Abstract: A workpiece support device including a base; a conducting rotary table that supports a workpiece and that is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis; a motor that rotationally drives the rotary table; a collecting brush disposed on the base slidable on the outer circumferential surface of a conducting shaft fixed to the rotary table and extending along the rotation axis; a connection terminal that is electrically connected to the collecting brush and to which an external cable is connected; and a liquid-proof cover surrounding the collecting brush and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The liquid-proof cover includes an upper back-plate portion that is disposed at the same position as the rear end of the motor, and a lower back-plate portion located below the upper back-plate portion and forming a recess. The connection terminal penetrates through the lower back-plate portion and projects into the recess.

Abstract: A method can include co-axially locating a turbine wheel and a shaft where a force applicator applies an axially directed force to the turbine wheel, where the turbine wheel transfers at least a portion of the force to shaft and where a rotatable shaft collet supports the shaft; rotating the rotatable shaft collet; energizing at least one laser beam; and, via the at least one laser beam, forming a weld between the turbine wheel and the shaft.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to a method of processing first and second workpieces. The method includes constraining the second workpiece; abutting first and second workpieces together to form a joint; applying first and second selectively adjustable forces against the first workpiece to bias the first workpiece against the second workpiece; friction stir welding the first and second workpieces along the joint; maintaining the forces equal to each other while friction stir welding; and automatically varying at least one of the forces responsive to thermal size variations of the first and second workpieces. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also provided.

Abstract: A tool welding system is disclosed that includes a table that heats a tool. A multi-axis robot includes a welding head that is moved relative to the table in response to a command. A controller is in communication with the robot and generates the command in response to welding parameters. The weld parameters are based upon a difference between an initial tool shape and a desired tool shape. The difference between the initial tool shape and the desired tool shape corresponds to a desired weld shape. The desired weld shape is adjusted based upon initial tool shape variations, which includes thermal growth of the tool. The tool is welded to provide the desired weld shape to achieve a desired tool shape.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary jig for battery cells to successively manufacture battery cells having different sizes including a main body configured to have a hexahedral structure having a rotary rod mounted at a lower end thereof, the main body being provided at sides thereof with mounting frames having sizes corresponding to sizes of battery cells so that the battery cells can be uprightly mounted in the mounting frames in a state in which electrode terminals of the battery cells are exposed upward, a die disposed at a lower end of the main body, the die connected to the rotary rod so that the die can be rotated manually or by a rotary motor, and support members formed at the die to support the mounting frames of the main body and the battery cells mounted in the mounting frames, wherein the rotary rod is rotated so that resistance welding is performed with respect to a portion of one of battery cells to be welded using a welding rod located above the battery cell in a state in which the battery cells are m

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting in weld assembling a box column from a tack-welded pre-assembly of planar plate components. The apparatus features (1) an elongate frame defining a rotational-assembly axis, and (2) plural pre-assembly-receiving, rotational support structures mounted at spaced locations on the frame—each support structure including (a) an openable/closable yoke possessing a collar-reception zone, (b) an openable/closable collar rotatably receivable within this reception zone, and possessing a central throughpassage having a cross-sectional configuration which is larger than that of a box-column which is to be assembled, and (c) a pair of removably-collar-attachable, throughpassage clamping shoes for forming cooperatively, within the collar throughpassage, a window for complementarily, receiving extension therethrough of a box-column pre-assembly's cross section.

Abstract: A simulator facilitates virtual welding activity of pipe and open root weld joints. The simulator may include a logic processor based system operable to execute coded instructions for generating an interactive welding environment that emulates welding activity on a section of virtual pipe having at least one virtual weld joint. It also includes a display connected to the logic processor based system for visually depicting the interactive welding environment, wherein the display depicts the section of virtual pipe. A mock welding tool is provided for performing virtual welding activity on the at least one weld joint in real time where one or more sensors are adapted to track movement of the input device in real time for communicating data about the movement of the input device to the logic processor based system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to establishing a desired position control over a workpiece by compensating for thermal cycling affecting a member supporting the workpiece during processing.

Abstract: A rotatable workpiece holder for holding a hollow cylindrical workpiece thereon functions as a chiller for cooling the hollow cylindrical workpiece. A coolant, e.g., water, is supplied to the hollow cylindrical workpiece through second coolant passages and branch passageways defined in the workpiece holder, thereby cooling the hollow cylindrical workpiece. The coolant forms a film in a clearance between the outer surface of an annular side wall of the workpiece holder and the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cylindrical workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting in weld assembling a box column from a tack-welded pre-assembly of planar plate components. The apparatus features (1) an elongate frame defining a rotational-assembly axis, and (2) plural pre-assembly-receiving, rotational support structures mounted at spaced locations on the frame—each support structure including (a) an openable/closable yoke possessing a collar-reception zone, (b) an openable/closable collar rotatably receivable within this reception zone, and possessing a central throughpassage having a cross-sectional configuration which is larger than that of a box-column which is to be assembled, and (c) a pair of removably-collar-attachable, throughpassage clamping shoes for forming cooperatively, within the collar throughpassage, a window for complementarily, receiving extension therethrough of a box-column pre-assembly's cross section.

Abstract: An arc welding robot having a welding wire conduit which has a bend radius above a certain level and arranged so that disadvantageous stress is not applied to the conduit by the motion of the robot arm. A conduit for a welding wire is inserted through a hole of a robot pedestal from the rear side of the robot, is supported by a second support member arranged on the pedestal, extends near the front side of a rotating body of the robot, and is supported by a first support member on the upper part of the rotating body while having a required minimum bend radius. The conduit after passing through the first support member is introduced to the rear side of the upper arm and is connected to a connector at the rear side of a wire feeder while having the required minimum radius, whereby the conduit presents a generally S-shape.

Abstract: A beam working apparatus, includes opposed vice assemblies for holding and rotating a beam about a long axis thereof and a number of gantries that are arranged for translational motion along the beam. At least one tool head mount is provided fast with each of the gantries for a tool for working upon the beam. A number of motors are provided to selectively rotate the vice assemblies and move the gantries in order that the apparatus can be operated by a computerized control system.

Abstract: A datum is created in an axle housing. A finished brake flange is welded to the axle housing with reference to the datum to make an axle sub-assembly. The axle sub-assembly is fixed to a first part of a machine. A finished spindle is supplied to a second part of the machine. The spindle is welded to the axle sub-assembly with reference to the datum. A dial indexing table is rotated to a first position. An axle is placed on the dial indexing table with its longitudinal axis oriented vertically. The dial indexing table is rotated to a second position, wherein the axle aligned with a CNC machine. A machining operation is performed on the axle with the CNC machine. The dial indexing table is rotated to a third position. The axle is removed from the dial indexing table. An axle and an apparatus for manufacturing an axle are described.

Abstract: A ferris wheel workpiece positioner may include a base and a workpiece holder operatively connected to the base and configured to be rotated about a central axis. The ferris wheel workpiece positioner may also include a first-side set of rails operatively connected to a first side of the workpiece holder and a second-side set of rails operatively connected to a second side of the workpiece holder. The ferris wheel workpiece positioner may further include a first-side set of workpiece supports including at least one first-side support operatively connected to the first-side set of rails, and a second-side set of workpiece supports including at least one second-side support operatively connected to the second-side set of rails.

Abstract: Adjustable, elongate, beam-offset jig structure for assisting in welding a pair of beam-end, column-interface components to the opposite ends of an elongate beam. The jig structure includes spaced, adjustable head-stock and tail-stock structures, each capable of holding such a component adjacent a beam end for adjustment to an infinite number of different, pre-weld angular-offset dispositions relative to such a beam end in order to accommodate planned horizontal and vertical beam offsets which will be encountered when such beams are installed in a building frame. A computer-controlled, robotic welder is preferably provided adjacent each end of the jig structure to implement appropriate welding when any and all offset angles have been jig-established.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to establishing a desired position control over a workpiece by compensating for thermal cycling affecting a member supporting the workpiece during processing.

Abstract: A laser bruting machine has three sections: (i) a diamond holder, (ii) a set up device and (iii) a processing device. The diamond holder includes a rough diamond, a stitching die and a magnetic die. The rough diamond stone to be centered and bruted is stitched on top of the stitching die by adhesive and heat. The stitching die is then fixed on top of the magnetic die. The setup device includes a computer numerical control (CNC) interface and video system. The diamond to be centered, and hence the diamond holder, is put vertically on motorized rotatable platform. After completion of centering the diamond, the diamond holder is carried to a processing device and fixed horizontally on a motorized rotatable platform of the processing device. The processing device includes a CNC interface, a heat exchanger, a video system, a beam delivery mechanism, a laser source, an RF-Q switch driver, a power supply and a stabilizer.

Abstract: A vacuum heat treating furnace for brazing a large metallic part is disclosed. The vacuum furnace includes a pressure vessel having a cylindrical wall and a door dimensioned and positioned for closing an end of the cylindrical wall. A workpiece handling system is mounted on the pressure vessel door for supporting a metallic workpiece to be heat treated or brazed. The workpiece handling system includes apparatus for rotating the workpiece during a processing cycle. A vacuum system is connectable to the workpiece for creating a subatmospheric pressure inside the workpiece during a brazing cycle.

Abstract: A tube clamping assembly comprising a first portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base, and a second portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base. The first and second portions are coupled to each other such that the portions may be adjusted relative each other. In another embodiment, the invention is a tube clamping assembly comprising a base, and a first movable clamp arm and a first stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween. The tube clamping assembly further comprises a second movable clamp arm and a second stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween, wherein at least one of the stationary clamp arms is removably coupled to the base.

Abstract: The welding apparatus has a positioner (1) provided with workpiece supporting means (11) which is rotatable about a first central axis (Ca) and is pivotable up and down about a second central axis (Cb) crossing the first central axis (Ca). A welding robot (2) includes a robot body (20) mounted on the workpiece supporting means (11). Therefore, even when the workpiece supporting means (11) operates, it is possible to prevent a torch (3) carried by the robot body (20) from positionally deviating relative to a workpiece (W) supported on the work supporting means (11).

Abstract: A locating and locking unit for sheet metal parts which are to be assembled by electric spot-welding on a motor-vehicle body, comprising a base platform, for receiving the trolley of a positioning frame equipped with locating and locking devices for the parts to be welded. The base platform can be rotated between a non-operative horizontal position and an inclined position in which the positioning frame can engage the parts to be welded in a welding station along the assembly line. Locating elements are provided for defining the precise position of the positioning frame along two mutually orthogonal axes in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the line and along an axis parallel to the line.

Abstract: A tube clamping assembly comprising a first portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base, and a second portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base. The first and second portions are coupled to each other such that the portions may be adjusted relative each other. In another embodiment, the invention is a tube clamping assembly comprising a base, and a first movable clamp arm and a first stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween. The tube clamping assembly further comprises a second movable clamp arm and a second stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween, wherein at least one of the stationary clamp arms is removably coupled to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a hollow turbomachine blade made from a titanium alloy of the TA6V type includes a hot twisting step in which an element of the blade is twisted progressively at a temperature above 700° C. by a plurality of bars which are rotated about the twist axis and act on collars previously fixed to the element, the distribution and number of collars being determined according to the desired twist to be imparted and such as to obtain a linear twist development between each collar.

Abstract: A positioner includes a conductive rotary table on which a work-piece is placed, a conductive rotary shaft holding the rotary table, a conductive collector ring fixed concentrically with the rotary shaft, and a carbon brush contacting one face of the collector ring. The carbon brush has radial grooves formed on its contact face with the collector ring, and can be split into plural sections. Abrasive powder produced by friction between the brush and collector ring can be discharged through the grooves to outside of the brush, which eliminates sparks between these two elements, of which durability is thus substantially improved. Further, since the carbon brush is split into plural sections, it can be replaced with ease without dismounting the rotary shaft, which reduces maintenance problems.

Abstract: An orthodontic assembly that includes a band and an attachment has one or more spot welds to secure the band to the attachment. The spot welds are characterized by the lack of any outer surface weld deformation that is circular in shape, or that is visible to the naked eye when viewed at a distance of twenty-four inches. Apparatus for welding the attachment to the band includes a subframe that is swingable in an arc to follow the inner contour of the band in order to provide automated welding on mesial and distal sides of the attachment.

Abstract: A welding fixture includes a stationary tubular outer manifold having an outer flow passage extending radially therethrough for drawing vacuum, and a tubular spindle extending coaxially therethrough. The spindle includes a mandrel at one end over which the bore of a tubular body is positioned. A sleeve at the opposite end of the spindle is used for rotating the spindle. An inner manifold adjoins the sleeve and is disposed inside the outer manifold, and has an inner flow passage extending radially therethrough and disposed in flow communication with the outer passage for drawing vacuum inside the spindle and in turn inside the body for retaining a disk thereon. An annular flange adjoins the mandrel and the inner manifold, and has a seat facing the mandrel for receiving the body at a complementary counterbore, and also includes a bearing land disposed in contact with the outer manifold for rotation thereon.

Abstract: A plasma arc pipe cutting apparatus incorporates a plasma arc torch adjustably coupled to a motor-driven ring which transports the torch in an orbit about the pipe to be cut. The apparatus includes a pipe clamping fixture allowing the pipe to be cut to be concentrically mounted within the ring so that the gap between the electrode of the plasma arc torch and the work piece remains constant through the orbital travel of the torch.

Abstract: A precision alignment apparatus that automatically welds together the parts of a cut-apart torque converter. A precision cast and machined frame is provided onto which are mounted a spindle assembly, a double-end air cylinder and a turntable which are aligned within a close tolerance along a longitudinal axis. The spindle assembly grabs and aligns the upper half of the torque converter. The double-end air cylinder moves the spindle assembly along the longitudinal axis and provides for the longitudinal alignment of the torque converter parts. The turntable supports and aligns the lower torque converter half. The apparatus provides for automatic welding of the first part to the second part while alignment is maintained by the spindle assembly and the turntable. During welding the turntable and the spindle assembly rotate about the longitudinal axis to move the torque converter past the stationary welding device.

Abstract: An arrangement for butt-welding cylindrical sections of large, thin-wall tanks includes a rotatable mandrel with side-by-side sets of radial position adjusters. Each set of adjusters bears on one of the tank sections adjacent the seam, to prevent the sections from sagging out-of-round. The mandrel rotates relative to the welder, so that a continuous seam is formed. A purge chamber is fixed in position behind the seam at the weld head, and is flushed with inert gas. The purge chamber includes a two-sided structure which is contiguous with the cylindrical sections and a circumferential vane to form an open-ended tube-like structure, through which the radial position adjusters pass as the mandrel and cylindrical workpiece sections rotate. The tube-like structure is formed into a chamber by a plurality of movable gates which are controlled to maintain a seal while allowing adjusters to progress through the purge chamber.

Abstract: A safety structure, for use in a work rotating apparatus for a laser beam machine having a manually rotatable shaft and work holder supported by a frame, comprises a pin and a pair of stops. The stops are separately located along a circular arc which is coaxial with the shaft. The stops contact the pin to limit the angle of rotation of the shaft which prevents the rotatable work holder, and the workpiece held by said work holder, from colliding with the frame.

Abstract: To render more economical the manufacture of galvanized bar segments 10 illustratively used for three-dimensional frameworks, the components of the bar segments 10, namely the hollow bar 11 and the end pieces 12, are galvanized before being assembled. The ring welds between the galvanized components 11, 12 are implemented by laser welding. Because of the high energy density of the laser welding beam and on account of the narrow ring-weld seams 18 so formed, a zinc coating 24 supplied from the zinc coats 22 of the adjacent components 11, 12 is created during welding and covers each surface 25 of the ring-weld seams, as a result of which, following welding, the bar segment 10 also is provided with a zinc coating 24 covering the surfaces 25 of the ring-weld seams protecting them against corrosion.

Abstract: A work rotating apparatus for laser machining has a reduction unit with input and output shafts, and a motor for rotating the input shaft. The output shaft is a hollow shaft having an axial through hole. A work holder, mounted on the output shaft, also has a through hole aligned with the through hole of the output shaft. A long workpiece can be held in the work holder with a part of the workpiece extending through the through hole of the work holder and into or through the through hole of the hollow output shaft. This enables the workpiece to be held more stably and securely, and allows the portion of the workpiece which is being machined to be positioned close to the work holder.In one version, the reduction unit is supported by mounting legs, enabling the work to be positioned close to the laser machine table and farther from the laser head.

Abstract: A hollow cylinder, generally a foil, for use in screen printing, is patterned by laser beam machining. The foil is held at its ends and rotated about its axis while a carriage is shiftable along a guide extending on the bed along the cylinder and carrying the laser optics for training a laser beam against the cylinder. Support rollers engage the wall of the hollow cylinder from the exterior on the carriage adjacent the laser impingement location.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated tacking of small wear plates to the active faces of a shoulder or fin of a turboshaft engine blade which includes a manipulator for moving a blade from a station having a calibrating device onto a welding jig having means for supporting and holding the blade in position, a mechanism for removing a small plate from a magazine of such plates and transferring it into position on one of the active faces of the blade shoulder or fin, an earth electrode for contacting the blade, and a welding electrode for tack welding the plate to the face of the blade shouder. The welding jig is rotatable through 180.degree. to move the blade into a second tacking position and a mechanism is provided for turning every other small plate removed from the magazines through 180.degree. so that it is transferred into the second tacking position for being tack welded to the other active face of the blade shoulder. Operation of the apparatus is controlled automatically by a suitable control device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for welding joint fixtures to either end of a pipe at a given angles of attachment. A retaining mechanism on both the driver side and the follower side for joint fixtures is provided on either end of a horizontally elongated table on which a pipe is to be horizontally placed. The joint fixtures are secured on the opposing inner ends of the retaining mechanisms via clamping devices to receive the pipe therebetween. The retaining mechanism for the joint fixture on the driver side includes a device for establishing the angle of attachment of the joint fixture so that the joint fixture can be turned to a predetermined angular position. After the angle of attachment of the joint fixture to the pipe is determined, the junctions between the joint fixtures and the pipe on either end are held in place by gripping devices for tentative welding using welding torches.

Abstract: A welding and/or cutting machine 1 is provided for use on a workpiece 2 formed by a pair of metal sheets 3 in face to face contact. The machine comprises a movable carriage 4 mounted on a pair of drive rollers 5 operable to grip the sheets 3 of the workpiece in the nip of the rollers. The axes of rotation 6 of the rollers 5 are disposed so that as the rollers rotate, forces are generated which cause the carriage 4 to be pulled on to the workpiece 2. The carriage 4 is capable of transporting welding means 7 as shown in FIG. 1, for lip-welding the sheets of the workpiece together, or, alternatively, transporting cutter means 10 for subsequent removal of weld material.

Abstract: A positioning device having a rotatable and tiltable work table for placing components to be worked on. The device has a frame and a support mounted on the frame having bearings for rotatably supporting a housing. Pivotable linkage arms extend between the frame and the support for positioning the support between upper and lower positions. The support has the work table associated therewith which is rotatable and tiltable relative to the support. The work table is also rotatably mounted relative to the housing. A hydraulic motor and a gear operatively associated therewith are associated with the housing wherein the motor communicates with a hydraulic fluid tank provided at a position spaced from the support. A double-acting piston and cylinder assembly is provided to effect tilting movement of the work table through the housing. The cylinder is pivotably connected to the support.

Abstract: A welding apparatus for welding hard segments to the circumference of a base of a saw blade. The blade base is clamped between two electrodes of a first electrode unit which can rotate. The segment is clamped by conductive fingers of a second electrode unit which is movable toward the first electrode unit. A power clamp presses together the conductive fingers together. The second electrode unit can rock to uniformly press the segment against the circumference of the blade base.

Abstract: A programmed welding control system is provided for welding automatically a variation of different weld patterns on different assemblies. The system includes a rotary table indexed to be moved to home, idle, and weld stations. An assembly of parts to be welded together are positioned on the rotary table at the work station and held by mechanical elements. Means are provided to identify a particular assembly to control a subsequent welding pattern, and to detect the presence or absence of the operator near the home station. When an assembly is present and the operator is away from the work station, the rotary table is rotated to the welding station when a robot with a welding gun is activated to automatically weld the parts of the assembly in accordance with a weld pattern previously determined at the home station. After the welding operation, the rotary table is rotated back to the home station.

Abstract: A laser welding apparatus and process is provided for edge welding sheets of metal to one another. The laser welding apparatus includes aligners to advance the edges to be welded into the laser beam. The apparatus includes first and second laser welders. The first laser welder is operative to eliminate the edge discontinuities and to effect an initial attachment of the edges to one another. The second laser welder provides a larger and stronger weld bead. The process includes first aligning the edges, second removing discontinuities therefrom and third laser welding the edges. The discontinuities preferably are removed by a laser apparatus with a rotating lens.

Abstract: For welding a grid formed by sets of plates disposed orthogonally and whose endmost parts are secured to a surround, it is placed in a shaping and mechanically holding frame allowing access to the point to be welded. The frame containing the grid is then placed on a revolving device belonging to a roundabout, at a first welding position and welding is carried out therein on at least one face of the grid by means of a welding member movable in two perpendicular directions for bringing it at right angles to each of the welding points on the face. The frame is then brought to a second welding position in which the plates are welded to the surround by means of a second welding member movable in only one direction, after rotation through 90.degree. of the frame by means of the revolving device; and the operations are repeated as necessary until the whole of the welds have been executed.

Abstract: The automatic welding machine has a pair of closely spaced magnetic rollers which grip the surface of a workpiece and which are driven to rotate the workpiece. The workpiece may rest on a support on the end of a double articulated arm. The driven rollers are adjustably mounted on a standard. The standard also mounts a carriage including a welding gun. The carriage is movable toward and away from the workpiece under the urgings of a probe which is mounted on the carriage with the gun and which travels over the surface of the workpiece as it rotates.

Abstract: A large generally cylindrical workpiece is supported for rotation and driven by a set of axially spaced floor supported units each including a pair of parallel spaced cradle rolls. The cradle rolls of each unit are supported by a surrounding frame, and a pair of trunnions support each frame and cradle rolls for tilting movement on a transverse axis. Each unit also has a set of power operated screw jacks which precisely position the cradle rolls at a selected elevation, and the cradle rolls of one unit have resilient outer surfaces and are driven by an endless chain drive system. The cradle rolls of another unit are positioned within a cooling liquid to prevent overheating of the rolls by a heated workpiece, and each unit carries air inflatible flotation cells to facilitate moving the unit. A horizontal track extends parallel to the cradle rolls and supports a carriage having a portion projecting cantileveredly above the workpiece.

Abstract: In having a method of welding together metal components (A,B) a high restraint geometry (as defined in the Specification) the components are urged into abutment and a high energy density weld is effected at a location in said abutment by means such as a focussed laser beam (L). In order to compensate for the high restraint geometry of the components which prevents them from deformation such as to accommodate welding stresses, an additional force (J) is applied, for example by a roller (K), to urge the components together adjacent to the position at which the weld is effected. The method is advantageously employed to form a continuous elongate weld between a plateform and web of a brake shoe.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for the manufacture of hollow cylindrical bodies by deposit welding, consisting of a supporting body rotatably mounted on bearings at both ends and a hollow cylindrical basic body concentric to the supporting body being supported by said supporting body means of circumferentially arranged radially spacing members. According to the disclosure the spacing members are elastically flexible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of applying weld material to metal parts on a generally automatic basis. The apparatus and method are uniquely adapted to apply weld material to the journals and crankpins and crank arms of an automotive type crankshaft on a generally automatic basis. The apparatus comprises a frame and a head stock and tail stock for rotatably supporting a crankshaft relative to the frame. A carriage is shiftable relative to the crankshaft and in a direction generally parallel to the central axis of the crankshaft. A welding torch is carried by the carriage and shiftable longitudinally and generally parallel to the central axis of said crankshaft. A torch positioning mechanism in said carriage includes a member simultaneously moveable in two mutually perpendicular directions by a drive mechanism which also causes rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a noiseless combustion and plasma cutting arrangnt with a cutter and an associated gridiron- or honeycomb-type bench that is divided into individual cells that are higher than they are wide to reduce the noise that occurs during cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a band of hardened metal around a portion of a drill collar in accordance with conventional MIG or TIG welding processes. The improved hardbanding system comprises an AC power source coupled to a water cooled, MIG or TIG welding torch assembly. A hydraulic pump is provided, coupled to the AC power source, for independently driving: (1) a mandril assembly for rotating the drill collar workpiece adjacent the torch assembly, (2) an elevation assembly for adjusting the height of the torch assembly and the mandril assembly; and (3) a pair of hydraulic jacks for lifting the drill collars off of standard pipe racks. The entire system is designed for mounting on the bed of a conventional two ton truck such that the system is easily transportable for on-site hardbanding.

Abstract: A method of finishing an annular component such as a brush seal to a substantially uniform wall thickness, and apparatus therefor. Two rollers are mounted with their axes parallel, one roller being spatially fixed and the other biassed by a spring towards said one roller, whereby the annular article may be held therebetween. A machining operation, such as centerless grinding or centerless electro-discharge errosion is performed on the article as the article is turned by power-driving at least one of the two rollers, the machining operation using the spatially fixed roller as a reference surface for the machining.

Abstract: Metallic pieces of predetermined shape, e.g., anodes, are continuously manufactured from molten metal, e.g., impure molten copper, by continuously casting the molten metal in an inclined molding cavity (13) formed by two endless moving belts (14) and (15) and by two moving side dams (20) and (21) so as to produce a hot metallic strip (4), and by cutting the hot strip, when it has left the molding cavity, with at least one plasma torch (10) along a profile (27) such that anodes (11) with a low waste coefficient are obtained. In this way, flat copper anodes with a thickness of between 40 and 50 mm can be produced.