Device for controlling operating gap of cutting head and method of using same
US4773946A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 1987 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K7/102
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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 workpiece and a second direction moving the head downwardly toward the workpiece to maintain the operating gap at a preselected value wherein the feedback means includes sensing m…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.