Abstract: Portable lathes, portable lathe assembly kits, and associated methods. A portable lathe comprises two frame members, a plurality of guide bars, a tool assembly supported by the guide bars, and a feed assembly for translating the tool assembly along the guide bars. The feed assembly includes a first fixed linear feed element, a second fixed linear feed element, a driving rotary feed element, and a driven rotary feed element, and is configured such that rotating the driving rotary feed element translates the tool assembly along the guide bars. A portable lathe assembly kit comprises components of the portable lathe configured to be assembled together to install the portable lathe on a cylindrical workpiece.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylindrical cargo container includes: providing a plurality of rigid panels together formable into a cylindrical shell; forming a first semi-cylindrical shell from a first set of the panels; forming a second semi-cylindrical shell from a second set of the panels; forming the cylindrical shell from the first semi-cylindrical shell and the second semi-cylindrical shell; forming a collar conformably encircling the cylindrical shell; constricting the collar to compress joints formed at abutting edges of pairs of adjacent panels; rolling the cylindrical shell and collar to bring respective joints of pairs of panels to a lower position, and welding an inside seam of the joint when at the lower position; removing the collar from the cylindrical shell; and rolling the cylindrical shell to bring respective joints of pairs of panels to an upper position, and welding an outside of the joint when at the upper position.

Abstract: A cutting machine is provided, including: a cutting table having a first end and a second end aligned along an X-axis; a cutting tool gantry configured to cut parts from plate supported on the cutting table, the cutting tool gantry spanning the cutting table in a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis and being configured to travel along the X-axis between the first end and the second end; and a part transfer apparatus configured to remove cut parts from the cutting table, the part transfer apparatus being configured to travel along the X-axis between the first end and the second end, wherein the part transfer apparatus is able to pass underneath the cutting tool gantry while travelling along the X-axis. Methods of manufacturing and storing parts are also provided, along with a method of identifying when a part is in contact with a finishing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of processing long product on a numerical control machine including a gantry, a cutting bed, and a gantry holding a cutting torch, includes the steps of moving the gantry over a stationary long product on the cutting bed while cutting the long product with the cutting torch to process the long product. The cutting torch is capable of moving in at least the X-, Y-, and Z-directions relative to an arbitrary coordinate system defining the dimensions of the long product.

Abstract: A method for cutting steel includes heating a portion of the steel until it is molten, positioning a cutting torch to have a high angle of incidence relative to the molten steel, and blasting hgih pressure oxygen at the molten metal. The blast of high pressure oxygen further heats the molten metal and blows the molten metal away from the steel to create a cutting trench. The cutting torch is then moved generally parallel to the cutting method includes a cutting torch that emits a high pressure combustible gas and a high pressure combustion enhancing gas. The torch directs the high pressure gases at the steel so that the gases hit the steel at an acute angle of attack. An automated device propels the torch in the general direction of the desired cut. The resultant cut metal product has at least one edge with a grain pattern that is not perpendicular to the direction of cut.

Abstract: A flame cutting device is disclosed which includes a cutting torch mounted in a housing on a torch carriage, the carriage, in turn, being movably mounted on a torch carriage support for back and forth movement along the support over and across a cutting table. The torch carriage support is movably mounted on a pair of running gears disposed on a pair of rails located along opposite sides of the table for movement of the torch carriage and torch carriage support back and forth over and along the cutting table perpendicular to the movement of the torch carriage on the support. The torch is mounted on an intermediate support element which can swing around a first axis and the support element is mounted on the torch carriage, which carriage can swing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, such that the tip of the torch can be moved between a vertical position and a tilted position relative to the cutting table.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for flame-cutting a slab using at least one oxyacetylene cutting torch at a workstation and a device for implementing this procedure. The slab and the oxyacetylene cutting torch are moved in relation to each other, with the slab arranged in a cutting position such that its primary plane lies at an angle of −10° to −20° with respect to the vertical plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cutting through flat stock with at least one cutting tool, such as a torch, drill, or the like. The stock is supported in a plane defined by X and Y axes of a mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-axis coordinate system. The stock is supported for movement along the X-axis. At least one tool is supported over the flat stock for movement along the Z-axis and for movement along the Y-axis. The stock is moved along the X-axis. The tool is moved along the Y-axis. The tool is moved along the Z-axis toward the stock and is operated to cut the stock. If the tool is a cutting torch, the stock may be moved along the X-axis, and/or the cutting torch may be moved along the Y-axis, to define a desired cutting path.

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: Apparatus for the opto-electronic control of a flame cutting machine having photoelectric sensors of different spectral sensitivity. The sensors may be positioned within a cutting torch and directed during operation on a flame and a workpiece to be cut. The sensors are connected at their outputs with computing means to generate control signals for the advancing movement of the cutting torch relative to the workpiece. In order to reduce the impact of disturbing variables on the control signals, an electronic means for generating the quotient of the sensor output signals is connected with the outputs of at least two of said sensors. The quotient of the output magnitude of the sensors is used to control the flame cutting machine.

Abstract: With a band casting-setting-burn-cutting machine in a line-like layout, to thermochemically separate from raw material of great width and thickness to roll out sheets of steel, in particular with high finishing speeds, is presented an attachment system; that without touching or with just the smallest stress through a measuring roller (2) or through an in- or on-attaching system regulates the simultaneous speeds between the band-like material (1) and the band casting-setting-burn-cutting machine (3) for the burn-cutting to be effected.

Abstract: A non-contact cutting system and method cuts a strip of metal into narrow strands having varying width defining successive, longitudinally spaced portions from which end product pieces can be removed. An array of cutting heads is arranged to project cutting beams onto the surface of a metal strip to cut the strand edges in a predetermined pattern whereby a maximum number of end product piece areas is defined on the strip.

Abstract: A hand-held thermal cutting torch of the plasma arc or oxyfuel type commonly used for cutting metal workpieces such as steel plates, employs a new concept of motorized driving to provide more uniform cutting rates and improved quality of cut. A driving element coaxially surrounding the cutting torch nozzle includes an annular surface for engagement with a template guide surface, the driving element being rotatably mounted and driven from an electric motor that is carried in the handle of the cutting torch.

Abstract: Apparatus to guide a tool along a curved template, has a curve follower connected to the tool, the curve follower includes two rotatable elements, one of which is driven and the other is freely rotatable. The two rotatable members resiliently contact the curve template from either side.

Abstract: A process for the thermal cutting of profiles with a cutting torch which is guided by a control unit in accordance with the workpiece contour includes storing the contour in the control unit. The absolute values of the profile are determined by means of measuring devices in the vicinity of the profile. These values are transmitted to the control unit for determining the actual workpiece contour and the control signals for the torch.

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: A cutting guide for a blowtorch comprises a channel-shaped body member with front, back, and intermediate limbs, and a holder attachment for a blowtorch on its exterior. The back and intermediate limbs of the body member form a female slide member for receipt on a guide rail along which the body member is moved while cutting a metal plate or the like. The front limb is spaced forwardly of the intermediate limb to form a splatter shield protecting the female slide member against molten metal and slag formed while cutting, so as not to impede smooth sliding of the guide along the rail.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting a longitudinally extending member such as rail comprises a frame; means for clamping the frame to the member to be cut; and a cutting torch which is pivotally attached to the frame. A pivoted torch holder is provided having bearing means permitting axial displacement of the torch relative to the member to be cut. The precise axial distance of the tip of the torch relative to the member to be cut is determined throughout the making of the cut by means comprising a plate attached to the frame and defining a cam surface and a cam follower connected to the torch. The shape of the cam surface thus makes it possible for the path described by the tip of the torch to conform, if desired, to the profile of the member to be cut.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine is provided having a CNC control with a programmable memory wherein the memory is programmed to cause automatic cutting of rows of pieces continuously in succession, and wherein the memory also includes selectively actuatable instructions to prevent the torches disposed at a termination point from automatically proceeding to the next row, but instead to cause the torches to automatically proceed directly to the start-pierce point of the row just completed. The torch or torches which have properly cut a complete piece are turned off, while the remaining torch or torches which have involved a lost cut are re-activated at the start-pierce point so, as the row cutting cycle is repeated, the previously lost portions will now be cut. The memory is also programmed to selectively instruct the machine to reverse from the cut termination point if desired.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a copying apparatus which includes a tracer for tracing automatically a contour of a pattern to be copied and a working machine arranged in conjunction with the tracer in a given relationship is disclosed. At first, the tracer is moved manually with respect to the pattern to be traced to detect point data such as a working start point, a copy start point and a copy end point, and then automatically moved along the contour of the pattern to detect pattern data, while the working operation is performed. Next, the thus detected point and pattern data are stored in a cassette tape. Therefore, in case of performing the repetitive working operation for the same pattern, since the working operation can be performed in accordance with the data read out of the cassette tape, the required working operation can be effected in a simple and rapid manner.

Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of a copycutting apparatus including a tracer for tracing automatically a pattern and a cutting gas torch interconnected to the tracer in a given relationship. Prior to the actual working, the tracer is manually moved with respect to the pattern along a given path and stores coordinates of operational points such as a piercing point, a copy start point, a copy end point, an intermediate point, a slow down point, etc. During the actual working the stored coordinates are readout to control the movement of the tracer in such a manner that until the tracer does not reach a copy start point the copying apparatus is set in a position setting mode in which the tracer is moved under the control of the readout coordinates. After the tracer has reached the copy start point the copying apparatus is switched into a copying mode in which the movement of tracer along the pattern is controlled by detecting the pattern.

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 method of controlling an operation of a copy-cutting apparatus including a tracer for tracing automatically a pattern and a cutting gas torch interconnected to the tracer in a given relationship. Prior to the actual working, the tracer is manually moved with respect to the pattern along a given path and stores coordinates of operational points such as a piercing point, a copy start point, a copy end point, an intermediate point, a slow down point, etc. During the actual working the stored coordinates are read out to control the movement of the tracer in such a manner that until the tracer has reached a copy start point the copying apparatus is set in a position setting mode in which the tracer is moved under the control of the read out coordinates. After the tracer has reached the copy start point the copying apparatus is switched into a copying mode in which the movement of tracer along the pattern is controlled by detecting the pattern.

Abstract: An accessory for facilitating the accurate cutting of holes with a cutting torch. A die is attached to the workpiece by legs and presents a die opening which controls the size and shape of the hole. A bridge piece fits against the die and maintains the cutting torch tip perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece as the torch is guided around the edge of the die opening to form the hole.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus lights the surface of a moving hot steel material with lamps, locates any flaw with a video camera or the like, scarfs the surface of the steel material adjacent the flaw with a scarfing torch, measures the depth of the flaw with an eddy current detecting probe or the like, estimates accurately the loss of length due to conditioning size and depth of the flaw with a computer, and cuts the steel material in a predetermined length plus the accurately estimated length corresponding to the loss of length due to conditioning.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine control system has a housing to hold the control units with a front plate for the housing; the control units are attached to the front plate with the front plate being designed as a housing cover and the control units being insertable into the housing.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable headstocks which are spaced apart. A side beam extends along at least a portion of the distance between the headstocks with the side beam being substantially parallel to a line connecting the centers of rotation of the headstock. The headstocks are respectively of a configuration to securely receive an end of a first one of a plurality of cylindrical workpieces. Support means is provided for rotatably supporting the plurality of cylindrical workpieces in end-to-end manner with the longitudinal axes thereof being substantially coincident. Controllable welding means and controllable cutting means are coupled to the side beam and are capable of linear translation therealong. Controllable drive means is provided for: rotating the headstocks so that the cylindrical workpiece secured thereto is caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis; causing the welding means to translate along the side beam; and causing the cutting means to translate along the side beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a tool on a curved path which includes an elongated guide member elastically deformed in the shape of a spline curve and a means responsive to said elastically deformed curved guide member for directing or limiting the movement of the tool to a path responsive to the curved shape of the elastically deformed curved guide member.

Abstract: A guide is adapted to be adjustably mounted on the nozzle marginal end portion of a cutting torch. The guide has a convex lower cam surface adapted to slidably engage a straight-edge. The cutting torch may be tilted to a position determined by the operator, and slidably moved along the straight-edge to afford an improved "cut" in the workpiece.

Abstract: An automatic control means is provided with a pipe cutting and welding apparatus. The control means has a computer which controls the operation of the motors operating the main carriage, the tool heads, and the bracket arms for cutting or welding pipes, plates or the like.

Abstract: Shape cutting apparatus includes a transverse beam rigidly mounted on a pair of spaced carriages which are provided with wheels for translation along a pair of parallel, longitudinal rails. A tracer and holder assembly therefor are mounted for translation along the transverse beam. Each carriage is provided with a servomotor, which motors are connected electrically in parallel across a source of potential such as the output of a servoamplifier. Upon energization of the motors, the beam is driven along the rails at speeds up to 120 i.p.m. and greater while the tracer cornering capability is equivalent to the capability previously only attainable at lower speeds, e.g. 50-60 i.p.m. Thus, higher cutting speeds are obtained without degradation of cutting accuracy and without resort to expensive structural stiffening, additional electronic control circuitry, or precision rack and pinion carriage drive mechanisms.

Abstract: Sheet plate is cut with a carriage having an elongated support rod journalled therein for linear movement along a path parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The carriage is propelled in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. One end of the rod is provided with working means while the other end of the rod cooperates with an elongated guy so that the rod is carried by said carriage in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rod while the work means maintains a fixed position parallel to the guy.

Abstract: Torch cutting machines of the type embodying a plurality of torches adjustably mounted with respect to a moving conveyor, such that the torches may cut the flange and central web portions of I-beams, structural members and the like. The machine is characterized by the capability of vertically and longitudinally moving the torches upon a pivoted cantilever cutting arm which extends over a cutting area. The cutting torches embody independent vertical and lateral drive means and the cutting arm while in pre-set pivoted mode may be longitudinally and independently advanced with respect to the cutting area, such that complex straight mitre cuts, compound mitre cuts, copes notches and the like may be cut without special handling.

Abstract: A boom carrying a cutting torch is synchronized with a turntable and the torch is mounted to follow an arcuate slide and is synchronized with the turntable to make a mitred cut on the pipe and form a constant angle bevel on the mitered cut.

Abstract: A drilling attachment for a numerically controlled flame cutting apparatus of the type having a plurality of flame cutting assemblies mounted in spaced relation in a plane for controlled lateral movement along a horizontally translationally movable beam for cutting intricate patterns from a sheet metal workpiece, which comprises a mounting member adapted to be secured to the beam for controlled lateral movement therealong in a manner similar to the flame cutting assemblies, a support plate carried by the mounting member and vertically movable relative thereto, a motor for moving the support plate vertically between a drilling position near the surface of the workpiece and a storage position remote from the workpiece, at least one drill motor secured to the support plate for movement therewith and for rotatably driving a cutting head to drill a hole in the workpiece, at least one drill feed rate control mechanism associated with the drill motor for controlling advancement of the cutting head into the workpiece

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for trimming side sill gussets comprises a trolley beam assembly mounted to roll longitudinally along the side sills of the car. A traveling beam is adjustable laterally on said trolley beam and includes side hanger frames on opposite ends thereof each of which supports a cutting torch arrangement including motor means for moving the cutting torch in a pre-determined pattern to trim portions of the side sill of a railway car.

Abstract: A worm is rotated while a cutting torch trims the edge of the worm. The torch is mounted on an arm along with a wheel which bears against the thrust surface of the worm. The arm is mounted on one part of a carriage, the carriage moving along a guide rail under the motive influence of the worm. A pattern corresponding to the desired contour of the worm acts as a cam for the part of the carriage which carries the torch.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for cutting or shaping material, as by heat-shaping, wherein the outline of a predetermined pattern is copied on the material which is to be worked on by following the pattern with a follower member whose movement is used to control a cutting or heat-shaping tool.A vertically-arranged copying panel to receive the pattern is provided with two horizontal rails and a support which is movable along said rails. The follower member and the tool are mounted on the support and movable in vertical and horizontal directions, respectively, with respect to the support, and the support is movable across the copying panel and material worked on.

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: A circle cutting apparatus particularly adaptable for the cutting of circles and arcs in metal plates and the like with a cutting torch. The device comprises a circular platform which is attached to the plate to be cut and a torch or cutting implement which is radially adjustable with respect to the platform, the cutting apparatus being also movable in a circular path with respect to the platform.

Abstract: A machine for repetitive cutting of small identical parts from a relatively large metal plate. A scanning head is positioned on a carriage above a template which is mounted to a tracing table, and one or more metal cutting heads are also mounted on the carriage. The scanning head is operable to drive the carriage and cutting head to cut a first series of one or more identically shaped parts from the plate. A further carriage on the machine is movable between a stop and an adjustable limit switch, with the adjusted distance between the stop and switch corresponding to the pre-determined distance it is desired to shift the tracing table to position the template for controlling the cutting of a second series of one or more identical parts from the same plate. The further carriage is selectively connected to a table moving mechanism, and such connection also actuates the latter to move the table until the carriage engages the limit switch.

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.