Abstract: A laser projector includes a laser, scanning mirrors projecting a laser line image on a surface, a computer including an algorithm controlling a speed of the laser line image, and a computer screen having a user interface. The user interface includes a throttle control which modifies the speed control algorithm permitting an operator to reduce the maximum speed of the projected laser line image using the throttle control, thereby improving the visibility of the laser line image. For example, a method of improving the visibility of a projected laser line image includes projecting a laser line image on a surface to determine the visibility of the laser line image and decreasing the maximum scanning speed of the projected laser line image if the visibility of the laser line image is insufficient.

Abstract: A laser projector including a cooling system having an internal wall dividing the housing into a first compartment containing the optical components and a second compartment containing the electrical components, wherein the internal wall has a first face receiving the optical components and a second face receiving the electrical components thermally isolated from the first face. The internal wall includes a cooling channel and a fan directs air through the channel to maintain the optical components below a maximum operating temperature. The internal wall in one disclosed embodiment includes two parallel wall members each having a plurality of parallel channels, a thermoelectric cooling element located on the wall adjacent the first compartment, a sensor is located in the first compartment and a control maintains a temperature below ambient in the first chamber.

Abstract: A high precision positioning device includes an end effector and a platen spaced therebelow for receiving a workpiece. One of the end effector and the platen is moveable in the X-Y plane. One of the end effector and the platen is moveable in the Z direction. The device includes senors for sensing the position of the end effector in the X, Y and Z directions relative to the platen. The apparatus includes a control system for controlling the movement of the end effector relative to the platen and adjusting the position of the end effector relative to the X. Y and Z position as sensed by the sensors. Preferably the platen is generally parallel to the X-Y plane and the Z direction is normal to the platen. Preferably the control system uses a position, velocity and acceleration control system for controlling the movement in the X and Y direction and an impedance control system for controlling the movement in the Z direction.