Abstract: A laser based processing machine incorporates in the path of a laser beam (7) at least one optical element (1) which has a surface (5) situated in the path of the laser beam (7) and a scavenging medium delivery device which flushes its surface in an essentially counterflow-free fashion. The device includes a delivery element with flow nozzles about a portion of the periphery of the optional element and through which the scavenging medium flows onto the surface of the element and thereacross.

Abstract: A cutting device for tooling sandwich plates has as its cutting tool a cutting chain (5) with cutting elements in the form of chain links (27, 28, 29) and a chain guide as the guide mechanism, wherein the chain links (27, 28, 29), lying one behind the other in their direction of movement (23), can swivel relative to one another on a swivel axis running transverse to their plane of movement and are moved by means of the chain guide in the plane of movement sometimes in a straight line, sometimes in a curve. The chain links (27, 28, 29) also have several cutting teeth (34) lying one behind the other in their direction of movement (23), which project radially on the cutting chain (5) and have cutting edges (335), which run transverse to the plane of movement of the chain links (27, 28, 29), wherein the perpendicular projections of the cutting edges (35) are arranged in the plane of movement at least partially along a line curved radially to the outside.

Abstract: As part of a process for bending workpieces (14), when the workpiece (14) is released from the upper die (8) and/or the lower die (10), the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) is continually determined; from the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) found, the change in it is determined and, as soon as the change in the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) assumes a predetermined value, the actual size of the then existing bending angle (.beta.) is compared with the desired size.On a tooling machine for carrying out the method described, there are scanning elements (17,18) and a device (24) for determining the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) that are parts of a device (19) for determining the change in the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.). The device (24) for determining the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) is connected to a comparison device (32) for comparing the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) to the desired size.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a laser cutting head has a receptacle of insulating material of generally annular cross section with a central passage therethrough. A conductive insert has a body portion of generally annular cross section seated in the receptacle passage and it has a central passage which is threaded. Threadably engaged in the threaded passage of the insert is the threaded neck of a conductive nozzle which has a central passage extending therethrough, and a conductor extends through the insulating receptacle from the insert.

Abstract: A machine for the simultaneous maching of a stack of plate-like workpieces has a frame with an overhead arm portion, a worktable below the arm portion, and a workpiece guidance assembly for moving the workpiece stack on the worktable. A rotary tool drive assembly and a riveting assembly are provided in the arm portion, and a tool storage assembly is spaced from the arm. A tool changer assembly has a pair of carrier rails extending from the tool storage assembly to adjacent the rotary tool drive assembly, and they are spaced to opposite sides thereof. A pair of tool carriers are reciprocatable on the rails for transporting tools between the tool storage assembly and the rotary tool drive assembly to effect insertion into and removal from said tool assembly of such tools.

Abstract: A high frequency cross-flow gas laser has a tubular conduit divided into a multiplicity of gas flow sections with gas inlets adjacent each of the mirrors therein and outlets therebetween. A pair of electrodes is provided along each flow section to produce a high frequency electrical discharge in the lasing gas mixture, and a cooler is used to chill the gas withdrawn from the conduit for recycling thereto. The electrode pairs are desirably radially rotated relative to one another to produce uniformity of the energy discharge across the cross-section of the lasing gas mixture.