Patents by Inventor Yuri Grapov
Yuri Grapov 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).
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Publication number: 20210296843Abstract: A laser alignment system is used to align an output fiber with a fiber laser, for example, when coupling a feeding fiber to a process fiber using a beam coupler or switch. The alignment system includes a laser alignment apparatus that is coupled at a first end to the output fiber and at a second end to a beam dump/power meter. The alignment apparatus defines a light passage and a light capture chamber along the light passage. When light is not aligned into the core of the output fiber, at least a portion of the light passing out of the output fiber will be captured by the light capture chamber and detected by a photodetector in optical communication with the light capture chamber. By monitoring the readings of the photodetector, the output fiber may be properly aligned with the laser light from the fiber laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventor: Yuri Grapov
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Patent number: 11052482Abstract: A laser alignment system is used to align an output fiber with a fiber laser, for example, when coupling a feeding fiber to a process fiber using a beam coupler or switch. The alignment system includes a laser alignment apparatus that is coupled at a first end to the output fiber and at a second end to a beam dump/power meter. The alignment apparatus defines a light passage and a light capture chamber along the light passage. When light is not aligned into the core of the output fiber, at least a portion of the light passing out of the output fiber will be captured by the light capture chamber and detected by a photodetector in optical communication with the light capture chamber. By monitoring the readings of the photodetector, the output fiber may be properly aligned with the laser light from the fiber laser.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: IPG PHOTONICS CORPORATIONInventor: Yuri Grapov
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Publication number: 20200376594Abstract: A laser welding head with movable mirrors may be used to perform welding operations, for example, with wobble patterns and/or seam finding/tracking and following. The movable mirrors provide a wobbling movement of one or more beams within a relatively small field of view, for example, defined by a scan angle of 1-2°. The movable mirrors may be galvanometer mirrors that are controllable by a control system including a galvo controller. The laser welding head may also include a diffractive optical element to shape the beam or beams being moved. The control system may also be used to control the fiber laser, for example, in response to the position of the beams relative to the workpiece and/or a sensed condition in the welding head such as a thermal condition proximate one of the mirrors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Yuri Grapov, Kris Pruyn, Felix Stukalin, Erik Hinrichsen
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Patent number: 10751835Abstract: A laser welding head with movable mirrors may be used to perform welding operations, for example, with wobble patterns and/or seam finding/tracking and following. The movable mirrors provide a wobbling movement of one or more beams within a relatively small field of view, for example, defined by a scan angle of 1-2°. The movable mirrors may be galvanometer mirrors that are controllable by a control system including a galvo controller. The laser welding head may also include a diffractive optical element to shape the beam or beams being moved. The control system may also be used to control the fiber laser, for example, in response to the position of the beams relative to the workpiece and/or a sensed condition in the welding head such as a thermal condition proximate one of the mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: IPG PHOTONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Yuri Grapov, Kris Pruyn, Felix Stukalin, Erik Hinrichsen
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Publication number: 20200254563Abstract: A laser cutting head includes a controllable collimator with movable collimator lenses for controlling beam diameter and/or focal point location. The laser cutting head may be used in a laser cutting system with a control system for controlling the position of the movable collimator lenses. The lenses may be moved, for example, to adjust the beam spot size for cutting different types of material or material thicknesses. The lenses may also be moved to adjust a focal point back to the workpiece after changing the distance of the laser cutting head relative to the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2019Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Yuri GRAPOV, Felix STUKALIN, Nikhit NAIR
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Publication number: 20200070283Abstract: A gas shielding device may be used with a laser processing head, such as a welding head, to diffuse and distribute a shield gas over a larger gas shielding area for shielding a larger area of metal. The gas shielding device may be coupled to the laser processing head to move with the laser beam and may be arranged coaxially to provide the larger shielding effect in all directions of welding. The gas shielding device is particularly useful for welding titanium or other metals that are highly reactive with gases in the air and/or for larger welding areas (e.g., where the laser beam is wobbled).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Iurii V. Markushov, Nikhit N. Nair, Frank L. Dubuque, Yuri Grapov
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Patent number: 10201878Abstract: A laser cutting head includes a controllable collimator with movable collimator lenses for controlling beam diameter and/or focal point location. The laser cutting head may be used in a laser cutting system with a control system for controlling the position of the movable collimator lenses. The lenses may be moved, for example, to adjust the beam spot size for cutting different types of material or material thicknesses. The lenses may also be moved to adjust a focal point back to the workpiece after changing the distance of the laser cutting head relative to the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Yuri Grapov, Felix Stukalin, Nikhit Nair
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Publication number: 20190039172Abstract: A laser alignment system is used to align an output fiber with a fiber laser, for example, when coupling a feeding fiber to a process fiber using a beam coupler or switch. The alignment system includes a laser alignment apparatus that is coupled at a first end to the output fiber and at a second end to a beam dump/power meter. The alignment apparatus defines a light passage and a light capture chamber along the light passage. When light is not aligned into the core of the output fiber, at least a portion of the light passing out of the output fiber will be captured by the light capture chamber and detected by a photodetector in optical communication with the light capture chamber. By monitoring the readings of the photodetector, the output fiber may be properly aligned with the laser light from the fiber laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: February 7, 2019Applicant: IPG Photonics CorporationInventor: Yuri Grapov
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Publication number: 20180369964Abstract: A laser cutting head with movable mirrors may be used to move a beam, for example, to provide beam alignment and/or to provide different wobble patterns for cutting with different kerf widths. The laser cutting head includes a cutting nozzle for directing the laser beam together with a gas to a workpiece for cutting. The movable mirrors provide a wobbling movement of the beam within a relatively small field of view, for example, within an aperture of the cutting nozzle. The movable mirrors may be galvanometer mirrors that are controllable by a control system including a galvo controller. The control system may also be used to control the fiber laser, for example, in response to the position of the beams relative to the workpiece and/or a sensed condition in the cutting head such as a thermal condition proximate one of the mirrors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Yuri Grapov, Kris Pruyn, Felix Stukalin, Erik Hinrichsen
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Patent number: 9921168Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: IPG PHOTONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Valentin Gapontsev, Yuri Grapov, Michael Digiantommaso
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Publication number: 20160368089Abstract: A laser welding head with movable mirrors may be used to perform welding operations, for example, with wobble patterns and/or seam finding/tracking and following. The movable mirrors provide a wobbling movement of one or more beams within a relatively small field of view, for example, defined by a scan angle of 1-2°. The movable mirrors may be galvanometer mirrors that are controllable by a control system including a galvo controller. The laser welding head may also include a diffractive optical element to shape the beam or beams being moved. The control system may also be used to control the fiber laser, for example, in response to the position of the beams relative to the workpiece and/or a sensed condition in the welding head such as a thermal condition proximate one of the mirrors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Yuri GRAPOV, Kris PRUYN, Felix STUKALIN, Erik HINRICHSEN
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Publication number: 20160368099Abstract: A laser cutting head includes a controllable collimator with movable collimator lenses for controlling beam diameter and/or focal point location. The laser cutting head may be used in a laser cutting system with a control system for controlling the position of the movable collimator lenses. The lenses may be moved, for example, to adjust the beam spot size for cutting different types of material or material thicknesses. The lenses may also be moved to adjust a focal point back to the workpiece after changing the distance of the laser cutting head relative to the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Yuri GRAPOV, Felix STUKALIN, Nikhit NAIR
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Patent number: 9405087Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Yuri Grapov, Michael Digiantommaso
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Patent number: 8913861Abstract: A beam coupler alignment system for a fiber laser system is disclosed. The system includes a focus adjust collimator assembly having an inner and outer housing assembly portion. The inner assembly includes a coupler housing assembly and a modified lens housing received within and adjustable relative to via a mechanism configured and arranged to apply an asymmetric binding force in a predictable and repeatable manner. A lever assembly contacts the lens housing and exerts an off-center (asymmetric) force relative to coupler housing assembly creating a friction bind eliminating X and Y axis movement yet allowing Z axis movement with minimal effort. The assembly may further include an alignment mechanism configured and arranged to optically align an input collimator unit and an output collimator unit of a complex fiber laser system about a common optical axis using the proposed assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Yuri Grapov, Michael Digiantomasso, Bill Jones
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Publication number: 20140339209Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Valentin Gapontsev, Michael Digiantomasso, Yuri Grapov
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Publication number: 20140285900Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Yuri Grapov, Michael Digiantommaso
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Patent number: 8830564Abstract: A fiber laser system is configured with a nonlinear resonator cavity which includes a plurality of mirrors. One of the mirrors is a piezoelectric mirror capable of being displaced between multiple positions in response to a control signal generated by a digital controller. The generation of the control signal is caused by mismatch between a fundamental frequency, imputed into the resonant cavity and further split by a nonlinear crystal into resonant and harmonic frequencies, and the resonant frequency. The positions of the piezoelectric mirror and time interval the piezoelectric mirror may occupy these position are controlled so that the output radiation at the harmonic may be periodically interrupted which results in a pulsed output radiation.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Valentin P. Gapontsev, Yuri Grapov, Mark Warren
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Patent number: 8773764Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Yuri Grapov, Michael Digiantommaso, Gerard Theroux
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Publication number: 20140139905Abstract: A fiber laser system is configured with a nonlinear resonator cavity which includes a plurality of mirrors. One of the mirrors is a piezoelectric mirror capable of being displaced between multiple positions in response to a control signal generated by a digital controller. The generation of the control signal is caused by mismatch between a fundamental frequency, imputed into the resonant cavity and further split by a nonlinear crystal into resonant and harmonic frequencies, and the resonant frequency. The positions of the piezoelectric mirror and time interval the piezoelectric mirror may occupy these position are controlled so that the output radiation at the harmonic may be periodically interrupted which results in a pulsed output radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2009Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: Valentin P. Gapontsev, Yuri Grapov, Mark Warren
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Publication number: 20130336616Abstract: A beam coupler alignment system for a fiber laser system is disclosed. The system includes a focus adjust collimator assembly having an inner and outer housing assembly portion. The inner assembly includes a coupler housing assembly and a modified lens housing received within and adjustable relative to via a mechanism configured and arranged to apply an asymmetric binding force in a predictable and repeatable manner. A lever assembly contacts the lens housing and exerts an off-center (asymmetric) force relative to coupler housing assembly creating a friction bind eliminating X and Y axis movement yet allowing Z axis movement with minimal effort. The assembly may farther include an alignment mechanism configured and arranged to optically align an input collimator unit and an output collimator unit of a complex fiber laser system about a common optical axis using the proposed assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: IPG Photonics CorporationInventors: Yuri Grapov, Michael Digiantomasso, Bill Jones