Laser beam containment system

• US 7,218,649 B2
• Filed: 08/28/2003
• Issued: 05/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Philip Morris USA Incorporated (Altria Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Philip Morris USA Incorporated (Altria Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Belcastro, Marc D., Duvekot, Loren
• Primary Examiner(s): Harvey; Minsun Oh
• Assistant Examiner(s): FORDE, DELMA ROSA
• Application Number:
  US10/649,788
• Publication Number:
  US 20050047450A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,356 Days
• Field of Search: 372/9, 372/99, 219/121.6, 219/121.78, 219/121.79
• US Class Current: 372/9
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 26/128 Laser beam path enclosures
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 26/702 Auxiliary equipment

Abstract

A laser beam containment system includes a number of optics that direct a laser beam produced by a laser beam source along a path to a point of application of the laser beam. One or more hollow tubes are positioned in an arrangement such that the laser beam passes through the hollow tubes. The hollow tubes are also adjustably positioned relative to the laser beam objects to allow for access to the optics for maintenance and adjustment of the optics. Locking mechanisms provide control of the adjustment features of the containment tubes.

Claims

1. A laser beam containment system, comprising a laser-conducting structure for conducting a laser beam along a path from a laser beam source to a point of application of said laser beam, wherein the entire laser beam is encapsulated within said laser conducting structure along said path from said laser beam source to said point of application, said laser-conducting structure including at least two optics for directing said laser beam, and a tube arrangement interconnecting said at least two optics, said tube arrangement being movable out of said path for allowing access to at least one of said at least two optics without disturbing the distance relationship between said at least two optics, wherein said tube arrangement includes first and second telescoping tube portions, wherein telescoping movement between said first and second tube portions shortens an effective length of said tube arrangement to facilitate movement of said tube arrangement out of said path, wherein said at least two optics are mounted in respective blocks, said first telescoping tube portion being in telescopic relationship with a flange on one of said blocks, wherein said telescoping movement effects disengagement of said first tube portion from said flange.

2. The laser beam containment system of claim 1 further including an unlockable retainer lockable in a retaining position for preventing said telescoping movement.

3. A laser beam containment system according to claim 1 further including a padlock for locking said retainer in said retaining position.

4. A laser beam containment system of claim 2 wherein said retainer is positionable around the outside of one of said first and second tube portions and adjacent the other of said first and second tube portions for blocking said telescoping movement;

and further comprising a separate padlock for holding said retainer in such movement-blocking position.

5. A laser beam containment system according to claim 1 said second tube portion is pivotably mounted to the other of said blocks to enable said tubular structure to be swung out of said path when said first tube portion has been disengaged from said flange of said one block.

6. A laser beam containment structure of claim 1 further comprising a separate lock for preventing movement of said tubular arrangement out of said path.

7. A laser beam containment system of claim 6 wherein said lock comprises a padlock.

8. A laser beam containment system, comprising a laser-conducting structure for conducting a laser beam along a path from a laser beam source to a point of application of said laser beam, wherein the entire laser beam is encapsulated within said laser conducting structure along said path from said laser beam source to said point of application, said laser-conducting structure including at least two optics for directing said laser beam, and a tube arrangement interconnecting said at least two optics, said tube arrangement being movable out of said path for allowing access to at least one of said at least two optics without disturbing the distance relationship between said at least two optics, wherein said tube arrangement includes first and second telescoping tube portions, wherein telescoping movement between said first and second tube portions shortens an effective length of said tube arrangement to facilitate movement of said tube arrangement out of said path, wherein one of said tube portions includes a transverse passageway providing access to said path;

and further comprising a sleeve positionable around the exterior of said one tube portion and slidable relative thereto for uncovering said passageway.

9. A laser beam containment structure of claim 8 further comprising a retainer removably positionable between said sleeve and the other of said telescoping tube portions for preventing said sliding movement of said sleeve for uncovering said passageway.

10. A laser beam containment system according to claim 9, further comprising a separate padlock attachable to said retainer for preventing removal of said retainer.