With Waste Entrapping Fluid Patents (Class 266/49)
  • Patent number: 11858066
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser processing machine (11) with a laser processing head (12), with a support grate (16) that defines a support plane (A) for supporting a workpiece (8) to be processed, with a fluid supply device (21) and with a fluid removal device (31). The fluid supply device (21) and fluid removal device (31) are designed to generate a fluid flow (27) under the support plane (A) of the support grate (16). The fluid supply device (21) can be moved with the laser processing head (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Bystronic Laser AG
    Inventors: Heinz Oberholzer, Matthias Wüthrich
  • Patent number: 11589488
    Abstract: Disclosed is a warpage suppressing reflow oven, which comprises a reflow oven body, where a perforated steel plate circulating device comprising a perforated steel plate is disposed at a reflow-oven inner oven. A plurality of downdraft modules is arranged in the perforated steel plate, and the downdraft acting forces thereof face the upper panel. More than one air extractor is communicated with the plurality of downdraft modules via a plurality of pipelines. Under actuation of the air extractors, the downdraft modules generate downdraft acting forces to the bottom surfaces of the products, so that the products are flatly attached to the universal perforated carriers without warpage in a heat soldering process. Thereby, more uniform heating of the products and better contact of solder joints and effectively improving the yield of reflow soldering operations are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ABLEPRINT IECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Horng Horng, Hsu-Wen Wu, Chi-Chieh Lai
  • Patent number: 11103967
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a workpiece support for a machine tool having at least two parallel carriers which are spaced apart from one another, define a cutting grate space and multiple cutting grate elements arranged in the cutting grate space at right angles to the carriers. Each carrier has a support area for the cutting grate elements extending towards the cutting grate space. At least two cutting grate elements, each having two support surfaces facing the carriers for resting on the support areas of the two carriers. The undersides of the at least two cutting grate elements remaining next to the support surfaces in the area of the support areas and are set back from the support surfaces so that the at least two cutting grate elements rest only with the support surfaces. The at least two cutting grate elements each have two fixing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Bystronic Laser AG
    Inventors: Ueli Lanz, Christian Kähr
  • Patent number: 10875130
    Abstract: A scrap cutting apparatus including an enclosure comprising two open sides, two closed sides, an open bottom, and a closed top, wherein at least one opening is provided in at least one of closed sides, at least one torch extending through the at least one opening, and a rail system comprising two parallel rails, wherein the enclosure is adapted to move along the rail system. Also, a method of cutting metal scrap including positioning a plurality of pieces of scrap material between the rails of the scrap cutting apparatus described above, moving the enclosure over a first piece of scrap material, making at least one cut in the first piece of scrap material using the at least one torch, moving the enclosure along the rail system and over a second piece of scrap material, and making at least one cut in the second piece of scrap material using the torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: TMS International Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy G Schutz, Joseph H. Jung
  • Patent number: 9945499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an interlocking pipe obtained by easily and precisely shaping a pipe with a circular cross section or with the edges of the cross section nearly forming a circle in a non-loose manner, so as to provide excellent machining performance when the interlocking pipe is cut off and provide excellent operation efficiency for the apparatus itself. A metal band plate is helically wound onto a core member with a circular cross section or with the edges of the cross section nearly forming a circle. Clamping device is freely assembled at a front end of the code member in a detachable and switchable manner, and synchronously rotate in accordance with instructions from a main computing-controlling member, so as to prevent the metal band plate from being loosened, thereby to manufacture the interlocking pipe efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SHOWA RASENKAN SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norifusa Suzuki, Ryouichi Fukabori
  • Patent number: 9175938
    Abstract: A breaching device for non-explosively cutting through a substrate, such as the leg of an offshore oil platform or other large cylinder from within the leg or large cylinder. The device includes a ring and a plurality of Reactive Material (RM) feed assemblies. Each RM feed assembly is arranged around the ring and includes an extendible nozzle. Each RM feed assembly includes a cavity that may contain RM that when ignited exits the nozzle. The nozzles are spring loaded and arranged to extend toward the inner surface of the substrate to be cut when the ring is rotated and/or oscillated. This arrangement results in a substantially uniform cut of the substrate from within with much less danger, material, equipment and cost than is currently required to remove large water-based structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventors: Darrel Barnette, Eric Bleicken
  • Patent number: 8679399
    Abstract: A device for either or both of metal cutting and metal welding. The device is configured to a standard service side arm and other guns and/or other types of tools to cut and/or weld metals for the purposes of breaching and welding metals in a range of applications, including in air and underwater, without degrading the primary purposes of the gun or other tools. In one embodiment, the device includes a reactive material cartridge and a nozzle adapted for attachment to a muzzle. In another embodiment, the device includes a muzzle-loading tube including the reactive material and a nozzle configured to shape the reactive material exiting the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Eric Bleicken, Darrel Barnette, David Byron
  • Patent number: 8574487
    Abstract: A cutting machine includes a suction duct that is movable with a cutting head of the cutting machine, using a common drive. The suction duct is disposed beneath the workpiece support and coupled to the motion unit supporting the cutting head so that it moves with the motion unit while an opening of the suction duct remains positioned below the cutting head during a cutting operation. The suction duct removes cutting debris and dust, and protects underlying machine components from beam damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Trumpf, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonid Zeygerman
  • Patent number: 8034282
    Abstract: A thermal energy machining (“TEM”) machine is designed with interchangeable components for processing different sized parts within a single frame. The frame weldment includes a base, an upper mounting plate and intermediate mounting plates. In one embodiment, a TEM machine for processing short parts includes a ram cylinder directly secured to the base, a chamber spacer directly secured to the upper mounting plate and a thermal chamber directly secured to the chamber spacer. In another embodiment, a TEM machine for processing long parts includes a thermal chamber directly secured to the upper mounting plate, a ram spacer directly secured to the base, and a ram cylinder directly secured to the ram spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Edmond Loretta
  • Patent number: 7985369
    Abstract: A downdraft exhaust cutting and shuttle table mechanism includes a cutting area and a loading area, which includes first and second elongated, horizontally disposed cutting tables which are shuttled into and out of a cutting area which includes a material cutting assembly positioned therein, the shuttle table mechanism including horizontal and vertical table movement devices which are operative to move the first and second cutting tables forwards and backwards between the cutting area and a loading area generally adjacent thereto and a vertical table movement device operative to move the first and second cutting tables upwards and downwards, the vertical and horizontal table movement devices cooperating to move each of the first and second cutting tables from a loading position generally horizontally forwards into the cutting area for cutting of material mounted thereon then generally horizontally backwards into the loading area to a position generally underneath the other of the cutting tables which has been
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Owen Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Crees, Michael J. Jordan, Larry L. Minter
  • Patent number: 7749427
    Abstract: A consumable thermal torch for cutting through materials includes a first elongated generally cylindrical member adapted to receive an associated supply of oxygen into a first end and react with the oxygen at a second end. A second member has a hollow profiled similarly adapted to receive an associated supply of oxygen into a first end and react with the oxygen at a second end. The second member is received radially within the first member and is substantially axially coextensive therewith. At least one first gas flow passage is formed radially between the second member and the first member. At least one second gas flow passage is formed within the hollow profile of the second member and extends from the first end of the second member to the second end of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: P.C. Campana, Inc.
    Inventor: Patsie C. Campana, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7682555
    Abstract: A suction cart suctions away the gases and dust produced during flame cutting processes and catches the scrap metal produced. The suction cart can travel underneath the flame cutting bench and is outfitted with at least one suction pipe, which emerges into a suction duct, is configured so that it is able to handle the disposal work for materials located underneath the flame cutting bench. A cleaning blade or rake is arranged on the suction cart, the cleaning blade or rake being able to be lifted and lowered onto the floor underneath the flame cutting bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lufttechnik Horst Ludscheidt KG
    Inventor: Heinz-Josef Annas
  • Patent number: 7641741
    Abstract: A fixture includes an enlarged plate having slots in an upper surface, and support members are secured to the plate at the slots. The fixture is utilized to machine parts that are initially flame-cut from a large plate/sheet of hot-roll steel. A plurality of notches are flame-cut into the perimeter of the part. The support members engage the flame-cut slots to secure the part to the plate for machining a first side of the part. Precision notches are machined into the part, and precisely-shaped protrusions on the support members are closely received in the precision notches to precisely locate the part for further machining on a second side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Patent number: 7560064
    Abstract: A downdraft cutting table assembly includes a cutting table having a top surface for supporting a workpiece, and first and second side wall assemblies for supporting the top surface. The cutting table is comprised of table sections. First and second rail assemblies are mounted to the side wall assemblies for mounting a cutting torch assembly, which moves along the rail assemblies for cutting the workpiece. Partitions defining ventilation zones extend beneath the top surface. An exhaust duct having a vent associated with a ventilation zone is included for exhausting fumes produced when cutting the workpiece proximal to the ventilation zone. A pivoting door assembly having a door and an arm assembly is included for covering the vent. The arm assembly is actuated by the cutting torch assembly and pivots the door open, allowing the fumes to be drawn into the exhaust duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Owen Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Crees, John R. Sunderman, Larry L. Minter
  • Patent number: 7431776
    Abstract: A slag-removal system for a cutting table includes a pair of drive members arranged in spaced endless loops extending parallel to a longitudinal direction, with a slag plow connected between the drive members, each loop having a lower run and an upper run spaced above the lower run. The slag plow is carried along the lower runs as the drive members are rotated, such that the plow scrapes slag from the support surface beneath the table. As the drive members continue to rotate in the same direction, the plow is carried along the upper runs of the drive members back to its starting location for another slag-removal cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: The Esab Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James O'Neal Creel, Jr., Rufus Randolph Brown, II
  • Patent number: 7045022
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and process for removing adherent molten metal from a surface by applying a non-wetting agent for the metal to the surface or to the adherent molten metal. The non-wetting agent may be a pressurized fluid or applied by a pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Excera Materials Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Breslin, Andrew C. Strange, Michael E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7011789
    Abstract: A scraper removes debris from under a work table, particularly slag resulting from cutting of metal. A pair of parallel tracks extends along opposite sides of a collection area under the table. A blade carriage is carried on the tracks and driven between forward and rearward positions. A pair of arm assemblies are connected to opposite sides of the blade and pivotally mounted to the carriage for moving the blade between a scraping position and a retracted position. A forward notch on each of the tracks is contacted by the arm assembly after reaching the forward position to cause the arm to move the blade from the scraping position to the retracted position during rearward movement. A rearward notch on each of the tracks is contacted by the arm assembly after reaching the rearward position and commencing forward movement to cause the arm to move the blade from the retracted position to the scraping position. The carriage is moved by continuous cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Bowlin Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Bobby P. Bowlin, Paul D. Bowlin
  • Patent number: 6761776
    Abstract: A torch cutter exhaust system has a torch and an exhaust shroud at least partially encircling a discharge tip of the torch and mounted to the torch for movement therewith. The shroud is a crescent-shaped enclosure having an intake port and an output port. A table is located beneath the torch to support a material while the material is being cut by the torch. A gantry, movably mounted to the table, supports the torch and exhaust shroud. A duct, mounted to the gantry, connects the exhaust shroud with a flexible exhaust hose located alongside the table. The output end of the hose connects to a vacuum source to create low pressure near the discharge tip of the torch. The input end of the exhaust hose moves in unison with the gantry. The exhaust hose is supported by a wheel assembly that moves in response to the motion of the gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Paul B. Bowlin, Bobby P. Bowlin
  • Patent number: 6758875
    Abstract: A robotic welding station cleaning assembly (10) for removing particulates from an air-filled chamber surrounding a welding robot (12). A frame (14) is positioned about the robot (12) and includes a top (20) defining an opening (26) therein. A shield (28) is supported by the frame (14) to define the robot chamber. A spark arrestor (48) is supported on the frame (14) for controlling sparks created by welding. A blower housing (30) having an inlet (27) is disposed immediately above and in direct fluid communication with the opening (26) to move air from the chamber to the blower housing (30). The frame (14) includes a separate support stand (32) for supporting the blower housing (30) on the top (20) of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Great Lakes Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Kenneth Reid, John Robert Reid
  • Patent number: 6387320
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Poulin, Jacques Poulin
  • Patent number: 6342687
    Abstract: A portable laser processing module is adapted to be quickly and easily independently interfaced between a stationary exhaust docking station for fume extraction during in-office use and a portable air processing module for fume extraction during field use. A passageway in the housing connects the work area to an exhaust port which communicates with an inlet port in the docking station or the portable air processing module and ultimately to a blower unit in a facility or in an internal compartment in the portable air processing module which maintains a negative pressure in the work area for removal of fumes, debris, particulates, and contaminants therefrom. Guides are receivable in recesses between the laser processing module and the docking station or portable air processing module for guiding the module thereon, and a gasket seals the exhaust port and inlet port when the module is supported on the docking station or the portable air processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yefim P. Sukhman, Christian J. Risser, Stanfano J. Noto, James W. Rabideau
  • Patent number: 6165410
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Missouri Valley Steel Company
    Inventors: Craig A. Crees, Floyd C. Egdorf, Robert S. Jacobsen, Mike J. Jordan, David R. Lindgren, Steven A. Mathieson, Douglas G. Milner, Larry L. Minter, John R. Sunderman
  • Patent number: 6126890
    Abstract: An in-line material handling system wherein workpieces (P) are transported through the system in pallet baskets (10). The handling system includes a loading station (55, 208) a processing station (84, 210) for treating the workpieces (P) and a discharge station (124, 212) for receiving the treated workpieces (P) from the processing station (84, 210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: WCBM
    Inventor: Harry E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6039915
    Abstract: A burn table includes a slag removal apparatus operably mounted beneath the flame cutting table and between a pair of spaced apart vertical panels which support the flame cutting table. The slag removal apparatus includes a blade mounted on a support frame, the support frame extending between the vertical panels and moveable between the panels from one end of the burn table to the other. A drive motor is mounted on the frame to drive the frame forwardly and rearwardly, and thereby push the blade along the floor to scrape slag from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Missouri Valley Steel Company
    Inventors: Larry L. Minter, Greg L. Parham
  • Patent number: 5811055
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Michael B. Geiger
  • Patent number: 5560887
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Industrial Environmental Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter J. Roy, Michael R. Nesta
  • Patent number: 5511764
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: A. A. Doerr Mercantile Co.
    Inventor: Charles M. Wonsetler
  • Patent number: 5435525
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventors: Peter J. Roy, Michael R. Nesta
  • Patent number: 5280883
    Abstract: Installation for cutting scrap iron by oxygen cutting.characterised in that it furthermore comprises a pit in the form of a channel filled with water disposed beneath the cutting bench, which cutting bench comprises holes in order to allow cutting slag to fall directly into the water in the pit, and in that the cutting zone, in particular the torches thereof, is completely housed inside a large leaktight container internally provided with at least one suction hood for evacuating the vapors, brown smoke and dust emitted during the cutting operation.The installation is connected to a unit for treating the smoke, for dust removal and for denitrification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Solomat S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Henri Ibar
  • Patent number: 5167903
    Abstract: A tray having a bottom wall and upstanding spaced side walls and spaced end walls around the periphery of the bottom wall for use in water table for cutting a metal plate. An edge rail is located parallel to each side wall and is attached to the bottom wall of the tray. Each edge rail has spaced slots for receiving the opposite ends of removable support bars to locate the support bars in the tray. Removable support bars are located in the tray with their opposite ends in the slots in the edge rails. Each removable support bar has an upper edge with spaced upstanding lugs to support a metal plate to be cut into parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Harry E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5013884
    Abstract: A water table for a thermal-cutting machine, especially for processing aluminum, with an underwater plasma-based cutting system, with a surface that is immersed in a tank of water and that supports the material, and with a device for raising and lowering the level of the water. The inner surfaces of the side walls of the water tank slope in below the surface that supports the material. A forwarding gutter extends along the bottom of the tank and accommodates an apron-type conveyor. The upper strand of the conveyor extends through the front wall of the tank and up through a water-tight duct to a container that accommodates the coarser particles. A sludge trough is positioned below the gutter at the end that the bottom strand of the conveyor travels toward. A device for raising and lowering the level of the water includes an inflatable cushion located in the tank and under the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Wegman & Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Hans J. Hahn
  • Patent number: 4986515
    Abstract: A water table with a work support arrangement for a metal workplate for use with a burning machine. The water table includes a water-holding tank, a frame positioned in the top of the tank, and a cutting gantry carrying a burning machine with is movable relative to the tank. First and second support gantries are mounted on opposite sides of the cutting gantry. Each support gantry carrries a movable plate support mechanism comprising a cantilever arm with an electromagnet for contacting the upper surface of a workplate. Intermediate plate support members for contacting the lower surface of a workplate positioned on the frame. The two plate support mechanisms may be moved to contact the upper surface of the workplate, and control means are provided for moving the plate support mechanisms relative to the cutting path of the burning machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Harry E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4930756
    Abstract: A burn table suitable for supporting a workpiece during cutting is disclosed. The burn table comprises a fluid tank for providing a preselected fluid level and a bed of granular material, an upper surface of which supports a workpiece at a preselected distance from the level of the fluid. The granular material is diamagnetic and generally noncombustible. A chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid residing in the tank along with means for introducing into and exhausting from the chamber a gas. Raising or lowering the fluid level in the tank occurs by, respectively, introducing into or exhausting gas from the chamber. A guide rail attached to the tank and a smoothing bar are provided to screed or level the surface of the bed of granular material which supports the workpiece. In addition, the smoothing bar includes an electromagnet permitting slag formed during the cutting process to be removed during leveling of the granular material bed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: William N. Brenneke
  • Patent number: 4887797
    Abstract: A slag flushing and water level control system for the burn tank of a metal cutting apparatus utilizes a pair of separate water displacement chambers disposed in the tank below an inclined slag-collecting intermediate floor section. Water is displaced from one chamber by compressed air and caused to flow over the upper edge of the inclined floor and cascade downwardly thereover, carrying with it the slag deposited thereon. The water used in flushing the floor is collected in the second displacement chamber and subsequently displaced therefrom by air pressure to fill the burn tank and raise the level therein to a selected operating level. After completion of the cutting operation, sequential relief of the air pressure in the first and second chambers allows appropriate volumes of water to return thereto for a subsequent cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Messer Griesheim Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Karow
  • Patent number: 4797528
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for cutting and gouging a workpiece wherein solely a vacuum is used as the operative molten metal removal force. Isolating the atmosphere surrounding the arc as it melts the workpiece while evacuating the atmosphere as the melting proceeds thus facilitating a better cut or gouge with lower process generated noise and removal of process generated fume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Arcair Company
    Inventors: Paul E. Moore, Jeffrey S. Henderson, Lawrence R. Soisson, Andrew J. Toth
  • Patent number: 4776571
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a material handling system including a loading conveyor, a material processing conveyor, a cutting instrument, and a water table operably associated with the material processing conveyor. The material processing conveyor includes an endless belt having first and second sprocket chains and a plurality of support members extending therebetween. The ends of the support members are connected to the corresponding sprocket chains via U-shaped connectors. The water table is maintained in the storage position while the processing conveyor is operating. Once movement of the processing conveyor has ceased, the water table is raised to an operating position so that the by-products of the cutting operation will be collected therein. The U-shaped connectors receive the side walls of the water table E. The U-shaped connectors obviate the need for elaborate end wall systems which are extremely expensive and time consuming to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Bath Iron Works Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Lougee
  • Patent number: 4758284
    Abstract: In a cutting system, a cutting system receptacle device and method of using it for receiving a cutting jet emerging from a work piece being cut, as well as receiving and retaining waste materials or debris. A cutting system receptacle device includes a generally hollow opened-top container, partially filled with a fluid such as water, for receiving and absorbing, at least partially, the heat and energy of the impinging waste materials. A diverter on the inside bottom wall of the receptacle, separates the flow of excess material into two substantially symmetrical, side-by-side, interior chambers of the receptacle. A plurality of deflectors, direct upwardly flowing streams within the receptacle, back downwardly therewithin, for causing them to be retained therewithin. A stand pipe maintains the level of the fluid inside the receptacle device at a predetermined optimal height for a given cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Thomas W. Todd
  • Patent number: 4598761
    Abstract: A gas cutting machine for cutting a cast strand includes a torch and is movable downward together with a cut portion of the cast strand. In the neighborhood of the torch is located a movable hood which is movable in synchronism with vertical lifting operation of the gas cutting machine, and an expansible sludge discharge pipe and an expansible suction duct communicated with a suction blower are mounted on the movable hood. A divisional dummy bar is utilized and includes an upper and lower divisional dummy bar, and a connector for connecting the divisional dummy bars together. The connector comprises an upper member and a lower member, the upper member having in its inner cavity a pair of levers pivotally supported on lever shafts and the lever havign a locking roller at the lower end thereof. The lower member includes a hooking head held by a pair of locking rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Ishihara, Kazuya Minami, Shuntaro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4583718
    Abstract: A nozzle for the cutting beard removal where by means of additional heat supply the beard is liquified and blown away by the kinetic energy of a gas jet are formed by an upper and a lower nozzle plate with fuel gas discharge openings and an oxygen slot formed between them which is feeding an ever increasing quantity of oxygen at its longitudinal ends. This is reached by the oxygen slot forming the discharge end of a cone emerging from a distribution chamber enlarged in its longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Aute Gesellschaft fur autogene Technik mbH
    Inventor: Horst K. Lotz
  • Patent number: 4524955
    Abstract: A burning table including numerous upright copper support cylinders carried on a load-bearing steel grid to form a horizontal work surface. A high water level provides rapid cooling of the cylinders as the burning tool moves along the surface supported workpiece and eliminates pollution by quickly disintegrating slag. Individual cylinders are reversible in the grid for extended life, and damaged cylinders are easy and inexpensive to replace. The support cylinders are crowded on the grid for complete support of even relatively small parts. A hopper-shaped pan collects slag, and a vibrator causes the slag to move into a collection bin for quick and convenient removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Peter W. Boardman
  • Patent number: 4478393
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for thermally cutting rectangular metal slabs along a longitudinal axis of the slab. A metal slab is conveyed along a predetermined path of travel while it is being cut by, for example, an oxygen-flame cutting machine. The means for conveying the metal slab comprises a plurality of rollers transversely disposed relative to the path of travel and the cutting machine is arranged above the conveying means and between two of the rollers. The slag created by the cutting is collected and conveyed by a slag duct disposed below the conveying means. Pursuant to the invention, the slag duct extends from between the two rollers adjacent the cutting machine along an axis transverse to the path of travel. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the side edges of the metal slab are sensed and the cutting machine is transversely aligned relative to the path of travel in accordance with the sensed locations of the side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Mannesmann Demag AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Komma, Dietmar Lohse
  • Patent number: 4475719
    Abstract: A flame cutting machine for cutting a workpiece comprises at least one cutting torch which is movable transversely with respect to the workpiece feed direction and which is adjustable in respect of operating height. Operatively associated with the torch is a length measuring means for measuring the relative movement as between the machine and the workpiece, to measure a given length of workpiece to be severed. The measuring means includes a measuring wheel which runs against the surface of the workpiece. The machine has a vertically movable support plate which on its front or upstream side, carries a sound and heating insulating hood, within which the tip of the torch is disposed. The measuring wheel is arranged on the rearward or downstream side of the support plate. Cooling systems are provided in various forms, together with a simplified system for feeding gas to the torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Aute Gesellschaft fuer autogene Technik mbH
    Inventor: Horst K. Lotz
  • Patent number: 4453702
    Abstract: At least one water table adapted for use with a burning machine in combination with a conveyor to remove slag from the water table. The water table has an open top water tank with a dump frame located at the top and burning bars supported on the dump frame to form a metal cutting table. The dump frame may be tilted relative to the water tank and the level of water in the water tank may be varied. The conveyor has an open top trough adjacent to the water table and a conveyor extends substantially throughout the length of the trough to receive slag from the dump frame when the dump frame is tilted. A cover is located at the top of the trough and is pivotally attached to the dump frame on the water table so that it may be tilted. A seal is carried on the exterior of the cover and extends between the cover and the trough to prevent water from passing into the trough when the water level in the water tank is raised to cut metal supported on the burning bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Inventors: Harry E. Anderson, Raymond E. Heasley
  • Patent number: 4441934
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for absorbing and exhausting efficiently dust (oxide particles), fumes, smoke, harmful gases and the like generated by plasma-arc cutting. The lower space of a fixed board for supporting the material which is cut is divided by plural partition plates to the direction crossing at right angles with the driving direction of the cutting machine body, an absorbing hood connected with a dust collector through a duct is installed and fixed to the cutting machine body in order to exhaust from the side of partition space corresponding to the plasma-arc cutting torch, fumes in each partition space at every position of cutting at the shortest distance and efficiently by making the absorbing hood move together with the movement of the cutting machine body. A reduction of the dust collector's capacity and a simplification of the accessory equipment are possible and cost reduction of the equipment for exhausting smoke including dust, fumes and the like in the plasma-arc cutting machine is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Koike Sanso Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masamichi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 4405382
    Abstract: During the flame cutting of a workpiece, a slag bead is produced and is removed by a scarfing burner directed only towards the cut surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Baier, Alfred Lucht, Gerhard Munch, Alfred Pfeuffer
  • Patent number: 4390167
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a torch-cutting slag of a slab, wherein a cutting tool mount vertically and rotatably controllable is transversely racked beneath a conveying roller table for conveying the slab fusion-cut to a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the conveying roller table, and cutting tools for cutting the torch-cutting slag of the slab are provided at least at positions symmetrical with each other along the longitudinal outer surfaces of the cutting tool mount. The cutting tools for cutting the torch-cutting slag are constituted by a plurality of cutting tools arranged in succession from the center of the forward portion, i.e., the input side, to opposite sides of the rear portion of the cutting tool mount, the cutting tools are gradually increased in the level of projection from the forward portion to the rear portion on the cutting tool mount and are resiliently supported on the cutting tool mount through springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Ito, Sadayuki Saito, Kazuya Higuchi
  • Patent number: 4366950
    Abstract: Gas cutting of a plate material such as of stainless steel or stainless-clad steel is efficiently carried out by advancing a cutting torch along a mild steel bead formed on the material by melting thereon mild steel using a welding torch. When the material preheated in advance is burnt by directing a jet of oxygen thereto, the mild steel bead on the material effects to elevate the combustion temperature, thereby allowing refractory slag produced in cutting to be fused and blown off by virtue of the jet of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignees: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & Industry
    Inventor: Masanobu Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 4358091
    Abstract: A device for the removal of waste products created during the thermal separation of materials by use of a foam. The device consists of a reservoir having a working grate in its upper portion to hold the material to be cut and an inlet and outlet in the lower portion of the reservoir. Means for feeding foam into the reservoir are connected to the inlet. The outlet is connected to a terminal which has an opening permitting foam to flow from the reservoir and form a protective mantle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Vitkovice, Unicovske strojirny, koncernovy podnik
    Inventor: Milan Talanda
  • Patent number: 4345744
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed for working or machining flat workpieces which comprises, a frame, a flame cutter connected to the frame for directing a cutting flame or jet to one side of a workpiece which penetrates the workpiece, a mechanism for moving the workpiece past the jet and a cooling unit for receiving the flame after it has penetrated the workpiece. The cooling equipment includes an opening space for receiving the flame and a device for circulating coolant into the opening space so that the coolant can cool the flame and absorb particles, vapors and gases generated by the cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Trumpf GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Berthold Leibinger, Hans Klingel
  • Patent number: 4341374
    Abstract: A water table and submersible conveyor system for use with an in-line material handling system, particularly a system in which the work is processed by burning, is disclosed. The water table includes opposing end walls whose top portions each define a substantially rectangular opening to accommodate a conveyor carrying a workpiece and end doors for sealing the openings having vertical slots with resilient seals mounted therein for engaging and effecting a watertight closure about sealable links of the conveyor. The water level in the water table can be raised to submerge and protect the conveyor beneath the workpiece during the burning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Anderson Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Seelinger