US5932119A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser marking system
Assignee: Lazare Kaplan International Inc
•
Filing: 1996-07-30
•
Granted: 1999-08-03
•
Expires: 2016-07-30
Abstract
Abstract A laser energy microinscribing system, including a semiconductor excited Q-switched solid state laser energy source; a cut gemstone mounting system, allowing optical access to a mounted workpiece; an optical system for focusing laser energy from the laser energy source onto a cut gemstone; a displaceable stage for moving said gemstone mounting system with respect to said optical system so that the focused laser energy is presented to desired positions on the gemstone, having a control input; an imaging system for viewing the gemstone from a plurality of vantage points; and a rigid frame supporting the laser, the optical system and the stage in fixed relation, to resist differential movements of the laser, the optical system and the stage and increase immunity to vibrational misalignments. The laser energy source is preferably a semiconductor diode excited Q-switched Nd:YLF laser with a harmonic converter having an output of about 530 nm. The system may further include an input for receiving marking instructions; a processor for controlling the displaceable stage based on the marking instructions and the imaging system, to selectively generate a marking based on the instructions and a predetermined program; and a storage system for electronically storing information relating to images of a plurality of workpieces. A secure certificate of authenticity of a marked workpiece is also provided.
Inventors
- 👤 George R. Kaplan
- 👤 Avigdor Shachrai
- 👤 Oded Anner
- 👤 Leonid Gurvich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:24
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/02; B23K26/03; B23K26/032; B23K26/04; B23K26/042; B23K26/043; B23K26/06; B23K26/064; B23K26/0643; B23K26/0648; B23K26/0665; B23K26/08; B23K26/083; B23K26/0853; B23K26/0861; B23K26/36; B23K26/361; B44; B44B; B44B3/00; B44B3/009; B44B7/00; B44B7/007; B44C; B44C1/00; B44C1/22; B44C1/228; G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/87; G06; G06K; G06K1/00; G06K1/12; G06K1/126; B23K2103/00; B23K2103/30; B23K2103/50; B41; B41M; B41M5/00; B41M5/26; B41M5/262
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 92
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A laser energy microinscribing system, comprising: a pulse laser energy source; a workpiece mounting system, allowing optical access to a mounted workpiece; an optical system for focusing laser energy from the laser energy source, onto the workpiece; means for directing said focused laser energy onto a desired portion of the workpiece, having a control input; an imaging system for viewing the workpiece from a plurality of vantage points and obtaining image information from the workpiece; an input for receiving marking instructions; a processor for controlling said directing means based on said marking instructions and said imaging system, to selectively generate a marking based on said instructions and a predetermined program; and a storage system, coupled to said imaging system, for storing said information relating to images of a plurality of workpieces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A laser energy microinscribing system, comprising: a pulse laser energy source; a workpiece mounting system, allowing optical access to a mounted workpiece; an optical system for focusing laser energy from the laser energy source, onto the workpiece; means for directing said focused laser energy onto a desired portion of the workpiece, having a control input; an imaging system for viewing the workpiece from a plurality of vantage points and obtaining image information from the workpiece; an input for receiving marking instructions; a processor for controlling said directing means based on said marking instructions and said imaging system, to selectively generate a marking based on said instructions and a predetermined program; and a storage system, coupled to said imaging system, for storing said information relating to images of a plurality of workpieces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said pulse laser energy source comprises a semiconductor diode excited Q-switched neodynium laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 2, wherein said laser is a Nd:YLF laser with an internal harmonic converter having an output at 530 nm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply for said pulse laser energy source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, further comprising a chassis for rigidly supporting said pulse laser energy source, said workpiece mounting system, said optical system, and said directing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply for said pulse laser energy source and a chassis for rigidly supporting said pulse laser energy source, said workpiece mounting system, said optical system, said directing means and said power supply.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, further comprising a chassis for rigidly supporting said pulse laser energy source, said workpiece mounting system, said optical system, and said directing means, said directing means repositioning the workpiece with respect to said chassis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said workpiece mounting system comprises a fixed member, detachable member and a mounting clamp for fixing the workpiece to said detachable member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece is a gemstone.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece is a cut diamond.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said optical system comprises a beam expander, a dichroic mirror and a focusing lens.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said directing means comprises a translatable stage having at least three axes of movement.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said directing means is controlled to produce a set of partially overlapping irradiated areas from said pulse laser energy source.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said directing means is controlled to produce a set of continuous shapes formed of partially overlapping irradiated areas from said pulse laser energy source.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said directing means is controlled to be at rest during a laser pulse of said pulse laser energy source.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
50 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging system comprises an optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being coaxial with at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of said pulse laser energy source incident on the workpiece.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
50 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging system comprises an optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being perpendicular to at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of said pulse laser energy source incident on the workpiece.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
72 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging system comprises a first optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being coaxial with at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of said pulse laser energy source incident on the workpiece and a second optical path including said portion of the workpiece and being perpendicular to said axis of said laser pulse.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging system comprises an electronic imaging device for transmitting image information to said processor, said processor controlling said directing means further based on said image information.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging system images a portion of the workpiece on which an output of said pulse laser energy source is incident through a dichroic mirror.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said input for receiving marking instructions comprises a bar code reader.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said input for receiving marking instructions comprises an optical image transducer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said input for receiving marking instructions comprises an input for receiving information relating to a quality of the workpiece.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said input for receiving marking instructions comprises an sensor for automatically determining a characteristic of the workpiece.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, further comprising a telecommunications link, wherein said storage system comprises a remote electronic database.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said processor analyzes said marking instructions and said stored information and selectively controls said directing means based on said analysis.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, wherein said storage system stores information relating to images of workpieces in conjunction with information relating to said marking instructions.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
42 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, further comprising an input for receiving information relating to an image of a workpiece and means for comparing to determine a relation between said information relating to the workpiece and said stored information.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 28, further comprising an output indicative of a relation between the workpiece and said stored information.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 28, wherein said input receives information from said imaging system.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
56 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, receiving information from said imaging system relating to an image of the workpiece, further comprising means for comparing said received information and said marking instructions with said stored information, to determine a correspondence of the workpiece marked in accordance with said marking instructions with any stored information.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
40 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for comparing said marking instructions with said stored information, to determine a correspondence of a resulting workpiece marked in accordance with said marking instructions with any stored information.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
179 words
A laser energy microinscribing system, comprising: a semiconductor excited Q-switched solid state laser energy source; a cut gemstone mounting system, allowing optical access to a mounted workpiece; an optical system for focusing laser energy from the laser energy source onto a cut gemstone; a displaceable stage for moving said gemstone mounting system with respect to said optical system so that said focused laser energy is presented to desired positions on said gemstone, having a control input; an imaging system for viewing the gemstone from a plurality of vantage points; a rigid frame supporting said laser, said optical system and said stage in fixed relation, to resist differential movements of said laser, said optical system and said stage and increase immunity to vibrational misalignments; an input for receiving marking instructions; a processor for controlling said displaceable stage based on said marking instructions and said imaging system, to selectively generate a marking based on said instructions and a predetermined program; and a storage system, coupled to said imaging system, for electronically storing information relating to images of a plurality of workpieces.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
179 words
A laser energy microinscribing system, comprising: a semiconductor excited Q-switched solid state laser energy source; a cut gemstone mounting system, allowing optical access to a mounted workpiece; an optical system for focusing laser energy from the laser energy source onto a cut gemstone; a displaceable stage for moving said gemstone mounting system with respect to said optical system so that said focused laser energy is presented to desired positions on said gemstone, having a control input; an imaging system for viewing the gemstone from a plurality of vantage points; a rigid frame supporting said laser, said optical system and said stage in fixed relation, to resist differential movements of said laser, said optical system and said stage and increase immunity to vibrational misalignments; an input for receiving marking instructions; a processor for controlling said displaceable stage based on said marking instructions and said imaging system, to selectively generate a marking based on said instructions and a predetermined program; and a storage system, coupled to said imaging system, for electronically storing information relating to images of a plurality of workpieces.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of microinscribing a workpiece with laser energy from a pulse laser energy source, focused by an optical system on the workpiece, comprising the steps of: mounting a workpiece in a mounting system; directing the focused laser energy onto a desired portion of the workpiece; imaging the workpiece from a plurality of vantage points; receiving marking instructions as at least one input; controlling the directing of the focused laser energy based on the marking instructions and the imaging, to selectively generate a marking based on said instructions; and storing information relating to images of a plurality of workpieces.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of microinscribing a workpiece with laser energy from a pulse laser energy source, focused by an optical system on the workpiece, comprising the steps of: mounting a workpiece in a mounting system; directing the focused laser energy onto a desired portion of the workpiece; imaging the workpiece from a plurality of vantage points; receiving marking instructions as at least one input; controlling the directing of the focused laser energy based on the marking instructions and the imaging, to selectively generate a marking based on said instructions; and storing information relating to images of a plurality of workpieces.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the pulse laser energy source comprises a semiconductor diode excited Q-switched neodynium laser.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 35, wherein the laser is a Nd:YLF laser having a internal harmonic converter and an output of about 530 nm.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the system further comprises a chassis for rigidly supporting the pulse laser energy source, the mounting system, the optical system, and a focused laser energy directing system, further comprising the step of repositioning the workpiece with respect to the chassis.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the mounting system comprises a fixed member, a detachable member and a mounting clamp for fixing the workpiece to the detachable member, further comprising the step of rigidly linking the detachable member to the fixed member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the workpiece is a gemstone.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the workpiece is a cut diamond.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the optical system comprises a beam expander, a dichroic mirror and a focusing lens, further comprising the step of expanding an output of the pulse laser energy source with the beam expander, selectively reflecting at least a portion of the expanded beam with the dichroic mirror, and focusing the reflected expanded beam on the workpiece with the focusing lens.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein the optical system comprises a beam expander, a dichroic mirror and a focusing lens, further comprising the step of expanding an output of the pulse laser energy source with the beam expander, selectively reflecting at least a portion of the expanded beam with the dichroic mirror, focusing the reflected expanded beam on the workpiece with the focusing lens and electronically imaging the workpiece through the dichroic mirror.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of electronically imaging a portion of the workpiece on which an output of the pulse laser energy source is incident through a dichroic mirror.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein said controlling the directing step comprises controlling movement of a translatable stage along at least three axes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein said controlling the directing step comprises generating a set of partially overlapping irradiated areas from the pulse laser energy source.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of fixing a position of the workpiece with respect to a focal point of the pulse laser energy source during a laser pulse.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein said imaging step comprises imaging through an optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being coaxial with at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of the pulse laser energy source incident on the workpiece.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein said imaging step comprises imaging through an optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being perpendicular to at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of the pulse laser energy source incident on the workpiece.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein said imaging step comprises imaging through a first optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being coaxial with at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of said pulse laser energy source incident on said workpiece and a second optical path including said portion of the workpiece and being perpendicular to said axis of said laser pulse.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of transmitting electronic image information to said processor, and controlling the directing further based on the image information.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of receiving marking instructions from a bar code reader.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of receiving marking instructions from an optical image transducer.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of marking the workpiece with information relating to a quality of the workpiece.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of automatically determining a characteristic of the workpiece and using the determined characteristic for marking instructions.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of communicating information relating to images through a telecommunications link and storing the information in a remote electronic storage database.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of deriving the stored information from the imaging.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of storing information relating to images of workpieces in conjunction with information relating to the marking instructions.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of receiving information relating to an image and determining a relation between the workpiece and the stored information.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of receiving information relating to an image of a workpiece, and producing an output indicative of a relation between the workpiece and said stored information.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of comparing images received during said imaging step with previously stored information.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of receiving information relating to an image of the workpiece, comparing the received information and the marking instructions with previously stored information, to determine a correspondence of the workpiece marked in accordance with the marking instructions with any stored information.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of comparing the marking instructions with previously stored information, to determine a correspondence of a resulting workpiece marked in accordance with the marking instructions with any stored information.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of analyzing the marking instructions and previously stored information and selectively controlling the marking based on said analysis.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein said marking comprises a set of lines or spots.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of: determining a characteristic of the workpiece; encrypting an expression of the determined characteristic of the workpiece; providing the encrypted expression as a received input; storing information relating to the characteristic; and authenticating the workpiece based on a description of the marking on a workpiece and a determined characteristic of the workpiece.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of identifying a landmark of the workpiece from images obtained during the imaging step; microinscribing a marking at a position based on a position of the identified landmark; and storing the position.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 34, wherein at least one received input comprises encrypted information.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of extracting information from an image of the workpiece, encrypting the extracted information, and providing the encrypted information as a received input.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of determining a characteristic of the workpiece, encrypting an expression of the determined characteristic of the workpiece using a public key-private key encryption algorithm, and providing the encrypted expression as a received input.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 69, further comprising the steps of decrypting the marking using a public key and comparing the decrypted expression with a characteristic of the workpiece, to authenticate the marking.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
124 words
A laser energy microinscribing system, comprising: a semiconductor excited Q-switched solid state laser energy source; a cut gemstone mounting system, allowing optical access to a mounted workpiece; an optical system for focusing laser energy from the laser energy source onto a cut gemstone; a displaceable stage for moving said gemstone mounting system with respect to said optical system so that said focused laser energy is presented to desired positions on said gemstone, having a control input; an imaging system for viewing the gemstone from a plurality of vantage points; and a rigid frame supporting said laser, said optical system and said stage in fixed relation, to resist differential movements of said laser, said optical system and said stage and increase immunity to vibrational misalignments.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
124 words
A laser energy microinscribing system, comprising: a semiconductor excited Q-switched solid state laser energy source; a cut gemstone mounting system, allowing optical access to a mounted workpiece; an optical system for focusing laser energy from the laser energy source onto a cut gemstone; a displaceable stage for moving said gemstone mounting system with respect to said optical system so that said focused laser energy is presented to desired positions on said gemstone, having a control input; an imaging system for viewing the gemstone from a plurality of vantage points; and a rigid frame supporting said laser, said optical system and said stage in fixed relation, to resist differential movements of said laser, said optical system and said stage and increase immunity to vibrational misalignments.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
34 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said imaging system images a portion of the workpiece on which an output of said laser energy source is incident, through a dichroic mirror.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
20 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, further comprising means for automatically determining a characteristic of the workpiece.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
33 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said laser energy source comprises a semiconductor diode excited Q-switched Nd:YLF laser with a harmonic converter having an output of about 530 nm.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
71 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said imaging system comprises a first optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being coaxial with at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of said laser energy source incident on the workpiece and a second optical path including said portion of the workpiece and being perpendicular to said axis of said laser pulse.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
20 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, further comprising a power supply for said pulse laser energy source.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
31 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, further comprising a chassis for rigidly supporting said laser energy source, said workpiece mounting system, said optical system, and said translatable stage.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
43 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, further comprising a power supply for said laser energy source and a chassis for rigidly supporting said laser energy source, said workpiece mounting system, said optical system, said translatable stage and said power supply.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
42 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, further comprising a chassis for rigidly supporting said laser energy source, said workpiece mounting system, said optical system, and said translatable stage, said translatable stage repositioning the workpiece with respect to said chassis.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
32 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said workpiece mounting system comprises a fixed member, detachable member and a mounting clamp for fixing the workpiece to said detachable member.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein the workpiece is a gemstone.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein the workpiece is a cut diamond.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
24 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said optical system comprises a beam expander, a dichroic mirror and a focusing lens.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
20 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said translatable stage has at least three axes of movement.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
29 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said translatable stage is controlled to produce a set of partially overlapping irradiated areas from said laser energy source.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
28 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said translatable stage is controlled to be at rest during a laser pulse of said laser energy source.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
49 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said imaging system comprises an optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being coaxial with at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of said laser energy source incident on the workpiece.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
49 words
The laser energy microinscribing system according to claim 71, wherein said imaging system comprises an optical path including at least a portion of the workpiece and being perpendicular to at least a portion of an axis of a laser pulse of said laser energy source incident on the workpiece.
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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) | 2002-08-02 | 2003-02-01 | 2003-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-08-02 | 2007-02-01 | 2007-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-08-02 | 2011-02-01 | 2011-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |