Abstract: Parts separation devices are provided. The parts separation devices include an array of suction devices and a plurality of skeleton holding devices. The suction devices are selectively releasable from the skeleton by a release force applied by the skeleton holding devices.

Abstract: Moving enclosures for laser equipment are provided. A machine tool installation is disclosed including (a) a laser cutting head configured to be movable in three dimensions; (b) a workpiece support configured to support a workpiece in operative relationship with the laser cutting head (c) a skirt configured to surround the laser cutting head on three sides and intercept light that passes from the head and is reflected off of the workpiece or workpiece support; and (d) a protective cover positioned to intercept light that is reflected off of the workpiece or workpiece support and is not intercepted by the skirt. The skirt and protective cover are configured to move laterally with the laser cutting head.

Abstract: A tool includes first and second tool parts that move toward one another, at least one processing device provided on the first tool part, and at least two counter devices provided on the second tool part. The processing device and the counter devices are rotatable relative to one another about at least one positioning axis, and the counter devices are aligned relative to one another along a direction of relative rotational movement of the processing device and the counter devices. The processing device and a first counter device are allocated to one another by at least a first defined processing parameter, and the processing device and a second counter device are allocated to one another by at least a second defined processing parameter. The first processing parameter is different than the second processing parameter.

Abstract: An optical fiber for producing laser radiation at a characteristic wavelength includes a first multimode core region and an active region embedded within the core region for producing radiation at the characteristic wavelength when pumped by pump radiation. The core region is adapted for guiding the laser radiation in a longitudinal direction of the fiber and is adapted for guiding pump radiation. The active region has a sufficiently small transverse dimension such that radiation produced in the active region is not confined to the active region.

Abstract: An RF excited laser assembly includes a pair of opposed electrodes, and at least one inductor. The pair of opposed electrodes defines an inter-electrode gap that provides a discharge volume for laser propagation within a gas medium. The pair of opposed electrodes define one or more discharge-free regions within a laser-free region in the inter-electrode gap. The least one inductor is electrically connected to both electrodes and extends between the electrodes within the inter-electrode gap and inside of the one or more discharge-free regions within the laser-free region.

Abstract: A method of controlling the movement of a processing head of a machine tool includes monitoring the position of the processing head along a first coordinate direction, monitoring the movement of the processing head along a second coordinate direction different from the first coordinate direction, and limiting the acceleration or the change in acceleration of the processing head along the second coordinate direction to a value below a predetermined maximum value, wherein the predetermined maximum value depends on the position of the processing head along the first coordinate direction.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a radial axis, a longitudinal axis, a first window surface adapted for receiving pump radiation and transmitting the pump radiation into the optical fiber, a second surface adapted for totally internally reflecting pump radiation received within the optical fiber, and an active region within the optical fiber for generating radiation at a characteristic wavelength when pumped with pump radiation. A normal direction of the first window surface is not parallel to a direction of the radial axis at the first window surface.

Abstract: A machine tool installation for laser cutting of sheet metal workpieces includes a workpiece support having a multiplicity of parallel spaced grid elements providing the upper surface thereof, and a machine frame having a generally vertical rear wall and an arm extending therefrom over the workpiece support, and upon which is supported a laser cutting unit with a laser cutting head, said grid elements of said workpiece support extending perpendicularly to said vertical wall of said machine frame. An unloading unit is provided to lift the cut parts from the workpiece support and transport them to a discharge station. In the unit a frame movably supports a pair of opposed fork assemblies which move between open and closed positions. These fork assemblies are spaced apart in the open position and have their opposed ends in adjacent relationship in the closed position, and they are movable vertically to enable the forks to be moved between the grid elements to pick up the parts.

Abstract: A machine tool installation for laser cutting of sheet workpieces has a workpiece support, an elongated machine frame of generally C-shaped configuration providing an arm extending over the workpiece support, a pair of tracks on the arm and extending longitudinally of the frame. A motion unit is suspended from the tracks and mounted for movement therealong with one end located adjacent the outer side of the workpiece support. The motion unit is movable bidirectionally along the track, and a laser cutting unit is mounted on the motion unit and includes a laser cutting head movable thereon in an axis perpendicular to the arm. The laser cutting unit is moved along the motion unit and is movable to the one end of the motion unit on the outer side of the workpiece support for facile servicing thereof by an operator.

Abstract: A machine tool installation for laser cutting of sheet workpieces has a workpiece support, an elongated machine frame providing an arm extending over the workpiece support, and a track on the arm which extends longitudinally of the frame. A motion unit is suspended from the track and mounted for movement therealong, and there is drive assembly for moving the motion unit bidirectionally along the track. A laser cutting unit is mounted on the motion unit and includes a laser cutting head movable thereon along an axis perpendicular to the track on the machine frame. A loading unit is provided at a loading station adjacent one end of said machine frame for lifting and transporting a sheet workpiece above the plane of the upper surface of the workpiece support and the loading assembly is moveable on the track on the frame.

Abstract: An optical system for reforming a laser beam with azimuthal polarization having X and Y components into a beam with linear polarization has a multiplicity of optical elements, at least one of which has a mirror having an absorbing thin film reflective coating to remove the Y-component of the azimuthal beam polarization, thereby reflecting only the X or linear component as a linearly polarized beam. The absorbing thin film reflective coating is comprised of a plurality of layers alternately having high and low indices of refraction. The optical elements include a spatial filter and the beam is passed through the spatial filter to adjust the beam quality. At least one other optical element is collimating and the beam with adjusted beam quality is transmitted to the collimating element to effect its collimation. The collimated linearly polarized laser beam may thereafter be passed through a phase shifter to convert the polarization of the laser beam from linear to circular.

Abstract: An expandable forming tool has a body with a mounting stem on its upper surface and a transversely extending channel in its lower surface in which is slidably seated a wedge-shaped actuator for vertical sliding movement. The larger lower end normally depends from the body. A pair of slides are slidably seated in the channel on opposite sides of the actuator, and they have angular surfaces slidably bearing on the sloping surfaces of the actuator. Springs bias the slides against the side surfaces of the actuator, and a spring biases the actuator outwardly of the body. The actuator is driven vertically inwardly of the channel by movement of its larger end against a workpiece, and this inward movement pushes the slide members outwardly in the channel to project beyond the periphery of the body. The tool can produce contours in the workpiece, or cut the workpiece, or both.

Abstract: There is provided an improved gas laser system comprising therein (a) a pair of opposed electrodes comprising an inner and an outer electrode, defining a discharge volume with an inter-electrode gap, each of the pairs of opposed electrodes having a series of saw teeth in a pattern, the inter-electrode gap having first and second opposed ends, the inter-electrode gap having a first dimension at the first end, a second dimension at the second end, and a third dimension at a point between the first end and the second end, the third dimension being less than the first and second dimensions; and (b) a pair of mirrors, each of the mirrors mounted adjacent to one of the ends for directing light generated in the inter-electrode gap through the discharge volume.

Abstract: A tool for machining workpieces by motion of the machining tool relative to the workpiece has a support extending in the X-axis over a work support table and movable in the Y-axis. A machining tool housing is movable on the support in the Y-axis. A portion of the housing containing the machining tool is movable with respect to the mounted portion in the Y-axis within a limited range of motion. A computer control effects operation of drive motors to move the housing along the support and the support along the machining tool table to machine a workpiece supported on said worktable in X and Y axes, and the computer control can also effect operation of another drive motor to rapidly move of the housing portion and machining tool in the Y-axis when the desired length of motion in the Y-axis is within its range of motion.

Abstract: A tool for machining workpieces by motion of the machining tool relative to the workpiece in mutually perpendicular X-Y axes has a support extending in one axis over a work support table and movable in the other axis. A machining tool housing is movable on the support in the other axis. A portion of the housing containing the machining tool is movable with respect to the mounted portion in the other axis within a limited range of motion. A computer control effects operation of drive motors to move the housing along the support and the support along the machining tool table to machine a workpiece supported on said worktable in X and Y axes, and the computer control can also effect operation of another drive motor to rapidly move of the housing portion and machining tool in the other axis when the desired length of motion in the other axis is within its range of motion.

Abstract: A machine tool installation includes a machine tool with a work support table, and a workpiece guidance system. Adjacent the machine tool is a sheet material loader and unloader with a frame, a platform supported on the frame for vertical movement, and a sheet material gripper mounted on the frame for movement from a position forwardly of the frame to a retracted position. A sheet pickup depends from the platform to engage the top sheet of a stack of sheets disposed therebelow. A computer control operates the elements to move a workpiece on the work support table to a position adjacent the platform, and the gripper moves the workpiece onto the lowered platform. The sheet pickup engages a sheet and the platform is moved upwardly to move the engaged sheet to a position above the plane of the work support table which is moved thereunder, and the sheet gripper deposits the sheet on the work support table.

Abstract: A laser work station has a base member, a laser head mounted on a laser head support carried on the base member for movement of the laser head relative to the base member, so that it is movable thereon in X, Y and Z axes. A guidance system effects precision movement of the laser head in the X, Y and Z axes to move the beam about a workpiece, and an optical sensor assembly comprising a light source and light sensors about the light source to detect light reflected from the surface of the workpiece. The sensor assembly is operable to detect reference formulations on the workpiece as it is moved thereabout.

Abstract: A punch press has a frame with a rotatable ram having a tool mounting portion at its lower end and a rotatable die holder in the base of the frame, and it has a tool mounting portion. The tool mounting portions of the ram and die holder are aligned and have tool receiving passages at a point about their periphery. A work support table is provided about the work station and its upper surface provides a workpiece support. The press has a workpiece guidance system which includes an elongated rail and a multiplicity of tool holders supported on the rail for movement therewith. The press also includes a tool storage and transfer assembly at the outer end of the frame with a tool storage magazine rotatable about a horizontal axis and having tool holders spaced about the major portion of its periphery.

Abstract: A laser work station has a pair of spaced, parallel extending elongated base members defining a work station therebetween, a laser head support carriage extending between and mounted on the base members for movement along their length, a laser head mounting assembly on the laser support carriage movable therealong between the base members, and a laser head on the mounting assembly for movement vertically relative to the support carriage, so that the laser head is movable in X, Y and Z axes. At least one cart is movable in a path from a point of entry at one end of the base members to the opposite end thereof, and cart positioning elements locate the cart in a predetermined position between the base members. A guidance system is connected to the several movable elements to effect precision movement of the laser head over the workpiece supported on the cart(s) over substantially the entire length of the movement of the laser head support carriage, and fume may be withdrawn through one of the base members.