Abstract: A flame cutting machine is provided having a CNC control with a programmable memory wherein the memory is programmed to cause automatic cutting of rows of pieces continuously in succession, and wherein the memory also includes selectively actuatable instructions to prevent the torches disposed at a termination point from automatically proceeding to the next row, but instead to cause the torches to automatically proceed directly to the start-pierce point of the row just completed. The torch or torches which have properly cut a complete piece are turned off, while the remaining torch or torches which have involved a lost cut are re-activated at the start-pierce point so, as the row cutting cycle is repeated, the previously lost portions will now be cut. The memory is also programmed to selectively instruct the machine to reverse from the cut termination point if desired.

Abstract: A metal cutting machine has a plurality of tool carrying cutting heads mounted for movement along a bridge which in turn is mounted on rails or the like for movement transverse to the direction of head movement. Controls are provided for selective movement of the heads and bridge. A bridge-mounted plurality of magnet assemblies are provided which, after one or more cut pieces have been formed from a plate-like workpiece by the heads, are actuated to engage the cut pieces and raise them from the remaining skeletal workpiece. The bridge on which the magnet assemblies are mounted is movable to a position remote from the workpiece so that the magnets can deposit the cut pieces at a receiving point. The assemblies may be mounted on the same bridge as the cutting heads and connected to the latter for selective horizontal positioning by the same controls used for cutting. Alternately, the assemblies may be mounted on a separate bridge disposed on the same rails.

Abstract: A welding machine for use in connection with seam welding a pair of metal parts which are positioned to form a welding groove, and wherein the groove width undesirably varies at random due to improper part positioning or deviations from desired tolerance. The weld head is moved along the groove by a drive motor and is preceeded by a pair of fixedly connected sensing probes. The primary probe follows the groove wall portion of one of the parts, while an auxiliary probe follows a surface on the other part. Variations in groove width cause variations in the distance between the two probe tips, said latter variations being utilized to automatically change the speed of the weld head drive motor.

Abstract: A welding machine includes a programming device to move a welding head relative to horizontal main X and Y axes, and to rotate the head about a vertical C axis. A sensor is connected to rotate with the welding head on a rotator. A sine cosine resolver is mounted on the rotator so that its shaft is geared to the rotator gear. Deviations from the programmed path which may occur in the weld groove are sensed by the sensor, which in turn causes the resolver output to drive a slide mechanism which defines deviation axes X.sub.d and Y.sub.d and which causes the weld head to move from its programmed path to the desired corrected path, when needed. The overriding correction is independent of the program.

Abstract: A welding machine includes a programming device to move a welding head relative to horizontal main X and Y axes, and to rotate the head about a vertical C axis. A sensor is connected to rotate with the welding head on a rotator. A sine cosine resolver is mounted on the rotator so that its shaft is geared to the rotator gear. Deviations from the programmed path which may occur in the weld groove are sensed by the sensor, which in turn causes the resolver output to drive a slide mechanism which defines deviation axes X.sub.d and Y.sub.d and which causes the weld head to move from its programmed path to the desired corrected path, when needed. The resolver includes a deviation correction control rotor winding and a second rotor winding, the latter selectively impressing signals on the X.sub.d and/or Y.sub.d slide mechanism drive to cause the welding head to effectively change speed independent of the program or of the existence of any deviation.