Abstract: A method of ablating a polymeric substrate by laser means, wherein the laser means emits a laser having a selected wavelength dependant upon the polymeric substrate, and wherein at least 70% of the incident power from the laser means absorbs within 0.001 inches of the polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A method of providing multiple arcuate ablations on a corner portion of a polymeric laminate. The laminate includes more than one layer, with each layer having a an exposed upper surface. The method comprises selectively ablating a first layer in a first arcuate path, and selectively ablating remaining layers, each remaining layer ablated in a separate arcuate path. The arcuate path of any layer neither overlays nor underlies the arcuate path of any other layer.

Abstract: A method for producing an easy open, easy tear package formed of flexible single layer or multi-layered material using a laser. The user configures a microprocessor with the sheet size, score pattern, and material parameters. The microprocessor controls the laser to score the film material to a depth less than a full depth of the material. The microprocessor modulates the laser to create tear initiation areas at predetermined locations precisely on the score line, so as to create a starting point for initiating a tear to open the package along the score line after the package is sealed.

Abstract: An improved method for operating a steered laser beam system employs selective laser power control. A laser beam is provided having a selectively positionable focal point. A workpiece is provided on which a selected laser beam pattern is used to process the workpiece, and the laser beam focal point is controlled to travel along the selected pattern at varying velocities. A position of the focal point on the workpiece is dynamically determined as the focal point travels along the selected pattern. A velocity of the focal point on the workpiece is dynamically calculated based on multiple determined positions of the focal point. An energy level of the laser beam is controlled based on the calculated velocity of the focal point. In one embodiment, the energy level of the laser beam is adjusted to maintain a constant energy per unit distance traveled by the focal point.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a material having a thickness, T, defined by the distance between a first surface and a second surface of the material. The apparatus comprises an energy source for providing a beam of energy, and directing mirrors for directing the beam of energy from the energy source to a first focal point between the first and second surfaces of the material, and to a second focal point between the first and second surfaces of the material. The first and second focal points are spaced apart from each other by a distance sufficient to cut through the entire thickness of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a workpiece comprising an energy source for providing a beam of energy and a directing mechanism for directing the beam energy from the energy source to a focal point. The beam of energy is provided along an axis. The directing mechanism includes a frame that is mounted to the energy source. A first focusing mechanism is provided to focus the beam of energy to a focal point that is along the axis. The first focusing mechanism is mounted to the frame between the energy source and the focal point. A first reflective mirror is slidably mounted to the frame between the energy source means and the first focusing means. The slidable mounting of the first reflective mirror allows the first reflective mirror to be moved into the path of the beam of energy and thereby cause a first reflected beam portion to be formed. A second reflective mirror is also mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A laser beam delivery system transmits a laser beam with sufficient power to heat treat a work surface. The laser beam is reflected and focused by a first reflector to a second reflector and then onto the work surface. The second reflector is mounted angularly to a rotatable shaft such that when the shaft is rotated, the second reflector rotates about a first optical axis which is separate from a second axis or shaft and at a frequency that produces an integrated energy ring that remains coupled.

Abstract: A reflective collimator adjusts an input light beam producing an output light beam parallel to the input light beam. The input light beam is reflected and focused by a first reflector to a second reflector, then reflected from the second reflector to a third reflector, and reflected from the third reflector to a fourth reflector, and finally reflected and focused from the fourth reflector to a focus point.

Abstract: An adjustable beam splitter includes a pentaprism type reflector unit including a housing, a splitter mirror positioned in the housing for transmitting a portion of an input energy beam and for reflecting a portion of the input energy beam, and a reflective mirror mounted within the housing for directing the reflected portion of the input energy beam at a fixed angle to the input energy beam regardless of the angle of incidence of the input energy beam to the splitter mirror and regardless of manufacturing tolerances of the splitter mirror. Translation of the reflected portion of the input energy beam is reduced and the split ratio adjusted by rotating the pentaprism type unit about a line corresponding to the intersection of a plane containing the splitter mirror and a plane containing the reflective mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on a machine tool having a table movable along a rail disposed in a way. The apparatus includes a way cover and a rail engaging coupling. The way cover includes a top and first and second opposing way side walls extending generally downwardly. The rail engaging coupling includes bearing means and a housing portion housing the bearing means. First and second legs extend from opposite sides of the housing portion and are attached to the table top of the table at distal ends. The legs extend from the housing portion under the way cover side walls to movably connect the table top with the rail.

Abstract: A laser wire stripper in which energy from a laser is focused to a first point and then to a curved reflector and refocused to a second point displaced from the first point by an amount which permits the insertion of a strippable wire therebetween, the wire being laterally moved generally along a line between the two points so that the beams alternately cut the wire insulation from one side and then the other.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for cutting multiple sheets of fabric by a laser beam and removing the smoke and debris from the fabric. The multiple layers of fabric are disposed upon a honeycomb structure that is secured to a vacuum table connected to a vacuum source where the structure includes a plurality of vertically extended openings through which a laser beam is aimed and focused to cut a pattern in the multiple layers of fabric exclusing any impermeable sheets that cover the fabric above and below the fabric. By eliminating the impermeable sheets, the movement of the airstream is directed to flow towards the laser beam and take with it, the smoke and debris from the multiple layers of fabric. When the airstream is directed generally through the opening in the fabric, it assumes a path that moves substantially parallel to the laser beam.