Coherent light generators – Particular temperature control – Heat sink
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-24
2001-03-20
Arroyo, Teresa M. (Department: 2881)
Coherent light generators
Particular temperature control
Heat sink
C372S075000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205160
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A MICROFILM APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to welding, joining or deforming thermoplastic workpieces by laser energy and, more specifically, refers to the construction of a laser diode array for providing uniform and intense laser radiation to a workpiece area for causing fast and uniform heating of the thermoplastic material at such area.
Welding and joining thermoplastic workpieces by laser energy is well known. The area at which workpieces are to be joined is illuminated with a laser beam and the resulting dissipation of energy, if of sufficient magnitude, causes a softening and flowing of thermoplastic material as pressure is applied to the softened material. Upon the cessation of the application of laser energy, the thermoplastic material cools and rigidifies, thus providing a joint.
The laser energy is provided, most suitably, by a laser diode energized from an electrical power supply operating in the continuous-wave mode. For providing a beam larger than that avaiable from a single diode, diode arrays have been developed. A typical commercial product comprises
19
diodes producing
20
W output power. An array of this type is relatively expensive and is limited also to illuminating a substantially straight, oblong shaped, workpiece surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns the construction of a relatively inexpensive array comprising individual laser diodes, the quantity of diodes being selectable to suit a particular application. Furthermore, the array can assume a shape for illuminating both a straight or a curved workpiece area. As a result of these and other features, the array per the present invention provides a high degree of flexibility and versatility when used for welding or joining workpieces of different shapes.
The laser array comprises a plurality of laser diodes, each mounted upon one side of a metal plate, acting as a cooling fin, and the plurality of plates arranged on mounting means which support the plates in spaced juxtaposed position, thus forming the array. The mounting means, in one embodiment, comprise flexible electrically non-conductive rods penetrating the plates. The rods, when bent, cause the array to assume a conforming configuration, thereby enabling the array to not only illuminate a straight oblong surface area of a workpiece, but also a curved area, such as a rounded corner. The diodes are electrically coupled in series for assuring that each diode provides substantially the same amount of laser power when illuminating a workpiece. Due to the quantity of diodes being selectable, the illuminated area is commensurate with the quantity of diodes forming the array. Also, a defective diode is readily replaced, thereby obviating the need to replace the entire array.
One of the principal objects of this invention, therefore, is the provision of a new and improved one-dimensional laser diode array suitable for heating and melting thermoplastic material.
Another important object of this invention is the provision of a new and improved laser diode array which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and wherein the quantity of diodes is selectable to suit a particular application.
A further important object of this invention is the provision of a laser diode array capable of illuminating and heating a straight or a curved workpiece area.
Other and still further important objects of this invention will be more clearly apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3962655 (1976-06-01), Selway et al.
patent: 3989778 (1976-11-01), Osborne
patent: 4029535 (1977-06-01), Cannon et al.
patent: 4158762 (1979-06-01), Saunders
patent: 4224096 (1980-09-01), Osborne
patent: 4237363 (1980-12-01), Lemelson
patent: 4323757 (1982-04-01), Oka et al.
patent: 4327277 (1982-04-01), Daly
patent: 4419304 (1983-12-01), Ficke et al.
patent: 4577088 (1986-03-01), Sharp
patent: 4577089 (1986-03-01), Olson
patent: 4603089 (1986-07-01), Bampton
patent: 4636609 (1987-01-01), Nakamata
patent: 4694136 (1987-09-01), Kasner et al.
patent: 4694137 (1987-09-01), Hawkins et al.
patent: 4697061 (1987-09-01), Spater et al.
patent: 4700044 (1987-10-01), Hokanson et al.
patent: 4716568 (1987-12-01), Scifres et al.
patent: 4733039 (1988-03-01), Schnable et al.
patent: 4751365 (1988-06-01), La Rocca et al.
patent: 4923281 (1990-05-01), Krichever et al.
patent: 5049720 (1991-09-01), Fang et al.
patent: 5066846 (1991-11-01), Pirl
patent: 5107091 (1992-04-01), Wagner et al.
patent: 5190204 (1993-03-01), Jack et al.
patent: 5233580 (1993-08-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 5279693 (1994-01-01), Robinson et al.
patent: 5286327 (1994-02-01), Swartz
patent: 5300356 (1994-04-01), Dempster et al.
patent: 5502547 (1996-03-01), Shirai
patent: 5517059 (1996-05-01), Eytcheson
patent: 5550345 (1996-08-01), Meier et al.
patent: 5605595 (1997-02-01), Betteson
patent: 5660669 (1997-08-01), Mittleider
patent: 5711838 (1998-01-01), Pankoke
patent: 5753068 (1998-05-01), Mittleider
patent: WO 93/00212 (1993-01-01), None
patent: WO 94/22661 (1994-10-01), None
Arroyo Teresa M.
Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Leung Q. P.
LandOfFree
Laser diode array does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Laser diode array, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Laser diode array will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2535782