Abstract: In a laser beam cutting device the focussing of the laser beam (1) and the adjustment of the focal spot (4) in respect of its vertical position is made swing free, and is achieved without subsequent correction of the workpiece coordinates, with the focussing lens (2) guided strictly parallel and coaxial with the optical axis. By active cooling of the surface of the workpiece in the immediate area of the focal spot (4), the critical heating-up zone is reduced and the accuracy and surface finish of the cut edge is improved.

Abstract: The brake is of the type in which a spring wire bale is held down against the ski by a ski-boot inserted into the ski-binding. The bale pivots at the rear of the binding and from there extends into brake spurs which, when the bale is held down, extend above, and parallel to the ski. When the bale is released, it pivots the brake spurs down into the snow to stop the ski. The spring action is provided by spiral springs which pass from the brake arms of the bale over a cam surface of a trunnion and then again to the brake arms where the brake spurs begin. An adjustable device for fixing the trunnions to the ski with shanks are described. Special contouring of the cam surface and corresponding curvature of that part of the brake arm which pivots on the cam surface permits the spurs to be raised above the upper ski surface when the bale is down. Detents in the shanks permit the spurs to also be moved inwardly in this position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ski brake of the type fixed to the upper surface of a ski. The brake includes a pair of brake shoes on opposite sides of the ski biased into a downward, active braking position, and a counter biasing pedal which holds the brake in an inactive position when held down by a ski boot. The pedal is a U-shaped loop formed by a pair of arms of unequal length and with separate pivot points longitudinally displaced on the ski, so that elastic deformation of the loop when it is pivoted gives rise to a return bias into the braking position. At the U connection between the arms there is provided an adjusting member in the form of a turnbuckle which permits the spacing between the arms to be adjusted to suit the particular width of the ski.

Abstract: A ski brake includes a length of spring wire of circular cross-section and a holding plate for retaining the brake on the top surface of a ski. The wire has two end portions which are covered with plastic protective caps forming the effective surfaces of the brake. One of the end portions lies on each side of the ski, the brake portions being movable between a position in which they lie essentially in the major plane of the ski and a position in which they extend downwardly below the bottom surface of the ski. A retaining plate is fastened to the top surface of the ski and includes two arcuate recesses which extend transversely across the ski. Between the two end portions, the wire is bent to form a first central shaft portion which extends through one of the arcuate recesses, a second central portion which is U-shaped, and a third central shaft portion which extends through the other arcuate recess.