Enclosed laser apparatus with remote workpiece control

Claim 1

A laser welder apparatus comprising in combination: a platform, casing means for enclosing said platform, laser means in said casing means for producing a beam of coherent light, optical means for directing the laser beam onto the platform, said optical means including a negative lens located in the path of the beam for spreading the beam, an opening in said casing means, a viewing screen covering the opening, a filter means transparent to visible wavelength but absorbtive of the laser beam located in a line of sight between the viewing screen and platform, means for moving a beam diffuser plate for carying the laser beam spot into the path of the laser beam following the negative lens, entry means through said casing means for inserting and removing objects from said platform, means extending external to said casing means for moving said platform in three directions, said means for moving comprising: a first block slidably attached to at least one first rod, said platform being attached to said first block, first means extending exterior to said casing means for causing said first block to slide in a first direction, a second block to which said first rod is attached, said second block being slidably attached to at least one second rod, second means extending exterior to said casing means for causing said second block to slide in a second direction, a third block to which said second rod is attached, said third block being slidably attached to at least a third rod mounted in said casing means, and third means extending exterior to said casing means for moving said third block in a third direction.