Abstract: A device is provided for transporting profiles, such as T, U, I, angle, flat and Holland profiles, in profile processing lines particularly lines which include marking and torch cutting equipment. The transport device is in the form of a car having at least one profile carrier.

Abstract: A self contained jet perforator torch (10) for defining large holes (H) in workpiece (W) such as a large bomb, includes a plurality of ports (68) fluidically connecting a combustion chamber with a slot-like chamber (62). The ports and the slot-like chamber extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the torch whereby fluid exiting the torch contacts a workpiece at an angle (I) with a normal (N) extending from the workpiece.

Abstract: A strip made up of a linear series of rigid links hinged together. Magnets are mounted on certain links, at spaced points, for holding the strip on the object to be cut by a torch. Spacers are located on the links on which the magnets are not mounted, holding those links in spaced relation from the object, even with the other links. All the links together define straight lines of their side edges.

Abstract: An improved heating torch having the usual fuel and oxygen passageways and valves for controlling the flow of the respective components, mixer for mixing fuel and oxygen, and tip for flowing the admixture exteriorly thereof for burning to heat a work piece or the like, the improvement being characterized by a multiple piece tip that is spring loaded such that one or more internals can be spring loaded to be retained within a shell that is affixed to an end piece of the tip. The end piece fastens to the end of an elbow connected with the mixer, and has the shell disposed about the end piece; and one or more tip internals are disposed inside and biased toward their normal assembled position by a spring or the like. Different sized heating tips are readily formed by simply adding internals and larger sized end pieces and shells to form one or more rings of grooves defined by splines that can be easily manufactured and assembled.

Abstract: A nozzle for the cutting beard removal where by means of additional heat supply the beard is liquified and blown away by the kinetic energy of a gas jet are formed by an upper and a lower nozzle plate with fuel gas discharge openings and an oxygen slot formed between them which is feeding an ever increasing quantity of oxygen at its longitudinal ends. This is reached by the oxygen slot forming the discharge end of a cone emerging from a distribution chamber enlarged in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A self-contained portable exothermic cutting system including an electrode holder, current source, arc initiator and source of oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cutting torch having a preheat tube in which the mixing structure within the preheat tube includes both a heat absorbing spiral and a blunt-nosed jet in the oxygen passageway upstream of the injection point at which the fuel is mixed with oxygen. The jet is simple to machine during the manufacturing of the torch parts and, when properly positioned, causes sufficient turbulence in oxygen flow to assure complete and consistent mixing of the oxygen with the fuel, even at low fuel pressures. The actual mixing of the fuel with the oxygen is accomplished at a point immediately downstream of the jet where a plurality of transverse passageways leading from a fuel carrying channel intersect the central passageway leading from the jet. These transverse passageways are preferably disposed at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the mixer tube such that the transverse passageways are pointed downstream and inwardly toward the center of the mixer tube.

Abstract: A short nozzle tip for a torch for thermochemical cutting or flame machining has a central cutting oxygen feed bore comprising an intake portion, a reduced-section portion and a conically flaring discharge portion. Associated with the central oxygen feed bore are fuel gas bores which extend parallel to the central bore and which are disposed in an annular array therearound, while arranged outside the array of fuel gas bores is a further array heating oxygen bores which extend at an inclined angle to the discharge end of the fuel gas bores and issue directly therebeside.

Abstract: An apparatus and method having particular utility in quickly releasing the moorings of large vessels and offshore platforms. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a pair of pyrotechnic cutting torches disposed in a housing included as a structural member in a submerged mooring, such as an anchor chain. The housing divides at one end into a shackle comprising substantially parallel laterally spaced walls, each having an aperture therethrough. A common anchor chain link is inserted between the walls of the shackle and a shackle pin is inserted through the wall apertures and the link to secure the link to the housing. The cutting torches are disposed in the same plane as the link, and the torch nozzles oriented so as to sever the link on both sides of the pin when the torches are ignited, in order to release the chain therefrom. The other end of the housing comprises a clevis, secured to the anchor chain by a Kenter shackle.

Abstract: An exothermic cutting electrode or burning bar provided with a coating containing oxidizing material, arc stabilizing material and a binder with portions of reduced coating thickness along the length of the electrode.

Abstract: An improved rod for a thermal cutting or burning torch, especially suited for underwater use, is shown to have a metallic outer tube sheath containing exothermic fuel elements within the interior of the tube, providing an open region for the passage of gas to the tip of the tube. The tube is electrically insulated along its outer length, save for an exposed open end adapted to be clamped in an electrically conductive gas-providing cutting torch handle. Within the improved rod, each of the fuel elements consists of a generally ferrous composition having one of two types of coatings. In a first embodiment, an element will be coated with a copper cladding to approximately two percent of the overall weight of the element. In the second embodiment, an element will be clad with either aluminum, or one of the aluminum class of metals, to approximately 4.6 percent by weight, the exact percentage being that percentage required for perfect thermite combustion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching a torch-cut work-piece wherein a spray curtain is mounted on a bearing with approximately 30.degree. of the circular spray eliminated immediately behind the direction of travel. The spray direction is controlled by a friction operated directional spray arm carrying an idler wheel.

Abstract: An underwater cutting tool for steel, concrete, or the like, comprising a tubular oxygen lance (10) adapted to be connected to an oxygen source (24, 25) and having a pistol grip-like handle (16).Prior to its first use the lance is sealed so as to be ignited safely under water. This seal (12) is adapted to be blasted off or fused by means of an igniter unit (14) which is operable under water, at the same time, firing the oxygen flowing out of the lance (10). The seal (12) preferably is formed by a plug of a material which is easily inflammable or contains such material and hermetically seals the free end of the lance (10).

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for cutting a workpiece comprises at least one cutting torch which is movable transversely with respect to the workpiece feed direction and which is adjustable in respect of operating height. Operatively associated with the torch is a length measuring means for measuring the relative movement as between the machine and the workpiece, to measure a given length of workpiece to be severed. The measuring means includes a measuring wheel which runs against the surface of the workpiece. The machine has a vertically movable support plate which on its front or upstream side, carries a sound and heating insulating hood, within which the tip of the torch is disposed. The measuring wheel is arranged on the rearward or downstream side of the support plate. Cooling systems are provided in various forms, together with a simplified system for feeding gas to the torch.

Abstract: Oxygen and acetylene are mixed in a mixing chamber of relatively large cross-sectional area, and are then passed through an elongate passage where they develop stream lines of flow, the mixture then passing through a plurality of elongate nozzle apertures arranged in a circular pattern around a central oxygen aperture in the nozzle, the nozzle apertures converging in a downstream direction such that their projections all intersect the projection of the central oxygen aperture at a single convergence point.

Abstract: In a two tube cutting torch having a torch head and a body with a first cutting oxygen tube supplying oxygen from the body to the head and a second preheat tube supplying oxygen and fuel from the body to the head in which the body has a fuel inlet and an oxygen inlet and control means connected to the body for controlling the flow of fuel and oxygen, the improvement of a head mixer and thermal conductor. A member is connected between the preheat tube and the head and the member includes a straight through bore interconnecting the preheat tube and the head and the bore at the tube end is in communication with oxygen in the preheat tube. The member also includes one or more passageways extending from the tube end and is in communication with fuel in the preheat tube. The member includes one or more holes adjacent the head end extending from the bore to the passageways for aspirating fuel from the passageways into the bore and mixing in the head as oxygen flows through the bore to the head.

Abstract: A combination cutting torch and nozzle assembly for post-mix oxy-fuel gas cutting using two separate annular steams of preheat oxygen gas surrounding the fuel gas stream with the inner annular oxygen stream directed to impinge the fuel gas stream very close to the point of discharge from the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is secured to the torch head of the cutting torch by a hollow retaining nut which forms an annular gap with the nozzle assembly for discharging the outer preheat oxygen gas stream.

Abstract: An autogenous portable apparatus is described for welding and oxygen cutting operations which uses a combustible gas fuel and oxygen derived from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide flowing through a catalyst of lead chips. The catalyst is positioned to allow priming by initial quantities of hydrogen peroxide to be injected into the catalyst by the action of gravity. Once oxygen is formed the pressures thereof are fed back to the container holding the hydrogen peroxide thereby pressurizing the same and cause increasing quantities of oxygen to be produced until the desired level has been reached. Condensers are provided to condense the water vapor also formed in the conversion process to purify the oxygen prior to use thereof at a welding torch. A fluid control valve regulates the flow of the hydrogen peroxide at a rate inversely to the pressure of the oxygen to thereby maintain the pressure below a maximum predetermined value.

Abstract: Cutting head usable equally well with "head mixed" blowtorches (1) as with "premixed" ones, comprising a male part (6) and a female part (7), and characterized in that:(a) the end of the male part in contact with the blowtorch has a flange (20) the diameter of which is less than that of the chamber (5) into which open conduits (3 and 4) for the heating oxygen and gas of a "head mixed" torch, or the conduit for the heating mixture of a "premixed" torch, and which is crossed by at least two diametrically opposed holes (21);(b) between the male part and the female part is provided an annular passage (22) for the heating oxygen/gas mixture; and(c) in communication with the holes (21) are hollows (21a) provided in the lower protruding part of the flange, or assemblies provided in the female part, which make possible the aspiration of gas, said hollows or assemblies being in communication with the annular passage (22).

Abstract: An exothermic cutting electrode or burning bar having an oxidizable metal fluid conduit (tube) surrounded by a mass of metal similar to that of the fluid tube, the entire structure covered with an outer oxidizable metallic tube and/or an electrically insulating water impervious cover, either end of the electrode being adapted for connection to a source of oxidizing fluid and electric current, so that, an arc can be struck between a workpiece and the free end of the electrode to produce a cutting flame. By proper selection of the type and mass of the materials of construction the electrode will burn after the electric current has been turned off.

Abstract: An adaptor for interconnecting a three outlet cutting torch head with a two inlet cutting tip. When installed, the adaptor provides a cavity for mixing combustible gas with heating oxygen. The configuration of the cavity and associated passageways minimizes the possibility of flame blowback into the head.

Abstract: Process and device for thermochemically drilling and separating SiO.sub.2 containing minerals by using such chemical compounds as fluxes in the combustion, which form in the melt silicates of low temperature melting range, primarily alkali metal silicates, the fluxes, mixed with catalysts and with metal powder serving as fuel, being passed through an oxygen lance or a core lance containing bundles of wires and ducts for passage of oxygen and flux at a high rate of speed, ignition being done semi-automatically or fully automatically. The use of the process and device according to the invention result in an increased effectiveness of the drilling and separation of the SiO.sub.2 containing minerals as compared to known thermochemical processes.

Abstract: A gas flow distribution manifold for distributing oxygen equally to a pluity of burn bar torches allowing large holes to be burned in steel objects is disclosed. The manifold includes a central plenum chamber connected to radial cross passages. Orifices connect the cross passages to outlet chambers wherein the burn bar torches are mounted. Sonic gas flow is maintained through the orifices providing equal flow to the torches.

Abstract: A tubular electrode for use in a cutting torch which is primarily used in underwater cutting operations comprising a cutting rod made from tubing produced by rolling and forming copper coated sheet steel into the tubular shape which acts as a carrier for a plurality of metallic rods.

Abstract: In a cutting torch having a torch head, a body having a fuel inlet and an oxygen inlet, control means connected to the body for controlling the flow of fuel and oxygen, a preheat tube assembly and a cutting oxygen tube assembly connected between the body and the head, the improvement in the preheat tube assembly for preventing flashback. An inner tubular member, preferably of brass, has a straight through bore with a fluid tight seal at the torch head by being threaded into the torch head and sealed with an O-ring seal. The opposite end connects to the body having a seal making a gas tight connection around a fuel passageway. The inner bore acts as an oxygen mixing chamber with no restrictions or orifices and consists of a single size diameter hole lengthwise through the member.

Abstract: A new and improved thermal torch or lance useful in boring, cutting, burning, and the like, of hard base materials having a metal burner pipe with fusible wire or rod-like elements therein forming gas passages therebetween. The wire or rod-like elements are surface-pitted by oxidation or other means to cause turbulence within the transient gaseous oxygen stream caused to pass through the torch assembly is heated at the outlet end of the torch to cause an effectively concentrated thermic reaction with the metallic burner pipe and the associated rod-like elements. The result is an exceptionally efficient cutting temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a torch-cutting slag of a slab, wherein a cutting tool mount vertically and rotatably controllable is transversely racked beneath a conveying roller table for conveying the slab fusion-cut to a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the conveying roller table, and cutting tools for cutting the torch-cutting slag of the slab are provided at least at positions symmetrical with each other along the longitudinal outer surfaces of the cutting tool mount. The cutting tools for cutting the torch-cutting slag are constituted by a plurality of cutting tools arranged in succession from the center of the forward portion, i.e., the input side, to opposite sides of the rear portion of the cutting tool mount, the cutting tools are gradually increased in the level of projection from the forward portion to the rear portion on the cutting tool mount and are resiliently supported on the cutting tool mount through springs.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting the end off a metal strip wound as a coil having a diameter lying between a predetermined maximum diameter and a predetermined minimum diameter has a fixed support, a substantially horizontal support cradle for the coil on the support, a cutter on the support defining a vertically open gap spaced from the cradle for cutting the strip along a horizontal cutting plane as the strip passes down through the gap, and a guide on the support above and to one side of the gap between same and the cradle. An inner pivot arm is pivoted on the support about a horizontal inner axis and has an outer end on which is pivoted an outer pivot arm about a horizontal outer axis and having an outer end carrying a pusher, and an actuator connected between the arms and the support or frame for displacing this pusher horizontally and vertically above the plane of the cutter relative to the guide for urging the pusher against the strip at the guide at any of several vertically offset locations therealong.

Abstract: A work manipulator particularly advantageous for use in welding, cutting and like operations comprises a plurality of functionally related arms, at least a portion of said arms being respectively mounted for rotation in different planes. Means are provided for rotating said arms simultaneously or selectively as needs and to the extent required. Further means coupled to at least a portion of said arms provide as between such means and the arm to which such means is coupled a defined path of movement of one relative the other. With work holder means based on at least a portion of said arms, said arms and said coupled means are selectively or simultaneously operable to manipulate work to continuously present and move the same relative to a torch or like device at the attitude required to effect a complete continuous weld or cut with or without a change in position of the torch.

Abstract: Arrangement in a cutting burner to clean and cool the cutting oxygen channel in the burner nozzle during the heating procedure. The arrangement comprises a connection line with an incorporated throttling member between the heating oxygen gas channel and the cutting oxygen gas channel; and a check valve member in the cutting oxygen gas channel. The valve is situated thus that the portion of the heating oxygen gas flow which passes through the cutting oxygen gas passage is permitted to pass only in the direction towards the nozzle orifices.

Abstract: An installation (10) for handling a workpiece W.sub.1 including a first station (12) for loading a workpiece, a second station (14) for working on the workpiece, a third station (16) for unloading the workpiece, and a conveyor (18), extending in a closed loop about the first and second stations, for transporting the workpiece from the first to the second station. The conveyor is a track of the type used on earthmoving equipment such as tractors, and whose tension is adjustable by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement (26-32) to lower part of the conveyor into a water tank (50) at the second station for plasma-arc cutting the workpiece. The third station is adjacent the second station and has two additional conveyors (66, 68) for receiving a cut workpiece, depending on the size of such cut workpiece. A cleaning apparatus (60-64) supplies jets of water onto the closed loop conveyor to clean the latter of slag.

Abstract: A machine mounted torch includes a torch head to which a nozzle is exchangeably fastened by a holding device wherein two oppositely disposed support surfaces are provided for holding counter surfaces of a spring loaded bushing which holds the nozzle.

Abstract: An improved welding torch holder including a flat longitudinal member having clamping means to hold a welding torch, a block member having an arm to attach to a gantry or welding fixture, the block member having defined internally therein a passageway for slidably receiving the longitudinal member therethrough, means cooperating with said block member and said longitudinal member to provide reciprocation therebetween, a friction bar interposed in said passageway between said longitudinal member and said block member, means carried by the block member to urge the friction bar against one surface of the longitudinal member to cause secure retention of the longitudinal member at any desired position.

Abstract: A method of operating a metal-cutting burner in which the cutting oxygen is supplied through a central passage to a cutting nozzle and is enveloped in an oxygen curtain which is controlled so that the flow rate of oxygen to the curtain corresponds to 5 to 25% of the oxygen supply rate to the cutting-jet passage.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for subdividing a steel strand or the like is constructed to be movable on rails on both sides of a roller table supporting the strand with a measuring roller for determining the linear measurement of the strand; the measuring roller is tilted on a lever affixed to the machine carriage and is unilaterally open with its axis being in a vertical disposition.

Abstract: A holder for the assembly of a conventional flame cutting torch tip (14) which provides release of the tip, and can include water cooling (42-44) of the tip during machine cutting operations. Although such tips often become fouled, the prior art has not provided sufficiently quick release for replacement purposes. The tip is held in abutment against the torch by a plurality of cam (48) actuated clamping followers (56) which wedge against the shoulder (68) of the conventional flame cutting tip when the holder is in a clamping position. The cam is operated by rotating a spring-biased (26) actuating member, preferably a circumferential ring (22), the ring being rotatable between a clamping position and a releasing position, and normally being biased by said spring into the clamping position.

Abstract: Pressurized gases supplied to a load device such as metal flame cutting torch includes separate dome regulators for each gas supply. Each regulator includes a pressure responsive input chamber connected to the corresponding supply by a supply solenoid valve. A second solenoid valve connects the input chamber to the discharge side of the dome regulator. A pressure transducer senses the output pressure of the regulator and develops a feedback signal which is compared with a reference signal in a differential amplifier to generate an error output signal. The reference signal may be manually set or be derived from a programmed numerical control, a tape control or the like. The valves are totally opened and closed. Restricted orifices are connected downstream of the solenoid valves to permit soft changes in the load gas flow. In an oxygen gas cutting control, a separate adjustable orifice provides for controlling the piercing rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for breaking up a large construction such as a large ship, and comprises a transporter movable in straddling relation to a construction to be broken up, a frame body supported by said transporter and movable in vertical direction, a circulating rail mounted on said frame body, a rail mounted independently in the beam direction of the transporter on said frame, a suspension transporting device movable on said circulating rail and a device having a cutter means movable on said independently mounted rail.Said cutter is also constructed such that an operation room is provided at the forward end of an arm, which is movable three-dimensionally, through a rotary device, and on said operation room a guide rail is projected and said guide rail is supported for up and down rocking motion and rotary motion around a fulcrum located near the operation room and in turn a cutter is movably supported on said guide rail.

Abstract: To remove a solid tire from a wheel over which that tire has been pressed, a transverse groove is cut in the tread of the tire with a cutting apparatus so as to expose the underlying rim. Then the exposed portion of the rim is cut with a flame that is passed through the groove. Once the rim is severed, the tire is easily dislodged from the rim. The cutting apparatus includes a base on which the wheel is positioned and slideways extended away from the base generally parallel to the axis of rotation for the wheel on the base. A slide is located along the slideways. The slide carries a knife that is elongated in the direction of slide movement. The knife has a free end provided with a point and cutting edges diverging from the point. A threaded screw when turned down moves the slide and the knife thereon, and the path of the knife is such that its point enters the tire at one side of its tread and after passing axially through the tread emerges from the other side.

Abstract: A safety carriage for supporting and guiding an acetylene torch in which the torch nozzle can be spaced a desired distance above the work being cut by the flame and the carriage has an asbestos lined pan underlying the operator's hand for protecting it. The device can be guided along a line which is to be cut by the torch flame. An anti-glare shield supporting frame can be attached to the torch for protecting the operator's eyes and this same frame also supports an asbestos shield which is positioned directly behind the torch nozzle and in front of the pan to prevent sparks from the torch flame striking the operator's hand. A frame supporting cross arm with rollers at its ends can be used for moving the torch nozzle in an arc for making a circular cut having a large radius or a center pivot can be substituted for cutting a smaller circle.

Abstract: A new and improved thermal torch or lance and method for boring, cutting, burning and the like of hard base materials which facilitates concentrating and intensifying the thermic reaction thereof. The arrangement includes an elongated hollow inner sleeve or casing generally coextensively received within an elongated hollow outer sleeve or casing with the two casings being dimensioned so that a first gas flow passage is defined therebetween over the cooperative lengths thereof. At least one elongated rod is received within the inner casing in a manner defining at least one second gas flow passage over the cooperative lengths thereof. In operation oxygen is passed under pressure through the first and second passages from the torch inlet end to and outwardly from the torch discharge end. Oxygen passing outwardly from the second passage cooperates in the thermic reaction as is conventional in prior thermal torches.

Abstract: To isolate shock deburring valve units in a shock deburring system and prevent back-flash or backfire during operation of the deburring system, and absorb thermal and pressure shocks exerted against the deburring valves--which, in operation, are closed--at least one of the valves is separated from the mixing chamber where the explosive force arises by a connecting line which is long enough and encloses therein a volume of the respective gas which is such that under the pressure due to an explosion in the mixing chamber, the gas can compress within the respective connecting line to thermally isolate the valve from the chamber and provide a compressible thermally isolating shock cushion for the respective valve to protect the valve against thermal damage and shock.

Abstract: In an arrangement for use in burning and cutting torches and like devices where the torch utilizes an oxidizing medium supplied to the torch at a selected pressure and a fuel supplied to the torch at a selected pressure, where the fuel and oxidizing medium are independently supplied to the cutting torch and mixed therein, the present invention provides a fire extinguishing medium, supplied under pressure to the cutting torch vicinity, where the pressure of the extinguishing medium supply source is utilized to operate valve means to control the flow of oxidizer and fuel.

Abstract: The invention is a mounting bracket for mounting a flint striker used to ignite an oxyacetylene torch, the bracket connecting the striker to the gas feed hoses of the torch so that the welder knows at all times where the striker can be found.

Abstract: A torch having a body carrying valves for controlling the flow of fuel and oxygen, with a conduit structure projecting from the body and carrying a two-section swiveling head assembly mounting a nozzle for swinging movement between different angular settings. The two hinge sections are both made relatively short as compared with the length of the conduit structure, in a relation enabling optimum adjustment of the angularity of a produced flame within a wide range of angles, without excessively displacing the actual position of the flame relative to the body of the torch and a work piece. One of the hinge sections is preferably attached rigidly to the conduit structure, and is made small enough in transverse dimension to enable an outer tubular housing part to be received about and moved axially past that hinge section during assembly, to a location about the mentioned conduit structure.

Abstract: Applicant's invention relates to a new and novel concept in underwater cutting of metals and nonmetals. It utilizes a binary metallic system in conjunction with an ionized gaseous cone to provide a continuous cutting action of high temperature, extreme power, and with great intensity.

Abstract: Small and regularly shaped holes are formed in a workpiece by the punch of a punch press while large and irregularly shaped holes are formed by a plasma-arc torch attached to the punch press. Fumes and molten metal resulting from operation of the torch are directed into an upright duct which underlies the workpiece, the upper end of the duct engaging the workpiece to prevent deformation thereof. When the punch is operating, the upper end of the duct is retracted downwardly to provide clearance for movable clamps which grip and position the workpiece.Additional fumes are collected in and sucked from a shroud which encloses the tip of the torch and which carries a collar for establishing the stand-off height of the torch.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing polluting matter arising in flame cutting and like operations. In this apparatus a suction hood is associated with each cutter unit of a cutting assembly and connected to a suction device, an upwardly facing suction box disposed beneath the cutting table extends transversely of the width of the cutting table and is movable along it. The suction box is connected to the suction device and displaceable together with the cutting assembly with the aid of a device operable by sensing means sensing the position of the cutting assembly so that the suction box will be located beneath the working area of the cutting assembly. The movable suction box is provided with means for reducing the speed of jets directed from the flame cutters toward the interior of the suction box and laden with gases, fumes, dust, minute particles and like polluting matter.

Abstract: An ignition rod for an oxygen flame cutting and welding apparatus comprising a plurality of individual rod elements and a device for feeding the ignition rod from storage to a point of use.

Abstract: A cutting torch arrangement is disclosed, including a thermal bar having a metal burner pipe with rod-like metal elements therein and gas passageways formed between these elements. A shroud/ shield is disposed around the thermal bar, with an open shroud/shield end laterally spaced from the thermal bar. A spring-biased feeder assembly and shroud/shield biasing assembly is provided for yieldably urging the thermal bar forward within the shroud/shield and for retaining the shroud/shield against a target. A cluster arrangment of thermal bars is also provided.