BACKFLOW DIVERSION DEVICES FOR LIQUID JET CUTTING SYSTEMS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A device for providing abrasive to a cutting head in a liquid jet cutting system can include an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive from an abrasive source, an abrasive outlet downstream from the abrasive inlet and configured to provide the abrasive to the cutting head, and a backflow diverter configured to discharge backflow from the device. In some embodiments, the backflow diverter can be configured to discharge a first portion of the backflow from the device, and device can further include one or more spillways configured to discharge a second portion of the backflow from the device. The one or more spillways can be positioned upstream from the backflow diverter and/or downstream from the abrasive inlet. The backflow diverter and/or the spillways can at least partially or fully prevent the backflow from flowing upstream through the abrasive inlet and/or into the abrasive source.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology is generally directed toward liquid jet cutting systems and, more particularly, toward backflow diversion devices for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Liquid jet cutting systems are used in precision cutting, shaping, carving, reaming, and other material processing applications. During operation of a liquid jet system, a cutting head directs a high-velocity jet of liquid carrying particles of abrasive material toward a workpiece to rapidly erode portions of the workpiece. Liquid jet processing has significant advantages over other material processing technologies (e.g., grinding, plasma-cutting, etc.). For example, liquid jet systems tend to produce relatively fine and clean cuts without heat-affected zones around the cuts. Liquid jet systems also tend to be highly versatile with respect to the material type of the workpiece. The range of materials that can be processed using liquid jet systems includes very soft materials (e.g., rubber, foam, leather, and paper) as well as very hard materials (e.g., stone, ceramic, and hardened metal). Furthermore, in many cases, liquid jet systems are capable of executing demanding material processing operations while generating little or no dust, smoke, or other potentially toxic airborne byproducts.

Occasionally, however, the cutting head may clog during operation, such as from inadvertent contact between the cutting head and the workpiece. This can result in backflow of abrasive, liquid, and/or steam flowing upstream through the cutting head, toward and/or into an abrasive source. Backflow that enters the abrasive source can contaminate (e.g., wet) the abrasive contained therein, which can clog the abrasive outlet from the source and/or otherwise render the liquid jet system inoperable. To return the liquid jet system to operation, the liquid jet system is typically shut down and the abrasive source cleaned out. This can be a time-consuming process during which the liquid jet system is unavailable for use.

To reduce or prevent clogs, some liquid jet systems employ a vacuum valve (e.g., a one way valve) configured to close when abrasive flow stops. The vacuum valve is intended to stop backflow from traveling further upstream from the cutting head and/or into the abrasive source. Other systems may use a backflow sensor block to measure vacuum pressures in an abrasive feedline and an air cylinder/solenoid to close the abrasive feedline and open backflow vents if the sensors detect a clog. While these approaches may limit backflow and protect the abrasive source from contamination in some instances, they are expensive, complicated to setup and calibrate, and typically require cleaning, testing, and recalibrating after backflow events, additional steps that can further increase machine downtime.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes various embodiments of devices, systems and methods for preventing or reducing clogs in abrasive feed systems used with liquid jet cutting systems. Embodiments of abrasive feed systems configured in accordance with the present disclosure can generally include an abrasive feed block having an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive from an abrasive source, an abrasive outlet downstream from the abrasive inlet configured to provide the abrasive to a cutting head of the liquid jet cutting system, and a backflow diverter. The backflow diverter can include a backflow inlet and a backflow outlet. The backflow inlet can be positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet and upstream of the abrasive outlet, and can be configured to receive backflow, including, e.g., abrasive, liquid, and/or steam, flowing away from the abrasive outlet in a first direction. The backflow outlet can be configured to discharge the backflow away from the backflow diverter in a second direction, different than the first direction. In some embodiments, the backflow diverter can be configured to discharge a first portion of the backflow, and the abrasive feed block can further include one or more spillways configured to discharge a second portion of the backflow. The spillways can be positioned upstream from the backflow diverter and/or downstream from the abrasive inlet. As described below, the backflow diverter and/or the spillways can prevent, or at least partially prevent, the backflow from flowing upstream through the abrasive inlet and into the abrasive source, which can contaminate the abrasive and lead to clogging of the abrasive source. This, in turn, is expected to reduce the time associated with clearing clogs in the abrasive source and/or returning the liquid jet cutting system to operating condition.

Specific details of liquid jet systems and associated backflow diversion devices, systems, and methods configured in accordance with several embodiments of the present technology are disclosed herein with reference toFIGS.1-3B. Although the devices, systems, and methods may be disclosed herein primarily or entirely with respect to certain liquid jet cutting applications, other applications in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. Furthermore, it should be understood, in general, that other devices, systems, and methods, including other abrasive waterjet devices, systems, and methods, in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. For example, devices, systems, and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can have different and/or additional configurations, components, and procedures than those disclosed herein. Moreover, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that devices, systems, and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present technology may not include one or more of the configurations, components, and/or procedures disclosed herein without deviating from the present technology. Liquid jet systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can be used with a variety of suitable fluids, such as water, aqueous solutions, hydrocarbons, glycols, and nitrogen, and/or a variety of suitable abrasives, such as particulate abrasive, abrasive garnet, sand, and/or other appropriate abrasive materials or combinations thereof.

As used herein, the use of relative terminology, such as “about”, “approximately”, “substantially” and the like refer to the stated value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the use of the term “about 100” refers to a range of from 90 to 110, inclusive. In instances in which the context requires otherwise and/or relative terminology is used in reference to something that does not include a numerical value, the terms are given their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art.

FIG.1is a perspective and partially schematic view of a liquid jet cutting system100configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The system100can include a fluid supply assembly102(shown schematically). The fluid supply assembly102can include, for example, a fluid container, a pump, an intensifier, an accumulator, one or more valves, and/or one or more hydraulic units. The fluid supply assembly102can be configured to provide pressurized fluid to the system100. In various embodiments, the system100uses various fluids including, e.g., liquid (e.g., water), and/or gases.

The system100further includes a cutting head assembly104operably connected to the fluid supply assembly102and one or more conduits106extending between the fluid supply assembly102and the cutting head assembly104. In some embodiments, the conduit106includes one or more joints107(e.g., a swivel joint or another suitable joint having two or more degrees of freedom).

The system100can further include a cutting table130supported on a base110and a user interface112. The user interface112can be supported by the base110. The system100can include one or more actuators configured to tilt, rotate, translate, and/or otherwise move the cutting head assembly104. For example, in some embodiments the system100can include a first actuator114a, a second actuator114b, and a third actuator114c(collectively, “the actuators114”) configured to move the cutting head assembly104relative to the base110and other stationary components of the system100, and/or to move the base110relative to the cutting head assembly104(such as a stationary liquid jet assembly). For example, the second actuator114bcan be configured to move the cutting head assembly104along a processing path (e.g., cutting path) in two or three dimensions and to tilt the cutting head assembly104relative to the base110, or to tilt the base110relative to the cutting head assembly104, or to tilt both. In some embodiments, the second actuator114btilts the cutting head assembly104in two or more dimensions. Thus, the cutting head assembly104, or the base110, or both, can be configured to direct a pressurized jet of fluid toward a workpiece (not shown) supported by the base110(e.g., held in a jig supported by the base110) and to move relative to either the cutting head assembly104or the base110, or both, while directing the jet toward the workpiece. In various embodiments, the system100can also be configured to manipulate the workpiece in translatory and/or rotatory motion, manipulating the jet and/or the workpiece. The base110can include a diffusing tray positioned beneath the cutting table130. The diffusing tray can be configured to hold a pool of fluid positioned relative to the jig so as to diffuse the remaining energy of the jet from the cutting head assembly104after the jet passes through the workpiece.

The cutting head assembly104can include a cutting head122and a nozzle outlet124. The cutting head122can be configured to receive fluid from the fluid supply assembly102via the conduit106at a pressure suitable for liquid jet (e.g., waterjet) processing. The cutting head122can include one or more components configured to condition fluid between the fluid supply assembly102and the nozzle outlet124. In some embodiments, the system100can include multiple cutting heads122that can be controlled individually and can have the same or different parameters (orifice size, mixing tube size, abrasive size, abrasive type, abrasive feed rate, etc.).

The system100can further include an abrasive storage container128configured to hold one or more abrasive materials, such as particulate abrasive, abrasive garnet, sand, and/or other appropriate abrasive materials or combinations thereof (referred to collectively as “abrasive”). In some embodiments, the abrasive storage container128can be configured to provide abrasive to a hopper126via an abrasive conduit129. The hopper126can be configured to provide abrasive received from the abrasive storage container128to a device132configured in accordance with the present technology, and the device132can be configured to provide the abrasive to the cutting head assembly104. In some embodiments, the device132can be referred to as a “feed block” and for ease of reference we will refer to the device132as “feed block132” hereinafter. Accordingly, in some embodiments the hopper126, the abrasive storage container128, and/or the abrasive conduit129can together define an abrasive source127configured to provide abrasive to the cutting head assembly104via the feed block132. In some embodiments, the hopper126and/or the feed block132are configured to move with the cutting head assembly104relative to the base110, or vice versa. In other embodiments, the hopper126and/or the feed block132can be configured to be stationary while the cutting head assembly104moves relative to the base110. As described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.2A-2C, the feed block132can include devices and/or features configured to at least partially or fully prevent backflow from the cutting head assembly104(e.g., from the cutting head122), including abrasive, liquid, and/or steam, from flowing upstream toward and/or into at least a portion of the abrasive source127, such as the hopper126. In at least some embodiments, for example, the feed block132can include a backflow diverter configured to redirect and/or discharge backflow toward the table130of the system100.

The user interface112can be configured to receive input from a user and to send data based on the input to a computing device120(e.g., a controller). The input can include, for example, one or more specifications (e.g., coordinates, geometry or dimensions) of the processing path and/or one or more specifications (e.g., material type or thickness) of the workpiece and operating parameters (e.g., for a waterjet tool, pressure, flow rate, abrasive material, etc.). The computing device120(shown schematically) can be operably connected to the user interface112and one or more of the actuators114(e.g., via one or more cables, wireless connections, etc.). The computing device120can include a processor134and memory136and can be programmed with instructions (e.g., non-transitory instructions contained on a computer-readable medium) that, when executed, control operation of the system100.

The system100can be configured to contain one or more independent or connected motion control units. The system can be configured in various ways that allow perpendicular, rotational and/or angular cutting of workpieces of different shape. Embodiments of the system can include but are not limited to gantry, bridge, multi-axis kinematics (similar in function to OMAX Tilt-A-Jet or A-Jet tools and Hypertherm Echion and HyPrecision systems), 6-axis robot, rotary, and hexapod style machines. In various embodiments, the system is suited to cutting workpieces of a wide variety of thicknesses, including workpieces of negligible thicknesses. In various embodiments, the system100is adapted to cut workpieces of a variety of three-dimensional shapes. In some embodiments, the jet can cut at any angle relative to the workpiece. It will be understood that embodiments of the backflow diversion devices and other devices, systems, and methods configured in accordance the present technology disclosed herein are not limited to use with the system100, but can be used with a wide variety of other suitable systems. Similarly, it will be understood that the various components, features, operations, etc. of the system100are described herein by way of example, and that all such components, features, operations, etc. are not essential to all embodiments of the present technology.

FIG.2Ais a perspective view of the feed block132and a portion of the hopper126configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The hopper126can include an internal chamber238and a coupling component240. The internal chamber238can be configured to receive and/or hold abrasive (not shown) from the abrasive storage container128(FIG.1). As described in more detail below, the coupling component240can be configured to releasably engage and operably couple the feed block132to the hopper126.

The feed block132can include a coupling portion244configured to removably couple the feed block132to the hopper126. In some embodiments, for example, the coupling portion244can include opposing projections or tabs252(identified individually as a first tab252aand a second tab252b), and at least a portion of each of the tabs252can be configured to be slidably received within a corresponding slot242(identified individually as a first slot242aand a second slot242b) on opposite sides of the coupling component240. For example, at least a portion of the first tab252acan be slidably received within the first slot242aand at least a portion of the second tab252bcan be slidably received within the second slot242b. In other embodiments, the coupling component240and/or the coupling portion244can have other configurations and/or other features for operably and removably coupling the feed block132to the hopper126.

In some embodiments, the feed block132can further include one or more spillways246(identified individually as a first spillway246aand a second spillway246b), a backflow diverter248, and an abrasive outlet250. One or more of the spillways246can be positioned upstream of the backflow diverter248. The abrasive outlet250can be operably coupled to the cutting head assembly104and configured to provide abrasive thereto. In other embodiments, the feed block132can include the backflow diverter248without one or both of the spillways246, and/or in further embodiments, the feed block132can include one or both of the spillways246without the backflow diverter248.

During operation of the liquid jet cutting system100(FIG.1), backflow (including, e.g., abrasive, water and/or other liquids, and/or steam) can occasionally flow upstream from the cutting head assembly104(as a result of, e.g., inadvertent contact between the cutting head assembly104and a workpiece) and enter the feed block132via the abrasive outlet250. As described in more detail below, all or at least a portion of the backflow entering the feed block132via the abrasive outlet250can be discharged from the feed block132via the backflow diverter248and/or one or more of the spillways246to prevent, or at least partially prevent, the backflow from entering the hopper126. As noted above, backflow that enters the hopper126and/or that otherwise contacts abrasive contained therein can cause blockages and/or clogs, and cleaning the blockages/clogs can be a time-consuming process during which the system100is unavailable for use. Accordingly, discharging backflow via the backflow diverter248and/or the spillways246is expected to prevent or at least reduce time-consuming cleaning procedures and/or the machine downtime associated therewith. Additionally, or alternatively, because the feed block132is releasably coupled to the hopper126, the feed block132can be removed from the hopper126and cleared of any backflow or other material without disassembling other portions of the system100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the backflow diverter248and/or the spillways246are passive elements of the feed block132, such that the backflow diverter248and/or the spillways246can automatically discharge backflow without the use of sensors to detect backflow and/or actuators to open any valves, openings, and/or other backflow discharging apertures.

FIG.2Bis a side cross-sectional view of the feed block132taken along section line2B-2B inFIG.2Ain accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The feed block132can include an abrasive inlet254positioned upstream from the abrasive outlet250and configured to receive abrasive from the hopper126. An internal passageway256can extend through the feed block132between the abrasive inlet254and the abrasive outlet250such that abrasive can flow downstream through the passageway256from the abrasive inlet254toward and/or through the abrasive outlet250. The passageway256can include an inner surface or sidewall257, a first or upstream passageway portion258aproximate the abrasive inlet254, and a second or downstream passageway portion258bproximate the abrasive outlet250.

Both the first passageway portion258aand the second passageway portion258bcan be aligned with a respective longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first passageway portion258ais aligned with a first longitudinal axis L1and the second passageway portion258bis aligned with a second longitudinal axis L2. The first longitudinal axis L1and the second longitudinal axis L2can be positioned at an angle A relative to one another. The angle A can be a non-zero angle, such as an angle of between about 1 degree and about 180 degrees, including at least 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, an angle therebetween, or another suitable angle. For example, in some embodiments the angle A can be between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, between 20 degrees and 70 degrees, or 42 degrees. In these and other embodiments, the angle of the second longitudinal axis L2relative to the first longitudinal axis L1can be configured to reduce or prevent backflow received within the second passageway portion258bvia the abrasive outlet250from entering the first passageway portion258a. For example, because the second longitudinal axis L2can be at a non-zero angle relative to the first longitudinal axis L1, the second passageway portion258bcan direct backflow toward and/or into the backflow diverter248, bypassing the first passageway portion258a. In some embodiments, a protective and/or hydrophobic coating can be applied to at least a portion of the inner sidewall257of the passageway256to at least partially or fully prevent absorption of moisture from backflow received by the passageway256.

The backflow diverter248can include a backflow inlet262a, a backflow outlet262b, and a backflow diverter passageway264extending therebetween. The backflow inlet262acan be positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet254and upstream of the abrasive outlet250, and can be configured to receive backflow flowing in a first direction D1upstream and/or away from the abrasive outlet250. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the axis L2extends at least partially through the backflow inlet262aand the second passageway portion258bis positioned (e.g., angled) to direct backflow toward and/or through the backflow inlet262a.

In a further aspect of some embodiments, the backflow outlet262bcan be configured to discharge the backflow received via the backflow inlet262aaway from the feed block132in a second direction D2, different than the first direction D1. For example, in some embodiments the backflow diverter passageway264can be curved or arcuate such that the backflow diverter248redirects the backflow received via the backflow inlet262ain a curved or arcuate path toward the backflow outlet262b. The first direction D1can be different than (e.g., opposite to) a third direction D3in which the abrasive outlet250is configured to provide abrasive toward the cutting head assembly104(FIG.2A). For example, an angle between the first direction D1and the third direction D3can be between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees, about 120 degrees and about 180 degrees, about 150 degrees and about 180 degrees, or 180 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, an angle between the second direction D2and the third direction D3can be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees, about 0 degrees and about 60 degrees, about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees, about 0 degrees and about 20 degrees, about 0 degrees and about 10 degrees, or 0 degrees. In these and other embodiments, the backflow diverter248can be configured to redirect the backflow toward the base110(e.g., the cutting table130of the system100(FIG.1). All or a portion of the backflow diverter passageway264can have an open cross-sectional shape or open channel shape (e.g. semi-circular or “U” cross-sectional shape), as shown inFIGS.2A and2B, configured to allow the backflow diverter248to discharge backflow at multiple points along the backflow diverter passageway264. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, at least the portion of the backflow diverter passageway264proximate to the backflow outlet262bincludes the open cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the portion of the backflow diverter passageway264proximate the backflow inlet262acan have a first circular or at least partially circular cross-sectional shape having a first diameter and the abrasive outlet250can have a second diameter less than the first diameter. In other embodiments, the portion of the backflow diverter passageway264proximate the backflow inlet262acan have a first diameter and the abrasive outlet250can have a second diameter equal to or greater than the first diameter.

Each of the spillways246(only the first spillway246ais shown inFIG.2B) can define an opening extending through at least a portion of the inner sidewall257of the passageway256. In some embodiments, at least some or all backflow received via the abrasive outlet250is expected to be directed toward and/or into the backflow diverter248. However, in some instances moisture, liquid (e.g., water and/or steam), and/or other portions of the backflow can wet abrasive within at least a portion of the passageway256(e.g., the first passageway portion258a) and thereby cause abrasive build up and/or other backflow that can accumulate within the passageway256and/or travel upstream through the passageway256and/or toward the abrasive inlet254, as shown by arrow D4. In these and other embodiments, the spillways246can be configured to discharge this backflow and/or other material that travels upstream through the passageway256to at least partially or fully prevent this backflow and/or other material from passing through the abrasive inlet254and/or entering the hopper126and potentially causing a clog. For example, liquid, abrasive, and/or steam that travels upstream through the passageway256and/or away from the backflow diverter248can be discharged via one or both of the spillways246without or substantially without the liquid, abrasive, and/or steam passing upwardly through the abrasive inlet254and/or into the hopper126. This is expected to reduce or prevent abrasive clogs within the abrasive inlet254and/or into the hopper126and thereby reduce machine downtime associated with removing the backflow. In these and other embodiments, an inner wall265of the backflow diverter passageway264, and/or a portion thereof, can be coated with a protective and/or hydrophobic coating to at least partially or fully prevent absorption of moisture from backflow received by the backflow diverter passageway264.

In some embodiments, the spillways246can be at least partially defined by a diverting pocket266formed between the inner sidewall257of the passageway256and a tapered necked portion268(see alsoFIG.2A) of the abrasive inlet254. In these and other embodiments, the first passageway portion258acan be tapered or sloped outwardly away from the first longitudinal axis L1in an upstream direction. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first passageway portion258aincludes an upstream end portion260ahaving a first inner diameter and a downstream end portion260bhaving a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter. Without being bound by theory, it is expected that steam and/or other backflow will preferentially travel upstream at the periphery of the first passageway portion258a, as shown by arrow D5. Accordingly, the radially outward upstream taper of the first passageway portion258acan be configured to direct steam and/or other backflow toward and/or into the diverting pocket266and/or toward the tapered outer wall portions273a-b(FIG.2C) of the necked portion268. The diverting pocket266can, in turn, direct the steam and/or other backflow through the spillway246ato at least partially or fully prevent the steam and/or other backflow from passing through the necked portion268and/or into the hopper126. Additionally, or alternatively, the first inner diameter of the upstream end portion260aof the first passageway portion258acan be greater than an outer diameter of a downstream end of the tapered necked portion268(see alsoFIG.2C), which can prevent, or at least partially prevent, backflow traveling upstream along the periphery of the first passageway portion258afrom passing through the necked portion and/or into the hopper126. As described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.2C, in some embodiments abrasive flowing downstream from abrasive inlet254and encountering a clog in feed block132is discharged through the spillways246along with steam traveling upstream toward the hopper, preventing or at least partially preventing further upstream travel of moisture and/or other liquid from the backflow.

In some embodiments, the feed block132includes a fluid inlet268a, a fluid outlet268b, and a fluid passageway270extending therebetween. The fluid inlet268acan be configured to receive high-pressure fluid, such as pressurized air, from a fluid source272. The fluid outlet268bcan be configured to discharge the high-pressure fluid into the passageway256to at least partially or fully dislodge backflow from within at least a portion of the passageway256, such as one or more dry portions of the passageway256, such as the first passageway portion258aand/or the second passageway portion258b. The fluid passageway270can be positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the passageway256. In the illustrated embodiment the fluid passageway270is angled radially inward toward the first longitudinal axis L1in a downstream direction from the fluid inlet268ato the fluid outlet268b, such that the fluid passageway270is configured to direct high-pressure fluid in a downstream direction through at least a portion of the passageway256, toward the abrasive outlet250and/or away from the abrasive inlet254.

In some embodiments, the feed block132includes an abrasive diverting ridge portion259extending inwardly from an inner surface of the passageway256. In the illustrated embodiment, the ridge portion259is positioned proximate the second passageway portion258band on an opposite side of the first longitudinal axis L1from the backflow inlet262a. In other embodiments, the ridge portion259can have other suitable positions, and in further embodiments the ridge portion259can be omitted. The ridge portion259can be configured to prevent or at least partially preventing abrasive flowing downstream through the passageway256from falling directly into the second passageway portion258b. Instead, abrasive flowing downstream through the passageway256can contact the ridge portion259and be redirected/deflected inwardly, such as toward the backflow inlet262a, before entering the second passageway portion258band flowing toward the abrasive outlet250. Additionally or alternatively, because the ridge portion259extends into the passageway256, the ridge portion259can direct backflow received via the abrasive outlet250toward and/or into the backflow inlet262a, as shown by the arrow D1, to prevent, or at least partially prevent, backflow received via the abrasive outlet250from traveling upstream through the passageway256.

In these and other embodiments, the feed block132can include a lip portion261. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip portion261is positioned on an opposite side of the first longitudinal axis L1from the ridge portion259, at least partially between the second passageway portion258band the backflow inlet262a. In other embodiments, the lip portion261can have other suitable positions, and in further embodiments the lip portion261can be omitted. The lip portion261can be configured to prevent, or at least partially prevent, abrasive flowing downstream through the passageway256from falling directly into the second passageway portion258b. For example, at least some abrasive flowing downstream through the passageway can contact the lip portion261before entering the second passageway portion258b. In these and other embodiments, the lip portion261can be positioned to receive at least a portion of the abrasive redirected by the ridge portion259, such that at least some abrasive flowing downstream through passageway256can be redirected by the ridge portion259toward the lip portion261before entering the second passageway portion258band flowing toward the abrasive outlet250.

FIG.2Cis a side cross-sectional view of the feed block132taken along section line2C-2C ofFIG.2A. As best shown inFIG.2C, the first spillway246acan be formed through a first side portion272aof the feed block132and the second spillway246bcan be formed through a second side portion272bof the feed block132. In the illustrated embodiment the first spillway246ais opposite the second spillway246b. In other embodiments, the first spillway246aand/or the second spillway246bcan have other suitable positions relative to each another, one or both of the spillways246may be omitted, or the feed block132can include 3 or more spillways.

In some embodiments, the spillways246can be configured to discharge abrasive received via the abrasive inlet254(e.g., from the abrasive source127;FIG.1) when at least a portion of the passageway256is blocked or clogged, e.g., by backflow or other material. For example, moisture and/or other liquid from backflow traveling upstream from the abrasive outlet250(e.g., as shown by arrow D4) can enter the first passageway portion258a, wet any abrasive contained therein, and thereby cause the abrasive to build up within the first passageway portion258aand thereby at least partially or fully block or clog downstream abrasive flow through the first passageway portion258a. Accordingly, continued downstream abrasive flow can increase the size of the clog in the first passageway portion258auntil the clog reaches the spillways246. At this point, the clog in the first passageway portion258acan cause abrasive flowing downstream from the abrasive inlet254to be discharged from the feed block132via the spillways246, as shown by arrows A. Without being bound by theory, in some embodiments the flow rate of abrasive through the spillways246is expected to be equal to or greater than the rate at which moisture and/or other liquid from the clog in the first passageway portion can wick upstream through the downstream-flowing abrasive, such that the moisture and/or other liquid from the backflow can be prevented from passing through the abrasive inlet254and/or entering the hopper126. As such, abrasive contained within the hopper126is expected to remain at least partially or fully dry and/or otherwise free from the moisture and/or other liquid from the backflow.

In some embodiments, the feed block132can be formed from one or more non-metallic material(s) such as nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), graphite, carbon fiber, other suitable polymers, and/or other suitable non-metallic materials. For example, in at least some embodiments the feed block132is formed from black nylon 3Al2. Additionally or alternatively, the feed block132can be formed from one or more metallic materials (e.g., metals), such as stainless steel, titanium, and/other suitable metallic materials. In these and other embodiments, the feed block132can be formed using one or more additive manufacturing techniques (e.g.,3D printing, injection molding, etc.), machined from one or more materials, and/or formed using other suitable manufacturing processes and/or techniques.

FIG.3Ais a perspective view of the feed block132and a feed block cover374configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.FIG.3Bis a side cross-sectional view of the feed block132and the feed block cover374inFIG.3A. Referring toFIGS.3A and3Btogether, in some embodiments, the feed block cover374can be positioned at least partially or fully around the feed block132to at least partially or fully prevent inadvertent interference with and/or damage to the feed block132, such as during operation thereof. The feed block cover374can be configured to be releasably coupled to the hopper126, such that the covering can be removed to clean and/or perform other maintenance upon the feed block132. Referring toFIG.3B, for example, the feed block cover374includes one or more tabs376configured to be slidably received by corresponding slots378in the hopper126.

Examples

Several aspects of the present technology are described with reference to the following examples:

1. A device for providing abrasive to a cutting head in a liquid jet cutting system, the device comprising:an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive;an abrasive outlet downstream from the abrasive inlet and configured to discharge the abrasive; anda backflow diverter including—a backflow inlet positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet and upstream of the abrasive outlet, wherein the backflow inlet is configured to receive backflow flowing away from the abrasive outlet in a first direction, the backflow including abrasive, steam, and/or liquid; anda backflow outlet configured to discharge the backflow away from the backflow diverter in a second direction, different than the first direction.

2. The device of example 1 wherein the backflow includes abrasive and/or liquid traveling in an upstream direction.

3. The device of example 1 or example 2 wherein the abrasive outlet is configured to discharge abrasive in a third direction toward a cutting head feed port, and wherein an angle between the second direction and the third direction is between 0 and 90 degrees inclusive.

4. The device of any of examples 1-3 wherein the abrasive outlet is configured to discharge abrasive in a third direction toward a cutting head feed port, and wherein an angle between the first direction and the third direction is between 90 and 180 degrees inclusive.

5. The device of any of examples 1-4, wherein a passageway extends between the abrasive inlet and the abrasive outlet, wherein the passageway includes a first passageway portion proximate the abrasive inlet and a second passageway portion proximate the abrasive outlet, wherein the first passageway portion is aligned with a first longitudinal axis and the second passageway portion is aligned with a second longitudinal axis, and wherein the second longitudinal axis is positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the first longitudinal axis and configured to direct backflow toward the backflow inlet of the backflow diverter.

6. The device of any of examples 1-5 wherein the backflow inlet has a first diameter and the abrasive outlet has a second diameter, less than the first diameter.

7. The device of any of examples 1-6, wherein a first passageway extends between the abrasive inlet and the abrasive outlet, the first passageway having a first inner wall, wherein a second passageway extends between the backflow inlet and the backflow outlet, the second passageway having a second inner wall, and wherein the device further comprises a protective coating covering at least a portion the first inner wall and/or a portion of the second inner wall, wherein the protective coating is configured to at least partially prevent absorption of moisture from the backflow.

8. The device of any of examples 1-7, wherein the liquid jet cutting system includes a cutting table downstream from the abrasive outlet, wherein the backflow diverter is configured to redirect the backflow toward the cutting table.

9. The device of any of examples 1-8 wherein the backflow diverter is configured to direct the backflow received via the backflow inlet in a curved path toward the backflow outlet.

10. The device of any of examples 1-9 wherein the backflow diverter is configured to direct the backflow received via the backflow inlet in an arcuate path toward the backflow outlet.

11. The device of any of examples 1-10 wherein the backflow diverter includes an open cross-sectional shape proximate the backflow outlet.

12. The device of any of examples 1-11, wherein a passageway extends between the abrasive inlet and the abrasive outlet, wherein the passageway includes at least one spillway positioned upstream of the backflow inlet, and wherein the at least one spillway is configured to discharge at least a portion of the backflow.

13. The device of example 12 wherein the passageway includes an inner wall, and wherein the at least one spillway includes an opening in the inner wall configured to discharge the abrasive received from the abrasive inlet when a portion of the passageway downstream of the at least one spillway is blocked.

14. The device of example 13 wherein a portion of the inner wall downstream of the at least one spillway is tapered radially outwardly in an upstream direction.

15. A device for providing abrasive to a cutting head in a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the device comprising:an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive;an abrasive outlet downstream from the abrasive inlet and configured to discharge the abrasive;a backflow diverter positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet and upstream of the abrasive outlet, wherein the backflow diverter is configured to receive at least a first portion of backflow flowing away from the abrasive outlet and discharge the first portion of backflow, the backflow including abrasive, steam, and/or liquid; andat least one spillway positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet and upstream of the backflow diverter, wherein the at least one spillway is configured to discharge abrasive flowing from the abrasive inlet and/or at least a second portion of backflow flowing away from the backflow diverter.

16. The device of example 15 wherein the abrasive inlet is configured to receive the abrasive from an abrasive source, and wherein the abrasive outlet is configured to discharge the abrasive toward a cutting head feed port.

17. The device of example 16 wherein the at least one spillway is configured to discharge at least the abrasive flowing from the abrasive inlet to at least partially prevent moisture from the second portion of backflow from traveling upstream into the abrasive source.

18. The device of any of examples 15-17, wherein a passageway extends between the abrasive inlet and the abrasive outlet, and wherein the at least one spillway includes an opening extending through a sidewall portion of the passageway.

19. The device of example 18 wherein the sidewall portion is a first sidewall portion and the at least one spillway is a first spillway, and wherein the device further includes a second spillway extending through a second sidewall portion of the passageway.

20. The device of example 19 wherein the first spillway is positioned opposite the second spillway.

21. The device of any of examples 18-20 wherein the at least one spillway is configured to discharge the abrasive flowing from the abrasive inlet when the passageway is at least partially filled with the backflow flowing upstream from the abrasive outlet.

22. The device of any of examples 18-21 wherein the passageway includes a first passageway portion proximate the abrasive inlet and a second passageway portion proximate the abrasive outlet, wherein the first passageway portion includes an upstream end portion having a first diameter and a downstream end portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter.

23. A device for providing abrasive to a cutting head in a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the device comprising:an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive;an abrasive outlet downstream from the abrasive inlet and configured to discharge the abrasive;a first passageway configured to convey the abrasive between the abrasive inlet and the abrasive outlet; anda second passageway having a fluid inlet configured to receive high-pressure fluid and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the high-pressure fluid into the first passageway to at least partially dislodge abrasive backflow from within at least a portion of the first passageway.

24. The device of example 23 wherein the high-pressure fluid includes pressurized air.

25. The device of example 23 or example 24 wherein the second passageway is positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the first passageway.

26. The device of any of examples 23-25 wherein the second passageway is configured to direct the high-pressure fluid in a downstream direction through at least a portion of the first passageway toward the abrasive outlet.

27. The device of any of examples 23-26 wherein the second passageway is configured to direct the high-pressure fluid in a downstream direction through at least a portion of the first passageway away from the abrasive inlet.

28. The device of any of examples 23-27 further comprising a backflow diverter positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet and upstream of the abrasive outlet, wherein the backflow diverter is configured to receive backflow flowing away from the abrasive outlet and discharge at least a portion of the backflow, the portion of the backflow including abrasive and/or liquid.

29. The device of example 28 wherein the backflow diverter defines a curved backflow path.

30. The device of example 28 or example 29 wherein the backflow diverter includes a backflow inlet configured to receive the portion of the backflow flowing away from the abrasive outlet and a backflow outlet configured to discharge the portion of the backflow, wherein the backflow diverter is configured to direct the portion of the backflow received via the backflow inlet in an arcuate path toward the backflow outlet.

31. The device of any of examples 28-30 wherein the portion of the backflow is a first portion of backflow flowing away from the abrasive outlet, and wherein the device further comprises at least one spillway positioned downstream of the abrasive inlet and upstream of the backflow diverter, wherein the at least one spillway is configured to discharge abrasive flowing from the abrasive inlet and/or at least a second portion of backflow flowing away from the abrasive outlet.

32. The device of example 31 further comprising a passageway configured to direct abrasive from the abrasive inlet toward the abrasive outlet, wherein the at least one spillway is formed in a sidewall of the passageway.

33. The device of example 32 wherein at least a portion of the passageway downstream from the at least one spillway is tapered radially inwardly in a downstream direction.

34. A method of diverting abrasive backflow from a cutting head in a liquid jet cutting system, the method comprising:flowing abrasive through a feed block toward the cutting head, wherein the feed block includes—a first backflow diverter, anda second backflow diverter positioned downstream from the first backflow diverter;discharging a first portion of backflow from the feed block via the second backflow diverter, wherein the first portion of backflow includes abrasive and/or liquid; anddischarging a second portion of backflow from the feed block via the first backflow diverter, wherein the second portion of backflow includes steam.

35. The method of example 34, further comprising directing high-pressure fluid through at least a portion of the feed block to at least partially dislodge the first portion of backflow from within the second backflow diverter and/or at least partially dislodge the second portion of backflow from within the first backflow diverter.

36. The method of example 34 or example 35 wherein flowing abrasive through the feed block includes flowing the abrasive while the first portion of backflow is being discharged via the second backflow diverter.

37. The method of any of example 34-46 wherein flowing the abrasive includes flowing while the second portion of backflow is being discharged via the first backflow diverter.

38. The method of any of examples 34-37 wherein at least one of (i) discharging the first portion of backflow and/or (ii) discharging the second portion of backflow includes automatically discharging the respective first and/or second portion of backflow.

39. The method of any of examples 34-38 wherein at least one of (i) discharging the first portion of backflow and/or (ii) discharging the second portion of backflow includes discharging the respective first and/or second portion of backflow while maintaining a configuration of the feed block.

This disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed herein. Although specific embodiments are disclosed herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible without deviating from the present technology, as those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize. In some cases, well-known structures and functions have not been shown and/or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present technology. Although steps of methods may be presented herein in a particular order, in alternative embodiments the steps may have another suitable order. Similarly, certain aspects of the present technology disclosed in the context of particular embodiments can be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments may have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages or other advantages disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the present technology.

Certain aspects of the present technology may take the form of computer-executable instructions, including routines executed by the computing device120. In some embodiments, the computing device120is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of these computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, some aspects of the present technology may take the form of data (e.g., non-transitory data) stored on the memory136or stored or distributed on other computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable or removable computer discs as well as media distributed electronically over networks. Accordingly, data structures and transmissions of data particular to aspects of the present technology are encompassed within the scope of the present technology. The present technology also encompasses methods of both programming computer-readable media to perform particular steps and executing the steps.

Throughout this disclosure, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the terms “comprising” and the like may be used herein to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature(s) and/or one or more additional types of features are not precluded. Directional terms, such as “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “vertical,” and “horizontal,” may be used herein to express and clarify the relationship between various elements. It should be understood that such terms do not denote absolute orientation. Reference herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar formulations means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations herein are not all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, various particular features, structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments of the present technology.