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US 2006/0065651 A1Published application
Portable plenum laser forming
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsWenwu Zhang, Marshall Jones, Brian Farrell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A laser forming system includes a motion system. A mounting fixture is affixed to the motion system for supporting a workpiece. A plenum is affixed to the fixture for surrounding the workpiece. A gas supply is joined in flow communication with the plenum for channeling thereto an inert gas under pressure to fill the plenum. A laser is aligned with the plenum for projecting a laser beam at the workpiece for laser forming thereof inside the plenum.
Claims22
A laser forming system comprising:
- a motion system;
- a mounting fixture affixed to said motion system for supporting a workpiece;
- a plenum affixed to said fixture for surrounding said workpiece;
- a gas supply joined in flow communication with said plenum for channeling thereto an inert gas under pressure to fill said plenum;
- and
- a laser aligned with said plenum for projecting a laser beam at said workpiece for laser forming thereof inside said plenum.
3 more elements
A laser forming apparatus comprising:
- a robot including a movable arm having an end effector;
- a mounting fixture affixed to said effector for supporting a workpiece;
- a plenum affixed to said fixture for surrounding said workpiece;
- and
- a laser aligned with said plenum for projecting a laser beam at said workpiece for laser forming thereof inside said plenum.
2 more elements
A chamber configured for surrounding a workpiece, said chamber comprising:
- a window configured to seal said chamber, said window being transparent to a laser beam for projection therethrough;
- an inlet configured for receiving an inert gas;
- and
- an outlet configured for discharging the inert gas.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.