Patents by Inventor Kevin L. Armbruster

Kevin L. Armbruster 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).

  • Patent number: 10236654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus for marking an object with laser light, which apparatus comprises at least one gas laser for emitting at least one laser beam for marking the object. The at least one gas laser comprises a plurality of resonator tubes (12) for receiving a laser gas, a plurality of heat dissipaters (20) for dissipating heat from the resonator tubes (12) is provided, each resonator tube (12) is thermally connected to one of the heat dissipaters (20), and each heat dissipater (20) comprises microchannels for receiving a cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLIGHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9664898
    Abstract: Laser device comprising at least two gas laser units (10), stacked in layers, each laser unit comprising a plurality of resonator tubes (12), the resonator tubes being in fluidic communication with each other and forming a common tubular space, connecting elements (20, 21) for connecting adjacent resonator tubes so as to form a loop, mirrors (22) arranged in the connecting elements for reflecting the laser light between the resonator tubes, a rear mirror (44) and a partially reflecting output coupler (42) for coupling out a laser beam. In each laser unit an integrated output flange (40) comprises the rear mirror, the partially reflecting output coupler and an output mirror (46) which deflects the laser beam passing through the output coupler to a scanning device (80) located in the central space (8) surrounded by the resonator tubes. The invention also relates to a method for marking an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9595801
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus (100) for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers (10), in particular gas lasers (10), and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers (10) to emit a laser beam according to a sign to be marked. A deflection device (30) is provided by which at least two laser beams are combined on a common spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9577399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers to emit a laser beam (90) according to a sign to be marked. A set of deflection means (30) for rearranging the laser beams (90) into a desired array of laser beams (90) is provided, the set of deflection means (30) comprises at least two deflection means (33a-i, 34a-i) per laser beam (90), in particular at least two mapping mirrors (33a-i, 34a-i) or at least one optical waveguide and one lens per laser beam (90a-i), and each deflection means (33a-i, 34a-i) is individually adjustable in its deflection direction and/or individually shiftable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEW ANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9573227
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers to emit a laser beam (90a-i) according to a sign to be marked. A set of deflection means (30) for directing the laser beams (90a-i) toward the object to be marked is provided, a set of telescopic means (40) comprising at least one telescopic means (40a-i) per laser beam (90a-i) is provided, and each telescopic means (40a-i) is adjustable for individually setting a focal length of the respective laser beam (90a-i).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLIGHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9573223
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus (100) for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of gas lasers (10) and a control unit for individually activating each of the gas lasers (10) to emit a laser beam according to a sign to be marked. The gas lasers (10) are stacked such that the laser beams emitted by the gas lasers (10) form an array of laser beams, in particular a linear array with parallel laser beams, each gas laser (10a-i) comprises laser tubes (12) that at least partially surround an inner area (5). The apparatus (100) further comprises beam-delivery means (14) for directing the array of laser beams into the inner area (5) and a set of deflection means (30) for rearranging the array of laser beams into a desired array of laser beams. The set of deflection means (30) is arranged in the inner area (5) and comprises at least one deflection means (33a, 33i) per laser beam, in particular at least one mapping mirror (33a, 33i) or one optical waveguide per laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9348026
    Abstract: An apparatus for marking an object includes a marking unit for marking the object with a laser beam, a transporting device for transporting the object and a device for determination of a position of the object by means of ultrasonic waves originating from the object. A pulsed laser beam is directed to the object to cause vibrations at a surface of the object, by which vibrations the object is excited to generate ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9300106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser device (10) comprising at least one laser unit (20) for generating laser light, and cooling means (30) for cooling said laser unit, said cooling means including a channel arrangement (35) through which a cooling fluid is circulated for transferring heat away from the laser unit. The laser device is characterized in that a mounting member (46) for releasably holding a fluid container (50) is provided, the mounting member comprises a first connector element (42) for connecting to a second connector element (44) of the fluid container in a fluid tight manner, and the mounting member is connected with the channel arrangement. The invention further relates to a fluid container for cooling fluid for use in the laser device. The fluid container is designed as a cartridge (50) and comprises an information storage means (60) for storing information about the container and the cooling fluid filled in said fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Alltec Angewandte Laserlicht Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9139019
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking device for marking an object (1) with marking light. The marking device comprises a plurality of marking modules (10a-d) for emitting marking light, and a base unit (20) to which the plurality of marking modules (10a-d) is connected wherein the base unit (20) comprises a control unit (25) for controlling the plurality of marking modules (10a-d). The plurality of marking modules (10a-d) comprises at least a first marking module (10a) and a second marking module (10b) which employ different marking technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Alltec Angewandte Laserlicht Technologie GmBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9077140
    Abstract: The invention refers to a laser device comprising a plurality of linear resonator tubes (12) for a gas to be excited, the resonator tubes being in fluidic communication with each other and forming a common tubular space, connecting elements (20) arranged in corners between adjacent resonator tubes of a common tubular space, excitation means (50) for the resonator tubes for exciting the gas in the resonator tubes for generating a laser light, mirrors (22) arranged in the connecting elements for reflecting laser light between the resonator tubes, and a partially reflecting output coupler (42) for coupling out a laser beam. The resonator tubes are arranged in the shape of a helix, surrounding a free central space. The invention also relates to a method for generating laser light with such a laser device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLIGHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9077141
    Abstract: The invention refers to a laser device comprising a tubular space formed by at least two resonator tubes (12) for a gas to be excited, excitation means (50) for each of the at least two resonator tubes for exciting the gas in the resonator tube for generating laser light, a partially reflecting output coupler (42) for coupling out a laser beam, and at least one gas reservoir container (60) which forms a gas reservoir, the gas reservoir container being free of excitation means and in fluidic communication with the tubular space, wherein the gas reservoir container is arranged between the at least two resonator tubes and connected to the tubular space at two separate connecting portions (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9073349
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus (100) for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers (10) and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers to emit a laser beam according to a sign to be marked. A set of deflection means (30) for rearranging the laser beams into a two-dimensional array of laser beams is provided, the set of deflection means (30) comprises at least one deflection means (33) per laser beam, in particular at least one mapping mirror (33) or one optical waveguide per laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9071034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser device comprising at least three linear laser gain volumes (12) for a gas to be excited, connecting elements (20) for connecting adjacent laser gain volumes, the laser gain volumes being mechanically coupled to other, and forming a common volumetric space, excitation means (50) for the laser gain volumes for exciting the gas in the laser gain volumes for generating a laser light, mirrors (22) arranged in the connecting elements for reflecting laser light between the laser gain volumes, a totally reflecting rear mirror (44), and a partially reflecting output coupler (42) for coupling out a laser beam. The laser gain volumes are arranged in the shape of an open or closed ring surrounding a free central space (8) between them. The invention also relates to a method for marking an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140253661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking device for marking an object (1) with marking light. The marking device comprises a plurality of marking modules (10a-d) for emitting marking light, and a base unit (20) to which the plurality of marking modules (10a-d) is connected wherein the base unit (20) comprises a control unit (25) for controlling the plurality of marking modules (10a-d). The plurality of marking modules (10a-d) comprises at least a first marking module (10a) and a second marking module (10b) which employ different marking technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140247316
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus (100) for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers (10) and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers to emit a laser beam according to a sign to be marked. A set of deflection means (30) for rearranging the laser beams into a two-dimensional array of laser beams is provided, the set of deflection means (30) comprises at least one deflection means (33) per laser beam, in particular at least one mapping mirror (33) or one optical waveguide per laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140247845
    Abstract: The invention refers to a laser device comprising a plurality of linear resonator tubes (12) for a gas to be excited, the resonator tubes being in fluidic communication with each other and forming a common tubular space, connecting elements (20) arranged in corners between adjacent resonator tubes of a common tubular space, excitation means (50) for the resonator tubes for exciting the gas in the resonator tubes for generating a laser light, mirrors (22) arranged in the connecting elements for reflecting laser light between the resonator tubes, and a partially reflecting output coupler (42) for coupling out a laser beam. The resonator tubes are arranged in the shape of a helix, surrounding a free central space. The invention also relates to a method for generating laser light with such a laser device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140233597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser device comprising at least three linear laser gain volumes (12) for a gas to be excited, connecting elements (20) for connecting adjacent laser gain volumes, the laser gain volumes being mechanically coupled to other, and forming a common volumetric space, excitation means (50) for the laser gain volumes for exciting the gas in the laser gain volumes for generating a laser light, mirrors (22) arranged in the connecting elements for reflecting laser light between the laser gain volumes, a totally reflecting rear mirror (44), and a partially reflecting output coupler (42) for coupling out a laser beam. The laser gain volumes are arranged in the shape of an open or closed ring surrounding a free central space (8) between them. The invention also relates to a method for marking an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGY GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140224777
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers to emit a laser beam (90a-i) acording to a sign to be marked. A set of deflection means (30) for directing the laser beams (90a-i) toward the object to be marked is provided, a set of telescopic means (40) comprising at least one telescopic means (40a-i) per laser beam (90a-i) is provided, and each telescopic means (40a-i) is adjustable for individually setting a focal length of the respective laser beam (90a-i).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmarlin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140226687
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser device (10) comprising at least one laser unit (20) for generating laser light, and cooling means (30) for cooling said laser unit, said cooling means including a channel arrangement (35) through which a cooling fluid is circulated for transferring heat away from the laser unit. The laser device is characterized in that a mounting member (46) for releasably holding a fluid container (50) is provided, the mounting member comprises a first connector element(42) for connecting to a second connector element (44) of the fluid container in a fluid tight manner, and the mounting member is connected with the channel arrangement. The invention further relates to a fluid container for cooling fluid for use in the laser device. The fluid container is designed as a cartridge (50) and comprises an information storage means (60) for storing information about the container and the cooling fluid filled in said fluid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140224778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking apparatus (100) for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of gas lasers (10) and a control unit for individually activating each of the gas lasers (10) to emit a laser beam according to a sign to be marked. The gas lasers (10) are stacked such that the laser beams emitted by the gas lasers (10) form an array of laser beams, in particular a linear array with parallel laser beams, each gas laser (10a-i) comprises laser tubes (12) that at least partially surround an inner area (5). The apparatus (100) further comprises beam-delivery means (14) for directing the array of laser beams into the inner area (5) and a set of deflection means (30) for rearranging the array of laser beams into a desired array of laser beams. The set of deflection means (30) is arranged in the inner area (5) and comprises at least one deflection means (33a, 33i) per laser beam, in particular at least one mapping mirror (33a, 33i) or one optical waveguide per laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan