Patent ID: 6846221
Filing Date: 2005-01-25
Classification: B24C

Abstract:
1. A system for delivering onto a workpiece a high-energy abrasive cutting stream comprising: (a) a head assembly for generating a pressurized fluidic stream; (b) a nozzling unit coupled to said head assembly for nozzling said pressurized fluidic stream to expel a high-energy abrasive cutting stream for cutting along a predefined pattern on the workpiece, said nozzling unit including a nozzle member extending along an angular orientation axis and having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinal passage, said passage extending in non-coaxial manner relative to said angular orientation axis and terminating at an outlet portion describing in sectional contour a predetermined shape to generate upon the workpiece an instantaneous kerf of cut having a corresponding sectional contour; and, (c) an adaptive orientation assembly coupled to said nozzling unit for angularly displacing said nozzle member about said angular orientation axis in a manner adaptive to the position of said nozzling unit relative to said pattern predefined on the workpiece, said adaptive orientation assembly maintaining the instantaneous kerf of cut within a predefined angular orientation range relative to said predefined pattern.