Abstract: In certain embodiments, a portable metal working robot system includes a metal working tool configured to perform a metal working process on one or more metal parts. In addition, the portable metal working robot system includes communication circuitry configured to receive control signals from a control system located remotely from the portable metal working robot system. The portable metal working robot system also includes control circuitry configured to control operational parameters of the portable metal working robot system in accordance with the received control signals.

Abstract: A torch includes a body that defines an interior cavity, and a fuel inlet connector secured to the body and disposed within the interior cavity. A regulator is disposed within the interior cavity and includes a regulator housing, a regulator valve and a regulator valve actuating device. An intake stem is secured to one of the fuel inlet connector and the regulator housing, and defines an intake flow passage. A burn tube is coupled with the body and defines a burn tube flow passage. A trigger is pivotally coupled with the body. The regulator valve opens as the trigger pivots between an off position and a full flow position, permitting a user to initiate and vary a flow of hydrocarbon fuel to the burn tube flow passage when the intake flow passage is in fluid communication with a source of hydrocarbon fuel, by varying the position of the trigger.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile workbench constructed so as to determine that an accident of some kind has occurred and to stop if the speed of the mobile workbench suddenly changes. A mobile workbench (A) travels on a material (Ca) to be processed and performs predetermined processing (welding) by using a processing tool (welding torch (B)) mounted thereon. The mobile workbench (A) comprises: a workbench main body (1); a plurality of wheels (4) which are provided on the workbench main body (1); a drive motor (3a) which drives the wheels (4); an acceleration sensor (10) which detects the acceleration acting on the workbench; and a control unit (12) which is constructed so as to determine that an abnormality has occurred and to stop the drive motor (3a) if a sudden change in speed is detected by the acceleration sensor (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for oxygen cutting pieces of steel, in which a cutter member (5) is positioned above a top face of the piece to be cut, and trimmer and spray members (10, 11) are positioned beneath the piece to be cut, said members being carried by a support blade which passes through the cut slot. According to the invention, at least one pressurized fluid (22) is projected directly into the cut slot (1.3) and into the portion thereof that lies between the cutting front and the blade-shaped support of the cutter and spray members, said jet forming a barrier protecting said blade-shaped support against particle projections during forward advance of the support along the cut slot (1.3). This eliminates the risk of forward advance of the blade-shaped support in the cut slot encountering any obstacles, thereby making it possible to implement cutting speeds that are very high.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for oxygen-cutting thick pieces of steel at high speed. In accordance with the invention an oxygen-cutting torch (30) held at a predetermined height above the piece (1) to be cut and a slot torch (20) comprising at least one blade nozzle (25) that travels inside the cut slot (1.3) are moved synchronously. The blade nozzle (25) emits at least one jet of heating and/or oxygen-cutting fluids through its leading edge to strike the heating edge of the slot where it combines with the jet of oxygen-cutting fluids emitted by the oxygen-cutting torch (30) to form a leading edge (1.4) of the slot having a profile in the form of a broken line.

Abstract: A torch cutter exhaust system has a torch and an exhaust shroud at least partially encircling a discharge tip of the torch and mounted to the torch for movement therewith. The shroud is a crescent-shaped enclosure having an intake port and an output port. A table is located beneath the torch to support a material while the material is being cut by the torch. A gantry, movably mounted to the table, supports the torch and exhaust shroud. A duct, mounted to the gantry, connects the exhaust shroud with a flexible exhaust hose located alongside the table. The output end of the hose connects to a vacuum source to create low pressure near the discharge tip of the torch. The input end of the exhaust hose moves in unison with the gantry. The exhaust hose is supported by a wheel assembly that moves in response to the motion of the gantry.

Abstract: A carriage for guiding a cutting, beveling or welding torch on the surface of a metal work piece has a chassis which is transported along a main path on the work piece by a magnetic wheel assembly driven by a reversible motor mounted on the chassis. A rack and pinion assembly mounted on the chassis is driven by another reversible motor mounted on the chassis to transport a torch holder along a path perpendicular to the main path. A remote controller electrically connected to the drive motors is manually operable to simultaneously permit forward or backward transport of the chassis, right or left transport of the holder and variation of the angular velocity of the chassis motor and the rack and pinion motor so as to accurately trace any cutting path on the work piece with the torch. The elevation of the torch above the work piece and the angle of incidence between the torch and the work piece are manually adjustable.

Abstract: A carriage assembly is shown for moving equipment for testing or other functions along a wall surface. The carriage assembly includes a main frame for supporting the equipment in relationship to other equipment and to the wall surface, and a sub-frame that supports service lines such as wires and hoses, while isolating loads created by moving the service lines with the carriage from the main frame and the mounted equipment and providing an unobstructed field of view of the subject area under examination. Wheels mounted on the carriage assembly for providing the interface with the wall surface include fixed position wheels and adjustable wheels to compensate for irregularities along the wall surface. At least one of the fixed position wheels or the adjustable wheels are magnetic for holding the carriage against a ferrous or magnetic wall surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for oxygen-cutting thick pieces of steel at high speed. In accordance with the invention an oxygen-cutting torch (30) held at a predetermined height above the piece (1) to be cut and a slot torch (20) comprising at least one blade nozzle (25) that travels inside the cut slot (1.3) are moved synchronously. The blade nozzle (25) emits at least one jet of heating and/or oxygen-cutting fluids through its leading edge to strike the heating edge of the slot where it combines with the jet of oxygen-cutting fluids emitted by the oxygen-cutting torch (30) to form a leading edge (1.4) of the slot having a profile in the form of a broken line.

Abstract: A carriage assembly is shown for moving equipment for testing or other functions along a wall surface. The carriage assembly includes a main frame for supporting the equipment in relationship to other equipment and to the wall surface, and a sub-frame that supports service lines such as wires and hoses, while isolating loads created by moving the service lines with the carriage from the main frame and the mounted equipment and providing an unobstructed field of view of the subject area under examination. Wheels mounted on the carriage assembly for providing the interface with the wall surface include fixed position wheels and adjustable wheels to compensate for irregularities along the wall surface. At least one of the fixed position wheels or the adjustable wheels are magnetic for holding the carriage against a ferrous or magnetic wall surface.

Abstract: A process and an automatic installation for plasma-jet marking and for cutting or welding various materials. A carrying structure carries both a plasma-marking torch and at least one torch for plasma or laser cutting, oxycutting or plasma or laser welding. A drive system make it possible to move the torches in one or more directions of motion, and control means make it possible to control the movement of the torches relative to the workpieces to be marked. The torches are supplied with coolant, such as demineralized water, with a plasma gas or gas mixture, and with electric current. The plasma-marking installation according to the invention can be used for marking metals, metal alloys or plastics.

Abstract: A table has a pervious support surface and a gantry is mounted for movement across the support surface in a longitudinal direction. A carriage is mounted to the gantry for movement across the support surface in a transverse direction. Water jet and plasma arc cutting heads are carried by and movable with the carriage. A controller is capable of operating the water jet cutting head while moving the gantry and the carriage to cut a sheet of insulation supported by a first section of the support surface. In addition, the controller is capable of operating the plasma arc cutting head while moving the gantry and the carriage to cut a piece of sheet metal supported by a second section of the support surface. A drainage system is mounted beneath the first section of the support surface for collecting water that falls through the first section of the support surface from the water jet cutting head.

Abstract: A remote controlled welding and cutting carriage, with an automated positioning arm, to facilitate welding and cutting of flat and curved surfaces including plate and pipe without the use of track, band or similar carriage positioning or guidance mechanisms. Multiple motor driven precision ground magnetic wheel sets align and propel the carriage across a surface. Precision maintenance of magnetic wheel position is facilitated by use of spring steel axles which resist distortion from impacts. A separate magnetic wheel set alignment adjustment is provided to correct magnetic wheel set positioning. The system of motor driven magnetic wheel sets permits the carriage, or carriages, to transport cutting and welding materials required for welding and cutting around the complete circumference of a pipe or other surface regardless of orientation or slope.

Abstract: A cart traveling on a track material in mounting a welding torch or cutting torch includes two drive apparatuses to transmit the drive power independently to left and right wheels. The cart can incorporate a magnet inside the cart body so as to be movable in a direction that the magnet comes close to and away from the track material. The cart may be formed with a sensor which allows the cart to cruse automatically.

Abstract: A carriage is disclosed for holding and guiding a tool along a specified path on a workpiece at a controlled, substantially constant speed. The carriage has at least one drive roller disposed on a bed with drive means for rotating the drive roller. A pair of idler rollers are attached to the bed in opposed relation to the drive roller. A pair of transverse rollers are mounted on the bed and are adapted to ride along an upper edge of a flange disposed on the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for performance of cutting and welding operations includes an enclosure which encloses a drive motor and which supports a drive wheel and an idler wheel for driving the enclosure along a track. A first support rod projects from the enclosure and a second support rod is adjustably mounted on the first support rod. A torch for cutting and welding is adjustably mounted on the second support rod and a variety of linear and curved tracks are provided, thereby facilitating performances of cutting and welding operations on a range of workpiece configurations.

Abstract: A water-cooled plasma torch specially designed to drill into a refractory material is used in a method for opening a tap hole closed by a plug in a wall of a furnace. This method which is particularly well adapted for robotization, includes the step of melting and breaking up the plug closing the tap hole by means of a jet of swirling gas of high speed and high temperature, generated by the plasma torch. The main advantage of this method is that the stream of plasma gas leaving the torch has a well defined outline ensuring precise and reproducible tapping of the plug and, as a result, efficient closing of the tap hole with a new plug after the furnace has been emptied.

Abstract: Automatic cutting machines carry flame cutting torches in close proximity of a work piece and can force the torch into contact with an upturned cut away piece from the work piece, causing considerable damage to the cutting apparatus. The subject apparatus provides a break away torch holder having a housing surrounding a torch tube which is mounted in an adaptor. The adaptor has a pilot that matches a pilot seat in the housing. The pilot is held in the pilot seat by resilient means that allows the torch tube to move with respect to the housing when the torch strikes an upturned cut away piece. A switch means is provided to shut the cutting machine down when the torch tube means is in the housing. Sealing means is also provided to protect the piloting apparatus and switch means from the debris of the cutting action.

Abstract: A wheeled holder is designed to hold and carry a welding torch stably along a chosen welding line. The holder includes adjusting means for varying the mounting position of the torch relative to the wheels. The circumferential edge of each wheel is designed as a knife edge to improve the holder's ability to be steered along a curved line.

Abstract: A robot drive for cutting fins having pipes extending on opposite sides therefrom, with the pipes laying in parallel spaced apart rows, comprises a carriage which can move in the longitudinal direction between rows of the pipes. A pair of driven guide rollers is mounted to the carriage for rolling against the pipe of one of the rows. The carriage also carries four spring loaded pressure wheels which bear against the fins of the pipe in an adjacent row so as to press the carriage and guide rollers against the pipe on which the guide rollers roll. A pair of cutting torches or mechanical cutters are connected to the carriage on opposite sides of the guide rollers so that they can cut the fins of the pipes on which the guide rollers roll.

Abstract: A guide roller attachment for a cutting torch which consists of a clamp member secured to hex nut of the cutting torch and a pair of elongated legs with knurled wheels rotatably coupled thereto. The legs are adjustably coupled to the clamp member to control distance of the torch tip to a workpiece and stabilize the cutting torch during its push/drag along the work piece when straight and bevel cutting.

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

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

Abstract: In a torch cutting machine for thermally cutting hot elongate members which are conveyed horizontally at a varying speed or with a varying direction of movement, a torch-carrying carriage is movable parallel to and with the elongate member during the cutting operation, by virtue of a clamping means engaging the elongate member. A protective hood is disposed in the direct vicinity of the elongate member, beneath the machine, for the purposes of protecting it from heat and radiation. The hood moves synchronously with the machine or elongate member in the cutting operation, and the hood has apertures through which the torch and the clamping means extend.

Abstract: A motorized hand torch with an improved brake mechanism is provided. The brake mechanism includes a brake lever which is manually actuable to either a locked or an unlocked position. The brake lever, in turn, has a cam portion thereon which moves a pivotally mounted leaf spring so as to selectively lock a mounting bracket supporting a drive wheel whereby straight line cutting may be accomplished. A circle cutting attachment is also provided which includes a means for preventing locking the mounting bracket.

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

Abstract: An improved guide for cutting-off and/or bevelling pipe with a torch using a ring-shaped member with circular guide-surfaces fixed around the pipe, includes the ring-shaped member circumference forming axially spaced first and second rim-and-ledge tracks engaged respectively by wheels of frame-mounted outer bogies; inner bogies positioned for running on the inner surface of the ring mount to the outer bogies resiliently to accommodate irregularities in the tracks; the frame has first and second ends for holding torch-carrying depth-adjustment mechanisms with the torch respectively at 37 degrees to the axis of the work and at 90 degrees to the axis of the work, as selected; provisions permitting rotation of the torch about the flame axis and quick attachment-detachment of the torch are disclosed.

Abstract: Portable working device for supporting and guiding a working tool, particularly a welding or burning torch. The device has a bogie with a single tube-like axle, the supporting traveling wheels of which are magnets with pole shoes with independent drives. The holder of the working tool is fixed to an arm slidingly arranged within the bogie axle. Since the force maintaining the bogie wheels is magnetic when the workpiece is ferromagnetic, the device is of relatively low weight and is capable of operating in any position. As no part of the device extends beyond the diameter of the supporting traveling wheels, its working range is very extensive.

Abstract: A tractor assembly for mounting on a track fixed to a workpiece the tractor used to support and guide a metal-working tool along a fixed path, the tractor having three wheels to engage opposite edges of the track, one of said wheels being laterally displaceable to facilitate mounting of the tractor to the track. The invention also includes rest buttons or supports to facilitate alignment and mounting of the tractor and additional roller supports engageable to said track if needed.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for re-claiming used or damaged tube turns and rendering them equivalent to new tube turns with correctly oriented openings. A salvaged tube turn is temporarily fixed to a platform in a position such that the longitudinal axis of one of tube turn ends is approximately perpendicular to the plane of an adjacent circular track. The platform is moved so that the opening of the tube turn end is near the circular track. The circular track is then accurately centered with respect to the opening by use of a spider or the like which is temporarily fixed to the center of the track. Either the spider (and track) or the tube turn is moved so that the spider engages the interior of the opening.

Abstract: Gas cutting of a plate material such as of stainless steel or stainless-clad steel is efficiently carried out by advancing a cutting torch along a mild steel bead formed on the material by melting thereon mild steel using a welding torch. When the material preheated in advance is burnt by directing a jet of oxygen thereto, the mild steel bead on the material effects to elevate the combustion temperature, thereby allowing refractory slag produced in cutting to be fused and blown off by virtue of the jet of oxygen.

Abstract: An oxy-acetylene torch, having a welding and cutting handpiece wherein a flame nozzle is in communication with a gas mixing chamber and a cutting nozzle is in communication with an oxygen conduit, the cutting nozzle being supported from and displaced from the flame nozzle and so inclined to the central axis of the flame nozzle as to direct the oxygen stream into a flame when issuing from the flame nozzle.

Abstract: A heavy duty carriage assembly for supporting and guiding a metal-working tool along a fixed path the assembly having a three wheeled support with two driven wheels and a single leading wheel. The carriage assembly is guided along a path determined by a rail, removably mounted on the surface of the workpiece to be acted upon by the metal-working tool, by guides mounted on the carriage sliding along the rail.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a traveling torch comprising a carriage mounted on wheels and adapted to traverse a track; motor and variable speed traction drive transmission for moving the carriage along the track and carried by the carriage with the weight of the motor toward a first side; a torch rack holder for holding a torch, the torch rack holder being carried by the carriage with its weight toward a first side, the torch rack holder being asymmetrically mounted and extending above and across the carriage so as to carry the torch laterally beyond the second side of the carriage; a torch having a body, tip, and respective fuel and oxygen passageways connected with respective fuel and oxygen conduit means for conveying respective fuel and oxygen to respective fuel and oxygen passageways in the torch and flexible fuel and oxygen conduits connected with respective sources.

Abstract: An improved cutting apparatus of the type comprising an endless roller conveyor (4) for carrying a moving strip (1), a carriage (9) located above the strip (1) and adapted to move in the same direction as the strip (1) and in the opposite direction and a thermal cutting device (12) carried by the carriage (9) and adapted to move transversally to the moving strip (1). The conveyor (4) is adapted to revolve in such way that its upper run continuously moves in the direction (X) of the strip (1) and the distance between the successive rollers (3) of the conveyor (4) is such that cutting can be performed without the rollers (3) being damaged. The apparatus can be used for cutting a continuously cast strip of anode copper into anodes (FIG. 1).

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

Abstract: A cutting machine for severing a moving strand portion includes an elongated support; the strand portion normally moves near the support in one direction of elongation thereof, and a carriage may be operably moved on the support in the one direction and in an opposite direction. A cutter is disposed on the carriage, and the movement of the carriage is synchronized with that of the strand by a rotatable roll in operative driven relationship from the strand. The rotation of the roll is selectively converted into a translatory motion of the carriage, so that the strand may be cut by the cutter, while it is moving in synchronism therewith.

Abstract: A cantilevered transverse arm is mounted for movement along both a longitudinal and transverse axis. The outer end of the arm is adapted to be disposed over a metal slab to be cut and carries a tool assembly which is adjustable thereon. A guiding assembly is fixedly mounted to the arm and includes a pair of longitudinally spaced guide rollers positioned so that the cutting tool is disposed in a transverse plane extending between the rollers. Each roller is individually shiftable into and out of engagement with the slab edge. Initially, the leading roller is advanced toward the slab edge, while the trailing roller is retracted. The rollers are then moved toward the slab edge until the leading roller engages the said edge ahead of the slab corner. As the entire device moves longitudinally along the slab, the leading roller is retracted while the trailing roller moves into engagement with the slab edge. Deformed slab corners are thereby bypassed by the tool guidance system.

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

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

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for subdividing a steel strand or the like is constructed to be movable on rails on both sides of a roller table supporting the strand with a measuring roller for determining the linear measurement of the strand; the measuring roller is tilted on a lever affixed to the machine carriage and is unilaterally open with its axis being in a vertical disposition.

Abstract: A track guided carriage unit for selectively supporting a variety of work performing devices, tools and the like for movement along a predetermined working path, in which a supporting platform has spring loaded wheels that are releasably clamped by a manually operable handle into and out of engagement with opposed surfaces of a guide track, and wherein a motor driven pinion has adjustable meshing relation with a linear rack extending along the track, the pinion being operative to advance the platform at a predetermined rate of guided movement along the work path.

Abstract: A portable, remote controlled hot deseamer apparatus equipped with a nozzle arrangement and an ignition device which is suitable for selective hot deseaming or flame cutting of a workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting short-length segments from a continuously-formed casting as it travels from the casting apparatus. The apparatus embodies conventional torches and carriages which are coupled together to perform two or more cutting operations simultaneously. The invention has particular utility for cutting segments which are too short to permit a single carriage to cut the casting and return to its starting position in time for the next cut.