Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Woods
Kenneth J. Woods has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11850681Abstract: A double nozzle for a laser processing head includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a bore for passing a laser beam, a first interface surface near a distal end of the inner body portion, the first interface surface including a plurality of channels, and an exterior surface near a proximal end of the inner body portion and shaped to engage the laser processing head. Each channel includes interior and exterior linear edges in a cross-section that passes though a central longitudinal axis of the double nozzle. The double nozzle also includes an outer body portion connected to the inner body portion. The outer body portion defines a jet surface, which together with the plurality of channels defines a corresponding plurality of auxiliary fluid flow paths about the bore and between the inner body portion and the outer body portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Woods, David J. Cook, Joe Ciambra, Marco Celeghin, Aaron D. Brandt, Sanjay Garg
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Publication number: 20200198057Abstract: A double nozzle for a laser processing head includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a bore for passing a laser beam, a first interface surface near a distal end of the inner body portion, the first interface surface including a plurality of channels, and an exterior surface near a proximal end of the inner body portion and shaped to engage the laser processing head. Each channel includes interior and exterior linear edges in a cross-section that passes though a central longitudinal axis of the double nozzle. The double nozzle also includes an outer body portion connected to the inner body portion. The outer body portion defines a jet surface, which together with the plurality of channels defines a corresponding plurality of auxiliary fluid flow paths about the bore and between the inner body portion and the outer body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Kenneth J. Woods, David J. Cook, Joe Ciambra, Marco Celeghin, Aaron D. Brandt, Sanjay Garg
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Patent number: 10569360Abstract: A double nozzle for a laser processing head includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a first bore, and an exterior surface, the bore aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the body. The double nozzle includes an outer body portion having an interior surface defining a second bore that is substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis. The outer body portion is matingly engaged with a region of the exterior surface of the inner body portion. The region between the exterior surface of the inner body portion and the interior surface of the outer body portion defines at least six coaxial fluid flow paths through an interior annular flow volume of the double nozzle. Each fluid flow path is defined at least in part by a corresponding feature formed in at least one of the inner body portion or the outer body portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Joe Ciambra, Sanjay Garg, Kenneth J. Woods, David J. Cook, Davide Orlandi
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Publication number: 20170334022Abstract: A double nozzle for a laser processing head includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a first bore, and an exterior surface, the bore aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the body. The double nozzle includes an outer body portion having an interior surface defining a second bore that is substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis. The outer body portion is matingly engaged with a region of the exterior surface of the inner body portion. The region between the exterior surface of the inner body portion and the interior surface of the outer body portion defines at least six coaxial fluid flow paths through an interior annular flow volume of the double nozzle. Each fluid flow path is defined at least in part by a corresponding feature formed in at least one of the inner body portion or the outer body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: Joe Ciambra, Sanjay Garg, Kenneth J. Woods, David J. Cook, Davide Orlandi
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Patent number: 9339890Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting a laser beam applied to a workpiece in a processing operation. A laser processing system receives the laser beam that is associated with a beam quality property. The laser processing system adjusts the laser beam to change the beam quality property based on a characteristic of the workpiece, a characteristic of the processing operation, or a combination thereof. The adjusted laser beam can also be delivered to the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Woods, Sanjay Garg, Tate S. Picard
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Publication number: 20130146569Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting a laser beam applied to a workpiece in a processing operation. A laser processing system receives the laser beam that is associated with a beam quality property. The laser processing system adjusts the laser beam to change the beam quality property based on a characteristic of the workpiece, a characteristic of the processing operation, or a combination thereof. The adjusted laser beam can also be delivered to the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Woods, Sanjay Garg, Tate S. Picard
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Patent number: 7186947Abstract: A method for monitoring the processing of a workpiece includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece. At least two signals are generated by a detector based upon the emitted signal. A workpiece processing quality is determined based upon the ratio of the two output signals and a magnitude of one of the two outputs.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: William J. Connally, Kenneth J. Woods
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Patent number: 6947802Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Tate S. Picard, Kenneth J. Woods, Roger E. Young, Jr., William J. Connally
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Publication number: 20040188397Abstract: A method for monitoring the processing of a workpiece includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece. At least two signals are generated by a detector based upon the emitted signal. A workpiece processing quality is determined based upon the ratio of the two output signals and a magnitude of one of the two outputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: William J. Connally, Kenneth J. Woods
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Publication number: 20040164058Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Richard W. Couch, Yong Yang, Zhipeng Lu, Robert C. Dean, Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, John Sobr, William J. Connally
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Patent number: 6720518Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Richard W. Couch, Yong Yang, Zhipeng Lu, Robert C. Dean, Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, John Sobr, William J. Connally
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Patent number: 6713709Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Richard W. Couch, Yong Yang, Zhipeng Lu, Robert C. Dean, Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, John Sobr, William J. Connally
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Patent number: 6667459Abstract: A configurable baffle to configure fluid flow through a nozzle. To improve the quality and accuracy of processing apparatus used in the cutting, welding, and heat treating of materials, a self-aligning nozzle includes a configurable baffle. This configurable baffle can be a metallic grid (e.g., a screen) or other type of membrane (e.g., porous, permeable, etc.). During its initial use in the processing apparatus, this configurable baffle is tailored with an energy beam, such as a laser beam or plasma jet, to create an optimal fluid flow velocity profile. When the configurable baffle deteriorates from use, it is easily replaced by another baffle or by using an in situ replacement mechanism. To ensure proper alignment between the nozzle and the energy beam, mating contoured surfaces are used among adjacent components. Threaded surfaces can also be employed to assist in achieving the proper coaxial alignment.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, Robert C. Dean, Jr., Sanjay Garg
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Publication number: 20030204283Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Tate S. Picard, Kenneth J. Woods, Roger E. Young, William J. Connally
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Patent number: 6614001Abstract: An output structure for material processing apparatus facilitates field replacement of consumable components, while maintaining important alignments. Contoured surfaces within the output structure mate with corresponding contoured surfaces on the consumable components, thereby facilitating alignment of the consumable components with an axis of the output structure. Material processing apparatus employing such surfaces include lasers and plasma arc torches and, with proper alignment, apparatus performance is improved. Typical consumable components include electrodes, swirl rings, nozzles, and shields. The consumable components can be axially translatable with respect to each other, thereby promoting contact starting of a plasma arc torch. An installation tool for consumable components also serves to align the components with an axis of the output structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Hackett, Yutaka Nakano, Zhipeng Lu, Aaron D. Brandt, Brian J. Currier, Kenneth J. Woods
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Publication number: 20030121893Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Richard W. Couch, Yong Yang, Zhipeng Lu, Robert C. Dean, Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, John Sobr, William J. Connally
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Publication number: 20030121894Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Richard W. Couch, Yong Yang, Zhipeng Lu, Robert C. Dean, Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, John Sobr, William J. Connally
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Patent number: 6525291Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Richard W. Couch, Yong Yang, Zhipeng Lu, Robert C. Dean, Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, John Sobr, William J. Connally
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Publication number: 20020135283Abstract: An output structure for material processing apparatus facilitates field replacement of consumable components, while maintaining important alignments. Contoured surfaces within the output structure mate with corresponding contoured surfaces on the consumable components, thereby facilitating alignment of the consumable components with an axis of the output structure. Material processing apparatus employing such surfaces include lasers and plasma arc torches and, with proper alignment, apparatus performance is improved. Typical consumable components include electrodes, swirl rings, nozzles, and shields. The consumable components can be axially translatable with respect to each other, thereby promoting contact starting of a plasma arc torch. An installation tool for consumable components also serves to align the components with an axis of the output structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: HYPERTHERM, INC.Inventors: Charles M. Hackett, Yutaka Nakano, Zhipeng Lu, Aaron D. Brandt, Brian J. Currier, Kenneth J. Woods
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Patent number: 6424082Abstract: An output structure for material processing apparatus facilitates field replacement of consumable components, while maintaining important alignments. Contoured surfaces within the output structure mate with corresponding contoured surfaces on the consumable components, thereby facilitating alignment of the consumable components with an axis of the output structure. Material processing apparatus employing such surfaces include lasers and plasma arc torches and, with proper alignment, apparatus performance is improved. Typical consumable components include electrodes, swirl rings, nozzles, and shields. The consumable components can be axially translatable with respect to each other, thereby promoting contact starting of a plasma arc torch. An installation tool for consumable components also serves to align the components with an axis of the output structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Hackett, Yutaka Nakano, Zhipeng Lu, Aaron D. Brandt, Brian J. Currier, Kenneth J. Woods