Patent ID: 8248620

Claim:
An object detection device comprising: a laser measuring scanner movably disposed on a linear actuator wherein the laser measuring scanner is capable of emitting and detecting a laser beam within an angular sweep that includes an angle of between about 45 degrees and about 90 degrees, wherein the laser measuring scanner is capable of taking a plurality of linear distance measurements taken at increment intervals of between about 0.25 degrees and about 2 degrees within the angular sweep, and wherein the laser measuring scanner is also capable of communicating at least one signal containing data associated with the laser beam; and a layer sensing controller capable of accepting the at least one signal communicated from the laser measuring scanner wherein the layer sensing controller uses the at least one signal to determine a set of coordinates of an object being detected that is within a range and scope of the laser beam, wherein the linear actuator is vertically mounted and wherein the linear actuator is repositioned by an actuator mechanism that comprises at least one of either a belt actuator or a screw type actuator, wherein the linear actuator includes a servo motor driven to within +/−1 mm linear accuracy, and wherein the linear actuator has mounting points which accommodate a mounting bracket and a sensor for the laser measuring scanner that allow the sensor to be positioned and repositioned in relation to the object being detected.