Abstract: A breakaway mounting assembly for a cutting torch or other non-contact tool includes a tool mounting collar with an outer frustoconical bearing surface adapted to be received in an annular support ring having a complimentary inner frustoconical bearing surface providing precision torch positioning. Resilient spring-biased detents hold the torch and mounting collar in the operating position, but are deflected in the event the torch collides with an obstruction, allowing the torch to be dislodged from the mounting without damage. The dislodged torch can be remounted with a simple snap-in action and precise realignment is automaticaly established. A switch which is activated by displacement between the supporting frustoconical bearing surfaces may be used to signal the operator or cause an appropriate response in the torch carriage operating system.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method which provides for the placement of a bit point of a bit at a predetermined position with respect to a rotatable member. The method includes the steps of burning into a holder a surface which corresponds to a portion of the surface of the member; and fixing the holder on the member such that the surface burned into the holder is adjacent the portion of the surface of the member, and the bit point of the bit is capable of being held by the holder at the predetermined position. The present invention also pertains to an apparatus which provides for the placement of a bit point of a bit at a predetermined position with respect to a rotatable member. The apparatus includes a holder for holding a bit, and a device for burning into the holder a surface which corresponds to a portion of the surface of the member.

Abstract: The invention is for an oxy cutting torch holder having a frame with a pair of vertically adjustible posts with bearing wheels at their lower ends. A nozzle-receiving passageway is disposed in the frame with a novel nozzle retaining device. Provision is made for replacement of a post by a transversely extending arm carrying an extension with a pointed end to enable cutting in a circle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pipe cutting apparatus for cutting large diameter pipe. The apparatus is provided with a cutting means which can be angled for cutting miters. The cutting means can be a torch. The apparatus has a flexible drive mechanism which adjusts for variations in cutting angle. Torque is communicated to the cutting means by a motor via clutch means.

Abstract: A flame cutting apparatus is disclosed which has been particularly configured for coping the end portion of a structural steel I-beam workpiece. The apparatus includes a roller conveyor for receiving the workpiece, and a frame positioned in association with the conveyor. A first carriage is provided which is movable along the frame in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. A pair of second carriages are provided on the first carriage, and are movable therewith, with the second carriages further being movable relative to each other in a horizontal direction transverse to the workpiece. Each of the second carriages is provided with a pair of flame cutting torches, with arrangements provided for further moving the torches vertically with respect to the workpiece. Associated automatic controls operate the apparatus such that movement of the cutting torches along three axes is effected for coping the workpiece.

Abstract: Tool holder, preferably for a thermic cutting rod, having an attachment for the rear end of the rod, a supply of oxygen to the rear end of the rod passing through the same to its front end. There is a valve for controlling the oxygen supply, and a handle for the tool holder. The attachment itself comprises a sleeve which encloses with a seat the rear end of the tool thereby attaching the same, and which is movable from a front, loading position to a rear, working position of the rod. In the rear position the sleeve is pushed inwardly into a space, which can be placed under gas pressure, preferably by the above supply of oxygen, while in the front position the sleeve rests against a shoulder. A forward movement of the sleeve from the rear position to the rest position against the shoulder can be effected by the gas pressure and with such velocity that the rest of the rod, when it should be removed from the holder when the main part of the rod is consumed, will be thrown out of its seat in the sleeve.

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 semi-automatic, motorized hand torch, or gas cutting machine, that is capable of being freely operated with one hand and characterized by device head having a cutting torch tip, respective conduit means for supplying to the tip preheat oxygen, cutting oxygen and fuel gas, a drive cylinder journalled for rotation about the tip, a drive wheel engaging the peripherally outer cylindrical wall of the drive cylinder so as to be driven thereby and moveable longitudinally therealong so as allow adjustment in height of the tip, a motor and transmission drivingly connected with a drive cylinder, control for controlling the motor, housing and bracket for supporting the drive wheel adjacent the tip. Also disclosed are specific preferred embodiments including those in which respective small and large circle cutting attachments are employed and wherein an angled cutting wheel and strut are employed for cutting at an angle, as well as specific preferred structure.

Abstract: Cutting head usable equally well with "head mixed" blowtorches (1) as with "premixed" ones, comprising a male part (6) and a female part (7), and characterized in that:(a) the end of the male part in contact with the blowtorch has a flange (20) the diameter of which is less than that of the chamber (5) into which open conduits (3 and 4) for the heating oxygen and gas of a "head mixed" torch, or the conduit for the heating mixture of a "premixed" torch, and which is crossed by at least two diametrically opposed holes (21);(b) between the male part and the female part is provided an annular passage (22) for the heating oxygen/gas mixture; and(c) in communication with the holes (21) are hollows (21a) provided in the lower protruding part of the flange, or assemblies provided in the female part, which make possible the aspiration of gas, said hollows or assemblies being in communication with the annular passage (22).

Abstract: An elongate member capable of forming a part of a support structure for a coordinate machine tool comprises a first relatively rigid elongate part 11 for supporting the weight of a movable load, a second relatively resilient elongate part 12 for locating the movable load on the elongate member, and a plurality of spaced dowels 13 engaging said first and second parts 11, 12 for locating said second part 12 at a predetermined position spaced from the first part 11. The first part 11 is provided with counterbores each of which accommodate a shoulder on each dowel which shoulder accurately locates and spaces the second part 12 relative to the first part 11.

Abstract: The present invention is a guiding attachment for use in combination with a cutting torch which includes a nozzle which has a truncated conical tip portion and a cylindrical portion, an elongated member mechanically coupled to the nozzle and a gas supplying device for supplying gas to the nozzle which is mechanically coupled to the elongated member and a handle which is mechanically coupled to the elongated member. The guiding attachment includes a cylindrical member which has a bore into which the nozzle is placed and a pair of metal axial rods which are mechanically coupled to the cylindrical body. The guiding attachment also includes a pair of metal wheels, each of which is rotatably coupled to one of the metal axial rods and a coupling device which is a wing nut which is threadedly coupled to the cylindrical member and which couples the cylindrical portion of the nozzle of the cutting torch to the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A torch guide for use in cutting metal plate. The guide includes a base member which has a longitudinal channel therein and a magnet on one side thereof for removable attachment of the base member to a metal plate. An elongate straight edge is at least partially mounted within the channel in the base member for slidable movement relative thereto, the ends of the straight edge extending beyond the ends of the base member. A plurality of thumb wheels mounted in the base member lock the straight edge relative to the base member to prevent relative movement therebetween. An end support member is connectable to either end of the straight edge, the end support member also having a magnet on one side thereof for permitting removable attachment thereof to the metal plate. A torch tip holder slidably engages the straight edge for maintaining the torch tip at a uniform distance and at a preselected angle relative to the metal plate.

Abstract: A cutting torch guide comprises a torch mounting carriage advanceable along a track by a threaded member on the carriage in releasable engagement with a feed screw. Release of the bearing from the feed screw allows rapid return of the carriage. Accessories for the guide include a vertically adjustable bench on which the guide may be attachably mounted in a cantilever fashion, a pipe cutter attachment, an arc cutter attachment, and two disc cutter attachments which are adapted for cutting large and small circles, and the like.

Abstract: A thermal cutting machine for laterally cutting a displaceable strand of metal includes a car selectively engageable with the top surface of the strand, the car being adapted to travel on rails aligned with the direction of displacement of the strand. The car carries a movable cutter. In one preferred embodiment the load of the car on the rails at one end of the car is substantially constant whether or not the car is engaged with the top of the strand.

Abstract: A portable torch support and guide wherein a torch mounting carriage is advanceable along a guide track by a drive gear and its actuator on the carriage, the drive gear being in engagement with a gear rack along said guide track. Two or more modules of track can be interconnected in alignment such that the carriage is advanced along a desired distance.

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.

Abstract: A screw operated cutting torch guide comprising an upward opening channel or other suitable structural member that is closed at its ends by end plates and having one of a pair of interchangeable threaded rods or screws mounted lengthwise therein. Each threaded rod is mounted for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis in the end plates. One of the rods is adapted for operation by a power drill and the other is adapted for hand operation. A torch holder assembly, capable of vertical and angular adjustment, and adapted for receiving a cutting torch attached thereto, is mounted on the threaded rod for reciprocating lengthwise movement within the said channel.

Abstract: Apparatus adapting a guide device for use with a hand-holdable cutting torch. The guide device has an articulated arm whose free end is movable in a planar path defined by a stationary pattern template which the arm engages. The torch is of a type having a barrel, a handle carried on the barrel, an elongated nozzle, and an angled connection between the barrel and nozzle. The adapting apparatus includes a bushing for releasably clamping the torch nozzle, and a bushing-support plate carried on the free end of the arm in the guide device. The bushing, with the torch nozzle clamped therein, is mounted on the support plate for rotation relative thereto about the axis of the torch nozzle, where this axis is disposed substantially normal to the plane of arm movement. The apparatus enables the user to guide the movement of the arm along the template path by manipulating the torch handle.

Abstract: A cutting tool carrier for holding a plurality of cutting tools, each tool requiring certain utilities to operate. The carrier includes a body, a plurality of tool holders pivotally mounted within the body and each adapted to receive a cutting tool, first pivot means enabling the body to be rotated about the axis of a first tool holder, second pivot means for rotating each of the remaining tool holders within the body, control means for transmitting control signals for the second pivot means through the first tool holder, said control means operative continuously regardless of any motion between the first tool holder and the body, and utility means for transmitting tool utilities first through the first tool holder, then through the body, and then through each of the remaining tool holders, said utility means operative continuously regardless of any motion between the tool holders and the body.

Abstract: A portable torch support and guide having a torch mounting carriage advanceable along a track by a threaded member on the carriage in releasable engagement with a feed screw. Release of the bearing from the feed screw allows rapid return of the carriage.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically maintaining a cutting torch a predetermined distance from an uneven work surface having transverse and longitudinal irregularities includes a slide member which is adapted to move in a vertical direction in response to such irregularities and is pivotally attached to a support arm, roller means ride on and traverse the uneven work surface, the support arm is attached to the roller means and a cutter torch is fixed in a holder vertically, adjustably attached to the support arm.

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 fixture for selectively positioning a tube turn for acetylene torch cutting thereof to a desired included angle includes means for supporting a tube turn of particular dimension and for selectively positioning the tube turn relative to a vertical or horizontal plane of reference and for selectively positioning the tube turn at a particular angle with reference to the selected plane of reference. Means is also provided for orienting a cutting torch for accomplishment of a circular cut through the tube turn, said cut being made in a plane positioned substantially normal to an axis defined by the support structure. The support structure defines an annular tube orienting surface that is adapted to establish annular surface contact with the outer curved surface portion of the tube turn.

Abstract: A spacer and block cutting torch is lowered through the wrapper-to-shell annulus of a removed-top steam generator by addition of vertical sections of hollow-back column by vertical movement of a motorized carriage along a rack-and-guide track extending upwardly from atop the wrapper and manipulation of column clamps, one movable with the carriage and the other affixed to the wrapper, to transfer column weight from carriage to wrapper-top during adding and subtracting column sections. The rearward concave side of the column, held flush with the wrapper wall, readily accepts and serves to enclose operating gas hoses for the cutting torch. Yieldable bias means cooperates with the interior of the generator shell to urge the concave side of the column toward the wrapper.

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: In one exemplar embodiment, a portable hole cutting apparatus for cutting circular bolt holes in metal plate and the like is disclosed having a base, and a generally upright frame to which is attached a yoke carrying a pair of vertically spaced-apart bearings mounted for rotation in the yoke, and a vertically oriented elongated drive tube journaled for rotation in the bearings. A drive means such as a manual crank, or an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor is mounted on the frame and through a reduction gearbox and a chain or belt driving means drives a sprocket or pulley mounted on the top end of the drive tube by means of a chain or belt. Attached to the lower end of the rotatable drive tube is a bracket that rotates with the drive tube. A cutting torch is mounted on a holding bar which is slideably attached to the bracket for permitting the cutting torch to be positioned laterally for varying the radius of the circular holes to be cut.

Abstract: An installation (10) for handling a workpiece W.sub.1 including a first station (12) for loading a workpiece, a second station (14) for working on the workpiece, a third station (16) for unloading the workpiece, and a conveyor (18), extending in a closed loop about the first and second stations, for transporting the workpiece from the first to the second station. The conveyor is a track of the type used on earthmoving equipment such as tractors, and whose tension is adjustable by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement (26-32) to lower part of the conveyor into a water tank (50) at the second station for plasma-arc cutting the workpiece. The third station is adjacent the second station and has two additional conveyors (66, 68) for receiving a cut workpiece, depending on the size of such cut workpiece. A cleaning apparatus (60-64) supplies jets of water onto the closed loop conveyor to clean the latter of slag.

Abstract: The torch of a machine for progressive contour bevel cutting of flat plates is mounted for controlled positioning and movement on an arcuate sector, the radius of which has a center lying in the horizontal plane of the plate. The torch is mounted for movement between adjustable stops which delineate two torch angles for cutting. A device is provided for substantially instantaneously moving the torch along the sector from adjacent one stop to the other stop. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the said device comprises a fluid-operated piston connected to the torch.

Abstract: A machine mounted torch includes a torch head to which a nozzle is exchangeably fastened by a holding device wherein two oppositely disposed support surfaces are provided for holding counter surfaces of a spring loaded bushing which holds the nozzle.

Abstract: An improved welding torch holder including a flat longitudinal member having clamping means to hold a welding torch, a block member having an arm to attach to a gantry or welding fixture, the block member having defined internally therein a passageway for slidably receiving the longitudinal member therethrough, means cooperating with said block member and said longitudinal member to provide reciprocation therebetween, a friction bar interposed in said passageway between said longitudinal member and said block member, means carried by the block member to urge the friction bar against one surface of the longitudinal member to cause secure retention of the longitudinal member at any desired position.

Abstract: An improved flame cutting machine for modifying a railway car by trimming or burning to specific shapes or patterns portions of the longitudinally spaced plate members or gussets which form part of the side sill structure of the car. Adjacent to each side sill is a beam carried by a support structure. The beam supports a cam structure which extends the length of the car. A carriage which rides on the cam structure, supports a torch apparatus mounted on a frame which may be pivoted into position adjacent the gusset to be trimmed.

Abstract: A torch head is provided for an oxygen-cutting torch machine comprising, in combination, a torch head; a first torch mounted on the torch head for cutting perpendicular cuts; and a second torch mounted on the torch head for cutting at an angle to the perpendicular; the mounting for the second torch having two parallel side shaft members and two parallel cross shaft members, each pivotably attached to the other at spaced locations so as to define a parallelogram swinging means in which the four members move pivotably and in parallel together; the second torch being pivotably mounted to one of the side members so that the second torch can be positioned at an angle to the perpendicular according to the relative movement of the parallelogram members; a reciprocably movable drive means mounted on the torch head for swinging the parallelogram swinging means; a shaft member rotatable about a point fixed to the torch head and having two spaced pivot mountings, one on each side of the fixed point, one pivot mounting b

Abstract: A holder for the assembly of a conventional flame cutting torch tip (14) which provides release of the tip, and can include water cooling (42-44) of the tip during machine cutting operations. Although such tips often become fouled, the prior art has not provided sufficiently quick release for replacement purposes. The tip is held in abutment against the torch by a plurality of cam (48) actuated clamping followers (56) which wedge against the shoulder (68) of the conventional flame cutting tip when the holder is in a clamping position. The cam is operated by rotating a spring-biased (26) actuating member, preferably a circumferential ring (22), the ring being rotatable between a clamping position and a releasing position, and normally being biased by said spring into the clamping position.

Abstract: A mounting and guide assembly for cutting torches for mounting same on a movable frame for movement over the workpiece, with the mounting and guide assembly comprising a torch mounting arrangement including a vertically disposed double acting hydraulic cylinder and piston device having a piston rod structure projecting from either end of its cylinder and mounting at the lower end of the piston rod a torch mounting head that releasably and adjustably secures the torch in place for positioning the torch nozzle for correct application to the workpiece. The torch mounting head is equipped with a feeler or guide member mounted for a lost motion movement range axially of the torch nozzle and having a plurality of feeler elements in coplanar arrangement that ride on the workpiece in spaced relation about the nozzle for maximum sensitivity of vertical undulations in the workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a machine in which, according to the invention, a tool carriage is mounted on the crossbeam for rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the crossbeam. A rod rigidly coupled with a cutting torch is mounted on the tool carriage. This rod is fixed on the crossbeam for rotation and longitudinal reciprocation in a plane parallel to the axis of the crossbeam.

Abstract: A cutting torch machine has at least one vertical support displaceably arranged on a transverse track and carries a multiple-torch aggregate whose torches can be adjusted relative to each other. The support is rotatable about its vertical axis and two horizontal shifting devices are provided at its lower end diametrically opposite each other. Each shifting device has an adjusting device consisting of a segment and a drive for moving the segment to control the angular orientation of its cutting torch.

Abstract: A torch having a body carrying valves for controlling the flow of fuel and oxygen, with a conduit structure projecting from the body and carrying a two-section swiveling head assembly mounting a nozzle for swinging movement between different angular settings. The two hinge sections are both made relatively short as compared with the length of the conduit structure, in a relation enabling optimum adjustment of the angularity of a produced flame within a wide range of angles, without excessively displacing the actual position of the flame relative to the body of the torch and a work piece. One of the hinge sections is preferably attached rigidly to the conduit structure, and is made small enough in transverse dimension to enable an outer tubular housing part to be received about and moved axially past that hinge section during assembly, to a location about the mentioned conduit structure.

Abstract: A connective means which provides a variable attitude between a torch and a pipe beveling machine including a fixed plate with a flat surface attached to the pipe beveling machine. The plate is provided with two slots in the flat surface, a central slot and an outer slot. The longitudinal center line of the central slot is perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the outer slot. The torch is seated in a saddle and a pin and bolt are each attached at one of their ends to the saddle. The pin and bolt are received into the central and outer slots, respectively, at right angles to the flat surface of the plate and are slideably movable longitudinally there along. A clamp means for placement on the bolt is provided to clamp the plate and saddle together with the saddle resting against the flat surface for maintaining a selected attitude during the operation of the pipe beveling machine.

Abstract: In making sheet metal parts by means of oxygen cutting, the cutting torch is positioned so as to direct the oxygen jet at an angle of 4.degree.-5.degree. from the vertical in the direction of the cut and at an equal angle toward the part being cut out. An arrangement for orientating the gas cutting torch comprises two coaxial cylinders. The outer cylinder is mounted rotatably in relation to the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder is fixedly mounted on the carriage of the gas cutting machine and is connected through a flexible means to the cutting torch which is fitted in a bearing whose outer race is linked to the outer cylinder and is adapted to have an angular motion in a vertical plane. Gas supply hoses pass through the inner cylinder to the cutting torch.