US5268554A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and system for positioning a laser beam
Assignee: Intelligent Platforms LLC
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Filing: 1992-06-29
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Granted: 1993-12-07
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Expires: 2012-06-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for controlling a high power laser beam for three dimensional operation consists of a mirror and three linear servo-mechanisms to tilt and to translate the mirror. The movement of the linear servo-mechanisms is controlled by a computer numerical control system or programmable logic controller.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley L. Ream
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:34
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/08; B23K26/082; B33; B33Y; B33Y30/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
Apparatus for scanning a laser beam comprising: a laser source; a control unit operably connected with said laser source for directing a laser beam onto a first reflector; and a scanner operably connected with said control unit and with a second reflector for reflecting a three-dimensional representation of said laser beam onto a work product control unit comprising a computerized numerical controller or a programmable logic controller.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus for scanning a laser beam comprising: a laser source; a control unit operably connected with said laser source for directing a laser beam onto a first reflector; and a scanner operably connected with said control unit and with a second reflector for reflecting a three-dimensional representation of said laser beam onto a work product control unit comprising a computerized numerical controller or a programmable logic controller.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first reflector comprises a divergent lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second reflector comprises a planar mirror.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus for scanning a laser beam comprising: a laser source; a control unit operably connected with said laser source for directing a laser beam onto a first reflector; and a scanner operably connected with said control unit and with a second reflector for reflecting a three-dimensional representation of said laser beam onto a work product, said scanner comprising a plurality of motors connecting with said second reflector by a flexible connection system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus for scanning a laser beam comprising: a laser source; a control unit operably connected with said laser source for directing a laser beam onto a first reflector; and a scanner operably connected with said control unit and with a second reflector for reflecting a three-dimensional representation of said laser beam onto a work product, said scanner comprising a plurality of motors connecting with said second reflector by a flexible connection system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said flexible connection system includes a flexible coupling interconnecting with a tooling ball.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said tooling ball is received in a locator seat attached to one side of said second reflector.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said locator seat defines a predetermined tooling ball receiving surface, said tooling ball receiving surface defining a corresponding displacement of said second mirror.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 6 herein said tooling ball receiving surface is planar.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said tooling ball receiving surface is conical.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said tooling ball receiving surface is grooved.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said flexible connection system includes a lead screw.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 11 including a nut and a coupling connecting between said tooling ball and said lead screw translating rotary motion from said lead screw to translatory motion applied second reflector.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 4 including a pneumatic cylinder interconnecting be ween said motors and said second reflector, said pneumatic cylinder providing holding force to said second reflector.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus for scanning a laser beam comprising: a laser source; a control unit operably connected with said laser source for directing a laser beam onto a first reflector; a scanner operably connected with said control unit and with a second reflector for reflecting a three-dimensional representation of said laser beam onto a work product; and a third and a fourth reflector intermediate said first and said second reflectors said third reflector receiving said laser beam from said first reflector and reflecting said laser beam to said fourth reflector.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
88 words
Apparatus for scanning a laser beam comprising: a laser source; a control unit operably connected with said laser source for directing a laser beam onto a first reflector; a scanner operably connected with said control unit and with a second reflector for reflecting a three-dimensional representation of said laser beam onto a work product; and a third and a fourth reflector intermediate said first and said second reflectors said third reflector receiving said laser beam from said first reflector and reflecting said laser beam to said fourth reflector.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and said second reflectors comprise planar mirrors.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said third reflector comprises a planar mirror and said fourth reflector comprises a spherical or parabolic mirror.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said fourth mirror reflects said laser beam to said second mirror.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said first and second reflectors comprise planar mirrors.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of providing three dimensional operation to a laser comprising the steps of: providing a beam of laser light from a source; reflecting said beam from a first reflector to a second reflector; attaching a flexible drive system to said second reflector; operably connecting a controller intermediate said second reflector and said source; selectively moving said second reflector to produce a three dimensional manipulation of said beam; and interposing a plurality of tooling balls between said second reflector and said flexible drive system.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of providing three dimensional operation to a laser comprising the steps of: providing a beam of laser light from a source; reflecting said beam from a first reflector to a second reflector; attaching a flexible drive system to said second reflector; operably connecting a controller intermediate said second reflector and said source; selectively moving said second reflector to produce a three dimensional manipulation of said beam; and interposing a plurality of tooling balls between said second reflector and said flexible drive system.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 19 including the steps of: providing plurality of motors within said scanner; and connecting said motors to a corresponding plurality of lead screws via a corresponding plurality of rigid couplings.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 19 including the step of interposing a conical surface intermediate one said tooling balls and said second reflector.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 19 including the step of interposing a grooved surface intermediate one of said tooling balls and said second reflector.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 19 including the step of interposing a planar surface intermediate one of said tooling balls and said second reflector.
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) | 1996-12-06 | 1997-06-07 | 1997-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-12-06 | 2001-06-07 | 2001-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-12-06 | 2005-06-07 | 2005-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |