Abstract: A flame cutting apparatus includes a pair of longitudinally movable gantries and a connecting transverse bridge which mounts carriages with flame cutting torches including a plasma torch unit. A computer numerical controller is fixedly mounted adjacent to one gantry. Position sensors and operating devices are mounted on the bridge with a high frequency supply for igniting the plasma torch and supplemental electronic circuits. The bridge is a generally hollow box-beam having doors within which the supplemental electronic circuitry to mechanically and electronically isolate them. Cables are provided for connecting the bridge mounted sensors and operating devices to an onboard computer controller. A special filter unit is mounted in the controller-mounted gantry. The filter unit includes an enclosure and a plurality of separate filters each of which is connected to a lead of the cable. The filters isolate the controller from electronic noise and extraneous signals in the cables.

Abstract: A height control for use in connection with punch marking a metallic plate and wherein the distance between the punch marking tool and the plate surface undesirably varies at random due to warping of the metal sheet or deviations from desired tolerance. A microprocessor counter measures the time interval during which the punch marker is in contact with the metal plate. This time interval is compared with a predetermined time range that is indicative of an "in position" condition for the punch marking tool. Detection of time intervals that do not fall within the predetermined "in position" time range results in a pulsed correction signal that activates an electric motor which in turn varies the height of the punch marking tool via a rack and pinion assembly mounted on the tool assembly.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine is provided having a CNC control with a programmable memory wherein the memory is programmed to cause automatic cutting of rows of pieces continuously in succession, and wherein the memory also includes selectively actuatable instructions to prevent the torches disposed at a termination point from automatically proceeding to the next row, but instead to cause the torches to automatically proceed directly to the start-pierce point of the row just completed. The torch or torches which have properly cut a complete piece are turned off, while the remaining torch or torches which have involved a lost cut are re-activated at the start-pierce point so, as the row cutting cycle is repeated, the previously lost portions will now be cut. The memory is also programmed to selectively instruct the machine to reverse from the cut termination point if desired.

Abstract: A metal machining device includes a pair of longitudinally movable gantries and a connecting transverse bridge which mounts carriages which carry machining tools. A computer numerical control unit is fixedly mounted adjacent one end of the bridge and is connected to supplemental electronic circuits. The transverse tool-carrying bridge is formed as a generally hollow heavy-walled closed box-beam which has mounted therein at least part of the supplemental electronic circuitry. A beam side-wall is provided with a plurality of doors which open to permit access to a plurality of circuit-holding drawers. When the doors are closed, the bridge forms a unitary hollow housing containing the supplemental electronic circuitry which serves to mechanically and electronically isolate them and substantially reduce the radiation of electronic noise therefrom to the computer.

Abstract: A metal cutting machine has a plurality of tool carrying cutting heads mounted for movement along a bridge which in turn is mounted on rails or the like for movement transverse to the direction of head movement. Controls are provided for selective movement of the heads and bridge. A bridge-mounted plurality of magnet assemblies are provided which, after one or more cut pieces have been formed from a plate-like workpiece by the heads, are actuated to engage the cut pieces and raise them from the remaining skeletal workpiece. The bridge on which the magnet assemblies are mounted is movable to a position remote from the workpiece so that the magnets can deposit the cut pieces at a receiving point. The assemblies may be mounted on the same bridge as the cutting heads and connected to the latter for selective horizontal positioning by the same controls used for cutting. Alternately, the assemblies may be mounted on a separate bridge disposed on the same rails.

Abstract: A welding machine for use in connection with seam welding a pair of metal parts which are positioned to form a welding groove, and wherein the groove width undesirably varies at random due to improper part positioning or deviations from desired tolerance. The weld head is moved along the groove by a drive motor and is preceeded by a pair of fixedly connected sensing probes. The primary probe follows the groove wall portion of one of the parts, while an auxiliary probe follows a surface on the other part. Variations in groove width cause variations in the distance between the two probe tips, said latter variations being utilized to automatically change the speed of the weld head drive motor.

Abstract: A probe attached to an extension shaft is disposed within a narrow gap to be welded. The probe is preloaded to bear against one side or edge of the seam to be effected, and is carried on a housing which holds a welding torch, filler-wire feed means, and cooling means.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing oscillatory motion is described. The apparatus comprises drive means and an adjustable member to provide a lever of the first, second or third class, or a means having no leverage component.

Abstract: A cantilevered transverse arm is mounted for movement along both a longitudinal and transverse axis. The outer end of the arm is adapted to be disposed over a metal slab to be cut and carries a tool assembly which is adjustable thereon. A guiding assembly is fixedly mounted to the arm and includes a pair of longitudinally spaced guide rollers positioned so that the cutting tool is disposed in a transverse plane extending between the rollers. Each roller is individually shiftable into and out of engagement with the slab edge. Initially, the leading roller is advanced toward the slab edge, while the trailing roller is retracted. The rollers are then moved toward the slab edge until the leading roller engages the said edge ahead of the slab corner. As the entire device moves longitudinally along the slab, the leading roller is retracted while the trailing roller moves into engagement with the slab edge. Deformed slab corners are thereby bypassed by the tool guidance system.

Abstract: A welding machine includes a programming device to move a welding head relative to horizontal main X and Y axes, and to rotate the head about a vertical C axis. A sensor is connected to rotate with the welding head on a rotator. A sine cosine resolver is mounted on the rotator so that its shaft is geared to the rotator gear. Deviations from the programmed path which may occur in the weld groove are sensed by the sensor, which in turn causes the resolver output to drive a slide mechanism which defines deviation axes X.sub.d and Y.sub.d and which causes the weld head to move from its programmed path to the desired corrected path, when needed. The overriding correction is independent of the program.

Abstract: A welding machine includes a programming device to move a welding head relative to horizontal main X and Y axes, and to rotate the head about a vertical C axis. A sensor is connected to rotate with the welding head on a rotator. A sine cosine resolver is mounted on the rotator so that its shaft is geared to the rotator gear. Deviations from the programmed path which may occur in the weld groove are sensed by the sensor, which in turn causes the resolver output to drive a slide mechanism which defines deviation axes X.sub.d and Y.sub.d and which causes the weld head to move from its programmed path to the desired corrected path, when needed. The resolver includes a deviation correction control rotor winding and a second rotor winding, the latter selectively impressing signals on the X.sub.d and/or Y.sub.d slide mechanism drive to cause the welding head to effectively change speed independent of the program or of the existence of any deviation.

Abstract: The torch of a machine for progressive contour bevel cutting of flat plates is mounted for controlled positioning and movement on an arcuate sector, the radius of which has a center lying in the horizontal plane of the plate. The torch is mounted for movement between adjustable stops which delineate two torch angles for cutting. A device is provided for substantially instantaneously moving the torch along the sector from adjacent one stop to the other stop. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the said device comprises a fluid-operated piston connected to the torch.

Abstract: A guidance system for an automatic welder. A probe having a casing with a concentric actuating rod supported in the casing by means of a pivot plate which is movably mounted on a fixed plate. A probe finger is attached to the lower end of the actuating rod. The upper end of the actuating rod passes through a series of switches which sense movement of the actuating rod in horizontal and vertical planes. Additional switches provide a means for biasing the probe for movement in a given direction without receiving any external signal and effecting two speed travel of the unit. Control relay coils are actuated by the switches resulting in the actuation of motors moving the guidance and welding systems until new information is received from the probe.

Abstract: A metal plate cutting machine has a transverse bridge which carries a master torch which is selectively driven therealong. A torch bar is suspended from the front side of the bridge by end slides which are freely movable along the bridge, with the bar carrying a plurality of slave torches. Both the master torch and the slave torches are clampable to the torch bar. The end slides are cantilevered rearwardly to form supports to which a torch supply cable festoon system is mounted. The supports also form part of a mount element which carries the cable manifold, electronic controls and the like. When the master torch is clamped to the torch bar and driven along the bridge, the torch bar and its related cantilevered slides and the festoon, manifold, and controls will likewise move along the bridge.

Abstract: A cut-off device for a horizontally moving continuous casting includes a carriage assembly carrying a cut-off torch mechanism and a clamping mechanism. The assembly is mounted for reciprocable movement on a rod-like track which is open-ended to permit fast removal of the assembly for repairs. When the assembly is clamped to the moving casting, it is carried along therewith while the torch cuts through the casting to form billets of desired length. The track is floatingly mounted to permit deviation from the vertical by the casting without adversely affecting the cutting operation. The carriage assembly is tiltable on the track to permit horizontal deviation of the clamped casting. The torch is operated by a cam having a drop-off portion which quickly returns the torch to starting position. Upon release of the clamping mechanism, a damped counter-weight automatically returns the carriage assembly to its initial position on the track.