Abstract: The disclosure is a method and system for monitoring the condition of an optical protective component in a laser system associated with a data processor. In one embodiment, the method begins with directing light from the process head of a laser through the optical protective component onto a workpiece. A return light via the workpiece causes light signals coupled through the protective component and into to a fiber which extends proximate the protective component and thereafter flexibly to a sensor. The sensed signals allow monitoring the condition of the protective component during use. The method and system is operative for use with optical protective elements downstream of the process head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head assembly for a laser processing system, preferably a fiber laser processing system. An assembly system allows a secure and a slidingly focusing displacement of a focusing lens assembly relative to a beam path in a laser processing system. The assembly system provides easy replacement of desired focusing lens assemblies. Adaptive modifications are operative to provide computerized processor control of the focusing displacement and detection of an installed optical assembly and position thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head assembly for a laser processing system, preferably a fiber laser processing system. An assembly system allows a secure and a slidingly focusing displacement of a focusing lens assembly relative to a beam path in a laser processing system. The assembly system provides easy replacement of desired focusing lens assemblies. Adaptive modifications are operative to provide computerized processor control of the focusing displacement and detection of an installed optical assembly and position thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber laser system for processing materials involving a system of interconnected operational components for combining and optionally distributing beams from multiple beam emitters. More particularly, the present invention provides a system for combining and distributing fiber laser beams having different wavelengths and a method for operating the system thereof. Multiple beam combiners may be optionally linked with a beam distribution system. In exemplary use, multiple fiber laser sources generating different wavelength outputs are combined in a single beam incident of a work piece comprising multiple layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber laser system for processing materials involving a system of interconnected operational components for combining and optionally distributing beams from multiple beam emitters. More particularly, the present invention provides a system for combining and distributing fiber laser beams having different wavelengths and a method for operating the system thereof. Multiple beam combiners may be optionally linked with a beam distribution system. In exemplary use, multiple fiber laser sources generating different wavelength outputs are combined in a single beam incident of a work piece comprising multiple layers.

Abstract: An assembly for distributing laser energy is provided that is formed using a compact rigid housing with a sealed beam path contained therein. The assembly employs a monolithic housing with modular collimator and mirror switching components installed therein to reduce its size while maintaining a sealed beam path thereby reducing the possibility of contamination of the beam path. Other than the optics and mirror, there are no elements of the distribution device contained within the beam path. In one embodiment, the assembly distributes incoming energy from a single source to one or more outputs. In another embodiment, the assembly operates as a beam combiner to direct energy from one or more sources to a single output.

Abstract: A mirror positioning assembly for use in beam switching is provided that employs a novel arrangement of the mirrors and the motors to selectively position the mirrors. The assembly is installed into the housing of an assembly for distributing laser energy where the mirrors are contained within the beam cavity and the remainder of the assembly is outside of the housing. The assembly is received in a port within the housing in a manner that allows 360° of rotational adjustment so that the mirror can be carefully aligned to insure near lossless distribution of the beam energy as it passes through the device. This arrangement keeps the electronics, motors, bearings and adjustments of the mirror switching external to the beam cavity herby reducing the number of potential contaminants contained therein.

Abstract: An assembly for distributing laser energy is provided that is formed using a compact rigid housing with a sealed beam path contained therein. The assembly employs a monolithic housing with modular collimator and mirror switching components installed therein to reduce its size while maintaining a sealed beam path thereby reducing the possibility of contamination of the beam path. Other than the optics and mirror, there are no elements of the distribution device contained within the beam path. In one embodiment, the assembly distributes incoming energy from a single source to one or more outputs. In another embodiment, the assembly operates as a beam combiner to direct energy from one or more sources to a single output.

Abstract: A mirror positioning assembly for use in beam switching is provided that employs a novel arrangement of the mirrors and the motors to selectively position the mirrors. The assembly is installed into the housing of an assembly for distributing laser energy where the mirrors are contained within the beam cavity and the remainder of the assembly is outside of the housing. The assembly is received in a port within the housing in a manner that allows 360° of rotational adjustment so that the mirror can be carefully aligned to insure near lossless distribution of the beam energy as it passes through the device. This arrangement keeps the electronics, motors, bearings and adjustments of the mirror switching external to the beam cavity herby reducing the number of potential contaminants contained therein.

Abstract: A thermal label printer includes an actuation mechanism and follower for facilitating loading of stock (e.g., label stock). A pivotable printer head pressure plate includes the actuation mechanism which cooperates with the follower coupled to a peeler roller. As the pressure plate is moved from a closed position proximate a platen to an open position for loading of stock or for cleaning the printer head, the peeler roller is automatically translated from the platen. The resulting roller gap and displaced printer head provide unrestricted access for threading of the printer. The printer also includes a programmable device in the printer electronics for reconfiguring the printer to accommodate a variety of thermal print mechanisms.

Abstract: A thermal label printer includes an actuation mechanism and follower for facilitating loading of stock (e.g., label stock). A pivotable printer head pressure plate includes the actuation mechanism which cooperates with the follower coupled to a peeler roller. As the pressure plate is moved from a closed position proximate a platen to an open position for loading of stock or for cleaning the printer head, the peeler roller is automatically translated from the platen. The resulting roller gap and displaced printer head provide unrestricted access for threading of the printer. The printer also includes a programmable device in the printer electronics for reconfiguring the printer to accommodate a variety of thermal print mechanisms.

Abstract: A thermal label printer includes an actuation mechanism and follower for facilitating loading of stock (e.g., label stock). A pivotable printer head pressure plate includes the actuation mechanism which cooperates with the follower coupled to a peeler roller. As the pressure plate is moved from a closed position proximate a platen to an open position for loading of stock or for cleaning the printer head, the peeler roller is automatically translated from the platen. The resulting roller gap and displaced printer head provide unrestricted access for threading of the printer. The printer also includes a programmable device in the printer electronics for reconfiguring the printer to accommodate a variety of thermal print mechanisms.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion cannula assembly including an endoscope housing and axially projecting body having an endoscope tip. An adapter is affixed about the endoscope housing, and a guide is affixed about the adapter. A spring and a seal are also affixed about the adapter. The endoscope instrument, together with the associated adapter, spring and guide, are inserted into a cannula housing. A pin on the inside of the cannula housing interacts with an angled slot on the distal surface of the guide to rotate the endoscope instrument into its proper rotational orientation. A hole in a cam surface of the spring then receives the pin on the inside of the cannula housing to control the axial orientation of the tip of the endoscope instrument with respect to the tip of the cannula tube.

Abstract: A cannula including a guide and a cam housing rotatably supported about the guide into which a trocar obtuator and an endoscopy instrument may be inserted. A tapered proximal surface of the guide and a cooperating pin on the instrument rotate the instrument into proper rotational alignment. An axial slot extending from the distal end of the taper and a cooperating axial slot in the cam housing are aligned so that as the pin continues to slide axially into the cannula, the pin will interfere with a cam surface projecting from the side of the cam housing wall to rotate the cam housing out of the way as the pin proceeds further down the slot until the pin drops behind the cam surface into a pin retaining area. Thus, the instrument may be easily slid into the cannula, and through the action of the cam housing and guide, is held in proper axial, rotational and sealing alignment.