The laser reference tool of the invention consists of a base that can be releasably mounted to a surface. The values of the global variables are passed to CAD tool programs within the environment directly or indirectly through a technology file which contains a subset of the design rules. These extensions allow for additional metadata, additional state information about the page, additional field information, and server styles to be passed to the client, edited or applied, and returned to the server. The second is a retarder system incorporating the use of a PMG Gear ratio which permits use of a permanent magnet generator on a secondary shaft which is coupled by the gear ratio to a drive train.