Abstract: A flow tester may use a low impedance flow meter to test a hole at a predetermined Reynolds number. The flow tester may be mounted to a robot so that testing may be fully automated. For example, the flow tester may be incorporated into a laser drilling workcell and used to test flow characteristics of a test coupon or workpiece to calibrate or verify the laser settings. Another example may be used for testing flow characteristics of a finished workpiece. The flow tester may have a testing tip that is compliant to form a seal against a workpiece, and the testing tip may be able to seal against angled, curved, or other surfaces. The flow tester may be capable of testing individual holes or groups of holes and determining an effective cross sectional area for the hole at the predetermined Reynolds number.

Abstract: A flow tester may use a low impedance flow meter to test a hole at a predetermined Reynolds number. The flow tester may be mounted to a robot so that testing may be fully automated. For example, the flow tester may be incorporated into a laser drilling workcell and used to test flow characteristics of a test coupon or workpiece to calibrate or verify the laser settings. Another example may be used for testing flow characteristics of a finished workpiece. The flow tester may have a testing tip that is compliant to form a seal against a workpiece, and the testing tip may be able to seal against angled, curved, or other surfaces. The flow tester may be capable of testing individual holes or groups of holes and determining an effective cross sectional area for the hole at the predetermined Reynolds number.

Abstract: A high pressure hose assembly is manufactured wherein the nipple of the hose fitting includes an O-ring receiving groove formed about its periphery. The O-ring and groove are dimensioned so that the crimping of the fitting's outer sleeve causes the linear of the high pressure hose to flow into the groove, comprising the O-ring into the groove, and sealing against the O-ring within the groove.

Abstract: An energy-dissipating receptacle for use with a fluid jet cutting system is disclosed. A plurality of circulating suspensoids within the cavity are impinged upon by the jet to dissipate the jet's kinetic energy. A filtered drain are included for permitting the egress of spent jet fluid while retaining the suspensoids.

Abstract: A jet-dissipating container for use with a fluid jet cutting system is disclosed of the type which holds a plurality of jet-dissipating suspensoids. The container includes a suspensoid-enfolding mesh of material. At least most of the suspensoids have exterior dimensions greater than the dimension of the openings of the mesh. Collection means are positioned about said container to collect and evacuate substances exiting the container through the openings of the mesh.

Abstract: A high pressure hose fitting, and method for sealing the hose to a fitting, is disclosed for use with hoses of the type including a linear disposed about an axially extending passageway, and a reinforcement layer circumventing the liner. The liner is preferably pulled slightly beyond the edge of the reinforcement layer to form a protruding edge region. An end fitting, having a flange with a liner-receiving groove, is inserted into the passageway until the protruding edge of the liner contacts the end wall of the groove, and the flange abuts the reinforcement layer. A swagable collar circumventing the foregoing components is swaged radially inwardly to clamp the liner on its outside diameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stablizing flow to sharp edged orifices by placing a convergent section upstream of the orifice.

Abstract: An abrasive jet-forming nozzle assembly is disclosed for use in a waterjet cutting system. The nozzle assembly includes a jet-forming orifice for producing a high velocity jet from a highly pressurized water upstream of the orifice, and a discharge tube downstream of the orifice for permitting abrasive particles to become entrained in the jet, and for discharging the abrasive-laden jet against a workpiece. The discharge tube is pivotably movable into alignment with the orifice.

Abstract: A vacuum-type pickup and transfer apparatus for irregularly surfaced, shaped and sized objects such as populated printed wiring boards (PWBs) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of downwardly directed vacuum conduits that have enlarged lips at their lower end. It also includes a thin, flexible, non-porous membrane which extends transversely and loosely between the conduits and through which the conduits extend so that their lower ends communicate with the region below the membrane. The pick-up apparatus is moved down to the PWBs and vacuum applied, so that the flexible membrane seals against the PWBs, adapting and conforming to any irregular surfaces, sizes and shapes. The apparatus includes a control for selectively regulating the movement of the pick-up apparatus and the application of the vacuum. The PWBs are accordingly moved to the desired location and the vacuum released to release the PWBs.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use with fluid jet cutting systems is disclosed which yields a lower profile, lower mass nozzle assembly, and which permits "finger-tight" assembly of the nozzle.Briefly, the assembly includes a nozzle housing, a generally tubular closure member (20) having a fluid-accommodating passageway, a collar (36) for positioning a jet-forming orifice (42) with respect to the passageway, and a sealing ring (38) retained to the tubular member by the collar to provide a high pressure seal between the tubular member and the nozzle housing.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting system is described having a nozzle (12) through which a fluid jet is directed for cutting a workpiece (15). The workpiece (15) is supported using pins (17) each of which is provided with an alignment device in the form of a generally tubular body (104) provided with a through hole (106). The relative positions of the nozzle and workpiece (15) can be adjusted until the fluid jet passes through the through hole (106) with minimum disturbance.In alternative embodiments, the alignment device may be provided by a cap permanently affixed in an alignment plate, or it may be constituted by the pin (17) itself.The alignment system provides a simple method for visually verifying the jet alignment to a reference point before controlled cutting is carried out.

Abstract: An energy-dissipating receptacle for use with a fluid jet cutting system is disclosed wherein the interior cavity of the receptacle has generally converging sidewalls in the direction of jet flow. A plurality of circulating suspensoids within the cavity are impinged upon by the jet to dissipate the jet's kinetic energy. Means are included for permitting the egress of spent jet fluid while retaining the suspensoids.

Abstract: An energy-dissipating receptacle is disclosed for use with fluid jet cutting systems. The receptacle includes a volume of suspensoids which circulate within the cavity to at least substantially dissipate the kinetic energy of the fluid jet, together with means for automatically maintaining an effective volume of suspensoids in the cavity as the suspensoid volume is decreased by the wearing action of the fluid jet impingement.The effective volume of suspensoids are preferably maintained by means of a filler tube having a discharge end positioned within the receptacle to effectively regulate the suspensoid volume.By including means for maintaining an effective volume of suspensoids during the cutting process, the receptacle may be fabricated with compact dimensions for enhanced maneuverability when coupled to a fluid jet nozzle for coordinated movement therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting holes of circular or other shape by first cutting at the center of the proposed hole, then cutting to the circumference and following the shape desired. A tool that accomplishes these functions is described which includes a pivoted link attached to a ring at one end and the cutting tool at the other end, when torque is applied to the link the tool follows the desired cutting sequence.