US4689466A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser-beam operated machining apparatus
Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Filing: 1985-04-10
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Granted: 1987-08-25
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Expires: 2005-04-10
Abstract
Abstract A laser-beam operated machining apparatus capable of performing machining operations on a high-reflectivity material such as aluminum or copper. A nozzle is provided for applying a focused laser beam together with an assist gas to a surface of a workpiece to be machined. An annular electrode is provided on the end of the nozzle confronting the workpiece with the electrode being coaxial with the laser beam. An arc discharge is created between the annular electrode and the workpiece by applying a voltage between the annular electrode and the workpiece so as to cause an arc discharge therebetween.
Inventors
- 👤 Susumu Hoshinouchi
- 👤 Masaru Kanaoka
- 👤 Atsushi Fukada
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:12
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/346; B23K26/348
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A laser-beam operated machining apparatus comprising: a laser oscillator (1); a focusing optical system (4) for focusing a laser beam emitted by said laser oscillator; a nozzle (5) for applying an assist gas together with said laser beam to a surface of an electrically conductive workpiece (7); an annular electrode (8) provided on an end of said nozzle adjacent said workpiece, said electrode being coaxial with said laser beam; and an arc discharge power source (9) for applying a voltage between said annular electrode and said workpiece to cause an arc discharge therebetween, wherein said arc discharge power source comprises a pulse power source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A laser-beam operated machining apparatus comprising: a laser oscillator (1); a focusing optical system (4) for focusing a laser beam emitted by said laser oscillator; a nozzle (5) for applying an assist gas together with said laser beam to a surface of an electrically conductive workpiece (7); an annular electrode (8) provided on an end of said nozzle adjacent said workpiece, said electrode being coaxial with said laser beam; and an arc discharge power source (9) for applying a voltage between said annular electrode and said workpiece to cause an arc discharge therebetween, wherein said arc discharge power source comprises a pulse power source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nozzle has an assist gas supplying port.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
127 words
A laser-beam operated machining apparatus comprising: a laser oscillator for emitting a laser beam; a focusing optical system for focusing said laser beam and applying the focused laser beam to an electrically conductive workpiece; a primary nozzle having a longitudinal axis coaxial with said focused laser beam; means for supplying an assist gas to said primary nozzle to apply said assist gas to a machining part of said workpiece; an annular electrode provided on an end of said primary nozzle which confronts said workpiece, said annular electrode being coaxial with said laser beam; and an arc discharge power source for applying a voltage between said annular electrode and said workpiece to cause an arc discharge therebetween, wherein said arc discharge power source comprises a pulse power source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
127 words
A laser-beam operated machining apparatus comprising: a laser oscillator for emitting a laser beam; a focusing optical system for focusing said laser beam and applying the focused laser beam to an electrically conductive workpiece; a primary nozzle having a longitudinal axis coaxial with said focused laser beam; means for supplying an assist gas to said primary nozzle to apply said assist gas to a machining part of said workpiece; an annular electrode provided on an end of said primary nozzle which confronts said workpiece, said annular electrode being coaxial with said laser beam; and an arc discharge power source for applying a voltage between said annular electrode and said workpiece to cause an arc discharge therebetween, wherein said arc discharge power source comprises a pulse power source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said focusing optical system comprises a focusing lens.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising mirror means for applying said laser beam emitted by said laser oscillator to said focusing optical system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said nozzle has an assist gas supplying port, said nozzle applying an assist gas to a machining part of said workpiece.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said means for applying an assist gas comprises an assist gas supplying nozzle (6') provided distinct from said primary nozzle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said assist gas is O 2 gas.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said assist gas is an inert gas.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said inert gas is Ar gas.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said workpiece is made of at least one of aluminum and copper.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said arc discharge power source comprises a DC power source having a welding high frequency starter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the laser beam comprises CO 2 and wherein the workpiece has a surface reflectivity of not less than approximately 90%.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the laser beam comprises CO 2 and wherein the workpiece has a surface reflectivity of not less than approximately 90%.
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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) | 1990-08-24 | 1991-02-23 | 1991-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-08-24 | 1995-02-23 | 1995-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-08-24 | 1999-02-23 | 1999-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |