Configurable nozzle baffle apparatus and method
US6667459B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H1/3478
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A configurable baffle to configure fluid flow through a nozzle. To improve the quality and accuracy of processing apparatus used in the cutting, welding, and heat treating of materials, a self-aligning nozzle includes a configurable baffle. This configurable baffle can be a metallic grid (e.g., a screen) or other type of membrane (e.g., porous, permeable, etc.). During its initial use in the processing apparatus, this configurable baffle is tailored with an energy beam, such as a laser beam or plasma jet, to create an optimal fluid flow velocity profile. When the configurable baffle deteriorates from use, it is easily replaced by another baffle or by using an in situ replacement mechanism. To ensure proper alignment between the nozzle and the energy beam, mating contoured surfaces are used among adjacent components. Threaded surfaces can also be employed to assist in achieving the proper coaxial alignment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.