Abstract: A fume extraction apparatus having an outer conduit with a first elongated open area extending at a first angle and an inner conduit configured for connection to a venting system and received within the outer conduit. The conduits are rotatable relative to one another. The inner conduit has a second elongated open area extending at a second angle different from the first angle. Overlapping portions of the open areas defines an extraction aperture providing a fluid communication between an environment of the outer conduit and an interior of the inner conduit. Different relative orientations of the conduits define different positions of the extraction aperture, so that the extraction aperture is movable upon relative rotation of the inner and outer conduits. A method of extracting fumes during operation of a laser head is also discussed.

Abstract: A filter including a filter wall extending between first and second opposed ends, the filter wall being tubular and surrounding a filter cavity, the filter wall including filtration material permeable to air so that the filter cavity is in fluid communication with an environment of the filter through the filter wall, a filter inlet defined in the first end and in fluid communication with the filter cavity, and a tray extending within the filter cavity and freely rotatable within the filter cavity about an axis of rotation extending longitudinally within the filter cavity, the tray having a center of gravity offset from the axis of rotation, the tray being radially inwardly spaced from the filter wall, the tray being radially outwardly spaced from the filter inlet. A filter module including such a filter and a method of protecting a horizontally extending tubular filter wall from debris are also discussed.

Abstract: A filter assembly having a filter module, a fan module, an electronics module including a control system. The fan module inlet and the filter module outlet are laterally spaced apart with their corresponding surfaces extending side by side. A cover is movable between an engaged position engaging the surfaces of the filter and fan modules and a removed position. The cover defines a plenum providing a fluid communication between the filter module outlet and the fan module inlet in the engaged position and directing the flow along a direction different from a direction of the flow through the fan module inlet and filter module outlet. A sensor is located in the plenum and configured to provide information on the flow through the plenum. The sensor communicates with a power source and with the control system at least when the cover is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A fume extraction apparatus having an outer conduit with a first elongated open area extending at a first angle and an inner conduit configured for connection to a venting system and received within the outer conduit. The conduits are rotatable relative to one another. The inner conduit has a second elongated open area extending at a second angle different from the first angle. Overlapping portions of the open areas defines an extraction aperture providing a fluid communication between an environment of the outer conduit and an interior of the inner conduit. Different relative orientations of the conduits define different positions of the extraction aperture, so that the extraction aperture is movable upon relative rotation of the inner and outer conduits. A method of extracting fumes during operation of a laser head is also discussed.

Abstract: A grounding system for electrically connecting a first component to a second component. A connection plate has a hole and is configured to be in electrical contact with the first component. A receptacle plate is in electrical contact with the connection plate, and has a receptacle opening aligned with and larger than the hole. A pin has a first end configured to be electrically connected to the second component and an opposed second end receivable through the receptacle opening and through the hole. An electrical connector is retained in electrical contact with the pin. The electrical connector is movable along the pin and biased toward the second end, receivable in the receptacle opening and configured to be in electrical contact with a circumferential surface of the receptacle opening, and has an outer dimension greater than that of the hole so as to be prevented from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A filter assembly having a filter module, a fan module, an electronics module including a control system. The fan module inlet and the filter module outlet are laterally spaced apart with their corresponding surfaces extending side by side. A cover is movable between an engaged position engaging the surfaces of the filter and fan modules and a removed position. The cover defines a plenum providing a fluid communication between the filter module outlet and the fan module inlet in the engaged position and directing the flow along a direction different from a direction of the flow through the fan module inlet and filter module outlet. A sensor is located in the plenum and configured to provide information on the flow through the plenum. The sensor communicates with a power source and with the control system at least when the cover is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A filter including a filter wall extending between first and second opposed ends, the filter wall being tubular and surrounding a filter cavity, the filter wall including filtration material permeable to air so that the filter cavity is in fluid communication with an environment of the filter through the filter wall, a filter inlet defined in the first end and in fluid communication with the filter cavity, and a tray extending within the filter cavity and freely rotatable within the filter cavity about an axis of rotation extending longitudinally within the filter cavity, the tray having a center of gravity offset from the axis of rotation, the tray being radially inwardly spaced from the filter wall, the tray being radially outwardly spaced from the filter inlet. A filter module including such a filter and a method of protecting a horizontally extending tubular filter wall from debris are also discussed.