The laser beam, short for light amplification by simulated emission of radiation, was patented this day in 1960. Today, just 40 years later, lasers are being used for many different purposes and to make our lives better in lots of ways. One example is how they've begun appearing in the world of tools. Now high-tech levels and squares use laser beams. There are laser-beam plumb bobs, too. In some cases all three are combined into one device with five separate laser beams that stay true up to 100 feet. There are specialty laser kits, too. Some are designed especially for aligning doorjambs. Others have infrared lasers that detect gaps in your home's insulation. One of the newest entries is the laser "strait-line" -- about the size of a tape measure -- that shoots a straight beam across any surface in place of a chalk line, and doesn't leave a mark. These affordable new tools aren't only for contractors either. Today, anybody can say with regard to tools, "beam me up, Scotty". And that's the On The House tip for today.