US4229709A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser device
Assignee: AMERICAN LASER CORP
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Filing: 1978-06-12
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Granted: 1980-10-21
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Expires: 1998-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A means is provided for continuously purging deleterious contaminants including water vapor, ozone and organic vapors from the resonant cavity of lasers where the resonant cavity is characterized by a gap-space between the gain medium and the optical mirror at both ends of the cavity with each of the gap-spaces being disposed within an enclosed chamber where the contaminants tend to collect. This is accomplished by connecting the interiors of the gap-space chambers through tubular gas conduits with one or more canisters which contain a chemical desiccant or molecular sieve capable of removing the unwanted gases or vapors. A molecular sieve comprised of zeolite with the appropriate intermolecular spacing is especially preferred.
Inventors
- 👤 William H. McMahan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:00
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/03; H01S3/034; H01S3/0346; H01S3/036
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
In a laser of the type wherein the resonant cavity is characterized by a gap-space between the gain medium and the optical mirror at each end of said cavity and wherein each said gap-space is enclosed by a gap-space chamber subject to fluctuating temperature, the improvement which comprises means for removing gaseous or vaporous contaminants including water vapor, organic vapors and ozone from the areas within a said gap-space chamber with said means being comprised of: at least one canister having its interior interconnected by a tubular conduit with the interior of at least one said gap-space chamber and wherein said canister contains solid particles of a chemical agent capable of removing the gaseous or vaporous contaminants present in the said gap-space chamber, said agent comprising a material having the properties of a molecular sieve adapted to trap and hold said contaminants and with said canister and conduit being adapted to effect in conjunction with said fluctuating chamber temperature a pumping action and flow of said contaminants from said chamber to said canister.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a laser of the type wherein the resonant cavity is characterized by a gap-space between the gain medium and the optical mirror at each end of said cavity and wherein each said gap-space is enclosed by a gap-space chamber subject to fluctuating temperature, the improvement which comprises means for removing gaseous or vaporous contaminants including water vapor, organic vapors and ozone from the areas within a said gap-space chamber with said means being comprised of: at least one canister having its interior interconnected by a tubular conduit with the interior of at least one said gap-space chamber and wherein said canister contains solid particles of a chemical agent capable of removing the gaseous or vaporous contaminants present in the said gap-space chamber, said agent comprising a material having the properties of a molecular sieve adapted to trap and hold said contaminants and with said canister and conduit being adapted to effect in conjunction with said fluctuating chamber temperature a pumping action and flow of said contaminants from said chamber to said canister.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The improved laser in accordance with claim 1 wherein the interior of said one canister is interconnected by a tubular conduit with the interior of the gap-space chamber at one end of said resonant cavity, and including a second canister with its interior interconnected by a separate tubular conduit with the interior of the gap-space chamber at the opposite end of said resonant cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
The improved laser in accordance with claim 1 wherein one end of said canister is interconnected by a tubular conduit with the interior of the gap-space chamber at one end of said resonant cavity and the opposing end of said canister is interconnected by a tubular conduit with the interior of the gap-space chamber at the other end of said resonant cavity and said flow is effected from both said chambers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improved laser in accordance with claim 1 wherein said chemical agent consists of a synthetic zeolite with intermolecular spacing appropriate for trapping and holding said contaminants.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved laser in accordance with claim 1 wherein said chemical agent includes a catalyst material capable of catalyzing the conversion of ozone to oxygen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improved laser in accordance with claim 5 wherein said catalyst material is copper.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improved laser in accordance with claim 1 wherein said canisters are lined with copper.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improved laser in accordance with claim 1 wherein each said gap-space chamber is lined with copper.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-21 | 1984-04-21 | 1984-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-21 | 1988-04-21 | 1988-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-21 | 1992-04-21 | 1992-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |