Abstract: A laser alignment tool includes a line laser assembly including a laser and emitting a laser beam line and an electronic target assembly including a photo detector array. The laser beam line of the laser is pointed toward the center of the photo detector array with the longitudinal axis of the laser beam line being perpendicular to the centerline of the photo detector array. The line laser assembly includes a laser diode having a line-generating lens attached in front using a lens holder and being mounted onto a tilt stage. Using a line laser provides a certified accuracy of +/−0.005 inches at a distance of 10 feet. The electronic target further includes a narrow band pass filter and a discrete LED display that is controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be programmed with a variable range for each LED of the discrete LED display according to the alignment task.

Abstract: A laser alignment tool includes a line laser assembly including a laser and emitting a laser beam line and an electronic target assembly including a photo detector array. The laser beam line of the laser is pointed toward the center of the photo detector array with the longitudinal axis of the laser beam line being perpendicular to the centerline of the photo detector array. The line laser assembly includes a laser diode having a line-generating lens attached in front using a lens holder and being mounted onto a tilt stage. Using a line laser provides a certified accuracy of +/−0.005 inches at a distance of 10 feet. The electronic target further includes a narrow band pass filter and a discrete LED display that is controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be programmed with a variable range for each LED of the discrete LED display according to the alignment task.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring characteristics of strips that are laid on a surface are disclosed. The method determines gaps and overlaps between adjacent strips on a surface by determining and analyzing the centerline skew and/or width of the strips near a common point of the surface. The method can be carried out during the strip lay-up process. The apparatus includes a sensor component and a controller. The sensor is positionable in close proximity to the point at which a strip is laid on a surface. Further, the sensor can be positioned on one side of the surface. The controller is in signal communication with said sensor component. The controller includes means for causing the sensor component to gather and transmit edge image signals. The controller receives the edge image signals and determines characteristics of the strip, such as centerline skew and width, as the strip appears on the surface. The characteristic information is analyzed to identify gaps or overlaps between adjacent strips.