US4174476A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser cutting of tubular articles
Assignee: Automated Container Corp
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Filing: 1978-05-11
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Granted: 1979-11-13
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Expires: 1998-05-11
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for cutting tubular material with two separate laser beams having a constant power ratio by using a laser source having a single output beam of random polarization. A beamsplitter is positioned so that the output of a laser source strikes it at a near normal angle of incidence. The beamsplitter divides the laser beam into two components whose power ratio remains relatively constant due to the near normal angle of incidence of the laser beam onto the beamsplitter. The two components are then directed to strike the tube. The constant power ratio permits the most efficient use of the power of the laser source.
Inventors
- 👤 Norman L. Boling
- 👤 Michael E. Fein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 23:05
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/02; B23K26/06; B23K26/067; B23K26/0604; B23K26/0619; B23K26/08; B23K26/0823; B29; B29C; B29C65/00; B29C65/02; B29C65/14; B29C65/16; B29C65/1629; B29C65/1645
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
Apparatus for severing a rotating tubular article with a laser beam comprising: a laser source having a single output beam; a beamsplitter for dividing said output beam into two generally equal components, said beamsplitter being positioned so that said output beam strikes said beamsplitter at an angle of incidence θ with respect to a line normal to the beamsplitter that is greater than 0° and less 15°, thereby maintaining the power of said two components substantially equal despite random polarization of said output beams; and means for directing said two components to strike the peripheral surface of said tubular article, thereby allowing said tubular article to be completely severed during rotation of said tubular article.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
Apparatus for severing a rotating tubular article with a laser beam comprising: a laser source having a single output beam; a beamsplitter for dividing said output beam into two generally equal components, said beamsplitter being positioned so that said output beam strikes said beamsplitter at an angle of incidence θ with respect to a line normal to the beamsplitter that is greater than 0° and less 15°, thereby maintaining the power of said two components substantially equal despite random polarization of said output beams; and means for directing said two components to strike the peripheral surface of said tubular article, thereby allowing said tubular article to be completely severed during rotation of said tubular article.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the directing means causes the two components to strike diametrically opposed points on the peripheral circumference of said tubular article, thereby allowing said tubular article to be completely severed in one half revolution of said article about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said laser source is a continuous wave CO 2 laser.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the output power of said laser source is greater than 900 watts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the directing means causes the two components to strike the peripheral surface of said tubular article at two points spaced apart a preselected distance along the longitudinal axis of said tubular article, thereby allowing for said tubular article to be completely severed circumferentially at said spaced points in one full revolution of said article about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of severing a rotating tubular article with a laser beam comprising the steps of: generating a laser beam; directing said laser beam towards a beamsplitter at an angle of incidence θ with respect to a line normal to said beamsplitter that is greater than 0° and less than 15°, thereby dividing said laser beam into two components having a constant power ratio; and directing said two components to strike the peripheral surface of said tubular article at two points thereon, thereby severing said tubular article as it rotates.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of severing a rotating tubular article with a laser beam comprising the steps of: generating a laser beam; directing said laser beam towards a beamsplitter at an angle of incidence θ with respect to a line normal to said beamsplitter that is greater than 0° and less than 15°, thereby dividing said laser beam into two components having a constant power ratio; and directing said two components to strike the peripheral surface of said tubular article at two points thereon, thereby severing said tubular article as it rotates.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said two components are directed to strike said tubular article at two points spaced apart a preselected distance along the longitudinal axis of said tubular article.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said two components are directed to strike two diametrically opposed points on a circumference of said tubular article, thereby allowing said tubular article to be completely severed in one half of a revolution of the tubular articles about its longitudinal axis.
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) | 1982-11-12 | 1983-05-14 | 1983-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-11-12 | 1987-05-14 | 1987-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-11-12 | 1991-05-14 | 1991-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |