Abstract: A light line generating assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a light generating unit and a base. The light generating unit produces intersecting light planes to form light lines on a surface. The light generating unit may further include level indicators for manual leveling of the light generating unit. The base is operable to repositionably receive the light generating unit such that the unit may be rotated with respect to the base. The base includes an attachment mechanism operable to connect the base to a supporting surface such as a wall or floor. The attachment mechanism is adjustable, and can be reoriented to permit the selective use of particular coupling devices/methods. Additionally, the light line generating assembly may include an adjustable measuring device (e.g., a protractor) moveably attached to the base.

Abstract: A surveying apparatus and method for surveying and tracking a moving object is disclosed to improve the tracking so that a moving object may be tracked reliably and automatically. The surveying apparatus comprises an optical arrangement to sight an object, and a tracking unit to track the sighted object. The tracking unit obtains an object parameter of the object, wherein the object parameter is associated with a movement of the object. Further, the tracking unit issues an instruction to the optical arrangement to change between a close range setting and a long range setting according to the obtained object parameter, the close range setting corresponding to a wide field of view and the long range setting to a narrow field of view.

Abstract: Fabrication methods for contoured polyhedral cavities for particle acceleration are disclosed. The process may include: trimming flat sheets to a conformal shape; bending the sheets to form a contour that is axially curved and azimuthally flat; and joining the sheets to form a circumferentially polyhedral cavity that is configured to support a resonant electromagnetic field at cryogenic temperatures. The resulting cavity may have ductile or even brittle superconducting materials with an axially-oriented grain structure at each point on the circumference of the cavity. As part of the assembly process, the sheets may be bonded to a supporting substrate of thermally conductive material having integrated cooling passages. The supporting substrates may be configured to have electrical contact near the cavity openings while having a small gap near the equators of the cavity. Moreover, mode-coupling channels and waveguides may be provided to extract energy from undesired deflection modes.

Abstract: A reference beam generator (1c) for guiding a marking machine, which can be moved in relation to the reference beam generator (1c), for producing ground markings has a support element with at least three adjustable legs (2a, 2b) as positioning elements relative to the surface of the ground (EOB) and a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating a first and a second guide beam which is emitted with a prespecified opening angle in a fan-shaped manner. In this case, two legs (2a?) of the at least three adjustable legs (2a?, 2b) can be adjusted by an adjusting component in an associated manner in opposite directions.

Abstract: A laser device, including a cradle with a laser unit exiting from this, the cradle being connected to a base element, relative to which the cradle can be adjusted in terms of inclination by at least one actuating drive. In order to achieve a secure mounting of the cradle for the laser unit with simple structural means, while at the same time eliminating any play between the mutually tilting parts, it is proposed that the cradle be connected to the base element, first, by a solid joint, and secondly by two adjusting drives, wherein the adjusting drives are arranged with respect to the solid joint so that the lines of connection between lengthwise axis of the solid joint and the adjusting drives subtend a right angle.

Abstract: A concrete panel pre-pour marking system in the form of a portable stand that includes a central reference pointer at the bottom end of the stand that is used as a starting point. The upper end of the stand has a computer processor, keypad, display screen and a device for reading pre-saved construction drawings for the panels to be formed. Key points for locating panel corners, arches, lift inserts, reveals, openings, and other required features are identified with a projection of laser beam(s) to the specific point on the surface upon which the forms are to be laid out and the concrete to be poured.

Abstract: A multifunction sight is disclosed. The multifunction sight includes an body, a receiving aperture, an emitting aperture, a parabolic reflector, and an optical detector. The receiving aperture passes radiation in a first band and a second band into the body where the first band is different from the second band. The emitting aperture that passes the radiation in the first band out of the body. The parabolic reflector displays a point source such that the point source is visible from the emitting aperture. The point source appears aligned with where the multifunction sight is aimed irrespective of a visual alignment with the emitting aperture. The optical detector is affixed to the body and coupled to the radiation in the second band, and receives coded radiation with the second band.

Abstract: The transmitter has a generally flat, circuit board stator, a rotor including a plurality of magnets mounted in a ring around a central opening, and a bearing, supporting the rotor for rotation about an axis that extends through the central opening, A pentaprism assembly including an optics holder is mounted on the rotor for rotation therewith. The pentaprism assembly receives a beam of laser light through the central opening and redirects at least a portion of the laser light outward in a direction normal to the rotation axis. A laser source, mounted on the stator, provides a beam of laser light through the central opening to the pentaprism assembly. The beam of laser light is aligned with the rotation axis. The laser source includes a collimating lens positioned within the rotor. A shield plate of magnetic material beneath the stator exerts a force on the rotor in conjunction with the magnets, taking play out of the bearing.

Abstract: The transmitter has a generally flat, circuit board stator, a rotor including a plurality of magnets mounted in a ring around a central opening, and a bearing, supporting the rotor for rotation about an axis that extends through the central opening, A pentaprism assembly including an optics holder is mounted on the rotor for rotation therewith. The pentaprism assembly receives a beam of laser light through the central opening and redirects at least a portion of the laser light outward in a direction normal to the rotation axis. A laser source, mounted on the stator, provides a beam of laser light through the central opening to the pentaprism assembly. The beam of laser light is aligned with the rotation axis. The laser source includes a collimating lens positioned within the rotor. A shield plate of magnetic material beneath the stator exerts a force on the rotor in conjunction with the magnets, taking play out of the bearing.

Abstract: Range finder for determining the distance between the user and an object of known height or width, such as a golf flagstick, structure, etc. The range finder is a flat card, having a series of graduated apertures, each aperture being dimensioned to correspond to a particular distance to the flagstick. Range information is provided for each aperture. The user holds the card 24 inches from the eye and sights the flagstick through the apertures. The range information for the aperture whose diameter most closely corresponds to the height of the sighted flagstick is the actual distance between the user and the flagstick. The apertures are graduated in size, to represent range information in specific increments. The size of the increments is selected to facilitate optimal performance and may vary within a series of apertures.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a body, a horizontal optical module, and several vertical optical modules; the horizontal optical module is fixed on a top of the body, and has a brushless motor and a prism, which work together to make emitted light of the module cover a horizontal plane to form as a horizontal making line for use in construction; the body has several fixing members, which are fixedly positioned around the horizontal optical module such that horizontal central lines of every two adjacent ones of the fixing members are perpendicular to each other; the vertical optical modules are fixedly joined on the fixing members respectively such that light emission directions of every two adjacent ones of the vertical optical modules are perpendicular to each other, and light emitted from each of the vertical optical modules covers a vertical plane.

Abstract: An arrangement for depicting a linear optical marking on a surface, including a radiation source emitting light, such as laser radiation, as well as a first lens arranged in the beam path having a first and a second surface penetrated by the radiation, of which one surface features a parabolic or elliptical trace at least partially in cross section, formed of curved sections of different radii, the trace extending symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry of the lens, along which runs the beam directed in parallel, preferably by means of a second lens. In order to achieve a uniform power distribution along the line, it is proposed that the first surface formed of sections with different radii faces the radiation.

Abstract: A laser surveying instrument, comprising a rotating unit for projecting a laser beam by rotary irradiation, a main unit for rotatably supporting the rotating unit, and a sealing means for sealing between the rotating unit and the main unit, wherein the sealing means comprises annular ridges formed on the main unit concentrically to the rotation center of the rotating unit, and annular grooves formed on the rotating unit so that the annular ridges are engaged in the annular grooves and gaps are formed between the annular ridges and the annular grooves, the annular ridges and the annular grooves being arranged concentrically to each other and disposed in double arrangement, and wherein the sealing means further comprises a route bent and crooked in a radial direction by the gaps, and a cavity disposed at least at one point along the route and having larger volume than the volume of the gap.

Abstract: A multifunction sight is disclosed. The multifunction sight includes an body, a receiving aperture, an emitting aperture, a parabolic reflector, and an optical detector. The receiving aperture passes radiation in a first band and a second band into the body where the first band is different from the second band. The emitting aperture that passes the radiation in the first band out of the body. The parabolic reflector displays a point source such that the point source is visible from the emitting aperture. The point source appears aligned with where the multifunction sight is aimed irrespective of a visual alignment with the emitting aperture. The optical detector is affixed to the body and coupled to the radiation in the second band, and receives coded radiation with the second band.

Abstract: A rotatable article display device for displaying an article such as a piece of jewelry or the like includes a platen defining a display surface. The platen is configured to rotate about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the display surface and a second axis parallel to the displays surface. First and second drive mechanisms, together with suitable connectors, are provided to mechanically rotate the platen about the perpendicular and parallel axes. In a method for use, at least one article of jewelry is positioned on the display surface and viewed while the platen is rotated about at least one of the perpendicular and parallel axes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiometer comprising an IR detector, a lens and a light source. The lens is arranged with respect to the IR detector such that it focuses IR radiation from a measuring surface to the detector. The light source emits visible light for marking the measuring surface. The beam path of the visible light extends through the lens. Moreover, the invention relates to a sighting device for a radiometer for visibly marking a measuring surface the temperature of which is measured by the radiometer. The sighting device comprises a light source for emitting a visible light beam, which marks the measuring surface. A piezoactuator controls the direction of the light beam. As an alternative to the piezoactuator, the light beam may be guided at a constant angular velocity, and a stepwise change of the direction of the light beam may be accomplished by a sectorized mirror. The invention finally relates to corresponding methods.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical viewfinder of a camera having the function of taking photographs, and the viewfinder comprises an objective module, a base, an eyepiece module and an upper casing. The objective module and the eyepiece module are fixed onto the front end and rear end of the base respectively and the upper casing is connected between the objective module and the eyepiece module and disposed in the middle section of the base. The simple structure of the invention is designed according to the principle of optical reflection and features a high resolution, an easy installation, and a convenient production, and the optical viewfinder is extensively used for cameras to substitute a high-cost electronic LCD screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the angle of a sighting unit towards a target, in particular for a geodesic-measuring instrument. The inventive device comprises a reference base, at least one bearing for mounting the sighting unit thereon in such a way that it is pivotable with respect to said reference base around an axis, a gear for accurately adjusting an angle of rotation around said axis between the sighting unit and the reference base and a coupling unit for limiting or interrupting a torque flux around the axis. The gear and the coupling unit are in series arranged in the torque flux between the sighting unit and the reference base. The torque flux is carried out around the axis between the sighting unit and the reference base by means of the gear and the coupling unit when it is non-interrupted thereby.

Abstract: A laser surveying instrument, comprising a rotating unit for projecting a laser beam by rotary irradiation, a main unit for rotatably supporting the rotating unit, and a sealing means for sealing between the rotating unit and the main unit, wherein the sealing means comprises annular ridges formed on the main unit concentrically to the rotation center of the rotating unit, and annular grooves formed on the rotating unit so that the annular ridges are engaged in the annular grooves and gaps are formed between the annular ridges and the annular grooves, the annular ridges and the annular grooves being arranged concentrically to each other and disposed in double arrangement, and wherein the sealing means further comprises a route bent and crooked in a radial direction by the gaps, and a cavity disposed at least at one point along the route and having larger volume than the volume of the gap.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an automatic tape measure having a housing, a tape assembly, and a light assembly. The tape assembly is supported in the housing and contains a reel having a tape adapted to extend and retract from the front wall of the housing. The light assembly is received in the housing and contains a power source, a light source, a switch, and a lens. The lens is coupled with an opening in the front wall of the housing and is adapted to move between a first position where the light source passes through the lens and a second position where the light source projects downwardly onto the extended tape.

Abstract: A multifunction sight is disclosed. The multifunction sight includes an body, a receiving aperture, an emitting aperture, a parabolic reflector, and an optical detector. The receiving aperture passes radiation in a first band and a second band into the body where the first band is different from the second band. The emitting aperture that passes the radiation in the first band out of the body. The parabolic reflector displays a point source such that the point source is visible from the emitting aperture. The point source appears aligned with where the multifunction sight is aimed irrespective of a visual alignment with the emitting aperture. The optical detector is affixed to the body and coupled to the radiation in the second band, and receives coded radiation with the second band.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently generating a visible line of light on a surface such as a wall or a floor for the purpose of facilitating the layout process used in construction. Reference marking elements on the instrument correspond to the light beam's position. One or more level vials may be included for indicating vertical and horizontal, as well as a magnet for mounting and a reference bracket for a stud-finder instrument. In one embodiment the instrument is self-leveling on one axis only and is useful for projecting one or more orthogonal lines on a wall surface. The instrument, self-leveling or not, can be combined with a stud finder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely locating, aligning, targeting, and marking locations for fastener holes in structures is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilizes laser devices to project laser beams through alignment tools to determine the proper location and orientation of the fastener holes.

Abstract: Given a situation where a projected laser line appears to have terminated or faded as it intersects with a work-surface (e.g., a wall), a fan-out redirecting means is used to capture and redirect energy radiating above and parallel to, or radiating away from the given work-surface area, where the captured energy is from a line projector mounted to the surface. The radiation capturing and redirecting means aims the captured energy at a greater angle towards the work-surface so that the redirected light is thereafter reflected back to a user to give the perception that a line of enhanced intensity or reborn existence is being created on the work-surface or on a reflective overlayer placed against the work-surface. The radiation capturing and redirecting means may include one or both of optically refractive means and optically reflective means (e.g., lens and mirrors) for performing the capturing and/or redirecting functions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an automatic tape measure having a housing, a tape assembly, and a light assembly. The tape assembly is supported in the housing and contains a reel having a tape adapted to extend and retract from the front wall of the housing. The light assembly is received in the housing and contains a power source, a light source, a switch, and a lens. The lens is coupled with an opening in the front wall of the housing and is adapted to move between a first position where the light source passes through the lens and a second position where the light source projects downwardly onto the extended tape.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooperation with an associated billiard table which includes first and second laser apparatus for producing respective first and second laser spots, a rack for positioning a plurality of balls confined within said rack. The rack has first and second indicia thereon and a support carrying said first and second laser apparatus in spaced relationship. The support may be dimensioned and configured to permit adjustment thereof to align respectively said first and second laser spots with respectively said first and second indicia when said rack is in a predetermined location on the associated billiard table.

Abstract: Laser alignment methods and apparatus are disclosed whereby pipe and similar materials may be aligned. The methods and apparatus are adapted to be utilized on the end of pipe or other material and thereby using as a reference point that pipe or other material with the reference beam generated by the laser providing a center reference point from the pipe on which the laser is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the laser apparatus mounting is threaded so as to be used in mating relationship with the ends of complementarily threaded pipes. A preferred embodiment has a mounting adaptor for the laser that either has tapered steps or is shaped like a tapered cone so that a single adaptor can be friction fitted into pipes of different diameters.

Abstract: A line generating device may include a housing having a bottom surface, a top surface, a front surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, a rear surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, and a side surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, a support assembly mounted within the housing. In addition, the device may include a light source mounted on the support assembly, and a lens for receiving light and projecting the light in the shape of a fan within a plane. The light plane exits through the front surface. The device is disposable on a reference surface on the bottom, rear and side surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laser leveling device suitable for construction. The present invention uses a standard low cost laser diode module as the laser source and optical system. A novel method is provided to align the non-collimated beam emitted from the standard low cost laser diode module so that it is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the laser level. The present invention describes a laser level which can be operated in four different modes: dot mode, line mode, oscillation mode and plane mode. Dot mode provides two level laser dots. Line mode provides a short bright level line. Oscillation mode provides a long bright reference line. Plane mode provides a level 360 degree reference plane. The invention also provides a structure which allows two vertical reference planes which are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane to be generated.

Abstract: A device for assisting a user in marking an overhead surface to correspond with a mark on a surface below includes a substantially hollow housing having pressurized gas containers received therein. The pressurized gas containers are in communication with a projection barrel extending upwardly from the housing. A lower laser module is positioned on the lower surface of the housing for projecting a laser beam downwardly onto a target mark on an underlying surface. The paint ball projection barrel is coaxial with the lower laser module such that when the laser beam is directed toward the target mark, a paint ball can be projected upwardly to produce an overhead mark that is axially aligned with the target mark.

Abstract: An adapter providing increased versatility to a laser alignment tool is disclosed. Accessories of the adapter are disclosed for use with a laser alignment tool which may or may not be self-leveling. The accessories include one or more laser reference diffraction elements, effective to receive an incoming laser reference and produce a laser reference deviated a predetermined angular amount, and various attachment features.

Abstract: A stabilizer jig for holding a distance measuring laser for determining distances measured along an angle. When an escalator is being installed in a construction site, the jig may be used to make difficult distance measurements between floors to ascertain that the construction distances are correct for the manufactured escalator system. A rotating pocket holds the laser and measures the angle while holding the laser steady as it makes the distance determination.

Abstract: An adjustable support device includes a housing secured on a base, a platform pivotally secured to the housing for supporting a level facility. A threaded member is rotatably supported on the base, a motor is coupled to the threaded member to rotate the threaded member relative to the base. A follower is threaded to the threaded member and pivotally coupled to the platform with a link, to allow the platform to be rotated toward and away from the housing by the motor. A receiver device is received in the housing, and a remote control device may emit control signals to the receiver device, to control the motor to rotate the threaded member, and to rotate and to adjust the platform toward and away from the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the size of a person's foot so that properly sized shoes can be selected. The measuring system has a support surface having a transparent window, and a fixture positioned over the transparent window for receiving a foot to be scanned. The measuring system also includes an imaging device for scanning the foot in the fixture through the window to produce an image of a bottom surface of the foot superimposed on foot measuring indicia. In one embodiment, the fixture is shaped like a shoe. The person can print the image and use the image to select a properly sized pair of shoes.

Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a laser diode disposed within the housing for emitting a laser beam along a path, a lens disposed in the path for converting the laser beam into a planar beam. The planar beam thus forms a line on the reference surface. The laser level also includes an electronic distance measurement circuit disposed within the housing for measuring distance. The distance measurement circuit including a display for showing the measured distance.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the rectilinearity of guide rails wherein a guide rail is oriented substantially parallel to a reference axis. At least one light beam is emitted along the reference axis by a light source and is detected by a light detector. When the light source or the light detector is displaced along the guide rail, warping and twisting of the guide rail can be detected as changes in the spacing between the guide rail and the reference axis.

Abstract: A laser leveling device includes a laser instrument having a base rotatably received in a cavity of a housing and having a light emitting device to generate a light beam, such as a line-shaped light beam. One or more batteries may be used to energize the light emitting device. The light beam generated by the light emitting device may be rotated relative to the housing when the light emitting device of the laser instrument is rotated relative to the housing. The housing includes two conductors, and the laser instrument includes two terminals to electrically couple to the conductors of the housing when the laser instrument is rotated relative to the housing.

Abstract: A laser level includes a laser light source adapted to emit a laser beam, a beam-splitting unit splitting the laser beam into a number of light beams along multi different directions and a beam-outgoing unit dispersing the number of light beams to form corresponding number of horizontal sector-shaped output beams. These sector-shaped output beams together form an output beam having an angle approximately of 360 degrees.

Abstract: A method of finding the position of a mechanical axis running in the longitudinal direction through a limb that is rotatably supported by its first end in a center of rotation that is not fixed and is not accessible for the mechanical determination of coordinates, by means of an optical coordinate-measurement device with an indicator to detect measurement-point coordinates in one rotational position of the limb, such that, for each rotational position, a multi-point indicator rigidly attached near the second end of the limb signals several measurement-point coordinates, and, from the sets of measurement-point coordinates detected in a plurality of rotational positions, at least one group is selected that can be assigned to the same site of the center of rotation, and the measurement-point-coordinate sets assigned to this site of the center of rotation are used to calculate the mechanical axis.

Abstract: The alignment of two pieces of machinery is achieved so that centerlines of rotating shafts of each piece are in-line.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a level surface includes a housing having a plurality of apertures and a power supply source disposed therein. A plurality of laser beam supply sources are operably controlled by the plurality of switches. A plurality of reflecting members spaced from the plurality of laser beam supply sources and receive a plurality of laser beams having respective first paths and reflect same away in corresponding second paths. A plurality of angle-adjusting members receive the plurality of laser beams and direct same along a third path and out of the housing via the plurality of apertures, respectively. A plurality of control dials are operably connected to the plurality of angle-adjusting members for positioning same to thereby establish the respective third angles of the plurality of laser beams. A plurality of leveling devices are attached to the housing and help position the apparatus at a substantially level position.

Abstract: A laser level includes a pair of level units arranged side by side and disposed in different oriented directions. Each laser level includes a laser light source adapted to emit a laser beam, a beam splitter adapted to simultaneously split the beam into first and second light beams along perpendicular first and second directions, and a first and a second aspheric-cylindrical lenses respectively arranged in the first and the second directions. The first and the second aspheric-cylindrical lenses have two optical axes respectively extending along the first and second directions.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: A level. A projected plane is generated substantially parallel to a reference plane by a light source rotatably emitting light. A main shaft, having a rotary portion and a pair of protrusions and connecting to the light source, is perpendicular to the projected plane. A universal joint is disposed in a housing with the main shaft rotatably passing therethrough. A level sensor detects inclination of the projected plane deviated from the reference plane and outputs an adjustment signal. An adjustment mechanism has a first movable member and a second movable member crossing each other. The first movable member impels one protrusion along a first axis, and the second movable member impels one protrusion along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis according to the adjustment signal. The main shaft is rotated around the universal joint until perpendicular to the reference plane with the projected plane parallel thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a tie-in device for correlating at least two different coordinate systems. The tie-in device comprises an outer surface having a predefined geometric shape, such as a generally spherical surface, located at a first predefined distance from a reference point of the tie-in device, such as the center of the generally spherical surface. The outer surface of the tie-in device is mappable to determine the location of the reference point in a first coordinate system. The tie-in device comprises at least one target located at a second predefined distance from the reference point. The target is locatable in a second coordinate system to determine a location of the reference point in a second coordinate system. The relative locations of the reference point are tied-in, advantageously by processing circuitry, to correlate the first and second coordinate systems.

Abstract: An alignment device is provided for aligning an object mounted to a fixture in a desired orientation. The alignment device includes a level, a laser, a plurality of positioning members, and a suction device in fluid communication with a vacuum generator, and preferably an angular rotation indicator. The suction device removably engages the alignment device with the object to be aligned. Utilizing the alignment device, a technician can simultaneously adjusted a horizontal and vertical (pitch) orientation of an object and a rotation of the object until the object is aligned according to the desired orientation. The alignment device can further include a separate but cooperative adjustable stabilizing frame having a plurality of stabilizers. The stabilizing frame is expandable and retractable to be secured about the object, and the stabilizers can be adjusted to maintain the desired orientation of the object relative to the fixture.

Abstract: A laser projection system capable of irradiating a light beam for alignment is provided. The alignment laser projection system comprises a reflection unit, a moving reflection unit, irradiation units that irradiate light to the reflection unit and the moving reflection unit, a guide unit which drives the moving reflection unit, a housing which contains a driving unit, a control unit which controls the irradiation unit and the driving unit, and a display unit which displays control states. In irradiating a laser beam, the laser projection system resolves the problem of instable power supply and information transfer due to the damage in a cable apparatus caused by alternating movements of an irradiation unit such that it supplies stable alignment line in repetitive works.

Abstract: A laser beam incident on a rod lens has a greater cross-sectional diameter than that of a rod lens main body, and mirrors are provided near the rod lens main body to reflect incident light toward the same. Since light of a strong beam intensity reflected onto the rod lens main body by the mirrors produces a greater angle than light of weak beam intensity, this configuration has an effect of increasing the light intensity on the ends of a resulting line beam and, thus, expands the spreading angle of visible light in the line beam.

Abstract: A device to be used in combination with a surgical navigation system for defining the position of a straight line determined by an operating surgeon within a three-dimensional coordinate system in an operating theater. The devices includes a body (1) with a surface (2) and at least three markers (3) which emit waves (19) and the position of which can be determined within a three-dimensional coordinate system by a position detector belonging to the surgical navigation system. A laser (4) mounted on the body (1) emits a laser beam (5), directed away from the body (1), which has a geometrical central beam (6) and a wavelength in the visible range. The laser beam (5) is emitted in a geometrically defined position relative to the markers (3) so that the position of the central beam (6) relative to the three-dimensional coordinate system can be calculated from the previously measured positions of the markers (3) by a computer, which is also part of the surgical navigation system.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.