Abstract: The nozzle includes an axially extending discharge passage of circular cross-section and having a convergent entrance portion, a constricted throat which is axially and circumferentially convex, and an enlarged diameter exit portion which is concave in the axial direction as well as in the circumferential direction. The annular wall which defines the axially concave exit portion terminates perpendicular to the extreme end of the nozzle. By virtue of the shape of the passage, the plasma is discharged from the nozzle at supersonic velocity and substantially in the form of a collimated stream so as to effect faster and squarer cutting of a metal workpiece.

Abstract: A storable squaring arm for use with a shear and comprising a forward section and a rear section which extend substantially parallel to the rails of the work-piece-supporting stand of the shear. The rear end of the forward section is pivotally attached to the forward end of the rear section to swing about a transversely extending axis. The rear section is pivotally attached to one of the rails to swing about a longitudinally extending axis. In order to store the squaring arm, the forward section is pivoted rearwardly about the transverse axis to a folded position on top of the rear section. The rear section is then pivoted about the longitudinal axis to a stored position below the top of the rail.

Abstract: Elongated metal stock is advanced intermittently past punch presses which form holes in the stock when the stock dwells. A shear cuts off successive leading end portions of the stock and forms the stock into short pieces. The same machine is capable of running both angle iron and flat stock without making any significant conversons to the machine between runs. This is achieved through the provision of a feed mechanism and clamping units which are adapted to feed and clamp flat stock as well as angle iron.

Abstract: Cartridges each containing a different punch, stripper and die are moved automatically by a robot-like transfer mechanism between a punch press and a tool rack for storing several of the cartridges. The transfer mechamism is characterized by a hook-like hand having laterally spaced and laterally stationary hooks formed with notches which coact with pins on each cartridge to enable the hand to lift and carry the cartridge. Cam plates with cam surfaces are located adjacent the notches and cam against the pins to automatically shift the cartridge to a laterally centered position in the hand when the hand first lifts the cartridge.

Abstract: Cartridges each containing a different punch, stripper and die are moved automatically by a robot-like transfer mechanism between a punch press and a tool rack for storing several of the cartridges. The transfer mechanism includes two hook-like hands each having notched, cartridge-carrying jaws which may be opened and closed relative to the cartridge, which captivate the cartridge laterally but which allow the cartridge to float vertically. As a result of the vertical floating permitted by the hook-like hands, the transfer mechanism may be programmed in the relatively simple manner of a computer-controlled machine tool and does not require the complex programming of a true robot.

Abstract: A punch holder is detachably connected to the lower end of a vertically reciprocable ram and carries a plurality of differently shaped punches which are supported to slide upwardly and downwardly in the holder. Individual actuators are operably associated with the punches and selectively activate one or more punches during any given punching stroke of the ram so that either one hole or multiple holes may be punched during such stroke.

Abstract: A pneumatic bearing encircles the cutting tip of a laser cutting tool and causes the tool to float vertically relative to an underlying worksheet on a pressurized cushion of air so as to maintain a substantially constant stand-off distance between the cutting tip and the work while avoiding physical contact between the tool and the work. Passages formed through the bearing enable cutting gas to escape from the bearing without interfering with the pressurized air cushion, the passages being shaped and located to prevent laser energy from being radiated directly at the operator of the tool.

Abstract: The work clamps of a punch press are mounted in laterally spaced relation on a carriage which may be shifted to cause the clamps to re-position a workpiece relative to the punch. To enable automatic adjustment of the lateral position of the clamps on the carriage, each clamp is adapted to be selectively and automatically locked to or released from the carriage. When released from the carriage, each clamp is adapted to be automatically held in a stationary position so that the carriage may be shifted relative to the clamp to permit re-positioning of the clamp along the carriage.

Abstract: The punch, stripper and die holders of a punch press are moved bodily toward an indexable turret and automatically pick up a punch, a stripper and a die from the turret preparatory to being shifted bodily away from the turret to perform a punching operation. When the punching operation is completed, the holders return the tools to the turret, the turret is indexed and then the holders pick up a different set of tools from the turret. Means are provided for shielding vulnerable areas of the holders from debris created during the operation of a plasma-arc torch which is associated with the press. The tools on the turret also are shielded from the debris.

Abstract: The punch, stripper and die of a punch press are formed with laterally projecting tongues adapted to telescope releasably into three vertically spaced sockets formed in a hand-held cartridge for supporting the tools and for facilitating insertion of the tools into and removal of the tools from the punch press.

Abstract: The punch, stripper and die holders of a punch press are moved bodily toward an indexable turret and automatically pick up a punch, a stripper and a die from the turret preparatory to being shifted bodily away from the turret to perform a punching operation. When the punching operation is completed, the holders return the tools to the turret, the turret is indexed and then the holders pick up a different set of tools from the turret. Means are provided for shielding vulnerable areas of the holders from debris created during the operation of a plasma-arc torch which is associated with the press. The tools on the turret also are shielded from the debris.

Abstract: Molten metal, slag and fumes created during the operation of a plasma-arc torch are discharged downwardly into a duct whose lower end is immersed in a tank of water. A stream of water is directed down the entire inner periphery of the duct and serves to cool and wash the duct. Fumes passing downwardly within the duct are directed into the tank and are quenched and cooled before bubbling upwardly into and being sucked from a housing which surrounds the lower end portion of the duct.

Abstract: A workpiece is shifted forwardly and rearwardly beneath a punch and a transversely spaced cutting torch by a work table formed with a comparatively wide fore-and-aft extending throat for accommodating a die and a duct which underlie the punch and the torch, respectively. The throat is partially filled by platforms which normally support the overlying portions of the workpiece to reduce deflection thereof but which are adapted to be automatically moved out of the way of the rear of the table when the table is shifted forwardly.

Abstract: Part of the upper flange at the end portion of an I-beam is removed therefrom by cutting through the flange with a plasma-arc torch, the torch also forming a vertical cut through the lower flange of the beam. Thereafter, a shearing punch shears through the web of the beam to remove the lower flange from the end portion of the beam. Because a portion of the upper flange is removed from the beam prior to the shearing operation, the punch does not engage any substantial part of the upper flange and thus the punch may effect shearing of the web along a line located in close proximity to the junction of the web and the flanges.

Abstract: A workpiece is shifted forwardly and rearwardly beneath a punch and a transversely spaced cutting torch by a work table formed with a comparatively wide fore-and-aft extending throat for accommodating a die and a duct which underlie the punch and the torch, respectively. The throat is partially filled by platforms which normally support the overlying portions of the workpiece to reduce deflection thereof but which are adapted to be automatically moved out of the way of the rear of the table when the table is shifted forwardly.