Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A laser beam cutting apparatus for cutting three-dimensional work pieces, comprising hollow exchangeable backing molding means shaped to correspond to the shape of a three-dimensional work piece for holding the work piece in a form locking manner, at least one opening forming an uninterrupted slot or aperture extending three-dimensionally in said backing molding means, laser beam generating means including a laser beam head located to face a work piece held by the backing molding means, movement providing means operatively arranged for providing a relative three-dimensionally effective movement between said laser beam head and said backing molding means, and laser beam shielding means located substantially in alignment with said opening with regard to the direction of a laser beam, said shielding means being spaced from said opening in said backing molding means opposite said laser beam head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A laser beam cutting apparatus for cutting three-dimensional work pieces, comprising hollow exchangeable backing molding means shaped to correspond to the shape of a three-dimensional work piece for holding the work piece in a form locking manner, at least one opening forming an uninterrupted slot or aperture extending three-dimensionally in said backing molding means, laser beam generating means including a laser beam head located to face a work piece held by the backing molding means, movement providing means operatively arranged for providing a relative three-dimensionally effective movement between said laser beam head and said backing molding means, and laser beam shielding means located substantially in alignment with said opening with regard to the direction of a laser beam, said shielding means being spaced from said opening in said backing molding means opposite said laser beam head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said backing molding means comprise two components spaced by said uninterrupted slot, and bridging means operatively interconnecting said backing components opposite said laser beam head in positions substantially out of the reach of a laser beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said backing molding means have a completely closed three-dimensional surface, except for said slot or aperture, said three-dimensional surface being made of a dimensionally substantially stable material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said backing molding means have a lattice structure interrupted by said slot or aperture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said backing molding means enclose a three-dimensional hollow space interrupted at its surface by said slot or aperture, said apparatus further comprising suction means (9) operatively connected to said hollow space for exhausting vapors resulting from a laser beam cutting operation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said relative movement providing means are programmable in their three-dimensional movement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising programmable operating means including an operating arm constituting said relative movement providing means and having five degrees of freedom of three-dimensional movement, said backing molding means being secured to said operating arm for three-dimensional movement with the operating arm, and wherein said laser beam head is stationary.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said relative movement providing means comprise movement programmable movable operating means, said laser beam head being secured to said movable operating means for three-dimensional movement with the operating means, and wherein said backing molding means is stationary.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an aperture in said backing molding means and an insert (34) in said aperture define an endless slot in said backing molding means, and struts for holding said insert (34) in said aperture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
186 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser beam generating means comprise telescoping means (27) adjustable in its length in the direction of a first telescoping axis and rotatable about the first telescoping axis (37a), said laser beam head being secured to a free end of said telescoping means for tilting about a second axis (23) extending perpendicularly to said telescoping axis, a first mirror (35) operatively arranged in a fixed position in the free end of said telescoping means for deflecting a laser beam from said telescoping means into said laser beam head, and a second mirror (36) located in a fixed position in said laser beam head for receiving a deflected laser beam and for further deflecting a received laser beam toward said opening, said first mirror extending at an angle of 45° to said first telescoping axis, said second mirror extending at an angle of 45° to said second axis about which said laser beam head is tiltable, said second mirror (36) being tiltable with the laser beam head, said second axis (23) extending through the center of both said mirrors (35, 36).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising holder means having a configuration substantially corresponding to that of said backing molding means and a work piece, for holding a work piece sandwiched between said holder means and said backing molding means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said holder means has an edge extending substantially along said opening.