Abstract: A turbine-type compressor useful in a gas laser apparatus for flowing gas along a flow path of the laser includes a sealing arrangement about a drive shaft of the compressor for preventing undesirable substances from moving to the compressor impeller along the drive shaft of the compressor and contaminating the laser gas compressed thereby. The sealing arrangement includes a first seal, preferably a vacuum pressure seal, for sealing about the shaft at least during rotation of the shaft, and a second seal comprising a resilient bladder which is selectively expanded and contracted to move into and out of sealing contact with the drive shaft, respectively, for, on one hand, sealing against the shaft when the drive shaft is stationary during pumping down of the laser and, on the other hand, withdrawing the bladder from the shaft when the shaft is rotating. The sealing arrangement is reliable and relatively low cost and uses less gas than a prior art sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A fast axial flow gas laser apparatus comprising an at least essentially closed loop defining a flow path for a laser gas, an arrangement for exciting gas flowing in the loop of the apparatus to cause the gas to lase, and a regenerative compressor for flowing gas through the closed loop along the flow path. The compressor is capable of operating with a pressure ratio sufficient to flow the gas along at least a portion of the loop at a speed at least half the speed of sound in the gas with inlet pressures of only a small fraction of an atmosphere. The uniform discharge pressure of the compressor results in a uniform laser discharge or output. A positive pressure fluid pressure seal prevents lubricant at a bearing support for the impeller shaft of the compressor from moving to the impeller and possibly contaminating the laser gas being compressed thereby and also prevents surrounding air from contaminating the laser gas.

Abstract: A fast axial flow gas laser apparatus comprising an at least essentially closed loop defining a flow path for a laser gas, an arrangement for exciting gas flowing in the loop of the apparatus to cause the gas to lase, and a regenerative compressor for flowing gas through the closed loop along the flow path. The compressor is capable of operating with a pressure ratio sufficient to flow the gas along at least a portion of the loop at a speed at least half the speed of sound in the gas with inlet pressures of only a small fraction of an atmosphere. The uniform discharge pressure of the compressor results in a uniform laser discharge or output. A positive pressure fluid pressure seal prevents lubricant at a bearing support for the impeller shaft of the compressor from moving to the impeller and possibly contaminating the laser gas being compressed thereby and also prevents surrounding air from contaminating the laser gas.

Abstract: A laser fluid control apparatus and method provide selective, precise control of the fluid supplied to the laser. The flow of the fluid to the laser can be automatically adjusted according to a selected, programmed control to provide a high volume of the fluid to the laser during initial operation of the laser for a quick warm-up of the laser and a reduced volume after the laser has warmed-up for more economical operation of the laser. Different fluid mixes can also be provided for enhancing laser performance. A control for pulsed or continuous wave laser operation can be actuated to automatically change the composition of the fluid supplied to the laser for continuous wave laser operation as compared to that for pulsed operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for continuously forming and laser welding metal can bodies and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous laser welding adjacent longitudinally extending of generally tubular shaped members is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a Z-bar guide for positioning and guiding the edges as they are moved toward a welding area with a laser welding device for welding the edges, and a mandrel connected to the Z-bar guide and extending internally and in the direction of movement of the members. The mandrel includes a laser beam dump positioned adjacent the welding area for absorbing light from a laser beam produced by the laser welding device and at least one roller for internally supporting and guiding the generally tubular shaped members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding the opposed edges of sheet metal into substantially abutting edge-to-edge relationship with one another and thereafter welding said edges by a high energy welding source to form a seam. The invention enables the continuous high speed butt welding of the sheet metal to form cylindrical bodies. The apparatus includes three elements which are cooperatively secured in assembled relationship and thereby form opposed and converging guide channels which converge into open relationship with one another along the length of the apparatus so that the opposing edges of sheet metal are guided into intimate abutting edge-to-edge relationship with one another. The elements extend to a point adjacent the weld zone in order to maintain the sheet metal edges in abutting relationship as they enter the weld zone.In another embodiment, two of the elements may include portions which extend into and beyond the weld zone.

Abstract: A method of positioning and guiding two edges of thin sheet metal in such a manner that the edges are urged into overlapping relationship with each other under pressure and are continuously moved in a longitudinal direction while converging toward each other. The edges of the sheet metal are forced out of overlapping relationship against the pressure so that such edges are in abutting relationship with each other at the point of convergence at which time such edges are welded together by a source of heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and guiding the opposed edges of sheet metal so that the edges thereof are progressively moved into substantially intimate relationship with one another so that such edges may be subsequently welded to form a seam. The apparatus includes three replaceable guide elements that cooperatively form opposed and relatively converging guide channels which progressively direct the sheet metal edges into intimate relationship and maintain such relationship as the sheet metal is introduced into a seam welding station.