Abstract: The present invention relates generally to bending a workpiece to form a desired configuration and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for forming bends “out of sequence,” i.e., in a time sequence different from the spatial sequence of the bends on the workpiece. The apparatus of the present invention include a bending system for bending a workpiece and a positioning system for positioning the workpiece relative to a bending region so that bends can be formed in various locations across the bending region. By virtue of the disclosed structures, a series of bends can be formed on a workpiece at various locations within the bending region. Bends can be formed out sequence and without advancing the workpiece relative to the bending region.

Abstract: A method for generating curves and an associated method for operating a curve forming device are disclosed. According to a preferred implementation, the curve is formed as a piecewise series of arc segments (14' and 16'). The shapes of the segments (14' and 16') are derived by defining a control polygon (P.sub.0, P.sub.12, P.sub.3), defining an outbound polygon (P.sub.0, P.sub.1 ', P.sub.2 ', P.sub.3) relative to the control polygon, and determining centers of curvature (18' and 20') and radii for the segments (14' and 16') relative to the outbound polygon. The resulting curve can be two or three dimensional and can be expressed in conventional numerical control languages for implementation by curve forming devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to bending a workpiece to form a desired configuration and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for forming bends "out of sequence," i.e., in a time sequence different from the spatial sequence of the bends on the workpiece. The apparatus of the present invention include a bending system for bending a workpiece and a positioning system for positioning the workpiece relative to a bending region so that bends can be formed in various locations across the bending region. By virtue of the disclosed structures, a series of bends can be formed on a workpiece at various locations within the bending region. Bends can be formed out sequence and without advancing the workpiece relative to the bending region.

Abstract: A side panel assembly is disclosed which is of simple construction and provides easy access to the assembly contents for servicing or the like. The side panel assembly includes a front wall (14), a back wall (12) and a side wall (16) which is bent to match the shape of the front (14) and/or back (12) wall. The front wall (14) is connected to the side wall (16) by inserting a fastener (30) through the front wall (14) and a pull-out tab (26) extending from the side wall (16). A method and apparatus for use in constructing the side panel (16) are also provided. The method and apparatus allow for automation of the lay-out, cutting to length, flanging and notching of the side panel (16).

Abstract: A method for generating curves and an associated method for operating a curve forming device are disclosed. According to a preferred implementation, the curve is formed as a piecewise series of arc segments (14' and 16'). The shapes of the segments (14' and 16') are derived by defining a control polygon (P.sub.0, P.sub.12, P.sub.3), defining an outbound polygon (P.sub.0, P.sub.1, P.sub.2 ', P.sub.3) relative to the control polygon, and determining centers of curvature (18' and 20') and radii for the segments (14' and 16') relative to the outbound polygon. The resulting curve can be expressed in conventional numerical control languages for implementation by curve forming devices.

Abstract: A laser-optical fiber tuning and control system which optimizes coupling of a laser output into an optical fiber by minimizing the amount of light scattered into the fiber cladding, which provides a realtime indication of whether the radiation reaches the output end of the fiber to an emergency shut-down switch, and which provides a communications system for control of the laser from the output end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A side panel assembly is disclosed which is of simple construction and provides easy access to the assembly contents for servicing or the like. The side panel assembly includes a front wall (14), a back wall (12) and a side wall (16) which is bent to match the shape of the front (14) and/or back (12) wall. The front wall (14) is connected to the side wall (16) by inserting a fastener (30) through the front wall (14) and a pull-out tab (26) extending from the side wall (16). A method and apparatus for use in constructing the side panel (16) are also provided. The method and apparatus allow for automation of the lay-out, cutting to length, flanging and notching of the side panel (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in bending sheet stock to form a selected design is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a controller including a programmable system for calculating the positions and shapes of bends for bending the stock to the selected design and a sequence for making the bends, and a printer for printing instructions regarding the positions, shapes and sequence of the bends. The printer can print instructions directly on the stock or on a label for attachment to the stock. The instructions can be utilized by an operator or machine in bending the sheet stock. The invention improves the efficiency and accuracy of the process for bending sheet stock.

Abstract: A new compact disk ("CD") is formed providing a bright, metallic presentation of indicia such as trademarks, promotion and advertising copy and other alphanumeric information around the circumference of the disk with recorded digital data in the disk's central portion. Such a CD may be a 120 mm CD including a central portion recorded in the 80 mm format of a single CD, with the desired indicia formed by a bright metal indicia-bearing substrate in the 20 mm, radially-extending, circumferential portion of the CD that surrounds the recorded digital data.Such CD's are manufactured by recording the digital data in the central 80 mm of a 120 mm master, leaving the remaining unrecorded circumferential portion of the master with a smooth surface and applying the desired indicia onto the unrecorded outer peripheral portion of a disk used to form production stampers.

Abstract: A system for coupling laser radiation at a high power to an optical fiber while dissipating heat from scattered laser and optical pump radiation, including an optical fiber, a protective ferrule surrounding a portion of the optical fiber extending from the input face of the optical fiber and welded to the fiber in the region of the input face and otherwise separated from the fiber by an air space, and a holder surrounding the ferrule to absorb scattered radiation and dissipate heat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful handpiece for use in connection with a orbicularly tipped contact surgical laser. The handpiece has a handle portion and an extended portion. The handle portion is sized for comfortable handling and is of sufficient strength to accommodate the stresses incident to use in rigorous applications such as orthopedic surgery. The extended portion is connected to the handle portion, and is sized so as to be inserted into the surgical site. The extended portion of the handpiece is adapted to enclose and support the orbicular tip of the optical fiber.

Abstract: In a single portable housing a system for evacuating a laser plume from a surgical site. The system extracts the laser plume from the surgery site through a primary inlet tube supported on an articulated arm. A suction canister communicating with the primary inlet tube removes liquid contaminants from the laser plume and is connected by a secondary inlet tube to a primary filter canister in which is located a primary filter comprised of activated carbon granules. Also disposed in the primary filter canister upstream on the pathway followed by the laser plume through the system is a disposable prefilter disc. In combination with the primary filter the prefilter disc removes substantially all of the particulate contaminants and odor in the laser plume. Downstream from the primary filter canister is a fan for advancing the laser plume through the system.

Abstract: A high speed beam shutter having a flat, flexible, reflective ferromagnetic blade oriented with a lengthwise direction of the blade at approximately a right angle to the beam path and tilted up in the widthwise direction so as to be oriented at approximately 45.degree. to the beam path to reflect the beam downward to a light trap. The blade intersects the light path in either its straight or flexed position, but not both, and is flexed by means of an electromagnet. The electromagnet has an elongated core with J-shaped cross-section with the J-arm and J-hook ends defining magnetic poles. The blade, electromagnet and light trap may be housed in a case with side apertures defining the beam path. Both conductive and water cooling of the blade with a beam stop, and cooling of the light trap and electromagnet may be provided. A two blade, two electromagnet embodiment is described.

Abstract: A system for filtering the harmful particulates and liquids from a laser plume formed during surgical procedures. The laser plume may be passed through a suction canister to remove a liquid component from the laser plume. Thereafter, the laser plume is passed through a filter containing granular activated charcoal and a pleated filter to remove substantially all toxic elements and particulate matter in the laser plume. The system is self-contained and is configured such that the air from the laser plume is not cross-contaminated with either the ambient air in the room or the cooling air of the vacuum motor. The system also contains a pressure differential measuring device for indicating to the medical personnel when the filter of the present invention needs to be changed. Because of the unique configuration of the present invention, it is capable of running at increased suction levels while running at reduced noise levels as compared with conventional systems of this nature.

Abstract: A beam shutter having a flexible ferromagnetic blade with an upright end flap and an electromagnet for flexing said blade into or out of a beam path. The shutter includes a housing having one or two sets of openings in opposed side plates thereof so as to define one or two beam paths. The blade is mounted in the housing at one end of the blade and has a diagonal fold at the opposite end to define the flap. The electromagnet comprises a core with a U-shaped cross-section defining poles and wire windings about the core. The poles have a surface with an arcuate profile which curves away from the blade toward the end with the flap. The blade is normally in a straight position but flexes into a flexed position abutting the poles whenever the electromagnet is actuated. In one normally closed embodiment the flap intersects the beam path when in the straight position. In another normally open embodiment the flap intersects the beam path when in the flexed position.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism having an electromagnet and a flexible ferromagnetic blade mounted in narrow V-shaped relationship to one another at an end opposite from a light source, with a light path passing between the two. The electromagnet has a cylindrical core with a lengthwise slice defining poles and a toroidal wire winding about the core. When the magnet is activated, the free end of the blade flexes toward the poles completing the magnetic circuit, and either opening or closing the shutter. In a normally open embodiment, the light path passes between the magnetic poles, and the blade, normally parallel to the beam path, flexes downward to block the beam. In a normally closed embodiment, when the blade flexes the light path passes through a slot in a backup plate against which the blade normally rests. The normally closed embodiment includes a light absorptive tongue between the poles which combines with the reflective blade to define a light trap.