Abstract A method of sealing a metallic wire between two vitreous parts. The wire is positioned so that its ends extend outwardly from opposite sides of the enclosure formed by the parts. The adjacent side edges of the parts are formed with protuberent lips which surround the portion of the wire adjacent one end thereof. The parts are preheated, in a controlled atmosphere. A laser beam is then focused on the one end of the wire to fuse it and thereby also fuse, by contact heat transfer, the side portions of the vitreous parts which are adjacent the wire. The wire is thus welded in the enclosure with the fused protuberent lips forming an outwardly extending enclosure portion which reinforces the seal in the area adjacent to the fused wire.
The method of claim 1 wherein said localized preheating is accomplished by a second laser beam of less intensity than said first beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said separated portions of said enclosure are defined by separate pieces of vitreous material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said separated portions of said enclosure are defined by the surfaces of said enclosure surrounding an aperture therethrough in which said wire is positioned.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said first laser beam is focused on said one wire end and on the immediate surrounding portion of the enclosure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said wire is fused to a depth within said lips to form a fused portion thereon of greater diameter than the wire diameter, thereby providing a strong mechanical connection between the enclosure and the wire.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said wire and the surrounding enclosure portions are fused by said first laser beam to form a portion of said wire within said enclosure of a diameter less than that of the other portions of said wire, thereby providing a strong mechanical connection Between the enclosure and the wire.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said vitreous material has a melting point of approximately 500* C. and the localized area of said enclosure is preheated to a temperature of approximately 450* C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of slowly cooling the welded wire and enclosure.