Abstract: An in-line material handling system wherein workpieces (P) are transported through the system in pallet baskets (10). The handling system includes a loading station (55, 208) a processing station (84, 210) for treating the workpieces (P) and a discharge station (124, 212) for receiving the treated workpieces (P) from the processing station (84, 210).

Abstract: A tray having a bottom wall and upstanding spaced side walls and spaced end walls around the periphery of the bottom wall for use in water table for cutting a metal plate. An edge rail is located parallel to each side wall and is attached to the bottom wall of the tray. Each edge rail has spaced slots for receiving the opposite ends of removable support bars to locate the support bars in the tray. Removable support bars are located in the tray with their opposite ends in the slots in the edge rails. Each removable support bar has an upper edge with spaced upstanding lugs to support a metal plate to be cut into parts.

Abstract: A water table with a work support arrangement for a metal workplate for use with a burning machine. The water table includes a water-holding tank, a frame positioned in the top of the tank, and a cutting gantry carrying a burning machine with is movable relative to the tank. First and second support gantries are mounted on opposite sides of the cutting gantry. Each support gantry carrries a movable plate support mechanism comprising a cantilever arm with an electromagnet for contacting the upper surface of a workplate. Intermediate plate support members for contacting the lower surface of a workplate positioned on the frame. The two plate support mechanisms may be moved to contact the upper surface of the workplate, and control means are provided for moving the plate support mechanisms relative to the cutting path of the burning machine.

Abstract: A dispenser unit for use with a cutting machine for cutting metal parts from metal workpieces. The cutting machine has a main beam movable in a first direction which carries at least one cutting torch which is movable along the beam in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A cutting table with a planar cutting surface is located below the main beam. The dispenser unit carries a plurality of individual point support members for supporting workpieces to be cut on the cutting table. The dispenser unit includes an elongated tube with an open lower end which is mounted on the main beam for movement along the beam in the second direction.

Abstract: A dispenser unit for use with a cutting machine for cutting metal parts from metal workpieces. The cutting machine has a main beam movable in a first direction which carries at least one cutting torch which is movable along the beam in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A cutting table with a planar cutting surface is located below the main beam. The dispenser unit carries a plurality of individual point support members for supporting workpieces to be cut on the cutting table. The dispenser unit includes an elongated tube with an open lower end which is mounted on the main beam for movement along the beam in the second direction.

Abstract: At least one water table adapted for use with a burning machine in combination with a conveyor to remove slag from the water table. The water table has an open top water tank with a dump frame located at the top and burning bars supported on the dump frame to form a metal cutting table. The dump frame may be tilted relative to the water tank and the level of water in the water tank may be varied. The conveyor has an open top trough adjacent to the water table and a conveyor extends substantially throughout the length of the trough to receive slag from the dump frame when the dump frame is tilted. A cover is located at the top of the trough and is pivotally attached to the dump frame on the water table so that it may be tilted. A seal is carried on the exterior of the cover and extends between the cover and the trough to prevent water from passing into the trough when the water level in the water tank is raised to cut metal supported on the burning bars.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing slag from the top surface of metal shapes including a conveyor belt and a pair of vertically adjustable impact units located above the conveyor belt. Each impact unit has an impact element head driven by an electric motor and is attached to a screw jack for adjusting its vertical position. The impact units and a portion of the conveyor belt are surrounded by a closed cabinet having inlet and outlet openings for the conveyor belt and the metal shapes carried thereon. The impact element head in each unit is a disc connected to a support plate.

Abstract: A cutting tool carrier for holding a plurality of cutting tools, each tool requiring certain utilities to operate. The carrier includes a body, a plurality of tool holders pivotally mounted within the body and each adapted to receive a cutting tool, first pivot means enabling the body to be rotated about the axis of a first tool holder, second pivot means for rotating each of the remaining tool holders within the body, control means for transmitting control signals for the second pivot means through the first tool holder, said control means operative continuously regardless of any motion between the first tool holder and the body, and utility means for transmitting tool utilities first through the first tool holder, then through the body, and then through each of the remaining tool holders, said utility means operative continuously regardless of any motion between the tool holders and the body.

Abstract: An in-line material handling system for transporting work from one processing station to another, particularly to a station where the work is processed by burning, includes a pair of conveyor means aligned end-to-end. The first conveyor means comprises a loading conveyor for moving the work to the burning station and the second conveyor means comprises a supporting and off-loading conveyor for supporting the work during burning and for discharging it from the burning station. The second or supporting conveyor means may be integrally incorporated in a water table at the burning station to collect dross and swarf from the burning operation.

Abstract: A water table suitable for use with a burning machine includes a water-holding tank, means for changing the water level in the tank and means for collecting swarf or waste material from the burning operation. A burning table is provided by one or more frames carrying burning bars, positioned in the tank above the water level changing means. The waste collection means may also be positioned in the tank below the frames.

Abstract: A flame cutting layout comprising at least two parallel processing lines each having longitudinally guided support frames for moving workpieces from loading to burning to unloading stations. A stationary bridge spanning both lines guides and supports at least one cutting torch over the burning station in either processing line. A controller, such as a numerical tape controller, simultaneously controls the longitudinal movement of the support frames and transverse movement of the torch to enable a workpiece to be cut in a desired pattern at the burning station in either processing line.

Abstract: A self-cleaning water table suitable for use with a burning machine is preferably constructed above-the-floor and includes at least one sloped bottom member having at least one drain channel at the lowermost portion thereof. A retractable seal is provided for selectively opening and closing the top of the drain channel to permit flushing of the channel without interrupting the burning operation. The method of cleaning the water table includes control of the opening, closing, and flushing of the drain channel.