Abstract: A cutting system including a gantry mounted to a platform, reciprocally movable above a support surface horizontally along a y axis. A carriage is mounted to the gantry for reciprocal movement thereon along an x axis, generally perpendicular to the y axis. A support is carried by the carriage and movable between a lowered position and a raised position. A holder is pivotally coupled to the support and movable between a first position and a second position relative the support. A sensor mechanism detects the holder in the second position and actuates the drive mechanism to move the support until the holder returns to the first position, and an attachment assembly is carried by the holder for removably attaching a cutting device to the holder.

Abstract: A circle cutting device that is particularly useful for cutting openings through pipe and round vessels and may also be utilized for cutting circular openings through flat material. The device utilizes a conventional oxygen acetylene cutting torch or plasma cutter and also may be angled to provide a means for bevel cutting circular openings at a desired angle. The device is portable and easily used in field operations by a craftsman.

Abstract: A gas torch comprises a body with at a first end adjuster valves for connection to fluid supplies and at a second end a torch tip. At the first end there is a support from which the body extends to the tip. The body is made up of sections of rigid tube articulated and connected to each other by articulation and fluid passage connection devices. These ensure continuity of fluid circulation between the sections of tube. The sections of tube near the support are articulated to the support by articulation and fluid passage connection devices enabling them to be connected to the valves. Maneuvering means are articulated to the supports and to at least the sections of tube near the support so as to enable remote displacement of the tip. The tip is supplied with fluid by some at least of the articulated sections of tube constituting the body.

Abstract: A process for the thermal cutting of profiles with a cutting torch which is guided by a control unit in accordance with the workpiece contour includes storing the contour in the control unit. The absolute values of the profile are determined by means of measuring devices in the vicinity of the profile. These values are transmitted to the control unit for determining the actual workpiece contour and the control signals for the torch.

Abstract: Helical coil springs for use in such active load supporting functions as railway car trucks, require end forming such that tapered ends are provided which fit flat against the surfaces to be resiliently supported. A process and an apparatus for forming such spring ends by flame cutting is provided.

Abstract: A cutting tool carrier for holding a plurality of cutting tools, each tool requiring certain utilities to operate. The carrier includes a body, a plurality of tool holders pivotally mounted within the body and each adapted to receive a cutting tool, first pivot means enabling the body to be rotated about the axis of a first tool holder, second pivot means for rotating each of the remaining tool holders within the body, control means for transmitting control signals for the second pivot means through the first tool holder, said control means operative continuously regardless of any motion between the first tool holder and the body, and utility means for transmitting tool utilities first through the first tool holder, then through the body, and then through each of the remaining tool holders, said utility means operative continuously regardless of any motion between the tool holders and the body.

Abstract: Apparatus adapting a guide device for use with a hand-holdable cutting torch. The guide device has an articulated arm whose free end is movable in a planar path defined by a stationary pattern template which the arm engages. The torch is of a type having a barrel, a handle carried on the barrel, an elongated nozzle, and an angled connection between the barrel and nozzle. The adapting apparatus includes a bushing for releasably clamping the torch nozzle, and a bushing-support plate carried on the free end of the arm in the guide device. The bushing, with the torch nozzle clamped therein, is mounted on the support plate for rotation relative thereto about the axis of the torch nozzle, where this axis is disposed substantially normal to the plane of arm movement. The apparatus enables the user to guide the movement of the arm along the template path by manipulating the torch handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to follow-up control means in swinging-arm flame-cutting machines comprising a scanning element which is arranged at outer component arm of the swinging arm carrying the cutting torch, and in coaxial relation to the latter and which is advanced by drive means likewise arranged on the outer component arm to follow automatically the contour of a pattern having the configuration of a part to be cut from a workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a pipe end for intersection with another surface comprising a horizontally positioned and movable boom, roller means to support and axially rotate a horizontal pipe parallel to the boom, a photocell scanner mounted on the boom and positioned to follow a template circumscribing a pipe on the roller means, drive means responsive to a signal from the photocell scanner, adapted to move the boom horizontally in either axial direction as the photocell scanner follows the template, and a cutting torch movably supported by a mounting on the boom and positioned to cut through a pipe, rotating axially on the roller means, in a cutting path having the same contour as the template.

Abstract: Torch cutting machines of the type embodying a plurality of torches adjustably mounted with respect to a moving conveyor, such that the torches may cut the flange and central web portions of I-beams, structural members and the like. The machine is characterized by the capability of vertically and longitudinally moving the torches upon a pivoted cantilever cutting arm which extends over a cutting area. The cutting torches embody independent vertical and lateral drive means and the cutting arm while in pre-set pivoted mode may be longitudinally and independently advanced with respect to the cutting area, such that complex straight mitre cuts, compound mitre cuts, copes notches and the like may be cut without special handling.

Abstract: A guide for a cutting torch providing means for effecting circular cutouts in large vessels or large diameter pipe without the need of a lay-out other than fixing a working point and providing multiple adjustments so that cuts may be made of the desired diameter as well as having the desired bevel.