Abstract: A cutting torch arrangement is disclosed, including a thermal bar having a metal burner pipe with rod-like metal elements therein and gas passageways formed between these elements. A shroud/shield is disposed around the thermal bar, with an open shroud/shield end laterally spaced from the thermal bar. A spring-biased feeder assembly and shroud/shield biasing assembly is provided for yieldably urging the thermal bar forward within the shroud/shield and for retaining the shroud/shield against a target. A cluster arrangement of thermal bars is also provided.

Abstract: A cutting torch that obviates the tendency to bow because of unequal heating of tubes therewithin and, consequently, keeps its tip at the same relative angle with respect to the material being cut, characterized by the usual tip, head, body, barrel, oxygen and fuel flow control valves and cutting oxygen valve and having the improvement of having both the pre-heat tube and the cutting oxygen tube assembly sealingly connected to the head and only one of the pre-heat tube and the cutting oxygen tube assembly sealingly and rigidly connected to the body and the other thereof slidably engaging the body so as to permit body movement longitudinally thereof to compensate for differential expansion between the slowly cooled pre-heat tube with its slow flow of oxygen and fuel and the more rapidly cooled cutting oxygen tube assembly with its periodic rapid flow of cutting oxygen.

Abstract: A torch that can employ any of the gaseous welding fuels, even at low pressure, without sustained burning on flashback, characterized by the usual tip, head, body, barrel, oxygen and fuel flow control valves, cutting oxygen valve, cutting oxygen tube assembly and pre-heat tube interconnecting the body and the head and having the improvement of having the pre-heat tube include a diffuser, an outer tube section for conveying the fuel, an inner tube section for conveying the oxygen, a mixer having a mixer orifice that causes the oxygen to be passed therefrom in a high speed jet for aspirating a low pressure fuel into admixture therewith, and a spiral disposed immediately upstream and adjacent the mixer. The mixer has a frusto-conical nose section and operates in conjunction with the spiral to break up any combustion wave that occurs on flashback and dissipate the heat associated therewith, so there is no sustained burning even if a flashback does infrequently occur.

Abstract: A flame-cutting machine having a moving torch carriage includes a scrap-cutting arrangement which is mounted directly on the torch unit and is activated in accordance with the movement of the flame-cutting machine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved apparatus for removing fallen slag from beneath a flame cutting table. A three-sided scoop is positioned below the table. Co-acting guide members are mounted along the sides of the scoop and the table. Chains are fastened to each side of the scoop and extend around vertically positioned sprockets at opposite ends of the table. The chain is located below a portion of the table guide member for protection from falling slag and heat. A motor engages the sprockets to drag the scoop from one end of the table to the other. A tube fastened to the table is positioned for carrying the returning chain.

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.