Reference beam generator and method
A reference beam generator has first, second, and third projection turrets for projecting first, second, and third fan beams of laser light, respectively. The first, second, and third fan beams of laser light are oriented normal to each other. The turrets may be rotated such that each of said fan beams can each be rotated about an axis that is normal to the plane in which the fan beam is projected. The generator may be used to project a number of reference points and lines on multiple surfaces.
1. A reference beam generator, comprising:
a first projection turret for projecting a first fan beam of laser light, said first fan beam of laser light being projected in a first plane;
a second projection turret for projecting a second fan beam of laser light, said second fan beam of laser light being projected in a second plane normal to said first plane;
a third projection turret for projecting a third fan beam of laser light, said third fan beam of laser light being projected in a third plane normal to both said first plane and to said second plane;
a turret support, supporting said first, second, and third projection turrets such that each turret may be pivoted through a complete revolution about an axis that is normal to the plane in which it projects a fan beam of laser light; and
a time of flight measurement arrangement for modulating at least one of the laser beams, detecting reflection of the modulated beam to the generator, and determining the distance from the generator of the surface from which the modulated beam was reflected.
2. The reference beam generator of claim 1 in which said turret support includes a first pivot arrangement for supporting said first turret, a second pivot arrangement for supporting said second turret, a third pivot arrangement for supporting said third turret, each of said first, second and third pivot arrangements permitting an operator to rotate the turret manually and providing sufficient friction that the turret remains in position after it is rotated.
3. The reference beam generator of claim 1 in which each of said first, second, and third projection turrets comprises:
a laser diode providing a beam of laser light;
a power source for providing power to said laser diode; and
a lens for redirecting said beam into a fan shape.
4. The reference beam generator of claim 3 in which said power source in each of said turrets comprises a battery.
5. The reference beam generator of claim 3 in which each of said projection turrets further comprises a turret body housing said laser diode, said power source, and said lens, each of said projection turrets having a pivot arrangement connecting said turret body to said turret support, said pivot arrangement providing for pivotal movement of said turret about an axis substantially normal to the plane in which said fan beam of laser light is projected from said turret.
6. The reference beam generator of claim 3 in which said lens may comprise a collimating lens and a cylinder lens.
7. The reference beam generator of claim 1 , further comprising bubble vials on said turret support to facilitate leveling said turret support, whereby said fan beams are projected in vertical or horizontal planes.
8. The reference beam generator of claim 1 in which said projection turret support includes a first pivot arrangement for supporting said first turret, said first pivot arrangement including a first pivot motor for rotating said first turret; a second pivot arrangement for supporting said second turret, said second pivot arrangement including a second pivot motor for rotating said second turret; a third pivot arrangement for supporting said third turret, said third pivot arrangement including a third pivot motor for rotating said third turret; each of said first, second and third pivot motors being responsive to a motor control circuit.
9. The reference beam generator of claim 1 in which each of said first, second, and third projection turrets comprises:
a turret body;
a laser diode and a cylinder lens in said turret body, said laser diode providing a beam of laser light, and said cylinder lens changing said beam into a fan shape; and
a pivot arrangement connecting said turret body to said turret support.
10. The reference beam generator of claim 9 in which said laser diode is powered by a battery in said turret support.
11. The reference beam generator of claim 10 in which said battery is connected to said laser diode by means of sliding electrical contacts.
12. The reference beam generator of claim 9 in which each laser diode provides a beam of laser light of sufficient diameter such that a part of the beam passes around the cylinder lens, thereby producing a spot in the center of a line of laser light projected from the turret.
13. The reference beam generator of claim 1 in which said first, second and third fan beams of laser light are each green in color.
14. The reference beam generator of claim 1 in which first, second, and third projection turrets have laser diodes that can be individually switched on.