Abstract: Described is a shaped charge warhead comprising an axially symmetric fragmentation casing designed to define a containment space and having in a base portion a casting hole for the explosive, a detonator housed in the casting hole and a conical liner of the shaped charge positioned inside the containment space. The casing and the conical or hemispherical liner, with a variable thickness, if necessary, are made in a single piece. The casing extends along a respective axis of extension in such a way as to also define a standoff of the charged warhead.

Abstract: A method for generating a core description is disclosed. The method includes coring and collecting rock cores from geographical locations in the subterranean formation, detecting, using an augmented reality (AR) device worn by a user, content of an identifying tag of a rock core within a device view of the AR device to identify a well where the rock core is obtained, retrieving, by the AR device from a data repository, historical data of the well, activating, by the AR device, a sensor to acquire additional data from the rock core to supplement the historical data, and presenting, by the AR device, an AR image including a first image of the historical data and the additional data superimposed over a second image of the rock core, where the user generates the core description based on viewing the AR image.

Abstract: Mist management systems are configured for a processing machine having a portioning station configured to portion a workpiece within an enclosed portioner housing having a first side wall extending along the portioning station, a second side wall, at least one hood portion between the first and second side walls, and at least one end wall between the first and second side walls, using at least one liquid jet cutter and a conveyor configured to move the workpiece in a longitudinal direction beneath the at least one liquid jet cutter. The systems may include a tray secured within the enclosed portioner housing beneath the at least one liquid jet cutter and the conveyor, the tray being downwardly angled and configured to direct a waterjet of the liquid jet cutter toward a low pressure plenum chamber positioned external to the first side wall of the enclosed portioner housing.

Abstract: A cutting template for use with a negative pressure wound therapy system includes a substantially rigid body. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a height, and a recess. The top surface is configured to engage a drape layer. The bottom surface is configured to engage a dressing layer. The height is defined between the top surface and the bottom surface. The height is configured to create a gap between the drape layer and the dressing layer. The recess is disposed substantially about a perimeter of the body. The recess is configured to receive an edge of a cutting tool so that an opening is formed in the drape layer when the edge is traversed about the perimeter.

Abstract: A wireline jarring tool includes an elongate body having opposing upper and lower ends, a longitudinal channel defined in the elongate body and extending between the upper and lower ends and sized to loosely receive a wireline, and a jarring assembly housed within the elongate body and operable to generate a jarring force transmittable to a bottom hole assembly (BHA) once the wireline jarring tool is secured to the BHA within a wellbore. The wireline jarring tool is conveyable into the wellbore by translating longitudinally along the wireline, and actuating the jarring assembly is configured to release the BHA from a stuck position within a wellbore.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of making a fertilizer granule. The method includes supplying a fertilizer component, an liquid component, a binder and a filler to a zoned extruder comprising a die head, a screw, and at least three zones; mixing the fertilizer component, liquid component, binder and filler to yield a thixotropic mixture; and passing the thixotropic mixture through the die head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paper making machine (1) comprising a forming section (2) in which a fibrous web (W) can be formed, a drying section (5) in which a formed fibrous web (W) can be dried; and a reel-up (11) on which a dried fibrous web (W) can be wound into a roll (12). The paper making machine (1) is arranged to carry a fibrous web (W) in the machine direction (MD) along a predetermined path (P) and the paper making machine (1) has at least one water jet cutting device (17, 18, 19) arranged to cut the fibrous web (W) that is moving in the machine direction (MD) such that the fibrous web (W) is divided into at least one waste part (23a, 23b, 30) and a remaining part (24, 29). The paper making machine (1) is arranged to direct the at least one waste part (23a, 23b, 30) away from the predetermined path (P) and to convey the remaining part (24, 29) further in the machine direction (MD) along the predetermined path (P).

Abstract: A simplified method for making an impermeable joining on three-layer or bi-layer fabric materials, either with or without a complex construction on a joining side thereof, and being preliminarily joined by a stitching or ultrasound joining arrangement, wherein the method comprises only two method steps, a first joining step of joining two fabric material panels and a second impermeabilizing step carried out by cauterizing and sealing a strip element, and being performed by a single machine in a single operation thereof.

Abstract: A multi-rate system for controlling an actuator may include an incremental command limiter that receives a command from a first control system and outputs a limited incremental command; a feed-forward that receives the limited incremental command from the incremental command limiter and outputs a feed forward rate command; a first differentiator that limits the limited incremental command to a maximum allowable command; an upsampler state that outputs a current state back to the differentiator; a first summer that receives the limited incremental command and the current state from the upsampler state, and outputs an incremental position command; and a second summer that combines the incremental position command and the feed forward rate command to produce a rate error output signal.

Abstract: An abrasive water-jet machining device includes an abrasive nozzle assembly (11) that jets ultrahigh-pressure water mixed with an abrasive during a cutting process for cutting a workpiece (W) into a desired shape, a catcher cup (12) that collects the ultrahigh-pressure water jetted from the abrasive nozzle assembly (11), and a distance adjusting mechanism (13) that adjusts the distance between the abrasive nozzle assembly (11) and the catcher cup (12) so as to maintain a constant distance between the catcher cup (12) and the workpiece (W). The device increases the collection rate of the abrasive fluid when cutting a workpiece whose plate thickness changes in a longitudinal direction (vertical direction) and/or a width direction (horizontal direction).

Abstract: The present invention provides a joined body manufacturing method with which the resin material is accurately attached to the first base material. The method includes: an attaching step of attaching a sheet material having resin material on one main surface of a sheet base material to a first base material such that a predetermined area is covered; a forming step of forming a slit for ease of separation on the sheet material attached to the first base material in accordance with the predetermined area; and a separating step of separating part of the resin material inside the slit from the sheet base material such that the part of the resin material inside the slit remains on the predetermined area of the first base material and part of the resin material outside the slit does not remain on the first base material.

Abstract: A consumable component of a liquid jet cutting system is provided. The consumable component includes a body defining a conduit for a liquid jet and a signal device located on or within the body for transmitting a signal associated with the consumable component to a reader.

Abstract: A device for cutting a fibrous preform, for production of a part made of a composite material by injection of resin under vacuum. The device includes a die for receiving the preform, on which a template of outer edges of the part is referenced, a mechanism cutting outer edges of the preform according to the template, and a mechanism for cooling the preform that is suitable for solidifying a liquid forming a substrate for the preform.

Abstract: A sealing surface, in particular for a vacuum chamber of a mass spectrometer and an associated manufacturing process, has non-circular shapes and can be produced with low effort. The sealing surface has circumferential cracks, being produced by erosion or jet machining or indentation-forming. A method manufactures such a sealing surface, a component has such a sealing surface, a vacuum chamber is made of components with such sealing surfaces and a mass spectrometer has such a vacuum chamber. In the prior art annular sealing surfaces are produced by turning. Milling permits a non-annular embodiment but is disadvantageous in case of sealing.

Abstract: A method of producing a document of value, the method including providing a single lamina or multi-laminate sheet carrying data relating to one or more documents of value; selecting the shape of at least part of the edge of the or each document using the data relating to the document; and operating a cutting tool to cut out the or each security document from the sheet by cutting along the edge of the or each security document such that the at least part of the edge has the selected shape.

Abstract: Portioning system 10 includes a scanner 200 for scanning work products 13 being carried on the conveyor 12. A cutter system 17 includes an array or singular manifold cutter 18 and single cutter 19 for cutting the work products into desired sized end pieces. The cutter assemblies 18 and 19 are carried on respective carriages 16 and 26 to move the cutters as required along predetermined cutting paths as controlled by control system 220.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for crushing coke in drums with of high-pressure water jets, which has a housing 2 with a feed system 4 for high-pressure water, and a housing wall 3 with outwardly directed boring and cutting nozzles 5a, 5b, out of the openings 7 of which high-pressure water jets 28 exit, as well as flow channels 4g, 4h, which connect the feed system 4 with the boring and cutting nozzles 5a, 5b. So that the opening of the boring and cutting nozzles is permanently protected and kept free of deposits of coke or the like, the opening of the boring or cutting nozzle is respectively closable by a one- or multi-part flap, which is adjustable between a dosed position and an open position.

Abstract: Waterjet systems including control valves and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A waterjet system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid source, a jet outlet, and a fluid conveyance extending from the fluid source to the jet outlet. The system further includes a control valve positioned along the fluid conveyance downstream from the fluid source and upstream from the jet outlet. The fluid conveyance has a first portion upstream from the control valve and a second portion downstream from the control valve. The control valve is configured to controllably reduce a pressure of fluid within the second portion of the fluid conveyance relative to a pressure of fluid within the first portion of the fluid conveyance. The first portion of the fluid conveyance is configured to accommodate movement of the jet outlet relative to the fluid source.

Abstract: An air-actuated clamping assembly that is quickly actuated to secure a workpiece in place during machining operations, such as on a waterjet machine. The clamping operation is completed within seconds after a workpiece is placed (for example, when used in conjunction with a waterjet machine) onto the waterjet machine slats. The system greatly minimizes set-up time, allows for an adjustable clamping force, allows for one operator to set up workpieces, keeps the workpiece firmly in place and prevents movement during the machining process, is adaptable to various waterjet brands and models, and is air-actuated so that typical “house air” can be utilized.

Abstract: A dust protection method for a glass substrate cutter includes the following steps: (1) providing a cutter and a glass-substrate-to-be-cut, wherein the cutter includes a cutter body, a cutting blade, a cover plate assembly, and suction tubes, the cover plate assembly forming a first slit corresponding to the cutting blade: (2) positioning and fixing the glass-substrate-to-be-cut on the cutter body and closing the cover plate to form a second slit between the glass-substrate-to-be-cut and the cover plate; (3) introducing a pressurized gas flow into the second slit at edges of the glass-substrate-to-be-cut and activating the suction tubes to draw in the gas; and (4) controlling the cutting blade to proceed with a cutting operation along the first slit to complete the processing of the glass substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a blank printing sleeve for laser engraving, comprising: (1) a step of laminating a photosensitive resin composition layer (a) on a hollow cylindrical support (b); (2) a step of photo-curing the laminated photosensitive resin composition layer (a) to form a cured photosensitive resin layer (c); and (3) a step of cutting the hollow cylindrical support (b) and the cured photosensitive resin layer (c) approximately in a circumferential direction of the hollow cylindrical support (b) by a laser cutting method and/or a water beam cutting method.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention disclosed herein is a hydro-demolition device and a top-down method for deconstructing structural surfaces. The device includes a rigid support frame mounted above a work-face on the structural surface being deconstructed. The rigid frame supports a cutting nozzles that move up and down along the structural surface. The nozzles may be mounted on a carriage that is movably connected to the rigid frame. The carriage may swing about a swing axis so that the nozzles move axially toward and away from the carriage. The nozzles may be movable toward and away from the work-face. The various movements of the nozzles are effectuated by rotators and drivers.

Abstract: A machine for slitting metal sheet into strips includes a fixed upper beam and a lower beam that is displaceable vertically. Both beams support slitter heads that move along the beams. Each beam carries an arbor that rotates in it and extends through the slitter heads on it. Each beam also has a fixed threaded shaft and lock rods that extend through the slitter heads on it. Each slitter head carries a knife that rotates with the arbor for its beam. Each slitter head also has a motor-driven nut that engages the threaded shaft extending through the beam and, when rotated, moves the slitter head along its beam. The slitter heads have clamps, which clamp down on the lock rods to secure the slitter heads in fixed positions. The knives rotate about axes that are skewed slightly relative to the axes of the arbors that drive them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacement of damages display shield (typically glass) covering a display screen on a device, typically a mobile phone. Mobile phones have an electronic display protected by a glass shield. Between the glass and the display is often a plastic polarizing or other intermediary sheet. Removal of a damage glass can be accomplished by cutting thru the polarizer with a moving wire or blade. This separates the glass from the sensitive display and allows replacement of the glass without damaging the more expensive display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting apparatus for cutting glass substrate which comprises a cutting device including a first waterjet and a second waterjet. A compressed liquid source is in communication with the first and second waterjet. And a first controlling unit is used to control the operation of the first and second waterjets. The present invention also relates to a method for cutting the glass substrate. By the provision of the present invention, the performance of cutting the glass substrate is increased, and the cost is reduced.

Abstract: A method for perforating a wall, includes calculating mechanical stresses applied on the wall for a use of the wall. The method further includes perforating an orifice in a first determined zone of the wall, the perforation being made using a tool with a cross-section dependent on the mechanical stresses calculated in the first determined zone.

Abstract: A system (8; 9; 50) is described of walls for catalytic beds of synthesis reactors (1), in which there is a wall (14) in direct contact with a catalytic bed (7) for containing it, said wall (14) having a plurality of portions (17) permeable to the gases and a plurality of portions (19; 54; 55) impermeable to the gases, said portions (17) permeable to the gases being equipped with slits (18; 52, 53; 60; 70) of a size such as to allow the free passage of the synthesis gases through them but not the passage of the catalyst, in which the slits are obtained with milling, water cutting or electro-erosion processing.

Abstract: Fibrous mineral products, like fiberglass insulation blankets, are cut into lanes or segments using at least one oil-jet cutter that uses high velocity oil to cut a kerf in the blanket. The used or spent oil that is dispersed by the fibers is collected in a separate oil reclamation system that keeps the oil distinct from washwater. The collected oil is filtered, recycled and re-pressurized for additional cutting. Oil is advantageous over water for preserving recovery properties, producing comfortable hand, and reducing the use of de-dusting agents in the process.

Abstract: An ultra high pressure pump comprising a servo motor coupled to a piston having a head arranged within a cylinder to define a pumping chamber, whereby the servo motor rotation causes reciprocal displacement of the piston to pressurise fluid in the pumping chamber to pressures greater than 50,000 psi, the servo motor having a feedback loop coupled to a computer, the feedback loop including a pressure feedback signal to control the pump pressure in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a tool tip path of a machine, such as a waterjet cutting machine, by testing and compensating for tool misalignment. The system and method using a sensor positioned to sense a portion of the machine, such as a cutting head assembly, during a sequence of movements thereof and configured to output information indicative of various positions and orientations of a tool of the machine so as to generate an improved tool tip path based on transformation parameters derived from such information.

Abstract: A cutting head of a waterjet cutting system is provided having an environment control device and a measurement device. The environment control device is positioned to act on a surface of a workpiece at least during a measurement operation to establish a measurement area on the surface of the workpiece substantially unobstructed by fluid. The measurement device is positioned to selectively obtain information from within the measurement area indicative of a position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece. A control system is further provided and operable to position the cutting head relative to the workpiece at a standoff distance based at least in part on the information indicative of the position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece obtained by the measurement device. A method of operating a waterjet cutting system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of prepping a surface of a cylinder bore using a pulsed waterjet entails generating a signal having a frequency f using a signal generator, applying the signal to generate a pulsed waterjet through an exit orifice of a nozzle having an exit orifice diameter d and a length L. The pulsed waterjet prepares the surface to within a predetermined range of surface roughness. The surface roughness is determined by selecting operating parameters comprising a standoff distance (SD), a traverse velocity VTR of the nozzle, a water pressure P, a water flow rate Q, a length-to-diameter (L/d) ratio, the frequency f, and an amplitude A of the signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical component comprising a segment having a diameter in the range of about 1 micrometers to about 10 cm, the segment comprising a plurality of non-metallic, resistive fibers in a non-metallic binder. The segment is precisely trimmed to impart to the segment an electrical resistance within 1% of the desired resistance value. A manufacturing system and methods of manufacturing components having precise specifications also are disclosed.

Abstract: An air guide box of a paper production installation has a front broad side and a rear broad side, each having a width b. An extension device is attachable to a broad side of the air box guide and has a width of at least 0.25*b and a length of at least 10 mm. A surface thereof is defined with at least one recess having a maximum clear opening of at least 0.1 mm for the through passage of at least one high-pressure water jet or at least one laser beam.

Abstract: Structures such as display structures and other electronic device structures may be shaped using water jet cutting equipment. The water jet cutting equipment may be used to produce a water jet. The water jet may be used to cut layer of material such as display layers and other structures. Water jet cutting may form edge cuts, cuts for openings in the structures, chamfers, and other features. Multiple layers may be simultaneously cut using water jet cutting. Positioning equipment may be used to control the position of a workpiece relative to a water jet nozzle. The positioning equipment may be controlled using a control unit. During water jet cutting operations, the workpiece may be trimmed, openings may be formed, and features such as chamfers may be created. A workpiece may include a cover glass, a color filter array, a thin-film transistor layer, and other display layers and device structures.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing refractory lining the inside of a cylindrical structure comprising a traveler received within the structure and movable along its length and having a securing means, a rotatable nozzle assembly connected to the traveler, the nozzle assembly comprising one or more nozzle lines each terminating in a nozzle head that rotates, the nozzle assembly being configured in a manner that each nozzle head is suitably spaced from the refractory to be able to deliver a jet of fluid under pressure to the refractory, a nozzle rotation means for rotating the nozzle assembly, and a conduit means in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly suitable for delivering a flow of fluid to the nozzle assembly under sufficient pressure to cut the refractory material lining the structure. A method employing the apparatus for removing refractory.

Abstract: Embodiments of abrasive jet piercing and/or cutting devices are described herein. In some embodiments, a piercing device includes a holding or positioning device coupling a mixing tube to a secondary tube. The holding device has one or more passages extending to at least an intermediate portion of the piercing device. The one or more passages allow air to contact or mix with an abrasive waterjet as it travels through the piercing device. In some embodiments, a cutting device includes two plates configured so as to form a slot between the two plates. The cutting device can be placed directly on a workpiece, and an abrasive waterjet can be directed at the workpiece through the slot. An abrasive waterjet system utilizing the piercing and cutting devices disclosed herein can pierce holes and cut slots in materials that have reduced hole diameters and kerf widths, respectively.

Abstract: (Problem) In conventional method for producing artificial graphite, in order to obtain a product having excellent crystallinity, it was necessary to mold a filler and a binder and then repeat impregnation, carbonization and graphitization, and since carbonization and graphitization proceeded by a solid phase reaction, a period of time of as long as 2 to 3 months was required for the production and cost was high and further, a large size structure in the shape of column and cylinder could not be produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials such as carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber and carbon nanohorn could not be produced.

Abstract: Various embodiments of fluid-jet systems are described herein. In one embodiment, a fluid-jet system includes a table and two bridges that are each longitudinally movable along the table. Each bridge carries a fluid-jet cutting head latitudinally movable along the bridge. The fluid-jet system also includes a first controller operably coupled to the first bridge and the first fluid-jet cutting head. The first controller controls the first bridge and the first fluid-jet cutting head. The fluid-jet system also includes a second controller operably coupled to the second bridge and the second fluid-jet cutting head. The second controller controls the second bridge and the second fluid-jet cutting head independently of the control of the first bridge and the first fluid-jet cutting head by the first controller.

Abstract: One embodiment of a fluid jet cutting assembly for cutting slots in a hollow workpiece, which may have an inner surface and an outer surface, may include a base. The assembly may also have an attachment mechanism supported by the base. The attachment mechanism may engage and support the workpiece. In addition, the assembly may also have a carrier supported by the base whereby the carrier or the attachment mechanism may be movable on the base along a longitudinal axis. Further, the assembly may have an array of fluid jet cutters extending from the carrier for cutting the hollow workpiece from the inner surface to the outer surface. The cutters may cut the slots in the workpiece in response to the carrier or the attachment mechanism moving along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention disclosed herein is a hydro-demolition device and a top-down method for deconstructing structural surfaces. The device includes a rigid support frame mounted above a work-face on the structural surface being deconstructed. The rigid frame supports a cutting nozzles that move up and down along the structural surface. The nozzles may be mounted on a carriage that is movably connected to the rigid frame. The carriage may swing about a swing axis so that the nozzles move axially toward and away from the carriage. The nozzles may be movable toward and away from the work-face. The various movements of the nozzles are effectuated by rotators and drivers.

Abstract: A system for recycling used tires uses a high-pressure fluid spray head. The spray head comprises a body mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation generally perpendicular to a surface to be treated, and a plurality of outlet nozzles, each suitable for directing a jet of fluid at the surface to be treated. The plurality of outlet nozzles includes at least two outlet nozzles suitable for directing jets of fluid in at least two different directions.

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: An energy absorber comprises an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The intermediate portion and the first and second ends are on the same plane. The intermediate portion includes curved portions configured and arranged to deform and begin to straighten when subjected to a pre-determined load to absorb energy from the pre-determined load. Should a user fall, the energy absorber will deform (begin to straighten) to absorb energy from the fall. Optional pins prevent material from getting caught in the energy absorber, assist in stiffening the energy absorber, and assist in pre-stressing the energy absorber so that it will not open up when subjected to a load less than the pre-determined load. Optional tabs and slots or protrusions and notches prevent material from getting caught in the energy absorber.

Abstract: A processing table 3 holding a workpiece 2 is accommodated in a chamber 4 with a gas-tight condition kept, and a liquid column W is jetted to an upper surface of this chamber 4, and a processing head 9 that guides laser beam L to the liquid column W is secured to the upper surface of this chamber 4. An oil-sealed rotary pump 11 and a diffusion pump 12 provided in parallel are connected to the chamber 4, and the diffusion pump 12 is actuated after the actuation of the oil-sealed rotary pump 11, bringing the inside of the chamber 4 into a vacuum state. No gas currents are generated around the liquid column W jetted from the processing head 9, making it possible to prevent turbulence of the liquid column W due to turbulence of the gas currents and enabling a liquid column having a small diameter to be jetted in a stable state.

Abstract: Core samples may be easily, quickly, and safely split using a fluid cutter, such as a water jet. Cutting may take place upon exit of the sample from the drill tube, or core samples may be placed in core carriers for cutting. Core samples may also be stored and transported in the core carriers. Assessment of core samples is facilitated by scanning the core samples, with the results stored to produce a virtual core sample. Virtual core samples may be displayed on a computing device, including a core sample display device which simulates the appearance of a section of an actual core.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting apparatus employing a high pressure fluid jet including a super high pressure pump for increasing pressure of a fluid so as to form a super high pressure fluid, a super high pressure fluid nozzle having an orifice for ejecting the super high pressure fluid so as to form a high rate ejected flow, a super high pressure fluid pipeline for connecting the super high pressure pump and the super high pressure fluid nozzle to each other, and a switch valve interposed between the super high pressure fluid nozzle and the super high pressure fluid pipeline so as to connect or disconnect supply of the super high pressure fluid; wherein the super high pressure fluid nozzle is provided in plurality, in which diameters of the orifices provided with nozzles are different from each other, and supply of the super high pressure fluid from the super high pressure fluid pipeline to the super high pressure fluid nozzle is changed from one nozzle to another nozzle of the plural super high pressure fluid nozzle

Abstract: A decorative tile or set of tiles is provided for use in swimming pools, bathrooms, kitchens and the like. Tiles are manufactured to have a glazed front surface of a first color, and one or more openings in said front surface in a pattern. Decorative grouts are used to fill the openings in the glazed tiles to produce the desired decorative effect. In use, the tiles are held in place by a conventional bedding grout, and finished with a finishing grout. The openings are preferably holes through the tile, having openings at front and back. In a preferred embodiment, some or all of the decorative grouting that is used to fill the openings is a phosphorescent grout that accumulates solar or other light energy, and glows in the dark.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a material using a water jet. A central shaft is mounted so as to extend outward from a material to be cut. A support member is mounted on the central shaft so as to extend transversely therefrom. At least one water jet cutting head is mounted on the support member so as to be translatable therealong. In addition, the at least one water jet cutting head is mounted so as to be rotatable about the central shaft. By controlling the translatory and rotational motion of the at least one water jet cutting head (for example, using computer numerical control or other computer control), a desired cut pattern can be followed with respect to the material being cut.

Abstract: A soil auger for creating smooth-walled cylindrical holes in the earth is provided for use with a drill. The auger has a central rotational axis with a tubular body that is open at a bottom cutting end, and enclosed at a top end by a cap assembly. The cap assembly has a top wall and a bottom wall. The top and bottom walls have apertures aligned with the central rotational axis for receiving a shaft in alignment therewith, and for attachment to a drill. The distance between the top wall and bottom wall compared to the overall length of the assembled auger determines the minimum height of the cap assembly to minimize the rotational imbalance of the auger during use for a given body length. A method of manufacturing the auger is provided using precision cutting tools to create apertures in the body and to maintain concentricity of the auger components.