System and process for manufacturing a flexible connection in a hollow metal device
AssigneeAstro Machine Works, Inc.
InventorsFrank V. De Lucia, Tuong T. Le, Robert W. Jones
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A waterjet machining process and system applied to a heat-treated hollow device for cutting a predetermined pattern therein. The hollow device is mounted in the holder that applies rotational, axial, and transverse movements to the hollow metal device as needed in relation to an abrasive water cutting jet stream to cut a predetermined pattern therein. The pattern may be digitized and stored in a computerized numerical controller for moving the holder as necessary to cut the predetermined pattern therein. Inserts may be provided within the hollow device when cutting asymmetrical patterns to protect the inside diameter wall opposite the waterjet from erosion.
Claims23
A method for cutting a pattern in opposing walls of a hollow device, such as a hollow cylinder having an outside circumference, comprising the steps of:
- mounting the hollow device axially in a holder to impart at least two selected ones of rotational, axial, and transverse movements to the hollow device in a predetermined pattern;
- positioning an abrasive waterjet head adjacent one wall of the hollow device in cutting relationship to cut said pattern;
- and
- cutting said predetermined pattern through the adjacent one wall of the hollow device around the entire circumference by operating the abrasive waterjet device while simultaneously moving the holder with the hollow device in said predetermined pattern.
A method as in clause 7 wherein the plurality of inserts are formed of tungsten carbide.
A system for cutting a pattern in a hollow device, such as a hollow cylinder having an outer circumference, the hollow device having an inside diameter and opposed side walls, the system including:
- a holding device for receiving the hollow device;
- drive means coupled to the holding device for causing movement of the hollow device in at least two of rotational, axial, and transverse directions according to a predetermined pattern;
- an abrasive waterjet device positioned adjacent one wall of the hollow device in cutting relationship to cut said pattern;
- and
- control means for operating the abrasive waterjet device while simultaneously moving the holder with the hollow device in said predetermined pattern to cut said predetermined pattern through said adjacent one side wall of the hollow device around the entire circumference.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.