The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 02, 1996
Filed:
Mar. 21, 1994
James A Eveland, San Francisco, CA (US);
Laser Cut Images International, Inc., Sonoma, CA (US);
Abstract
A laser engraving apparatus (10) and method for engraving a workpiece (15) which includes a mask (11) having at least one image opening (14) extending therethrough. A suction housing (21) is operably coupled to a source of partial vacuum (19) and includes a mouth portion (22) positioned proximate the mask (11) to hold the workpiece (15) and the mask (11) in abutting contact, A laser cutting assembly (24) generates a laser beam (26) which is directed onto the exposed surface (16) under the mask (11) causing engraving thereof. Vaporization or engraving by-products are drawn away from the vaporization surface (16) through the partial vacuum used to hold the mask (11) and workpiece (15) together, The partial vacuum also may be used to cool the mask (11).