Abstract: A plasma computer numerically controlled (CNC) cutting machine is controlled by a computer s. In an embodiment, the computer executes a CNC program to control movement of a plasma torch to cut parts from a workpiece while a spectrometer determines emissions spectra of light emitted in a brief time window as the torch begins to cut the workpiece. The spectrometer cooperates with the computer to analyze the metal as it is being cut by the CNC cutting machine and determine a composition. In embodiments, the composition is compared to an expected composition and saved in a database with identifying information; in a particular embodiment the database is queried to provide identifying information of metal having similar composition to the workpiece.

Abstract: A system for characterizing manual welding exercises and providing valuable training to welders that includes components for generating, capturing, and processing data. The data generating component further includes a fixture, workpiece, at least one calibration device having at least two point markers integral therewith, and a welding tool. The data capturing component further includes an imaging system for capturing images of the point markers and the data processing component is operative to receive information from the data capturing component and perform various position and orientation calculations.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an external surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing a fluid dispenser and an abrasion assembly on a buggy that travels up and down the length of the tubular as the tubular rotates. The fluid dispenser includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluids onto the tubular's external surface. The abrasion assembly includes a swivel brush and a brush train providing different styles of abrasion cleaning of the tubular's external surface. Preferred embodiments include robotically monitoring abrader contact against the external surface of the tubular, and, in response, dynamically adjusting the distance between the external surface of the tubular and the abrasion assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a tissue resection guide that includes a central body, a first flange and a second flange, the flanges having first and second guide surfaces, respectively, suitable for use in tissue resection. Each guide surface lies on a cutting plane, both planes intersecting interior to the flanges. In the embodiments described, the availability of two cutting planes ensures resections in more than one plane are possible. As a result, bone segments can be removed via a cut on two planes without the need to cut across an entire section of bone on one plane. In some embodiments, an opening exists between the first flange and the second flange to ensure that each resection overlaps. In other aspects of the invention, systems and methods of use for the tissue resection guide are described.

Abstract: An insert is provided for insertion through an opening in the surface of a conduit, the insert comprising an insert body having first and second open ends defining an axis of flow therebetween. The insert further comprises a valve flap connected to the insert body. The valve flap is moveable between a closed position in which it creates a closure, thereby preventing flow along said axis, and an open position in which the valve flap allows flow along the axis. The valve flap is arranged so that, when in the open position, it is substantially U-shaped in side cross-section and is oriented with respect to the insert body so that said U-shape arches over the axis of flow.

Abstract: A device for orientating a sensor probe relative to the local normal vector of a work surface, the device comprising: a frame, a moving support element linked to the frame and able to slide in a predetermined direction, a sensor probe able to pivot on an axis of rotation not parallel to the predetermined direction relative to a point of articulation of the support element, pressure means able to move and generate a force on the moving support element in predetermined direction so as to press the sensor probe against the work surface, in which the sensor probe comprising a single convex external sensing surface suitable for being placed in contact with the work surface, the sensing surface having a single equilibrium contact point, the equilibrium contact point being the point on the sensing surface closest to the point of articulation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a one-step groove forming device and method for oblique crossing of reducing pipe fittings. The forming device is composed of a plurality of clamping components (1) and at least one marking component (2), the clamping components (1) are movably connected and can be fixedly connected, and at least one clamp (3) is arranged on the clamping component (1); the marking component (2) comprises a probe (4) and a marking knife (5) fixed on the probe, one end of the probe (4) is provided with a pinhead (6), and the marking component (2) is used in concert with the plurality of clamping components (1). The forming device of the present invention can realize one-step groove forming for oblique crossing of pipe fittings with different diameters at any angle.

Abstract: A field portable pipe-mounted pipe cutting system with integral controls. The system includes a torch carriage assembly having a torch for cutting a cylindrical pipe. A saddle and cap ring assembly is secured to the pipe. A ring gear engages the saddle and cap ring. At least one drive gear engages the ring gear. A drive gear step motor rotates the drive gear. A motion control module controls movement of the step drive motor. The lead screw assembly moves the torch carriage assembly longitudinally parallel to an axis of the pipe. A lead screw step drive motor drives the lead screw assembly and a motion control module controls movement of the lead screw step drive motor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for attachment to a pipe cutter having a saddle portion is disclosed comprising a first member suitable for mounting to the saddle portion, a second member suitable for mounting to a pipe and a pivoting joint to pivotally connect first member to second member. In another embodiment, an apparatus for attachment to a pipe cutter having a saddle portion is disclosed comprising a first member suitable for mounting to the saddle portion, a second member suitable for mounting to a pipe, a pivoting joint to pivotally connect first member to second member, pipe mounting means to securely mount second member to said pipe, angle adjustment means and at least one fastener to securely fasten first member to the saddle portion of the pipe cutter.

Abstract: A bevel head apparatus includes tilt, rotation, and vertical positioning with a cutting torch of a numerically controlled plate cutting machine. The apparatus has a back panel that attaches to the cutting machine and provides vertical movement of the cutting torch, a drive box coupled with the back panel houses electronics and mechanical components, an arm coupled to the drive box provides rotational movement of the cutting torch, and a pantograph coupled with the arm provides tilt movement to the cutting torch attached to the pantograph. Tilt, rotation, and vertical positioning of the cutting torch is controlled by the electronics and mechanical components. The bevel head apparatus also include a laser for measuring distance to determine and control a height of the cutting torch above the flat plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully rotatable swivel attachment tip for a cutting torch over a broad radius range. The tip comprises two selectable fixed angle members that, in combination allow orientation of the cutting tip precisely where the operator desires. In addition to the variability of the first and second angles of the first and second angle members, the length of the attachment between the first and second selectable angles may be variable and selectable by the operator to facilitate orientation of the cutting tip and the cutting flame supported and directed thereon. Thus, the cutting tip is thus rotatable along two axes and in two dimensions and is capable of circumscribing a partial sphere of varying diameter.

Abstract: A steel coil cutting apparatus that overcomes these and other problems has an automated arm having a free end. At least two cutting heads are attached to the free end of the automated arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling fabrication of accurate angular cuts in a pipe includes a first fixture adapted to be clamped on a pipe and adjusted relative to the pipe so as to define a substantially planar surface aligned with a desired cut angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the pipe and a second fixture adapted to mount a cutting torch and enable sliding the mounted cutting torch on the planar surface defined by the first fixture and relative to the pipe such that the torch can fabricate a cut in the pipe at the desired cut angle.

Abstract: A circle cutting device that is particularly useful for cutting openings through pipe and round vessels and may also be utilized for cutting circular openings through flat material. The device utilizes a conventional oxygen acetylene cutting torch or plasma cutter and also may be angled to provide a means for bevel cutting circular openings at a desired angle. The device is portable and easily used in field operations by a craftsman.

Abstract: A tube fin trimming machine adapted for clamping and cutting elongated finned structures, such as finned tubes. The trimming machine includes an elongated main frame having at least one guideway, support means attached to the baseplate and adapted for supporting the finned structure a carriage unit longitudinally movable relative to the main frame and guideway, and at least one cutting torch unit movably mounted on the carriage unit. Each cutting torch is mounted above an elongated fin and is moved both longitudinally and laterally relative to the fin, so as to provide a desired elongated tapered shape for the fin. This invention also includes a method for operation of the fin trimming machine to perform desired trimming operations on elongated finned structures, such as finned tubes.

Abstract: Spacers for supporting an arcuate saddle in concentric relation with respect to each of three specifically different sizes of pipe wherein a plurality of spacers are connected to the saddle and disposed radially between the saddle and one of the pipes, each spacer being a spacer having a width, length and height corresponding exactly to the three incremental spaces which are to be provided between the saddle and the three specifically different sizes of pipe, respectively, in order to achieve concentricity, all of the spacers being connectible to the saddle in a first orientation where the width dimension of the spacers is disposed radially between the saddle and a first size of pipe, all of the spacers being connectible to the saddle in a second orientation where the length dimension of the spacers is disposed radially between the saddle and a second size of pipe, all of the spacers being connectible to the saddle in a third orientation where the height dimension of the spacers is disposed radially between t

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a cruciform shaped radioactive control rod into three separate cut sections, the cruciform shaped radioactive control rod being of the type having four substantially equidistantly spaced sheaths extending from and along a large portion of the length thereof, each sheath containing at least one radioactive rod, and a velocity limiter at one end thereof, the apparatus including a first cutting device for cutting the velocity limiter away from the remainder of the control rod to form a first one of the cut sections; and a second cutting device for simultaneously cutting the remainder of the control rod along the lengthwise direction thereof and substantially transverse to the first cutting device, to form two chevron shaped sections as the remaining two of the cut sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically controlling the flame cutting and/or connection welding of workpieces. The difficulty encountered during the mechanized burning of holes in vessels, containers or tanks and the welding of connecting members into these holes is that the cutting and welding apparatus need to be guided in such a way that not only do they not contact the surface of the vessel, container or tank, but they are also kept a fixed distance from this surface. Therefore, control of the cutting and/or welding process is effected in conformity with the actual dimensions of the workpiece that is being worked on. In particular, this control is undertaken in conformity with the circumferential line of the hole for a given connecting member, and also in conformity with the curved surface of the vessel, container or tank. The peripheral line of the connecting member is first sensed and is graphically or electromagnetically recorded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering mechanism for an autogenous cutting torch, wherein an autogenous cutting torch (5) is fastened to the end of a steering arm (2) shaped as a long shaft. Steering arm (2) is adapted to be axially movable and rotatable around its axis. In order to control the movements digitally at a desired, readily variable ratio of dependence or alternatively in cycles of desired duration, digitally controlled motors are operated, the first motor (9) rotating a gear (11) surrounding said steering arm (2). This gear (11) drives steering arm (2) therealong but steering arm (2) is axially movable relative to gear (11). Said gear (11) is fitted with a second digitally controlled motor (16), a gear (15) driven thereby being meshed with a toothed rack (2, 14) provided by the steering arm itself, for producing said axial movement.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for cutting a high-activity solid waste, such as a used channel box and a used control rod, to reduce same in size to facilitate its disposal. The channel box is cut axially through opposing corners to produce elongated split portions of an L-shaped in cross section, and the control rod is cut axially through a central portion to produce elongated split portions of an L-shape in cross section. The portions obtained by cutting the channel box and control rod are substantially similar in shape and facilitate storing.

Abstract: A templet for cutting patterns in pipe with a torch includes a tube that is axially split into hemicylindrical segments. The segments are biased together in alignment with a coil spring. The segments are spread apart by squeezing attached handles together. A wide flat face transverse the tube wall at each tube end, defines a pattern. The flat face is formed by the tube wall and a coextensive flange. The tube covers and protects portions of the pipe to be retained and exposes the portion to be cut away. To make a cut, a flat-sided collar near the torch tip is positioned flush against the flat face. The flat face is angled to the tube wall so that a cutting axis of the torch will be oriented at a desired angle to a pipe telescoped within the tube.

Abstract: A strip made up of a linear series of rigid links hinged together. Magnets are mounted on certain links, at spaced points, for holding the strip on the object to be cut by a torch. Spacers are located on the links on which the magnets are not mounted, holding those links in spaced relation from the object, even with the other links. All the links together define straight lines of their side edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a work function on a tubular workpiece includes a support frame movable along an X-axis, a bracket on the frame movable toward and away from the workpiece along a Z-axis, a support arm mounted on the bracket for movement about a swival axis lying in the Z-direction, a carriage mounted on the arm for movement therealong in a Y-direction, a workpiece implement mounted on the carriage for movement together therewith and about a tilting axis lying in the X-direction, and the workpiece implement being capable of adjustment along its central axis, the support arm lying in a plane containing the swivel axis and perpendicular to the tilting axis.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for an autogenous cutting torch for cutting holes of desired shape in flat or curved sheet walls, such as in the wall of a pipe. The steering apparatus comprises a holder arm for an autogenous cutting torch and means for guiding the holder arm in a manner that the autogenous cutting torch can be run along a certain desired orbit or path. A problem with the prior art steering equipment is the limited scope of application, e.g. to the cutting of flat sheets only. In order to expand the scope of application to also cover curved surfaces as well as combinations of flat and curved surfaces, the holder arm is designed as a long rod (4), arranged to be axially displaceable on a slide guide (7).

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a pipe tube turn has a frame that may be fixed on the pipe and mounts a cutting torch for movement orbitally of the tube turn's longitudinal axis and in a plane that is at right angles to such axis. The cutting torch is stabilized and guided during its movements by two sets of followers which straddle the torch and engage the tube turn's surface. Each set of followers has a pair of rollers journaled in a common axis and straddling the cut made by the torch.

Abstract: A guide system for a gas cutting torch used to bevel the ends of pipe in preparation for welding includes a circular sleeve with integral spacer bars coacting with a radial screw for fixing the circular sleeve coaxially around a pipe to be bevelled; the sleeve has an end bevelled at the same angle at which the pipe is to be bevelled; an adjustable follower or torch-holding stepped-spool engages the sleeve bevel to reproduce that bevel angle on the pipe end and engages a groove around the sleeve adjacent the sleeve bevelled end for axial constraint of the gas cutting torch; the coaxial circular form of the stepped spool permits a user to rotate a gas cutting torch about the axis of the flame for better maneuverability without disturbing smoothness of cut; the groove structure defines an open "V"-section groove to permit rocking the torch for burning an initial hole adjacent to but clear of the area to be bevelled.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for torch cutting openings in pipes wherein the openings are dimensioned according to the size of other pipes to be connected by welding at the opening. The mechanism comprises a frame structure which is adapted to be secured in immovable relation to the pipe in which the opening is to be cut and wherein the frame structure supports locator means which establishes an axis of rotation relative to the pipe about which an opening is to be cut. The apparatus incorporates a pipe contour tracking mechanism which is efficiently adjusted for the size of the pipe opening to be cut and the size of the pipe in which the opening is to be cut. For each 360.degree. rotation of the cutting torch, the pipe contour tracking mechanism induces two-cycle linear oscillation of the torch, thus causing the cutting tip of the torch to be maintained in accurately spaced relation with the surface of the pipe as the torch is revolved 360.degree. about its axis of rotation during the hole cutting operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a pipe. A pipe is positioned on a plurality of support rollers for rotating the pipe. A cutting torch, mounted on a telescoping arm, is movable along the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The angle that the cutting torch makes with the surface of the pipe is varied by rotating the cutting torch along an arcuate path that is in a plane parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The cutting torch is directed towards the radial center of the arcuate path that is on the surface of the pipe. Servo motors selectively vary the rotational angle of the pipe, the position of the cutting torch and the angle of the cutting torch. A computer automatically controls the operation of the servo motors with the aid of a pre-programmed mathematical function. The mathematical function uses characteristic data for the pipe and feedback data from the servo motors.

Abstract: A flexible guide bar for a cutting torch and the like having magnetic means for engaging the piece to be cut and also having adjustable means for engaging metal pipe. Stiffeners may be utilized to assist the guide bar when used to guide the cut of flat stock and edge keepers may be utilized to assist a variation of the guide bar when it is used with flat stock.

Abstract: A self-propelling bevel fusion-cutting machine for beveling pipes has a machine main body which holds a fusion-cutter, such as a burner, for effecting the bevel fusion-cutting of the end face of a pipe, traveling guide rollers which roll on the pipe end face, and outer roller which rolls circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and an inner roller which rolls circumferentially on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. The machine main body is movable along the pipe end face by means of these rollers. The outer or inner roller is removably pressed against the peripheral surface of the pipe and this roller or the other roller is connected to a drive source mounted on the machine main body so as to be thereby driven for rotation. This rotatably driven roller has a substantial width and the diameter of its portion located nearer to the pipe end face is greater than that of its portion located remote therefrom.

Abstract: The cutting apparatus is used to cut a hole in a workpiece such as a pipe of relatively large thickness. The burner is mounted on a carriage which is reciprocated along a radially directed carrier which rotates about an axis perpendicular to the carrier. Reciprocation of the carriage is controlled as a function of the rotation of the carrier about the axis. In addition, a cam causes pivoting of the burner in accordance with the reciprocation of the carriage along the carrier. Operation of the apparatus is such that the tip of the burner is held at a constant distance from the surface of the workpiece. A motor is also provided for moving the burner longitudinally of its axis.

Abstract: A device comprises a gas cutter in the form of an annular combustion chamber (10) provided with injectors and manifolds for delivery of oxidant and fuel into the combustion chamber (10) and an annular nozzle (9) adapted to cut an escape hatch out of the intact area of an aircraft hull. Mounted centrally in the combustion chamber is a punching-and-gripping means (8) fired into the wall to be cut for securing a gas cutter (6) thereto. This gas cutter together with oxidant and fuel bottles may be conveniently mounted between external and internal skins of an aircraft to serve as means for performing an independent autonomous rescue operation with the result that in the course of several seconds escape hatches may be cut in an aircraft hull with the maximum safety and dependability, without waiting for arrival of rescue parties at a crash scene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for marking and/or cutting a pipe. The device includes a fixture for clamping one of the pipe fittings in a desired position relative to an axis passing through the pivot center of a projecting boom to which an effecting element is afixed in such a way to follow the outside of the wall of the pipe fitting at a present distance from the axis, preferably matching the radius of the other pipe fitting, as the projecting boom pivots about its pivot center.

Abstract: To remove a solid tire from a wheel over which that tire has been pressed, a transverse groove is cut in the tread of the tire with a cutting apparatus so as to expose the underlying rim. Then the exposed portion of the rim is cut with a flame that is passed through the groove. Once the rim is severed, the tire is easily dislodged from the rim. The cutting apparatus includes a base on which the wheel is positioned and slideways extended away from the base generally parallel to the axis of rotation for the wheel on the base. A slide is located along the slideways. The slide carries a knife that is elongated in the direction of slide movement. The knife has a free end provided with a point and cutting edges diverging from the point. A threaded screw when turned down moves the slide and the knife thereon, and the path of the knife is such that its point enters the tire at one side of its tread and after passing axially through the tread emerges from the other side.

Abstract: A subsea machine tool for preparing the end of a bare piece of pipe in a subsea location for receiving an overfitting coupling and includes a support assembly adapted for raising and lowering in a body of water. A pipe clamp is attached to each end of the support assembly for clamping the pipe. A split frame is supported by the support assembly for axial travel. A split ring gear assembly is supported by the frame for rotation therein and about the pipe section. The split ring gear is in the form of a spool assembly wherein an involute gear forms one flange of the spool and a face plate forms the other flange. The spool is supported about the exterior thereof by a split fixed ring which in turn is supported by the frame. The fixed ring has mounted thereon one or more hydraulic motors which are arranged for rotating the ring gear relative to the fixed ring. The face plate has mounted thereon for rotation therewith work means in the form of a milling machine.

Abstract: A guide for a cutting torch providing means for effecting circular cutouts in large vessels or large diameter pipe without the need of a lay-out other than fixing a working point and providing multiple adjustments so that cuts may be made of the desired diameter as well as having the desired bevel.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for guiding a metal cutting torch to enable the flame thereof to cut a controlled thickness of metal material from the length of the outer surface of a elongated hollow cylindrical workpiece mounted securely to a shaft extending therethrough to enable the wall of the workpiece to be severed. A carriage for holding the cutting torch is slidably supported for movement along the length of the workpiece when the apparatus is mounted on the workpiece. The apparatus includes a feeding device for advancing the cutting torch at a controlled rate to enable the cutting torch to cut away substantially all of the thickness of a length of the workpiece, thereby weakening the workpiece sufficiently to enable its wall to be severed.