Abstract: A cutting head of a waterjet cutting system is provided having an environment control device and a measurement device. The environment control device is positioned to act on a surface of a workpiece at least during a measurement operation to establish a measurement area on the surface of the workpiece substantially unobstructed by fluid. The measurement device is positioned to selectively obtain information from within the measurement area indicative of a position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece. A control system is further provided and operable to position the cutting head relative to the workpiece at a standoff distance based at least in part on the information indicative of the position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece obtained by the measurement device. A method of operating a waterjet cutting system is also provided.

Abstract: A cutting head of a waterjet cutting system is provided having an environment control device and a measurement device. The environment control device is positioned to act on a surface of a workpiece at least during a measurement operation to establish a measurement area on the surface of the workpiece substantially unobstructed by fluid. The measurement device is positioned to selectively obtain information from within the measurement area indicative of a position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece. A control system is further provided and operable to position the cutting head relative to the workpiece at a standoff distance based at least in part on the information indicative of the position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece obtained by the measurement device. A method of operating a waterjet cutting system is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid pump system includes a pump having a plurality of cylinders, each having an outlet port coupled to a high-pressure manifold. A pressure transducer is coupled to the manifold and configured to convert pressure levels of fluid in the manifold to a voltage signal at an output of the transducer. The system further includes a digitizer configured to convert the voltage signal from the transducer to a digital signal at a digitizer output, such that when a value of the voltage signal is less than a selected reference voltage a first digital value is produced, and when the voltage level exceeds the selected reference voltage a second digital value is produced. A diagnostic circuit having an input coupled to the digitizer output is configured to detect malfunctions of the pump based upon characteristics of the digital signal.

Abstract: A fluid pump system includes a pump having a plurality of cylinders, each having an outlet port coupled to a high-pressure manifold. A pressure transducer is coupled to the manifold and configured to convert pressure levels of fluid in the manifold to a voltage signal at an output of the transducer. The system further includes a digitizer configured to convert the voltage signal from the transducer to a digital signal at a digitizer output, such that when a value of the voltage signal is less than a selected reference voltage a first digital value is produced, and when the voltage level exceeds the selected reference voltage a second digital value is produced. A diagnostic circuit having an input coupled to the digitizer output is configured to detect malfunctions of the pump based upon characteristics of the digital signal.