Abstract: A sensor for a laser may contain an at least partially transparent plastic with a fluorescent material that receives laser light at one frequency and creates light inside the transparent plastic with a second, different frequency. The light at the second frequency may travel through the plastic to an electronic sensor mounted against the transparent plastic. The sensor may be several feet in length or longer and still detect a single impinging Class I or Class II laser beam. In systems where the position of the laser may be known, a set of linear gain coefficients may be determined to calibrate the electronic sensor, as the signal strength of a received signal may decay with the distance from the electronic sensor to the location where the laser beam impinges the plastic element.

Abstract: Hair styling irons often require 2 hands just to manage the iron and the Hair. The Styling Iron Companion accessory can be attached to nearly any iron (curing, crimping, straightening, waving) to act as a hair guide, freeing up both hands to manage the iron itself or other styling aids. After slipping the selected hair into the Iron Extension, it guides the hair into the iron without requiring extra hands. Additionally, before styling hair, it is recommended that a heat treatment product be applied to the hair. The Styling Iron Companion with the Heat Treatment add-on can apply a heat treatment product directly to the hair before entering the styling iron.

Abstract: A two dimensional scanning laser system may automatically detect a laser, then align and calibrate itself to scan over the sensor area. The system may have a laser with a controller that may cause the laser to be directed over two dimensions, as well as a sensor apparatus. The laser may be controlled with a mirror system that may pivot in two directions, thus allowing the laser to be scanned over a two dimensional area. The sensor may be a point sensor, where the laser may be positioned in a constant direction, as well as a larger area sensor where the laser may be moved across the sensor area to detect objects in a two or three dimensional space. An alignment and calibration sequence may cause the laser to scan across its operational area and detect the location of one or more sensors.

Abstract: A sensor for a laser may contain an at least partially transparent plastic with a fluorescent material that receives laser light at one frequency and creates light inside the transparent plastic with a second, different frequency. The light at the second frequency may travel through the plastic to an electronic sensor mounted against the transparent plastic. The sensor may be several feet in length or longer and still detect a single impinging Class I or Class II laser beam. In systems where the position of the laser may be known, a set of linear gain coefficients may be determined to calibrate the electronic sensor, as the signal strength of a received signal may decay with the distance from the electronic sensor to the location where the laser beam impinges the plastic element.

Abstract: A two dimensional scanning laser system may automatically detect a laser, then align and calibrate itself to scan over the sensor area. The system may have a laser with a controller that may cause the laser to be directed over two dimensions, as well as a sensor apparatus. The laser may be controlled with a mirror system that may pivot in two directions, thus allowing the laser to be scanned over a two dimensional area. The sensor may be a point sensor, where the laser may be positioned in a constant direction, as well as a larger area sensor where the laser may be moved across the sensor area to detect objects in a two or three dimensional space. An alignment and calibration sequence may cause the laser to scan across its operational area and detect the location of one or more sensors.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for a laser or reflector may consist of a gross adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism. The gross adjustment mechanism may enable a laser or reflector to be oriented in an approximate orientation and locked in place. The fine adjustment mechanism may enable a fine and precise adjustment to be applied. The mounting mechanisms may include a mounting plate that may mount to the surface of a wall and protect the rest of the mounting mechanism from disruption, but may also allow the fine adjustment mechanism to be tuned. The mounting mechanisms may be used to create a durable yet easily adjustable laser maze amusement.

Abstract: Bowling ball accessories can add both amusement as well as educational value to the activity. Adding lights can make both a visually appealing display as well as a visual feedback to the bowler on spin. Adding telemetry sensors and recording devices can assist serious bowlers in their quest to perfect their game. Adding ID devices can assist in rental programs, anti-theft and personalization.

Abstract: A laser controller may operate a laser at a high power level, such as Class 3R, Class 3B, or higher, but may have safety interlocks to limit exposure to a safe level and may, as a system, be classified as Class 1. The laser controller may control a laser that transmits a light beam to a sensor, and may operate the laser in a high power mode when the sensor senses the light beam. While a laser is transmitting and the laser beam is not sensed, the laser may be operated within Class 1 power levels. When the light beam is broken, the laser controller may turn off the laser or change the power level to a safe level such that a person would not be exposed to any more energy than a Class 1 level. The laser controller may use various mechanisms to set a detection threshold and may use an ambient light sensor to determine when detection may be impossible.

Abstract: An amusement attraction may have a laser input device where a user may wave several fingers or make repeated motions to break a laser beam in a predefined pattern. The pattern may be recognized by a controller to perform a specific function. In one embodiment, a maintenance technician may use the input device to turn on or off certain lasers in a laser maze attraction. In another embodiment, a game player may use the input device to configure the game, change conditions of the game, or perform some other function.

Abstract: Amusement attractions are entertaining and sometimes challenging games that are designed to excite patrons. Attractions may be constructed inside portable, pre-constructed containers designed to be moved over short or long distances. Portability allows attractions to be constructed off-site, moved between a plurality of sites, or moved into different locations at a single site.

Abstract: Light beam detection is used in a wide variety of applications, including manufacturing, security, transportation, scientific research, and amusement products. A system for detecting a moving light beam is comprised of a light beam detector, a moving light system, and a controller. A light beam detector may include a light receiver and a light sensor. A moving light system may include a focused light source and a light movement system. A controller may monitor the light detector for the presence or absence of a light beam and may control light beam movement and other aspects of the system.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for a laser or reflector may consist of a gross adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism. The gross adjustment mechanism may enable a laser or reflector to be oriented in an approximate orientation and locked in place. The fine adjustment mechanism may enable a fine and precise adjustment to be applied. The mounting mechanisms may include a mounting plate that may mount to the surface of a wall and protect the rest of the mounting mechanism from disruption, but may also allow the fine adjustment mechanism to be tuned. The mounting mechanisms may be used to create a durable yet easily adjustable laser maze amusement.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for a laser or reflector may consist of a gross adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism. The gross adjustment mechanism may enable a laser or reflector to be oriented in an approximate orientation and locked in place. The fine adjustment mechanism may enable a fine and precise adjustment to be applied. The mounting mechanisms may include a mounting plate that may mount to the surface of a wall and protect the rest of the mounting mechanism from disruption, but may also allow the fine adjustment mechanism to be tuned. The mounting mechanisms may be used to create a durable yet easily adjustable laser maze amusement.

Abstract: A laser controller has a sensor input for each of a plurality of lasers which the controller may control using outputs. Each laser and sensor may form a laser beam. The controller may have timing start and stop inputs to control a timer, and the controller may calculate a score based on the timer as well as any tripped laser beams. The controller may be used for controlling a game system.

Abstract: A laser controller may operate a laser at a high power level, such as Class 3R, Class 3B, or higher, but may have safety interlocks to limit exposure to a safe level and may, as a system, be classified as Class 1. The laser controller may control a laser that transmits a light beam to a sensor, and may operate the laser in a high power mode when the sensor senses the light beam. While a laser is transmitting and the laser beam is not sensed, the laser may be operated within Class 1 power levels. When the light beam is broken, the laser controller may turn off the laser or change the power level to a safe level such that a person would not be exposed to any more energy than a Class 1 level. The laser controller may use various mechanisms to set a detection threshold and may use an ambient light sensor to determine when detection may be impossible.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for a laser or reflector may consist of a gross adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism. The gross adjustment mechanism may enable a laser or reflector to be oriented in an approximate orientation and locked in place. The fine adjustment mechanism may enable a fine and precise adjustment to be applied. The mounting mechanisms may include a mounting plate that may mount to the surface of a wall and protect the rest of the mounting mechanism from disruption, but may also allow the fine adjustment mechanism to be tuned. The mounting mechanisms may be used to create a durable yet easily adjustable laser maze amusement.