IP Library Granted Patent US 8,420,977
Granted Patent B2
US 8,420,977 · App. 12/778,643 · Granted Apr 16, 2013

High power laser system

Inventors: Timothy Bradley (Loogootee, IN); Eric Hillenbrand (Evansville, IN)
Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,420,977
App. No.
12/778,643
Granted
Apr 16, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.

Claims (18)

1. A portable cutting device for transport by a human operator, comprising:

a laser source which provides optical energy, the laser source being a plurality of continuous wave semiconductor lasers whose output is combined to provide the optical energy;

a battery power source;

a laser directing device supporting focusing optics in a collimating chamber, the focusing optics focus the optical energy provided by the laser source;

at least one storage container, the at least one storage container housing the laser source and the battery power source; and

at least one flexible optical conduit extending from an interior of the at least one storage container to the laser directing device, the at least one flexible optical conduit communicating the optical energy produced by the laser source to the laser directing device;

wherein the at least one storage container includes a backpack which includes a cargo carrying portion housing the battery power source and the laser source and support straps through which arms of the human operator extend.

2. The portable cutting device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of continuous wave semiconductor lasers are quantum cascade lasers.

3. The portable cutting device of claim 2 , wherein a power level of the optical energy provided by the laser source is at least 3 kilowatts.

4. A portable cutting device for transport by a human operator, comprising:

a laser source which provides optical energy, the laser source being a plurality of continuous wave semiconductor lasers whose output is combined to provide the optical energy;

a battery power source;

a laser directing device supporting focusing optics in a collimating chamber, the focusing optics focus the optical energy provided by the laser source;

at least one storage container, the at least one storage container housing the laser source and the battery power source; and

at least one flexible optical conduit extending from an interior of the at least one storage container to the laser directing device, the at least one flexible optical conduit communicating the optical energy produced by the laser source to the laser directing device;

wherein the laser directing device includes a controller, a trigger, a compressed air container, a valve in fluid communication with the compressed air container, and a nozzle directed at a focus of the focusing optics and in fluid communication with the valve.

5. The portable cutting device of claim 4 , wherein the valve is opened by the controller based on a status of the trigger to provide an air stream generally towards the focus of the focusing optics.

6. The portable cutting device of claim 4 , wherein the laser directing device further includes a second fluid conduit in communication with the valve and in fluid communication with the collimating chamber, the controller controlling the valve to provide air from the compressed air container to the collimating chamber.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 2, 2010
From: BRADLEY, TIMOTHY; HILLENBRAND, ERIC
To: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Reel/Frame 024930/0350 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation In Part 12541772 · Aug 14, 2009
Continuation In Part 12511056 · Jul 28, 2009
Related Publication 20120101658A1 · Apr 26, 2012