Patent US3872279A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3872279A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Laser-radio frequency energy beam system
Assignee: Sirius Corp
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Filing: 1973-10-24
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Granted: 1975-03-18
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Expires: 1993-10-24
Abstract
Abstract A laser-radio frequency system for generating a high temperature beam and for directing and modulating the combined beam at a workpiece or target. The system includes a hollow circular electrode mounted within a circular nozzle and spaced apart from the nozzle to define an annular gap. A radio frequency generator having a hollow metal coil as its tank coil is connected to the nozzle and a pressurized inert gas is fed through the tank coil into the nozzle. When the generator is activated, a coherent R.F. electron stream is emitted from the electrode and the inert gas flows along the annular gap to sheath and focus the stream into an energy beam directed toward the workpiece. A laser generator provides a laser beam through the hollow portion of the electrode which is reflected and focused onto the workpiece; therefore an algebraic summation of both electromagnetic energies is obtained at the workpiece in the non-oxidizing atmosphere. The radio frequency tank coil may be connected to a source of powder for spraying a coating on the workpiece.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas E Fairbairn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 23:47
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/14; B23K26/1423; B05; B05B; B05B7/00; B05B7/16; B05B7/22; B05B7/228; B23K26/144; B23K26/1462; B23K26/1464; B23K26/147
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
337 words
A coherent laser-radio frequency energy beam system for generating a high temperature beam and for directing the beam at a workpiece said system adapted to be used with a supply of low pressure inert gas; said system comprising: a radio-frequency generator including a tank coil formed of a hollow, electrically conductive tube, both ends of said tube being electrically and mechanically coupled to said generator, said inert gas being introduced into a maximum current-low voltage point of said tank coil, said generator being for producing a single frequency coherent sine wave energy beam; an electrically conductive nozzle having an opening at one end and an outlet orifice at said other end; a hollow outlet tube connecting a maximum voltage-low current point of said tank coil with the interior of said nozzle; means for generating a laser beam and for directing the laser beam into said nozzle opening; hollow electrode means centrally mounted within said nozzle and being radially spaced-apart therefrom to define an annular gap therebetween; said electrode for channeling a laser beam and the low pressure inert gas; said laser beam being directed from said nozzle opening through the hollow portion of said electrode means; means for reflecting said laser beam from the hollow portion of said electrode means and for focusing said laser beam on said workpiece; and a continuous fluid path being defined from said supply of inert gas, through said tank coil, said outlet tube, said electrode means and said annular gap; whereby upon the application of said sine wave to said electrode means, the introduction of said inert gas into said fluid path, and the generation of said laser beam, a high temperature coherent electromagnetic energy beam is emitted from said electrode means; said coherent electromagnetic energy beam including a laser beam portion and a R.F. energy beam emitted from said electrode means and having an annular sheath of said inert gas for surrounding and focusing said beam and having an inner gas stream for conducting the electromagnetic energy to the workpiece.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
337 words
A coherent laser-radio frequency energy beam system for generating a high temperature beam and for directing the beam at a workpiece said system adapted to be used with a supply of low pressure inert gas; said system comprising: a radio-frequency generator including a tank coil formed of a hollow, electrically conductive tube, both ends of said tube being electrically and mechanically coupled to said generator, said inert gas being introduced into a maximum current-low voltage point of said tank coil, said generator being for producing a single frequency coherent sine wave energy beam; an electrically conductive nozzle having an opening at one end and an outlet orifice at said other end; a hollow outlet tube connecting a maximum voltage-low current point of said tank coil with the interior of said nozzle; means for generating a laser beam and for directing the laser beam into said nozzle opening; hollow electrode means centrally mounted within said nozzle and being radially spaced-apart therefrom to define an annular gap therebetween; said electrode for channeling a laser beam and the low pressure inert gas; said laser beam being directed from said nozzle opening through the hollow portion of said electrode means; means for reflecting said laser beam from the hollow portion of said electrode means and for focusing said laser beam on said workpiece; and a continuous fluid path being defined from said supply of inert gas, through said tank coil, said outlet tube, said electrode means and said annular gap; whereby upon the application of said sine wave to said electrode means, the introduction of said inert gas into said fluid path, and the generation of said laser beam, a high temperature coherent electromagnetic energy beam is emitted from said electrode means; said coherent electromagnetic energy beam including a laser beam portion and a R.F. energy beam emitted from said electrode means and having an annular sheath of said inert gas for surrounding and focusing said beam and having an inner gas stream for conducting the electromagnetic energy to the workpiece.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electrode means includes a hollow body portion and a hollow ring spaced apart from said body by struts; said ring including a reflective surface of reflect said laser back toward said nozzle; and wherein said coherent electromagnetic energy is emitted from said hollow ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said electrode means and said nozzle operate as a Cassegranian reflector system with the electrode means movably secured to said nozzle for adjusting the focus of said reflected laser beam onto said workpiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electrode means is movably mounted in said nozzle for adjusting the focus and length of said beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 1 and further including a material supply system for conveying a finely divided heat fusible material through said tank coil and said outlet tube and then exteriorly of said nozzle to said nozzle orifice, whereby said material flows with and is heated by said electromagnetic beam from said orifice to be sprayed and fused onto said workpiece.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
329 words
A coherent laser-radio frequency energy beam system for generating and modulating a high temperature beam, said system adapted to be used with a supply of low pressure inert gas; said system comprising: a radio-frequency generator including a tank coil formed of a hollow, electrically conductive tube, both ends of said tube being electrically and mechanically coupled to said generator, said inert gas being introduced into a maximum current-low voltage point of said tank coil, said generator being for producing a single frequency coherent sine wave energy beam; an electrically conductive nozzle having an opening at one end and an outlet orifice at said other end; a hollow outlet tube connecting a maximum voltage-low current point of said tank coil with the interior of said nozzle; means for generating a laser beam and for directing the laser beam into said nozzle opening; hollow electrode means centrally mounted within said nozzle and being radially spaced-apart therefrom to define an annular gap therebetween; said electrode for channeling a laser beam and the low pressure inert gas; said laser beam being directed from said nozzle opening through the hollow portion of said electrode means; means for reflecting said laser beam from the hollow portion of said electrode means; and a continuous fluid path being defined from said supply of inert gas, through said tank coil, said outlet tube, said electrode means and said annular gap; whereby upon the application of said sine wave to said electrode means, the introduction of said inert gas into said fluid path, and the generation of said laser beam, a high temperature coherent electromagnetic energy beam is emitted from said electrode means; said coherent electromagnetic energy beam including a laser beam portion and a R.F. energy beam emitted from said electrode means and modulating the laser beam portion, the beam having an annular sheath of said inert gas for surrounding and focusing said beam and haVing an inner gas stream for conducting the electromagnetic energy to the workpiece.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
329 words
A coherent laser-radio frequency energy beam system for generating and modulating a high temperature beam, said system adapted to be used with a supply of low pressure inert gas; said system comprising: a radio-frequency generator including a tank coil formed of a hollow, electrically conductive tube, both ends of said tube being electrically and mechanically coupled to said generator, said inert gas being introduced into a maximum current-low voltage point of said tank coil, said generator being for producing a single frequency coherent sine wave energy beam; an electrically conductive nozzle having an opening at one end and an outlet orifice at said other end; a hollow outlet tube connecting a maximum voltage-low current point of said tank coil with the interior of said nozzle; means for generating a laser beam and for directing the laser beam into said nozzle opening; hollow electrode means centrally mounted within said nozzle and being radially spaced-apart therefrom to define an annular gap therebetween; said electrode for channeling a laser beam and the low pressure inert gas; said laser beam being directed from said nozzle opening through the hollow portion of said electrode means; means for reflecting said laser beam from the hollow portion of said electrode means; and a continuous fluid path being defined from said supply of inert gas, through said tank coil, said outlet tube, said electrode means and said annular gap; whereby upon the application of said sine wave to said electrode means, the introduction of said inert gas into said fluid path, and the generation of said laser beam, a high temperature coherent electromagnetic energy beam is emitted from said electrode means; said coherent electromagnetic energy beam including a laser beam portion and a R.F. energy beam emitted from said electrode means and modulating the laser beam portion, the beam having an annular sheath of said inert gas for surrounding and focusing said beam and haVing an inner gas stream for conducting the electromagnetic energy to the workpiece.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-17 | 1978-09-16 | 1979-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-17 | 1982-09-16 | 1983-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-17 | 1986-09-16 | 1987-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |