Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking metallic alloys using laser alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of laser alloying steel or aluminum alloys with a mark that provides protection against wear and corrosion and greater permanency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce a decorative appearance on the surface of a bumper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to create a decorative alloyed layer on the surface of a bumper.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method of calculating the total laser energy needed to produce one or more selected laser induced surface modification reactions in a substrate moving relative to a laser beam. The present invention is further directed to a method for programming a programmable feedback control system with the calculated total laser energy such that the control system may be used to control laser beam power level and beam width in a process for producing a laser induced surface modification.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for enhancing the wear resistance of an iron engine cylinder bore comprising laser alloying of the cylinder bore with selected precursors and honing the cylinder bore to a preselected dimension. The present invention is particularly well suited for enhancing the resistance to wear caused by the corrosion caused by automotive ethanol fuel. The present invention is also directed toward an improved automotive engine comprising alloyed cylinder bores with enhanced wear resistance characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking metallic alloys using laser alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of laser alloying steel or aluminum alloys with a mark that provides protection against wear and corrosion and greater permanency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method for enhancing the wear resistance of an aluminum cylinder bore comprising laser alloying of the cylinder bore with selected precursors. The present invention is particularly well suited for enhancing the wear resistance caused by corrosion in an aluminum block engine comprising aluminum cylinder bores.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of improving the corrosion and wear resistance of a transport trailer surface. More specifically the present invention relates to a method of laser alloying the surface of a transport trailer to enhance the corrosion and wear resistant properties of the surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce alloyed bands or strips on the surface of a piston for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to produce superior wear resistant properties for an aluminum internal combustion engine piston.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for plasma assisted laser surface alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward a method for surface alloying using a laser beam having a rectangular cross sectional area and a plasma arc, in order to produce an alloyed substrate on the surface of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking, tracking, and managing hospital instruments. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for marking instruments with information indicative of the manufacturer, part number, and serial number of each instrument, inputting such information into a database, inputting information into the database regarding the desired maintenance schedule for each instrument, inputting information into the database regarding the usage of each instrument, and tracking the usage and/or maintenance of each instrument by using the information in the database. The method also includes asset management, instrumentation identification and counting, and assembly of surgical trays and kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for joining metals or alloys together. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method comprising the laser alloying of a first metal/alloy piece so that it can be joined with a second metal/alloy piece of a nonidentical composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved laser beam useful in material surface processing and an apparatus for producing the improved laser beam. The improved laser beam of the present invention comprises a power distribution that is more intense at the outer regions than in the central region. The invention includes an apparatus comprising a power spherical and cylindrical optical elements aligned to focus and/or shape a laser beam into a novel profile useful in material surface processing. The invention further includes a method of using this apparatus to focus and/or shape a laser beam for producing Laser Induced Surface Improvements, hereinafter referred to as "LISI".

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for laser alloying of a workpiece and an apparatus for carrying out said process. The method embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a process for forming an alloy in the surface of a metal substrate comprising the steps of applying an alloy precursor material at a controlled rate to the surface of the substrate and then melting the surface and the precursor alloy material by the application of a laser beam in order to form an alloy of the precursor alloy material and the substrate. The method embodiment of the present invention further comprises the steps of measuring one or more parameters indicative of alloying depth, controlling the rate of precursor application in response to at least one of the measured parameters, and allowing the allow to solidify.

Abstract: A feedback control system for performing and controlling the laser alloying of a workpiece. The apparatus includes a laser beam delivery system, a movement system capable of causing relative movement between a laser beam and a workpiece being irradiated by the laser beam, a precursor application system capable of applying a precursor at a desired rate to the surface of a moving workpiece, and a control system capable of receiving input signals indicative of one or more measured process parameters, processing those signals, and transmitting a control signal capable of controlling the laser beam delivery system, movement system, and/or precursor application system. Other embodiments of the invention utilize a variety of process parameter measuring devices in conjunction with the control system. These devices include, but are not limited to, temperature transducers, infrared detectors, and emission spectra measuring devices.