US4125757A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for laser cutting
Assignee: Timken US LLC
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Filing: 1977-11-04
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Granted: 1978-11-14
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Expires: 1997-11-04
Abstract
Abstract A laser beam is directed towards a workpiece immersed beneath the surface of a liquid coolant. An exothermically reactive gas is directed through the liquid coolant to the workpiece under sufficient pressure and velocity to sweep away a sufficient amount of the liquid coolant to expose part of the workpiece to the laser beam for cutting.
Inventors
- 👤 William A. Ross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:06
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/14; B23K26/12; B23K26/1224
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
Apparatus for cutting a workpiece with a laser beam comprising: means for generating a laser beam; optical means for directing the laser beam towards a workpiece; a workpiece holder containing a liquid coolant in which the workpiece is immersed; and means for directing an exothermically reactive gas through the liquid coolant covering the workpiece under sufficient pressure and velocity to sweep away a sufficient amount of the liquid coolant from the workpiece to expose part of the workpiece to the laser beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus for cutting a workpiece with a laser beam comprising: means for generating a laser beam; optical means for directing the laser beam towards a workpiece; a workpiece holder containing a liquid coolant in which the workpiece is immersed; and means for directing an exothermically reactive gas through the liquid coolant covering the workpiece under sufficient pressure and velocity to sweep away a sufficient amount of the liquid coolant from the workpiece to expose part of the workpiece to the laser beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
103 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein: the optical means for directing the laser beam towards the workpiece is an optical lens mounted in a housing; a nozzle is connected at the exit end of the housing for directing the laser beam in a small diameter beam toward the workpiece; and the means for directing the Exothermically reactive gas at the liquid coolant is a gas supply conduit connected to the housing, and a gas chamber in the housing, interconnecting the gas supply conduit and said nozzle whereby the gas exits from the nozzle in a cylindrical wall around the laser beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein: the housing and the workpiece are movable relative to one another.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of cutting a workpiece comprising: submerging said workpiece in a liquid coolant; applying an exothermically reactive gas against the liquid coolant under sufficient pressure and velocity to displace liquid coolant covering the workpiece and expose a section of the workpiece; and applying a laser beam against the exposed part of the workpiece.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of cutting a workpiece comprising: submerging said workpiece in a liquid coolant; applying an exothermically reactive gas against the liquid coolant under sufficient pressure and velocity to displace liquid coolant covering the workpiece and expose a section of the workpiece; and applying a laser beam against the exposed part of the workpiece.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method of cutting a workpiece in accordance with claim 4 wherein: the exothermically reactive gas is applied in a manner to create a substantially cylindrical separating wall between the laser beam and a liquid coolant vortex created by the action of the exothermically reactive gas.
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) | 1981-11-13 | 1982-05-15 | 1982-11-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-11-13 | 1986-05-15 | 1986-11-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-11-13 | 1990-05-15 | 1990-11-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |