Abstract: An apparatus for treating a workpiece with a granular media includes a hopper for storing media and discharging the media into a flow path. A source of compressed air mixes with the media, which is forced through a nozzle for directing media onto the workpiece. A flow sensor includes a beam extending into the flow path and is responsive to flow of media in the flow path to increase and decrease deflection of the beam in response to increasing or decreasing flow of media through said flow path. A proximity sensing device measures deflection of the beam and generates an electrical signal which varies in response to deflection of the beam. The flow path is defined by a conduit having a branch in which the beam is mounted. One end of the beam is mounted on a base in the branch. The base is mounted on a cap closing an open end of the branch, permitting the beam to be easily removed and changed when necessary.

Abstract: An abrasive water jet processing machine for jetting a fluid and performing a cutting includes a fluid supply device, an abrasive supply device, an injection pressure controller, wherein the abrasive supply device includes a reservoir hopper consisting of a pressure vessel for reserving the abrasive, an abrasive supply tube for communicating with the reservoir hopper and the nozzle, and an air purge device for supplying compressed air to the abrasive supply tube and the reservoir hopper; the injection pressure controller performs a two-stage control of controlling injection pressure in a piercing; and the air purge device includes a flow pressure controller for controlling flow pressure of compressed air passing through the abrasive supply tube, wherein the flow pressure controller controls the flow pressure in the piercing to be higher than that in the cutting.

Abstract: An optical disk restoration apparatus and optical disk restoration method are provided, which are capable of achieving a high level of capability of restoring a scratched optical disk, without consuming the time and labor of an operator, while reducing the production cost of the apparatus. During a polishing process, an appropriate amount of a polishing agent is dropped onto the readout surface of the optical disk by a polishing agent supply pump to continuously supply the polishing agent to the interface between the optical disk and polishing pads, while a polishing water supply pump is operated to replenish the polishing agent with moisture evaporated by the polishing heat. By this mechanism, the amount and physical properties of the polishing agent at the interface between the optical disk and the polishing pads are appropriately maintained for a long period of time, so that the restoration capability is maintained at high levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for radially cutting tubulars in a downhole environment by emitting acoustic energy into the jet, the acoustic energy having a wavelength selected such that the jet acts as a waveguide, detecting reflected acoustic energy in the jet, and determining the depth of cut from a travel time of the acoustic energy.

Abstract: In blasting with an abrasive containing liquid to confer elasticity, the abrasive from which liquid evaporates in the course of continuance use is uniformly supplied with liquid. Liquid for swelling an elastic abrasive is sprayed in an air flow for transporting the abrasive in a blasting machine 1 including an abrasive-recovery duct 91 communicating between a bottom of a cabinet 2 and an abrasive-recovery tank 3, the abrasive-recovery tank 3, a compressed gas before being introduced into a blasting gun 8, and so forth. Since the abrasive being transported in the air flow is separated into individual particles, each abrasive can be uniformly supplied with liquid.

Abstract: A control system for a high pressure cutting arrangement is disclosed. The cutting arrangement comprises a liquid stream and a slurry stream, the slurry comprising abrasive particles suspended in a fluid. The liquid stream and the slurry stream are both supplied under pressure of about 300 MPa to a cutting tool, with at least a portion of the supplied pressure being converted to kinetic energy in the cutting tool to produce a combined liquid and abrasive stream at high velocity. The cutting tool includes a combining chamber into which both the liquid and slurry streams are introduced, the pressure in an entry region of the combining chamber being determined by the pressure of the liquid stream. The control system acts to actuate or prevent flow of slurry in the slurry stream by activation or de-activation of an energizing means up-stream of the chamber. Pressure in the slurry stream is substantially equal to the pressure in the entry region of the combining chamber whether or not slurry is flowing.

Abstract: An abrasive supply system may, for example, be used to supply abrasive particles such as garnet to a cutting nozzle of an abrasive jet cutter. According to an embodiment, the abrasive is propelled by a substantially constant flow rate gas source. According to an embodiment, the system may be supplied with abrasive from an atmospheric pressure abrasive hopper. According to an embodiment, a controller automatically actuates refilling of an abrasive tank from the abrasive hopper, and then automatically closes an abrasive supply valve and restarts abrasive propulsion. According to an embodiment, the controller may include or consist of pneumatic logic.

Abstract: A method and device for honing a metal strip of arbitrary width in continuous motion, allow honing of a suspended portion of at least one side of a metal strip, being free of artifacts and automated. The device includes a device for vertically positioning an abrasive element at the surface of the strip. A device for horizontally moving the abrasive element transversely to the motion of the strip can be coupled to the vertical-positioning device and moved back and forth from one edge of the strip to the other. A first device allows uniform pressure to be applied to press the abrasive element against the strip. The first device allows a uniform pressure to be applied to a suspended portion of the strip in motion and can be coupled to a second device allowing the pressure to be adjusted according to the longitudinal tension of the suspended portion of strip.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for automatically determining jet orientation parameters to correct for potential deviations in three dimensional part cutting are provided. Example embodiments provide an Adaptive Vector Control System (AVCS), which automatically determines speeds and orientation parameters of a cutting jet to attempt to insure that a part will be cut within prescribed tolerances where possible. In one embodiment, the AVCS determines the tilt and swivel of a cutting head by mathematical predictive models that examine the cutting front for each of “m” hypothetical layers in a desired part, to better predict whether the part will be within tolerances, and to determine what corrective angles are needed to correct for deviations due to drag, radial deflection, and/or taper.

Abstract: A particulate blasting apparatus includes a blast vessel having an interior for storing abrasive particulate. The blast vessel has an inlet for introducing a pressurized gas into the interior of the blast vessel and an outlet for allowing the passage of the pressurized gas and particulate. A flexible blast hose is coupled at one end to the outlet for directing particulate flow from the outlet and a blast nozzle is coupled to an opposite end of the blast hose. A metering valve regulates different amounts of particulate flow from the blast vessel through the outlet. A flow actuator is coupled to the metering valve for actuating the metering valve. A controller associated with the blast nozzle in communication with the actuator controls the actuator from the blast nozzle during blasting operations. The blasting apparatus may be used as part of a blasting system that includes a compressor unit for providing the pressurized gas.

Abstract: A control system for a high pressure cutting arrangement is disclosed. The cutting arrangement comprises a liquid stream and a slurry stream, the slurry comprising abrasive particles suspended in a fluid. The liquid stream and the slurry stream are both supplied under pressure of about 300 MPa to a cutting tool, with at least a portion of the supplied pressure being converted to kinetic energy in the cutting tool to produce a combined liquid and abrasive stream at high velocity. The cutting tool includes a combining chamber into which both the liquid and slurry streams are introduced, the pressure in an entry region of the combining chamber being determined by the pressure of the liquid stream. The control system acts to actuate or prevent flow of slurry in the slurry stream by activation or de-activation of an energising means up-stream of the chamber. Pressure in the slurry stream is substantially equal to the pressure in the entry region of the combining chamber whether or not slurry is flowing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blasting device for premixed abrasive slurry jet. The device comprise a cylinder, in which defines a hydraulic oil side and a slurry side separated from each other hermetically, and the hydraulic oil side and the slurry side have ports for oil or slurry entry in and out respectively; hydraulic medium feeding system which is connected to the port of the cylinder for oil entry in and out through oil pipe; slurry jet system which is connected to the port of the cylinder for slurry entry in and out through slurry pipe; said cylinder has a sealed bladder to separate the hydraulic oil side and the slurry side. Friction between bladder and body become very little, as the slurry is ejected from the nozzle by utilizing the transformation of the bladder. So service life of the blasting device becomes longer. Furthermore, if the bladder mangles due to wear for use a long time, bladder can be renewed only. It is not necessary to renew the whole cylinder.

Abstract: An optical disk restoration apparatus and optical disk restoration method are provided, which are capable of achieving a high level of capability of restoring a scratched optical disk, without consuming the time and labor of an operator, while reducing the production cost of the apparatus. During a polishing process, an appropriate amount of a polishing agent is dropped onto the readout surface of the optical disk by a polishing agent supply pump to continuously supply the polishing agent to the interface between the optical disk and polishing pads, while a polishing water supply pump is operated to replenish the polishing agent with moisture evaporated by the polishing heat. By this mechanism, the amount and physical properties of the polishing agent at the interface between the optical disk and the polishing pads are appropriately maintained for a long period of time, so that the restoration capability is maintained at high levels.

Abstract: Control device and method for controlling the impingement of the workpiece by a water jet or an abrasive water jet in a cutting unit. Control device includes a feeder composed of at least two flow-through areas positionable between a high-pressure water supply and a jet nozzle of the cutting unit. At least one of the flow-through areas includes a high pressure area, and at least one of the flow-through areas includes a pressure-reducing area. At least one switchable valve is arranged in the high-pressure area, a pressure-reducing mechanism is arranged in the pressure reducing area, and an impingement line is coupled to the at least two flow-through areas and coupleable to the jet nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the complete cut through of a tubular member by a fluid cut through device. A follower runs in the kerf created in the tubular member by the fluid cut through device until the follower encounters an incomplete cut, or hanger. The follower rotates away from the fluid cut through device when the follower encounters a hanger, thereby disengaging a switch to interrupt the fluid cut through device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a coating having an irregular surface configuration that includes mapping the irregular surface configuration, and using the mapping determination in controlling the operation of an abrasive water jet to provide increased material removal rates at the higher points in the irregular surface and decreased material removal rates at the lower points, and thereby even out the surface configuration of the coating. The method and apparatus also includes using a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of an element that is unique to a layer of a coating, and using the detection determination in controlling the operation of the abrasive water jet to stop material removal of the coating when the detection device determines there is an absence of the unique element.

Abstract: An arrangement of devices for determining an efficiency index in abrasive waterjet cutting, i.e. the index unambiguously defining for a certain material the shape of a cut, roughness of surfaces created by cutting, their conical nature depending on the incidence angle of the abrasive waterjet. The arrangement of the invention consists of a known abrasive waterjet cutting machine (1), a thermographic camera (2) and a computer (3), wherein a workpiece (4) is arranged on said machine (1), said workpiece being intended to undergo a cutting procedure; and fixed and variable process parameters (A) of cutting are known: hydraulic, cutting, mixing, abrasive and input parameters of said workpiece.

Abstract: A contour follower includes a plurality of sensors spaced around a waterjet nozzle, each of the sensors being configured to measure a distance between a working surface and a first plane, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The sensors may include hall-effect sensors lying in the first plane and magnets lying in a second plane, parallel to the working surface. A detecting circuit processes signals from the sensors to determine an angle of the working surface, relative to the first plane, and a distance between an aperture of the nozzle and the working surface. A collision detection sensor provides a signal in the event the device approaches to within a selected distance of an obstruction in the plane of the working surface. A shield plate blocks and dampens secondary spray-back of cutting fluid occurring at low angles above the working surface.

Abstract: This method for manufacturing a surface-coated cutting insert includes clamping and holding a surface-coated cutting insert with a pair of rotary shafts which are rotatable around an axis, and jetting an abrasive fluid to the surface of the surface-coated cutting insert using at least one blasting gun while rotating the surface-coated cutting insert, thereby, conducting wet blasting.

Abstract: A collision detection sensor for a waterjet system provides a signal in the event the device approaches to within a selected distance of an obstruction in the plane of the working surface. An annular pressure switch lying in a first plane provides the signal when radial pressure is applied to a perimeter of the pressure switch via an annular trigger skirt, the trigger skirt applying the radial pressure in response to a collision of the device with an obstacle.

Abstract: A fluid jet system is configured to etch a workpiece to a plurality of depths to produce an etched part corresponding to a computer image.

Abstract: An abrasive supply system may, for example, be used to supply abrasive particles such as garnet to a cutting nozzle of an abrasive jet cutter. According to an embodiment, the abrasive is propelled by a substantially constant flow rate gas source. According to an embodiment, the system may be supplied with abrasive from an atmospheric pressure abrasive hopper. According to an embodiment, a controller automatically actuates refilling of an abrasive tank from the abrasive hopper, and then automatically closes an abrasive supply valve and restarts abrasive propulsion. According to an embodiment, the controller may include or consist of pneumatic logic.

Abstract: In a water jet processing method, when a nozzle adapted to emit water jet is moved relatively to a substrate to form a second cut line intersecting a first cut line, the relative travel speed of the nozzle is set to a second speed lower than a first normal speed by about 1/5 to 1/20 at least in a section anteroposterior to the intersection. Delay-inclination of a front edge of the second cut line is eliminated as much as possible to thereby prevent the occurrence of an insufficient processing area.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for forming or working optical elements and/or optical forming elements (1) comprising a working apparatus (18) for forming surfaces of form parts by machining or an abrasive technique, wherein at least one measuring device (17) is provided for measuring changes in form and/or surface roughness of said surface when said surface is being worked and, on the basis thereof controlling said working apparatus (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a coating having an irregular surface configuration that includes mapping the irregular surface configuration, and using the mapping determination in controlling the operation of an abrasive water jet to provide increased material removal rates at the higher points in the irregular surface and decreased material removal rates at the lower points, and thereby even out the surface configuration of the coating. The method and apparatus also includes using a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of an element that is unique to a layer of a coating, and using the detection determination in controlling the operation of the abrasive water jet to stop material removal of the coating when the detection device determines there is an absence of the unique element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a desired pocket in a solid workpiece uses an abrasive fluid-jet by moving and suitably orienting the abrasive fluid-jet relative to the workpiece. The method includes defining a path of the abrasive fluid-jet necessary to mill a desired pocket in the solid workpiece. The path is defined by a number of parameters. The parameters include a translation velocity, a fluid pressure, and an abrasive fluid-jet position and orientation relative to the workpiece. Generating a command set is according to the defined path and is configured to drive a computer numerical control manipulator system.

Abstract: An application for an apparatus for sharpening a cutting blade includes a source of high pressure water stream capable of cutting steel and a sharpening jig for positioning and holding the cutting blade perpendicular to the high pressure water stream, the sharpening jig provides a mechanism for moving the cutting blade so that a cutting edge of the cutting blade predictably passes beneath the high pressure water.

Abstract: A water jet-processing machine comprising a workpiece holding table having a holding surface for holding a workpiece, a nozzle for emitting a jet of processing water to the workpiece held on the holding surface of the workpiece holding table, a processing water supply means for supplying processing water containing abrasive grains to the nozzle and a moving means for moving the nozzle in a direction perpendicular to the holding surface of the workpiece holding table, wherein the machine further comprises processing sound wave detection means for detecting a processing sound wave generated by processing water ejected from the nozzle to the workpiece and a control means for controlling the moving means based on a detection signal detected by the processing sound wave detection means.

Abstract: An eraser having the capability of absorbing oil or wax as a formulation of more than 50% styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). The eraser is particularly well suited for use in testing tires having oil or wax therein.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for modifying a surface of a component is provided. In use, a surface of a component is translated relative to at least one jet for a period of time to form a plurality of features thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a desired pocket in a solid workpiece uses an abrasive fluid-jet by moving and suitably orienting the abrasive fluid-jet relative to the workpiece. The method includes defining a path of the abrasive fluid-jet necessary to mill a desired pocket in the solid workpiece. The path is defined by a number of parameters. The parameters include a translation velocity, a fluid pressure, and an abrasive fluid-jet position and orientation relative to the workpiece. Generating a command set is according to the defined path and is configured to drive a computer numerical control manipulator system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recovery device of a blasting medium for recovering a blasting medium after use, which has been injected to a work and has fallen therefrom, into a solid-gas separating tank by suctioning with a suction blower, wherein the solid-gas separating tank comprising: a sucking unit of the blasting medium; a vertically rising pipe provided in a vertical direction and adapted to connect the sucking unit and a tank body; a cushioning member disposed opposedly to an upper exit of the vertically rising pipe; a sieve into which the blasting medium that has collided against the cushioning member reducing its velocity falls, and which vibrates to classify a reusable blasting medium and a non-reusable blasting medium; an outlet portion for the reusable blasting medium classified by the sieve and an outlet portion for the non-reusable blasting medium; and an airflow path provided downstream of the sieve in an air current direction, and connected to the suction blower.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a fuel injection nozzle with which occurrence of cavitation erosion due to occurrence of separation of fuel flow near the needle valve and injection holes is suppressed and variation in fuel injection characteristic is reduced, a method of machining injection holes, and an apparatus therefore to attain the object. An insert tool shaped like the needle valve or an insert tool having a conical surface similar to the needle valve and a groove or grooves are on the conical surface to introduce abrasive fluid to the injection holes, is inserted in the central hollow of the nozzle body when performing abrasive fluid flowing processing to round entrance corners of the injection holes, and the processing of each of the injection holes is stopped when flow rate of abrasive fluid flowing out through relevant injection hole reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A contour follower includes a plurality of sensors spaced around a waterjet nozzle, each of the sensors being configured to measure a distance between a working surface and a first plane, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The sensors may include hall-effect sensors lying in the first plane and magnets lying in a second plane, parallel to the working surface. A detecting circuit processes signals from the sensors to determine an angle of the working surface, relative to the first plane, and a distance between an aperture of the nozzle and the working surface. A collision detection sensor provides a signal in the event the device approaches to within a selected distance of an obstruction in the plane of the working surface. A shield plate blocks and dampens secondary spray-back of cutting fluid occurring at low angles above the working surface.

Abstract: A substantially uninterrupted flow of a pressurised abrasive slurry is maintained by successively charging each of a plurality of vessels V1, V2 with an abrasive material while discharging an abrasive slurry from another of the vessels at a common outlet 2. The vessels connect to the common outlet via respective outlet valves OV1, OV2 which are closed to isolate vessels not discharging slurry. The outlet valves are not opened or closed unless there is substantially no pressure differential across the valve and substantially no flow through the valve. In a preferred arrangement, a high pressure pump 1 feeds a carrier fluid such as water to the vessels via respective inlet valves IV1, IV2. Before an outlet valve is opened or closed, any flow through the outlet valve is stopped and the pressure differential across the valve is equalised so that the outlet valve can be opened or closed without any abrasive flow through the valve.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus jets, at a high pressure, water containing abrasive grains to cut a workpiece along cutting lines extending in intersecting directions. The cutting apparatus includes: a fixing table fixing the workpiece; groove portions provided in the fixing table at respective positions below the cutting lines; protruded portions provided in regions of the fixing table other than regions where the groove portions are provided, in a manner that the workpiece contacts the protruded portions; support portions provided to connect the protruded portions substantially in parallel with cutting lines extending the Y direction along the groove portions; a frame portion provided to connect the support portions to each other in at least a part of an outer periphery of the fixing table; and protection members attachably and detachably provided to cover the support portions.

Abstract: A polishing tool useful for grinding and high precision, fine polishing of flat or curved optical surfaces, as well as for the optical flattening of semiconductor and metallic surfaces. The tool does not make contact with the surface to be polished and lacks moving parts; but produces a high velocity flux “cushion” that expands radially and parallel to the working surface, generating a stable, uniform and repeatable annular abrasion footprint. Due to the hydrodynamic characteristics of the tool, it can create polished surfaces of high-precision optical quality starting from the grinding process up through the final fine polishing process without having to change the tool, thereby avoiding friction against the work surface and tool wear. It can polish thin membranes and does not require a rigid or active support for the working surface. This invention considerably simplifies optical polishing processes and reduces costs with respect to other known methods.

Abstract: During the processing of workpieces using a water jet, standstill times or even operating interruptions arise on the machine tools when the processed workpieces are removed and the workpieces to be processed are positioned on the machine. This is made more difficult above all in water-abrasive jet cutting, which is known to be performed on immersed workpieces. Through a water basin, which may be flooded in a simple way and has a foldable side wall having lift-pivot cylinders on its front side, supports may be pushed into and out of the water basin. A loading station, having lifting devices, positioned behind the machine tool allows the preparation of workpieces while the machine tool executes a jet processing. The loading station having a linear drive allows the stacking of prepared supports. According to the method, the flooding of the water basin and the control of the foldable side wall are tailored to the loading station, through which a performance increase of the machine tool arises.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a blasting media, comprised of at least first and second separate types of particles, to a surface to be treated. Each type of particle may comprise a core coated with a desired component, e.g. abrasive, absorptive, polishing, etc., and the components are selected so as to minimize the density variation of different types of media being combined with one another for the surface treatment. The different types of particles are mixed with one another prior to application to a surface to be treated. The mixing may occur in a mixing tank prior to use, in the media supply conduit prior to the nozzle, at the discharge outlet of the nozzle, or just prior to contacting the surface to be treated. By employing different types of particles, cleaning and reuse of the media is facilitated while also minimizing the amount of media consumed per unit area of wall to be treated.

Abstract: In a method for the hydro-erosive rounding of an edge of a part, particularly an edge in a duct of a high pressure-resistant part, and a use thereof, a liquid to which abrasive elements are added is directed along the edge that is to be rounded. In order to optimize the result of the rounding process, a high-viscosity liquid is used as a liquid (10). The inventive method is used for rounding parts of a fuel injection system.

Abstract: A positioning jig which is applied to a spray polishing device which sprays a polishing liquid to a material to be polished and polishes the material to be polished, determines a relative position of a material to be polished and a polishing liquid spraying nozzle.

Abstract: A method for milling grooves in a work-piece includes using a manipulator to control impingement angles of abrasive fluidjets traversed across the work-piece. Another method employs multiple fluidjets simultaneously with a plurality of impingement angles. An apparatus is also provided to allow for the simultaneous use of multiple abrasive fluidjets with a plurality of impingement angles.

Abstract: A sandblasting operation includes a nozzle (10) which receives sand from a pot (12). A signaling system (20) for the sandblasting operation includes a first switch (22) to initiate the operation and a second switch (24) located at the nozzle (10) to alert the operator of the pot (12) of the need for action and also of the type of action needed. If the second switch (24) is put in one position, an alarm (29) is sounded alerting the operator of the pot (12), and a first light (30) is illuminated to indicate the need for an increased amount of sand. If the second switch (24) is put in a second position, the alarm (29) is sounded and a second light (31) is illuminated to indicate the need for a decreased amount of sand.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering onto a workpiece a high-energy abrasive cutting stream. The system generally comprises a head assembly for providing a pressurized fluidic stream; a nozzling unit coupled to the head assembly for nozzling the pressurized fluidic stream; and, an adaptive orientation assembly coupled to the nozzling unit. The nozzling unit is operable to expel a high-energy abrasive cutting stream for cutting about or along a predefined pattern on the workpiece, and includes a nozzle member having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinally extending passage. This passage terminates at an outlet portion which describes in sectional contour a predetermined shape such that, during operation, it serves to generate upon the workpiece an instantaneous kerf of cut having a corresponding sectional contour.

Abstract: A grinding method is provided which can grind a processing surface of a workpiece by a blast processing without use of specific abrasives to obtain a glossy surface such as a mirror surface.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting machine comprising a selectively contactless or tactile sensor system for determining a spacing between the cutting device (outlet of the jet pipe) and the work piece. This device automatically trails the drive of the cutting head to maintain a defined constant spacing. An inductive sensor is used for metallic work pieces. The inductive proximity sensor is concentrically arranged around the jet pipe and determines, in a contactless manner, the spacing from the work piece, and transmits corresponding electrical signals to the drive of the cutting head for controlling the spacing. The inductive sensor is designed so that a ring chamber is concentrically arranged extending along the jet pipe leading to the outlet of the jet. It is possible to provide a pressurized flushing medium through this ring chamber via feed lines. This flushing medium flushes away the material removed by abrasion and the rebound particles in the course of the drilling and cutting process.

Abstract: The invention provides an abrasive jet system having a high-pressure fluid supply (10) means supplying fluid to a vessel (11) which includes a layer of abrasive slurry and a top layer that contains substantially of fluid over the layer of abrasive slurry. The system also includes a first conduit (14) which leads from the fluid supply means to the top layer of fluid in the vessel and as high-pressure fluid is fed into the vessel, causes displacement of abrasive slurry from a discharge conduit (16). The system further includes a second conduit (21) which connects at different points to the first conduit and the discharge conduit, and including a fluid valve (13) between the operative connection to the first conduit and the discharge conduit, that controls the fluid flow within the second conduit.

Abstract: A working chamber for a blasting process has a robot arm for the manipulation of a workpiece to be blasted, with the working chamber having a chamber wall with an access opening for the introduction of the robot arm. A sealing device rotatably fastened to the robot arm is provided in the region of the access opening.

Abstract: A grit blasting nozzle and nozzle fixture assembly provides for both rapid installation of the nozzle within the fixture, and precise alignment of the nozzle when installed in the fixture. Corresponding flat surfaces and shoulders on the nozzle and nozzle fixture orient the nozzle within the fixture, and a spring-biased pin engages an angled surface in the nozzle housing to fully seat the nozzle within the fixture. A proximity sensor facilitates consistent setting of the proper distance between the nozzle and the workpiece.