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US 4,151,393 AGranted
Laser pile cutter
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsDavid B. Fenneman, Robert J. Geres
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for cutting wharf or bridge pilings underwater which tilizes a neutrally buoyant air tube to conduct a laser beam from a laser source on a barge or other surface vessel to an air filled collar which is clamped to the piling to be cut. The laser beam is guided via the air tube to the piling where laser energy and combustion are utilized to cut the pile, and compressed air or other gases purge the collar of smoke and water during the cutting.
Claims6
Apparatus for cutting pilings underwater by means of a laser beam comprising;
- essentially watertight means for surrounding at least a portion of the piling to be cut;
- coupling means associated with said watertight means for coupling conduit means thereto;
- said conduit means being capable of carrying a laser beam;
- purging means associated with said essentially watertight means for purging water from the interior of said watertight means in communication with the piling to be cut;
- said conduit means also including means for directing a gas jet into the water-free zone to maintain the zone clear of smoke and debris during the cutting operation.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.