Patents by Inventor Michael J. Hiebel

Michael J. Hiebel 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).

  • Apparatus and method for focal point control for laser machining
    Patent number: 6720567
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for maintaining the focal point of a laser beam used for laser machining relative to a workpiece, including an optical distance measuring sensor having a measurement beam, a mirror for combining the measurement and laser beams into a predetermined optical path having a common axis for both beams, and a focusing element which may be in the form of a refractive lens or a reflective parabolic mirror located in the optical path, and a control means for controlling the location of the focal point of the laser beam based on the distance sensed by measurement beam. In drilling, once the hole breaks through the workpiece, the application of the laser beam can be stopped by observing a departure from the incremental distance measurement change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: GSI Lumonics Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A Fordahl, Michael J. Hiebel
  • Apparatus and method for focal point control for laser machining
    Publication number: 20020153500
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for maintaining the focal point of a laser beam used for laser machining relative to a workpiece, including an optical distance measuring sensor having a measurement beam, a mirror for combining the measurement and laser beams into a predetermined optical path having a common axis for both beams, and a focusing element which may be in the form of a refractive lens or a reflective parabolic mirror located in the optical path, and a control means for controlling the location of the focal point of the laser beam based on the distance sensed by measurement beam. In drilling, once the hole breaks through the workpiece, the application of the laser beam can be stopped by observing a departure from the incremental distance measurement change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Craig A. Fordahl, Michael J. Hiebel