Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for determining the dimension of an object. The apparatus of the present invention includes a transmitter that is positioned at a first point of interest on an object. The transmitter transmits a scanning light beam rotated at a predetermined angular velocity. Located at a second point of interest on the object is a target. At least a portion of the target defines a first plane that reflects the scanning light beam as the scanning light beam traverses across the target. To receive the reflected signal from the target, the apparatus of the present invention further includes a receiver positioned at the first point of interest. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a processor for processing the reflected signal and determining the dimensions of the object. In operation, the scanning light beam scans the target, where the radius of the arc that the light beam traverses across the target defines the dimension of the object.

Abstract: A RF data communications system for remotely collecting data and a method of developing applications for such a system are provided. The RF data communications system preferably has a first computer including at least a first microprocessor, a first screen display, and a first data screen file positioned representing a first predetermined screen display format. A first RF data transceiver is positioned in electrical communication with the first microprocessor of the first computer for transmitting and receiving RF data, and a second RF data transceiver is positioned remote from the first RF data transceiver and the first computer for transmitting RF data to and receiving RF data from the first RF data transceiver. A second computer is positioned in electrical communication with the second RF data transceiver and remote from the first computer.