Abstract: Methods and systems for automating the control of fluid jet orientation parameters are provided. Example embodiments provide a Dynamic Waterjet Control System (a “DWCS”) to dynamically control the orientation of the jet relative to the material being cut as a function of speed and other process parameters. Orientation parameters include, for example, the x-y position of the jet along the cutting path, as well as three dimensional orientation parameters of the jet, such as standoff compensation values and taper and lead angles of the cutting head. In one embodiment, the DWCS uses a set of predictive models to determine these orientation parameters. The DWCS preferably comprises a motion program generator/kernel, a user interface, one or more replaceable orientation and process models, and a communications interface to a fluid jet apparatus controller. Optionally the DWCS also includes a CAD module for designing the target piece.

Abstract: An improved system for generating an abrasive fluid jet is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, abrasive is fed from a bulk hopper into an air isolator having a baffle that limits the flow of air and abrasive through the air isolator, thereby venting air from the abrasive. An on/off device having a rod coupled to a stopper is provided within the air isolator, the rod being selectively raised and lowered in a vertical direction. A discharge orifice is provided in a bottom surface of the air isolator, the stopper covering the discharge orifice when the rod is in a lowered position, thereby preventing the discharge of abrasive from the air isolator.A metering disk is provided adjacent the discharge orifice, an orifice in the metering disk being aligned with the discharge orifice, such that abrasive exiting the air isolator flows through the metering disk.

Abstract: A high pressure relief valve for use in a high pressure fluid pump is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve seat is provided with a tapered hole and with a conduit, the tapered hole and conduit being in fluid communication with each other and with fluid having a variable pressure. A tapered pin having grooves is held in the tapered hole by a control force, or control pressure acting through a plunger. When the pressure of the fluid is sufficiently high to overcome the control force or pressure, the tapered pin is forced to move sufficiently to create an annular clearance between the tapered pin and the tapered hole, thereby allowing pressurized fluid to flow past the pin to an outlet. An outer surface of the valve seat in a region of the tapered pin is tapered in an opposite direction to that of the tapered hole, thereby weakening the valve seat in that region, such that the tapered hole is able to expand and contract as the pressure of the fluid increases and decreases.

Abstract: A high pressure liquid jet abrasive cutting apparatus having a removable and replaceable cartridge assembly. This cartridge assembly has a nozzle unit with a jewel orifice, an intermediate mixing chamber where the liquid jet and the abrasive particles mix, and a discharge tube through which the liquid jet incorporating abrasive particles therein is discharged. The nozzle unit and the discharge tube are preassembled in a cartridge housing at a factory location under controlled conditions, so that precise alignment is obtained. Replacement of the worn parts is accomplished by interchange of the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A high pressure liquid jet abrasive cutting apparatus having a removable and replaceable cartridge assembly. This cartridge assembly has a nozzle unit with a jewel orifice, an intermediate mixing chamber where the liquid jet and the abrasive particles mix, and a discharge tube through which the liquid jet incorporating abrasive particles therein is discharged. The nozzle unit and the discharge tube are preassembled in a cartridge housing at a factory location under controlled conditions, so that precise alignment is obtained. Replacement of the worn parts is accomplished by interchange of the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An energy-dissipating receptacle is disclosed for use with fluid jet cutting systems. The receptacle includes a volume of suspensoids which circulate within the cavity to at least substantially dissipate the kinetic energy of the fluid jet, together with means for automatically maintaining an effective volume of suspensoids in the cavity as the suspensoid volume is decreased by the wearing action of the fluid jet impingement.The effective volume of suspensoids are preferably maintained by means of a filler tube having a discharge end positioned within the receptacle to effectively regulate the suspensoid volume.By including means for maintaining an effective volume of suspensoids during the cutting process, the receptacle may be fabricated with compact dimensions for enhanced maneuverability when coupled to a fluid jet nozzle for coordinated movement therewith.