Patent ID: 7218649
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A laser beam containment system, comprising a laser-conducting structure for conducting a laser beam along a path from a laser beam source to a point of application of said laser beam, wherein the entire laser beam is encapsulated within said laser conducting structure along said path from said laser beam source to said point of application, said laser-conducting structure including at least two optics for directing said laser beam, and a tube arrangement interconnecting said at least two optics, said tube arrangement being movable out of said path for allowing access to at least one of said at least two optics without disturbing the distance relationship between said at least two optics, wherein said tube arrangement includes first and second telescoping tube portions, wherein telescoping movement between said first and second tube portions shortens an effective length of said tube arrangement to facilitate movement of said tube arrangement out of said path, wherein said at least two optics are mounted in respective blocks, said first telescoping tube portion being in telescopic relationship with a flange on one of said blocks, wherein said telescoping movement effects disengagement of said first tube portion from said flange.