Abstract: An RF-excited waveguide laser module comprises a first electrode having a first elongate surface defining in part a waveguide laser channel extending along an optical axis, the first elongate surface having a substantially linear cross-section normal to the optical axis. A second electrode has a second elongate surface defining in part the waveguide laser channel extending along the optical axis. The second elongate surface has a non-linear cross-section normal to the optical axis. A dielectric insert may be provided between the electrodes defining in part the waveguide laser channel. A lengthwise gap may extend essentially an entire length of the waveguide laser channel between one of the first and second electrodes and the dielectric insert. The gap provides fluid communication between the waveguide laser channel and a volume outside the waveguide laser channel.

Abstract: An RF-excited waveguide laser module comprises a first electrode having a first elongate surface defining in part a waveguide laser channel extending along an optical axis, the first elongate surface having a substantially linear cross-section normal to the optical axis. A second electrode has a second elongate surface defining in part the waveguide laser channel extending along the optical axis. The second elongate surface has a non-linear cross-section normal to the optical axis. A dielectric insert may be provided between the electrodes defining in part the waveguide laser channel. A lengthwise gap may extend essentially an entire length of the waveguide laser channel between one of the first and second electrodes and the dielectric insert. The gap provides fluid communication between the waveguide laser channel and a volume outside the waveguide laser channel.

Abstract: A laser assembly includes a removable work table defining a planar work surface. A frame is configured for supporting the removable work table with the work surface in a work surface plane. An X-Y beam transport is operatively associated with the frame and is configured to direct a laser beam from a laser beam source to X-Y coordinates relative to the frame. At least one clamp is operatively associated between the frame and the removable work table with each clamp having a clamping position for clamping the work table to the frame with the work surface in the work surface plane in a release position or removing the work table from the frame. A void underlies the removable work table and is operatively associated with the X-Y beam transport with the removable work surface removed. A X axis control member moves the work table along a Z axis normal to the work surface plane between a proximal position near the X-Y beam transport and a distal position away from the X-Y beam transport.

Abstract: A laser engraving apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a laser device for outputting a laser beam. A workpiece to be engraved is positioned on a support member. To direct the laser beam to a predetermined position relative to the workpiece, the apparatus includes a beam delivery system. The beam delivery system includes a number of mirrors and a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes an X-carriage and a Y-carriage. These two carriages are moved to cause movement of two of the mirrors whereby the laser beam can be controllably and simultaneously positioned in both X and Y directions to engrave the workpiece. The components and location of the X and Y carriages relative to the workpiece and laser device, as well as to each other, result in a portable unit. The laser engraving apparatus is also modular in that it is able to communicate with a separate, independent controller for use in operating the apparatus to engrave any one of a number of selected, creative patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser engraver for engraving a pattern on a workpiece. The pattern is established on the workpiece by using a X-Y assembly to move a laser beam in two dimensions relative to the workpiece. The X-Y assembly employs a X proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller and a Y PID to generate control signals for moving the X-Y assembly. The PIDs generate the control signal based upon the current positon of the laser beam and a target position for the laser beam. The current position is provided by encoders operatively attached to motors that, in turn, move mirrors that direct the laser beam to the workpiece. The depth of cut is, preferably, controlled by using the integral of the difference between the position of the laser beam as it is moved by the X-Y assembly and a reference position. Alternatively, proportional control based upon the absolute difference between the position of the laser as it is moved by the X-Y assembly and the reference position can be utilized.

Abstract: A modular system for use with X-Y peripherals is provided. The system includes a master controller operatively connected to one or more slave X-Y peripherals in a network. Different types of slave X-Y peripherals are accommodated by the system, e.g. sewing machines and engravers. Each slave X-Y peripheral has a unique address for independent communication with the master controller. The master controller tracks the functional relationship existing between it and each slave X-Y peripheral using state architecture. Servo control of a tool or head in an X-Y peripheral is also disclosed. The tool is movable in a Z dimension relative to a workpiece residing in an X-Y plane. Method and apparatus are also provided for positioning a carriage of an X-Y peripheral at a home or reference position in one or more dimensions.