Abstract: A breakaway mounting assembly for a cutting torch or other non-contact tool includes a tool mounting collar with an outer frustoconical bearing surface adapted to be received in an annular support ring having a complimentary inner frustoconical bearing surface providing precision torch positioning. Resilient spring-biased detents hold the torch and mounting collar in the operating position, but are deflected in the event the torch collides with an obstruction, allowing the torch to be dislodged from the mounting without damage. The dislodged torch can be remounted with a simple snap-in action and precise realignment is automaticaly established. A switch which is activated by displacement between the supporting frustoconical bearing surfaces may be used to signal the operator or cause an appropriate response in the torch carriage operating system.

Abstract: A slag flushing and water level control system for the burn tank of a metal cutting apparatus utilizes a pair of separate water displacement chambers disposed in the tank below an inclined slag-collecting intermediate floor section. Water is displaced from one chamber by compressed air and caused to flow over the upper edge of the inclined floor and cascade downwardly thereover, carrying with it the slag deposited thereon. The water used in flushing the floor is collected in the second displacement chamber and subsequently displaced therefrom by air pressure to fill the burn tank and raise the level therein to a selected operating level. After completion of the cutting operation, sequential relief of the air pressure in the first and second chambers allows appropriate volumes of water to return thereto for a subsequent cycle.