Abstract: A plasma arc torch for cutting metal with the heat of a constricted arc and removing the molten material with a jet of hot ionized gases comprises a nozzle assembly in the torch includes a nozzle base and an insulator with a constricting orifice. The base and insulator are spaced from each other to form a flow path for a coolant such as water. An interference fit between the base and the insulator exerts a radially outward force on the insulator to enable the base and insulator to be assembled and disassembled with a pressing or pulling force in the approximate range of 0.3 to 16.0 pounds.

Abstract: A web transport apparatus including a simplified mount for a web-supporting roller, providing the axis of such roller with two degrees of freedom of movement. The simplified roller mount comprises an elongated, substantially planar, flexure member having a stiffening rib located along its longitudinal axis to limit flex of the member to movement about its longitudinal axis. A pin is supported by the flexure member. The pin lies substantially in the plane of the flexure member with the longitudinal axis of the pin perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexure member. The web-supporting roller is carried, for example by a yoke supported on the pin for movement with a first degree of freedom about the longitudinal axis of the pin and with a second degree of freedom about the longitudinal axis of the flexure member.

Abstract: A mechanism for registering sheets, respectively notched at their leading edge and transported by a sheet transport apparatus along a travel path, in both an in-track and cross-track direction at a preselected location in such travel path. The registration mechanism comprises an elongated member supported for movement transverse to its longitudinal axis. Such member is selectively movable along its longitudinal axis to a first position intercepting the travel path adjacent to the preselected location or a second position remote from the travel path. When the member is in its first position, a portion of the member is received in an opening of a receiver located adjacent to the travel path. The opening is oppositely directed to, and generally aligned with, the notch in the lead edge of a transported sheet. Thus when the transported sheet engages the member, the member is urged by the portion of the sheet forming the notch into the opening.