| United States Patent | 5,823,417 |
| Johnson | Oct. 20, 1998 |
Abstract
Pressure feet for association with a laser welder head to apply pressure as closely as possible to workpieces adjacent the welding zone whereby maximum weld penetration and quality are achieved. Welding pressure feet includes roller means engagable with the uppermost portions of the workpiece serving to define a desired width of welding zone. The provision of inclined roller means facilitates the achievement of a welding zone of minimal width.
| Inventors: | Johnson; Jeffrey Don (500 Crestview, Parsons, KS 67357). |
| Appl. No.: | 677,094 |
| Filed: | Jul. 9, 1996 |
| Intl. Cl. : | B23K 26/08 |
| Current U.S. Cl.: | 228/44.3; 219/121.63; 219/121.63; 219/121.63 |
| Field of Search: | 228/157, 212, 44.3; 219/121.63; 112/240, 236 |
| 161,087 | Mar., 1875 | Applegate et al. | 112/240 |
| 1,658,915 | Feb., 1928 | Baynard | 112/240 X |
| 4,872,940 | Oct., 1989 | Strum et al. | 219/121.63 X |
| 5,550,345 | Aug., 1996 | Meier et al. | 219/121.63 |
| 5,609,288 | Mar., 1997 | Johnson | 228/157 |
Primary Examiner: Ramsey; Kenneth J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mahoney; Thomas P.