Abstract: A circle cutting attachment device for a cutting torch. A torch tip sleeve is attached to the front end of the device and has a cylindrical opening passing therethrough that has a longitudinal axis that is angled forwardly through the body of the torch tip sleeve. A cradle arm adapted to engage the barrel of a cutting torch extends substantially perpendicularly above the rear end of the device. When the tip of a cutting torch is inserted into the cutting torch tip sleeve and the cradle engages the torch barrel, the torch attachment and torch are placed under bending stress which lockingly engages the tip of the torch to the torch tip sleeve and the cradle to the barrel of the torch.

Abstract: A water table used for cutting metal is comprised of an array of slat bars, a floor part below the array of slat bars, a movable platform further below the floor part. The movable platform, by the use of height changing means, will move in order to change the volume available inside the water table which results in the actual lowering or raising of the level of water inside of the water table.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for oxygen cutting continuously cast billets, in which a cutting member (8) and a trimming member (9) are positioned relative to the billet to be cut (1) by taking a reference directly on the billet (1) by means of a moving clamp (7), after which the cutting member (8) and the trimming member (9) are lowered parallel to the side faces of the billet so as to cut the billet progressively downwards by attacking one of its side faces horizontally, while simultaneously trimming the cutting bead that forms on the other side face by attacking said other side face continuously in a downward direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxy-fuel torch. The torch comprises a body (10) comprising a number of pipes for conveying at least two streams of gas between inlets (14, 15) and outlets; at least two valves (16, 20, 22) mounted in said body capable of adopting a closed rest position and an open active position; a single control (12) for said valves and mounted so that it can move on the body and able to be moved so that it collaborates with said valves, capable of adopting a first stable position in which all the valves are at rest and at least one second stable position in which at least one of the valves is in the active position; controllable means (40) of locking said control (12) so as to secure it, at rest, to said body; and at least one controllable delivery adjusting means (46, 48) mounted on said body for adjusting the delivery of at least one of said streams of gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning the working level of a cutting tool relative to the surface of a workpiece and provided with a scanning arm adapted to move relative to the surface of the work piece and movable in response to an irregularity in the surface for opening a switch thereby to disconnect the cutting tool from a source of power.

Abstract: A novel cutting nozzle assembly for a postmixed oxygen-fuel gas torch is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a cylindrical shroud which surrounds and extends away from the gas discharge orifices in the gas discharge end of the cutting nozzle. The cylindrical shroud has the advantage of producing a tighter gas stream and of promoting a more thorough mixing of the preheat oxygen and the fuel gas to provide a hotter, more compact flame which produces a more parallel-sided cut through metal workpieces. The cutting tip therefore conserves metal as well as cutting gases. It also cuts faster than prior art postmixed cutting nozzles.

Abstract: An oxygen cutting machine (1) is designed for a billets, blooms, slabs or heavy plates in a pair of up and down arranged rails (3) having a novel heat protection plate (6) and no uncooled machine parts below the rails (3), which moves sideways with a drifting work-piece (2) being a clamping system, having a clamp down skid (10) to cover various thickness of work-piece (2) and can be used with so-called cutting push bars (24) for cutting against each other of two oxygen cutting burners (9). A new oxygen cutting burner (9) or nozzle quick exchange system improves use and maintenance. Cutting safety and cut quality are improved by the gas control for pressures and mass flow near the burners. A novel roll deburrer (32) to deburr just oxygen cut strand pieces (2) after the oxygen cutting machine (1) facilitates the to and fro deburring and the transport of extremely short pieces over the deburrer gap.

Abstract: The oxy-cutting torch comprises a support element (10) made from an undeformable block of stainless steel, and a heater element (20) permanently fixed against a bottom face (19) of the support element (10), which heater element is made from a solid block of copper in which passages are formed for gases and cooling fluid, which passages communicate directly with corresponding pipes of the support element (10). At least one nozzle (30) is positioned with precision in two bores (41, 32) in axial alignment provided respectively in the support element (10) and in the heater element (20), the nozzle being connected to a cutting oxygen feed pipe (14.6). A holder element (40) is preferably used to improve the precision with which the nozzle (30) is positioned.

Abstract: Installation for working, in particular for cutting or welding, at least one metal piece. The installation includes a fixed support frame provided with a movable working torch and a sensing device. The sensing device includes a capacitative probe and drive means. The installation also includes a first elongated and electrically conductive connection connected at an upstream end of the first connection to the drive means and at a downstream end of the first connection to the capacitative probe. A second elongated and electrically conductive connection is connected at an upstream end of the second connection to the drive means and a downstream end of the second connection is free.

Abstract: A device for fabricating a tank head prior to attachment to a tank. A movable turntable of the invention holds the tank head horizontally on its rotatable top surface. The movable turntable travels on rails so that is can move the tank head under an overhead frame of the invention. The overhead frame is provided with frame rails on which a movable burner and a movable attachment holder independently travel so that they can be accurately positioned over the head. The movable burner can be lowered and raised in order to cut holes in the head at desired locations on the head. The movable attachment holder and an attachment that is removably secured to the attachment holder can also be lowered and raised in order to properly position the attachment relative to a hole in the head so that the attachment can be tack welded to the head.

Abstract: A reactor system that includes a reactor nozzle for use with a reactor vessel and process for its use for producing sodium metal, by a reaction of an alkali hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide, as a reactant, with methane gas as a reductant, at high heat.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cutting target material which includes a housing having an inner cavity and an elongated nozzle extending from the inner cavity to communicate with the exterior of the housing. The apparatus is provided with a charge for generating a cutting flame and an activating device coupled to the charge. A method for cutting target material is also provided in which the cutting apparatus has an elongated nozzle positioned generally adjacent to a surface of a target material to be cut. The cutting apparatus may be joined with one or more housings to provide a ganged together or joined cutting apparatus. The effect of this ganged cutting apparatus is to provide an extended linear cutting action on the surface of the target material. In addition, in an opposed cutting apparatus, two housings are positioned with their nozzle channels in opposition to permit cutting target material from two directions.

Abstract: A downdraft exhaust cutting table comprising an elongated cutting table having a cutting torch positioned thereover and which is movable along the length thereof to cut material positioned on the cutting table. An elongated exhaust duct is positioned beneath the cutting table and runs parallel to the length of the cutting table. The exhaust duct has a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart exhaust openings formed therein which close by a movable damper. In one embodiment, successive dampers are opened as a slag collection bucket moves along the length of the cutting table below the cutting torch. In a second embodiment, a plurality of ventilation zones are created by pivotal gates extending laterally outwardly from the exhaust duct and which are pivotally movable to permit slagger to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A versatile torch assembly is provided including a base and a mounting arm coupled to the base. Also included is a plate rotatably mounted with respect to the mounting arm. A torch is mounted on the plate for cutting purposes.

Abstract: A supporting guide for an oxyacetylene torch provides a body having spaced legs defining a recess therebetween to carry gas supply pipes of the torch for releasable attachment of the supporting guide to the supply pipes. A body portion distal from the recess pivotally carries a disk carrying a support arm extending spacedly therefrom for pivotal motion relative to the body to support the torch and guide it on a workpiece or a template. The support arm is carried by the disk for adjustable extension and angulation relative to the body to regulate the distance of a torch nozzle from a workpiece and the angulation of the torch nozzle relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A circle cutting attachment for supporting a hand-held torch for forming a circular opening in a metal workpiece.

Abstract: A torch cutting and fume collecting enclosure is disclosed that is particularly adapted for the collection of lead-containing fumes and gases emitted during cutting of steel strands. The enclosure comprises a plurality of walls and two flexible barriers disposed on opposite ends of the enclosure, one at a receiving end, and the other at an output end of the enclosure. The enclosure further comprises a unique air handling system comprising one or more collector hoods, ducts and plenums for collecting and moving air and other gas flows from the enclosure for subsequent treatment and/or discharge. The air handling system utilizes a unique tapered configuration for one or more plenums that reduces the tendency for particulates to separate from an air or gas flow.

Abstract: A mini welding/soldering torch, which includes a gas burner, an oxygen control unit controlled to regulate the flow rate of oxygen from an oxygen storage means to the gas burner, and a fuel gas control unit controlled to regulate the flow rate of fuel gas from a fuel gas storage means to the gas burner for mixing with oxygen for burning, wherein a porous stone is mounted inside the gas burner to stop backward flame, and a rubber ring is mounted on a flow guide around a fuel gas outlet which is melted to seal the fuel gas outlet if flame goes back to the inside of the gas burner due to an error.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coordinate thermal-cutting machine with a means for automatically setting the initial height of a torch, in particular a plasma torch, above a workpiece surface. In order to achieve a fast and exact setting of the igniting distance above the workpiece surface, the torch (28) is at least partially surrounded by an inner tubular enclosure (7), which is at least partially surrounded by an outer tubular enclosure (10), bearing elements (8, 9 and 29, 30) being arranged between the tubular enclosures (7, 10) in such a way that the inner tubular enclosure (7) is at least longitudinally displaceable with the torch (28), there also being provided a position sensor which senses the longitudinal displacement and, furthermore, the inner enclosure (7) is connected to a compensation device (35) which reduces the weight of the inner enclosure (7) with the torch (28).

Abstract: Metal workpieces are subjected to laser treatment in a liquefied gas, by passing the laser beam through a layer of liquid nitrogen in direct contact with the metal surface to be treated, thereby creating an amorphous state.

Abstract: A method for cutting steel in which an operator uses high pressure propane and oxygen. The operator heats the steel locally until it is molten, positions a cutting torch with a high angle of incidence relative to the molten steel, and then blasts high pressure oxygen at the molten metal. Such blast serves two purposes, heating the molten metal so it is less viscous and then blowing the molten metal away from the steel sheet creating a cutting trench. The cutting torch is positioned relative to the cutting trench to provide even heat. The cutting torch is then moved generally parallel to the cutting trench to lengthen the cut.

Abstract: A high pressure oxygen torch system for cutting steel is disclosed. The system includes a high pressure nozzle which operates at oxygen pressures of approximately 20 bar and above. The system also includes a pressure regulating valve and a mass flow control valve which maintain uniform pressure within close tolerances. The oxygen torch system may be used in continuous steel casting operations to economically, reliably and quickly cut hot and cold strands.

Abstract: A metallic pipe may be used as a burning bar if the pipe contains wires. The wires are usually steel but may be combinations of steel wires, aluminum wires, magnesium wires and the like. To use the burning bar one end is heated to at least red hot condition. Oxygen is then pumped down the pipe and the pipe then produces a self-sustaining high temperature, high heat flame. A burning bar may be used for demolition and similar uses. In this improved burning bar, the wires within the pipe are arranged so that the wires do not extend the full length of the pipe. There is a portion of the pipe adjacent to the end of the pipe held by the operator which does not contain any wires. The pipe is thus self extinguishing at the point where the wires cease thereby providing safety to the operator and economic advantages.

Abstract: A molded, non-metallic insert is disclosed that is of a form which replicates the seat configuration of the oxy-fuel cutting torch into which it is intended to be inserted. The insert material is compressible and resilient and allows a cutting tip, without special requirements, to be installed into the cutting torch so equipped with the insert. The insert is resistant to the difficult environmental conditions in which it is required to operate, in the industrial situations in which it is used. The insert resists elevated temperatures and the chemical and physical effects of the gases it contacts while sealing the flowpaths of the oxygen and fuel flowing through the torch head and cutting tip.

Abstract: A new Flexible Acetylene Cutting Torch Handle for offering an acetylene torch that is easier to use in tight and obstructed places. The inventive device includes a flexible hose, an anti-bend casing, and a clip. In use, the inventive device is useful when the work area is obstructed or other items or surfaces are close to the area where the torch must be applied. The flexible torch has a special flexible stainless steel neck which can be bent as needed to make it easier to apply the flame from the head of the torch exactly where it is needed in situations where close quarters or obstructions create problems. The inventive device has a special cover which holds the neck straight and rigid when the user needs a conventional configuration. The cover is easy to install and remove using simple wing screws. Under normal conditions, a user will leave this cover in place, enabling conventional use of the product. When a special situation arises, the cover is quickly and easily removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved welding system incorporating a novel torch mounted gas scavenging system which removes and filters contaminant gases from the workplace and incorporates an enclosure which creates high turnover rates of shielding gases at the weld pool thereby preventing contaminant gas induced defects, and which insulates the heat affected area thereby prolonging the cooling process of the weld pool, effectively reducing porosity and other related defects, and which provides the capability of accurately monitoring and displaying specific measurements of an ongoing welding operation such as humidity, ambient frequencies, internal temperature and pressure in the enclosure, and on line acoustic emissions sensors which indicate the presence or absence of defects as the weld is being made.

Abstract: A post-mixed cutting torch selectively operable in a pilot mode and a cutting mode is provided by the present invention. The control body includes a fuel passage and an oxygen passage which is divided into a preheat oxygen supply branch and a cutting oxygen supply branch. A fuel flow valve is provided in the fuel passage and an oxygen flow valve is provided in the cutting oxygen supply branch of the oxygen passage. Advantageously, an interconnecting passage extends between the preheat oxygen supply branch and the cutting oxygen supply branch. Accordingly, the torch is operable in a preheat/cutting mode wherein oxygen is directed through both the preheat and cutting oxygen apertures of a cutting nozzle. In addition, each of the fuel and oxygen flow valves is associated with a bypass channel which allows the torch to be operable in a fuel saving pilot mode wherein oxygen is directed through both the preheat and cutting oxygen apertures of a cutting nozzle.

Abstract: The valve body of a gas torch is provided with a combined preheat oxygen and cutting oxygen valve unit in which the respective valves are coaxially interengaged and mounted in a single bore provided therefor in the valve body. The preheat oxygen valve is rotatable relative to the bore to control the flow of preheat oxygen to the torch tip, and the cutting oxygen valve is axially displaceable relative to the preheat oxygen valve to control the flow of cutting oxygen to the torch tip. The preheat oxygen valve includes an operating knob by which the valve is rotated and which knob is disposed beneath a pivotal operating lever by which the cutting oxygen valve is operated.

Abstract: A novel cutting nozzle assembly for a postmixed oxygen-fuel gas torch is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a cylindrical shroud which surrounds and extends away from the gas discharge orifices in the gas discharge end of the cutting nozzle. The cylindrical shroud has the advantage of producing a tighter gas stream and of promoting a more thorough mixing of the preheat oxygen and the fuel gas to provide a hotter, more compact flame which produces a more parallel-sided cut through metal workpieces. The cutting tip therefore conserves metal as well as cutting gases. It also cuts faster than prior art postmixed cutting nozzles.

Abstract: A cart traveling on a track material in mounting a welding torch or cutting torch includes two drive apparatuses to transmit the drive power independently to left and right wheels. The cart can incorporate a magnet inside the cart body so as to be movable in a direction that the magnet comes close to and away from the track material. The cart may be formed with a sensor which allows the cart to cruse automatically.

Abstract: A fuel gas and preheat oxygen mixer for a gas torch comprises a bore in the torch head receiving a gas mixing insert having an axially thin peripheral gas mixing recess which receives preheat oxygen and fuel gas from corresponding manifold areas across radially thin metering passages. The gases are mixed in the mixing recess and delivered to the torch tip through delivery passages which, together with the mixing recess and metering passages provide gas flow paths having abrupt directional changes, all of which cooperatively resist flashbacks during use of the torch.

Abstract: A safety shut-off device is disclosed. The device is adapted for use with a gas welding apparatus, the apparatus having a torch handle and a supply of a pressurized combustion reagent. The safety shut-off device has a valving assembly that is adapted to be positioned between the torch handle and the supply of pressurized combustion reagent. The valving assembly is actuatable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the torch handle is operatively connected to the supply of pressurized combustion reagent. In the second state, the handle is operatively disconnected from the supply of pressurized combustion reagent. The valving assembly is biased towards the second state and actuatable from the first state to the second state substantially instantaneously. The safety shut-off device also has an actuating mechanism. At least a portion of the actuating mechanism is adapted to be positioned on the handle for being grasped by the user of the gas welding apparatus when the user grasps the handle.

Abstract: An improved oxygen blowing/fuel burner lance assembly for introducing, at selected times, a flow of oxygen and/or carbonaceous fuel material, such as fine-grained carbon or hydrocarbon gas (e.g., natural gas and the like), into an electric furnace vessel. The lance assembly includes a housing portion, a straight barrel having a first and connected to the housing portion and a second end connected to a lance tip. The lance tip includes a nozzle structure having at least one oxygen injection nozzle and at least one carbonaceous material injection nozzle which together define a burner assembly for dispensing a combined flow of carbonaceous fuel and oxygen from the lance which may be ignited to produce a flame for preheating a scrap charge in an electric furnace vessel.

Abstract: Solid-fueled torches, wherein the metallic material of a thermal lance provides the solid fuel for the torch flame, are ignited by a substantially self-contained igniter not requiring any source of electrical energy. These torches are particularly well-suited for specialized types of manual on-site cutting or welding. The igniter is designed to be activated by sudden exposure of a pyrophoric material (disposed within the sealed interior of the igniter) to a flow of substantially pure oxygen. The igniter can be either pre-attached to an ignitable tip of the thermal lance, followed by activation (the oxygen gas flows through the interior of the lance), or simply placed on a firm surface so that an ignitable tip of the thermal lance can be used to break the seal on the igniter and thereby introduce the flow of oxygen into the interior of the igniter.

Abstract: An igniter for an exothermic lance has an inner peripheral wall about the lance, the inner peripheral wall defining dual purpose teeth for centering the lance relative to the igniter and holding various lances of differing diameters. The teeth space the inner wall from the lance so as to form a flue between the inner wall and the lance. Outside the inner peripheral wall and concentric therewith is an outer peripheral wall thicker than the inner wall. A flammable substance is between the inner and outer walls, the flammable substance being more rapidly combustible than the inner wall and outer walls. A match head element at the fore end of the igniter is the mechanism to initiate combustion of the flammable substance, which can be a Thermit mixture. A gap between the match head element and the lance allows oxygen from the lance to enter the flue and accelerate lance ignition.

Abstract: A table and a gas-driven cutting apparatus are provided. The table supports a workpiece in a manner suitable for cutting of the workpiece by the gas-driven cutting apparatus. The table includes an open table top having a plurality of openings for receiving the forced hot gases and a plurality of distributed horizontally arranged contact points for supporting the workpiece. The openings are distributed throughout the table top independently of the cutting paths of the gas-driven cutting apparatus. The table further includes a ventilated stationary negative pressure, situated below the table top and coupled to each of the openings. The table may include a plurality of vertically arranged slats having longitudinal axes extending across the open table top. A plurality of horizontally extending members (e.g., having an inverted V-shape) may be placed between each pair of slats that extend across the open table top.

Abstract: A plasma arc can be employed to demolish a concrete structure at a high efficiency, while preventing a secondary problem due to noise, flying dust and chips, and the like. The concrete structure can be demolished by melting a surface of the concrete structure by generating a plasma arc from a plasma torch (15) of a plasma arc generator, mixing thermite powder (T) with a supply gas (Gc) for the plasma torch (15), directing the plasma arc at the surface of the concrete structure, and controlling the rate of supply of the thermite powder (T) to the plasma torch (15) in response to the operation of the plasma arc, including initiating and stopping the supply of the thermite powder (T) to the plasma torch (15) in a manner coordinated with the initiation and stoppage of the plasma arc, thereby controlling the heat generated by the thermite reaction, and melting the surface of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A metal scarfing apparatus having provision for controlling the scarfing depth of cut in separate areas across the width of the hot workpiece, to thereby compensate for the effects of temperature and/or quality variations and achieve a uniform surface. The apparatus comprises a gas distribution manifold having an internal gas distribution bore, and the bore communicates via a plurality of radial drillings with each of a plurality of scarfing units mounted to the manifold in a side-by-side arrangement. The bore in the manifold is divided into three chambers having separately controllable gas delivery systems, so as to permit independent control of the depth of cut in each of the width segments of the workpiece corresponding to the three bore chambers. Also, the central chamber of the bore is adjustable in length so as to accommodate workpieces of varying width.

Abstract: An attachment used with a cutting torch having a plurality of tubes extending between a handle portion and a head portion of the torch facilitates cutting of circular holes with the torch. The attachment includes a C-shaped support member having spaced bottom and top portions. A variety of center locating members may be secured one at a time by a set adjustment member to the bottom portion of the support member. A clamping member is rotatably mounted on a lower end of an actuating stem that extends through a vertical bore defined through the top portion of the support member. By turning the stem the clamping member is moved downward to clamp the tubes of the cutting torch between the clamping member and the bottom portion of the support member. The attachment is adapted to clamp onto a cutting torch having two or more tubes aligned in the same vertical plane or having three tubes arranged in a triangular configuration.

Abstract: A self-exhausting welding station includes a frame assembly with a generally rectangular platform frame mounted on legs. An exhaust system includes a filter cabinet mounted on the platform frame and including a series of filter panels which can be successively finer. A motorized fan is connected to a downstream side of the filter cabinet in communication with an outlet opening thereof for drawing an air flow through the filter cabinet and the filters mounted therein. A work area assembly is placed on top of the frame assembly over the filter cabinet and includes a work surface with slot perforations through which exhaust from welding operations and the like can be drawn downwardly by the exhaust system for passage through the filter cabinet wherein the exhaust gas is filtered prior to discharge.

Abstract: A lower block assembly for a thermochemical scarfing apparatus which comprises a base member and an extension releasably joined to the base member. The extension includes a continuous slot across its longitudinal length for delivering a stream of fuel gas onto the metal workpiece during the scarfing operation, and the base member and extension include a gas delivery system for delivering fuel gas to the slot at a substantially uniform rate along the entire longitudinal length of the slot and so as to achieve a uniform scarfing operation and a smooth scarfed surface across the width of the workpiece.

Abstract: An exothermic burning rod includes exothermic fuel members extending axially within an elongate, external tube. The exothermic fuel members include an essentially ferrous inner core provided with an outer aluminum coating. A gas passage extends internally within the tube adjacent the exothermic fuel members.

Abstract: A block assembly for a thermochemical scarfing apparatus which allows a greater diagonal standoff distance from the metal workpiece during preheating. The block assembly comprises a base member and an extension releasably joined to the base member, and the base member and extension include an internal network of gas distribution lines for separately delivering both oxygen and fuel gas to each of a plurality of discharge openings which are disposed in a longitudinal row along the front face of the extension. A nozzle insert is releasably mounted in each discharge opening, such that during preheating, the oxygen may be discharged from each discharge opening as a central high velocity stream and the fuel gas may be discharged as a concentric stream which coaxially surrounds the central stream, and so that the momentum of the central stream is maintained.

Abstract: A flame sensor of the present invention for use in a gas cutting apparatus is capable of directly measuring an electrical current flowing through a flame formed between the torch and the workpiece and includes a first terminal coupled to the torch; a second terminal coupled to the workpiece; and a sensing portion for detecting a current between the first and the second terminals, and generating a current sense signal.

Abstract: A cutting torch allows the preheat oxygen and fuel valves to remain in a preset position while the torch is off. The cutting torch has preheat oxygen and fuel cutoff valves mounted in line with the adjusting valves. The cutoff valves are both operated linearly, each having an axially moving plunger. An actuator simultaneously moves the cutoff valves between opened and closed positions. The actuator has a locking device to lock them in the opened and closed positions. A pilot flame igniter utilizes a piezoelectric crystal and a pilot fuel valve positioned side by side with parallel axes. An igniter actuator in a single stroke opens the pilot fuel valve and causes an electrical spark to ignite the pilot flame.

Abstract: An improvement for cutting torch tips of the type that include at least two orifices at the end of the tip connected to longitudinally extending channels. Two slanted surfaces sandwich a protruding guiding member that is cooperatively inserted inside the kerf being formed by the cutting flame. The guiding member keeps the tip from abruptly moving away from the kerf path and the slanted surfaces providing a smooth surface over which the user applies moderate sliding force for further steadying the cutting operation. In this matter complex cutting paths can be followed. The slanted surfaces can be curved to provide a degree of flexibility on the angle of the tip with respect to the surface of the material area being cut.

Abstract: A process for cutting very large solidified pools of metal and metallic structures by flame cutting by means of an improved burning bar is described. The cutting is conducted by a hot flame composed of very hot high pressure oxygen exiting from a burning bar packed with intermingled mild steel and aluminum rods. The hot flame or blast of oxygen melts and mobilizes the molten metal by creating a molten stream and jettisoned molten droplets and oxidized particles.

Abstract: A table and a gas-driven cutting apparatus are provided. The table supports a workpiece in a manner suitable for cutting of the workpiece by the gas-driven cutting apparatus. The table includes an open table top having a plurality of openings for receiving the forced hot gases and a plurality of distributed horizontally arranged contact points for supporting the workpiece. The openings are distributed throughout the table top independently of the cutting paths of the gas-driven cutting apparatus. The table further includes a ventilated stationary negative pressure, situated below the table top and coupled to each of the openings. The table may include a plurality of vertically arranged slats having longitudinal axes extending across the open table top. A plurality of horizontally extending members (e.g., having an inverted V-shape) may be placed between each pair of slats that extend across the open table top.

Abstract: An exothermic burning rod includes exothermic fuel members extending axially within an elongate, external tube. The exothermic fuel members include an essentially ferrous inner core provided with an outer aluminum coating. A gas passage extends internally within the tube adjacent the exothermic fuel members.

Abstract: Torch apparatus (20) for working a material comprises a mixer (28) with a central body (32) placed inside the inner space (30) of the mixer, and a torch tip (22) with a combustion chamber (24) and a nozzle (26). Fuel and oxidizer components are delivered into the mixer, mix with each other into a propellant and interact with the central body which includes a spark plug (60) in one of embodiments. The central body acts to control thermodynamic parameters of the propellant mixture to be set to fire from a spark discharge and burnt under high pressure, forming a supersonic high temperature gaseous jet acting upon the material. Also disclosed is a method in which the apparatus is to be implemented and comprising steps of providing a fuel and an oxidizer, mixing the fuel with the oxidizer, burning the propellant mixture under high pressure and forming a supersonic high temperature nonoverwidened gaseous jet out of products of combustion to act upon the material.