Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods of operating an abrasive fluid jet system that recycles and reuses abrasive particles for multiple cycles. The systems and methods include adjusting one or more operating parameters of the abrasive fluid jet system to compensate for a reduction in cutting power of the used abrasives as the used abrasive particles are continuously discharged from the outlet of the cutting head across multiple cycles. The one or more operating parameters include fluid pressure that forms the fluid jet, a cutting speed of the cutting head, and flow rate of abrasive particles, which are changeable while continuing to operate the abrasive fluid jet system. The one or more operating parameters include an orifice size through which a fluid passes to generate the second fluid jet, a mixing tube diameter through which the second abrasive fluid jet passes, and a length of the mixing tube.
B24C 9/00 - Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
2.
HIGH-PRESSURE FLUID ON/OFF VALVE AND COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF USE OF SAME
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to improve performance and maintenance of high-pressure fluid systems, such as waterjet cutting systems. Specifically, embodiments of an on/off valve are disclosed that include a valve cartridge and a valve body. The valve cartridge housing a poppet, a seal, and seat, and the valve cartridge being removable from the valve body while the valve body remains coupled to components of the high-pressure fluid system including sources of pressurized air, high-pressure fluid, and a working tool, such as a waterjet cutting head.
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to improve performance and maintenance of high-pressure fluid systems, such as waterjet cutting systems. Specifically, embodiments of an on/off valve are disclosed that include a valve cartridge and a valve body. The valve cartridge housing a poppet, a seal, and seat, and the valve cartridge being removable from the valve body while the valve body remains coupled to components of the high-pressure fluid system including sources of pressurized air, high-pressure fluid, and a working tool, such as a waterjet cutting head.
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to improve characteristics of a manufactured article. Specifically, embodiments of a high pressure system includes an apparatus that subjects the article to specific pressures and temperatures for an amount of time to improve characteristics of the article. Methods of manufacturing include use of the high pressure system to subject the article to specific pressures and temperatures for an amount of time to improve characteristics of the article.
B29C 43/12 - Isostatic pressing, i.e. using non-rigid pressure-exerting members against rigid parts or dies using bags surrounding the moulding material
B29C 43/56 - Compression moulding under special conditions, e.g. vacuum
Land cultivating systems and methods utilizing high-pressure fluid jet cutting techniques are disclosed. An example system includes a mobile unit, a traveler arrangement operably coupled to the mobile unit to ride on the surface of stubble residues as the mobile unit moves across land to be cultivated, and a fluid jet cutting head supported by the traveler arrangement. The cutting head is configured to selectively discharge a high-pressure fluid jet to make a cut through the stubble residues and underlying soil as the mobile unit moves across the land. A soil opening device is provided to form a furrow in the ground in line with the cut made by the high-pressure fluid jet, and a liquid injector nozzle is provided to discharge fertilizer or other chemical(s) into the soil.
A01C 7/06 - Seeders combined with fertilising apparatus
A01C 7/08 - Broadcast seedersSeeders depositing seeds in rows
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01C 23/02 - Special arrangements for delivering the liquid directly into the soil
A01C 23/04 - Distributing under pressureDistributing mudAdaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
8.
SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR USE OF WET RECYCLED ABRASIVE AND METHODS OF OPERATION OF SAID SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods of operating an abrasive fluid jet system that recycles and reuses abrasive particles. The systems and methods described enable accurate metering and consistent feeding of wet abrasive particles thereby reducing the time and cost of operations associated with drying the recycled abrasive particles prior to reuse. The system may adjust a ratio of wet abrasive to dry abrasive being provided to a cutting head to form an abrasive fluid jet. Components of the system may overcome challenges associated with clumping and other issues that result in difficulty metering wet abrasive.
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 11/00 - Selection of abrasive materials for abrasive blasts
9.
SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR USE OF WET RECYCLED ABRASIVE AND METHODS OF OPERATION OF SAID SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods of operating an abrasive fluid jet system that recycles and reuses abrasive particles. The systems and methods described enable accurate metering and consistent feeding of wet abrasive particles thereby reducing the time and cost of operations associated with drying the recycled abrasive particles prior to reuse. The system may adjust a ratio of wet abrasive to dry abrasive being provided to a cutting head to form an abrasive fluid jet. Components of the system may overcome challenges associated with clumping and other issues that result in difficulty metering wet abrasive.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B24C 9/00 - Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
(1) Waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material forming machines; ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; structural and replacement parts for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material forming machines and ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; industrial robots for use in manufacturing and industrial applications.
11.
AUTONOMOUS MODIFICATION OF WATERJET CUTTING SYSTEMS
Systems and methods for providing real-time modification of cutting process programs using feedback from one or more sensors which measure one or more operational parameters of a cutting process and/or cutting apparatus. The sensor readings may be used to provide real-time modification of a motion program after such motion program has been provided to a motion controller. Examples of such operational parameters may include waterjet pump supply pressure, the abrasive mass flow rate, the force of the waterjet on the target piece, etc. The systems and methods discussed herein also utilize a cutting algorithm or program to calculate actual cut quality based on one or more sensor inputs, and to generate warnings or system shut-downs accordingly. The systems and methods discussed herein also utilize inspection devices to inspect coupons or first articles, and use the inspection data to autonomously modify motion programs and/or cutting process models without user intervention.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
G05B 19/4097 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using design data to control NC machines, e.g. CAD/CAM
12.
Systems and methods for improving jet cutting performance via force sensing
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for improving the performance of a fluid jet cutting system by testing and adjusting characteristics of the system based on the effect of the characteristics on forces imparted by the system to a workpiece being cut. Also disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and validating the performance of fluid jet cutting systems, and for diagnosing such systems. In some cases, the technologies described herein can be used to determine whether components of a fluid jet system require maintenance, or that characteristics of the system require adjustment.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B24C 3/32 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks
13.
ABRASIVE FLUID JET WITH RECYCLING SYSTEM FOR ABRASIVES AND METHODS OF USE OF SAME
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods of operating an abrasive fluid jet system that recycles and reuses abrasive particles for multiple cycles. The systems and methods include adjusting one or more operating parameters of the abrasive fluid jet system to compensate for a reduction in cutting power of the used abrasives as the used abrasive particles are continuously discharged from the outlet of the cutting head across multiple cycles. The one or more operating parameters include fluid pressure that forms the fluid jet, a cutting speed of the cutting head, and flow rate of abrasive particles, which are changeable while continuing to operate the abrasive fluid jet system. The one or more operating parameters include an orifice size through which a fluid passes to generate the second fluid jet, a mixing tube diameter through which the second abrasive fluid jet passes, and a length of the mixing tube.
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods of operating an abrasive fluid jet system that recycles and reuses abrasive particles for multiple cycles. The systems and methods include adjusting one or more operating parameters of the abrasive fluid jet system to compensate for a reduction in cutting power of the used abrasives as the used abrasive particles are continuously discharged from the outlet of the cutting head across multiple cycles. The one or more operating parameters include fluid pressure that forms the fluid jet, a cutting speed of the cutting head, and flow rate of abrasive particles, which are changeable while continuing to operate the abrasive fluid jet system. The one or more operating parameters include an orifice size through which a fluid passes to generate the second fluid jet, a mixing tube diameter through which the second abrasive fluid jet passes, and a length of the mixing tube.
B24C 9/00 - Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
15.
ACOUSTIC EMISSIONS MONITORING OF HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEMS
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to monitor acoustic emissions of a high pressure system to predict failure of the high pressure system. Further disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to monitor acoustic emissions of a high pressure system to identify characteristics of one or more defects as they form and grow within components of the high pressure system. Characteristics of the defects include type, size, growth, and location.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
F17D 5/06 - Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss using electric or acoustic means
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
A regulator valve assembly is provided for use in connection with high pressure fluid systems. The regulator valve assembly includes a valve pin having an engagement portion with a tapered surface and a valve seat having a valve pin receiving aperture defining a tapered surface on the valve seat to sealingly mate with the engagement portion of the valve pin. At least one of the valve pin and the valve seat includes an asymmetrical surface feature sized and shaped such that, when the valve pin is displaced away from the seated configuration and fluid flows through an annular space created between the engagement portion of the valve pin and the valve seat, unbalanced hydrodynamic forces arise from an interaction of the fluid with the asymmetrical surface feature. Systems incorporating the regulator valve assembly are also provided.
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for improving the performance of a fluid jet cutting system by testing and adjusting characteristics of the system based on the effect of the characteristics on forces imparted by the system to a workpiece being cut. Also disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and validating the performance of fluid jet cutting systems, and for diagnosing such systems. In some cases, the technologies described herein can be used to determine whether components of a fluid jet system require maintenance, or that characteristics of the system require adjustment.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B24C 3/32 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Computer software, namely, computer programs for controlling
ultra-high-pressure fluid systems for use in industrial
cleaning, cutting, material forming and surface preparation;
computer programs for CAM and machine tool control; computer
programs for CAD/CAM applications.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software for controlling ultra-high-pressure fluid systems for use in industrial cleaning, cutting, material forming and surface preparation; recorded computer software for controlling ultra-high-pressure fluid systems for use in industrial cleaning, cutting, material forming and surface preparation; downloadable CAD/CAM software for general use; recorded CAD/CAM software for general use; downloadable computer software for machine tool control; and recorded computer software for machine tool control
Systems and methods for providing real-time modification of cutting process programs using feedback from one or more sensors which measure one or more operational parameters of a cutting process and/or cutting apparatus. The sensor readings may be used to provide real-time modification of a motion program after such motion program has been provided to a motion controller. Examples of such operational parameters may include waterjet pump supply pressure, the abrasive mass flow rate, the force of the waterjet on the target piece, etc. The systems and methods discussed herein also utilize a cutting algorithm or program to calculate actual cut quality based on one or more sensor inputs, and to generate warnings or system shut-downs accordingly. The systems and methods discussed herein also utilize inspection devices to inspect coupons or first articles, and use the inspection data to autonomously modify motion programs and/or cutting process models without user intervention.
G05B 19/4097 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using design data to control NC machines, e.g. CAD/CAM
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
High-pressure fluid pumps for use in waterjet and abrasive jet machining and surface preparation systems; structural and replacement parts for high pressure fluid pumps for use in waterjet and abrasive jet machining and surface preparation systems
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material
forming machines; ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; industrial
robots for use in manufacturing and industrial applications. Downloadable software for connecting, monitoring and
managing networked waterjet systems, high-pressure fluid
pumps and industrial robots in the Internet of things (IoT);
equipment monitoring systems comprised of sensors, computer
hardware and recorded software for monitoring the
operational status of waterjet systems, high-pressure fluid
pumps and industrial robots. Providing temporary use of non-downloadable cloud-based
software for connecting, monitoring and managing networked
waterjet systems, high-pressure fluid pumps and industrial
robots in the Internet of things (IoT); remote monitoring of
waterjet systems, high-pressure fluid pumps and industrial
robots to ensure proper functioning.
26.
Systems and methods of interim and end of process treatment of manufactured articles using high pressure and waterjets
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to improve characteristics of a manufactured article. Specifically, embodiments of a high pressure system includes an apparatus that subjects the article to specific pressures and temperatures for an amount of time to improve characteristics of the article. Methods of manufacturing include use of the high pressure system to subject the article to specific pressures and temperatures for an amount of time to improve characteristics of the article.
B29C 43/12 - Isostatic pressing, i.e. using non-rigid pressure-exerting members against rigid parts or dies using bags surrounding the moulding material
B29C 43/56 - Compression moulding under special conditions, e.g. vacuum
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to improve characteristics of a manufactured article. Specifically, embodiments of a high pressure system includes an apparatus that subjects the article to specific pressures and temperatures for an amount of time to improve characteristics of the article. Methods of manufacturing include use of the high pressure system to subject the article to specific pressures and temperatures for an amount of time to improve characteristics of the article.
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to monitor acoustic emissions of a high pressure system to predict failure of the high pressure system. Further disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to monitor acoustic emissions of a high pressure system to identify characteristics of one or more defects as they form and grow within components of the high pressure system. Characteristics of the defects include type, size, growth, and location.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
F17D 5/06 - Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss using electric or acoustic means
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
29.
Systems and methods using waterjets for finishing manufactured articles
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods for performing a finishing operation on an article. Finishing operations include, but are not limited to removal of powder from a surface, improving surface finish, and peening. Embodiments of the disclosed components, systems, and methods include the use of waterjets to impact a surface of the article with an abrasive. Impacting the surface of the article with the abrasive alters a characteristic of the article without cutting through the portion of the article.
B08B 3/10 - Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
B24C 1/08 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for polishing surfaces, e.g. by making use of liquid-borne abrasives
B24C 9/00 - Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
30.
ACOUSTIC EMISSIONS MONITORING OF HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEMS
Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to monitor acoustic emissions of a high pressure system to predict failure of the high pressure system. Further disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to monitor acoustic emissions of a high pressure system to identify characteristics of one or more defects as they form and grow within components of the high pressure system. Characteristics of the defects include type, size, growth, and location.
F15B 19/00 - Testing fluid-pressure actuator systems or apparatus, so far as not provided for elsewhere
F15B 15/22 - Other details for accelerating or decelerating the stroke
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation of the interior, e.g. acoustic microscopy
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Providing temporary use of non-downloadable cloud-based software for connecting, monitoring and managing networked waterjet systems, high-pressure fluid pumps and industrial robots in the internet of things (IoT); remote monitoring of waterjet systems, high-pressure fluid pumps and industrial robots to ensure proper functioning
Waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material forming machines; ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; industrial robots for use in manufacturing and industrial applications
33.
Methods of cutting fiber reinforced polymer composite workpieces with a pure waterjet
Methods of trimming fiber reinforced polymer composite workpieces are provided which use a pure waterjet discharged from a cutting head in liquid phase unladened with solid particles at an operating pressure of at least 60,000 psi and in combination with other cutting parameters to provide a final component profile without delamination, splintering, fraying or unacceptable fiber pullout or fiber fracture.
Waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material
forming machines; ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; structural
and replacement parts for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting,
cleaning and material forming machines and
ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; industrial robots for use in
manufacturing and industrial applications.
Waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material
forming machines; ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; structural
and replacement parts for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting,
cleaning and material forming machines and
ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; industrial robots for use in
manufacturing and industrial applications.
Waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material forming machines; ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; structural and replacement parts for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material forming machines and ultrahigh-pressure fluid pumps; industrial robots for use in manufacturing and industrial applications
37.
Abrasive fluid jet cutting systems, components and related methods for cutting sensitive materials
Fluid jet cutting systems, components and related methods for generating relatively low load abrasive fluid jets that are particularly well suited for cutting fragile, brittle or otherwise sensitive materials are provided. An example method includes supplying fluid at an operating pressure of at least 60,000 psi to an orifice having a circular cross-sectional profile with a diameter that is less than or equal to 0.010 inches to create a fluid jet that leaves a fluid jet cutting head through a jet passageway having a circular cross-sectional profile with a diameter that is less than or equal to 0.015 inches.
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
Fluid jet cutting systems, components and related methods for generating relatively low load abrasive fluid jets that are particularly well suited for cutting fragile, brittle or otherwise sensitive materials are provided. An example method includes supplying fluid at an operating pressure of at least 60,000 psi to an orifice having a circular cross-sectional profile with a diameter that is less than or equal to 0.010 inches to create a fluid jet that leaves a fluid jet cutting head through a jet passageway having a circular cross-sectional profile with a diameter that is less than or equal to 0.015 inches.
Computer based methods, systems, and techniques for planning and generating machining paths for a tool that manufactures a three dimensional object having beveled or “compound” contours from a workpiece. A computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system creates intermediate machining path surfaces that extend based on a CAD solid model representing the geometry of the object to be manufactured. The intermediate machining path surfaces extend to a shape that simulates a cutting beam (e.g., a waterjet, a laser beam, etc.) of the tool. For a flat workpiece, the machining path surfaces may extend from a top surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam entrance surface, to a bottom surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam exit surface. An operator is able to visualize the cuts to be made and the actual finished object geometry, without requiring the creation of multiple CAD solid models.
G05B 19/4099 - Surface or curve machining, making 3D objects, e.g. desktop manufacturing
B24C 3/00 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants
B26D 5/00 - Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
Reinforced diamond nozzles and methods of making the same for fluid jet cutting applications are provided. An example method includes forming or providing a tubular diamond body having a jet passage extending therethrough and establishing a protective casing around the tubular diamond body so that an entirety or substantially an entirety of an outer circumferential surface area of the tubular diamond body is directly contacted and reinforced by the protective casing. Establishing the protective casing around the tubular diamond body may include thermal spraying, casting, direct metal laser sintering, or other fabrication techniques.
Reinforced diamond nozzles and methods of making the same for fluid jet cutting applications are provided. An example method includes forming or providing a tubular diamond body having a jet passage extending therethrough and establishing a protective casing around the tubular diamond body so that an entirety or substantially an entirety of an outer circumferential surface area of the tubular diamond body is directly contacted and reinforced by the protective casing. Establishing the protective casing around the tubular diamond body may include thermal spraying, casting, direct metal laser sintering, or other fabrication techniques.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
C23C 16/01 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes on temporary substrates, e.g. on substrates subsequently removed by etching
An example land cultivating system includes a mobile unit, a traveler arrangement operably coupled to the mobile unit to ride on the surface of stubble residues as the mobile unit moves across land to be cultivated, and a fluid jet cutting head supported by the traveler arrangement. The cutting head is configured to selectively discharge a high-pressure fluid jet to make a cut through the stubble residues and underlying soil as the mobile unit moves across the land. A soil opening device is provided to form a furrow in the ground in line with the cut made by the high-pressure fluid jet, and a liquid injector nozzle is provided to discharge fertilizer or other chemical(s) into the soil.
A01C 7/06 - Seeders combined with fertilising apparatus
A01C 7/08 - Broadcast seedersSeeders depositing seeds in rows
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01C 23/02 - Special arrangements for delivering the liquid directly into the soil
A01C 23/04 - Distributing under pressureDistributing mudAdaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
(1) Waterjet dispensing machines for agricultural use, namely, for dispensing agricultural additives into the soil or into or onto crops; waterjet machines and machine tools that dispense agricultural additives into the soil or into or onto crops for use in cultivating land; waterjet machines and machine tools that dispense agricultural additives into the soil or into or onto crops for use in fertilizing, treating and seeding soil.
Waterjet dispensing machines for agricultural use, namely, for dispensing agricultural additives into the soil or into or onto crops; waterjet machines and machine tools that dispense agricultural additives into the soil or into or onto crops for use in cultivating land; waterjet machines and machine tools that dispense agricultural additives into the soil or into or onto crops for use in fertilizing, treating and seeding soil
45.
Methods for improving jet cutting performance via force sensing
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for improving the performance of a fluid jet cutting system by testing and adjusting characteristics of the system based on the effect of the characteristics on forces imparted by the system to a workpiece being cut. Also disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and validating the performance of fluid jet cutting systems, and for diagnosing such systems. In some cases, the technologies described herein can be used to determine whether components of a fluid jet system require maintenance, or that characteristics of the system require adjustment.
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B24C 3/32 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks
A regulator valve assembly is provided for use in connection with high pressure fluid systems. The regulator valve assembly includes a valve pin having an engagement portion with a tapered surface and a valve seat having a valve pin receiving aperture defining a tapered surface on the valve seat to sealingly mate with the engagement portion of the valve pin. At least one of the valve pin and the valve seat includes an asymmetrical surface feature sized and shaped such that, when the valve pin is displaced away from the seated configuration and fluid flows through an annular space created between the engagement portion of the valve pin and the valve seat, unbalanced hydrodynamic forces arise from an interaction of the fluid with the asymmetrical surface feature. Systems incorporating the regulator valve assembly are also provided.
Systems and methods for providing real-time modification of cutting process programs using feedback from one or more sensors which measure one or more operational parameters of a cutting process and/or cutting apparatus. The sensor readings may be used to provide real-time modification of a motion program after such motion program has been provided to a motion controller. Examples of such operational parameters may include waterjet pump supply pressure, the abrasive mass flow rate, the force of the waterjet on the target piece, etc. The systems and methods discussed herein also utilize a cutting algorithm or program to calculate actual cut quality based on one or more sensor inputs, and to generate warnings or system shut-downs accordingly. The systems and methods discussed herein also utilize inspection devices to inspect coupons or first articles, and use the inspection data to autonomously modify motion programs and/or cutting process models without user intervention.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
G05B 19/4097 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using design data to control NC machines, e.g. CAD/CAM
48.
AUTONOMOUS MODIFICATION OF WATERJET CUTTING SYSTEMS
Systems and methods for providing real-time modification of cutting process programs using feedback from one or more sensors which measure one or more operational parameters of a cutting process and/or cutting apparatus. The sensor readings may be used to provide real-time modification of a motion program after such motion program has been provided to a motion controller. Examples of such operational parameters may include waterjet pump supply pressure, the abrasive mass flow rate, the force of the waterjet on the target piece, etc. The systems and methods discussed herein also utilize a cutting algorithm or program to calculate actual cut quality based on one or more sensor inputs, and to generate warnings or system shut-downs accordingly. The systems and methods discussed herein also utilize inspection devices to inspect coupons or first articles, and use the inspection data to autonomously modify motion programs and/or cutting process models without user intervention.
G05B 19/4097 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using design data to control NC machines, e.g. CAD/CAM
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
A relief valve assembly is provided for use in connection with high pressure and ultrahigh pressure pumps. The relief valve assembly includes a valve pin having an engagement portion with a tapered surface and a valve seat having a valve pin receiving aperture defining a tapered surface on the valve seat to sealingly mate with the engagement portion of the valve pin when the valve pin is seated against the valve seat in a seated configuration. The valve seat further includes at least one bypass passage that extends from the valve pin receiving aperture to an exterior surface of the valve seat such that when the valve pin is displaced away from the seated configuration fluid can pass through the bypass passage and an annular space created between the engagement portion of the valve pin and the valve seat. Systems incorporating the relief valve assembly are also provided.
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
F16K 31/122 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a piston
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
F16K 15/02 - Check valves with guided rigid valve members
F16K 47/04 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure, the throttle being incorporated in the closure member
A waterjet cutting method is provided which includes directing a waterjet onto a surface of a workpiece that is exposed to the surrounding atmosphere, the interaction of the waterjet with the exposed surface defining a cutting location, and simultaneously directing a gas stream onto the exposed surface of the workpiece at or adjacent the cutting location to maintain a cutting environment at the cutting location that is, apart from the waterjet, substantially devoid of fluid or particulate matter. The method may further include moving a source of the waterjet relative to the workpiece to cut the workpiece along a desired path while continuously directing the gas stream onto the exposed surface of the workpiece at or adjacent the cutting location.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
Ultra high pressure liquid, abrasive ladened jet forming
system for various industrial operations, said system
consisting of, namely, an abrasive particle storage hopper,
an abrasive particle metering valve, a mixing head assembly
that has a water jet orifice, a mixing chamber and a
focusing tube to discharge the liquid, abrasive ladened jet,
all sold as a unit; and also components for said system,
namely, mixing head assemblies that consist of a waterjet
orifice, a mixing chamber and a focusing tube.
Land cultivating systems and methods utilizing high-pressure fluid jet cutting techniques are disclosed. An example system includes a mobile unit, a traveler arrangement operably coupled to the mobile unit to ride on the surface of stubble residues as the mobile unit moves across land to be cultivated, and a fluid jet cutting head supported by the traveler arrangement. The cutting head is configured to selectively discharge a high-pressure fluid jet to make a cut through the stubble residues and underlying soil as the mobile unit moves across the land. A soil opening device is provided to form a furrow in the ground in line with the cut made by the high-pressure fluid jet, and a liquid injector nozzle is provided to discharge fertilizer or other chemical(s) into the soil.
A01B 49/06 - Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools for sowing or fertilising
A01B 79/02 - Methods for working soil combined with other agricultural processing, e.g. fertilising, planting
A01C 5/06 - Machines for making or covering drills or furrows for sowing or planting
A01B 17/00 - Ploughs with special additional arrangements, e.g. means for putting manure under the soil, clod-crushers
A01B 63/14 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors
A01C 7/08 - Broadcast seedersSeeders depositing seeds in rows
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01C 23/04 - Distributing under pressureDistributing mudAdaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
57.
LAND CULTIVATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING HIGH-PRESSURE FLUID JET CUTTING TECHNIQUES
Land cultivating systems and methods utilizing high-pressure fluid jet cutting techniques are disclosed. An example system includes a mobile unit, a traveler arrangement operably coupled to the mobile unit to ride on the surface of stubble residues as the mobile unit moves across land to be cultivated, and a fluid jet cutting head supported by the traveler arrangement. The cutting head is configured to selectively discharge a high-pressure fluid jet to make a cut through the stubble residues and underlying soil as the mobile unit moves across the land. A soil opening device is provided to form a furrow in the ground in line with the cut made by the high-pressure fluid jet, and a liquid injector nozzle is provided to discharge fertilizer or other chemical(s) into the soil.
A regulator valve assembly is provided for use in connection with high pressure fluid systems. The regulator valve assembly includes a valve pin having an engagement portion with a tapered surface and a valve seat having a valve pin receiving aperture defining a tapered surface on the valve seat to sealingly mate with the engagement portion of the valve pin. At least one of the valve pin and the valve seat includes an asymmetrical surface feature sized and shaped such that, when the valve pin is displaced away from the seated configuration and fluid flows through an annular space created between the engagement portion of the valve pin and the valve seat, unbalanced hydrodynamic forces arise from an interaction of the fluid with the asymmetrical surface feature. Systems incorporating the regulator valve assembly are also provided.
Fluid jet systems, components and related methods are provided which are well adapted for processing workpieces under particularly work-friendly conditions. Embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods that reduce, minimize or eliminate a gap between a workpiece being processed and jet receiving devices that receive and dissipate the energy of a fluid jet passing through the workpiece. Other embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving fluid jet processing of workpieces in a submerged condition. Still further embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving position and orientation adjustment of a fluid jet receptacle to coordinate the path of an incoming fluid jet with a central axis or other feature of the fluid jet receptacle.
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
B24C 3/18 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants essentially provided with means for moving workpieces into different working positions
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 3/06 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other movableAbrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other portable
B24C 9/00 - Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
62.
Contour follower apparatus and related systems and methods
Systems and related methods are provided for maintaining a spatial relationship between a tool of the multi-axis machine (e.g., fluid jet nozzle of a fluid jet cutting machine) and a workpiece to be processed by the tool. An example system includes a contour follower apparatus having a sensor and a gimbal assembly operable with the sensor to sense a deviation between a machine focal point and a gimbal assembly focal point defined by the gimbal assembly as the gimbal assembly rides upon the surface of the workpiece during operation. The system may further include a gimbal mount assembly configured to sense a collision event of the gimbal assembly with another object.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
63.
CONTOUR FOLLOWER APPARATUS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Systems and related methods are provided for maintaining a spatial relationship between a tool (40) of the multi-axis machine (e.g., fluid jet nozzle of a fluid jet cutting machine) and a workpiece (14) to be processed by the tool. An example system includes a contour follower apparatus (100) having a sensor and a gimbal assembly (102) operable with the sensor to sense a deviation between a machine focal point and a gimbal assembly focal point defined by the gimbal assembly as the gimbal assembly rides upon the surface of the workpiece during operation. The system may further include a gimbal mount assembly configured to sense a collision event of the gimbal assembly with another object.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B23Q 17/22 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring existing or desired position of tool or work
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
64.
METHODS OF CUTTING FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITE WORKPIECES WITH A PURE WATERJET
Methods of trimming fiber reinforced polymer composite workpieces are provided which use a pure waterjet discharged from a cutting head in liquid phase unladened with solid particles at an operating pressure of at least 60,000 psi and in combination with other cutting parameters to provide a final component profile without delamination, splintering, fraying or unacceptable fiber pullout or fiber fracture.
Methods of trimming fiber reinforced polymer composite workpieces are provided which use a pure waterjet discharged from a cutting head in liquid phase unladened with solid particles at an operating pressure of at least 60,000 psi and in combination with other cutting parameters to provide a final component profile without delamination, splintering, fraying or unacceptable fiber pullout or fiber fracture.
Methods of trimming fiber reinforced polymer composite workpieces are provided which use a pure waterjet discharged from a cutting head in liquid phase unladened with solid particles at an operating pressure of at least 60,000 psi and in combination with other cutting parameters to provide a final component profile without delamination, splintering, fraying or unacceptable fiber pullout or fiber fracture.
An abrasive slurry delivery system configured to discharge a high pressure mixture of water (30) and abrasives (54, 54′) for further admixture with a flow of high pressure water (30) to generate an abrasive slurry and ultimately an abrasive slurry jet is provided. The delivery system includes a storage chamber (56), a discharge chamber (58) and a shuttle chamber (60) positioned therebetween. The shuttle chamber (60) is configured to intermittently receive abrasives (54) from the storage chamber (56) and intermittently supply the abrasives (54, 54′) mixed with high pressure water (30) to the discharge chamber (58) to be selectively discharged therefrom. High pressure abrasive slurry cutting systems and related methods are also provided.
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B24C 5/02 - Blast guns, e.g. for generating high velocity abrasive fluid jets for cutting materials
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 3/04 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other stationary
68.
Fluid distribution components of high-pressure fluid jet systems
High-pressure fluid jet systems are provided which include a pump to selectively provide a source of high-pressure fluid, a cutting head assembly configured to receive the high-pressure fluid and generate a high-pressure fluid jet for processing workpieces or work surfaces, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the pump and the cutting head assembly to route the high-pressure fluid from the pump to the cutting head assembly. The pump, the cutting head assembly and/or the fluid distribution system include at least one fluid distribution component having a unitary body formed from an additive manufacturing or casting process with an internal passage having at least a curvilinear portion to efficiently route matter through the fluid jet system. Example fluid distribution components include fittings, valve bodies, cutting head bodies and nozzles of the high-pressure fluid jet systems.
B26F 1/26 - Perforating by non-mechanical means, e.g. by fluid jet
B24C 5/02 - Blast guns, e.g. for generating high velocity abrasive fluid jets for cutting materials
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
Systems and related methods are provided for adjusting the position and orientation of an end effector of a multi-axis machine (e.g., a manipulable cutting head of a fluid jet cutting machine) relative to a base reference frame. Systems include an adjustable tool mount having a base structure that includes portions or regions that are selectively deformable to adjust a position and an orientation of a tool supported by the adjustable tool mount.
B24C 5/02 - Blast guns, e.g. for generating high velocity abrasive fluid jets for cutting materials
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
70.
BEAM TOOL PATHING FOR 3D COMPOUND CONTOURS USING MACHINING PATH SURFACES TO MAINTAIN A SINGLE SOLID REPRESENTATION OF OBJECTS
Computer based methods, systems, and techniques for planning and generating machining paths for a tool that manufactures a three dimensional object having beveled or "compound" contours from a workpiece. A computer aided design CAD /computer aided manufacturing CAM system creates intermediate machining path surfaces (632, 634, 636, 638) that extend based on a CAD solid model (500) representing the geometry of the object to be manufactured. The intermediate machining path surfaces (632, 634, 636, 638) extend to a shape that simulates a cutting beam (e.g., a waterjet, a laser beam, etc.) of the tool. For a flat workpiece, the machining path surfaces may extend from a top surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam entrance surface, to a bottom surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam exit surface. An operator is able to visualize the cuts to be made and the actual finished object geometry, without requiring the creation of multiple CAD solid models.
Computer based methods, systems, and techniques for planning and generating machining paths for a tool that manufactures a three dimensional object having beveled or “compound” contours from a workpiece. A computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system creates intermediate machining path surfaces that extend based on a CAD solid model representing the geometry of the object to be manufactured. The intermediate machining path surfaces extend to a shape that simulates a cutting beam (e.g., a waterjet, a laser beam, etc.) of the tool. For a flat workpiece, the machining path surfaces may extend from a top surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam entrance surface, to a bottom surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam exit surface. An operator is able to visualize the cuts to be made and the actual finished object geometry, without requiring the creation of multiple CAD solid models.
B24C 3/00 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants
B26D 5/00 - Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
Fluid jet systems, components and related methods are provided which are well adapted for processing workpieces under particularly work-friendly conditions. Embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods that reduce, minimize or eliminate a gap between a workpiece being processed and jet receiving devices that receive and dissipate the energy of a fluid jet passing through the workpiece. Other embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving fluid jet processing of workpieces in a submerged condition. Still further embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving position and orientation adjustment of a fluid jet receptacle to coordinate the path of an incoming fluid jet with a central axis or other feature of the fluid jet receptacle.
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
B24C 3/18 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants essentially provided with means for moving workpieces into different working positions
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 3/06 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other movableAbrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other portable
73.
HIGH-PRESSURE WATERJET CUTTING HEAD SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS
A waterjet cutting head assembly (12) is provided which includes an orifice unit (14) to generate a high-pressure waterjet, a nozzle body (16) and a nozzle component (20) coupled to the nozzle body (16) with the orifice unit (14) positioned therebetween. The nozzle component (20) may include a waterjet passage (44), at least one jet alteration passage (50) and at least one environment control passage (60). The jet alteration passage (50) may intersect with the waterjet passage (44) to enable selective alteration of the waterjet during operation via the introduction of a secondary fluid or abrasive media or application of a vacuum. The environment control passage (60) may include one or more downstream portions (62) aligned relative to a fluid jet passage (36) so that gas passed through the environment control passage (60) during operation is directed to impinge on an exposed surface of a workpiece at or adjacent to a location where the waterjet is cutting the workpiece. Other high-pressure waterjet cutting systems, components and related methods are also provided.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 5/02 - Blast guns, e.g. for generating high velocity abrasive fluid jets for cutting materials
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
74.
High-pressure waterjet cutting head systems, components and related methods
A waterjet cutting head assembly is provided which includes an orifice unit to generate a high-pressure waterjet, a nozzle body and a nozzle component coupled to the nozzle body with the orifice unit positioned therebetween. The nozzle component may include a waterjet passage, at least one jet alteration passage and at least one environment control passage. The jet alteration passage may intersect with the waterjet passage to enable selective alteration of the waterjet during operation via the introduction of a secondary fluid or application of a vacuum. The environment control passage may include one or more downstream portions aligned relative to the fluid jet passage so that gas passed through the environment control passage during operation is directed to impinge on an exposed surface of a workpiece at or adjacent to a location where the waterjet is cutting the workpiece. Other high-pressure waterjet cutting systems, components and related methods are also provided.
B24C 5/02 - Blast guns, e.g. for generating high velocity abrasive fluid jets for cutting materials
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
B24C 7/00 - Equipment for feeding abrasive materialControlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
An abrasive slurry delivery system configured to discharge a high pressure mixture of water (30) and abrasives (54, 54') for further admixture with a flow of high pressure water (30) to generate an abrasive slurry and ultimately an abrasive slurry jet is provided. The delivery system includes a storage chamber (56), a discharge chamber (58) and a shuttle chamber (60) positioned therebetween. The shuttle chamber (60) is configured to intermittently receive abrasives (54) from the storage chamber (56) and intermittently supply the abrasives (54, 54') mixed with high pressure water (30) to the discharge chamber (58) to be selectively discharged therefrom. High pressure abrasive slurry cutting systems and related methods are also provided.
Fluid jet systems, components and related methods are provided which are well adapted for processing workpieces under particularly work-friendly conditions. Embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods that reduce, minimize or eliminate a gap between a workpiece being processed and jet receiving devices that receive and dissipate the energy of a fluid jet passing through the workpiece. Other embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving fluid jet processing of workpieces in a submerged condition. Still further embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving position and orientation adjustment of a fluid jet receptacle to coordinate the path of an incoming fluid jet with a central axis or other feature of the fluid jet receptacle such as an adjustable noise suppression member.
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
78.
FLUID JET CUTTING SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS AND METHODS THAT FACILITATE IMPROVED WORK ENVIRONMENTS
Fluid jet systems, components and related methods are provided which are well adapted for processing workpieces under particularly work-friendly conditions. Embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods that reduce, minimize or eliminate a gap between a workpiece being processed and jet receiving devices that receive and dissipate the energy of a fluid jet passing through the workpiece. Other embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving fluid jet processing of workpieces in a submerged condition. Still further embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving position and orientation adjustment of a fluid jet receptacle to coordinate the path of an incoming fluid jet with a central axis or other feature of the fluid jet receptacle such as an adjustable noise suppression member.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
Fluid jet systems, components and related methods are provided which are well adapted for processing workpieces under particularly work-friendly conditions. Embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods that reduce, minimize or eliminate a gap between a workpiece being processed and jet receiving devices that receive and dissipate the energy of a fluid jet passing through the workpiece. Other embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving fluid jet processing of workpieces in a submerged condition. Still further embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving position and orientation adjustment of a fluid jet receptacle to coordinate the path of an incoming fluid jet with a central axis or other feature of the fluid jet receptacle.
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
B24C 3/18 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants essentially provided with means for moving workpieces into different working positions
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 3/06 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other movableAbrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other portable
A relief valve assembly is provided for use in connection with high pressure and ultrahigh pressure pumps. The relief valve assembly includes a valve pin having an engagement portion with a tapered surface and a valve seat having a valve pin receiving aperture defining a tapered surface on the valve seat to sealingly mate with the engagement portion of the valve pin when the valve pin is seated against the valve seat in a seated configuration. The valve seat further includes at least one bypass passage that extends from the valve pin receiving aperture to an exterior surface of the valve seat such that when the valve pin is displaced away from the seated configuration fluid can pass through the bypass passage and an annular space created between the engagement portion of the valve pin and the valve seat. Systems incorporating the relief valve assembly are also provided.
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
F16K 31/122 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a piston
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
F16K 47/04 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure, the throttle being incorporated in the closure member
A cover device is provided for a jet receiving receptacle of a highpressure fluid jet system to assist in receiving and in some instances, capturing, a fluid jet discharged from a nozzle of the fluid jet system after it acts on a workpiece. The cover device assists in preventing damage to a workpiece by deflecting a rebounding portion of the jet fluid away from the workpiece, and may also assist in reducing noise levels during workpiece processing operations. Fluid jet cutting systems incorporating a jet receiving receptacle with a receptacle cover and related methods are also provided. A capturing system including a material displacement device with a rebound surface to deflect a portion of rebounding contents of the fluid away from the workpiece is also proposed.
A workpiece fixture assembly is provided to support a workpiece to be processed by a fluid jet cutting system. The workpiece fixture assembly includes a main support structure having at least one exterior portion and at least one interior portion separated by a tool path corridor and includes at least one supplemental support structure rigidly coupling the at least one exterior portion of the main support structure to the at least one interior portion of the main support structure and spanning beneath the tool path corridor at one or more crossing locations. A device is also provided beneath the main support structure to aid in preventing contents of a fluid jet from rebounding toward the main support structure after passing through the tool path corridor thereof during a workpiece processing operation.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 3/04 - Abrasive blasting machines or devicesPlants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other stationary
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
84.
FLUID DISTRIBUTION COMPONENTS OF HIGH-PRESSURE FLUID JET SYSTEMS
High-pressure fluid jet systems are provided which include a pump to selectively provide a source of high-pressure fluid, a cutting head assembly configured to receive the high-pressure fluid and generate a high-pressure fluid jet for processing workpieces or work surfaces, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the pump and the cutting head assembly to route the high-pressure fluid from the pump to the cutting head assembly. The pump, the cutting head assembly and/or the fluid distribution system include at least one fluid distribution component having a unitary body formed from an additive manufacturing or casting process with an internal passage having at least a curvilinear portion to efficiently route matter through the fluid jet system. Example fluid distribution components include fittings, valve bodies, cutting head bodies and nozzles of the high-pressure fluid jet systems.
High-pressure fluid jet systems are provided which include a pump to selectively provide a source of high-pressure fluid, a cutting head assembly configured to receive the high-pressure fluid and generate a high-pressure fluid jet for processing workpieces or work surfaces, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the pump and the cutting head assembly to route the high-pressure fluid from the pump to the cutting head assembly. The pump, the cutting head assembly and/or the fluid distribution system include at least one fluid distribution component having a unitary body formed from an additive manufacturing or casting process with an internal passage having at least a curvilinear portion to efficiently route matter through the fluid jet system. Example fluid distribution components include fittings, valve bodies, cutting head bodies and nozzles of the high-pressure fluid jet systems.
A jet receiving receptacle is provided which is coupleable to a high-pressure fluid jet system opposite a nozzle thereof to receive a fluid jet discharged from the nozzle after it acts on a workpiece. The jet receiving receptacle may include an elongated inlet alignable with a direction of travel of the nozzle to receive the fluid jet in a deflected state. The jet receiving receptacle may further include a jet deflection device positioned downstream of the elongated inlet to redirect at least a portion of the fluid jet and a jet rebound device located upstream of the jet deflection device to be impinged on by the redirected portion of the fluid jet. The jet deflection device and jet rebound device may form, in combination with a housing, a device to trap the fluid jet. Fluid jet cutting systems incorporating a jet receiving receptacle and related methods are also provided.
A jet receiving receptacle is provided which is coupleable to a high-pressure fluid jet system opposite a nozzle thereof to receive a fluid jet discharged from the nozzle after it acts on a workpiece. The jet receiving receptacle may include an elongated inlet alignable with a direction of travel of the nozzle to receive the fluid jet in a deflected state. The jet receiving receptacle may further include a jet deflection device positioned downstream of the elongated inlet to redirect at least a portion of the fluid jet and a jet rebound device located upstream of the jet deflection device to be impinged on by the redirected portion of the fluid jet. The jet deflection device and jet rebound device may form, in combination with a housing, a device to trap the fluid jet. Fluid jet cutting systems incorporating a jet receiving receptacle and related methods are also provided.
Fluid jet nozzle assemblies for use with ultrahigh-pressure
fluid jet systems; structural parts for fluid jet and
abrasive jet cutting, cleaning and material forming
machines.
89.
Fluid jet receptacle with rotatable inlet feed component and related fluid jet cutting system and method
A jet receiving receptacle is provided which is coupleable to a high pressure fluid jet system opposite a nozzle thereof to receive a fluid jet discharged from the nozzle after it acts on a workpiece. The jet receiving receptacle may include an inlet feed component having a tapered inlet that defines a jet receiving surface about a central axis to receive the fluid jet and direct the fluid jet downstream and toward the central axis. The jet receiving receptacle may further include a drive mechanism adapted to rotate the inlet feed component about the central axis such that impact of the fluid jet with the inlet feed component is distributed around the jet receiving surface. The drive mechanism may rotate the inlet feed component continuously or intermittently. Fluid jet cutting systems incorporating a jet receiving receptacle and related methods are also provided.
B24C 1/08 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for polishing surfaces, e.g. by making use of liquid-borne abrasives
90.
FLUID JET RECEPTACLE WITH ROTATABLE INLET FEED COMPONENT AND RELATED FLUID JET CUTTING SYSTEM AND METHOD
A jet receiving receptacle is provided which is coupleable to a high pressure fluid jet system opposite a nozzle thereof to receive a fluid jet discharged from the nozzle after it acts on a workpiece. The jet receiving receptacle may include an inlet feed component having a tapered inlet that defines a jet receiving surface about a central axis to receive the fluid jet and direct the fluid jet downstream and toward the central axis. The jet receiving receptacle may further include a drive mechanism adapted to rotate the inlet feed component about the central axis such that impact of the fluid jet with the inlet feed component is distributed around the jet receiving surface. The drive mechanism may rotate the inlet feed component continuously or intermittently. Fluid jet cutting systems incorporating a jet receiving receptacle and related methods are also provided.
Methods, systems, and techniques for automatically determining jet orientation parameters to correct for potential deviations in three dimensional part cutting are provided. Example embodiments provide an Adaptive Vector Control System (AVCS), which automatically determines speeds and orientation parameters of a cutting jet to attempt to insure that a part will be cut within prescribed tolerances where possible. In one embodiment, the AVCS determines the tilt and swivel of a cutting head by mathematical predictive models that examine the cutting front for each of “m” hypothetical layers in a desired part, to better predict whether the part will be within tolerances, and to determine what corrective angles are needed to correct for deviations due to drag, radial deflection, and/or taper.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
B26D 5/00 - Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
A relief valve assembly is provided for use in connection with high pressure and ultrahigh pressure pumps. The relief valve assembly includes a valve pin having an engagement portion with a tapered surface and a valve seat having a valve pin receiving aperture defining a tapered surface on the valve seat to sealingly mate with the engagement portion of the valve pin when the valve pin is seated against the valve seat in a seated configuration. The valve seat further includes at least one bypass passage that extends from the valve pin receiving aperture to an exterior surface of the valve seat such that when the valve pin is displaced away from the seated configuration fluid can pass through the bypass passage and an annular space created between the engagement portion of the valve pin and the valve seat. Systems incorporating the relief valve assembly are also provided.
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
F16K 17/06 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded with special arrangements for adjusting the opening pressure
F16K 31/383 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the conduit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side the fluid acting on a piston
93.
DEVICES FOR SEALING HIGH PRESSURE AND ULTRAHIGH PRESSURE FLUID SYSTEMS
A seal assembly is provided which is operable with a pump having a plunger configured to reciprocate within a cylinder thereof along a longitudinal axis to generate pressurized fluid during operation. The seal assembly includes a seal carrier including an external surface configured to sealingly mate with the cylinder of the pump when the seal carrier is installed in a mouth of the cylinder and urged toward the cylinder by a compressive force and further includes a bearing received and circumferentially surrounded by the seal carrier. The bearing and seal carrier include features designed to enable prolonged component life, including in particular at ultrahigh high pressures.
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
F04B 53/16 - CasingsCylindersCylinder liners or headsFluid connections
F04B 37/12 - Pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups for special use to obtain high pressure
F16J 15/56 - Other sealings for reciprocating rods
F16J 15/48 - Sealings with packing ring expanded or pressed into place by fluid pressure, e.g. inflatable packings influenced by the pressure within the member to be sealed
Fluid jet nozzle assemblies for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material forming machines; structural parts for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting, cleaning and material forming machines, namely, cutting head bodies and structural parts thereof, orifice assemblies, orifice mounts and orifices, mixing chambers, mixing tube assemblies, mixing tubes [, holding nuts, standoff plates, standoff shoes, carbide feet]
95.
Apparatus and process for formation of laterally directed fluid jets
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.
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.
B24C 1/04 - Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effectsUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for treating only selected parts of a surface, e.g. for carving stone or glass
B24C 5/02 - Blast guns, e.g. for generating high velocity abrasive fluid jets for cutting materials
B24C 9/00 - Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
A coupler assembly is provided for coupling components in a power transmission system, such as a rack and pinion drive system. The coupler assembly includes a floating mount and a pair of clamp members movable between an unfastened configuration in which the floating mount is adjustably supported between the clamp members and a fastened configuration in which the floating mount is fixedly secured between the clamp members. At least a pitch and a yaw of the floating mount are adjustable when the clamp members are in the unfastened configuration. Methods and systems which relate to or include the aforementioned coupler assembly are also provided.
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cuttingApparatus therefor
F16H 19/04 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising a rack
F16H 57/022 - Adjustment of gear shafts or bearings
A catcher tank assembly (12) is provided for a waterjet cutting machine. The catcher tank assembly includes a catcher tank having a plurality of tank sections (42, 44) detachably coupleable together in a side-by- side manner to collectively define a catcher tank having a desired configuration. The catcher tank assembly further includes a workpiece support system (50) detachably coupleable to an interior cavity (46) of the catcher tank. The workpiece support system may include a plurality of workpiece support modules (52) arrangeable in an array to support a workpiece platform of the waterjet cutting machine. The workpiece platform may be formed, for example, by a series of slats (56) supported transversely to parallel rows of the workpiece support modules. Methods and systems which relate to or include the aforementioned catcher tank assembly are also provided.
A catcher tank assembly is provided for a waterjet cutting machine. The catcher tank assembly includes a catcher tank having a plurality of tank sections detachably coupleable together in a side-by-side manner to collectively define a catcher tank having a desired configuration. The catcher tank assembly further includes a workpiece support system detachably coupleable to an interior cavity of the catcher tank. The workpiece support system may include a plurality of workpiece support modules arrangeable in an array to support a workpiece platform of the waterjet cutting machine. The workpiece platform may be formed, for example, by a series of slats supported transversely to parallel rows of the workpiece support modules. Methods and systems which relate to or include the aforementioned catcher tank assembly are also provided.
