Abstract: A cryogenic fluid jet is used in an apparatus and a method for remote cooling of a cutting tool engaged in machining a workpiece under high-energy conditions, such as high-speed machining, hard-turning, cutting of difficult to machine materials, and combinations thereof. The apparatus and method use a stabilized, free-expanding cryogenic fluid jet having a pulse cycle time less than or equal to about 10 seconds. The apparatus and method increase the cleanliness of machined parts and chips and machining productivity of hard but brittle tools, including but not limited to tools which should not be cooled with conventional cooling fluids.

Abstract: An automatically actuated line connection and delivery system is disclosed for the delivery of a cryogenic fluid coolant to tools mounted on manufacturing machines such as vertical and horizontal machining centers, punching presses, thermal spray systems, welding systems, laser cutters, etc. The system includes a linearly-actuated, cryogenic fluid socket/plunger connection “(20)” with a differential, thermal contraction-controlled sealing mechanism, “(22,24)” as well as provisions for installing this connection on automated manufacturing machines “(60,84)” and integrating operation of the connection “(20)” with the manufacturing cycle controlled from a remote control panel “(70)”.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus or machining a workpiece include the use of a cryogenically cooled oxide containing ceramic cutting tool. The method involves cryogenic cooling of the cutting tool during a cutting operation, which cooling results in enhanced wear resistance and fracture resistance of the cutting tool. A preferred embodiment involves jetting a cryogenic fluid directly at the cutting tool.

Abstract: An automatically actuated line connection and delivery system is disclosed for the delivery of a cryogenic fluid coolant to tools mounted on manufacturing machines such as vertical and horizontal machining centers, punching presses, thermal spray systems, welding systems, laser cutters, etc. The system includes a linearly-actuated, cryogenic fluid socket/plunger connection “(20)” with a differential, thermal contraction-controlled sealing mechanism, “(22,24)” as well as provisions for installing this connection on automated manufacturing machines “(60,84)” and integrating operation of the connection “(20)” with the manufacturing cycle controlled from a remote control panel “(70)”.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus or machining a workpiece include the use of a cryogenically cooled oxide containing ceramic cutting tool. The method involves cryogenic cooling of the cutting tool during a cutting operation, which cooling results in enhanced wear resistance and fracture resistance of the cutting tool. A preferred embodiment involves jetting a cryogenic fluid directly at the cutting tool.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid jet is used in an apparatus and a method for remote cooling of a cutting tool engaged in machining a workpiece under high-energy conditions, such as high-speed machining, hard-turning, cutting of difficult to machine materials, and combinations thereof. The apparatus and method use a stabilized, free-expanding cryogenic fluid jet having a pulse cycle time less than or equal to about 10 seconds. The apparatus and method increase the cleanliness of machined parts and chips and machining productivity of hard but brittle tools, including but not limited to tools which should not be cooled with conventional cooling fluids.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid distributor for turret machine tools (e.g., lathes) directs a stream of cryogenic fluid from an external, pressurized cryogen source to a working position of a machine tool to prevent overheating of the tool. Designed for easy retrofitting and synchronizing with multi-tool turret machines, the distributor allows for a “dual-fluid” machining capability combining a cryogenic fluid and a conventional cutting fluid (flowing via a conventional coolant system built into a given machine tool). Made of low thermal-mass, insulating polymer and metallic parts, the distributor utilizes the different thermal contraction coefficients of the parts to establish cryogenic sealing connections, which eliminates undesired turret plate cooling and assures rapid cryogen flow start-up.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for machining a workpiece include the use of a cryogenically cooled oxide-containing ceramic cutting tool. The method involves cryogenic cooling of the cutting tool during a cutting operation, which cooling results in enhanced wear resistance and fracture resistance of the cutting tool. A preferred embodiment involves jetting a cryogenic fluid directly at the cutting tool.

Abstract: An improved process for humidifying a gas stream with a precise amount of moisture used in a variety of heat treating processes including annealing, brazing, and sintering of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, reflow soldering of electronic components, glass-to-metal sealing, chemical processes, chemical vapor deposition of metal oxides, laser processing, fuel cells, etc. The gaseous stream is humidified by introducing a controlled amount of water through a precision metering device and a known and precise flow rate of a gas stream into a gas-liquid contactor, and shearing and vaporizing the water stream in the gas-liquid contactor with the gas stream.