`6,062,702
`(11) Patent Number:
`United States Patent 55
`Krietzman
`[45] Date of Patent:
`May16, 2000
`
`
`[54] LASER LIGHT
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman, 25550
`Hawthorne Blvd. Suite 101, Torrance,
`Calif. 90505
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/918,514
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`7/1987 Parker vcsccecccsssssssessssssseesessseee 362/158
`
`8/1994 Huang....
`« 362/259
`9/1994 Maglica .
`.. 362/158
`
`9/1994 Parker cecccsssscsssseesssseessaeeeen 362/158
`
`4,680,682
`5,343,376
`5,349,506
`5,349,507
`
`[22]
`
`[60]
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 21, 1997
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 60/043,192, Apr. 16, 1997.
`
`Primary Examiner—Thomas M. Sember
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Mark Krietzman
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`
`[51]
`
`F21K 7/00; F21L 7/00
`Int. C1.”
`ras >
`
`[52] US. CD. eccccccecccecnee 362/158; 362/259; 362/184;
`362/205
`
`[58] Field of Search 2.000.000. 362/158, 184,
`362/205, 206, 259, 203
`
`A novel hand held waterproof or submersible laser Ulumi-
`nation device which provides for prolonged precise con-
`trolled illumination. The present invention also provides for
`a combination generalized illumination and selectable pre-
`cise laser outputs.
`
`29 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Parhelion, Inc.
`EXHIBIT
`
`1004
`
`0000293
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`6,062,702
`
`May 16, 2000
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`0000294
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`May 16, 2000
`
`6,062,702
`
`0000295
`
`
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`6,062,702
`
`May 16, 2000
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`0000296
`
`
`
`6,062,702
`
`2
`It is yet another object of the inventionto provide a novel
`hand held all weather flashlight and laser light.
`It is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
`hand held submersible flashlight and laser light with select-
`able diffuse laser output.
`It is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
`hand held submersible flashlight and laser light with select-
`able pattern laser output.
`The features of the invention believed to be novel are set
`forth with particularity in the appended claims. The inven-
`tion itself, however, both as to configuration, and method of
`operation, and the advantages thereof, may be best under-
`stood by reference to the following descriptions taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG.1Aillustrates a cut-away side assembly view of the
`preferred embodimentof the laser light.
`FIG. 1B illustrates a cut-away side view of the preferred
`embodimentof the laser light.
`FIG. 2A illustrates a partial, cut-away side assembly view
`of an alternate embodimentof the laser light with overlens.
`FIG.2B illustrates a partial, top view of the embodiment
`of FIG. 2A assembled.
`FIG. 2C illustrates a front view of FIG. 2B.
`
`FIG.2D illustrates a front view of the selectable output of
`FIG. 2C.
`
`FIG. 3A illustrates a partial, cut-away side assembly view
`of the preferred embodiment of a wide spectrum flashlight
`with laser light.
`FIG.3B illustrates a cut-away rear view of the embodi-
`ment of FIG. 3A, at line A—A.
`FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of the embodimentof FIG.
`3A.
`
`MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`Referring now to the drawings,there is illustrated in FIG.
`1A a cut-away assembly side view of the preferred embodi-
`ment of the laser light generally designated 10.
`The generally tubular housing 11 is of a size and shape
`which allows the insertion of one or more a batteries 150, a
`removable solid state laser diode 100, (held in place within
`a circular diode guide 12 formed within the housing), and a
`front spacing spring 151 for controlling battery 150 contact
`with the laser emitting diode 100.
`The batteries 150 are inserted into the rear of the housing
`13. The outer wall of the rear of the housing 13 is circularly
`groved 14 to secure a rubberorsilicone O-ring 15 firmly in
`place and has circular coarse threads 16. An end cap 17 with
`internal threads 18 corresponding to the course threads 16 is
`screwed on to the housing 13 over the O-ring 15 to seal the
`device 10. The rear-cap 17 also contains a contact spring 19
`for controlling battery 150 contact with the laser emitting
`diode 100 and a one-way pressure relief valve 20 to vent
`battery 150 gases.
`Atthe front end of the housing 21, the diode guide 12 is
`internally threaded 22. The diode guide 12 abuts a diode stop
`23 which is used to inhibit rearward movementof the laser
`emitting diode 100.
`The laser emitting diode 100 is readily available and is
`knownart. The diode comprises a laser beam module with
`a control circuit. Since the laser emitting diode is well
`
`1
`LASER LIGHT
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`The within invention claims the benefit, under Title 35,
`United States Code 119 (ec), of two Provisional Application:
`60/043,192,filed Apr. 16, 1997.
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention relates to hand held lighting
`This present
`devices, and more particularly to a novel hand held water-
`proof or submersible laser light and laser flashlight, for
`illumination, communication, targeting, presentations, and
`measurement.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Those experienced with diving will recall that inexpen-
`sive underwater communication is normally a combination
`of writing tablets, hand signals and nods. Watertight flash-
`lights may solve some problems but do not provide the
`precise highly visible illumination and communication a
`submersible laser emitting illuminator yields.
`Watertight flashlights are useful to ensure the integrity
`and reliability of operation in wet and harsh environments.
`In the underwater environment
`the users ability to see
`clearly, communicate verbally, and dexterity are limited by
`the breathing equipment and the dampening effect of the
`water. Also, often in non-underwater environments verbal
`communication maybe restricted or limited.
`A submersible laser light is visible in day and night
`situations and enhances a divers ability to communicate.
`Providing selectable laser outputs further enhances clear
`communication and illumination.
`
`10
`
`25
`
`In both diving and non-diving situations a flashlight
`which produces both a general area of illumination and a
`precise controlled laser illumination would be useful.
`The present invention provides a novel illumination sys-
`tem for prolonged precise selectable laser communication
`and precise controlled laser illumination. The present inven-
`tion also provides for a combination generalized illumina-
`tion and precise laser illumination.
`SUMMARYOF INVENTION
`
`40
`
`45
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a
`novel hand held laser light.
`It is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
`hand held submersible laser light.
`ioe)
`t is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
`hand held submersible laser illuminator which can transmit
`a narrow focused output, underwater, to activate a remote
`wavelength specific submersible photoactive sensor with
`audible output.
`=
`tis yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
`hand held submersible laser light with selectable diffuse
`output.
`—
`t is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
`hand held submersible laser light with selectable pattern
`output.
`tis yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
`hand held submersible flashlight and laser light.
`oe)
`tis yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
`hand held flashlight and laser light.
`
`
`
`= i
`
`0000297
`
`
`
`6,062,702
`
`3
`known in the art, it is unnecessary to present a detailed
`statement of its construction in the present invention.
`For the preferred embodiment a laser emitting source in
`the visible range is used. The most compact source is a
`solid-state diode in the 532-690 nm range. Diode-pumped,
`CW diode, Q-switched diode, solid-state, solid-state CW,
`solid-state Q-switched, gas, dye, ion, or rare-earth element
`laser emitting sources may be used in placeofthe solid state
`diode when appropriate for the intended usage. For surveil-
`lance uses, search and rescue or other applications which use
`night vision or machine vision coupled with a non-visible
`spectrum illumination a laser emitting diode in the x-ray,
`ultraviolet or infrared spectrum may be substituted for the
`visible spectrum laser emitting diode.
`Extending from the rear 101 ofthe laser emittingis a first
`conductive contact 102 and a second conductive contact 103
`both affixed to a cylindrical contact neck 110. Within the
`housing 11 a rear contact strip 152 of a conductive material
`is affixed axially within the device.
`To seal the diode 100 within the housing 11 and allow the
`light emitted therefrom to exit the housing 11 a transparent
`lens cap 24 is provided. The transparent lens cap 24isfinely
`threaded 25 to match the threads 22 provided within the
`diode guide 12 andis also circularly groved (not shown) to
`secure a front O-ring 26. When screwedinto the diode guide
`12 the transparent
`lens cap 24 and O-ring 26 form a
`watertightseal.
`Referring now FIG. 1B, there is illustrated a cut-away
`side view of the assembled preferred embodiment of the
`laser light generally designated 10.
`The assembled device 10 is shownin the on position. The
`laser emitting diodes second contact 103 is firmly against the
`front battery terminal 153. The rear battery terminal 154 is
`in contact with the rear contact spring which connects to the
`rear contact strip which is in contact with the laser emitting
`diodes first contact 102 thereby completing the circuit which
`provides current
`to the diode which produces the laser
`output 104. The laser output 104 exits the device 10 via the
`transparent lens 24. To stop the flow of current to the laser
`emitting diode 100 the end cap 17 may be rotated counter-
`clockwise which causes it to unscrew alongtheline of arrow
`300 and release the compression on the front spacing spring
`151 thereby breaking the contact between the front battery
`terminal 153 and the laser emitting diodes first contact 102.
`Referring now FIG. 2A,there is illustrated a cut-away
`partial side assembly view of an alternate embodimentof the
`laser light generally designated 30.
`The device 30 is constructed around the tubular housing
`11 of the preferred embodiment. Formed as part of the
`housing 11 are a plurality of overlens guides 31 and a
`momentary switch guide 32.
`The interchangeable overlens assembly 33 rotatably snaps
`overthe overlens guides 31 and encasesthe front of the laser
`light 21. A plurality of perpendicular legs 34 extending
`around the circumference of the overlens face 35 are of a
`size and shape which removably and rotatably snap over the
`overlens guides 31. The overlens face 35 is constructed of a
`material which allows the passage and shaping of the laser
`output 104. Within the face of the overlens 35 are a series of
`discreet lens elements 35¢ & 35c. The discreet elements are
`positioned in-line with the laser output 104 which, passes
`from the diode 100 through the transparent lens 24. Not
`shown is the complete simple electrical circuit supplying
`current to the diode which is known art.
`
`
`
`
`The wavelength specific laser output 104 may be diffused
`or formed into a wide variety and type of shapes and patterns
`
`20
`
`30
`
`40
`
`45
`
`65
`
`4
`specific to the characteristics of the discreet elements, par-
`tially shown, 35a & 35c. The exact degree of pattern
`forming or diffusion of the output is dependent on the
`intended use.
`Material choice for the discreet elements 35a & 35c
`include convex lenses, concave lenses, conical lenses, mag-
`nifying lenses, condensing lenses, Fresnel lenses, diffusion
`lenses, interference pattern generating gratings, cross-hair
`generator lens, straight line generator lenses, pattern gen-
`erator lenses, diffractive pattern generators, holographic
`diffusers, optical diffusion glass, optical diffusion plastic,
`diffusion filters, circular diffusers, elliptical diffusers, off-
`axis lenses, off-axis holographic filters, or off-axis holo-
`graphicdiffusers all yield controllable and selectable results.
`For the present device 30 a series of diffusion elements
`and pattern generating gratings form the parts of the over-
`lens face 35. To cause the laser output 104 to pass through
`a selected discreet element the overlens 35 may be rotated
`around the overlens guides 31 in line with the laser output
`104.
`Within the roughly cylindrical housing 11 a solid state
`laser emitting diode 100 is removably affixed. Current from
`the batteries 150 is supplied to the laser emitting diode 100
`via the diodesfirst 102 and second 103 conductive contacts
`both affixed to cylindrical contact neck 110. The front
`terminal of the battery 153 is in contact with the diodesfirst
`contact 102. A rotating momentary switch 155 is sealed
`within the switch guide 32 which traverses from the exterior
`to the interior of the device 30. Not shownis the rear of the
`device 30 and the rear terminal of the battery, the end cap,
`or the contact spring. The rear terminal ofthe batteries (not
`shown)is attachedto the rotating momentary switch 155 via
`a conductive strip 156 which contacts the conductive mem-
`ber 157 of the rotating momentary switch 155. The conduc-
`tive member can be rotated into contact with the diodes
`second contact 103 to complete a circuit. It is envisioned that
`other types of switches, momentary switches, spring loaded
`switches and locking switches well knownin the art may be
`used.
`Referring now FIG. 2B, there is illustrated an assembled
`partial top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A, generally
`designated 30.
`The assembled device 30 is shownin the on position. The
`rotating momentary switch 155 is activated by pressure
`appliedat the finger grip 158 along theline of arrow 301, the
`flexible spring end 159 is secured within the switch guide 32
`and distorts in a reciprocal response to the pressure being
`applied. Not shownisthe rotation of the conductive member
`156 within the device 30 and the connection with the diodes
`second contact. When the pressure is released the flexible
`spring end 159 will undistorted and the rotating momentary
`switch 155 will return to the off position.
`The enhanced laser output 105 is shown after its passage
`from the laser emitting diode 100 through a selected discreet
`element of the overlens 355. To increase ease of rotation of
`the overlens for selecting a discreet element 35 ribs 36 may
`be extended from outer wall of one or more of the perpen-
`dicular legs 34.
`Referring now FIG. 2C,there is illustrated a front view of
`the embodiment of FIG. 2B generally designated 30.
`The face 35 of the overlens 33 is divided into a plurality
`of discreet elements 35a—d and each element has distinct
`diffusion and pattern generating characteristics. The ribs 36
`positioned around the overlens 33 provide for ease of
`griping and rotation.
`Referring now FIG. 2D, a front view of the selectable
`output of FIG. 2C, generally designated 105.
`
`0000298
`
`
`
`6,062,702
`
`5
`The small output 105q is a diffuse spot with a fan angle
`of between 0.1 and 1 degree. The large output 1055 is a
`diffuse spot with a fan angle of between 1.01 and 5 degrees.
`The hoop output 105c is with a non-illuminated center
`results from passing the laser output 104 through a pattern
`generating grating. The cross hair output 105d also results
`from passing the laser output 104 through a pattern gener-
`ating grating. The patterns shown are for illustration pur-
`poses only and are not intended to be a limitation on the
`possible patterns and pattern combinations which may be
`generated by the device 30.
`Referring now FIG. 3A, there is illustrated a cut-away
`side assembly view of the preferred embodimentof a laser
`flashlight generally designated 40.
`The device 40 is constructed around the generally tubular
`housing 41, with an enlarged front 42 and an internal axial
`center divider 43, which divides the housing 41 into an
`upper chamber 41a@ and a lower chamber 41b. The upper
`chamberhasa sealed rear end 44 and the lower chamber has
`an open rear end 45. Both upper and lower chambers merge
`into the enlarged front 42.
`The upper chamber 41a contains the flashlight
`components, electrical circuit and batteries. The lower
`chamber 415 contains the laser components, electrical cir-
`cuit and batteries.
`
`The laser emitting diode 100 is readily available and is
`known art. The diode comprises a laser beam module with
`a control circuit. Since the laser emitting diode is well
`known in the art, it is unnecessary to present a detailed
`statement of its construction in the present invention.
`For the preferred embodimenta laser emitting source in
`the visible range is used. The most compact source is a
`solid-state diode in the 532-690 nm range. Diode-pumped,
`CW diode, Q-switched diode, solid-state, solid-state CW,
`solid-state Q-switched, gas, dye, ion, or rare-earth element
`laser emitting sources may be usedin placeofthe solid state
`diode when appropriate for the intended usage. For surveil-
`lance uses,search andrescueorother applications which use
`night vision or machine vision coupled with a non-visible
`spectrum illumination a laser emitting diode in the x-ray,
`ultraviolet or infrared spectrum may be substituted for the
`visible spectrum laser emitting diode.
`For the light component construction of the laser flash-
`light a plurality of batteries 150, a light bulb guide 200, a
`light bulb 201, a spacer spring 202, and a reflector dish 203
`are removably inserted the upper chamber 41a through the
`enlarged front 42. Formedas part of the reflector dish 203 is
`a stabilizer 204 which corresponds to the stabilizer guide
`slot 46 formed axially in the interior surface of the wall
`forming the enlarged front 42. The combination stabilizer
`204 and stabilizer guide slot 46 restrict entry of the reflector
`dish 203 to one orientation and prevent rotation.
`For the laser component construction of the laser
`flashlight, a laser emitting diode 100 is also mounted in the
`housing 41 through the enlarged front 42. The rear of the
`laser diode 101is affixed into the lower chamber 41b via a
`flexible one-way locking tab 47 which extends perpendicu-
`lar from the inner wall of the lower chamber 41b adjacentto
`the enlarged front 42. The one-way locking tab 47 will flex
`and distort to allow passage of the diode 100 into the lower
`chamber 41b. Once fully inserted the locking tab 47 will
`spring back and prevent the diode 100 from sliding forward.
`To inhibit rearward movementof the laser emitting diode
`100 a rotating momentary switch 155 is inserted and sealed
`within the switch guide 48 through the outer wall of the
`lower chamber 416 and behind the rear 101 of the laser
`
`20
`
`25
`
`40
`
`45
`
`6
`emitting diode. The rotating momentary switch 155 is of a
`size and shape to both make positive contact with the diodes
`first and second set of conductive contacts 102 & 103 and
`restrict rearward movementof the diode.
`A watertight and removable lens cover 49 is removably
`mounted overthe enlarged front 42 of the housing 41to seal
`the upper chamber and components. The lens cover 49 is cup
`shaped with a transparent planar face 50 and a annular
`circular wall 51 extends towards the enlarged front 42. The
`lens cover 49 is internally threaded with lens cover threads
`52 corresponding to the externally threaded 53 enlarged
`front 42.
`
`To create the watertight seal a large O-ring groove 54 is
`formed on the external surface of the enlarged front 42 and
`a large rubberorsilicone O-ring 55 is affixed snugly within
`the large O-ring groove 54. The lens cover 49 is attached to
`the enlarge front 42 by screwing it on. To simplify rotation
`and prevent slippage of a hand on the lens cover 49 a
`plurality of raised ribs 56 are formed around the outer
`surface of the annular circular wall 51.
`One or more batteries 150 supplying current to the laser
`emitting diode 100 are inserted through the open rear end 45
`of the lower chamber 415. The lower chamberis sealed by
`the lower chamber end cap 57 which has internal end cap
`threads 58 corresponding to the external housing threads 59
`formed around the rear end 45 of the lower chamber 41.
`Also formed within the end cap 57 is a one-way pressure
`valve 20 which allows any gases generated by the batteries
`or diode to escape while preventing intrusion of water. A
`watertight seal is formed between the outer surface of the
`rear end 45 of the lower chamber 415 and the end cap 47 via
`a small O-ring groove 60 containing a small rubber or
`silicone O-ring 61. The lower chamber end cap 57 is
`attached by rotating it in a clockwise fashion over the rear
`end 45 of the lower chamber 41b.
`The circuit supplying current to the diode is formed by
`screwing on the lower chamber end cap 57 which in-turn
`causes the conductive diode power spring 62 to contact with
`and urge the battery forward creating a positive contact
`between the diodes first contact 102 and the battery front
`terminal 153. To complete the circuit the conductive diode
`powerstrip 63 connects the rear battery terminal 154 with
`the rotating momentary switch 155.
`The laser diode 100 maybe activated independently or in
`concert with the light bulb 201. Whenactive, the laser output
`104 passes from behindthereflector dish 203 through a laser
`beam guide 205, of a size an orientation to allow unrestricted
`passage of the laser output 10, then through the transparent
`planar face 50 of the lens cover 49.
`To generate an enhanced the laser output 105, formed as
`part of, or affixed to, the transparent planar face 50 are a
`plurality of discreet elements 64a & 64k. The discreet
`elements 64a & 64kare oriented in the planar face 50 so that
`they may be rotated in-line with the laser output 104.
`The laser output 104 may be diffused and formed into a
`wide variety and type of shapes and patterns specific to the
`characteristics of the discreet elements 64a & 64k. The exact
`degree of pattern forming or diffusion of the output
`is
`dependent on the intended use. For the present device 40 a
`series of plastic diffusion elements and interference pattern
`generating gratings form the discreet elements 64a & 64k.
`Material choice for the discreet elements 64a & 64k
`include convex lenses, concave lenses, conical lenses, mag-
`nifying lenses, condensing lenses, Fresnel lenses, diffusion
`lenses, interference pattern generating gratings, cross-hair
`generator lens, straight line generator lenses, pattern gen-
`
`0000299
`
`
`
`6,062,702
`
`
`
`7
`
`
`erator lenses, diffractive pattern generators, holographic
`
`
`diffusers, optical diffusion glass, optical diffusion plastic,
`
`
`diffusion filters, circular diffusers, elliptical diffusers, off-
`
`axis lenses, off-axis holographic filters, or off-axis holo-
`graphic diffusers all yield controllable and selectable results.
`The light bulb 201 in this embodiment
`is Xenon or
`Halogengasfilled, however,it is envisioned that other types
`of light sourcesall well knownin the art may be used. In this
`embodimentfour batteries placed parallel in rows of two are
`connected in series. A rear contactstrip 65 affixed at the rear
`end of the upper chamber 41a. Theflashlight battery positive
`terminal 156 and the negative terminal (not shown) abut the
`light bulb guide contacts 157. The simple pressure circuit is
`knownart and is completed by urging the light bulb back
`within the light bulb guide 200 until it contacts with the
`positive and negative terminals. A spacer spring 202 sur-
`roundsthe light bulb 201 and is compressed by the action of
`tightening the lens cover 49 onto the housing 41 which
`pushesthe reflector dish 203 against the light bulb.
`Referring now FIG. 3B,
`there is illustrated a rear cut
`away, along line A—A,view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A,
`generally designated 40.
`Within the upper chamber 41a are the two ends 150a &
`150b of the two rowsof batteries powering the flashlight are
`connected at the rear via the rear contactstrip 65.
`The plurality of raised ribs 56 are evenly spaced around
`the outer surface of the annularcircular wall 51 to enhance
`ease of rotation of the lens cover 49.
`Referring now FIG.2C, thereis illustrated a front view of
`the embodiment of FIG. 3A generally designated 40.
`Formed within the planar face 50 are a plurality of
`discreet elements 64a & 64k. Between each discreet element
`64a & 64k is the transparent planar face 50 material which
`allows the un-enhance laser output 104 to pass from the
`device. When used in concert, the light bulb 201 produces a
`generalized wide spectrum illumination and the laser output,
`exiting the housing through the laser beam guide 205,
`producesthe precise shaped pattern or pin-pointillumination
`within the area of generalized illumination.
`Since certain changes may be madein the above appara-
`tus without departing from the scope of the invention herein
`involved, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above
`description, as shownin the accompanying drawing,shall be
`interpreted in an illustrative, and not a limiting sense.
`Whatis claimed is:
`1. A hand held submersiblelaserlight, adapted for under-
`walter use, comprising:
`(a) a hollow elongated casing having an open front and
`rear end and being substantially circular in cross-
`section with a outwardly protruding cylindrical neck
`forming a clear cover receiving front end and a cylin-
`drical end cap receiving back end;
`(b) a laser emitting source, with drive circuitry of a size
`and shape to mount removably within said hollow
`elongated casing;
`(c) a negative and positive electrical terminalaffixed on a
`contact neck affixed to, and protruding rearward from,
`said laser emitting source;
`(d) a substantially collimated laser illumination emitted
`by said laser emitting source;
`(e) a clear cover which mates with said clear cover
`receiving front end;
`(f) a end cap which mates with said end cap receiving
`back end;
`(g) a sealant means disposed between said clear cover
`receiving front end and said clear cover and between
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`8
`said end cap receiving back end and said end cap for
`providing a watertight seal between said clear cover
`receiving front end and said clear cover and between
`said end cap receiving back end and said end cap;
`(h) a series of one or more batteries inserted into said
`hollow elongated body; and,
`(i) a connection meansfor electrically connecting said
`contact neck to said batteries.
`2. The laser light according to claim 1, wherein said
`outwardly protruding cylindrical neck includes internal
`threads formed adjacentto said open front end and said clear
`cover has externally formed mating threads for mating with
`said neck threads.
`3. The laser light according to claim 1, wherein said back
`end includes external threads formed adjacent to said open
`back end and said end cap has internally formed mating
`threads for mating with said back end threads.
`4. The laser light according to claim 1, wherein said
`sealant means comprises one or more silicone or rubber
`O-rings.
`5. The laser light according to claim 1, wherein said
`meansfor electrically connecting comprises:
`(a) a manually operable means for telescopically moving
`said batteries along a longitudinal axis of said hollow
`casing; and,
`(b) a contact means responsive to the position of said
`batteries for selectively electrically coupling said con-
`tact neck to said batteries within said casing.
`6. The laser light according to claim 5, wherein said
`contact means is a conductive spring affixed to the internal
`wall of said end cap and attached to a axial conductive strip
`electrically connected to said negative electrical terminal
`affixed on said contact neck and said manually operable
`means for telescopically moving said batteries for electri-
`cally coupling to said laser emitting sources positive elec-
`trical terminal is the clockwise rotation of said end cap on
`said open back end.
`7. The laser light according to claim 1, wherein said
`connection means comprises:
`(a) a momentary pressure switch mounted through said
`casing with a depressible external head actuated via
`depressing said external head; and,
`(b) an internal contact responsive to the position of said
`external head.
`8. The laser light according to claim 1, wherein said
`electrical connection means is selected from the group of
`on/off switches consisting of momentary, push button, pres-
`sure sensitive, rotating, rotating momentary, variable resis-
`tance switches consisting of rotating, pressure sensitive, or
`momentary rotating.
`9. The laserlight according to claim 1, further comprising
`a one-way watertight venting valve for gas elimination.
`10. The laser light according to claim 1, further compris-
`ing a replaceable hydrogen catalyst for gas elimination.
`11. Thelaser light according to claim 1, wherein said laser
`emitting source is selected from the group consisting of
`diode-pumped, CW diode, Q-switched diode, solid-state,
`solid-state CW,solid-state Q-switched, gas, gas and metal,
`ion, dye, or rare-earth element lasers,
`12. A hand held submersible laser light, adapted for
`underwater use, comprising:
`(a) a hollow elongated casing having an open front and
`rear end and being substantially circular in cross-
`section with a outwardly protruding cylindrical neck
`forming a clear cover receiving front end and a cylin-
`drical end cap receiving back end;
`
`0000300
`
`
`
`6,062,702
`
`9
`(b) one or more laser emitting sourceswith drive circuitry
`and positive and negative electrical terminals;
`(c) a laser source positioning guide formed within said
`hollow elongated casing to affix said laser emitting
`source within said hollow elongated casing in a fixed
`orientation;
`(d) a substantially collimated laser illumination emitted
`by each ofsaid laser emitting sources;
`(e) a clear cover which mates with said clear cover
`receiving front end;
`(f) a overlens housing with a transparent front of a size
`and shape to cover said clear face;
`(g) a plurality of flexible perpendicular legs, extending in
`one direction, around said overlens of a size and shape
`to fit snugly over said front end of said hollow casing
`yet allow for rotation and removal of said overlens;
`(bh) a gripping surface of ribs formed around the circum-
`ference of said overlens housing;
`@) a optical means formed within said overlens for
`altering said collimated laser illumination;
`Gj) a end cap which mates with said end cap receiving
`back end;
`(k) a sealant means disposed between said clear cover
`receiving front end and said clear cover and between
`said end cap receiving back end and said end cap for
`providing a watertight seal between said clear cover
`receiving front end and said clear cover and between
`said end cap receiving back end and said end cap;
`() a series of one or more batteries inserted into said
`hollow elongated body;
`(m) a connection meansforelectrically connecting said
`laser emitting source to said batteries; and,
`(n) a one-way watertight venting valve for gas elimina-
`tion.
`13. The laser light according to claim 12, wherein said
`optical means is selected from the group consisting of
`convex lenses, concave lenses, conical lenses, magnifying
`lenses, condensing lenses, Fresnel lenses, diffusion lenses,
`interference pattern generating gratings, cross-hair generator
`lens, straight line generator lenses, pattern generator lenses,
`diffractive pattern generators, holographic diffusers, optical
`diffusion glass, optical diffusion plastic, diffusion filters,
`circular diffusers, elliptical diffusers, off-axis lenses, off-axis
`holographic filters, or off-axis holographic diffusers.
`14. The laser light according to claim 12, wherein said
`electrical connection means is selected from the group of
`on/off switches consisting of momentary, push button,pres-
`sure sensitive, rotating, rotating momentary, variable resis-
`tance switches consisting of rotating, pressure sensitive, or
`momentary rotating.
`15. Thelaserlight according to claim 12, wherein each of
`said laser emitting sources is selected from the group
`consisting of diode-pumped, CW diode, Q-switched diode,
`solid-state, solid-state CW, solid-state Q-switched, gas, gas
`and metal, ion, dye, or rare-earth elementlasers.
`16. The laser light according to claim 12, further com-
`prising:
`(a) a plurality of overlens rotation catches formed on the
`exterior of the front end surface of said hollow elon-
`gated casing; and,
`(b) a plurality of overlensrotation latches formed on said
`flexible perpendicular leg which mate with said over-
`lensrotation catches whereby said overlensis affixed to
`said elongated casing.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`uo5
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`10
`17. A hand held laser flashlight, comprising:
`(a) a hollow elongated casing having an open front and a
`partially sealed rear and being substantially oval in
`cross-section with an internal wall bisecting a portion
`of the casing axially into upper and lower internal
`chambers which connect internally at the outwardly
`protruding enlarged cylindrical neck forming a front
`cover receiving head, said upper chamber having a
`sealed back end and said lower chamber having an
`open back end with a protruding cylindrical end cap
`receiving rear end, a diode receiving front end of sai