Debris removal apparatus for use in laser ablation

Abstract

An apparatus which selectively directs cutting debris in selected directions while a laser beam separates a workpiece in a multi-directional relation. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a positionable member rotatable about the laser beam, a nozzle attachable to the positionable member, and a programmable logic controller integrated with the positionable member to selectively position the direction of the nozzle. In a second embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of stationary nozzles positioned about the laser beam, a gas source connected to each nozzle, and a programmable logic controller integrated with the gas source to selectively provide a stream of gas to each nozzle and direct the cutting debris in selected directions.

1 . An apparatus to selectively direct cutting debris in selected directions wherein a laser beam separates a workpiece in a multi-directional relation, the apparatus comprising: 
 a nozzle effective for pneumatically directing the cutting debris;    a rotatable member, the nozzle attachable thereto; and    a programmable logic controller integrated with the rotatable member to selectively position the direction of the nozzle.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  and further comprising a blower device, the nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  and further comprising a suction device, the nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  and further comprising an electrical motor mechanically operable with the rotatable member, the programmable logic controller actuating the motor.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for positioning a nozzle to pneumatically direct cutting debris in a selected direction wherein a laser beam and a selected workpiece travel in a multi-directional relation to one another, a direction of the travel changing at least once, the apparatus comprising: 
 a member positionable proximate the laser beam;    the nozzle attachable to the positionable member; and    a programmable logic controller integrated with the positionable member, selectively positioning the gas nozzle in synchronicity with the multi-directional travel of the workpiece in relation to the laser beam.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  and further comprising a blower device, the nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  and further comprising a suction device, the nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the maneuverable member is rotatably positionable about the cutting source.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the laser beam separates the workpiece into a first portion and a second portion, the nozzle synchronously positionable to direct the cutting debris away from the first portion.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for selectively positioning a nozzle to pneumatically direct laser cutting debris from a workpiece in a selected direction, the apparatus comprising: 
 a laser emitting device positionable proximate the workpiece;    a positioning member positioned proximate and rotatable about the laser emitting device and the gas nozzle being attachable to the positioning member, the gas nozzle thus rotatable about the cutting device to pneumatically direct cutting debris from the workpiece in the selected direction.    
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  and further comprising a compressed gas source, the nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  and further comprising a blower device, the gas nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10  and further comprising a suction device, the gas nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  and further comprising a programmable logic controller integrating the selected direction of the gas nozzle in conjunction with a workpiece feed direction in relation to the laser emitting device.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14  and further comprising a motor operably connected to the positioning member, the motor for rotatably positioning the positioning member and selectively positioning the gas nozzle, the programmable logic controller actuating the motor.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus to selectively direct laser cutting debris away from a preferred portion of a workpiece, the apparatus comprising: 
 a laser emitting device positioned proximate the workpiece;    a positioning member proximately positionable about the laser device;    a nozzle attachable to the positioning device, the nozzle capable of directing cutting debris away from the preferred portion of the workpiece; and    a programmable logic controller (PLC), the PLC integrated with the positioning member to selectively position the nozzle in relation to the cutting device and the preferred portion of the workpiece.    
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  and further comprising a suction device, the nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 16  and further comprising a blower device the nozzle connectable thereto.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 16  and further comprising: 
 a rotatable member, the nozzle attachable thereto; and  
 a motor operably connected to the rotatable member, the motor controlled by the PLC to maneuver the rotatable member selectively positioning the nozzle.  
 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the motor and the rotatable member each include mateably engageable gear portions.  
     
     
         21 . An apparatus to selectively position a gas stream for pneumatically directing cutting debris away from a preferred portion of a workpiece, the workpiece being cut by a laser beam, the selected position of the gas stream defined as a function of a varying feed direction of the workpiece in relation to the laser beam, wherein the varying feed direction varies at least once.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21  comprising: 
 a maneuverable member positionable proximate the laser beam;  
 a nozzle attachable to the maneuverable member; and  
 a programmable logic controller integrated with the maneuverable member, selectively positioning the gas nozzle in synchronicity with the varying feed direction of the workpiece in relation to the laser beam.  
 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 21  comprising: 
 a stationary member positioned proximate the laser beam;  
 a plurality of nozzles fixedly attachable to the stationary member;  
 a valve to control the flow of air through each nozzle;  
 a programmable logic controller integrated with the valve to selectively direct cutting debris in synchronicity with the varying feed direction of the workpiece in relation to the laser beam.