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:
Dec. 11, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 28, 2000
David Grewell, Waterbury, CT (US);
Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Danbury, CT (US);
Abstract
A laser joining system deforms a workpiece projection based on collapse of the projection to a predetermined displacement. The laser joining system has a laser system for generating a predetermined level of laser radiation based on radiation control signals. An actuation system directs the laser radiation to the projection and contacts the projection with a laser head based on forced control signals. The actuation system also generates position feedback based on a position of the laser head, wherein the position feedback includes a reference position of the laser head. The joining system further includes a controller communicating with the laser system and the actuation system. The controller generates the radiation control signals and the force control signals based on the position feedback. When the projection collapses to a predetermined displacement with respect to the referenced position, one of the radiation control signals causes the laser system to discontinue generation of the laser radiation. Controlling laser radiation on the basis of collapse distance allows improved consistency and reduced rework costs.