US4447701A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Slag capture and removal during laser cutting
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1982-01-28
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Granted: 1984-05-08
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Expires: 2002-01-28
Abstract
Abstract Molten metal removed from a workpiece in a laser cutting operation is blown away from the cutting point by a gas jet and collected on an electromagnet.
Inventors
- 👤 Clyde O. Brown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:36
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q11/00; B23Q11/0042; B23Q11/0064; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/14; B23K26/142; B23K26/1435; B23K26/1438; B23K26/1462; B23K26/1464; B23K26/147; B23K26/16; B23Q11/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for cutting a austinetic stainless steel workpiece and collecting slag resulting therefrom, comprising: directing a laser beam onto said workpiece to thereby melt metal therefrom and form magnetized slag by transforming the austinetic stainless steel to a martinsitic steel slag; directing a gas stream toward the area of said workpiece which is thus being melted to thereby blow said slag away from said area along a path; and collecting said slag on a magnet located on said path.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for cutting a austinetic stainless steel workpiece and collecting slag resulting therefrom, comprising: directing a laser beam onto said workpiece to thereby melt metal therefrom and form magnetized slag by transforming the austinetic stainless steel to a martinsitic steel slag; directing a gas stream toward the area of said workpiece which is thus being melted to thereby blow said slag away from said area along a path; and collecting said slag on a magnet located on said path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said workpiece is a component of a nuclear fuel assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
83 words
Apparatus for cutting a austinetic stainless steel workpiece and collecting slag resulting therefrom, comprising: means for directing a laser beam onto said workpiece to thereby melt metal therefrom and form magnetized slag by transforming the austinetic stainless steel to a martinsitic steel slag; means for directing a gas stream toward the area of said workpiece which is thus being melted to thereby blow said slag away from said area along a path; and a magnet located on said path for collecting said slag.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
83 words
Apparatus for cutting a austinetic stainless steel workpiece and collecting slag resulting therefrom, comprising: means for directing a laser beam onto said workpiece to thereby melt metal therefrom and form magnetized slag by transforming the austinetic stainless steel to a martinsitic steel slag; means for directing a gas stream toward the area of said workpiece which is thus being melted to thereby blow said slag away from said area along a path; and a magnet located on said path for collecting said slag.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said workpiece is a component of a nuclear fuel assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 3 including a tube located on said path between said workpiece and said magnet for guiding said slag toward said magnet.
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) | 1987-05-08 | 1987-11-07 | 1988-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-05-08 | 1991-11-07 | 1992-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-05-08 | 1995-11-07 | 1996-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |