Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for trepanning workpieces

US4896944A · kind A · utility

19Cited by
8References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 25, 1988
Grant dateJan 30, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 25, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K26/389
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for trepanning a workpiece by controlling laser energy on variable diameters thereof includes the method steps of directing a collimated beam of energy against the workpiece and shifting and rotating the collimated beam so as to orbit a focal point on the workpiece to change the trepanning diameter. Apparatus for practicing such method includes a lens housing with a lens holder which is easily removable and is also positionable with respect to a reference axis by a pneumatic pressure acting against a spring loaded stop and further including means for rotating the lens housing on the reference axis to orbit the focal point of a collimated beam of laser energy about the reference axis to vary the trepanning diameter.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.