Beam delivery system

• US 20020020692A1
• Filed: 09/10/2001
• Published: 02/21/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cincinnati Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Cincinnati Incorporated
• Inventors: Smyth, Dale
• Granted Patent: US 6,495,797 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/121.84
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 26/14 using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beam; Nozzles therefor B23K26/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 26/1462 Nozzles; Features related to nozzles
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 26/1476 Features inside the nozzle for feeding the fluid stream through the nozzle

Abstract

A photon energy beam delivery system has a gas delivery tube extending generally the length of the beam path, having a plurality of openings oriented generally toward the beam path. Gas is discharged through the openings, flowing proximal to the beam path, resulting in the desired gas movement within the beam path throughout a sufficient length of the beam path, thereby reducing, eliminating or minimizing degradation of the beam.

Claims

1. A beam delivery system is which a photon energy beam is directed along a beam path, said beam delivery system comprising a gas distribution tube configured to deliver a flow of gas proximal to said beam path when a flow of gas is delivered to said gas distribution tube.