Abstract: A system is provided for delivering onto a workpiece a high-energy abrasive cutting stream. The system generally comprises a head assembly for providing a pressurized fluidic stream; a nozzling unit coupled to the head assembly for nozzling the pressurized fluidic stream; and, an adaptive orientation assembly coupled to the nozzling unit. The nozzling unit is operable to expel a high-energy abrasive cutting stream for cutting about or along a predefined pattern on the workpiece, and includes a nozzle member having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinally extending passage. This passage terminates at an outlet portion which describes in sectional contour a predetermined shape such that, during operation, it serves to generate upon the workpiece an instantaneous kerf of cut having a corresponding sectional contour.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering onto a workpiece a high-energy abrasive cutting stream. The system generally comprises a head assembly for providing a pressurized fluidic stream; a nozzling unit coupled to the head assembly for nozzling the pressurized fluidic stream; and, an adaptive orientation assembly coupled to the nozzling unit. The nozzling unit is operable to expel a high-energy abrasive cutting stream for cutting about or along a predefined pattern on the workpiece, and includes a nozzle member having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinally extending passage. This passage terminates at an outlet portion which describes in sectional contour a predetermined shape such that, during operation, it serves to generate upon the workpiece an instantaneous kerf of cut having a corresponding sectional contour.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering onto a workpiece a high-energy abrasive cutting stream. The system generally comprises a head assembly for providing a pressurized fluidic stream; a nozzling unit coupled to the head assembly for nozzling the pressurized fluidic stream; and, an adaptive orientation assembly coupled to the nozzling unit. The nozzling unit is operable to expel a high-energy abrasive cutting stream for cutting about or along a predefined pattern on the workpiece, and includes a nozzle member having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinally extending passage. This passage terminates at an outlet portion which describes in sectional contour a predetermined shape such that, during operation, it serves to generate upon the workpiece an instantaneous kerf of cut having a corresponding sectional contour.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for welding the inside diameter and the outside diameter of bellows diaphragms for forming a bellows without using chill rings or spacers. This universal welding fixture consists of at least one drive wheel and at least one idler wheel for holding and aligning different size bellows diaphragms. A concentrated heat source such as a laser beam is applied at the edge for joining diaphragms together.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously cutting and welding metal, especially relatively thin sheets of metal, utilizing laser energy. The invention uses surface tension in the globule created at the site of the impingement of the laser beam on the work to form finished edges on both sides of the line of cut. A laser beam surrounded by a gaseous shield is used, the gas removing some of the molten metal but leaving sufficient to form the beads which comprise the finished edges on both sides of the cut. Using compressed air, as compared to an inert gas such as helium or argon, as the shield gas produces a significant cost savings at the "price" of some reduction in quality due to oxidation.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously cutting and welding metal, especially relatively thin sheets of metal, utilizing laser energy. The invention uses surface tension in the globule created at the site of the impingement of the laser beam on the work to form finished edges on both sides of the line of cut. A laser beam surrounded by a thin shield of inert gas is used, the gas removing some of the molten metal but leaving sufficient to form the beads which comprise the finished edges on both sides of the cut, and also preventing oxidation of the beads.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously cutting and welding metal, especially relatively thin sheets of metal, utilizing laser energy. The invention uses surface tension in the globule created at the site of the impingement of the laser beam on the work to form finished edges on both sides of the line of cut. A laser beam surrounded by a thin shield of inert gas is used, the gas removing some of the molten metal but leaving sufficient to form the beads which comprise the finished edges on both sides of the cut, and also preventing oxidation of the beads.