Crash proof nozzle
US4733048A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/702
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A nozzle apparatus for focusing a beam of collimated radiation from a laser source has a spring mounted nozzle which contains the focusing lens or mirror system for establishing the actual size of the focal spot of the beam on a workpiece. Engagement of the tip of the nozzle with the workpiece or other obstacles will cause the nozzle to tilt away from the obstacle and means are responsive to such tilting movement to stop machine operation in order to clear the obstacle from the programmed path of operation of the spring mounted nozzle. Furthermore, means are provided to cause the entire assembly to be deflected upwardly when encountering an obstacle that is located in a centered relationship below the nozzle tip. The spring mounted nozzle repositions itself when it is free of the obstacle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.