Protective window assembly and method of using the same for a laser beam generating apparatus
OwnerRobert D. Herpstinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A protective window assembly and its use with a focusing assembly lens in a laser beam generating apparatus, the protective window assembly contains a window with apertures for protecting the focusing lens against damaging and cooling the focusing lens.
Claims8
An optical assembly for a laser beam generating apparatus directing a laser beam in a path between a focusing lens and a focal point of the laser beam comprising:
- (a) a housing;
- (b) a protective window assembly comprising a protective window secured within said housing at a position along the path of the laser beam between the focusing lens and the focal point of the laser beam;
- (c) a cavity between said protective window and the focusing lens;
- and
- (d) means for cooling the focusing lens while equalizing the pressure around said protective window to protect said protective window from damage caused by gas pressure while alleviating an effect of heat on said focusing lens.
A method of protecting a focusing lens of a laser beam generating device comprising the steps of placing a protective window assembly comprising a protective window in proximity to the focusing lens, and passing a gas through or around the protective window assembly in a manner which equalizes gas pressure around the protective window and cools the focusing lens.
A method of protecting a focusing lens of a laser beam generating device comprising the steps of placing a protective window assembly comprising a protective window in proximity to a lens assembly holding the focusing lens and passing a gas through or around the protective window assembly in a manner which equalizes gas pressure around the protective window and cools the focusing lens.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.