement device are
engaged by a ratchet arm 3050 coupled on one end with a coiled
compression spring mechanism 3052 and an activation mechanism 3054
on the other end. In the present embodiment, the ratchet arm 3050
and the coiled compression spring mechanism 3052 are disposed on
the inside of the second housing member 3004 in a position proximal
to the angle measurement device 3012. The activation mechanism 3054
extends through the second housing member 3004 allowing the user to
depress an activation push button and adjust the angle of the
second housing member 3004 relative to the first housing member
3002.
[0213] Preferably, joint 3010 is a hinge that allows the first and
second housing members to be rotated along two axes, as shown in
FIGS. 31 through 35. It is understood that the joint 3010 may be a
variety of devices which enable such functionality as may be
contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the
angle measurement device 3012 indicates to a user of the rotating
laser apparatus 3000 the degree that the first housing member 3002
is relative to the second housing member 3004. The position of the
angle measurement device 3012 is fixed relative to the first
housing member 3002. The fixed positioning of the angle measurement
device 3012 may be accomplished by coupling the angle measurement
device 3012 to the first housing member 3002, the joint 3010, or
other methods as may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in
the art. The second housing member 3004 is allowed to slide freely
over the angle measurement device 3012 as it is rotated relative to
the first housing member 3002.
[0214] Alternatively, the rotation mechanism may be comprised of a
variety of systems, such as a hydraulic system, compression system,
or the like. Further, the user engagement device (i.e., the
activation push button of the exemplary embodiment) may be other
mechanisms as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Additionally, the rotation mechanism may be engaged directly by the
user, as described above, or the rotation mechanism may be in
communication with the computing system and the user may enter the
desired angle and the rotation mechanism may set the rotating laser
apparatus 3000 in the desired position.
[0215] In the present embodiment, each of the two housing members
include two laser sources. The first housing member 3002 includes a
first laser source 3014 and a second laser source 3016. The second
housing member 3004 includes a third laser source 3026 and a fourth
laser source 3028. As shown in FIG. 35, the laser sources 3014,
3016, 3026, and 3028 may form a virtual grid allowing the user to
specify a particular location for the execution of a function.
Alternatively, the rotating laser apparatus 3000 may include a
fewer or greater number of laser sources disposed within each of
the housing members.
[0216] As discussed above, the computing system 3006 is similar to
the computing system described previously in FIGS. 1 through 29. In
the present embodiment, the computing system 3006 is in
communication with the laser sources 3014, 3016, 3026, and 3028,
and mounts upon the first housing member 3002. It is contemplated
that the coupling of the computing system 3006 may occur upon the
second housing member 3004. Exemplary interactive displays,
readable on the computing system 2405, are shown in FIGS. 31, 36
and 37. The interactive displays may provide the user a display of
the status of the laser source(s), the angle between the first and
second housing members, the type of pattern to established, and
gather information from the laser beams. Further, when the
computing system 3006 is in communication with the rotation
mechanism 3008 an interactive display on the computing system 3006
may allow the user to enter the desired angle and have the rotation
mechanism set to that angle.
[0217] Referring now to FIG. 38, a flowchart illustrating the
functional steps achieved using the interactive display of the
computing system 3006 of the rotating laser apparatus 3000, is
shown. In step 3810 the interactive display 3008 of the computing
system 3006 asks the user to specify if an angle is required for
the current assignment. The angle referred to is the angle that the
first housing member 3002 is at relative to the second housing
member 3004. If the user responds in the affirmative to this query
then the user is asked to specify the angle required in step 3820.
After the angle has been specified or if no angle is required for
the current assignment, as directed by the user inputting the
information through the interactive display 3008 of the computing
system 3006, then in step 3830 the laser pattern is
established.
[0218] Establishing the laser pattern occurs by the user being
asked on the interactive display to specify the laser pattern
required. In step 3840 the user is asked if the laser pattern is a
straight laser pattern. If the user responds affirmatively,
indicating that a straight laser pattern is to be established, then
in step 3860 the laser signal is sent to establish the straight
pattern. If in step 3840 a user indicates that a straight pattern
is not desired then the user is asked, in step 3850, if a cross
pattern is to be established. If the user responds to this query by
indicating that a cross pattern is not to be established then the
computing system 3006 returns to step 3830 and the interactive
display prompts the user that the laser pattern setting must be
established. It is contemplated that the computing system 3006,
through the interactive display 3008, may allow for the user to
manually enter a laser pattern to be established. If the user
responds to the query of step 3850 in the affirmative, indicating
that a cross pattern is to be established, then in step 3860 the
laser signal is sent to establish the cross pattern.
[0219] Referring now to FIG. 39, a laser apparatus 3900, is shown.
In the current embodiment, the laser apparatus 3900 comprises a
housing 3902 and a laser source 3904 coupled with the housing 3902.
The housing 3902 further includes a first optical splitter 3906, a
second optical splitter 3908, and a third optical splitter 3910.
Further, the housing includes a first optical reflector 3912. Each
of the optical splitters and the optical reflector is disposed
within the housing 3902 in proximal location to a first emitter
3914, a second emitter 3916, a third emitter 3918, and a fourth
emitter 3920, respectively.
[0220] The optical splitters function to split an incident laser
beam received into two or more refracted laser beams. For example,
in FIG. 39, an incident laser beam 3922 from the laser source 3904
strikes the first optical splitter 3906 whereupon the incident
laser beam is divided into a first laser beam 3924 and a second
laser beam 3926. The first laser beam 3924 is directed to the first
emitter 3314 where it is emitted from the housing across an
operational field. The operational field may be a variety of work
area, such as those found on a table saw, drill press, belt sander,
lathe, or the like. The second refracted laser beam 3926 is
directed towards the second optical splitter 3908. In effect, the
second laser beam 3926 is the incident laser beam for the second
optical splitter 3908 whereupon striking the second optical
splitter the second refracted laser beam is divided into a third
laser beam 3928 and a fourth laser beam 3930. The third laser beam
3928 is directed to the second emitter 3916 where it is emitted
form the housing across the operational field. The fourth laser
beam 3930 becomes the incident laser beam for the third optical
splitter 3910. The third optical splitter 3910 divides the laser
beam into a fifth laser beam 3932 and a sixth laser beam 3934. The
fifth laser beam 3932 is directed to the third emitter 3918 where
it is emitted from the housing across the operational field. The
sixth laser beam 3934 becomes the incident laser beam for the first
optical reflector 3912. The first optical reflector 3912 directs
the laser beam to the fourth emitter 3920 where it is emitted from
the housing across the operational field.
[0221] A single laser source may reduce the power consumption of
the current invention and provide a more effective way to deal with
heat build up, which is inherent within a laser beam generating
source. In an alternate embodiment the laser source may be a
modular laser source capable of being inserted and removed from the
housing of the laser apparatus. This may increase operational
safety and provide an easier method of caring for the laser source
by being able to remove it and store it in a separate location.
Additionally, a variety of laser sources may be enabled to couple
with the housing of the laser apparatus of the current invention.
Thus, the user of the laser apparatus with a modular laser source
has the capability of inserting the appropriate laser source for
the job to be accomplished. For example, the user may need a simple
laser source for one job and then require a laser source with a
dithering assembly for another job. Additionally, the user may
require a smaller output laser source in one situation and a larger
output laser source in another. The needed functionality required
by the user may be easily enabled with multiple modular laser
sources with differing functional capabilities.
[0222] Referring now to FIG. 40, a laser apparatus 4000 is shown.
In the present embodiment the laser apparatus 4000 comprises a
housing 4002 coupled with a computing system 4004. Preferably, the
computing system 4004 is similar to the computing systems described
previously, except that in the present embodiment the computing
system 4004 includes a laser source 4006. The housing includes a
first optical splitter 4008, a first optical reflector 4010, a
second optical splitter 4012, a third optical splitter 4014, and a
second optical reflector 4016. The housing further includes a first
emitter 4018, a second emitter 4020, a third emitter 4022, and a
fourth emitter 4024.
[0223] The laser source 4006 emits an incident laser beam into the
housing 4002 which is then split by a first optical splitter 4008
into a first laser beam 4026 and a second laser beam 4028. The
first laser beam 4026 is directed to the first optical reflector
4010 where it is reflected through the first optical emitter 4018
and emitted across an operational field. The second laser beam 4028
is directed to the second optical splitter 4008 which divides the
second laser beam into a third laser beam 4030 and a fourth laser
beam 4032. The third laser beam 4030 is directed through the second
emitter 4020 across the operational field and the fourth laser beam
4032 becomes the incident laser beam for the third optical splitter
4012. The third optical splitter 4010 divides the fourth laser beam
4032 into a fifth laser beam 4034 and a sixth laser beam 4036. The
fifth laser beam 4034 is directed through the third emitter 4022
across the operation field and the sixth laser beam 4036 becomes
the incident laser beam for the second optical reflector 4014. Upon
striking the second optical reflector 4014, the sixth laser beam
4036 is reflected through the fourth optical emitter 4024 and
emitted across the operational field.
[0224] In an additional embodiment, the laser apparatus may include
an optical splitter control mechanism. This mechanism may allow a
user to determine the number of laser beams emitted from the
housing of the laser apparatus. This may be beneficial When the
laser apparatus is being used in situations where the size of the
work surface and other components are constantly changing. For
example, on a table saw all four emitters may need to be engaged to
cover the work surface presented. However, a drill press may have a
much smaller working surface and using more than two emitters may
not be beneficial to gathering the needed information as they may
be outside the scope of the work surface available.
[0225] Referring now to FIG. 41, a rotation laser apparatus 4100
including a single laser source 4102, is shown. The single laser
source 4102 emits an incident laser beam 4104 which is split by a
first optical splitter 4106 and a second optical splitter 4108. The
laser beam is also reflected by a first optical reflector 4110 and
a second optical reflector 4112. The optical splitters and
reflectors function in the same manner as described previously in
FIGS. 39 and 40. In the present embodiment the single laser source
4102 is located within the joint 4114 connecting a first housing
member 4116 to a second housing member 4118. Power may be provided
through a portable power source or a power cord as described in
previous figures.
[0226] A rotation laser apparatus 4200 including a first laser
source 4202 and a second laser source 4204, is shown in FIG. 39. In
the present embodiment a first housing member 3606 is disposed on
one end with the first laser source 3602 and connected at the
opposite end, through joint 3608, to a second housing member 3610.
The second housing member 3610 is disposed on the opposite end of
its connection to the joint 3608 with the second laser source 3604.
The first housing member 3606 further includes a first optical
splitter 3612 and a first optical reflector 3614. The second
housing member 3610 further includes a second optical splitter 4216
and a second optical reflector 4218. The operation of the splitters
and reflectors is similar to that previously described in FIGS. 39
and 40.
[0227] In both FIGS. 41 and 42 the number and configuration of
optical splitters and reflectors may vary as contemplated by one of
ordinary skill in the art. It is understood that the laser sources
shown in the present embodiments are exemplary and may not be read
as limiting or exclusive. As discussed in FIGS. 39 and 40 the laser
apparati of FIGS. 41 and 42 may includes photo multipliers of
various configurations in order to provide additional functionality
to the laser apparatus. Alternatively, the laser sources provided
in FIGS. 41 and 42 may be modular. The laser sources may be removed
from the joint or the housing members and replaced with alternate
laser sources.
[0228] Referring now to FIG. 43, a laser apparatus 4300 is shown.
The laser apparatus 4300 comprises a housing 4302 disposed with a
laser source 4304. The housing is further disposed with a first
optical splitter 4306, a second optical splitter 4308, a third
optical splitter 4310, and an optical reflector 4312. The
functionality of the optical splitters and the optical reflector is
similar to that described in FIGS. 39 through 42. Additionally, the
housing includes a first emitter 4314, a second emitter 4316, a
third emitter 4318 and a fourth emitter 4320.
[0229] In the present embodiment, a plurality of light signal
enhancing instruments 4322, 4324, 4326, and 4328. These light
signal enhancing instruments may be photomultipliers comprising a
variety of designs, such as photomultiplier end-on tubes, side-on
photomultipliers, or the like. The photomultipliers may accept an
incident laser beam and intensify the light signal by increasing
the number of electrons in order to maintain sufficient light
signal strength as the laser beam is being passed down from one
optical splitter to the next. Further, the light signal enhancing
instruments may be positioned in front of the emitters in order to
provide optimum light signal output.
[0230] Alternatively, the light signal enhancing instruments may
include a secondary laser source, such that the incident laser beam
received has its signal strength increased. For example, a low
power laser source may be included within the light signal
enhancing instrument which contributes a second light signal to the
existing laser beam in order to make up for a loss of light signal
intensity. Such a system of multiple light signal enhancing
instruments may decrease production costs by substituting low power
laser sources for separate and independent laser sources located
throughout the laser apparatus. It is understood that the
configuration and numbers of light signal enhancing instruments may
vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0231] Referring now to FIGS. 44, 45, and 46, a laser apparatus
4400 is shown. In the current embodiment, the laser apparatus 4400
comprises a housing 4402 including a leveling mechanism 4404 and a
wireless receiver 4406. The housing 4402 further includes a
communication port 4407, an attachment adapter 4408, and an
attachment receiver 4410. Additionally, the housing 4402 includes a
first laser source 4412, a second laser source 4414, a third laser
source 4416, and a fourth laser source 4418.
[0232] The leveling mechanism 4404 enables a user to determine the
level characteristics of the laser apparatus 4400 in any location.
Previous embodiments of the laser apparatus showed the leveling
mechanism within the mounting assembly. By placing the leveling
mechanism within the housing 4402, the user may establish accurate
placements in locations such as on a wall for use in mounting a
drop ceiling, as shown in FIG. 46.
[0233] The laser sources 4412 through 4418 are similar to the laser
sources shown and described previously. It is contemplated that a
laser source may be located to emit a laser beam from either end of
the housing 4402. For example, a laser source may be positioned
within the attachment adapter 4408. By placing the laser source at
either end of the housing the laser apparatus 4400 may be enabled
to determine the level characteristics of objects located along a
flat surface to which the laser apparatus 4400 is mounted, such as
a picture on a wall or the like.
[0234] The wireless receiver 4406 enables communication between the
laser apparatus 4400 and a computing device 4502, shown in FIG. 45.
In alternate embodiments the computing system may be
communicatively coupled to the laser apparatus using a variety of
systems, such as serial cable, Bluetooth, Infrared, or the like.
The wireless communication system allows a user to mount the laser
apparatus 4400 in a remote location, such as that shown in FIG. 46,
and receive information on the computing system 4502. For example,
shown in FIG. 46, the laser apparatus 4400 is mounted to a wall to
provide leveling information for a drop ceiling. A first laser beam
4602 and a second laser beam 4604 are shown striking a support rail
4606 for the drop ceiling. In this situation the laser apparatus
may communicate to the computing system that the support rail 4606
is not level at the two identified points. A third laser beam 4608
and a fourth laser beam 4610 may provide no such indication that
the support rail 4606 is out of level. Thus, a user is informed not
only of the misalignment but also where along the support rail 4606
the misalignment is occurring.
[0235] The attachment adapter 4408 and the attachment receiver 4410
enable linking of one laser apparatus to another. As shown in FIG.
45, a plurality of laser apparatus 4400 may be connected. In this
embodiment, the multiple laser apparatus are in communication with
the computing system 4502. It is contemplated that the attachment
adapter and attachment receiver provide a communicative link
between each of the laser apparatus 4400 allowing a single
computing system to control all connected laser apparatus.
Alternately, each laser apparatus may receive the wireless signal
4504 being sent out by the computing system 4502.
[0236] It is understood that the leveling mechanism 4404 may be
disposed within any of the previous embodiments of the laser
apparatus, shown in FIGS. 1 or 30. It is further understood that
the laser apparatus 4400 may include mounting members and latch and
release mechanisms, such as those previously shown and described in
FIG. 1. Additionally, a mounting assembly for connecting the laser
apparatus 4400 to a wall or other vertical surface is contemplated.
The communication port 4407 enables a computing system to
communicate with the laser sources 4412 through 4418. The housing
4402 of the laser apparatus 4400 may be disposed with both the
wireless receiver 4406 and the communication port 4407 or one or
the other.
[0237] Smooth and easy operational control over a complex
technological system, such as a laser guidance, measurement, and
alignment system, may be critical to the success of any device. In
the power tool field, this is even more critical as a user of power
tools employing complex technology is often faced with a chaotic
and dangerous working environment filled with loud noises, many
moving parts, dust and debris which hamper visual capabilities, and
a variety of different operations which require their attention.
Therefore, the control device that the user employs to control the
power tool must be simple and yet effectively provide the
capability to control numerous complex tasks. In the field of power
tools, the control device may be referred to as the user interface.
The user interface of the present invention is designed to better
serve the user by focusing on providing complex technology in an
easy to understand or intuitive format.
[0238] Many times when complex technologies are incorporated into
existing devices, such as laser systems with power tools, the focus
is on the technology and the user is forced to comprehend a
bewildering array of new standards and display terminology. With
the present invention the technology serves the user by joining the
complexity of the laser system with a user interface that provides
simple to follow and easy to understand textual and/or graphical
representations. Out-of-the-box implies a level of user
friendliness with the idea being that any user may take the present
invention and by simply turning it on, start using it with ease.
For example, when a user interface in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is first turned on it may
provide a calibration of the current settings of a power tool
environment without being prompted by the user. From the
calibration the user interface logically organizes and communicates
the information to the user. Additionally, the user interface may
present the user with operational choices logically related through
easy to identify monikers providing a smooth flow to the user's
navigation through the various user interface applications. Another
example of the ease of use of the current user interface may
involve the use of circular saws. All circular saw blades establish
a kerf during their cut. A kerf is the area of material removed by
the blade during the cut. While the kerf may be a minimal value it
is not always an insignificant value and a user may wish to have
the ability to account for the kerf of the cut when establishing
settings. The user interface of the present invention may provide
an operator the capability of determining the kerf for the circular
saw blade through a user selectable menu of choices with
pre-programmed kerf information. In the alternative, the user
interface may establish the kerf of the circular saw blade being
used without operator input and adjust all settings made to account
for the kerf. Another embodiment of the present invention may be
the user interface being able to determine the kerf of the circular
saw blade being used through identification of a marker on the
blade, such as a bar code imprinted on the blade. It is understood
that adaptation of the user interface for use with other types of
power tools may also include the ability to account for the amount
of material removed by the power tool when establishing settings
for the power tool.
[0239] The correlation by the user interface of the selectors
engaged by the user with the information the user sees on the
display screen is an example of focusing on the user. This simple
and effective design gives the user both qualitative and
quantitative feedback on the various types of information the user
may wish to see or adjust. The selectors may be buttons located on
any surface of the user interface which provides for the
appropriate correlation of the buttons with the icons on the
display screen. Providing a display screen using liquid crystal
display (LCD) technology is another example of focusing on the
user. The LCD provides a visual field which has been proven to
effectively reduce visual identification stress for a user. The
color scheme and font types for the textual and graphical
representations are designed to increase ease of use, even in the
often dynamic working environments within which the user interface
may be employed. Providing a backlit display screen also highlights
the focus of the present invention, which is on the user.
[0240] Powering the user interface of the present invention may
occur through the use of batteries which are received in a battery
cavity within the user interface. The user interface allows for the
use of standard types of batteries for easy replacement and cost
reduction. It is understood that the user interface may employ a
variety of power sources, such as AC power through the use of a
standard AC cord or fuel cells. Regardless of the power source
used, the user interface provides a clear display to the user of
the status of the power source. This may be helpful to avoid
unnecessary delays caused by power failures which may have been
avoided had the operator of the user interface known the status of
the remaining power supply.
[0241] The user interface of the present invention may provide a
computing system capable of executing applications which are
visualized for the operator on a display. Thus, the user interface
is enabled to receive updates to its current applications inventory
or replacement of applications should the need arise. For example,
the user interface may execute a specific range of applications for
the operation of a power tool such as a table saw, or the like.
However, the operator may wish to retro-fit the user interface on a
belt sander. The belt sander will have different operating
requirements and capabilities than a table saw and therefore the
user interface may need to download an application set directed for
the operation of a belt sander. Accomplishing this updating or
replacing of applications may occur using a variety of different
technologies. For instance, the user interface of the present
invention may include a docking station which, when the user
interface is docked, allows for a communicative link to be
established between the user interface and a peripheral computing
system. Thus, information may be downloaded to the user interface
from the peripheral computing system and the user interface may
upload information to the peripheral computing system. The user
interface may be disposed with communications ports, such as a
serial cable port, infrared port, RF port, Bluetooth port, and the
like, which allow it to network with peripheral computing
systems.
[0242] Through a user interface of the present invention, an
operator of a power tool, such as a table saw, may establish the
settings and measurements to be used with the power tool. For
example, a user of the table saw may set a desired fence to blade
distance, blade height, blade angle, etc., through the user
interface. When the feedback from the laser apparatus 100 indicates
that the desired orientation has been reached it may provide an
indication to the user, through the user interface. Indicators may
include visual and audio feedback, and the like. For example, a
sound feedback mechanism provided by a user interface of the
present invention may present an audible signal to a user when a
tool is in the selected position (e.g., when a saw blade has a
desired height or angle, when a fence is in a desired distance from
a saw blade, or the like). In a variation of this mechanism, the
sound feedback mechanism may emit via a microphone/speaker a series
of beeps or other noises to a user that guide the user in the
positioning of the tool. For example, the beeps may become louder,
more frequent, and/or change in pitch the closer the tool is to the
desired position. Alternatively, a user interface of the present
invention may provide visual feedback mechanism (not shown) which
presents a visual signal on its display. For example, this visual
signal may be as simple as a light or other symbol being displayed
on the display of the user interface when the tool is in the
desired position. In a variation of the visual feedback mechanism,
arrows or other visual direction-guiding signals may be presented
on the display to guide the user to the desired position of the
tool.
[0243] A user interface in accordance with the present invention
may be coupled with a laser measurement and alignment device. The
laser measurement and alignment device may comprise the laser
apparatus 100 and computing system 104 shown and described in FIGS.
1 through 46 or may comprise a variety of systems as contemplated
by one of ordinary skill in the art. The coupling may enable the
user interface to be selectively or permanently detached from the
laser measurement and alignment device. The user interface may
communicate with the laser measurement and alignment device via a
physical communication line (such as a cable) or via a wireless
signal. It is contemplated that the user interface may couple
directly with the laser apparatus 100 or may communicatively couple
with the computing system 104 which in turn is coupled with the
laser apparatus 100. The communicative coupling may allow the user
interface to operatively control the laser apparatus 100 from a
remote location. Thus, the user interface may control a power tool,
upon which the laser measurement and alignment device is coupled,
from a remote location.
[0244] In an exemplary embodiment, the interface may include its
own power supply so that the interface may transmit signals to the
laser measurement and alignment device when detached therefrom.
Alternatively, the interface and the laser measurement and
alignment device may share a single power source. The power source
may be batteries, fuel cells, or the like. In a further embodiment
of the present invention, the user interface may include laser
sources, similar to those shown and described for the computing
system 104. Moreover, the software loaded onto a user interface may
be updated through a diskette, a DVD, a CD, the Internet, a
network, or the like.
[0245] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a user interface may include a display which shows
exemplary screens 4700 through 5300 shown in FIG. 47 through 53. As
shown in FIG. 47 through 53, each screen includes four tabs: a home
tab (labeled with a "home" icon), a settings tab (labeled with a
"gear" icon), a calibration tab (labeled with a "reversed triangle"
icon), and a save tab (labeled with a "diskette" icon). A user may
toggle among different screens by touching an appropriate tab.
[0246] As shown in FIG. 47, an exemplary home screen 4700 is shown.
The screen 4700 shows a distance icon and its corresponding value
("121/4''"), an angle icon and its corresponding value
(6.1.degree.), and a height icon and its corresponding value
("11/4''"). From the screen 4700 shown in FIG. 47, when the
settings tab is touched, the screen 4700 may be replaced with a
settings screen 4800 shown in FIG. 48. The screen 4800 may show
information such as the battery status of the user interface or the
laser measurement and alignment device, and the like. From the
screen 4800 shown in FIG. 48, when the calibration tab is touched,
the screen 4800 may be replaced with a calibration screen 4900
shown in FIG. 49. Through the calibration screen 4900, a user may
calibrate the laser measurement and alignment device. From the
screen 4900 shown in FIG. 49, when the save tab is touched, the
screen 4900 may be replaced with a save screen 5000 shown in FIG.
50, through which a user may save a height. FIG. 51 shows an
additional exemplary save screen 5100, through which a user may
save a distance. FIG. 52 shows a further exemplary save screen
5200, through which a user may save an angle. FIG. 53 shows a still
further exemplary save screen 5300, which shows various other
exemplary icons (e.g., a speak icon for adjusting the volume of the
speaker, and the like).
[0247] It is understood that the foregoing-described screens shown
in FIGS. 47 through 53 are intended as exemplary only and not as a
limitation to the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that various combinations and arrangements may
be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present invention.
[0248] A user interface coupled with a laser measurement and
alignment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention may operate according to a scheme 5400 shown in
FIG. 54. As shown in FIG. 54, when a laser measurement and
alignment device and a user interface are not attached to a power
tool (e.g., a table saw, belt sander, lathe, drill press, nailer,
router table, and the like), the laser measurement and alignment
device and the user interface may be used to do other measurements
unrelated to the power tool or may be recharged. Additionally, the
software loaded onto the user interface may be updated. For
instance, the user interface may include a disk drive for loading
software applications and saving information onto a removeable
memory media. Alternatively, the user interface may include a drive
for a DVD, a CD-ROM, flash memory devices, and the like, for
receiving software updates. When a laser measurement and alignment
device and a user interface are attached to a power tool (e.g., a
table saw, or the like), the laser measurement and alignment device
and the user interface may be used to perform measurements on the
power tool. Additionally, the laser measurement and alignment
device may be automatically calibrated through the user
interface.
[0249] In one embodiment of the present invention, a user interface
may include four operational modes: distance, angle, height, and
settings, as shown in FIG. 54.
[0250] In a distance mode, a user may set a desired distance, e.g.,
a distance between a saw blade and fence of a table saw through the
user interface. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 54, the
user interface in a distance mode may include five options: (1)
return to home state; (2) fine adjustment; (3) recall dimension
(i.e., recall a previous saved distance); (4) save dimension (i.e.,
save the current distance); and (5) back one level. Under the fine
adjustment option, the user interface may include three options:
(1) zero dimension, either absolute or relative; (2) units
(fraction, decimal, or metric); and (3) add offset distance.
[0251] In an angle mode, a user may set a desired angle, e.g., an
angle between a saw blade and a line perpendicular to a table
surface of a table saw through the user interface. As shown in FIG.
54, the user interface in an angle mode may include five options:
(1) return to home state; (2) fine adjustment; (3) recall angle
(i.e., recall a previous saved angle); (4) save dimension (i.e.,
save the current angle); and (5) back one level. Under the fine
adjustment option, the user interface may include two options: (a)
zero dimension (either absolute or relative); and (b) compute an
angle (a result based on miter and bevel).
[0252] In a height mode, a user may set a desired height, e.g., a
height of a saw blade over a table surface of a table saw through
the user interface. As shown in FIG. 54, the user interface in a
height mode may include five options: (1) return to home state (the
interface directly returns to a home screen when this option is
chosen); (2) fine adjustment; (3) recall dimension (i.e., recall a
previous saved height); (4) save dimension (i.e., save the current
height); and (5) back one level (the interface goes back one level
when this option is chosen). Under the fine adjustment option, the
user interface may include two options: (a) zero height (either
absolute or relative); and (b) units (fraction, decimal, or
metric).
[0253] In a settings mode, a user may set desired settings for the
user interface. As shown in FIG. 54, the user interface in a
settings mode may include five options: (1) return to home state;
(2) global units; (3) calibration; (4) system; and (5) back one
level. Under the global units option, the user interface may
include three options: (a) fraction; (b) decimal; and (c) metric.
The default unit may be fraction. Under the fraction unit, a user
may choose a resolution such as 1/128, 1/64, 1/32, or the like.
Under the decimal unit, a user may choose a resolution such as 0.0,
0.00, 0.000, or the like. Under the calibration option, the user
interface may include three options: (a) measurements (distance,
angle or height); (b) fence side (either left or right); (c) fence
orientation (either horizontal or vertical). Under the system
option, the user interface may include three options: (a) sound
(either on or off); (b) display (to adjust brightness and contrast
of the display); and (c) laser. Under the laser option, the user
interface may include three options: (i) on (laser is on for 10
seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, or the like); (ii) off (laser is
off); and (iii) sleep mode (laser falls asleep after laser is on
for 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, or the like. Additionally,
under the system option, a user may update the software loaded onto
the user interface.
[0254] It is understood that the number of modes and options
available under each mode and the variety of operations which may
be performed by the user interface may vary without departing from
the scope and spirit of the present invention. For instance, other
options under the save dimension option, found under the distance
mode, angle mode, and height mode, may include: (1) save to
diskette, (2) save to CDR, and (3) save to flash media.
Additionally, each screen in a particular mode may include an icon
for accessing the other modes directly. For example, under the
distance mode each screen presented to the user of the user
interface may include an icon for the angle mode, height mode, and
setting mode. By selecting the individual icon the user may be
taken directly to the selected mode and presented with the series
of options available under that mode.
[0255] FIG. 55 shows an exemplary user interface 5800 with
different exemplary screens which may execute the scheme 5400 shown
in FIG. 54. FIG. 56 shows the user interface 5800 with an exemplary
calibration screen, and FIG. 57 shows the user interface 5800 with
an additional exemplary calibration screen. The user interface 5800
will be described in detail along with FIG. 58.
[0256] Referring now to FIG. 58, the exemplary user interface 5800
will be described in more detail. The interface 5800 includes a
display 5802 and a plurality of user input controls, which are
generally indicated at 5804. The display 5802 may be LCD (liquid
crystal display), a pixel-based display, or the like. As shown, the
controls 5804 include a plurality of push (or enter) buttons 5806,
5808, 5810, 5812 and 5814. The buttons 5806 through 5814 enable a
user to toggle between the screens and modes displayable on the
display 5802, and to select and input values for any of the
available options, as discussed in more detail subsequently. In
FIG. 58, the buttons 5806 through 5814 are positioned at the bottom
of the interface 5800 and correlate with an option on the display
5802 available for selection by the user. However, the buttons 5806
through 5814 may be positioned anywhere on the interface 5800 as
may be contemplated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In
the exemplary embodiment shown, the buttons 5806 through 5814 are
all enter buttons. However, it is within the scope of the present
invention that other configurations and numbers of buttons may be
used. Similarly, other forms of user input controls may be used,
such as slides, track balls, switches, and pointing devices. Of
course, although the described user interface is relatively large
and complex, it is also possible to provide a much smaller user
interface with less information displayed at a time.
[0257] FIG. 58 illustrates a default, or home, screen 5816 of the
display 5802. This is the screen that is most often displayed to a
user, and to which the controller defaults after user inputs are
completed on any of the subsequently described screens. As shown,
the display 5802 (and hence each screen of the display 5802,
including the home screen 5816) includes a battery region 5818, a
developer region 5820, a current-screen region 5822, a settings
region 5824 and an available-option region 5826.
[0258] The battery region 5818 provides a user with information
about the status of batteries used to provide power to the laser
measurement and alignment device and the user interface 5800. This
feature is useful to allow a user to monitor the status of the
battery during use. In particular, a user may want to check the
remaining battery capacity before starting a project that may
require more battery reserve than currently available. As shown,
the battery region 5818 includes a small battery icon 5828 and a
large battery icon 5830. Each of the icons 5828 and 5830 has
incremental bar-graph-like readings representing the theoretical
amount of battery life remaining. It is understood other textual or
symbolic representations may be used without departing from the
scope and spirit of the present invention. The icon 5828 may be
used to indicate the status of the battery used to provide power to
one of the user interface 5800 and the laser measurement and
alignment device (e.g. the user interface 5800), and the icon 5830
may be used to indicate the status of the battery used to provide
power to the other of the user interface 5800 and the laser
measurement and alignment device (e.g., the laser measurement and
alignment device). Alternatively, the battery region 5818 may
include a single icon of a battery with incremental bar-graph-like
readings representing the theoretical amount of battery life
remaining when the battery is used to provide power to both the
laser measurement and alignment device and the user interface 5800.
It is understood that the battery region 5818 may be positioned on
the display 5802 as may be contemplated by a person of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0259] The developer region 5820 provides information about the
developer of the user interface 5800. As shown, the user interface
5800 is developed by Delta International Machinery Corp.
Alternatively, the developer region 5820 may be not included in the
display 5802 at all in order to save space. In another embodiment
the developer region 5820 may provide an indication of ownership of
the individual user interface. For example, a user may place a
specific logo in this region to identify the user interface as
their own. It is understood that the location of the developer
region on the display 5802 may vary. Further, each user interface
may be enabled with a security feature which allows the individual
unit to be protected from unauthorized use by another. For example,
the security feature may include a user being able to enter a
password into the user interface which is required before operation
of the user interface will be allowed. It is contemplated that
other security features may be incorporated into the present
invention as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0260] The current-screen region 5822 is used to show the screen
status of the user interface 5800 and will be described in more
detail subsequently. As shown in FIG. 58, the current-screen region
5822 of the home screen 5816 is empty. Alternatively, the
current-screen region 5822 of the home screen 5816 may include
graphic and/or textual representations indicating that the present
screen is the home screen.
[0261] The settings region 5824 displays information to the user
about the current setup of programmed and user-selected modes for
the tool (e.g., a table saw, or the like). As shown in FIG. 58, the
region 5824 includes at least one mode icon 5832 and its (their)
corresponding value(s) 5834. For example, as shown in FIG. 58,
three operational mode icons are shown on the home screen 5816,
each of which has at least one value. The three illustrated mode
icons are distance 5836, angle 5840, and height 5844, each of which
having a corresponding value 5838, 5842, and 5846, respectively,
and may trigger the display of one or more additional screens, as
described in more detail subsequently. It should be understood that
the textual names for the modes may be used in place of or in
conjunction with the mode icons. Additionally, although FIG. 58
shows a mode icon positioned below its corresponding value, other
arrangements may be utilized as may be contemplated by a person of
ordinary skill in the art. For example, a mode icon (and/or textual
name) may be positioned to the left, to the right, or above its
corresponding value without departing from the scope and spirit of
the present invention.
[0262] Preferably, the distance value 5838, the angle value 5842,
and the height value 5846 in the settings region 5824 are all
displayed in a clear fashion to a user so that the user is not
confused by the numbers inside these values. Different fonts,
sizes, and/or color may be used to distinguish different numbers.
It is understood that visual clarity and the ease with which an
operator of the user interface can view the information presented
on the display 5802 may implicitly establish a preferable range of
fonts, sizes, and colors used by the user interface. Further, the
amount of information to be presented on each screen of the display
5802 may determine/establish a range of fonts, sizes, and colors to
be used. This is another example of the user focus of the present
invention, making complex technology available in a simple and
effective manner. If a number is presented as an integer plus a
fraction, the integer may be preferably presented in a larger font
than a numerator and a denominator of the fraction. For example, as
shown in FIG. 58, the distance value 5838 is "51/4''" in which the
number "51/4' is an integer "5" plus a fraction "1/4", and the
height value is "2 1/16''" in which the number "2 1/16" is an
integer "2" plus a fraction " 1/16". The integers "5" and "2" are
presented in a larger font than the numerator "1" and the
denominators "4" and "6" so that a user is not confused by the
numbers in the values 5838 and 5846. Moreover, if a value includes
a decimal expansion of a number, the decimal digit(s) before the
decimal point may be preferably presented in a larger font than the
decimal digit(s) after the decimal point. For example, as shown in
FIG. 58, the angle value 5842 includes a decimal expansion
"5..sup.1". The decimal digit "5" before the decimal point is
presented in a larger font than the decimal point "1" after the
decimal point so that a user is not confused by the numbers in the
value 5842. It is understood that other methods as may be
contemplated by a person of ordinary skill in the art may be used
to distinguish numbers in a value 5834 so that a user is not
confused by those numbers.
[0263] For each screen of the display 5802 of the interface 5800,
the available-option region 5826 has a plurality of tabs used to
show available options a user may have from the current screen.
Each of the tabs may use an icon, textual, and/or graphic
representation to indicate an option available from the current
screen. Each of the tabs is correlated to a user input control
(e.g., a button, touch pad, and the like). To choose an option
representing a tab, a corresponding user input control may be
operated on (e.g., a corresponding button is pushed, or the like).
In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 58, each tab is
correlated to a button directly below. This correlation of
location, establishing a user input control in direct physical
proximity to the tab, provides an ease of use of the present
invention generally not seen in the art.
[0264] On the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58, the
available-option region 5826 has five tabs 5848, 5850, 5852, 5854,
and 5856, each of them is correlated to a button directly below. It
is noted that although each tab on the home screen 5816 as shown in
FIG. 58 uses an icon to represent an available option, any of the
tabs may alternatively use a textual and/or graphic representation
to indicate an available option without departing from the scope
and spirit of the present invention.
[0265] As shown in FIG. 58, the tab 5848 is labeled with a "home"
icon filled with color different from the background, indicating
the current screen is the home screen 5816. Moreover, the tab 5848
may be marked differently from the four other tabs (e.g., the tab
5848 in FIG. 58 has no horizontal line above the "home" icon) to
indicate that the current screen is the home screen 5816. The tab
5848 is correlated to the button 5806. When the button 5806 is
pushed, the home screen 5816 remains (since the current screen is
the home screen).
[0266] As shown in FIG. 58, the tab 5850 has a "distance" icon
representing an option of setting the distance between the saw
blade and the fence and is correlated to the button 5808. From the
home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58, when the button 5808 is pushed,
the home screen 5816 is replaced with a distance screen 6300 shown
in FIG. 63, and the user interface 5800 enters into a distance
mode. The distance screen 6300 may then be replaced with other
exemplary screens in a distance mode shown in FIG. 59 and FIGS. 64
through 74 when an appropriate button (or buttons) is pushed.
[0267] As shown in FIG. 58, the tab 5852 has an "angle" icon
representing an option of setting the angle between the saw blade
and a line perpendicular to the surface of the saw table (usually
less than 90.degree.) and is correlated to the button 5810. From
the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58, when the button 5810 is
pushed, the home screen 5816 is replaced with an angle screen 7500
shown in FIG. 75, and the user interface 5800 enters into an angle
mode. The angle screen 7500 may then be replaced with other
exemplary screens in an angle mode shown in FIG. 60 and FIGS. 76
through 83 when an appropriate button (or buttons) is pushed.
[0268] As shown in FIG. 58, the tab 5854 has a "height" icon
representing an option of setting the height of the saw blade over
the saw table surface and is correlated to the button 5812. From
the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58, when the button 5812 is
pushed, the home screen 5816 is replaced with a height screen 8400
shown in FIG. 84, and the user interface 5800 enters into a height
mode. The height screen 6300 may then be replaced with other
exemplary screens in a height mode shown in FIG. 61 and FIGS. 85
through 94 when an appropriate button (or buttons) is pushed.
[0269] As shown in FIG. 58, the tab 5856 has a "gear" icon
representing an option of adjusting the settings of the graphic
user interface 5800 and/or the laser measurement and alignment
device and is correlated to the button 5814. From the home screen
5816 shown in FIG. 58, when the button 5814 is pushed, the home
screen 5816 is replaced with a settings screen 9500 shown in FIG.
95, and the user interface 5800 enters into a settings mode. The
settings screen 9500 may then be replaced with other exemplary
screens in a settings mode shown in FIG. 62 and FIGS. 96 through
101 when an appropriate button (or buttons) is pushed.
[0270] The focus of the user interface is to provide a system which
enables complex operations through an easy to use controller. In
order to accomplish this goal the present invention has employed
the standard of logically relating the folders which contain the
various operational functions enabled by the user interface. For
instance, after the user interface is calibrated a home screen 5816
provides access to distance mode FIGS. 63 through 74, angle mode
FIGS. 75 through 83, height mode FIGS. 84 through 94, and settings
mode FIGS. 95 through 101. When one of the modes is selected it
provides access to the relevant operations pertaining to that mode
in a clear and concise manner. Thus, the navigation through the
complex user interface is made simple and provides a smooth flow of
operation.
[0271] Referring generally now to FIGS. 63 through 74, various
exemplary screens 6300 through 7400 of the display 5802 of the user
interface 5800 in a distance mode are shown. Referring to FIG. 63,
the distance screen 6300 is similar to the home screen 5816 shown
in FIG. 58. However, in its settings region 5824 the distance
screen 6300 shows the distance mode icon 5836 and its corresponding
value 5838 only. In a preferred embodiment, when the user interface
5800 is in a distance mode, only the distance mode icon 5836 and
its corresponding value 5838 are shown in the settings region 5824
(see, e.g., FIGS. 63 through 74). Preferably, a user sets only a
desired distance between a saw blade and a fence of a table saw
through the user interface 5800 when the user interface 5800 is in
a distance mode. Because a user does not set an angle or a blade
height in a distance mode, the angle and the height mode icons
5840, 5844 and their corresponding values 5842, 5846 do not need to
be displayed on the screen in order to save battery power.
Moreover, a screen in a distance mode showing only the distance
mode icon 5836 and its corresponding value 5838 in the settings
region 5824 may help a user to focus attention on setting the
distance.
[0272] As shown in FIG. 63, the distance screen 6300 has in its
available-option region 5826 five tabs 6302, 6304, 6306, 6308, and
6310 different from the five tabs shown in FIG. 58. The tab 6302
has a "home" icon unfilled with color representing an option of
"returning to home directly" and is correlated to the button 5806
directly below. When the button 5806 is pushed, the distance screen
6300 is replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58. The
tab 6304 represents an option of "fine adjustment" and is
correlated to the button 5808 directly below. The tab 6306
represents an option of "recall" and is correlated to the button
5810 directly below. The tab 6308 has a "diskette" icon
representing an option of "save" and is correlated to the button
5812 directly below. As mentioned previously, it is contemplated
that other removable memory media may be employed with the present
invention, such as a DVD, CDR, flash media device, and the like.
Therefore, the "diskette" icon may be altered to provide an
alternative image more directly reflecting the current memory media
being employed. Further, it is understood that the user interface
may incorporate the usage of more than one type of memory media and
thus include multiple memory media drives.
[0273] The tab 6310 has a "back arrow" icon representing an option
of "back one level" and is correlated to the button 5814 directly
below. That is, when the button 5814 is pushed, the interface 5800
goes back one level and the distance screen 6300 is replaced with
the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58.
[0274] From the distance screen 6300 shown in FIG. 63, when the
button 5808 is pushed, the distance screen 6300 is replaced with a
distance fine adjustment screen 6400 shown in FIG. 64. As shown,
the screen 6400 shows in its current-screen region 5822 a textual
representation "Fine Adjust", indicating to a user that the current
screen is for fine adjustment of a distance. The screen 6400 has
five tabs: the tabs 6302 and 6310 (as shown in FIG. 63), a tab 6402
for a "Zero" option correlated to the button 5808, a tab 6404 for
"Units" option correlated to the button 5810, and a tab 6406 for
"Offset" option correlated to the button 5812. When the tab 6302 is
chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5806) from the screen 6400, the
interface 5800 directly returns to home and the screen 6400 is
replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58. When the tab
6310 is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5814) from the screen
6400, the interface 5800 goes back one level and the screen 6400 is
replaced with the distance screen 6300 shown in FIG. 63.
[0275] When the "Zero" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the
button 5808) from the screen 6400, the screen 6400 is replaced with
a distance relative zero screen 6500 shown in FIG. 65. As shown in
FIG. 65, the screen 6500 has in its current-screen region 5822 a
word "Zero", indicating the current screen 6500 is a distance zero
screen. Additionally, the screen 6500 has in its settings region
5824 a letter "R", indicating that the current screen 6500 is a
distance relative zero screen. This is further shown by different
representations of two new tabs 6502 and 6504 on the screen 6500,
where the tab 6504 representing a distance relative zero option
does not have a horizontal line above the word "Relative",
indicating the distance relative zero option is chosen. Using the
buttons 5808 and 5810, a user may toggle between the distance
relative zero screen 6500 shown in FIG. 65 and a distance absolute
zero screen (not shown).
[0276] When the "Units" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the
button 5810) from the screen 6400, the screen 6400 is replaced with
a default distance units screen 6600 shown in FIG. 66. As shown in
FIG. 66, the screen 6600 has in its current-screen region 5822 a
distance icon and a word "Units", indicating the current screen
6600 is a distance units screen. The screen 6600 includes three new
tabs 6602 (Frac), 6604 (Dec) and 6606 (mm), which represent a
fraction unit option, a decimal unit option, and a metric unit
option, respectively. The tab 6602 representing a fraction unit
option does not have a horizontal line above "Frac", indicating the
fraction unit option is chosen. As a result of this option, the
number in the distance value 5838 is displayed in a format of
"integer+fraction" (see, e.g., "51/4" in FIG. 66).
[0277] From the screen 6600 shown in FIG. 66, when the button 5810
is pushed, the screen 6600 is replaced with a distance decimal unit
screen 6700 shown in FIG. 67. As shown in FIG. 67, the screen 6700
has in its current-screen region 5822 a distance icon and words
"Dec Units", indicating the current screen 6700 is a distance
decimal units screen. The tab 6604 representing a decimal unit
option does not have a horizontal line above "Dec", indicating the
decimal unit option is chosen. As a result of this option, the
number in the distance value 5838 is displayed in a format of a
decimal expansion (see, e.g., "5..sup.25" in FIG. 67). Using the
buttons 5808, 5810, and 5812, a user may toggle among the default
distance units (in fraction units) screen 6600 shown in FIG. 66,
the distance decimal units screen 6700 shown in FIG. 67, and a
distance metric unit screen (not shown).
[0278] When the "Offset" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the
button 5812) from the screen 6400 shown in FIG. 64, the screen 6400
is replaced with a distance offset screen 6800 shown in FIG. 68. As
shown in FIG. 68, the screen 6800 has in its current-screen region
5822 a word "Offset", indicating the current screen 6800 is a
distance offset screen. The screen 6800 includes a new tab 6802
(Set), representing an option of adding an offset distance.
[0279] From the distance screen 6300 shown in FIG. 63, when the
button 5810 is pushed, the distance screen 6300 is replaced with a
distance recall screen 6900 shown in FIG. 69. As shown, the screen
6900 shows in its current-screen region 5822 a textual
representation "Recall", indicating to a user that the current
screen is for recalling a saved distance. There may exist at least
one saved distance value in a memory of the user interface 5800 or
a memory of the laser measurement and alignment device
communicatively coupled to the user interface 5800. Each saved
distance value may have a label number such as 1, 2, 3, etc. For
example, the screen 6900 shows a value 5838 ("51/4''") in its
settings region 5824. The number "1" to the left of "51/4''"
indicates that the label number for "51/4''" is "1". The screen
6900 includes two new tabs: a tab 6902 for a "+" option of moving
to a saved distance value with a higher label number than that
shown on the current screen, and a tab 6904 for a "-" option of
moving to a saved distance value with a lower label number than
that shown on the current screen. For example, from the screen 6900
shown in FIG. 69, when the "+" option (the tab 6902) is chosen, the
screen 6900 is replaced with a screen 7000 shown in FIG. 70, where
a saved distance value with a higher label number "2" ("2 3/64''")
is shown. Additionally, from the screen 6900 shown in FIG. 69, when
the "+" option is repeatedly chosen several times (e.g., by pushing
the button 5808 several times), the screen 6900 may be replaced
with a screen 7100 shown in FIG. 71, where a saved distance value
with a higher label number "9" ("127/8''") is shown. From the
screen 7100 shown in FIG. 71, when the "-" option (the tab 6904) is
chosen, the screen 7100 is replaced with a screen 7200 shown in
FIG. 72, where a saved distance value with a lower label number "8"
("33/8''") is shown.
[0280] From the distance screen 6300 shown in FIG. 63, when the
button-5812 is pushed, the distance screen 6300 may be replaced
with a distance save screen 7300 shown in FIG. 73. As shown, the
screen 7300 shows in its current-screen region 5822 a diskette icon
and a textual representation "Save", indicating to a user that the
current screen is for saving a distance value. The screen 7300
includes a "diskette" tab 7302, representing an option of saving
the current value 5838 ("61/2''"). When the tab 7302 is chosen from
the screen 7300, the screen 7300 is replaced with the screen 7400
shown in FIG. 74, where the value "61/2''" is given a label number
(e.g., "11" shown in FIG. 74) and may be saved into a memory of the
user interface 5800 or a memory of the laser measurement and
alignment device communicatively coupled to the user interface
5800.
[0281] It is contemplated that an operator of the user interface
may input changes to the distance settings directly. For example,
under the distance fine adjustment screen an alternative user input
control mode may be included which allows the user to directly
affect changes in the distance settings. The user may be enabled to
make corrections to the distance in incremental amounts, such as
1/2 inch or 1/4 inch, 0.1'' or 0.01'', or 10 mm or 5 mm. The user
interface may provide "+" and "-" tabs correlated to user input
control buttons which allow for this type of adjustment. The direct
change of distance setting may be configured in a variety of ways
and be within various locations of the height mode as contemplated
by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0282] Referring generally now to FIGS. 75 through 83, various
exemplary screens 7500 through 8300 of the display 5802 of the user
interface 5800 in an angle mode are shown. Referring to FIG. 75,
the angle screen 7500 is similar to the home screen 5816 shown in
FIG. 58. However, in its settings region 5824 the angle screen 7500
shows the distance mode icon 5840 and its corresponding value 5842
only. In a preferred embodiment, when the user interface 5800 is in
an angle mode, only the angle mode icon 5840 and its corresponding
value 5842 are shown in the settings region 5824 (see, e.g., FIGS.
75 through 83). Preferably, a user sets only a desired angle
between a saw blade and a line perpendicular to the table surface
of a table saw through the user interface 5800 when the user
interface 5800 is in an angle mode. Because a user does not set a
distance or a blade height in an angle mode, the distance and the
height mode icons 5836, 5844 and their corresponding values 5838,
5846 do not need to be displayed on the screen in order to save
battery power. Moreover, a screen in an angle mode showing only the
angle mode icon 5840 and its corresponding value 5842 in the
settings region 5824 may help a user to focus attention on setting
the angle.
[0283] As shown in FIG. 75, the angle screen 7500 shows in its
current-screen region 5822 an angle icon and a textual
representation "Angle", indicating to a user that the current
screen is in an angle mode. As shown, the screen 7500 has in its
available-option region 5826 five tabs 6302, 6304, 6306, 6308, and
6310 different from the five tabs shown in FIG. 58. The tab 6302
has a "home" icon unfilled with color representing an option of
"returning to home directly" and is correlated to the button 5806
directly below. When the button 5806 is pushed, the angle screen
7500 is replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58. The
tab 6304 represents an option of "fine adjustment" and is
correlated to the button 5808 directly below. The tab 6306
represents an option of "recall" and is correlated to the button
5810 directly below. The tab 6308 has a "diskette" icon
representing an option of "save" and is correlated to the button
5812 directly below. The tab 6310 has a "back arrow" icon
representing an option of "back one level" and is correlated to the
button 5814 directly below. That is, when the button 5814 is
pushed, the interface 5800 goes back one level and the angle screen
7500 is replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58.
[0284] From the angle screen 7500 shown in FIG. 75, when the button
5808 is pushed, the angle screen 7500 is replaced with an angle
fine adjustment screen 7600 shown in FIG. 76. As shown, the screen
7600 shows in its current-screen region 5822 an angle icon and a
textual representation "Fine Adjust", indicating to a user that the
current screen is for fine adjustment of an angle. The screen 7600
includes three tabs: the tabs 6302 and 6310 (as shown in FIG. 75),
and a tab 6402 for a "Zero" option correlated to the button 5808.
When the tab 6302 is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5806) from
the screen 7600, the interface 5800 directly returns to home and
the screen 7600 is replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG.
58. When the tab 6310 is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5814)
from the screen 7600, the interface 5800 goes back one level and
the screen 7600 is replaced with the angle screen 7500 shown in
FIG. 75.
[0285] When the "Zero" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the
button 5808) from the screen 7600 shown in FIG. 76, the screen 7600
is replaced with an angle zero screen 7700 shown in FIG. 77. As
shown in FIG. 77, the screen 7700 has in its current-screen region
5822 an angle icon and a word "Zero", indicating the current screen
7700 is an angle zero screen. The screen 7700 includes two new
tabs: a tab 7702 representing an angle absolute zero option, and a
tab 7704 representing an angle relative zero option. When the tab
7704 option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5810) from the
screen 7700 shown in FIG. 77, the screen 7700 is replaced with an
angle relative zero screen 7800 shown in FIG. 78. As shown in FIG.
78, the screen 7800 has in its current-screen region 5822 an angle
icon and a word "Relative", indicating the current screen 7800 is
an angle relative zero screen. Using the buttons 5808 and 5810, a
user may toggle between the angle relative zero screen 7800 shown
in FIG. 78 and the angle zero screen 7700 shown in FIG. 77.
[0286] From the angle screen 7500 shown in FIG. 75, when the button
5810 is pushed, the angle screen 7500 is replaced with an angle
recall screen 7900 shown in FIG. 79. As shown, the screen 7900
shows in its current-screen region 5822 an angle icon and a textual
representation "Recall", indicating to a user that the current
screen is for recalling a saved angle. There may exist at least one
saved angle value in a memory of the user interface 5800 or a
memory of the laser measurement and alignment device
communicatively coupled to the user interface 5800. Each saved
angle value may have a label number such as 1, 2, 3, etc. For
example, the screen 7900 shows a value 5842 ("15.1.degree.") in its
settings region 5824. The number "2" to the left of "15.1.degree."
indicates that the label number for "15.1.degree." is "2". The
screen 7900 includes two new tabs: a tab 7902 for a "+" option of
moving to a saved angle value with a higher label number than that
shown on the current screen, and a tab 7904 for a "-" option of
moving to a saved angle value with a lower label number than that
shown on the current screen. For example, from the screen 7900
shown in FIG. 79, when the "+" option (the tab 7902) is chosen
(several times), the screen 7900 may be replaced with a screen 8000
shown in FIG. 80, where a saved angle value with a label number "5"
("30.0.degree.") is shown. Additionally, from the screen 7900 shown
in FIG. 79, when the "-" option (the tab 7904) is chosen, the
screen 7900 may be replaced with a screen 8100 shown in FIG. 81,
where a saved angle value with a lower label number "1"
("7.5.degree.") is shown.
[0287] From the angle screen 7500 shown in FIG. 75, when the button
5812 is pushed, the angle screen 7500 is replaced with an angle
save screen 8200 shown in FIG. 82. As shown, the screen 8200 shows
in its current-screen region 5822 an angle icon and a textual
representation "Save", indicating to a user that the current screen
is for saving an angle value. The screen 8200 includes a "diskette"
tab 8202, representing an option of saving the current value 5842
("41.0.degree."). As mentioned previously, it is contemplated that
other removable memory media may be employed with the present
invention, such as a DVD, CDR, flash media device, and the like.
Therefore, the "diskette" icon may be altered to provide an
alternative image more directly reflecting the current memory media
being employed. Further, it is understood that the user interface
may incorporate the usage of more than one type of memory media and
thus include multiple memory media drives.
[0288] When the tab 8202 is chosen from the screen 8200, the screen
8200 is replaced with a screen 8300 shown in FIG. 83, where the
value "41.0.degree." is given a label number (e.g., "9" shown in
FIG. 83) and may be saved into a memory of the user interface 5800
or a memory of the laser measurement and alignment device
communicatively coupled to the user interface 5800.
[0289] It is contemplated that an operator of the user interface
may input changes to the angle settings directly. For example,
under the angle fine adjustment screen an alternative user input
control mode may be included which allows the user to directly
affect changes in the angle settings. The user may be enabled to
make corrections to the angle in incremental amounts, such as 0.5
degrees or 1 degree. The user interface may provide "+" and "-"
tabs correlated to user input control buttons which allow for this
type of adjustment. The direct change of angle setting may be
configured in a variety of ways and be within various locations of
the angle mode as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0290] Referring generally now to FIGS. 84 through 94, various
exemplary screens 8400 through 9400 of the display 5802 of the user
interface 5800 in a height mode are shown. Referring to FIG. 84,
the height screen 8400 is similar to the home screen 5816 shown in
FIG. 58. However, in its settings region 5824 the height screen
8400 shows the height mode icon 5844 and its corresponding value
5846 only. In a preferred embodiment, when the user interface 5800
is in a height mode, only the height mode icon 5844 and its
corresponding value 5846 are shown in the settings region 5824
(see, e.g., FIGS. 84 through 94). Preferably, a user sets only a
desired height of a saw blade over a table surface of a table saw
through the user interface 5800 when the user interface 5800 is in
a height mode. Because a user does not set a distance or an angle
in a height mode, the distance and angle mode icons 5836, 5840 and
their corresponding values 5838, 5842 do not need to be displayed
on the screen in order to save battery power. Moreover, a screen in
a distance mode showing only the height mode icon 5844 and its
corresponding value 5846 in the settings region 5824 may help a
user to focus attention on setting the distance.
[0291] As shown in FIG. 84, the height screen 8400 shows in its
current-screen region 5822 a height icon and a textual
representation "Height", indicating to a user that the current
screen is in a height mode. As shown, the height screen 8400 has in
its available-option region 5826 five tabs 6302, 6304, 6306, 6308,
and 6310 different from the five tabs shown in FIG. 58. The tab
6302 has a "home" icon unfilled with color representing an option
of "returning to home directly" and is correlated to the button
5806 directly below. When the button 5806 is pushed, the distance
screen 6300 is replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58.
The tab 6304 represents an option of "fine adjustment" and is
correlated to the button 5808 directly below. The tab 6306
represents an option of "recall" and is correlated to the button
5810 directly below. The tab 6308 has a "diskette" icon
representing an option of "save" and is correlated to the button
5812 directly below. The tab 6310 has a "back arrow" icon
representing an option of "back one level" and is correlated to the
button 5814 directly below. That is, when the button 5814 is
pushed, the interface 5800 goes back one level and the distance
screen 8400 is replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG.
58.
[0292] From the height screen 8400 shown in FIG. 84, when the
button 5808 is pushed, the height screen 8400 is replaced with a
height fine adjustment screen 8500 shown in FIG. 85. As shown, the
screen 8500 shows in its current-screen region 5822 a height icon
and a textual representation "Fine Adjust", indicating to a user
that the current screen is for fine adjustment of a height. The
screen 8500 has five tabs: the tabs 6302 and 6310 (as shown in FIG.
84), a tab 8502 for a "Zero" option correlated to the button 5808,
a tab 8504 for "Units" option correlated to the button 5810, and a
tab 8506 for "Offset" option correlated to the button 5812. When
the tab 6302 is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5806) from the
screen 8500, the interface 5800 directly returns to home and the
screen 8500 is replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58.
When the tab 6310 is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5814) from
the screen 8500, the interface 5800 goes back one level and the
screen 8500 is replaced with the height screen 8400 shown in FIG.
84.
[0293] When the "Zero" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the
button 5808) from the screen 8500, the screen 8500 is replaced with
a height absolute zero screen 8600 shown in FIG. 86. As shown in
FIG. 86, the screen 8600 has in its current-screen region 5822 a
height icon and a word "Zero", indicating the current screen 8600
is a height zero screen. Additionally, the screen 8600 has in its
settings region 5824 a letter "A", indicating that the current
screen 8600 is a height absolute zero screen. This is further shown
by different representations of two new tabs 8602 and 8604 on the
screen 8600, where the tab 8602 representing a height absolute zero
option does not have a horizontal line above the word "Absolute",
indicating the height absolute zero option is chosen. Using the
buttons 5808 and 5810, a user may toggle between the height
absolute zero screen 8500 shown in FIG. 85 and a height relative
zero screen (not shown).
[0294] When the "Units" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the
button 5810) from the screen 8500, the screen 8500 is replaced with
a default height units screen 8700 shown in FIG. 87. As shown in
FIG. 87, the screen 8700 has in its current-screen region 5822 a
height icon and a word "Units", indicating the current screen 8700
is a height units screen. The screen 8700 includes three new tabs
8702 (Frac), 8704 (Dec) and 8706 (mm), which represent a fraction
unit option, a decimal unit option, and a metric unit option,
respectively. The tab 8702 representing a fraction unit option does
not have a horizontal line above "Frac", indicating the fraction
unit option is chosen. As a result of this option, the number in
the height value 5846 is displayed in a format of
"integer+fraction" (see, e.g., "2 1/16" in FIG. 87).
[0295] From the screen 8700 shown in FIG. 87, when the button 5810
is pushed, the screen 8700 may be replaced with a height decimal
unit screen 8800 shown in FIG. 88. As shown in FIG. 88, the tab
8704 representing a decimal unit option does not have a horizontal
line above "Dec", indicating the decimal unit option is chosen. As
a result of this option, the number in the distance value 5838 is
displayed in a format of a decimal expansion (see, e.g.,
"5..sup.25" in FIG. 88). Using the buttons 5808, 5810, and 5812, a
user may toggle among the default height units (in fraction units)
screen 8700 shown in FIG. 87, the height decimal units screen 8800
shown in FIG. 88, and a height metric unit screen (not shown).
[0296] When the "Offset" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the
button 5812) from the screen 8500 shown in FIG. 85, the screen 8500
is replaced with a height offset screen 8900 shown in FIG. 89. As
shown in FIG. 89, the screen 8900 has in its current-screen region
5822 a height icon and a word "Offset", indicating the current
screen 8900 is a height offset screen. Through the screen 8900, a
user may add an offset height.
[0297] From the height screen 8400 shown in FIG. 84, when the
button 5810 is pushed (and possibly after some other manipulations
of the user interface controls 5804), the height screen 8400 may be
replaced with a height recall screen 9000 shown in FIG. 90. As
shown, the screen 9000 shows in its current-screen region 5822 a
height icon and a textual representation "Recall", indicating to a
user that the current screen is for recalling a saved height. There
may exist at least one saved height value in a memory of the user
interface 5800 or a memory of the laser measurement and alignment
device communicatively coupled to the user interface 5800. Each
saved height value may have a label number such as 1, 2, 3, etc.
For example, the screen 9000 shows a value 5846 ("2 1/16''") in its
settings region 5824. The number "16" to the left of "2 1/16''"
indicates that the label number for "2 1/16''" is "16". The screen
9000 includes two new tabs: a tab 9002 for a "+" option of moving
to a saved height value with a higher label number than that shown
on the current screen, and a tab 9004 for a "-" option of moving to
a saved height value with a lower label number than that shown on
the current screen. For example, from the screen 9000 shown in FIG.
90, when the "-" option (the tab 9004) is chosen repeatedly, the
screen 9000 may be replaced with a screen 9100 shown in FIG. 91,
where a saved height value with a lower label number "5" ("23/4''")
is shown. Additionally, from the screen 9000 shown in FIG. 90, when
the "+" option (the tab 9002) is chosen repeatedly, the screen 9000
may be replaced with a screen 9200 shown in FIG. 92, where a saved
height value with a higher label number "21" ("1 1/64''") is
shown.
[0298] From the height screen 8400 shown in FIG. 84, when the
button 5812 is pushed, the height screen 8400 may be replaced with
a height save screen 9300 shown in FIG. 93. As shown, the screen
9300 shows in its current-screen region 5822 a height icon and a
textual representation "Save", indicating to a user that the
current screen is for saving a height value. The screen 9300
includes a "diskette" tab 9302, representing an option of saving
the current value 5846 ("2 1/16''"). When the tab 9302 is chosen
from the screen 9300, the current value "2 1/16''" may be given a
label number and may be saved into a memory of the user interface
5800 or a memory of the laser measurement and alignment device
communicatively coupled to the user interface 5800. As mentioned
previously, it is contemplated that other removable memory media
may be employed with the present invention, such as a DVD, CDR,
flash media device, and the like. Therefore, the "diskette" icon
may be altered to provide an alternative image more directly
reflecting the current memory media being employed. Further, it is
understood that the user interface may incorporate the usage of
more than one type of memory media and thus include multiple memory
media drives.
[0299] FIG. 94 shows another exemplary height save screen 9400,
where a current value "5/8''" is given a label number ("12") and
may be saved into a memory of the user interface 5800 or a memory
of the laser measurement and alignment device communicatively
coupled to the user interface 5800.
[0300] It is contemplated that an operator of the user interface
may input changes to the height settings directly. For example,
under the height fine adjustment screen an alternative user input
control mode may be included which allows the user to directly
affect changes in the height settings. The user may be enabled to
make corrections to the height in incremental amounts, such as 1/2
inch or 1/4 inch, 0.1'' or 0.01,5 mm or 10 mm. The user interface
may provide "+" and "-" tabs correlated to user input control
buttons which allow for this type of adjustment. The direct change
of height setting may be configured in a variety of ways and be
within various locations of the height mode as contemplated by one
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0301] Referring generally now to FIGS. 95 through 101, various
exemplary screens 9500 through 10100 of the display 5802 of the
user interface 5800 in a settings mode are shown. Referring to FIG.
95, the settings screen 9500 shows in its current-screen region
5822 a settings icon and a textual representation "Settings",
indicating to a user that the current screen is in a settings mode.
As shown, the settings screen 9500 has in its available-option
region 5826 five tabs 6302, 9502, 9504, 9506, and 6310 different
from the five tabs shown in FIG. 58. The tab 6302 has a "home" icon
unfilled with color representing an option of "returning to home
directly" and is correlated to the button 5806 directly below. When
the button 5806 is pushed, the settings screen 9500 is replaced
with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG. 58. The tab 9502 represents
an option of "(global) Units" and is correlated to the button 5808
directly below. The tab 9504 represents an option of "Calibration"
and is correlated to the button 5810 directly below. The tab 9506
represents an option of "System" and is correlated to the button
5812 directly below. The tab 6310 has a "back arrow" icon
representing an option of "back one level" and is correlated to the
button 5814 directly below. That is, when the button 5814 is
pushed, the interface 5800 goes back one level and the settings
screen 9500 may be replaced with the home screen 5816 shown in FIG.
58.
[0302] From the settings screen 9500 shown in FIG. 95, when the
"Units" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5808), the
screen 9500 may be replaced with a default global units screen
(see, e.g., 9600 shown in FIG. 96). As shown in FIG. 96, the screen
9600 has in its current-screen region 5822 a settings icon and a
textual representation "Global Units", indicating the current
screen 9600 is a global units screen. The screen 9600 includes
three new tabs 9602 (Frac), 9604 (Dec) and 9606 (mm), which
represent a global fraction unit option, a global decimal unit
option, and a global metric unit option, respectively, for both a
distance value 5838 and a height value 5846. The tab 9602
representing a global fraction unit option does not have a
horizontal line above "Frac", indicating the fraction unit option
is chosen. As a result of choosing this option, the number in a
distance value 5838 (and/or a height value 5846) is displayed in a
format of "integer+fraction" (see, e.g., " 1/16" for a distance
value 5838 in FIG. 96, where the integer is not shown because the
integer is zero).
[0303] From the screen 9600 shown in FIG. 96, when the button 5812
is pushed, the screen 9600 may be replaced with a global metric
units screen (see, e.g., 9700 shown in FIG. 97). As shown in FIG.
97, the tab 9606 representing a global metric unit option does not
have a horizontal line above "mm", indicating the global metric
unit option is chosen. As a result of this option, a distance value
5838 (and/or a height value 5846) is displayed in a metric unit
(see, e.g., "1.58 mm" in FIG. 97, where mm is millimeter). Using
the buttons 5808, 5810, and 5812, a user may toggle among a default
global units (in fraction units) screen (see, e.g., 9600 shown in
FIG. 96), a global metric units screen (see, e.g., 9700 shown in
FIG. 97), and a global decimal units screen (not shown).
[0304] When the "Calibration" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing
the button 5810) from the screen 9500 shown in FIG. 95, the screen
9500 may be replaced with a calibration screen (see, e.g., 5600
shown in FIG. 56, and 5700 shown FIG. 57). Through a calibration
screen, a user may perform all kinds of calibrations to a height,
an angle, and a distance. Additionally, the user interface 5800 may
have a drop-down menu (not shown) on the display 5802 to enable a
user to select a calibration parameter from the drop-down menu. For
example, a drop-down menu may provide kerf information for various
kinds of saw blades, fence orientation information (horizontal or
vertical), fence type (Unifense, Biesemeyer fence, or the like).
Additionally, a saw blade may have a bar code or a RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification) number attached to the saw blade body.
When a saw blade is scanned by a bar code scanner or a RFID
scanner, as the laser source employed by the present invention may
be (shown and described previously in FIGS. 15 through 19), the
relevant information (e.g., kerf, and the like) may be
automatically entered into the user interface 5800 to enable the
user interface 5800 to perform the calibration automatically.
[0305] From the settings screen 9500 shown in FIG. 95, when the
"System" option is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5812), the
screen 9500 may be replaced with a system screen (see, e.g., 9800
shown in FIG. 98). As shown in FIG. 98, the screen 9800 has in its
current-screen region 5822 a settings icon and a textual
representation "System", indicating the current screen 9800 is a
system screen. The screen 9800 includes three new tabs 9802, 9804
and 9806, which represent a sound option, a brightness option, and
a laser time out option, respectively.
[0306] From the system screen 9800 shown in FIG. 98, when the tab
9802 is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5808), the screen 9800
may be replaced with a sound screen (see, e.g., 9900 shown in FIG.
99). As shown in FIG. 99, the screen 9900 has in its current-screen
region 5822 a sound icon and a textual representation "Sound",
indicating the current screen 9900 is a sound screen. The screen
9900 includes two new tabs 9902 ("+") and 9904 ("-"), which
represent an option of increasing a sound volume and an option of
decreasing a sound volume, respectively. The screen 9900 includes a
bar-type scale 9906 showing the current scale of the volume being
"5". By pushing the button 5808 from the screen 9900, the tab 9902
is chosen and the sound volume is increased to a scale larger than
"5". By pushing the button 5810 from the screen 9900, the tab 9904
is chosen and the sound volume is decreased to a scale smaller than
"5". When the scale is decreased to zero ("0"), the sound is turned
off.
[0307] The sound feedback mechanism provided by the user interface
5800 presents an audible signal to a user when a tool is in the
selected position (e.g., when a saw blade has a desired height or
angle, when a fence is in a desired distance from a saw blade, or
the like). In a variation of this mechanism, the sound feedback
mechanism may emit via a microphone/speaker a series of beeps or
other noises to a user that guide the user in the positioning of
the tool. For example, the beeps may become louder, more frequent,
and/or change in pitch the closer the tool is to the desired
position.
[0308] Alternatively, the user interface 5800 may provide visual
feedback mechanism (not shown) which presents a visual signal on
its display 5802. For example, this visual signal may be as simple
as a light or other symbol being displayed on the display 5802 when
the tool is in the desired position. In a variation of the visual
feedback mechanism, arrows or other visual direction-guiding
signals may be presented on the display 5802 to guide the user to
the desired position of the tool.
[0309] From the system screen 9800 shown in FIG. 98, when the tab
9804 is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5810), the screen 9800
may be replaced with a brightness screen (see, e.g., 10000 shown in
FIG. 100). As shown in FIG. 100, the screen 10000 has in its
current-screen region 5822 a brightness icon and a textual
representation "Brightness", indicating the current screen 10000 is
a brightness screen. The screen 10000 includes two new tabs 10002
("+") and 10004 ("-"), which represent an option of increasing
screen brightness and an option of decreasing screen brightness,
respectively. The screen 10000 includes a bar-type scale 10006
showing the current brightness scale being "8". By pushing the
button 5808 from the screen 10000, the tab 10002 is chosen and the
screen brightness is increased to a scale larger than "8". By
pushing the button 5810 from the screen 10000, the tab 10004 is
chosen and the screen brightness is decreased to a scale smaller
than "8".
[0310] From the system screen 9800 shown in FIG. 98, when the tab
9806 is chosen (e.g., by pushing the button 5812), the screen 9800
may be replaced with a laser time out screen (see, e.g., 10100
shown in FIG. 101). As shown in FIG. 101, the screen 10100 has in
its current-screen region 5822 a laser time out icon and a textual
representation "Laser Time Out", indicating the current screen
10100 is a laser time out screen. The screen 10100 includes two new
tabs 10102 ("+") and 10104 ("-"), which represent an option of
increasing a time period for laser time out and an option of
decreasing a time period for laser time out, respectively. The
screen 10100 includes a bar-type scale 10106 showing three time
periods for laser time out: 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds.
The current time period for laser time out is shown to be "30
seconds" in FIG. 101. That is, the laser measurement and alignment
device will be turned off after it is on for 30 seconds. By pushing
the button 5808 from the screen 10100, the tab 10102 is chosen and
the time period for laser time out is increased to "60 seconds". By
pushing the button 5810 from the screen 10100, the tab 10104 is
chosen and the time period for laser time out is decreased to "10
seconds". An alternative embodiment of the bar-type scale 10106 is
shown in 10100 of FIG. 62, where the current time period for laser
time out is shown to be "10 seconds", and a user may use the button
5808 to increase this time period and may use the button 5810 to
decrease this time period.
[0311] It is understood that the foregoing-described screens shown
in FIGS. 55 through 101 are intended as exemplary only and not as a
limitation to the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that various combinations and arrangements may
be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present invention.
[0312] Referring generally to FIGS. 102 through 143, exemplary
embodiments of the present invention are shown. A nail gun 100
including a stud finder laser indicator assembly 102, is shown in
FIGS. 102 through 104. In the preferred embodiment, the stud finder
laser indicator assembly 102 includes a housing 104 which
encompasses a laser indicator assembly 106 and a stud finder
detector assembly 108. The housing 104 is enabled to couple with a
nose casting assembly 110. The nose casting assembly 110 couples
with a nail magazine 103 and a casing 105, the casing 105 housing a
nail driving assembly. The casing 105 further couples with a handle
107 which couples with the nail magazine 103. A trigger 109 is
operationally coupled with the nail driving assembly. In the
present embodiment, the coupling of the stud finder laser indicator
assembly 102 with the nose casing assembly 110 occurs through a
mounting member 111 coupled with the housing 104. The mounting
member is a slide and latch mechanism although it is understood
that the coupling may occur by various mechanisms as contemplated
by one of ordinary skill in the art. The stud finder laser
indicator assembly 102 is enabled to detect the presence of a stud
behind a first surface and then indicate its location by
establishing a laser indicator/marker upon the first surface. The
laser indicator may take a variety of forms, such as a point of
light, a cross-hair configuration, a line configuration, and the
like.
[0313] In FIG. 104, an alternative embodiment of the stud finder
laser indicator assembly 102, is shown. In this embodiment the
assembly 102 further comprises a second indicator assembly 112,
which is a light emitting diode that provides a secondary visual
indicator to the user of the present invention when a stud has been
detected and located. It is understood that the second indicator
assembly may take a variety of forms without departing from the
scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the second
indicator assembly may be a series of light emitting diodes.
Alternatively, the second indicator assembly may provide an audio
signal when the stud is detected and/or located. Further, the stud
finder laser indicator assembly 102 of FIG. 104 includes a selector
assembly 114. The selector assembly 114 comprises a multiple
position switch 116. The selector assembly 114 enables the user of
the assembly 102 to selectively determine its operation. For
instance, the user may prefer not to use the assembly 102 for a
particular task and may position the selector assembly 114 in a
position which disables the assembly 102. The selector assembly 114
may enable the multiple position switch 116 with two or more
positions for enabling the assembly 102 to accomplish a variety of
tasks. The mounting member 111 has been reconfigured as a slide
adapter for coupling with the nose casting assembly 110 which
includes a slide 118
[0314] Referring now to FIG. 105, a nail gun 1050, similar to that
shown and described in FIGS. 102 through 104, comprises a laser
indicator assembly 1052 coupled with a nose casting assembly 1054.
In this preferred embodiment, the laser indicator assembly 1052 is
employed by the user of the nail gun 1050 to establish a visual
indicator/marker on a first surface 1056. The visual marker is used
by the operator of the nail gun 1050 to establish where the next
nail is to be driven. In the present embodiment, this is
accomplished by the laser indicator assembly 1052 establishing a
laser line on the first surface 1056. The laser line coincides with
the position of a stud 1058 behind the first surface 1056. It is
understood that the operator of the nail gun 1050 may employ the
nail gun 1050 simply as a tool to provide a point of reference for
where the next nail will be driven.
[0315] In FIGS. 106 through 110, a nail gun 1060, similar to that
shown and described in FIGS. 102 through 104, includes a stud
finder detector assembly 1061 coupled with a nose casting assembly
1062. The stud finder detector assembly 1061 establishes the
presence and location of a stud 1063 behind a first surface 1064.
In the present embodiment, the stud finder detector assembly 1061
further includes a visual indication assembly 1065, which is a
light emitting diode. The light emitting diode provides a visually
detectable signal for the user of the nail gun 1060 when the stud
1063 is found.
[0316] It is contemplated that the stud finder laser indicator
assembly and stud finder detector assembly, referred to in FIGS.
102 through 143, may use various technologies for determining the
presence and location of a stud behind a first surface. Relevant
technologies may include, radar, sonar, radio frequency, electrical
sensing devices, and the like.
[0317] FIG. 107 indicates the use of a slide and latch mechanism
for coupling a stud finder detector assembly 1070, similar to that
shown and described in FIG. 106, to a nose casting assembly 1071. A
slide mounting member 1072 is coupled with the stud finder detector
assembly 1070 and engages with a slide adapter receiver assembly
1073. A latch 1074, disposed on the nose casting assembly 1071
engages with the stud finder detector assembly 1070 when proper
engagement has been established. Alternative coupling mechanisms
may be employed, such as a compression lock system, to affix the
stud finder detector assembly to the nose casting assembly.
Powering a stud finder detector assembly 1080 may be accomplished
through a variety of ways as shown in FIGS. 108 and 109. FIG. 108
shows the stud finder detector assembly 1080 including a battery
cavity 1081 which is capable of receiving a battery 1082. The
battery cavity 1081 may be configured to receive various types of
batteries. In the present embodiment, the battery 1082 is a lithium
ion battery which may be rechargeable. Alternatively, the battery
cavity 1081 may be configured to receive standard batteries, such
as triple AAA, double AA, C, and D type batteries. The battery
cavity 1081 operably engages with a cover 1083 which protects the
battery cavity 1081 and secures the battery 1082 in place. FIG. 109
shows a stud finder detector assembly 1090 including an AC adapter
1092 for receiving AC power through a standard AC cord 1094. The
stud finder detector assembly may be configured to include a
rechargeable battery with the AC adapter 1092 providing the means
through which the battery is recharged. It is also contemplated
that the stud finder detector assembly may be configured to require
a coupling with an AC source in order to operate. In the
alternative, the stud finder detector assembly may be powered by a
fuel cell coupled within a receiving cavity of the stud finder
detector assembly. The fuel cell may be a variety of types as
contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.,
[0318] The stud finder detector assembly, shown in FIG. 109,
further includes a port 1096. The port 1096 enables communicative
coupling of the stud finder detector assembly with a peripheral
device. The peripheral device may include a variety of computing
systems as may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
The port 1096 may allow the user of the stud finder detector
assembly to perform diagnostic operations upon the system to
determine if it is functioning properly. The port 1096 may be a
serial cable connector port, infrared port, radio frequency port,
and the like. Use of wireless communication technology is
contemplated to establish a network including the stud finder
detector assembly of the present invention.
[0319] In an alternative embodiment, the coupling of the stud
finder detector assembly with the nose casting assembly of the nail
gun may provide a power coupling. The power coupling may direct an
energy source being employed to power the nail gun into the stud
finder detector assembly. This power coupling may be configured to
provide power in a continuous manner or may be enabled to provide
power upon an action taken by the operator of the nail gun. For
example, the stud finder detector assembly may be provided power
when the trigger of the nail gun is at least partially depressed by
the operator of the nail gun. The trigger may employ a multiple
stage system allowing the operator to proceed through different
trigger positions before actually firing the nail gun. In the
present example, the trigger may have a first and a second
position. The first position may complete the power coupling with
the stud finder detector assembly allowing the operator to locate a
stud. The operator may be required to hold the trigger in this
position during operation of the stud finder detector assembly. The
second position engages the nail driving assembly of the nail gun
and drives the nail. It is contemplated that the multiple stage
trigger system may allow an operator to engage the trigger into a
position and then physically release the trigger. The trigger
system, once engaged, may continue to allow operation of the
additional features, such as the stud finder detector assembly.
[0320] Referring to FIG. 110, a stud finder detector assembly 1100
including a light emitting diode 1102, is shown. The stud finder
detector assembly 1100 detects the presence of a stud 1104 behind a
surface 1106. When the stud 1104 is detected the light emitting
diode lights up providing a visual indication to a user that the
stud 1104 has been detected.
[0321] A laser indication assembly 1110 is shown in FIGS. 111
through 114. The laser indication assembly 1110 includes a housing
1111 coupled with a lens 1112. The housing 1111 encompasses a laser
source which operationally engages the lens 1112 for establishing a
laser line 1142 and a visual indicator 1144 on a first surface. It
is understood that the laser source employed with the current
embodiment of the present invention may comprise a variety of
configurations as previously described throughout the
specification. The housing 1111 further includes a slide mounting
member 1114 which engages a slide adapter receiver 1115 disposed
upon a nose casting assembly 1116 of a nail gun. As described above
with respect to the stud finder detector assembly the housing 1111
is coupled with the nose casting assembly 1116 by the slide
properly engaging a latch 1113 mechanism. However, alternative
coupling assemblies may be employed without departing from the
scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0322] Powering the laser source of the laser indication assembly
1110 may be accomplished through a variety of mechanisms. In the
embodiment of FIG. 112, the laser indication assembly 1110, similar
to the stud finder detector assembly, may be powered by a battery
1122 received within a battery cavity 1123. A cover 1124 may engage
the battery 1122 and the battery cavity 1123 to affix the position
of the battery 1122. The laser indication assembly 1110 may further
include a selector assembly comprising a switch 1125 operationally
coupled with the power source. The switch 1125 is a two position
switch allowing the operator of the laser indication assembly 1110
to determine its usage. It is understood that the switch 1125 may
be enabled to achieve a plurality of positions. Further, the switch
1125 may be configured in various forms, such as a button, slide
switch, toggle switch, and the like. FIG. 113 illustrates the laser
indication assembly 1110 employing an AC adapter 1132 for receiving
AC power through the use of an AC cord 1134. It is contemplated
that the laser indication assembly may be configured to include a
rechargeable battery with the AC adapter 1132 providing the means
through which the battery is recharged. It is also contemplated
that the laser indication assembly may be configured to require a
coupling with an AC source in order to operate. The laser
indication assembly may be powered by a fuel cell coupled within a
receiving cavity of the laser indication assembly. The fuel cell
may be a variety of types as contemplated by one of ordinary skill
in the art. Similar to the system described above for powering the
stud finder detector assembly, the laser indication assembly may
receive power through a power coupling interface located on the
nose casting assembly.
[0323] The laser indication assembly, shown in FIG. 113, further
includes a port 1136. The port 1136 enables communicative coupling
of the stud finder detector assembly with a peripheral device. The
peripheral device may include a variety of computing systems as may
be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The port 1136
may allow the user of the stud finder detector assembly to perform
diagnostic operations upon the system to determine if it is
functioning properly. The port 1136 may be a serial cable connector
port, infrared port, radio frequency port, and the like. Use of
wireless communication technology is contemplated to establish a
network including the stud finder detector assembly of the present
invention.
[0324] The laser source of the laser indication assembly
establishes a visual indicator 1144 on a surface 1146, in FIG. 114.
The visual indicator 1144 is a cross configuration, however, it is
contemplated that the visual indicator may take a variety of forms,
such as a point of light, a continuous line, and the like. In the
present embodiment, the visual indicator 1144 is located on the
surface 1146 in relation to the location of a stud 1148 located
behind the surface 1146. The visual indicator 1144 establishes, for
the operator of the nail gun, the location where a nail may be
driven. Thus, the correlation between the location of the stud 1148
and the visual indicator 1144 may be direct, as shown, or the
visual indicator 1144 may be established at any location upon the
surface 1146.
[0325] A laser indication assembly 1150 may be coupled with a stud
finder detector assembly 1151, as shown in FIGS. 115 through 122. A
housing 1152 of the laser indication assembly is coupled with a
first latch member 1153 and a second latch member 1154. The first
and second latch member 1153 and 1154 operably engage with a first
receiving mount 1155 and a second receiving mount 1156,
respectively. The first and second receiving mounts 1155 and 1156
are included in a housing 1157 of the stud finder detector assembly
1151. The number, location, and type of assemblies used to couple
the laser indication assembly 1150 to the stud finder detector
assembly 1151 may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0326] Also included in the housing 1157 of the stud finder
detector assembly 1151 is a communications port 1158. The
communications port 1158 enables the laser indication assembly 1150
to communicatively couple with the stud finder detector assembly
1151. The communicative coupling allows the stud finder detector
assembly 1151 and the laser indication assembly 1150 to
operationally engage in a co-operative manner. For example, the
stud finder detector assembly 1151 may communicate to the laser
indication assembly 1150 the detection of a stud behind a surface.
In response, the laser indication assembly 1150 may initiate
operation and provide a visual indicator upon the surface
identifying for a user the location of the stud.
[0327] It is understood from previous description that both the
laser indication assembly 1150 and the stud finder detection
assembly 1151 may include independent power sources. The exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 115 through 122 may provide a system
which is operational from a single power source. For example, the
communications port 1158 may be adapted to provide a power
coupling, thereby, enabling the laser indication assembly 1150 to
receive power through the stud finder detection assembly 1151. A
flow of power in the opposite direction, through the laser
indication assembly 1150 to the stud finder detector assembly 1151,
is also contemplated by the present invention. A power coupling,
independent of the communication port 1158, between the two
assemblies may be established in a variety of locations upon both
housings.
[0328] The stud finder detector assembly 1151 further includes a
light emitting diode 1159. The light emitting diode 1159 provides a
visual indicator to a user when a stud has been detected. When the
laser indication assembly 1150 is coupled with the stud finder
detector assembly 1151 the light emitting diode 1159 may be
temporarily disabled. When the laser indication assembly 1150 is
un-coupled from the stud finder detector assembly 1151 the light
emitting diode becomes operational again. In an alternative
embodiment, the light emitting diode 1159 may continue in operation
even when the laser indication assembly 1150 is coupled with the
stud finder detector assembly 1151. As can be seen in FIG. 116, the
combination stud finder detector and laser indication assembly
(SFDLIA) 1165, is coupled with a nail gun 1160. The SFDLIA 1165
detects the location of a stud 1161 behind a surface 1162 and then
visually identifies that location to a user of the nail gun. In
FIG. 116, the visual indicator is a cross hairs marker 1163.
[0329] Alternatively, the SFDLIA 1165 may establish a visual
indication field which identifies the location and approximate
width of the stud detected. As can be seen in FIG. 117, the SFDLIA
1165 projects a pair of dashed lines 1172 for establishing the
approximate outer boundaries of the stud detected behind the
surface. In FIG. 118, the stud is located and then a pair of
indicator markers 1182 establishes the approximate outer boundaries
of the stud for the user of the nail gun. In the present
embodiment, the markers consist of alternating line-dash-line
configurations. Referring now to FIG. 119, a pair of continuous
laser lines 1192 establishes the approximate outer boundaries of a
stud.
[0330] Additionally, the SFDLIA 1165 may be used to establish the
width of a stud and provide a visual marker to a user of a nail gun
where to drive the next nail. As seen in FIG. 120, the SFDLIA 1165
establishes the approximate outer boundaries by using a pair of
visual markers 1202, which are points of light, and then
establishes a cross-hairs marker 1204 for indicating the
approximate center of the stud. The center marker provides the user
of the nail gun with a visual indication of where to drive the nail
in order to engage the stud behind the surface. Other embodiments,
such as that shown in FIG. 121, may include establishing the
approximate stud width using a visual marker 1212 which establishes
a pair of points of light and then establishing a dashed center
line 1214 for the user to follow for driving the nail. Still
further, the present invention may provide dashed line visual
markers 1222 for identifying stud width and a line-dash-line visual
marker 1224 for the center line, as may be seen in FIG. 122.
[0331] A stud finder laser indicator assembly 1230, similar to that
shown and described in FIGS. 102 through 104, is pivotally coupled
with a nose casting assembly 1231 of a nail gun 1232, in FIG. 123.
The pivotal coupling of the stud finder laser indicator assembly
1230 is accomplished by use of a swivel assembly coupled to the
nose casting assembly 1231 and the stud finder laser indicator
assembly 1230. It is contemplated that various assemblies may be
used to provide pivotal movement. In FIG. 124, a stud finder
detector assembly 1240 is coupled with a laser indication assembly
1241. The stud finder detector assembly 1240 is further coupled to
a nose casting assembly 1242 of a nail gun 1243. In this
embodiment, the laser indication assembly 1241 is pivotally coupled
with the stud finder detector assembly 1240. A swivel assembly
provides the pivotal movement of the laser indication assembly
1241, however, alternative assemblies may be employed. Further, the
laser indication assembly 1241 is communicatively coupled with the
stud finder detector assembly 1240 through the use of a cable 1244.
The cable 1244 couples with the stud finder detector assembly 1240
and the laser indication assembly 1241 through communication ports
individually located on the rear side of each assembly.
[0332] The pivotal motion provided in FIGS. 123 and 124 to the
assemblies allows the laser to maintain a visual marker on a stud,
once the location of the stud is detected. For example, an initial
position of a stud behind a surface is detected. The laser
establishes a visual indicator 1233 and 1245 on the surface in
relation to the position of the stud. Then the user of the nail gun
continues to move the nail gun and pass by the location of the
stud. However, using the pivoting capabilities of the assemblies in
FIGS. 123 and 124, the laser is enabled to maintain the visual
marker in position on the surface relative to the location of the
detected stud.
[0333] Referring now to FIGS. 125 and 126 a horseshoe stud finder
laser indicator assembly 1250, is shown. The stud finder laser
indicator assembly 1250 comprises a housing 1250A including a first
side 1250B, a second side 1250C, a third side 1250D, a fourth side
1250E, a fifth side 1250F, and a sixth side 1250G. The third side
1250D is configured to include a first arm 1250H and the fourth
side 1250E is configured to include a second arm 1250I. The fifth
side 1250F further includes a mounting member 1250J which enables
the coupling of the horseshoe stud finder laser indicator assembly
1250 with a nose casting assembly 1251 of a nail gun 1252, as shown
in FIG. 125.
[0334] In FIG. 126, the horseshoe stud finder laser indicator
assembly 1250 is shown to include a plurality of lens located about
the circumference of a first side of the assembly. Each of the
lenses is enabled to emit a laser beam provided from a laser
source. Each lens may be individually set to emit the laser beam in
a specific pattern. For instance, a first lens 1253, a second lens
1254, a third lens 1255, and a fourth lens 1256 may be set to
establish a first visual marker indicating a first approximate
outer boundary of the width of a stud detected behind a surface. A
fifth lens 1257, a sixth lens 1258, a seventh lens 1259, and an
eighth lens 1260 may be set to establish a second visual marker
indicating a second approximate outer boundary of the width of the
stud detected behind the surface. A ninth lens 1261, a tenth lens
1262, an eleventh lens 1263, a twelfth lens 1264, and a thirteenth
lens 1265 may be set to establish a visual marker indicating a
location which is the approximate center of the stud and/or
indicating the location where the next nail may be driven by the
user.
[0335] Using a single laser source to establish the pattern
provided by the horseshoe stud finder laser indicator assembly 1250
may require that optical technologies, such as beam splitters and
reflectors be employed within the housing 1250A to direct the laser
beam through each of the individual lenses. The visual marker may
be established as a continuous visual pattern or may be a
non-continuous pattern. A non-continuous pattern may be a
progression of visual markers alternating between an on and off
state to provide a virtual visual field. Alternatively, some of the
lenses may emit a laser beam and establish a visual marker in a
continuous pattern while other lenses may emit a laser beam in a
non-continuous pattern. The configuration of the pattern
established may vary without departing from the scope and spirit of
the present invention.
[0336] Alternatively, the horseshoe stud finder laser indicator
assembly 1250 may employ a plurality of laser sources. Preferably,
the number of laser sources is between two and thirteen. Thus, the
present invention may provide an individual laser source operably
coupled with each of the lenses disposed on the housing 1250A. When
fewer laser sources are employed within the housing 1250A than
there are lenses disposed on the housing 1250A various forms of
optical technologies may be required to be employed in order to
establish a visual field on a surface. As stated previously, these
optical technologies may include beam splitters, reflectors, light
signal enhancing instruments, and the like.
[0337] The light signal enhancing instruments may be
photomultipliers comprising a variety of designs, such as
photomultiplier end-on tubes, photomultiplier side-on tubes, or the
like. The photomultipliers may accept an incident laser beam and
intensify the light signal by increasing the number of electrons in
order to maintain sufficient light signal strength as the laser
beam is being passed down from one optical splitter to the next.
Further, the light signal enhancing instruments may be positioned
in front of the laser sources in order to provide optimum light
signal output.
[0338] Alternatively, the light signal enhancing instruments may
include a secondary laser source, such that the incident laser beam
received has its signal strength increased. For example, a low
power laser source may be included within the light signal
enhancing instrument which contributes a second light signal to the
existing laser beam in order to make up for a loss of light signal
intensity. Such a system of multiple light signal enhancing
instruments may decrease production costs by substituting low power
laser sources for separate and independent laser sources located
throughout the laser apparatus. It is understood that the
configuration and numbers of light signal enhancing instruments may
vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0339] The horseshoe stud finder laser indicator assembly 1250
further includes a stud sensor assembly 1266 for detecting the
stud. The stud sensor assembly 1266 may employ various
technologies, as described previously, for detecting the location
of a stud behind a surface. In the preferred embodiment, the stud
sensor assembly 1266 uses a single lens 1267 through which the stud
sensing technology is employed. It is understood that the stud
sensor assembly 1266 may comprise a plurality of lenses through
which the stud sensing technology may be employed. The lenses may
be distributed in various locations on the first side 1250B of the
housing 1250A without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present invention.
[0340] Referring now to FIG. 127, a third embodiment of an
integrated stud finder laser indicator assembly 1270, is shown. The
integrated stud finder laser indicator assembly 1270 is coupled
with a nose casting assembly 1271 of a nail gun 1272. The visual
marker establishes a visual marker 1273 which indicates the
approximate width of a stud 1275 and an indicator 1274 which
approximates the center line of the stud 1275. The integrated stud
finder laser indicator assembly 1270 comprises a housing 1273 which
encompasses a laser assembly for emitting a laser beam and a stud
sensor assembly for detecting the location of a stud.
[0341] It is contemplated that the stud finder detector assembly,
the laser indication assembly, or any one of the stud finder laser
indicator assemblies may be integrated with the nose casting
assembly of a nail gun. Further, it is contemplated that the laser
assemblies used within any of the previously mentioned embodiments
of FIGS. 102 through 127 may include multiple laser sources for
establishing the visual marker upon a surface. The number and type
of laser sources employed may vary as contemplated by one of
ordinary skill in the art. For example, a laser indication assembly
may employ two laser sources, one being a high powered laser
emitter and the other being a low powered laser emitter. The two
laser sources may emit their incident laser beams through a single
lens assembly or two or more lens assemblies disposed upon the
housing of the laser indication assembly. Similarly, one of the
embodiments of the combination stud finder laser indicator assembly
may employ similar laser technology.
[0342] Referring generally now to FIGS. 128 through 138, a tracker
nail gun assembly 1280 is shown. The tracker nail gun assembly 1280
comprises a nail magazine 1281 coupled with a nose casting assembly
1282. The nose casting assembly 1282 couples with a casing 1283,
which houses a nail driving assembly operationally coupled with a
trigger 1285. The casing 1283 couples with a handle 1284 which is
coupled with the nail magazine 1281. It is understood that the nail
magazine 1281 may be enabled to angularly adjust relative to the
nose casting assembly 1282 and the handle 1284. Disposed on the
casing 1283 is a tracker assembly 1286. The tracker assembly 1286
comprises a user interface assembly 1287 operationally coupled with
a stud finder laser indicator assembly 1288.
[0343] The user interface assembly 1287 comprises a computing
assembly including a display screen 1289 operationally coupled with
a first selector 1290, a second selector 1291, a third selector
1292, and a fourth selector 1293. The display screen 1289 is
enabled to display information, such as menu screens and
directional capabilities which are then accessed through use of the
selectors. For example, the display screen 1289 may prompt a user
to determine the status of the stud finder and the laser, such as
whether they are on or off. Further, the display screen may provide
laser configuration options as seen in FIG. 130 allowing the user
to select the type of visual field they wish to establish on a
surface. When the stud finder is being used the computing assembly
may provide a monitoring function that is displayed to the user on
display screen 1289. As seen in FIGS. 131 and 132, as the user of
the nail gun tries to locate the stud a visual display is provided
showing the user where the stud is in relation to the tracker nail
gun assembly 1280. In FIG. 131 the display screen 1289 provides
information that the tracker nail gun assembly 1280 is positioned
on the right edge of the stud. This allows the user to make any
necessary corrections in order to center the position of the
tracker nail gun assembly 1280, as shown in FIG. 132. It is also
noted that the display screen 1289 includes a "Centered" readout
which provides a secondary verification to the user of the
positioning of the tracker nail gun assembly 1280. While the
screens shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 129 through 132
are exemplary, they should not be read as limiting. It is
contemplated that the user interface of the current embodiment may
be enabled with similar capabilities and configurations as those
shown and described in FIGS. 1 through 101. In particular, the
graphical user interface 5800 described in FIGS. 54 through 101 may
be employed with the current embodiment of the present
invention.
[0344] Referring now to FIGS. 133 through 135, the tracker nail gun
assembly 1280 is shown, detecting the location of a stud behind a
surface and identifying the location of that stud. In the current
embodiment, the user interface assembly 1287 indicates to the user
that the stud finder assembly is operational and has detected the
presence of a stud behind the surface. This is shown by icon 1294
on the display screen 1289. The tracker nail gun assembly 1280 may
then use the laser indication assembly to establish a visual marker
on the surface, such as the line-dash-line configuration shown in
FIG. 134, to indicate the position of the stud to the user.
[0345] It is often the case in construction that items, such as
electrical wiring 1332, plumbing pipe 1334, heating and air
conditioning ducts, may be located in close proximity to a stud
1336. The importance of not damaging such items is clear as it may
result in lost time, increased costs, damage to surrounding
materials, and injury. Therefore, it is contemplated that the
tracker assembly 1286 may be enabled to determine the difference
between the stud 1336 located behind a surface 1338 and other
items, such as those mentioned above. The tracker assembly 1286 may
further be able to display to the user of the tracker nail gun
assembly 1280 a warning indication when the nail gun is positioned
to drive a nail into one of these items. FIG. 135 shows the display
screen 1289 with a "Warning" display being given to the user,
informing the user that driving a nail in this position may result
in damage to various items. Thus, the tracker assembly 1286 may use
various technologies for determining the substance of an item
detected behind a surface. The technologies may include radar,
sonar, electrical resistance detection, and the like as
contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, it is
contemplated that the assemblies shown and described previously in
FIGS. 102 through 132 may employ such technological capability.
[0346] In FIGS. 136 through 138, a tracker nail gun assembly 1360
is shown. The tracker nail gun assembly 1360 comprises a nail
magazine 1361 coupled with a nose casting assembly 1362. A casing
1363 is coupled with the nose casting assembly 1362 and a handle
1364. The casing 1363 houses a nail driving assembly which is
operationally coupled with a trigger 1365. The handle 1364 is
coupled with the nail magazine 1361 and it is understood that the
nail magazine 1361 may be adjustably coupled with the handle 1364
and the nose casting assembly 1362. Disposed on the casing 1363 is
a user interface assembly 1366. The user interface assembly 1366 is
communicatively coupled with a stud finder detector assembly 1367
and a laser indication assembly 1368. The laser indication assembly
1368 is communicatively coupled with the stud finder detector
assembly 1367. The user interface assembly 1366 comprises a
computing assembly with a display screen 1375 and selectors 1376,
1377, 1378, and 1379, as described previously in FIGS. 128 thorough
135. FIG. 137 shows a display of the display screen 1375 querying a
user of the nail gun as to the types of studs being searched for at
the work site. The user may enter the configuration of the stud,
indicating such features as size and shape or whether the stud is
composed of wood or steel. It is understood that the display shown
in FIG. 137 on display screen 1375 is exemplary and may be
displayed in any of the configurations of the tracker nail gun
assembly shown in FIGS. 128 through 138. A first adapter 1370 may
be communicatively coupled with the computing system of the user
interface assembly 1366 and allow a cable 1369 to couple with it.
The cable 1369 may couple with a second adapter 1371 located on the
stud finder detector assembly 1367, thereby establishing a
communicative link between the user interface assembly 1366 and the
stud finder detector assembly 1367. In the embodiment of FIG. 136,
the laser indication assembly 1368 is communicatively coupled with
the stud finder detector assembly 1367 through a coupling assembly
(not shown). The coupling assembly allows the laser indication
assembly 1368 to be removed from the stud finder detector assembly
1367. Alternatively, in FIG. 137 the laser indication assembly 1368
is communicatively coupled with the stud finder detector assembly
1367 by a cable 1372. The cable 1372 couples with a third port 1373
disposed on the stud finder detector assembly 1367 and a fourth
port 1374 disposed on the laser indication assembly 1368. It is
contemplated that the communicative link between the user interface
assembly 1366 and the stud finder detector assembly 1367 and the
laser indication assembly 1368 may be established using wireless
technologies, such as infrared, radio frequency, Bluetooth, and the
like.
[0347] In an alternate embodiment of the tracker nail gun assembly
1360, FIG. 138 shows a user interface assembly 1381, including a
laser indication assembly 1382, communicatively coupled with a stud
finder detector assembly 1383. A cable 1386 establishes the
communicative link between the user interface assembly 1381 and the
stud finder detector assembly 1383. The cable 1386 couples with a
first port 1387 and a second port 1388. The user interface assembly
1381 includes a display screen and selectors as previously
described in FIGS. 128 through 137. The user interface is coupled
with a casing 1384 and the stud finder detector assembly 1383 is
coupled to a nose casting assembly 1385.
[0348] Referring now to FIGS. 139 and 140, a tracker drill assembly
1390 is shown in two embodiments. FIG. 139 shows the tracker drill
assembly 1390 coupled with a stud finder laser indicator assembly
1391. FIG. 140 shows the tracker drill assembly 1390 coupled with a
stud finder detector assembly 1401 which is coupled with a laser
indication assembly 1402. The coupling of the stud finder laser
indicator assembly 1391 and/or the stud finder detector assembly
1401 may occur using any of the variety of assemblies described
previously in FIGS. 102 through 138. The laser indication assembly
1402 may be pivotally coupled with the stud finder detector
assembly 1401. The tracker drill assembly 1390 comprises a casing
1392, surrounding a motor assembly, coupled with an arbor assembly
1393 which is operationally coupled with a bit 1394. The bit 1394
may be either a screwdriver bit or a drill bit. A trigger 1395 is
operationally coupled with the motor assembly. A handle 1396
couples with the casing 1392 and a power cord 1397 runs through the
handle 1396 to supply power to the motor assembly. It is
contemplated that the tracker drill assembly 1390 may include a
motor assembly that provides a clutch to prevent over drilling. For
example, drywallers use a clutched drywall gun to avoid drilling
the screws through the drywall. The tracker drill assembly 1390
with a clutched motor assembly of the present invention may be used
by drywallers and provide assistance in establishing and indicating
the location of a stud behind a piece of drywall. Further, it is
contemplated that the tracker drill assembly 1390 may use a variety
of power sources, such as batteries, rechargeable batteries, fuel
cells, and the like, without departing from the scope and spirit of
the present invention.
[0349] It is believed that the present invention and many of its
attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing
description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that
various changes may be made in the form, construction and
arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its
material advantages. The form herein before described being merely
an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the
following claims to encompass and include such changes.
* * * * *