Patent ID: 8085410
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: G01B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A self-contained and fully portable projected scanning laser device in combination with at least one camouflaged and otherwise difficult-to-see small three-dimensional object laying on a relatively flat surface at an unknown variable distance away from a user of said device, with said device projecting a laser beam closely above the relatively flat surface while touching little of the surface itself, the beam very vividly illuminating each camouflaged and otherwise difficult-to-see small three-dimensional object and causing it to brightly glow only as a result of direct contact with the projected laser beam of light for immediate identification of object location and easy retrieval thereof, said projected scanning laser device comprising: a small and lightweight housing configured for easy grasping by a human adult hand, said housing also having a substantially planar bottom interior surface; a laser module within said housing, said laser module located in close proximity to and substantially parallel with said substantially planar bottom interior surface of said housing so as to become longitudinally aligned therewith, while also configured and positioned to project a laser beam of light with a broad field of view beyond said housing in a plane just above and very close to said bottom interior surface, the beam oriented and positioned to make contact primarily with at least one small three-dimensional object located on a relatively flat surface when said bottom interior surface of said housing is very closely aligned with the flat surface, the projected beam causing each object it contacts to become very vividly illuminated and glow brightly while concurrently contacting very little of the relatively flat surface supporting the object; activation means associated with said housing and adapted for causing said laser module to project a laser beam of light with a broad field of view; at least one battery compartment located within said housing and containing at least one battery; and electrical connection means adapted for electrically interconnecting said activation means, said laser module, and said at least one battery to provide electrical power from said battery to said laser module after said activation means is engaged and thereby permit said laser beam with a broad field of view to be projected beyond said housing; wherein said housing further comprises at least one light source configured and positioned to project a beam of light with a broad field of view beyond said housing and onto a non-flat surface, the beam sufficiently bright to illuminate the non-flat surface and small three-dimensional objects supported by the non-flat surface.