Abstract: A pneumatic bearing encircles the cutting tip of a laser cutting tool and causes the tool to float vertically relative to an underlying worksheet on a pressurized cushion of air so as to maintain a substantially constant stand-off distance between the cutting tip and the work while avoiding physical contact between the tool and the work. Passages formed through the bearing enable cutting gas to escape from the bearing without interfering with the pressurized air cushion, the passages being shaped and located to prevent laser energy from being radiated directly at the operator of the tool.

Abstract: A transparent sleeve made of impact-resistant plastic is fitted removably around the angularly spaced stripper fingers of a punch press and encloses the spaces between the fingers to prevent parts of the punch from flying out through such spaces in the event the punch should break.