CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/429,840, filed on Nov. 27, 2002, and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/413,455, filed on Apr. 14, 2003. Both the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/429,840 and the U.S. application Ser. No. 10/413,455 are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to the field of power tools, and particularly to a laser apparatus for use with a variety of power tools, such as table saws, belt sanders, lathes, disc sanders, planers, wood shapers, boring machines, jointers, drill presses, and the like.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Power tools are used to accomplish a variety of tasks. No matter the task, the production of accurate and precise work is a high priority. Further, being able to reproduce the exact work is another necessary feature. Unfortunately, the precision and accuracy of work performed on these power tools is limited by human error. Further, the reproducibility of duplicate work pieces is also hampered by the same human error.  
         [0004]     Many power tools today have incorporated guidance mechanisms into the power tool assembly. These mechanisms assist an operator in stabilizing the work piece as the power tool executes a function upon it. However, the operator is still required to establish the location of the mechanism. This may result in imprecise and inaccurate work piece production due to imprecise measurements and settings established by the operator. Further, it is often necessary to perform different functions and then return to previous settings. Consequently, the operator is forced to establish and then re-establish settings, which may lead to further imprecision and inaccuracy in the work product produced due to operator error.  
         [0005]     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus that enables a power tool operator to establish and, if necessary, re-establish precise and accurate measurements and settings for the power tool in order to ensure work product of a high quality. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]     The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:  
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a laser apparatus including a computing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of the laser apparatus showing alternative power supply embodiments;  
         [0009]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the computing system shown in  FIG. 1 , including display screens;  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of the computing system showing alternative power supply embodiments;  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of the laser apparatus coupled to a leveling assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of a laser apparatus coupled to a level assembly and in communication with a remote computing system;  
         [0013]      FIG. 8  is an isometric illustration of a table saw system including the laser apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  coupled to a fence connected to a table saw emitting three laser beams;  
         [0014]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the table saw system of  FIG. 8  illustrating the laser apparatus emitting three laser beams for establishing distance measurements in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the table saw system of  FIG. 8  illustrating the laser apparatus emitting a single laser beam for establishing a distance measurement;  
         [0016]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of the laser apparatus coupled with a combination belt sander and disc sander power tool;  
         [0017]      FIG. 12  is an illustration of the laser apparatus coupled with a lathe;  
         [0018]      FIG. 13  is an illustration of a laser light indicia and reading assembly coupled with a computing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 14  is an illustration of the laser light indicia and reading assembly coupled to a level assembly, the computing system being coupled to the level assembly and in communication with the laser scanning apparatus;  
         [0020]      FIGS. 15A, 15B , and  15 C illustrate a known scanning module which may be employed in the laser light indicia and reading assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view of a known scanning module employing a dithering assembly;  
         [0022]      FIG. 17  is an illustration of a known dithering assembly employing a drive coil and drive magnet to provide mirror oscillation;  
         [0023]      FIG. 18  is an illustration of a known dithering assembly employing travel stops to control the range of rotational travel imparted to the mirror;  
         [0024]      FIG. 19  is an illustration of a known dithering assembly employing pads connected to drive and feedback magnets to control the range of rotational travel imparted to the mirror;  
         [0025]      FIG. 20  is an illustration of the laser light indicia and reading assembly coupled with a table saw and establishing a laser light cut line;  
         [0026]      FIG. 21  is an illustration of the laser light indicia and reading assembly coupled with the table saw and establishing a laser light cut line on a work piece;  
         [0027]      FIG. 22  is an illustration of the laser light indicia and reading assembly coupled with a belt sander and establishing a laser beam line;  
         [0028]      FIG. 23  is an illustration of the laser light indicia and reading assembly coupled with the belt sander and establishing a laser beam line on a work piece;  
         [0029]      FIG. 24  is an illustration of the laser light indicia and reading assembly coupled with a wood shaper and establishing a laser beam line;  
         [0030]      FIG. 25  is a flowchart illustrating functional steps which are accomplished by the laser apparatus and the laser light indicia and reading assembly of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 26  is an illustration of a laser apparatus connected to a fence on a table saw, whereupon each laser source includes a dithering assembly;  
         [0032]      FIG. 27  is an illustration of multiple laser light indicia and reading assemblies connected to a table saw emitting a laser beam grid produced by laser sources with dithering assemblies;  
         [0033]      FIG. 28  is an illustration of a laser light indicia and reading assembly connected to a drill press establishing multiple laser beam drill points in a horizontal plane;  
         [0034]      FIG. 29  is an illustration of a laser light indicia and reading assembly establishing multiple laser beam drill points in a vertical plane;  
         [0035]      FIG. 30  is an isometric illustration of a rotating laser apparatus including a computing system and rotation assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 31  is an illustration of the rotating laser apparatus including a display menu and an angle measurement device;  
         [0037]      FIGS. 32 and 33  illustrate the rotation assembly including the angle of measurement device and a lock and release unit operable by the user;  
         [0038]      FIG. 34  is an illustration of the rotating laser apparatus in operation;  
         [0039]      FIG. 35  is an illustration of the rotating laser apparatus with laser beams produced by laser sources with dithering assemblies;  
         [0040]      FIGS. 36 and 37  are illustrations of a computing system of the laser apparatus showing display menus available;  
         [0041]      FIG. 38  is a flowchart illustrating functional steps which are accomplished by the rotating laser apparatus;  
         [0042]      FIG. 39  is an illustration of a laser apparatus with a single laser source providing a laser beam which is split to emit separate laser beams from the laser beam source assemblies located within the housing by optical splitters;  
         [0043]      FIG. 40  is an illustration of the laser apparatus coupled with a computing system that provides a single laser beam which is split to emit separate laser beams from the laser beam source assemblies located within the housing by optical splitters;  
         [0044]      FIG. 41  is an illustration of a rotating laser apparatus with a single laser source;  
         [0045]      FIG. 42  is an illustration of a rotating laser apparatus with a first and a second laser source;  
         [0046]      FIG. 43  is an illustration of the laser apparatus in  FIG. 39 , including a plurality of photo multipliers disposed within a housing of the laser apparatus;  
         [0047]      FIG. 44  is an illustration of a laser apparatus including a leveling mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0048]      FIG. 45  is an illustration of a plurality of the laser apparatus, shown in  FIG. 44 , coupled with one another;  
         [0049]      FIG. 46  is an illustration of the laser apparatus in  FIG. 44 , providing leveling readings to a drop ceiling assembly; and  
         [0050]      FIG. 47  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary graphical-user-interface for use with embodiments of the present invention, wherein (a) blade-to-fence distance; (b) blade bevel; and (c) blade height, are illustrated on a single interface screen;  
         [0051]      FIG. 48  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary graphical-user-interface for use with embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0052]      FIG. 49  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary graphical-user-interface for use with embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 50  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary graphical-user-interface for use with embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0054]      FIG. 51  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary graphical-user-interface for use with embodiments of the present invention  
         [0055]      FIG. 52  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary graphical-user-interface for use with embodiments of the present invention  
         [0056]      FIG. 53  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary graphical-user-interface for use with embodiments of the present invention 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0057]     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0058]     Referring generally now to  FIG. 1 , a laser apparatus  100  of the present invention is shown. In the present embodiment, the laser apparatus  100  comprises a housing  102  coupled with a computing system  104 . Further, the housing  102  is disposed with a first laser source  106 , a second laser source  108 , and a third laser source  110 . Alternatively, the housing  102  may include a greater or fewer number of laser beam sources in order to meet the needs of a manufacturer or consumer. Each of the three laser sources  106  through  110  is in communication with the computing system  104 . In the current embodiment the communicative link is a wireless system, however, alternate systems, such as serial cable, infrared, or the like may be employed.  
         [0059]     In the present embodiment, the laser sources  106  through  110  are enabled to emit infrared laser beams. These laser beams are invisible to the human eye, however, light emitting diodes may be linked to the laser beam in order to provide a visual indicator of the travel of the laser beam. In an alternate embodiment the laser sources may be enabled to emit various types of laser beams, such as an ultraviolet laser beam, or the like without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0060]     Additionally, a first mounting member  112  and a second mounting member  114  are coupled with the housing  102 . The number, location, and configuration of the mounting members may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The mounting members are suitable for connecting the housing  102  to another device such as a power tool. The power tool may be a table saw, a belt sander, a planer, a disc sander, a lathe, a drill press, and the like. In the current embodiment the laser apparatus  100  is shown being suitable for mounting on a fence  116  which would normally be coupled with a table saw. As shown, the mounting members  112  and  114  include a first latch  124  and a second latch  126  which slide through and latch the housing  102  to a mounting assembly, power tool, or other devices. In the current embodiment the first and second latches  124  and  126  are compression latches. However, it is understood that the current latch system may be a variety of latching mechanisms without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0061]     The latches  124  and  126  are operably coupled with a first release mechanism  120  and a second release mechanism  122 , respectively. In the present embodiment, the first and second release mechanisms  120  and  122  are depression buttons, operable by a user by pressing down on the buttons. However, other release mechanisms, such as switches, rotation knobs, or the like, may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. By depressing the buttons  120  and  122  the latches  124  and  126  are retracted into the mounting member upon which they are disposed. This allows the user to engage and remove the housing  102 , of the laser apparatus  100 , from the mounting assembly, power tool, or other device the user is currently operating. The location and number of release mechanisms may vary as determined by the number of mounting members and latches disposed on the laser apparatus  100 .  
         [0062]     The housing further provides the user a first grip  128  and a second grip  130  proximally located next to the buttons  120  and  122 . The two grips  128  and  130  are ergonomically shaped to provide the user a secure location with which to grip the housing  102  for depressing the first and second buttons  120  and  122  and releasing the compression latches  124  and  126 . The two grips may also be used in transporting the laser apparatus  100 .  
         [0063]     It is further contemplated that the laser apparatus  100  may include a laser source which emits an incident laser beam from either a first end  116  or a second end  118  of the housing  102 . Such a configuration may be desirable in situations where a user needs only one laser beam to produce a finished work product, such as when working on a lathe machine as shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0064]     In an alternate embodiment, the three laser beam sources  106 ,  108 , and  110 , may comprise modular laser source units. The modular laser source units may be capable of being removed from and inserted into the housing  102 . The modular laser source units may be locked in position, once inserted into the housing  102 , by use of a variety of system, such as a latch system, compression system, or the like. There may be a variety of modular laser source units disposed with laser sources of varying power. Further, the modular laser source units may include a dithering assembly enabling the laser source to provide dithering functionality. For further discussion on dithering assemblies see  FIGS. 21 through 24  below.  
         [0065]     Further, the laser apparatus  100  may be comprised of a single laser source. The single laser source may emit an incident laser beam through the housing  102 . The single laser source may be attached at either the first end  116  or the second end  118  of the housing  102 . Alternatively, the single laser source may be included in the computing system  104 . In a single laser source configuration optical splitters, optical reflectors, and photomultipliers may be employed in order to facilitate the functional capabilities of the laser apparatus  100 . A detailed discussion of the single laser source design, including the use of optical splitters, optical reflectors, and photomultipliers, is provided in  FIGS. 36 through 40 .  
         [0066]     In the present embodiment, the computing system  104  controls the functioning of each of the three laser sources  106  through  110 . A user interacts with the computing system  104  and directs the emitting of a laser beam from each of the three laser sources. Additionally, the computing system  104  monitors the laser beams and provides a display to the user of relevant information.  
         [0067]     The information provided on the display may include distance measurements, blade height measurements, blade angle, and the like. Additionally, the laser beams may provide information regarding the truing of the machine and a work piece, and the indexing of the work piece. For example, in a belt sander apparatus as will be shown and discussed in  FIG. 11 , the user may ensure that the angle of the sander matches the desired specifications using the laser apparatus. Further, a work piece to be presented to the sander may be verified by the laser apparatus to be in the correct position for presentation to the sander. The laser apparatus may also provide an indexing functionality by determining the leading edge of the work piece and monitoring the distance traveled by the work piece. It is contemplated that other information relevant to a variety of power tools may also be provided by the computing system to the user.  
         [0068]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the laser apparatus  100  is shown. The housing  102  includes a first receptor port  202  suitable for receiving a portable power source  204 . The portable power source  204  provides power for the operation of the laser sources disposed within the housing  102 . The first receptor port  202  further includes a removable hatch  206  which fastens in place over the opening of the first receptor port  202 . The portable power source  204  may be a variety of devices, such as a rechargeable battery or the like, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0069]     Also shown in  FIG. 2  is an alternate configuration of the housing  102  where power may be received via a power cord  208  which engages a second receptor port  210 . It is understood that typically only one of the above mentioned power source configurations will be employed on the laser apparatus  100  and that  FIG. 2  is only an exemplary embodiment of two possible configurations. Further, the location and configuration of the first and second receptor ports  202  and  210  may be varied as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0070]     Additionally, a communication port  212  is included in the housing  102  of the laser apparatus  100 . The communication port  212  provides a communicative link to the computing system  104 , allowing the computing system to communicate with the laser sources  106  through  110  disposed within the housing  102 . The location and configuration of the communication port  212  may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, a first coupling port  214  and a second coupling port  216  are included on the housing  102  for coupling with the computing system  104  as will be further described in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0071]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show exemplary displays on the computing system  104 . Being an interactive system, the computing system  104  includes a first selector  302 , a second selector  304 , and a third selector  306 . The first selector  302  and the third selector  306  allow a user to scroll through choices presented on a display screen  308  of the computing system  104 . The second button  304  allows a user to select the desired application choice presented on the display screen  308 . For example, in  FIG. 3 a  user may choose to turn on or turn off the lasers by using the first and third buttons  302  and  306  to select the desired function and then pressing the second button  304  to execute the function. In  FIG. 4  the display screen  308  is providing a user with the readouts determined during the process of truing the machine. The user may accept these dimensions by selecting the “cont.” function or reject these dimensions by selecting the “reset” function. It is understood that the displays presented on the display screen  308  are exemplary and may not be read as exclusive. A variety of displays and interactive functionalities may be presented on display screen  308  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0072]     Various configurations of the computing system  104  may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Ergonomic shaping and providing additional capabilities is contemplated. The display screen may be a liquid crystal display, back lit monitor, or the like, while the selector features may include rollers, ball knobs, or the like.  
         [0073]     In the current embodiment, on one end of the computing system  104  are coupled a first button  310  and a second button  312 . Preferably, these buttons are depression buttons, however, other systems as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art may be employed. The two buttons are used in the coupling and uncoupling of the computing system  104  with the housing  102  of the laser apparatus  100 , as will be described in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  
         [0074]     In  FIG. 5  the computing system  104  includes a first receptor port  502  suitable for receiving a portable power source  504 . The portable power source  504  provides power for the operation of the computing system  104  that may be coupled to the housing  102  and is in communication with the laser sources. The first receptor port  502  further includes a removable hatch  506  which fastens in place over the opening of the first receptor port  502 . As described for the portable power source  204  of the housing  102 , the portable power source  504  may be a variety of devices, such as a rechargeable battery or the like, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In an alternate configuration the computing system  104  may receive power from a power cord  508  which engages a second receptor port  510 . The location and configuration of the first and second receptor ports  502  and  510  may be varied as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0075]     Additionally, the computing system  104  includes a first mounting member  512  and a second mounting member  514 . These two mounting members couple with the housing  102  of the laser apparatus  104 . It is contemplated that a latch and release mechanism is disposed within one of the two mounting members and operably connects with the two buttons  310  and  312 . Further, the computing system  104  includes a communication adapter  516  that engages with the communication port  212 , shown in  FIG. 2 , disposed on the housing  102 .  
         [0076]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the laser apparatus  100  is shown with computing system  104  in vertical orientation over the communication port  212  and the first and second coupling ports  214  and  216 . The first and second mounting members  512  and  514 , disposed on the computing system  104 , are positioned to engage with the first and second coupling ports  214  and  216 , respectively. The communication adapter  516  is positioned to engage with the communication port  212 . In this preferred embodiment, a user must supply sufficient force to couple the computing system  104  with the housing  102 . As discussed above in  FIG. 3 , the first and second buttons  310  and  312  are operably engaged as part of a latch and release mechanism which locks the computing system  104  in place. A latch or latches may be located on the mounting members  512  and/or  514 , and as the computing system  104  is pressed into place they may engage with the inside of the coupling ports  214  and/or  216 . In order to remove the computing system  104  form the housing  102 , the user will depress one or both of the first and second buttons  310  and  312 , which will release the latches from the coupling ports allowing the computing system  104  to release from the housing  102 . Other systems may be employed to affix the computing system  104  to the housing  102  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0077]     The laser apparatus  100  is shown engaging a mounting assembly  602 . Preferably, the mounting assembly  602  includes a leveling device  604 . The mounting assembly includes a first mounting port  606 , a second mounting port  608 , and a third mounting port  610 . Initially the mounting assembly  602  is mounted to a power tool or other desired device by using the mounting ports. It is contemplated that the mounting ports may be a variety of configurations as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Before the laser apparatus  100  is connected a user may establish that the mounting assembly  602  is in a level position by checking the leveling device  604 . In this way the user may ensure that the laser apparatus  100  is level once it is connected to the mounting assembly  602 . The mounting assembly  602  further includes a first coupling port  612  and a second coupling port  614  which engage the mounting members  112  and  114  of the laser apparatus  100 .  
         [0078]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a laser apparatus  700  is shown. The laser apparatus  700  includes a housing member  702  in communication with a remote computing system  703 . The housing member  702  is disposed with a first laser source  726 , a second laser source  728 , and a third laser source  730 . Additionally, a mounting assembly  704  capable of connecting with the housing member  702  and providing a communication link between the housing member  702  and the remote computing system  703 , is included.  
         [0079]     The housing member  702  is similar to that shown and described in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  6 , except that the housing member  702  further includes a communication adapter  708  and does not include the communication port shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 . The communicative adapter  708  communicatively couples with the remote computing system  703  by engaging the communication adapter  708  in the communicative coupling point  706 . This communicative linking allows a user of the laser apparatus  700  to control the laser sources  726  through  730  through the use of the remote computing system  703 . Additionally, the housing member includes a first mounting member  732  and a second mounting member  734 . The first mounting member  732  is disposed with a compression latch  736  and is operably engaged with a first depression button  740 . The second mounting member  734  is disposed with a compression latch  738  and is operably engaged with a second depression button  742 . The first mounting member  732  couples with a first coupling port  744  disposed on the mounting assembly  704 , and the second mounting member  734  couples with a second coupling port  746  disposed on the mounting assembly  704 . As described previously the first and second depression buttons allow the user to remove the housing member  702  from the mounting assembly  704 .  
         [0080]     The remote computing system  703  is similar to that shown and described in  FIGS. 1 , and  3  through  6  except that it couples with a remote mounting member  710 . The remote mounting member  710 , preferably, mounts to a stationary surface, such as a wall, and provides a first communication port  712  for coupling with a communication adapter  722  disposed on the remote computing system  703 . Additionally, the remote mounting member  710  includes a first coupling port  714  and a second coupling port  716  for coupling with a first mounting member  718  and second mounting members  720  of the remote computing system  703 . Further, the remote mounting member  710  includes a second communication port  724  which couples with a communication adapter  707  connected to the mounting assembly  704 .  
         [0081]     The mounting assembly  704  is similar to the mounting assembly shown in  FIG. 6 , except that the mounting assembly  704  further includes a communicative coupling port  706  and a communication adapter  707 . The communication adapter  708 , disposed on the housing member  702 , engages with the communication port  706  providing a communicative link. The communicative link from the housing member  702  to the remote computing system  703  is completed through the coupling of the communication adapter  707  with the second communication port  724  of the remote mounting member  710 . The mounting assembly  704  includes a first mounting port  748 , a second mounting port  750 , and a third mounting port  752 . These mounting ports allow the mounting assembly  704  to be coupled to a variety of devices such as power tools and the like.  
         [0082]     A table saw system  800  including the laser apparatus  100  mounted on a fence  804  which is connected to a table saw  802 , is shown in  FIGS. 8, 9 , and  10 . Preferably, the laser apparatus  100  provides three laser beams. The laser beams may be used to establish three distance measurements indicated by d 1 , d 2 , and d 3 . These measurements are displayed to the user on the computing system  104 . Additionally, the laser beams in communication with the computing system  104  may display a variety of information, such as circular saw blade height, circular saw blade angle, or the like. The table saw  802  further includes a circular saw blade  806 , a first adjustment mechanism  808 , and a second adjustment mechanism  810 . In the present embodiment, the first adjustment mechanism  808  enables a user of the table saw  802  to adjust the angle of the circular saw blade  806  relative to the operational field of the table saw  802 . The operational field may be defined as that area of the table saw  802  upon which a work piece may be placed and the circular saw blade  806  may perform a cut upon the work piece. In other embodiments where the laser apparatus  100  is mounted or connected to another power tool or device the operational field may include the area where the work piece is placed and a function is performed upon the work piece. The second adjustment mechanism  810  enables a user to adjust the height which the circular saw blade  806  extends above the surface of the operation field of the table saw  802 .  
         [0083]     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the laser apparatus  100  coupled to a table saw  802  is shown. The laser apparatus  100  includes the housing  102  coupled with the computing system  104 . The housing  102  is mounted to a fence  804  connected to the table saw  802 . In  FIG. 10  the single laser source  110  is shown, the laser source  110  is being used to measure the distance d 1  from the fence  804  to a circular saw blade  806 . In  FIG. 9  the housing  102  includes the first laser source  106 , the second laser source  108 , and the third laser source  110  each emitting a laser beam across the operational field of the table saw  802 , from the fence  804  to the circular saw blade  806 .  
         [0084]     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the laser apparatus  100  is shown coupled to a sander system  1100  and a lathe system  1200 . In  FIG. 11  the sander system  1100  includes a belt sander  1102  with an operational field  1106  and a disc sander  1104  with an operational field  1108 . In the current embodiment, two of the laser apparatus  100  systems are employed. One is mounted upon the belt sander  1102  and the other is mounted upon the disc sander  1104 . The laser apparatus  100  may provide information on the angle of the sander relative to the operational field and the height the sander extends above the operational field. In  FIG. 12  the laser apparatus  100  is coupled to the lathe  1202  and employs a single laser source configuration. The laser source emits a single laser beam which travels down one side of the operational field of the lathe  1202 . The laser source may monitor the size of the work piece coupled with the lathe and indicate to the user when the desired work piece size has been reached. In both  FIGS. 11 and 12  the location and configuration of the laser apparatus  100  may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0085]     Referring now to  FIG. 13 a  laser light indicia and reading assembly  1300  is shown. In the current embodiment, the laser light indicia and reading assembly  1300  comprises a housing  1302  which includes a laser source  1304  in communication with a computing system  1306 . The housing  1302  is coupled with a mounting member  1308 . A communication adapter  1310  communicatively couples the computing system  1306  with the laser source  1304  disposed within the housing  1302  through a cable  1311 . The type of cable employed in the present embodiment is a standard serial cable. However, it is contemplated that a variety of connection mechanisms may be employed, such as wireless, infrared, or the like. The computing system  1306  is similar to the computing system  104  in that it provides a display screen  1312 , a first selector  1314 , a second selector  1316 , and a third selector  1318 . Additionally, the computing system  1306  may further include a keypad  1320 , as shown in the current embodiment. The keypad  1320  may enable increased functionality of the computing system, such as increased control over the laser source.  
         [0086]     In  FIG. 14 a  laser light indicia and reading assembly  1400  is shown. In the present embodiment, the laser light indicia and reading assembly  1400  comprises a housing  1402  which includes a laser source  1404 , a computing system  1406 , and a mounting assembly  1408 . The housing  1402  is coupled with a mounting member  1412  for coupling with the mounting assembly  1408 . The mounting assembly  1408  further includes a communication adapter  1410  which couples with the laser source  1404  through the housing  1402 . Preferably, the communication adapter  1410  is coupled with a cable  1411  which connects to the mounting assembly  1408 . It is understood that the configuration of the communication adapter  1410  and type of cable  1411  employed may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Through the serial cable  1411  the communication adapter  1410  is further communicatively coupled with the communication port  1414 .  
         [0087]     In the present embodiment, the communication port  1414  is designed to couple with the computing system  1406  when it is mounted to the mounting assembly  1408 . Further, a first coupling port  1416  and a second coupling port  1418  are disposed on the mounting assembly  1408  and further engage with the computing system  1406  when the computing system  1406  is mounted to the mounting assembly  1408 . The computing system  1406  is similar to the computing system  104  shown and described previously, except that the computing system  1406  includes an indicator  1420 . The indicator  1420  is a light emitting diode (LED) which provides indication to the user of the system  1400  when the computing system  1406  is properly mounted and engaged with the mounting assembly  1408 . It is contemplated that the computing system  1406  may not include indicator  1406 . However, a variety of configurations may be employed for indicator  1420  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0088]     A leveling device  1422  is disposed within mounting assembly  1408 . As shown and described previously in  FIGS. 6 and 7  the leveling assembly ensures that the laser light indicia and reading assembly  1400  is level with the device to which it is connected. A first mounting port  1426  and a second mounting port  1428  are employed to connect the mounting assembly  1408  with the desired device. In the present embodiment the mounting ports allow for screws to be inserted and fastened to the device and the mounting assembly  1408 . However, it is contemplated that a variety of fastening devices and configurations may be employed.  
         [0089]     The mounting assembly  1408  further comprises a laser source coupling port  1424 . The laser source coupling port  1424  is designed to receive the mounting member  1412  which is coupled to the housing  1402  disposed with the laser source  1404 . The mounting member  1412  includes a release mechanism comprised of a button  1430  disposed on the housing  1402 , and a latch  1432 . The button  1430  is a depression button, operably engaged with the latch  1432 , which the user may depress in order to activate the latch  1432 . The latch  1432  is a compression latch which retracts back into the mounting member  1412  when the button  1430  is depressed. The latch  1432  is extended away from the mounting member  1412  and engages the inner surface of the laser source coupling point  1424  to affix the housing  1402  to the mounting assembly  1408 .  
         [0090]     In the preferred embodiment, the laser source for both  FIGS. 13 and 14  is enabled as a standard single laser beam producing laser source. Alternatively, the laser source in both  FIGS. 13 and 14  may be enabled as a scanning module. A known scanning module  1500  is shown in  FIGS. 15A, 15B , and  15 C. The scanning module  1500  comprises a laser source  1502  with a spherical lens  1504  disposed in a housing  1503 . The housing  1503  includes an aperture  1505  through which a laser beam, emitted from the laser source  1502  through the spherical lens  1504 , passes. The laser beam travels through a cylindrical lens  1506  and strikes a multifaceted polygon deflector  1510 . The multifaceted polygon deflector  1510  deflects the incident laser beam emitted by the laser source through the cylindrical lens  1508  and out to a surface  1512 . The surface  1512  is a nominal plane and the incident laser beam is provided a first focus  1514 . As indicated by the arrows the scanning module  1500  moves the focused laser beam along the surface  1512 . The scanning module may further include two light emitting diode assemblies  1516  and  1518 . These assemblies emit a visible light that tracks the position of the laser beam providing an indicator for a user of the scanning module.  
         [0091]     The laser beam from the scanning module  1500  may appear as a continuous line defined by the angle of incidence with which the laser beam strikes the multifaceted polygon deflector  1510 . As such, the light emitting diodes would provide the visual indication of the defined area to the user.  
         [0092]     The scanning module  1500  receives the reflected laser beams through the cylindrical lens  1508 . The reflected laser beams may travel directly to the photodetector  1520  or the laser beams may travel to the multifaceted polygon deflector. The laser beams which strike the multifaceted polygon deflector are deflected to a collecting mirror  1522  where they are reflected to the photodetector  1520 . In this manner the scanning module  1500  is enabled to read a surface it is scanning.  
         [0093]     It is contemplated that the laser source(s) employed in the laser light indicia and reading assembly and the laser apparatus may include a dithering assembly. A typical dithering assembly  1600 , known in the art, is shown in  FIG. 16 . The dithering assembly  1600  includes a laser source  1602  and a mirror  1604  disposed within a housing  1606  and may be employed to establish a laser beam which presents as a continuous line upon a surface. Further, it is known that dithering assemblies may comprise a pair of magnets and a pair of magnetic coils. As shown in  FIG. 17 a  mirror  1702  is coupled to a base  1704  which is connected to a flexible support arm  1706  that is connected to a support member  1708 . A drive coil  1710  is positioned on one side of the flexible support arm  1706  and a feedback coil  1712  is positioned on the opposite side of the flexible support arm  1706 . A drive magnet  1714  is connected to the base  1704  and proximally located to the drive coil  1710  while a feedback magnet  1716  is connected to the base  1704  and proximally located to the feedback coil  1712 . A drive current (e.g., an oscillating drive current) is run through the drive coil  1710  and causes the mirror  1702  to rotate. The rotation imparted to the mirror  1702  causes a change in the angle of incidence of the laser beam striking the mirror, and thus imparts a change in the angle of reflection imparted to the incident laser beam. As a result, the reflected laser beam appears as a continuous line defined by the rotational range of the mirror  1702 .  
         [0094]     Additionally, dithering assemblies which control the range of rotation of the mirror are known.  FIG. 18  shows one such assembly where a mirror  1802  is connected to a base  1804 , which is connected to a flexible support arm  1806  that is connected to a support member  1808  coupled to a surface  1810 . A drive coil  1812  is coupled to the support member  1808  in proximal relation to a drive magnet  1814  which is coupled with the base  1804 . A first travel stop  1816  and a second travel stop  1818  are disposed in a desired location relative to the mirror  1802  to provide a limited range of rotation by the mirror  1802 .  
         [0095]     Alternative methods for controlling the range of rotation of the mirror in a dithering assembly may include the use of pads, as shown in  FIG. 19 . The mirror  1902  is connected to a base  1904 , which is connected to a flexible support arm  1906  that is connected to a support member  1908  coupled to a surface  1910 . A drive coil  1912  is coupled to the support member  1908  in proximal relation to a drive magnet  1914  which is connected to the base  1904 . A feedback coil  1916  is coupled to the support member  1908  in proximal relation to a feedback magnet  1918 , which is connected to the base  1904 . A first pad  1920  is coupled with the drive magnet  1914 , and a second pad  1922  is coupled with the feedback magnet  1918 . The pads, which impact with the drive and feedback coils, limit the rotation range of motion of the mirror  1902 .  
         [0096]     In many dithering assemblies the effects of feedback between the drive coil/magnet and the feedback coil/magnet may have harmful effects, such as increased noise and unstable rotational amplitude production. A feedback sensor, such as a Hall sensor, may be employed to monitor electrical potential in a dithering assembly and trigger a switching of the polarity of the drive current in the drive coil at the appropriate time in relation to the position of the mirror. This switching of polarities reverses the drive force being exerted on the drive magnet and the mirror.  
         [0097]     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , a table saw system  2000  including a laser light indicia and reading assembly  2002 , is shown. The laser light indicia and reading assembly  2002  is similar to the laser light indicia and reading assembly  1300  and  1400  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , and includes a computing system  2003  similar to that shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In the current embodiment, the table saw system  200  further includes a table  2004 , a fence  2006 , and a circular saw blade  2008 . Additionally, a first adjustment mechanism  2010  and a second adjustment mechanism  2012  are included in the table saw system  200  and operably engage with the circular saw blade  2008  to adjust blade angle and blade height relative to the operational field of the table saw system  2000 , as described previously in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0098]     In this embodiment the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2002  establishes a continuous laser beam line  2014 . The laser beam line  2014  is laid down across the operational field of the table saw system  2000  and provides a cut line for a user of the system. It is contemplated that the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2002  will establish a laser beam line that tracks the position of the circular saw blade  2008 . For example, if the user adjusts the angle of the circular saw blade  2008  relative to the operational field of the table saw system  2000 , the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2002  will monitor that change and establish a laser beam line that tracks the position of the circular saw blade  2008 .  
         [0099]     In an alternate embodiment the laser beam line  2014  may be established using optically activated indicators that are integrated with the table  2004  in positions proximal to the circular saw blade  2008 . For example, the table  2004  may be integrated with sensors which respond by illuminating upon being struck by light from the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2002 . Alternately, optically activated cables may be integrated into the table saw to provide a laser line. Regardless of the type of optically activated indicators, their positioning relative to the circular saw blade  2008  and the lines of cut that may be established through use of the adjustment mechanisms provides a user an easily ascertained path to guide the cutting of the work piece by.  
         [0100]     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , a table saw system  2100  is shown. The table saw system  2100  comprises a laser light indicia and reading assembly  2102 , a table  2104 , a fence  2106 , and a circular saw blade  2108 . The laser light indicia and reading assembly  2102  is coupled to a computing system  2103 , similar to that previously described in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Additionally, a work piece  2112  is located within the operation field of the table saw system  2100  and is being guided by the fence  2106  and an angular adjustment mechanism  2110 . The angular adjustment mechanism  2110  may position the work piece  2112  in a desired angular setting and then guide the work piece  2112  through the circular saw blade  2108  at the set angle. In the current embodiment the laser light indicia and reading assembly establishes a laser beam light line  2114  across the work piece  2112 . This laser beam light line  2114  may be used by the user as the cut line and followed throughout the cut.  
         [0101]     It is contemplated that the laser light indicia and reading assemblies  2002  and  2102  of  FIGS. 20 and 21  may include an indexing and truing functionality. An example of the truing of a work piece may include a user attempting to make a forty five degree angled cut on the work piece. The user may enter this information into the computing system in communication with the laser light indicia and reading assembly and when the work piece is set into the operational field of the table saw system, the laser light indicia and reading assembly may emit a laser beam which identifies the angle that the work piece is set at in relation to the circular saw blade. An example of the indexing of a work piece may include a user attempting to make a notch cut into a work piece that does not run the length or width of the work piece. When the work piece is set into the operational field of the table saw system, the laser light indicia and reading assembly may emit a laser beam which determines the position of the leading edge of the work piece. As the work piece is passed across the circular saw blade, the laser beam enables the laser light indicia and reading assembly to monitor the rate of travel imparted to the work piece and the overall distance of travel across the circular saw by the work piece. In this manner the laser light indicia and reading assembly may communicate to the computing system when the desired length of cut has been accomplished, and have that information passed on the user.  
         [0102]     The user may be notified as to the truing and indexing information through the computing system, as previously discussed. Alternatively, the laser light indicia and reading assembly may be provided with an indicator to communicate to the user that the desired specifications have been accomplished. For example, a red light emitting diode may be coupled to the housing of the laser light indicia and reading assembly for indicating to the user that the desired function has not been accomplished. A green light emitting diode, coupled to the housing of the laser light indicia and reading assembly, may indicate to the user that the desired function has been accomplished and it is time to proceed or remove the work piece from the field of operation. Other indication systems as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0103]     Referring now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , an edge sander system  2200 , is shown. In the current embodiment, the edge sander system  2200  includes a laser light indicia and reading assembly  2202 , a work table  2204 , belt sand paper  2206 , and an adjustment mechanism  2208 . A computing system  2203  is coupled to the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2202 . The laser light indicia and reading assembly  2202  and the computing system  2203  are similar to those shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The laser light indicia and reading assembly  2202  may be enabled for truing and indexing of the edge sander and a work piece (such as work piece  2302  shown in  FIG. 23 ) as previously described in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . For example, a user of the edge sander system  2200  may be attempting to sand off a one-quarter inch segment from a work piece. In the process of sanding, one end of the work piece may be receiving greater pressure than the other resulting in an uneven depth of sanding. The laser light indicia and reading assembly  2200  may indicate to a user that uneven pressure is being applied and identify the end where this is occurring and the corrections that need to be made to true the work piece.  
         [0104]     Referring now to  FIG. 24 , a wood shaper system  2400  is shown. In the present embodiment, the wood shaper system  2400  includes a laser light indicia and reading assembly  2402 , a work table  2404 , a bit  2406 , an on/off mechanism  2408 , and an adjustment mechanism  2410 . A computing system  2403  is coupled to the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2402 . The laser light indicia and reading assembly  2402  may be enabled to determine the angle of presentation and the size of the bit  2406 . Additionally, the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2402  may be enabled for truing and indexing of the wood shaper system and a work piece being operated upon by the wood shaper system as described previously.  
         [0105]     A flowchart illustrating functional steps which may be accomplished using the laser apparatus of  FIGS. 1 through 12  and the laser light indicia and reading assembly of  FIGS. 13 through 24 , is shown in  FIG. 25 . The first step  2510  involves the setting of the machine. This involves mounting the laser apparatus to the power tool being utilized. As discussed previously, the laser apparatus may be directly mounted to a power tool or mounted to a separate mounting assembly which is connected to the power tool. Once the laser apparatus has been properly set then in step  2520  the laser apparatus must be trued in order to provide accurate results. This may be accomplished by checking the leveling mechanism as described previously, if such a mounting assembly is being employed or using the laser beams to determine the correct alignment. If the laser apparatus determines that the mounting is untrue it notifies the user. Once the laser apparatus determines it is truly aligned then in step  2530  the work piece is set. Once the laser apparatus determines that the work piece has been set then in step  2540  it determines if the setting of the work piece is true. Once the work piece is trued the user begins operation of the power tool in step  2550 . When it is determined that the machining of the work piece is completed in step  2560  operation of the power tool is halted.  
         [0106]     It is contemplated that an optically reflective material may be disposed upon a surface that is struck by the laser beam emitted from the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly. In this manner when the laser beams are emitted they will strike the optically reflective material and be reflected. In one embodiment the reflected laser beams may be received by an optical detector disposed within the housing of the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly. The optical detector may be in communication with the computing system and the computing system may process the laser beam information to determine measurements and other setting information. In alternate embodiments the reflected laser beam may be received by one or several optical detector(s) remotely located with respect to the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly, but in communication with the computing system. As stated above the optical detector will relay the information gathered from the laser beam to the computing system where it may be processed and displayed to a user as measurement of setting information. For example, an optically reflective material may be circumferentially disposed about a circular saw blade of a table saw. The table saw may be disposed with a fence that has a laser apparatus (as described in  FIG. 1 ) mounted upon it. The laser apparatus may emit one or more incident laser beams which strike the optically reflective material on the circular saw blade and, if the circular saw blade is perpendicular to the incident laser beams, are reflected back towards the laser apparatus. The laser apparatus may be disposed with one or more optical detectors to receive the reflected laser beam(s) and communicate the information gathered to the computing system for processing and display to a user. The type and configuration of the optically reflective material may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0107]     It is further contemplated that the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly may establish a communicative link with their respective computing systems through a communication system disposed within the device, to which the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly are mounted, itself. In this manner a mounting assembly as shown in  FIGS. 6, 7 , and  14  would not be necessary and the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly may be directly mounted to the device. Additionally, the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly may be enabled to accept power from the device to which they are mounted, thus, reducing the need to have a separate power source or power source connection. For example, a fence mounted to a table saw system may be disposed to connect with the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly. The fence may include a communication port, as shown and described on the mounting assemblies of  FIGS. 7 and 14 , which couples with a communication adapter disposed on the housing of the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly. The fence may further include a communication adapter which may be coupled with the computing system, thereby enabling the computing system to be in communication with the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly. Further, the power source for the table saw system may include an outlet on the fence which may be engaged by the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly to provide power to either system.  
         [0108]     Heat build-up within the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly is an important concern. Overheating may result in malfunctioning of the laser source(s) within the housing and cause damage to the laser source or housing necessitating expensive repair and lost time. In one embodiment of the present invention the laser source may be a low power and low intensity laser source to minimize the heat build up with the housing. Such an embodiment is suitable for situations where the use of the laser apparatus and the laser light indicia and reading assembly is sporadic and limited. However, in a situation where the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly are in constant use over prolonged periods of time even a low power and intensity laser source may experience significant heat build up which may damage the system.  
         [0109]     To effectively handle a situation where the heat build up is significant, the laser apparatus and the laser light indicia and reading assembly may include a cooling system. In one embodiment, the housing of either system may include vents to allow heat to escape and cooler air to be drawn into the housing to help cool the laser sources. In an alternate embodiment, the cooling system may be comprised of a fan assembly mounted within the housing to blow air through the housing and over the laser source(s). The housing may include a vent located at an end opposite the fan to allow the blown air and heat to escape. In a third embodiment a cooling system may comprise an inert coolant being run through the housing of the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly. The coolant system may include a tank of the inert coolant connected to the housing through tubing and then an exhaust system connected to the housing for removing and disposing of the inert coolant after it has run through the housing. It is contemplated that a coolant system may be disposed within a device to which the laser apparatus and the laser light indicia and reading assembly are connected. The inert coolant may be presented and exhausted through the mounting connection between the device and the laser apparatus or the laser light indicia and reading assembly. For example, the laser apparatus of  FIG. 1 , may include connection portals in the mounting members. When the mounting members are secured to a fence, such as shown in  FIGS. 8 through 10 , tubing, which is connected to a tank of the inert coolant, may be connected to one of the mounting members. The inert coolant may be pumped into the housing through the mounting member and then exhausted through the other mounting member. It is contemplated that a variety of coolant systems, as may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art, may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0110]     Referring now to  FIG. 26 a  table saw system  2600  including a laser apparatus  2602 , is shown. The table saw system  2600  further includes a work surface  2616 , a fence  2618 , a circular saw blade  2620 , and an adjustment mechanism  2622 . The laser apparatus  2602  is similar to the laser apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a housing  2604  and a computing system  2614 . However, the laser apparatus  2602  includes four laser sources  2606 ,  2608 ,  2610 , and  2612  disposed within the housing  2604  and each laser source includes a dithering assembly. In the present embodiment, the laser sources establish multiple laser beam lines across the operational field of the table saw system  2600 . The laser beams provide information on distance of the fence  2618  from the circular saw blade  2620 , the angle of the circular saw blade  2620  relative to the work surface  2616 , and have the ability to sense when a work piece has entered the operational field of the table saw system  2600 . It is understood that the laser apparatus  2602  may gather a variety of other information as discussed in  FIGS. 1 through 12 , without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0111]     Referring now to  FIG. 27 , a table saw system  2700  including a first laser light indicia and reading assembly  2702  and a second laser light indicia and reading assembly  2704 , is shown. Both the first and the second laser light indicia and reading assemblies  2702  and  2704  are coupled to a computing system  2703 . The computing system controls the functionality of both laser light indicia and reading assemblies. Alternatively, each laser light indicia and reading assembly may be coupled with a separate computing system. The table saw system  2700  further includes a work surface  2706 , a fence  2708 , a circular saw blade  2710 , and an angle adjustment mechanism  2712 . The angle adjustment mechanism is similar to that discussed in  FIG. 21 . In the present embodiment, the first and second laser light indicia and reading assemblies are similar to the laser light indicia and reading assembly shown and described in  FIG. 13 , except that each of the housings is disposed with a plurality of laser sources. The plurality of laser sources may be enabled as scanning modules or include dithering assemblies to produce a laser beam grid  2716  upon a work piece  2714 . Alternately, the laser beam grid  2716  may be established upon a work surface  2706  of the table saw system  2700 . Using the first and second laser light indicia and reading assemblies a user of the table saw system  2700  is enabled to establish multiple cut lines and grid points by intersecting the laser beam lines produced. The exact location of the grid points may be determined by the user and entered into the computing system which controls the laser light indicia and reading assemblies. It is contemplated that a single computing system may be enabled to control both laser light indicia and reading assemblies or that a separate and independent computing system may be used to control each laser light indicia and reading assembly. In an alternate embodiment the laser light indicia and reading assemblies may be disposed with a single laser source as described in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0112]     Referring now to  FIG. 28 , a drill press system  2800  including a laser light indicia and reading assembly  2802 , is shown. The drill press system  2800  includes a housing  2803  disposed with an engagement device  2804  and a drill bit  2806 . In the present embodiment, the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2802  is disposed with a laser source enabled to provide a plurality of drill points along two axes. This may be accomplished by a single laser source rotating identification points in series or multiple laser sources may be included within the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2802  to provide multiple identification points. Alternately, the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2802 , with a single laser source, may establish a single continuous identification point. A computing system  2803  is coupled to the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2802  and mounted on the housing  2803 . Alternatively, the computing system  2803  may be remotely located and couple with the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2802  via a wireless system.  
         [0113]     Referring now to  FIG. 29 , a laser light indicia and reading assembly  2902  included in a boring device system  2900 , is shown. The laser light indicia and reading assembly  2902  is coupled to a computing system  2903  and may establish one or a plurality of depth indication points. This may be accomplished by a single laser source rotating identification points in series or multiple laser sources may be included within the laser light indicia and reading assembly  2902  to provide multiple identification points. As the boring bit  2904  proceeds through the work piece  2906  the laser light indicia and reading assembly is enabled to monitor the progress. When the boring bit  2904  reaches the desired depth the laser light indicia and reading assembly will provide an indication to the user of the boring device system  2900 . As discussed previously, the indication may be provided through light emitting diodes, or the like.  
         [0114]     A rotating laser apparatus  3000  including a first housing member  3002 , a second housing member  3004 , and a computing system  3006  is shown in  FIGS. 30 through 37 . The first housing member  3002  includes a first laser source  3014 , a second laser source  3016 , a communication port  3018 , a first coupling port  3020 , a second coupling port  3022 , and a grip  3024 . The first housing member may include a mounting member, a latch, and a release mechanism as described previously in  FIG. 1 . The second housing member  3004  includes a third laser source  3026 , a fourth laser source  3028 , and a grip  3030 . The second housing member  3004  may also include a mounting member, a latch, and a release mechanism as described previously in  FIG. 1 . The communication port  3018  provides communicative linkage to all four laser sources disposed within the first and the second housing members.  
         [0115]     In the current embodiment, the computing system  3006  is coupled with the first housing member  3002 . The computing system  3006  is similar to the computing system  104  described previously. The computing system includes a first selector  3032 , a second selector  3034 , and a third selector  3036 . Further, a display screen  3038  provides an interactive medium for a user who is operating the rotating laser apparatus  3000 . Additionally, the computing system  3006  includes a communication adapter  3038  for coupling with the communication port  3018  disposed on the first housing member  3002 . The computing system also includes a first mounting member  3040  and a second mounting member  3042  for engaging with the first and second coupling ports  3020  and  3022  disposed on the first housing member  3002 . A first button  3044  and a second button  3046  operably engage with the first and second mounting members to perform a latch and release function enabling a user to secure the computing system  3006  to the first housing member  3002  and remove the computing system  3006  from the first housing member  3002 . An indicator  3048  is included on the computing system  3006  to provide a user feedback on whether the computing system  3006  is in communication with the four laser sources.  
         [0116]     The two housing members  3002  and  3004  are coupled by a rotation mechanism  3008 . The rotation mechanism  3008  comprises a joint  3010  coupled with an angle measurement device  3012 . The angle measurement device  3012  includes teeth along the outer edge, away from the joint  3010 . The teeth of the angle measurement device are engaged by a ratchet arm  3050  coupled on one end with a coiled compression spring mechanism  3052  and an activation mechanism  3054  on the other end. In the present embodiment, the ratchet arm  3050  and the coiled compression spring mechanism  3052  are disposed on the inside of the second housing member  3004  in a position proximal to the angle measurement device  3012 . The activation mechanism  3054  extends through the second housing member  3004  allowing the user to depress an activation push button and adjust the angle of the second housing member  3004  relative to the first housing member  3002 .  
         [0117]     Preferably, joint  3010  is a hinge that allows the first and second housing members to be rotated along two axes, as shown in  FIGS. 31 through 35 . It is understood that the joint  3010  may be a variety of devices which enable such functionality as may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the angle measurement device  3012  indicates to a user of the rotating laser apparatus  3000  the degree that the first housing member  3002  is relative to the second housing member  3004 . The position of the angle measurement device  3012  is fixed relative to the first housing member  3002 . The fixed positioning of the angle measurement device  3012  may be accomplished by coupling the angle measurement device  3012  to the first housing member  3002 , the joint  3010 , or other methods as may be contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The second housing member  3004  is allowed to slide freely over the angle measurement device  3012  as it is rotated relative to the first housing member  3002 .  
         [0118]     Alternatively, the rotation mechanism may be comprised of a variety of systems, such as a hydraulic system, compression system, or the like. Further, the user engagement device (i.e., the activation push button of the exemplary embodiment) may be other mechanisms as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the rotation mechanism may be engaged directly by the user, as described above, or the rotation mechanism may be in communication with the computing system and the user may enter the desired angle and the rotation mechanism may set the rotating laser apparatus  3000  in the desired position.  
         [0119]     In the present embodiment, each of the two housing members include two laser sources. The first housing member  3002  includes a first laser source  3014  and a second laser source  3016 . The second housing member  3004  includes a third laser source  3026  and a fourth laser source  3028 . As shown in  FIG. 35 , the laser sources  3014 ,  3016 ,  3026 , and  3028  may form a virtual grid allowing the user to specify a particular location for the execution of a function. Alternatively, the rotating laser apparatus  3000  may include a fewer or greater number of laser sources disposed within each of the housing members.  
         [0120]     As discussed above, the computing system  3006  is similar to the computing system described previously in  FIGS. 1 through 29 . In the present embodiment, the computing system  3006  is in communication with the laser sources  3014 ,  3016 ,  3026 , and  3028 , and mounts upon the first housing member  3002 . It is contemplated that the coupling of the computing system  3006  may occur upon the second housing member  3004 . Exemplary interactive displays, readable on the computing system  2405 , are shown in  FIGS. 31, 36  and  37 . The interactive displays may provide the user a display of the status of the laser source(s), the angle between the first and second housing members, the type of pattern to established, and gather information from the laser beams. Further, when the computing system  3006  is in communication with the rotation mechanism  3008  an interactive display on the computing system  3006  may allow the user to enter the desired angle and have the rotation mechanism set to that angle.  
         [0121]     Referring now to  FIG. 38 , a flowchart illustrating the functional steps achieved using the interactive display of the computing system  3006  of the rotating laser apparatus  3000 , is shown. In step  3810  the interactive display  3008  of the computing system  3006  asks the user to specify if an angle is required for the current assignment. The angle referred to is the angle that the first housing member  3002  is at relative to the second housing member  3004 . If the user responds in the affirmative to this query then the user is asked to specify the angle required in step  3820 . After the angle has been specified or if no angle is required for the current assignment, as directed by the user inputting the information through the interactive display  3008  of the computing system  3006 , then in step  3830  the laser pattern is established.  
         [0122]     Establishing the laser pattern occurs by the user being asked on the interactive display to specify the laser pattern required. In step  3840  the user is asked if the laser pattern is a straight laser pattern. If the user responds affirmatively, indicating that a straight laser pattern is to be established, then in step  3860  the laser signal is sent to establish the straight pattern. If in step  3840  a user indicates that a straight pattern is not desired then the user is asked, in step  3850 , if a cross pattern is to be established. If the user responds to this query by indicating that a cross pattern is not to be established then the computing system  3006  returns to step  3830  and the interactive display prompts the user that the laser pattern setting must be established. It is contemplated that the computing system  3006 , through the interactive display  3008 , may allow for the user to manually enter a laser pattern to be established. If the user responds to the query of step  3850  in the affirmative, indicating that a cross pattern is to be established, then in step  3860  the laser signal is sent to establish the cross pattern.  
         [0123]     Referring now to  FIG. 39 , a laser apparatus  3900 , is shown. In the current embodiment, the laser apparatus  3900  comprises a housing  3902  and a laser source  3904  coupled with the housing  3902 . The housing  3902  further includes a first optical splitter  3906 , a second optical splitter  3908 , and a third optical splitter  3910 . Further, the housing includes a first optical reflector  3912 . Each of the optical splitters and the optical reflector is disposed within the housing  3902  in proximal location to a first emitter  3914 , a second emitter  3916 , a third emitter  3918 , and a fourth emitter  3920 , respectively.  
         [0124]     The optical splitters function to split an incident laser beam received into two or more refracted laser beams. For example, in  FIG. 39 , an incident laser beam  3922  from the laser source  3904  strikes the first optical splitter  3906  whereupon the incident laser beam is divided into a first laser beam  3924  and a second laser beam  3926 . The first laser beam  3924  is directed to the first emitter  3314  where it is emitted from the housing across an operational field. The operational field may be a variety of work area, such as those found on a table saw, drill press, belt sander, lathe, or the like. The second refracted laser beam  3926  is directed towards the second optical splitter  3908 . In effect, the second laser beam  3926  is the incident laser beam for the second optical splitter  3908  whereupon striking the second optical splitter the second refracted laser beam is divided into a third laser beam  3928  and a fourth laser beam  3930 . The third laser beam  3928  is directed to the second emitter  3916  where it is emitted form the housing across the operational field. The fourth laser beam  3930  becomes the incident laser beam for the third optical splitter  3910 . The third optical splitter  3910  divides the laser beam into a fifth laser beam  3932  and a sixth laser beam  3934 . The fifth laser beam  3932  is directed to the third emitter  3918  where it is emitted from the housing across the operational field. The sixth laser beam  3934  becomes the incident laser beam for the first optical reflector  3912 . The first optical reflector  3912  directs the laser beam to the fourth emitter  3920  where it is emitted from the housing across the operational field.  
         [0125]     A single laser source may reduce the power consumption of the current invention and provide a more effective way to deal with heat build up, which is inherent within a laser beam generating source. In an alternate embodiment the laser source may be a modular laser source capable of being inserted and removed from the housing of the laser apparatus. This may increase operational safety and provide an easier method of caring for the laser source by being able to remove it and store it in a separate location. Additionally, a variety of laser sources may be enabled to couple with the housing of the laser apparatus of the current invention. Thus, the user of the laser apparatus with a modular laser source has the capability of inserting the appropriate laser source for the job to be accomplished. For example, the user may need a simple laser source for one job and then require a laser source with a dithering assembly for another job. Additionally, the user may require a smaller output laser source in one situation and a larger output laser source in another. The needed functionality required by the user may be easily enabled with multiple modular laser sources with differing functional capabilities.  
         [0126]     Referring now to  FIG. 40 , a laser apparatus  4000  is shown. In the present embodiment the laser apparatus  4000  comprises a housing  4002  coupled with a computing system  4004 . Preferably, the computing system  4004  is similar to the computing systems described previously, except that in the present embodiment the computing system  4004  includes a laser source  4006 . The housing includes a first optical splitter  4008 , a first optical reflector  4010 , a second optical splitter  4012 , a third optical splitter  4014 , and a second optical reflector  4016 . The housing further includes a first emitter  4018 , a second emitter  4020 , a third emitter  4022 , and a fourth emitter  4024 .  
         [0127]     The laser source  4006  emits an incident laser beam into the housing  4002  which is then split by a first optical splitter  4008  into a first laser beam  4026  and a second laser beam  4028 . The first laser beam  4026  is directed to the first optical reflector  4010  where it is reflected through the first optical emitter  4018  and emitted across an operational field. The second laser beam  4028  is directed to the second optical splitter  4008  which divides the second laser beam into a third laser beam  4030  and a fourth laser beam  4032 . The third laser beam  4030  is directed through the second emitter  4020  across the operational field and the fourth laser beam  4032  becomes the incident laser beam for the third optical splitter  4012 . The third optical splitter  4010  divides the fourth laser beam  4032  into a fifth laser beam  4034  and a sixth laser beam  4036 . The fifth laser beam  4034  is directed through the third emitter  4022  across the operation field and the sixth laser beam  4036  becomes the incident laser beam for the second optical reflector  4014 . Upon striking the second optical reflector  4014 , the sixth laser beam  4036  is reflected through the fourth optical emitter  4024  and emitted across the operational field.  
         [0128]     In an additional embodiment, the laser apparatus may include an optical splitter control mechanism. This mechanism may allow a user to determine the number of laser beams emitted from the housing of the laser apparatus. This may be beneficial when the laser apparatus is being used in situations where the size of the work surface and other components are constantly changing. For example, on a table saw all four emitters may need to be engaged to cover the work surface presented. However, a drill press may have a much smaller working surface and using more than two emitters may not be beneficial to gathering the needed information as they may be outside the scope of the work surface available.  
         [0129]     Referring now to  FIG. 41 , a rotation laser apparatus  4100  including a single laser source  4102 , is shown. The single laser source  4102  emits an incident laser beam  4104  which is split by a first optical splitter  4106  and a second optical splitter  4108 . The laser beam is also reflected by a first optical reflector  4110  and a second optical reflector  4112 . The optical splitters and reflectors function in the same manner as described previously in  FIGS. 39 and 40 . In the present embodiment the single laser source  4102  is located within the joint  4114  connecting a first housing member  4116  to a second housing member  4118 . Power may be provided through a portable power source or a power cord as described in previous figures.  
         [0130]     A rotation laser apparatus  4200  including a first laser source  4202  and a second laser source  4204 , is shown in  FIG. 39 . In the present embodiment a first housing member  3606  is disposed on one end with the first laser source  3602  and connected at the opposite end, through joint  3608 , to a second housing member  3610 . The second housing member  3610  is disposed on the opposite end of its connection to the joint  3608  with the second laser source  3604 . The first housing member  3606  further includes a first optical splitter  3612  and a first optical reflector  3614 . The second housing member  3610  further includes a second optical splitter  4216  and a second optical reflector  4218 . The operation of the splitters and reflectors is similar to that previously described in  FIGS. 39 and 40 .  
         [0131]     In both  FIGS. 41 and 42  the number and configuration of optical splitters and reflectors may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. It is understood that the laser sources shown in the present embodiments are exemplary and may not be read as limiting or exclusive. As discussed in  FIGS. 39 and 40  the laser apparati of  FIGS. 41 and 42  may includes photo multipliers of various configurations in order to provide additional functionality to the laser apparatus. Alternatively, the laser sources provided in  FIGS. 41 and 42  may be modular. The laser sources may be removed from the joint or the housing members and replaced with alternate laser sources.  
         [0132]     Referring now to  FIG. 43 , a laser apparatus  4300  is shown. The laser apparatus  4300  comprises a housing  4302  disposed with a laser source  4304 . The housing is further disposed with a first optical splitter  4306 , a second optical splitter  4308 , a third optical splitter  4310 , and an optical reflector  4312 . The functionality of the optical splitters and the optical reflector is similar to that described in  FIGS. 39 through 42 . Additionally, the housing includes a first emitter  4314 , a second emitter  4316 , a third emitter  4318  and a fourth emitter  4320 .  
         [0133]     In the present embodiment, a plurality of light signal enhancing instruments  4322 ,  4324 ,  4326 , and  4328 . These light signal enhancing instruments may be photomultipliers comprising a variety of designs, such as photomultiplier end-on tubes, side-on photomultipliers, or the like. The photomultipliers may accept an incident laser beam and intensify the light signal by increasing the number of electrons in order to maintain sufficient light signal strength as the laser beam is being passed down from one optical splitter to the next. Further, the light signal enhancing instruments may be positioned in front of the emitters in order to provide optimum light signal output.  
         [0134]     Alternatively, the light signal enhancing instruments may include a secondary laser source, such that the incident laser beam received has its signal strength increased. For example, a low power laser source may be included within the light signal enhancing instrument which contributes a second light signal to the existing laser beam in order to make up for a loss of light signal intensity. Such a system of multiple light signal enhancing instruments may decrease production costs by substituting low power laser sources for separate and independent laser sources located throughout the laser apparatus. It is understood that the configuration and numbers of light signal enhancing instruments may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0135]     Referring now to  FIGS. 44, 45 , and  46 , a laser apparatus  4400  is shown. In the current embodiment, the laser apparatus  4400  comprises a housing  4402  including a leveling mechanism  4404  and a wireless receiver  4406 . The housing  4402  further includes a communication port  4407 , an attachment adapter  4408 , and an attachment receiver  4410 . Additionally, the housing  4402  includes a first laser source  4412 , a second laser source  4414 , a third laser source  4416 , and a fourth laser source  4418 .  
         [0136]     The leveling mechanism  4404  enables a user to determine the level characteristics of the laser apparatus  4400  in any location. Previous embodiments of the laser apparatus showed the leveling mechanism within the mounting assembly. By placing the leveling mechanism within the housing  4402 , the user may establish accurate placements in locations such as on a wall for use in mounting a drop ceiling, as shown in  FIG. 46 .  
         [0137]     The laser sources  4412  through  4418  are similar to the laser sources shown and described previously. It is contemplated that a laser source may be located to emit a laser beam from either end of the housing  4402 . For example, a laser source may be positioned within the attachment adapter  4408 . By placing the laser source at either end of the housing the laser apparatus  4400  may be enabled to determine the level characteristics of objects located along a flat surface to which the laser apparatus  4400  is mounted, such as a picture on a wall or the like.  
         [0138]     The wireless receiver  4406  enables communication between the laser apparatus  4400  and a computing device  4502 , shown in  FIG. 45 . In alternate embodiments the computing system may be communicatively coupled to the laser apparatus using a variety of systems, such as serial cable, Bluetooth, Infrared, or the like. The wireless communication system allows a user to mount the laser apparatus  4400  in a remote location, such as that shown in  FIG. 46 , and receive information on the computing system  4502 . For example, shown in  FIG. 46 , the laser apparatus  4400  is mounted to a wall to provide leveling information for a drop ceiling. A first laser beam  4602  and a second laser beam  4604  are shown striking a support rail  4606  for the drop ceiling. In this situation the laser apparatus may communicate to the computing system that the support rail  4606  is not level at the two identified points. A third laser beam  4608  and a fourth laser beam  4610  may provide no such indication that the support rail  4606  is out of level. Thus, a user is informed not only of the misalignment but also where along the support rail  4606  the misalignment is occurring.  
         [0139]     The attachment adapter  4408  and the attachment receiver  4410  enable linking of one laser apparatus to another. As shown in  FIG. 45 , a plurality of laser apparatus  4400  may be connected. In this embodiment, the multiple laser apparatus are in communication with the computing system  4502 . It is contemplated that the attachment adapter and attachment receiver provide a communicative link between each of the laser apparatus  4400  allowing a single computing system to control all connected laser apparatus. Alternately, each laser apparatus may receive the wireless signal  4504  being sent out by the computing system  4502 .  
         [0140]     It is understood the leveling mechanism  4404  may be disposed within any of the previous embodiments of the laser apparatus, shown in  FIG. 1  or  30 . It is further understood that the laser apparatus  4400  may include mounting members and latch and release mechanisms, such as those previously shown and described in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, a mounting assembly for connecting the laser apparatus  4400  to a wall or other vertical surface is contemplated. The communication port  4407  enables a computing system to communicate with the laser sources  4412  through  4418 . The housing  4402  of the laser apparatus  4400  may be disposed with both the wireless receiver  4406  and the communication port  4407  or one or the other.  
         [0141]      FIGS. 47 through 53  illustrate an exemplary graphical-user-interface for use with embodiments of the present invention, wherein (a) blade-to-fence distance; (b) blade bevel; and (c) blade height, are illustrated on a single interface screen.  
         [0142]     The  
         [0143]     In the exemplary embodiments, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.  
         [0144]     It is believed that the laser apparatus for use with power tools of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
A table saw allows a user to operate the table saw through a graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device. The graphical user interface correlates user engageable selectors with a logically related menu of table saw setting options displayed on a display screen in a high quality and easily readable format. The non-contact measurement and alignment device uses one or more lasers to determine table saw settings and establish proper alignment based on user needs.