Importance

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Abstract

An automatic plumb, level and pointing tool uses a visible laser diode to project light beams in two modes through two windows. In the first mode of operation, the unit is able to project a plumb-up beam and a level beam of light while resting on a surface which is as much as 5.degree. out of level. In the second mode of operation the unit is able to project two orthogonal beams or light both approximately in the horizontal plane for aligning one or more reference lines. Accurate, low cost methods of generating level and plumb beams and planes of light are disclosed. One method uses an approximately or partially leveled platform combined with a refractive correction as a second stage. The approximate or partial leveling is done using a single wire, a coil spring or a ball-bearing gimbal pendulum element which allows the platform to partially correct for the out of level conditions, and remaining correction is provided by a weak negative lens, a weak reverse telescope or optical refraction at a liquid/air interface. An accessory is disclosed for use with the laser tool.

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First Claim