Abstract: The invention relates to a drive apparatus (10) for the linear movement of a processing tool with respect to a workpiece, having a tool holder (18) which is fixed on a carriage (16) and is intended for the fastening of the processing tool, having a stationary guide device (12) in which the carriage (16) is guided such that it can be displaced in a vertically linear manner, and having a drive device (42) with a first force transmission means (46) which, in an engaged position, engages with a second force transmission means (40) connected to the carriage (16) in order to move the carriage (16). According to the invention, it is provided that the drive device (42) is mounted in the guide device (12) such that it can be moved between a release position, in which the force transmission means (40, 46) do not engage with one another, and the engaged position in such a way that the gravitational force of the drive device (42) causes a movement from the release position into the engaged position.

Abstract: A welding or cutting device for welding or cutting electrically conductive work pieces has a pipe that accommodates feed lines, a nozzle for exit of a welding or cutting jet, such as a flame, for example, disposed at an end of the pipe, forming a device tip with its free end, and an inductive sensor device for measuring the distance between the device tip and the work piece. The sensor device has at least one magnetic coil, the windings of which run about a longitudinal device axis. The sensor device is a separate module, which is pushed onto the pipe and/or the nozzle, and releasably connected with the pipe and/or the nozzle.

Abstract: A torch carriage assembly for use in bevel cutting a pipe has a ring gear which rotates concentrically about the pipe longitudinal axis. A shaft extending perpendicularly from the ring gear carries a torch arm block assembly which positions the cutting torch in relation to the pipe. A bracket is adaptable between a first configuration prohibiting and a second configuration permitting rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis for bevel cutting round pipes and out-of-round pipes, respectively. In the second configuration, a guide wheel assembly mounted on the shaft traces the surface of the pipe. A tension assembly continually urges the guide wheel assembly into contact with the surface of the pipe so that the angular position of the torch arm block assembly accurately reflects the out-of-round conditions of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning the working level of a cutting tool relative to the surface of a workpiece and provided with a scanning arm adapted to move relative to the surface of the work piece and movable in response to an irregularity in the surface for opening a switch thereby to disconnect the cutting tool from a source of power.

Abstract: A novel cutting nozzle assembly for a postmixed oxygen-fuel gas torch is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a cylindrical shroud which surrounds and extends away from the gas discharge orifices in the gas discharge end of the cutting nozzle. The cylindrical shroud has the advantage of producing a tighter gas stream and of promoting a more thorough mixing of the preheat oxygen and the fuel gas to provide a hotter, more compact flame which produces a more parallel-sided cut through metal workpieces. The cutting tip therefore conserves metal as well as cutting gases. It also cuts faster than prior art postmixed cutting nozzles.

Abstract: Installation for working, in particular for cutting or welding, at least one metal piece. The installation includes a fixed support frame provided with a movable working torch and a sensing device. The sensing device includes a capacitative probe and drive means. The installation also includes a first elongated and electrically conductive connection connected at an upstream end of the first connection to the drive means and at a downstream end of the first connection to the capacitative probe. A second elongated and electrically conductive connection is connected at an upstream end of the second connection to the drive means and a downstream end of the second connection is free.

Abstract: Plasma arc cutter apparatus for cutting large diameter pipe from within the pipe, a frame with adjustable legs, a locking device to secure the apparatus within the pipe, apparatus to adjust the spacing between the plasma arc and the inside wall of the pipe during cutting, a drive shaft to rotate the cutter apparatus around the circumference of the pipe during cutting, controls to change the elevation of the drive shaft to vary the angle of cut, and adjustment devices to center the drive shaft within the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coordinate thermal-cutting machine with a means for automatically setting the initial height of a torch, in particular a plasma torch, above a workpiece surface. In order to achieve a fast and exact setting of the igniting distance above the workpiece surface, the torch (28) is at least partially surrounded by an inner tubular enclosure (7), which is at least partially surrounded by an outer tubular enclosure (10), bearing elements (8, 9 and 29, 30) being arranged between the tubular enclosures (7, 10) in such a way that the inner tubular enclosure (7) is at least longitudinally displaceable with the torch (28), there also being provided a position sensor which senses the longitudinal displacement and, furthermore, the inner enclosure (7) is connected to a compensation device (35) which reduces the weight of the inner enclosure (7) with the torch (28).

Abstract: A program controlled metal cutting torch includes a torch height control system that utilizes a vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, to provide a signal indicating torch tip contact with the metal workpiece to facilitate an initial height sensing routine or inadvertent torch contact with an obstruction as the torch moves horizontally during its programmed cutting process. In either instance, the vibration signal representative of torch contact is processed to stop the torch drive device and to raise the torch to the proper predetermined height.

Abstract: An apparatus with a tool position control has a base located adjacent the workpiece. A tool support is mounted with respect to the base and is movable linearly in a first direction with respect to a curved surface of the workpiece. A tool is mounted on the tool support a desired distance from the curved surface and is movable linearly in a second direction with respect to the curved surface. A tool position control mounted on the tool support includes a sensor disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the curved surface. The sensor moves in the second direction as a function of changes in the curvature of the curved surface in response to the tool support and the tool position control being moved in the first direction.

Abstract: A novel cutting nozzle assembly for a postmixed oxygen-fuel gas torch is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a cylindrical shroud which surrounds and extends away from the gas discharge orifices in the gas discharge end of the cutting nozzle. The cylindrical shroud has the advantage of producing a tighter gas stream and of promoting a more thorough mixing of the preheat oxygen and the fuel gas to provide a hotter, more compact flame which produces a more parallel-sided cut through metal workpieces. The cutting tip therefore conserves metal as well as cutting gases. It also cuts faster than prior art postmixed cutting nozzles.

Abstract: A flame sensor of the present invention for use in a gas cutting apparatus is capable of directly measuring an electrical current flowing through a flame formed between the torch and the workpiece and includes a first terminal coupled to the torch; a second terminal coupled to the workpiece; and a sensing portion for detecting a current between the first and the second terminals, and generating a current sense signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for the opto-electronic control of a flame cutting machine having photoelectric sensors of different spectral sensitivity. The sensors may be positioned within a cutting torch and directed during operation on a flame and a workpiece to be cut. The sensors are connected at their outputs with computing means to generate control signals for the advancing movement of the cutting torch relative to the workpiece. In order to reduce the impact of disturbing variables on the control signals, an electronic means for generating the quotient of the sensor output signals is connected with the outputs of at least two of said sensors. The quotient of the output magnitude of the sensors is used to control the flame cutting machine.

Abstract: There is provided a device for controlling the vertical operating gap between the lower end of a cutting head, such as a frame cutting torch, and a generally flat workpiece positioned below the cutting head as the head and workpiece are moved relative to each other for cutting the workpiece along a preselected cutting path wherein the device includes a plurality of elongated feelers dangling vertically downwardly from the cutting head toward the workpiece with each of the feelers having an upper end and a lower terminal end, means for supporting the feelers at the upper end at positions spaced angularly around the cutting head with the terminal, lower ends at the same vertical height with respect to the lower end of the cutting head, means for allowing free upward movement of the lower ends upon engagement of the lower ends with the workpiece, such as allowed by downwardly hanging chains or loosely held rigid rods, feedback means for driving the motor in a first direction moving the head upwardly from the wor

Abstract: There is provided a device for controlling the vertical operating gap between the lower end of a cutting head, such as a frame cutting torch, and a generally flat workpiece positioned below the cutting head as the head and workpiece are moved relative to each other for cutting the workpiece along a preselected cutting path wherein the device includes a plurality of elongated feelers dangling vertically downwardly from the cutting head toward the workpiece with each of the feelers having an upper end and a lower terminal end, means for supporting the feelers at the upper end at positions spaced angularly around the cutting head with the terminal, lower ends at the same vertical height with respect to the lower end of the cutting head, means for allowing free upward movement of the lower ends upon engagement of the lower ends with the workpiece, such as allowed by downwardly hanging chains or loosely held rigid rods, feedback means for driving the motor in a first direction moving the head upwardly from the wor

Abstract: A hand-held thermal cutting torch of the plasma arc or oxyfuel type commonly used for cutting metal workpieces such as steel plates, employs a new concept of motorized driving to provide more uniform cutting rates and improved quality of cut. A driving element coaxially surrounding the cutting torch nozzle includes an annular surface for engagement with a template guide surface, the driving element being rotatably mounted and driven from an electric motor that is carried in the handle of the cutting torch.

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: In a measuring arrangement for measuring or regulating spacing on thermal working machines (for example, flame cutting installations), two capacitive electrodes are arranged at different spacings from the workpiece. Interference signals can result from changes in the dielectric constant between the electrodes and the workpiece during the thermal working operation. The output signals of the two electrodes are in negative feedback relationship for compensation purposes.

Abstract: A shield for a torch tip for a hand held cutting torch with the shield being generally tubular and adapted to receive the tip in clearance relationship and being adjustable both axially and radially relative to the tip to selectively determine the radial spacing between the tip and shield, and the height that the shield holds the tip from a workpiece whereby the tip will be substantially precluded from engaging the heated workpiece surface.

Abstract: A cutting guide for a blowtorch comprises a channel-shaped body member with front, back, and intermediate limbs, and a holder attachment for a blowtorch on its exterior. The back and intermediate limbs of the body member form a female slide member for receipt on a guide rail along which the body member is moved while cutting a metal plate or the like. The front limb is spaced forwardly of the intermediate limb to form a splatter shield protecting the female slide member against molten metal and slag formed while cutting, so as not to impede smooth sliding of the guide along the rail.

Abstract: A vertically movable welding and/or cutting torch is automatically disconnected from its drive when the torch bumps into a work piece.

Abstract: An instrument for maintaining a constant distance between a tool, such as a cutting torch, and a workpiece includes a sensing electrode connected to two different phase control system-building blocks one of which functions as an oscillator having its output connected to the input of the other phase control system-building block.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automated cutting of metal plates in which fuel and oxygen adjustments, as well as other parameters are controlled automatically responsive to temperature sensed at a plurality of points near where the cut is being made; for example, at the front shoulder of the kerf at the surface and behind the tip down in the kerf. Also disclosed are specific preferred embodiments, including the use of microprocessor, algorithms, programs and temperature sensor locations and connections.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method for employing a plasma-arc cutting torch to cut a metal plate. The improvement consists in operating the torch with its lower portion submerged in a layer of water provided over the workpiece. In order to allow automatic adjustment of the torch to the appropriate working height above the workpiece, a mechanism is provided for mounting the torch with respect to the support carriage which guides its horizontal path. This mounting mechanism is such as to allow relative up and down movement between the torch and the support carriage and includes a detecting mechanism including a frame and vertical slides on which the cutting torch is secured so that when the mounting mechanism is lowered to the point where the torch touches the metal plate, the detecting mechanism communicates a signal for the upward movement of the mounting mechanism thereby raising the torch to a predetermined cutting distance from the metal plate.

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 (10) for controlling the height of one or more cutting torches (12) above a workpiece (14). The apparatus (10) senses the actual height of the torch (12) above the workpiece (14) and compares the actual height with a desired reference height. The apparatus (10) moves the torch (12) up or down until the actual height and reference height are substantially equal. The apparatus (10) is operable in a manual mode, a semi-automatic mode or a fully automatic mode allowing an operator to select a desired degree of control during a cutting operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a metal workpiece including pipe in any desired shape and in a cutting cycle governed by a numerical controller having a plurality of separate output control signal channels. The apparatus is highly versatile and automatically operable to cut any preselected contour in accordance with control or program instructions carried on a control tape. In an illustrative embodiment of the cutting apparatus, a metal cutting torch is supported on a first support and the workpiece to be cut is mounted on a second support so arranged relative to the first support that the relative movement between the workpiece and the torch allows a cut to be made along X and Y axes at right angles to one another. The cutting torch is power driven about its own longitudinal or W axis by a reversible motor and is power driven about a fourth or Z axis to vary the bevel of the cut.

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

Abstract: A control circuit for measuring the distance between a workpiece and an electrode which is formed as inductance and is part of a resonant circuit as a frequency-determining element whereby the frequency variations of the resonant circuit for producing voltage and/or current changes which are proportional to a distance are connected to a measuring circuit and includes at least two partial inductances in the resonant circuit with one inductance being represented by the electrode and the other being a stationary resonant circuit arranged at a distance from the electrode and in the immediate influence sphere of the workpiece.

Abstract: A torch height sensing apparatus (10) is provided for generating information representative of the spacing between a cutting torch (12) and an associated workpiece (14). The apparatus (10) drives a preselected current from the torch (12) through the torch flame to the workpiece (14) so that electrons flow from the workpiece (14) through the flame to the torch (12). The output current biases the flame into the linear region of the preselected voltage-current characteristic at a positive torch (12) to workpiece (14) current. Biasing the torch (12) for positive current flow from the torch (12) to the workpiece (14) insures that flame height sensing occurs in the positive linear region where the sensitivity is greatest due to the availability of thermally emitted electrons at the workpiece.

Abstract: A system for using a cutting torch for making accurate curved, straight and beveled cuts. A supporting and guiding device is attached to cutting torches, which may be of various sizes and shapes, and includes an elongated bar having a ring and opposed set screw clamp at one end to receive the torch tip. A member on the elongated bar carries a workpiece engaging knife-edge wheel and supports the lower parallel tube of the torch, this member being removably mounted on and slidable along the bar to desired positions. The height bar above the wheel is adjustable for positioning the burning tip at the correct angle and spacing with respect to the workpiece. The wheel can be positioned with its plane transverse to the bar for making curved or lateral cuts, or parallel to the bar for making longitudinal straight, perpendicular or bevel cuts. A centering pin is slidably positionable on the bar for making long radius cuts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma cutting plant comprising a principal generator feeding a plasma arc between a workpiece and an electrode of a torch comprising a tube, with initial ignition by means of an ignition or striking arc between the electrode and the tube, via the resistor and the contactor. A circuit comprising a resistor and an excitation coil of a relay is installed across the terminals of the contactor. When the torch has been brought to the correct distance from the workpiece, the circuit detects this correct spacing and acts on the feed motor to stop the latter immediately.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for shaping an end of a tube in a configuration such that it may be joined to the surface of another body as by welding. The method disclosed involves profiling the end of a tube to conform to the surface of a body to which the tube end is to be joined, with a notional line on the end face that corresponds to the theoretical line of contact of the tube and body, cutting the tube wall at the profiled end to provide a beveled surface over the face of the end to the outer peripheral surface of the tube, and controlling the cutting so that the bevel surface formed progresses inwardly through the tube wall thickness to form a transition line on the profiled end face that substantially follows the notional line of contact between the innermost and the outermost peripheral edges of the profiled end face.

Abstract: A guide is adapted to be adjustably mounted on the nozzle marginal end portion of a cutting torch. The guide has a convex lower cam surface adapted to slidably engage a straight-edge. The cutting torch may be tilted to a position determined by the operator, and slidably moved along the straight-edge to afford an improved "cut" in the workpiece.

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

Abstract: A cutting torch apparatus comprising a cutting torch arranged to be mounted on a movable frame for movement over the workpiece with the torch comprising a torch body and support therefore integrated into a double acting hydraulic cylinder and piston device in which the torch body is equipped as a piston and is reciprocably mounted in a cylinder through which the torch body extends to dispose the torch nozzle for application to the workpiece. The torch body is equipped with a feeler or guide member mounted for a lost motion movement range axially of the nozzle and having a plurality of feeler elements in coplanar relation that ride on the workpiece in spaced apart relation about the nozzle. The piston and cylinder device are incorporated in a hydraulic system, that includes a hydraulic pressure liquid and a hydraulic pressure liquid flow orienting or directional control valve of the mechanical servo type, for supporting the torch body and moving same axially of its nozzle.

Abstract: A device for positioning a cutting torch aggregate includes a movable sled for carrying the torch. The sled is connected by means of a spindle to an adjustable drive which is activated by its engagement with a nut which mounts the sled to the spindle. The nut activates a control for the drive.