Transparent pressure foot
AssigneeChrysler Corporation
InventorCristiano Rossi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A transparent pressure foot for use with laser welding and cutting systems and the like. The transparent pressure foot is positioned by means of a mount so that it makes contact with a surface with a predetermined force. The foot is composed of a material that is transparent to the laser energy at its particular frequency. The foot has a top surface for receiving the laser energy and a bottom surface for making contact with the surface. The laser energy is transmitted through the transparent pressure foot and is focused to a point below the bottom surface of the pressure foot. This permits pressure as well as laser energy to be applied to the same point on the surface to facilitate laser welding or cutting.
Claims10
An apparatus for applying laser energy having a predetermined frequency band to a material, said apparatus comprising:
- a foot means for receiving and transmitting said laser energy to said material, said foot means having a contour surface for directing and concentrating portions of said laser energy received by said foot toward said material, said contour surface comprising side portions of said foot means and having generally the shape of a parabola in cross section, said contour surface including a reflective coating, said foot means being substantially transparent to said predetermined frequency band;
- said foot means having a top surface for receiving said laser energy, and a bottom surface for making contact with said material, said bottom surface having a contour that conforms to a desired contour for said material wherein said laser energy exits said foot means through said bottom surface;
- and
- clamping means associated with said foot means for positioning said foot means in contact with said material and exerting a predetermined force thereon.
An apparatus for applying laser energy having a predetermined frequency band to a material, said apparatus comprising:
- a foot means for receiving and transmitting said laser energy to said material, said foot means being substantially transparent to said predetermined frequency band;
- said foot means having a top surface for receiving said laser energy and a relatively flat bottom surface, wherein said laser energy exits said foot means through said bottom surface;
- said foot means having side contour surfaces, said contours being generally in the shape of a parabola in cross section, and said side portions being coded with a reflective coating for reflecting and focusing said laser energy to a point below said bottom surface;
- and
- clamping means associated with said foot means for positioning said foot means in contact with said material and exerting a predetermined force thereon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.