Abstract: A pen-shaped cutting apparatus and a method for its use is disclosed. The cutting apparatus has a body and a cutter head pivotally mounted thereto. The cutter head includes a swivel-mounted cutter housing that includes a cutter protruding slightly from a lower surface of the cutter housing. The cutting apparatus enables continuous non-linear cutting of an underlying surface.

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a rotor blade utilizing a waterjet and an apparatus therefore.

Abstract: Arrangements and methods for connecting and mounting decorative ornaments, for example, beads, crystals, or gems, are disclosed. The arrangements and methods are particularly useful in mounting ornaments in decorative fixtures, such as chandeliers. In one aspect, an arrangement is provided that includes a first ornament having two mounting apertures and a second ornament having at least one mounting aperture; and at least one connector for connecting the first ornament to the second ornament whereby when hung the two apertures of the first ornament are laterally disposed from each other. Multiple pre-formed connectors are disclosed for use in connecting ornaments, such as ornament chains. Mounting hooks, mounting devices, and mounting arrangements are also provided for attaching ornaments to a support, for instance, mounting devices fabricated from thin plate, for example, by laser cutting.

Abstract: A waterjet system selectively produces fluid jets for water jet cutting or abrasive jets for abrasive-waterjet-cutting. The abrasive materials in the abrasive jet are determined based on the properties of the workpiece. The waterjet system includes an abrasive delivery system that is capable of delivering either a single abrasive or a plurality of abrasives as an abrasive blend, to a cutting head assembly. The cutting head assembly entrains the abrasive into a fluid jet to form an abrasive jet.

Abstract: A fluid jet based micromachining device and method include a workpiece, and fluid jets directing synchronized forces at the workpiece so as to converge forces at a dynamic contact zone on the workpiece and provide mechanical support to the workpiece during periods of contact with the fluid jets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating mask projection laser ablation engraving defects from a metal film deposited on a flexible carrier. According to the invention, the method comprises spraying onto said defects a liquid pressurized at between about 1500 PSI and about 3000 PSI.

Abstract: A waterjet system for generating and delivering fluid jets suitable for processing a workpiece has a cutting head body and a mixing tube. The cutting head body includes a mixing chamber and a bore. The bore is positioned downstream of the mixing chamber, and an abrasive fluid jet from the mixing chamber passes through the mixing tube. The mixing tube has a first coupler adapted to magnetically couple the mixing tube to the cutting head body when the mixing tube is installed. The cutting head body has a second coupler positioned to engage the first coupler of the mixing tube to keep the mixing tube properly positioned during operation of the waterjet system.

Abstract: A method of controlling robot motion for small shape generation is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a robot having a plurality of interconnected distal links with a respective plurality major axes and a respective plurality of minor axes, the robot having a controller for moving the robot to a starting position and along a path including a series of interpolated positions to be followed relative a workpiece; b) moving the robot to the starting position; c) determining a next interpolated position on the path, wherein the robot remains fixed in position about at least one of the major axes and a location and an approach vector of the next interpolated position can be achieved; and d) moving the robot to the next interpolated position. A method where the robot remains fixed in position about all major axes is also provided.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a cutting insert suitably usable even in a cutting. A cutting insert of the invention is formed in a substantially plate shape, wherein a groove part (6) is formed in a flank face (4), a main cutting edge (5) is composed of a plurality of main cutting edge divisions (5a) divided by the groove part (6), and a concave part (7) depressed in a rake face (2) is formed in a vicinity corresponding to each of the main cutting edge divisions (5) in the rake face (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a piercing device of a hydroforming mold with a lower steel having a cavity therein, which can make the replacement of the pierce punch easier. The piercing device comprises: a pierce punch, the front edge portion of which is inserted into the cavity, for punching a hole through a molding material; a pierce cylinder for providing hydraulic pressure; a rod connected to the pierce cylinder, which is to be operated by the hydraulic pressure; and a pierce block connecting the rod and the pierce punch, wherein the length between the front edge portion of the rod and the pierce punch is greater than the length of the pierce punch.

Abstract: A demolition tool is provided. The demolition tool has a first jaw, a second jaw, a linkage assembly, and an actuator. The second jaw is pivotally coupled to the first jaw and the linkage assembly is coupled to the first and the second jaws. The actuator is coupled to the linkage assembly and the first jaw and has an extension stroke. The linkage assembly first closes and then opens the second jaw with respect to the first jaw over the extension stroke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system 1A for supplying processing water 3, which is used in the operation of processing a target object with a highly pressurized jet of processing water 3 containing an abrasive, including: a tank 2 for storing the processing water 3, having a lower portion substantially tapering downwards; a supply pipe 5 for supplying the processing water 3 to the tank 2; a delivery pipe 8 having an opening 9 located inside the tank 2; a pressure mechanism 7 located outside the tank 2, for pressurizing the processing water 3; and a suction port 10 provided in the side surface of the delivery pipe 8. The processing water 3 in the tank 2 is stratified into a deposition portion 4A, which is a portion where the abrasive is deposited, and a clear-water portion 4W, which is a portion other than the deposition portion 4A and formed by clear water substantially free from the abrasive.

Abstract: A press system having an integrated frame and press box for a foundry apparatus such as a trim press. The frame includes a top member, a bottom member and a pair of spaced apart side columns located between the top and bottom member. The press box is slidably coupled to the frame. The press system includes guideway bearings, and an integrated hydraulic box to form a system which minimizes deflection. The press system includes a controller having a program which operates the press system. The press system includes detection devices to provide input to the controller and a human-machine interface to provide input to the controller and to display output from the controller.

Abstract: A divider insert feed system, comprising: a drive roller (50) capable of displacing paper; at least one of an upper shear blade (100) or a lower shear blade (90) that is positioned downstream of the drive roller (50). The upper shear blade (100) and the lower shear blade (90) capable of cutting a length of paper to form a divider insert (230). An air knife (120) that is capable of displacing the divider insert (230) to a cutting position (500); a slicing blade (20) disposed upwardly from the divider insert (230). The slicing blade (20) capable of descending and pushing the divider insert (230) downwardly to position the divider insert (230) into position into a workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device (24) used for producing a flow path between the tank (6) of a water vapor cutting device (1) and a liquid-filled cartridge (25), wherein said coupling device (24) comprises a housing (29) provided with a receiving area (30) which is formed therein, used for mounting the cartridge (25) on said housing (29) and which comprises a channel (39) provided with an input orifice (40) fluidically connectable to the cartridge (25) and to an output opening (41) which is also fluidically connectable to an external surrounding area, for example to the tank (6).

Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided to process a workpiece. The processing apparatus can have a low-profile nozzle system capable of navigating through spaces in order to process target regions with relatively small clearances. A fluid jet outputted from the nozzle system is used to cut, mill, or otherwise process the target region of the workpiece.

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: An apparatus and method for piercing a hole in a work piece suitable for hydroforming applications is provided. The apparatus includes first and second die portions forming a die cavity for the work piece. Each die includes a punch cavity generally perpendicular to the work piece. One of the punch cavities has a slug capturing area. A punch with an angular cutting face can be moved within a cross passage created by the punch cavities to impact the work piece. The angular cutting face of the punch has a larger surface area than the punch body, which results in expanding slugs pierced from the work piece. The slug capturing area is configured with a cross-sectional area smaller than the surface area of the angular cutting face.

Abstract: The cutting machine includes pairs of coaxial blades to simultaneously cut two rolls for each cutting cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing selected tissue are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first cutting element including a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end and a second cutting element including a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end of the second cutting element. The second cutting element is positioned relative to the first cutting element such that the cutting edge of the first cutting element and the cutting edge of the second cutting element cooperatively produce a shear force on a region of an object when the first cutting element moves in a first direction and the second cutting element moves in a second direction, different from the first direction. The second cutting element defines a conduit configured to convey a fluid from the region of the object.

Abstract: An object is to provide a cutting method capable of efficiently removing cutting chips around a cutting point with a little electric power, and cutting a work with high accuracy. A ball end mill having a slit shaped-opening part at a portion adjacent to a rake face of a cutting edge and internally having a suction passage is used, and a work in which a cutting liquid is previously coated on an inclined face is cut while the cutting liquid is sucked in the area around the cutting edge from the opening part through the suction passage. As a result of this, in case of using non water-miscible cutting oil, when the cutting liquid in the area around the cutting edge is sucked from the opening part, a cutting power decreasing rate is higher than a case where the suction is not carried out.

Abstract: According to the hydroforming method by the invention, when slots with the aspect ratio of 3 or more are pierced onto the bulge-formed portion made by the hydroforming, even the piercing can be carried out within a series of processing steps in the hydroforming, thereby eliminating the piercing operation by means of the cumbersome machining process such as milling and ensuring an excellent slot configuration. Thus, the hydroformed parts by the invention are best suited for the automobile parts etc. where various piercing operations are required, and the mold used for the hydroforming method by the invention can be widely employed for processing the automobile parts etc., whereby the invention can be applied for processing the parts in automobiles and industrial machineries as well.

Abstract: A refiner blade comprising a blade surface for defibrating a lignocellulose-containing material, the blade surface comprising blade bars and blade grooves provided therebetween. At least one blade groove provided in the blade surface is formed by removing material from the blade surface by water cutting.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a cutting tool which can perform high-quality, high-efficiency machining of a workpiece such as hardened steel. The cutting tool includes a finishing cutting edge 6 which initially cuts into the workpiece, and superfinishing cutting edges 7 for finishing the workpiece cut by the finishing cutting edge. The superfinishing cutting edges 7 project from the finishing cutting edge by a predetermined amount B in such a direction that the depth of cut of the superfinishing cutting edges increases. Each superfinishing cutting edge includes a burnishing portion 7a having a predetermined width L in the feed direction of the tool, and a wiper portion 7b. The superfinishing cutting edges 7 burnish the finished surface formed by the finishing cutting edge, while removing a affected layer formed by the finishing cutting edge.

Abstract: A method and device for forming a spiral incision on a meat product that includes a compression plate, a cutting element, a plurality of rollers, and a spacing device. The compression plate is supported by legs and includes an elongated slot therein. The cutting element is positioned in a vertical orientation and has a cutting portion that projects upwardly through the elongated slot. The plurality of rollers are pivotably coupled to guide brackets and are frictionally engaged by a one or more flexible belts such that one roller is rotated concomitantly with another roller. The spacing device adjustably couples the guide brackets and compression plate such that the flexible belts and compression plate are arranged in substantially parallel-spaced relation. In operation, the flexible belts rotatably engage the meat product and draw the it over the cutting element forming a superficial spiral incision of generally uniform depth.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for punching holes through the opposed first and second tube walls of a hydroformed tube while the tube is within the die cavity formed by a pair of hydroforming dies. A punch is mounted within a punch bore that intersects with the die cavity. A punch advances the punch to punch a first hole in the first tube wall and then travel across the die cavity and make a second hole in the second tube wall. A support mechanism for supporting the second wall of the tube against rupture by the hydroforming pressure includes spring biasing a support face of a support rod into engagement with the second wall and yielding during the punching of the second hole. A support rod actuator withdraws the support rod to carry the support face away from the second wall after the second hole is punched.

Abstract: A method for drilling or cutting a pin (31) surrounded by solid material (32) includes the use of a water jet tool (10) having a nozzle (11) that is arranged at an angle with respect to a main body (12) of the water jet tool (10). The water jet is directed over a portion of the surface of the pin (31), and removes that portion thereby fragmenting the pin (31). In order to minimise damage to the surrounding material, the portions removed touches the interface between the pin and the surrounding solid material at a minimal number of points and over a minimal extent of the interface. The method is applicable in particular to the removal of pins (31) used in a press-fit for the securing of blades (3) on a turbine rotor (1). The method facilitates “in situ” removal of pins within a confined space in a short time and at reduced cost.

Abstract: A nozzle plate cutting off method for cutting off the nozzle plate from a primary processing plate including a frame body, a nozzle plate which has multiple nozzle holes for ejecting droplets and is separately arranged inside the frame body, and a connection portion arranged at a clearance between the frame body and the nozzle plate to connect the frame body to the nozzle plate. In the nozzle plate cutting off method, a punching tool is used to punch out the nozzle plate at a connection region of the connection portion with the nozzle plate, there by cutting off the nozzle plate from the primary processing plate.

Abstract: A device (21) and method for removing a broken pulp web (27) from a pulp dryer and a maintenance platform (23) comprising such a device. The device (21) comprises an actuator (31), a pulling means (33) functionally coupled to the actuator and adapted to be driven by the actuator, and a gripping means (1, 11) coupled to the pulling means (33) and comprising means (4, 5) for engaging to the pulp web. The actuator is arranged to actuate the gripping means via the pulling means. The actuator is used to pull the gripping means and along with it, the pulp web out from the pulp dryer.

Abstract: A flash vaporizing liquid jet cutting tool and method for piercing with minimal damage to the cut material. The liquid is preferably superheated water, typically with abrasive particles added after the jet is expressed through a nozzle (abrasive water jet, AWJ) or with abrasive particles added before the jet is expressed through a nozzle (abrasive slurry jet, ASJ). In piercing, only a portion of water that has not changed phase enters into the cavity or must leave the cavity and the piercing pressure, which can damage the material, is therefore reduced.

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: Honeycomb removal comprises directing a nozzle at the surface of a substrate at an angle of less than about 90° such that the water will strike the substrate at the base of the honeycomb, parallel to the direction of the ribbon which forms the honeycomb structure. Water then passes through the nozzle and through the orifice at a pressure and flow rate sufficient to remove the honeycomb and preferably the underlying braze from the substrate surface. Relative motion is created between the substrate and the nozzle such that the water stream advances to an area which honeycomb has not been removed with the stream continually being directed at the base of the honeycomb.

Abstract: A method of dividing glass plates for the purpose of reducing the required space in an interim buffer (80) reducing the transit times of different kinds of glasses, comprises generating a sequence of sub-plates (T) from the glass plates (P) stored in a blank plate storage (12), the consecutive sub-plates (T) of the sequence of sub-plates exhibiting identical or different material properties. Each sub-plate (T) is subdivided further by scribing and breaking-off until a desired cut piece has been attained. The generated cut pieces are deposited in a predetermined order in the interim buffer (80) and as called for are processed further. Equipment dividing glass plates into cut pieces accordingly entails that different cutting and breaking-off systems are preceded by at least one intermediate storage receiving at least two glass plates exhibiting different material properties and delivering a programmed sequence of sub-plates, the consecutive sub-plates exhibiting identical or different material properties.

Abstract: An in-die hydropiercing device comprises a punch with an annular shearing blade which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder and is received in a ring-shaped die button mounted in one of the dies that form a die cavity for the hydroforming of a part, a center support member that is received in the center of the punch and supports the wall of the part inward of the shearing blade during the hydroforming of the part and also during the piercing of the part with the shearing blade, a slug collector, and a slug retainer that is mounted on the center support member and provides for retention of a slug produced from the piercing operation against the center support member and later releases the slug onto the slug collector for disposal following the opening of the dies and insertion of the slug collector between the open dies and then retraction of the slug collector with the slug for slug disposal.

Abstract: A punch for a hydroforming die includes a body, a neck extending axially from the body, a head extending axially from the neck and having a diameter less than a diameter of the body and a thumbnail slot extending axially and radially into the head to allow fluid within a tubular member to force a wall portion of the tubular member outward into the slot of the punch and be sheared by the punch to produce an opening in the tubular member.

Abstract: A water jet cutter for separation of a trim strip from a moving paper, cardboard, tissue or other type of fiber web, in a machine for the production and/or conversion of the fiber web, including at least one nozzle whose water jet is directed onto the fiber web. An advantage of the present invention is to simplify the construction of the device while maintaining at least equal operational reliability, and to enable installation above a pulper in order to eliminate the necessity for removal and extraction systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a perforated panel for reticulation to a film adhesive. The method includes supporting the perforated panel. The method also includes adhering the film adhesive to the perforated panel without initiating a cure of the film adhesive. The method applies a vacuum to the film adhesive. Next the method will move the perforated panel at a predetermined speed through a reticulation unit. Next the method will soften the film adhesive and finally remove the film adhesive from the perforations by an airflow. The method is generally used for creating acoustic sheet panels for use in many industries.

Abstract: A system for cutting steel plate, in particular for cutting the bottom and/or the wall of an oil storage tank, comprising a hydraulic or pneumatic pump and a movable cutting device comprising a hydraulic or pneumatic motor for moving the cutting device, wherein the pump and the motor are hydraulically or pneumatically interconnected by means of hoses.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, transferring a web, in particular a paper web or cardboard web or an insertion tail severed from the web, from a web-discharging web-guiding surface, via a web conveying apparatus, to the next structural unit of a machine for producing and/or handling the continuous paper web or cardboard web, the insertion tail is detached from the web-guiding surface by way of at least one brief high-energy air jet. The present invention provides that in the case of a web of high grammage, immediately once the tail has been detached from the web-guiding surface, the tail, which has been severed at least on a preliminary basis, is completely severed by an additional mechanical severing arrangement and, by way of its newly formed start, gripped, and passed on, by way of the web conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A multistage abrasive-liquid jet cutting head comprising at least a first and a second mixing stage. Within the first mixing stage is a first mixing chamber arranged to accept a first flow of accelerated abrasive particles from a first abrasive feed tube and a pressurized liquid flow from an orifice and produce a pressurized slurry-like flow that is introduced to the second mixing stage. Within the second mixing stage is a second mixing chamber arranged to accept and mix is second flow of accelerated abrasive particles from a second abrasive feed tube with the pressurized slurry-like flow from the first mixing stage. An exit nozzle in fluid communication with the second mixing chamber that focuses the combination of the second flow of accelerated abrasive particles from the second abrasive feed tube with the pressurized slurry-like flow from the first mixing stage into an abrasive jet.

Abstract: A center support punch assembly for a hydroforming die includes a center support member for fixed attachment to a die. The center support punch assembly also includes a button disposed about and space from the center support member for fixed attachment to the die. The center support punch assembly further includes a plunger movable relative to the center support member to allow fluid within a tubular member to force a wall portion of the tubular member outward against the center support member and be sheared by the button to produce an opening in the tubular member.

Abstract: A machine for cutting the border of a workpiece using one or more water jet cutting tools separately carried by one or more monorail track mounted carriage assemblies is disclosed. The machine can also include an aperture forming apparatus for forming circular openings and/or elongated slots in the workpiece prior to/or simultaneously with the border trimming operation, all while the workpiece occupies a single work station in the machine. In one embodiment, the aperture forming apparatus features a cutting tool mounted on an elongate arm affixed to and extending from a plate which is fixedly oriented in a horizontal plane. While so oriented, a motor and gear assembly causes the plate to wobble in a circular pattern in the plane to, in turn, cause the tool to make a circular cut in the workpiece. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a motor rotates a cam carried on a free end of a stationary arm, the cam containing an eccentrically mounted cutting tool.

Abstract: An abrasive jet apparatus is provided which includes an abrasive dispenser defining a compartment for storing a granular abrasive material and at least one metering orifice disposed in open communication therewith for dispensing the granular abrasive material. The apparatus also includes a shutter assembly disposed adjacent the metering orifice, which includes a shutter member angularly displaceable between first and second positions relative to the metering orifice. The shutter member has formed therethrough at least one shutter opening which in the first position is substantially fully aligned with the metering orifice, and in the second position is substantially fully offset therefrom. The apparatus further includes a position actuator operatively coupled to the shutter mechanism for reversibly displacing the shutter member to the first and second positions and a plurality of intermediate positions therebetween for occluding a selective portion of the metering orifice.

Abstract: In a method and a device for creating a hole on the outer circumference of a hollow profile which is circumferentially closed and under an internal high pressure, before hole-punching, a punch which is integrated in the internal high pressure forming mold such that it can be guided butts against the location of the hole to be created. When it leaves its position of abutment, the punch creates a punched slug there alongside the hole. To make it possible for holes to be punched at virtually any desired location in hollow profiles in the internal high-pressure forming mold in a simple way, it is proposed that the hole-punching takes place by the punch being moved in the guiding bore of the forming mold by the internal high pressure acting together with a driving element, the body axis of which lies approximately at 90° in relation to the hole punch axis and which for its part is driven in a rotary manner and/or translatory manner in the axial direction.

Abstract: The device for cutting a paper web or the like is arranged to cut in such a manner that a liquid medium is sprayed via nozzles (3). The device comprises a nozzle unit (2) that is arranged movable and comprises a nozzle (3) and a high-pressure pump (4).

Abstract: A method of cutting seed potatoes prior to their planting is provided in which a high pressure water jet is employed to slice the potatoes into the desired sized pieces. The present invention employs a single water jet, a plurality of water jets, or a cutting tube configuration containing either single or multiple water jet streams which are projected through the center of the cutting tubes or the cutting area and an equal amount of stream collector tube or tubes which contain the jet or jets and collects and directs the spent water to a proper location for its final collection or final discharge. Additionally, the use of this water jet system ensures that the seed potatoes that are cut will not contaminate one another through the cutting instrument as the water used in the cutting process only comes into contact with one potato and is then discharged from the system.

Abstract: To provide manufacturing method for a double tube having a hole formed therein and a mold for implementing such method, which reduce the time required for manufacturing, do not leave shavings in the gap between the outer tube and the inner tube, and offer highly accurate hole positioning. The manufacturing method for a double tube having a hole formed therein pertaining to the present invention uses a mold in which a punch is located in at least one of the split mold halves that form the outer circumferential surface, an indentation is formed by drawing the punch into the mold, and fluid pressure is applied between the outer tube and the inner tube of the double tube located within the mold to form a hole in the circumferential wall of the outer tube via such indentation. Furthermore, the punch is placed in the mold in a watertight fashion.

Abstract: A hydrotapping power unit is disclosed that is operable to position and hold a hydrotapping tool in a home position adjacent a part while the part is being hydroformed in a die cavity, to then advance the tool to pierce a hole in the hydroformed part while the part remains in the die cavity and under pressure and then continue to advance the tool to inwardly extrude the part about the hole, to then further advance while also rotating the tool so that the tool is fed at a feed rate equal to the thread pitch of the tool to thereby form a thread in the pierced hole, and finally to retract while also rotating the tool but in the reverse direction and at the same feed rate to release the tool from the threaded hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly (10) for conveying an object to be portioned (54) by a fluid jet (52) is disclosed. The conveyor belt assembly (10) includes a conveyor belt formed from at least a first and a second picket (12) each having a length comprised of a sequence of geometrically shaped links (20) disposed transversely across the conveyor belt. The pickets (12) are disposed in a nested relationship to each other. The pickets (12) include upper edge portions (22) that form a conveying surface (42) for supporting and advancing the object to be portioned (54). The upper edge portions (22) are tapered in the upward direction to reduce dispersion of the fluid jet (52) during impingement of the fluid jet (52) on the conveying surface (42).