Patent ID: 6735879
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: G01B,G01C

Abstract:
A line generating device, comprising:a housing comprising a support face that substantially extends along a first planar surface; a light source mounted within the housing; a power supply connected to the light source; a projection lens that receives light and projects the light in the shape of a fan, wherein the housing and the fan substantially lies within a second planar surface that intersects the first planar surface at an angle; at least one reference level on an outside of the housing; a retractable pin extending from the line generating device; an aperture in the housing, the aperture providing an exit for the light and a cover switchably connected to the power supply, wherein when the cover moves to a first position the light source is connected to the power supply and the cover does not substantially block the exit and when the cover moves to a second position the light source is not connected to the power supply and the cover substantially blocks the exit; and a lever that contacts the pin and is attached to the line generating device, whereby the lever is manually actuated without use of external factors other than direct human contact for pushing the retractable pin into a surface.