US4435902A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Articulated boom water jet cutting apparatus
Assignee: WATERJET INTERNATIONAL Inc
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Filing: 1980-12-16
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Granted: 1984-03-13
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Expires: 2000-12-16
Abstract
Abstract A fluid jet cutter using an articulated boom support system is disclosed. The cutter utilizes a support system which allows rotational translation in all three axes. The boom system allows displacement of the cutter over a broad area. A jet catcher is attached to the cutter head to catch the cutting jet. A deadman switch arrangement prevents the operator from contacting the cutting jet. A vacuum system is linked to the catcher and a column that supports the boom to remove cutting debris and waste fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 John E. Mercer
- 👤 John H. Olsen
- 👤 Stephen Elkins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:21
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q9/00; B23Q9/0064; B23Q11/00; B23Q11/0042; B23Q11/0046; B23Q11/08; B26; B26F; B26F3/00; B26F3/004; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T83/00; Y10T83/04; Y10T83/0591; Y10T83/364
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising: a cutting head including a nozzle for forming a cutting jet for cutting a workpiece with a jet of high velocity fluid and a jet catching means for catching any cutting jet formed by said nozzle and support means for connecting said cutting jet to said jet cutting means; and, translation means for supporting said cutting head while allowing movement in two directions; and, rotational translation means connecting said translation means to said cutting head for allowing rotation in three perpendicular axes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising: a cutting head including a nozzle for forming a cutting jet for cutting a workpiece with a jet of high velocity fluid and a jet catching means for catching any cutting jet formed by said nozzle and support means for connecting said cutting jet to said jet cutting means; and, translation means for supporting said cutting head while allowing movement in two directions; and, rotational translation means connecting said translation means to said cutting head for allowing rotation in three perpendicular axes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said Rotational translation means allows rotation of 360° in each of the three perpendicular axes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising: jet controlling means for controlling any flow of fluid through said nozzle; and, means for connecting said jet controlling means to said support means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said jet controlling means is further comprising: valve means connected to said nozzle for shutting on and off flow through said nozzle; and, valve actuation means for actuating said valve means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said valve actuation means is further comprising: a first handle having switch means connected to said support means for actuating said valve means; and, a second handle having a switch connected to the switch in said first handle for preventing actuation unless an operators hands are on the first and second handles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising: waste removal means connected to said cutting head for removing waste generated by said cutting head.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said waste removal means is further comprising: separation means for separating gaseous from liquid and solid waste; and, a line connecting said cutting head to said separation means for conveying wastes; and, a vacuum pump connected to said separation means for producing a suction down said line.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 7, wherein said separation means is further comprising: a column for seperating gaseous from solid and liquid wastes; and, a tank connected to said column for providing a source of fluid for said column; and, overflow means connected to said tank for fixing a maximum level of fluid in said tank.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
122 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising: a cutting head for cutting a workpiece with a jet of high velocity fluid; and, translation means for supporting said cutting head while allowing movement in two directions; and, support means for providing a first pivot point; and, first boom means rotatably attached to said support means for allowing radial movement; and, second boom means rotatably attached to one end of said first boom means for allowing movement of said cutting head in one plane; and, means for connecting said cutting head to the end of said second boom means not connected to said first boom means; and, rotational translation means connecting said translation means to said cutting head for allowing rotation in three perpendicular axes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
122 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising: a cutting head for cutting a workpiece with a jet of high velocity fluid; and, translation means for supporting said cutting head while allowing movement in two directions; and, support means for providing a first pivot point; and, first boom means rotatably attached to said support means for allowing radial movement; and, second boom means rotatably attached to one end of said first boom means for allowing movement of said cutting head in one plane; and, means for connecting said cutting head to the end of said second boom means not connected to said first boom means; and, rotational translation means connecting said translation means to said cutting head for allowing rotation in three perpendicular axes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
68 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 9, further comprising: high pressure fluid supply line means attached to said first boom means and said second boom means and said cutting head for supplying high pressure fluid to said cutting head; and, means connected to said supply line means for allowing movement of said supply line means in the plane defined by said first and second boom means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
A fluid jet cutting apparatus as in claim 10, further comprising: second translation means connected to said high pressure supply line means for allowing movement of said cutting head in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by said first and second boom means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-13 | 1987-09-12 | 1988-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-13 | 1991-09-12 | 1992-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-13 | 1995-09-12 | 1996-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |