US2293853A - Tool supporting and guiding apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 25, 19 42. V J, H. RQUNTREE 2,293,853

TOOL SUPPORTING AND GUIDING APPARATUS 'Fmdua a, 1939- I :5 Si ie'ets-Sheet 1 9 JOHN H.- ROUNTREE 4O v BY A ATTORNEY Aug 25, 1942, .1. H. RQUNTREE I TOOL SUPPORTING AND GUIDING APPARATUS INVENTOR JOHN H. ROUNTREE ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 25, 1942 TOOL SUPPORTING AND GUIDING arram'ros John H. Ronni-rec, Elizabeth, N. 1., assignor to The Linda Air Products Company, a corporation of Ohio Application May a, 1939, Serial No. 271,415

16 Claims.

This invention relates to tool supporting and guiding apparatus and more particularly to plate riding devices adapted to propel flame-severing and flame-beveling blow-pipes along and in uniform spaced relation to a work surface.

Steel plates and other structural members as furnished by steel mills often are not absolutely flat, but have undulations and other irregularities in the surface of the metal which remain, even when the metal is laid upon a flat support. It is often desirable to propel a blowpipe or other tool along such a metal surface and to maintain the tool in uniform relation thereto. The present invention is specifically directed to means for applying one or more flame-cutting Jets, as for example, flame-severing or flame-beveling Jets,

"along a predetermined path with respect to a relatively large steel plate or similar work surface. J

Large steel plates, 'of the character mentioned, may have a deviation from flatness as much as substantially two inches without departing from standard specifications, which deviation may increase considerably during a flame-cutting or similar process as. a result of further distortion produced by stresses during heating. Ordinarily, when cutting large plates, use is made of a carriage which is supported and propelled along a level track or template simulating the path to be followed by the blov'pipe. An armor other supporting means secured to the carriage maintains adjoining relation to a similar edge for the deposit of weld metal. A process for performing such successive cutting operations, for example, flame severing and trimming or flame severing and beveling is disclosed in Patent 2,184,562, dated December 26, 1939. When performing these operations, the slightest variation of the blowpipe holder transversely of the path in either a vertical or sidewise direction, produces a corresponding change in the shape of the edge being formed. If such changes exceed narrow limits,

the edges no longer abut properly for an ensuing welding operation.

Accordingly, the principal objects of the present invention are to provide tool-supporting and guiding apparatus overcoming the defects previously enumerated; to provide a novelblowpipesupporting frame with improved means for securing the frame to a propelling carriage so that the frame may ride or float at a constant distance above the work surface; to provide means for swiveling a blowpipe-supporting frame with respect to the propelling carriage; to provide improved wheel supporting means for maintaining the blowpipe-supporting frame at a uniform distance above the work surface; to provide improved'cutting head specifically adapted to project a plurality of cutting jets; and to provide means whereby the cutting heads may be adjustably positioned and maintained in predetermined the blowpipe or other tool-in operative relation to the metal plate or other work surface and imparts the motion of the carriage to the blowpipe means or other tool. It is apparent that if a blowpipe or other tool is passed over the surface of such an irregular plate while being rigidly secured to an independently supported carriage, the vertical spacing between the metal plate and the tool would vary in accord with the irreguthe Jet must be maintained within relatively 50 normal relation with respect to a work surface. These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily" apparent from the fol-- lowing description andfrorn the accompanying drawings disclosing several forms of apparatus small tolerances, for example, tolerances withinand trimmed or beveled successively to form a straight scarfed edge adapted to be disposed in 5 embodying principles of the invention. In the drawings; U

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one form of apparatus incorporating principles of the present invention and comprising a plate-riding device adapted to support flame-severing and flame-beveling blowpipes;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1;

Figs. 3, 4, and 5 areelevational views of a modified form of construction;

Fig. 6 1s a vertical cross-sectional view of a cutting head adapted to be employed with the improved plate-riding device, and

Fig. "I is a detailed elevationalview of a modified form of wheel support for the blowpipe undercarriage.

Although the invention may top-plan, rear, and side be adapted'to support various types of tools such as, for example,

scribers, crayons, gouging implements, and the like, the invention, for convenience, has been illustrated herein in conjunction with blowpipe means adapted to project one or more gaseous jets upon a work surface. Although welding blowpipes may be used, the invention is disclosed in connection with cutting blowpipes adapted to project a series of cutting jets, for example, of the type adapted to form square and/or beveled edges in a ferrous metal plate.

With particular reference to Fig. l, the invention broadly comprises a carriage adapted to be supported and propelled along a predetermined path as, for example, rails R. An arm or support A is rigidly secured to the carriage C and extends outwardly over a work surface S. A blowpipe-supporting frame or undercarriage U floats or rides along the surface S, the undercarriage being supported by wheel means W in rolling engagement with the work surface. Blowpipe means B secured to the undercarriage U may thus be maintained at a uniform distance above the work surface S, being free to rise and fall in accord with irregularities in the work surface. The longitudinal motion of the carriage C is imparted to the undercarriage U by means of links L which maintain the undercarriage against sidewise displacement while permitting vertical motion of the undercarriage relative to the carriage C and arm A. Various modifications of this general combination are disclosed throughout the application and will become apparent from th following detailed description.

In Figs. 1 and 2, one form of apparatus incorporating principles of the invention comprises the self-propelled carriage C, consisting generally of a light-weight portable machine II, for example, of the type disclosed in Patent No. 2,- 183,605, which was granted on December 19, 1939. The machine II is provided with a. superto the machine II as by means of a slideway 13. The arm A extends outwardly from the carriage C as a cantilever beam, being sufficiently strong and rigid to secure the floating blowpipe-supporting frame U against undesirable sidewise movement with respect to the work surface S. A counterweight l4 may be provided, if necessary, to counterbalance the arm A and the weight of the structure supported thereby. A lug l5 provides means whereby the entire apparatus may belifted and transported from one location to another as by means of a crane. Although any form of carriage may be employed for supporting the arm A in overhanging relation .to the work surface S, the herein disclosed machine II is specifically adapted for motion along straight or substantially straight lines and accordingly is provided with a pair of rails R comprising the flanges of a standard I beam, which is supported in a level position adjacent to the work surface in any convenient manner.

The tool support or undercarriage U is herein disclosed as a generally horizontal platform or frame adapted to support blowpipe means 13 comprising, for example, a severing blowpipe l6 and a bevel-cutting blowpipe H. In the form of construction disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2, the

blowpipe-supporting frame comprises a platform ment with respect to the arm A without sidewise displacement as the platform rises and falls in accord with irregularities in the work surface. As indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, such supporting means comprises link means L preferably consisting of three separate links 2| extending in parallel relationship between the arm A and the platform 20. The arm A is provided with an equal number of clevises 22, 23, and 24, preferably located in a horizontal plane. One clevis 22 is positioned adjacent to one side of the arm A, for example, the leading edge, and desirably at an intermediate point along the length of the arm. Clevises 23 and 24 are located adjacent to the opposite side of the arm, for example, the trailing edge, at points spaced along the length of the arm, for example, at points equally spaced from the clevis 22. The links 2! are pivotally secured at one end to the respective clevises 22, 23, and 24, and extend in a parallel relation therefrom, preferably in a downward and rearward direction, for pivotal connection at the lower end with the platform 20. A clevis pin 25 extends between the arms of each clevis, two of the pins being in the same straight line and the third being parallel to them. Each pin forms a closefitting journal on which the upper end of each of the links is mounted. As shown in Fig. l, the links depending from clevises 23 and 24 may be journalled directly to the member I8, and a suitable yoke 26 may be provided at the forward end of the member l9 to receive the link 2| extending from the clevis 22.

A load-sustaining rod 21 is pivoted at its lower end to the platform 20, while the upper end extends through an aperture 28 formed in an extension of thearm A. A compression spring 29 is held on the rod 21 so as to exert a lifting force structure I2 transversely adjustable with respect on the undercarriage U, thus removing some of the weight of the undercarriage from the work surface S. The spring 29 further provides for more gentle lowering of the undercarriage, for example, when the device passes over the end of the work surface.

Some form of surface-engaging means is provided to maintain the platform and its associated tool or tools at a uniform distance from the work surface. For this purpose, use is preferably made of wheel means adapted to support the platform 20 in rolling engagement with the work surface. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the apparatus disclosed comprises a wheel-mounting yoke 3|, the upwardly extending arms 32 of which connect in any convenient manner with the platform 2|]. Spacer blocks 33 may be interposed between the yoke 3| and the point of attachment on the platform 20. Other equivalent construction may be provided to permit transverse adjustment of the yoke 3i with respect to the plaform 20, in order to permit laterally positioning the wheels, as close as possible to the bevel-cutting or similar blowpipe ll. The lower horizontal portion 40 of the yoke is slotted to receive one or more wheels 34, the position of which may be adjusted with respect to the slot. The purpose of providing means for adjusting the position of the wheels in longitudinal and transverse directions is to enable the rolling support to engage the work surface at a point as close as convenientlypossible to the delivery end of the blowpipes.

Suitable clamps 35 and 36 are provided for securing the respective blowpipes l6 and I! in position on the platform 20, which clamps preferably are adjustably positioned upon the members i8 and H to shift the blowpipes selectively in a horizontal plane. The clamps are of conventional design, such as permit swiveling motion and pivotal motion of the blowpipes about one Or more axes so as to permit adjusting the blowpipes to any desired position. The clamp 36 comprises a body portion 31 rigidly clamped to the member |8 and a telescoping portion 38,'se-

comprises a bolt 41, adjustable with respect to the support 45 by movement within a slot 48.

cured to the blowpipe and adjustable along the member l8 as by means of an adjustment screw 39, threaded to the portion 31, as shown in Fig. 1. After initially securing the portion 31 in its approximate position, the size of the bevel to be cut by the blowpipe |1 may b adjusted accurately by means of the transverse adjustment screw 39. square-cutting blowpipe I for an adjustable clamp 36 of the type shown in connection with the beveling blowpipe l1, such a clamp may be used if desired.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that the construction provides a very Although there is lessneed on the One or more load-sustaining rods 21, provided with compression springs 29', assist in supporting the platform and in avoiding unnecessary shock to the parts of the undercarriage U as y when the wheel 34 rolls ofi the-end of the work.

surface S. The bearing 4| permits 180" rotation of the undercarriage after one pass, to position the parts for a return pass along an ad- Y joining plate, or along another side of the sam plate.

It will be noted that the links 2| are relatively compactly located and that the arm A is considerably shorter than the arm A disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2. The resulting saving in space is more fully utilized by the use of an improved type of cutting head H which may be secured dirigid support for the blowpipe means so far as lateral or sidewise motion is concerned, but at the same time permits free movement of the undercarriage in a vertical plane. Rigidity is enhanced by disposing the three clevises 22, 23, and 24-, in a horizontal plane. The links are widely spaced and are accurately fitted within their respective pivotal mountings so as to minimize lost motion. The wheel support is rigidly mounted to the platform 20, and much of the weight of the undercarriage is absorbed by the spring 21, thus enhancing the freedom of motion of the undercarriage as it floats or rides on the work surface S. The precision of a straight cut is dependent largely upon the accuracy'with which the sections of the rails R may be assembled toform a long straight path, and not rectly to the discharge end of a conventional cutting blowpipe. One such form of improved cuthead which is disclosed in Figs. 6 and '7, comprises a casing 49 having connecting means 5| secured to the discharge end of a cutting blowf The oxidizing cutting gas passes through a central conduit52 in the connecting means 5|, which conduit compipe B as by a coupling nut 50.

municates with a, manifold 53 adapted to distribute the cutting gas to a plurality of nozzlereceiving cavities 54. A preheating-gas conduit 55 extends through the connecting means 5| and communicates with a manifold adapted to distribute preheating mixture from the blowpipe to the respective cavities 54. A plurality of inclined generally parallel nozzles 51 and 58 are mounted within the respective cavities 54 in fluid communication with the supply of cutting oxygen and preheating mixture.

- The cutting head H disclosed in F g. W Doupon side motion in the undercarriage. This is overcome largely by using a single long I-beam where possible.

A modified form of apparatus embodying features of the present invention is disclosed in Figs. 3, 4, and 5 wherein parts corresponding with those described in connection with Figs, 1 and 2 are designated by like reference characters. The carriage C comprises a self-propelled machine supported for rolling engagement 4 with rails R. as shown in Fig. 4. An arm A'- is rigidly secured to the superstructure of the carriage in a manner similarto.-that described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. The arm A ter- 'minates in avertically disposed bearing or clamp 4| for swivelly receiving a tubular spindle 42 extending upwardly from a link-supporting plate 43; A collar 44 is rigidly secured to the top of the spindle 42 to prevent the plate 43 and spinr dle 42 from falling from the clamp 4| when in horizontal'position by means of the links 2|'.'

The platform 20' is supported with respect to the work surface by means of a single relatively large wheel 34' which may be adjustably positioned upon a wheel support 46 extending downwardly from the platform 20'. The wheel axle siti'oned so that the nozzles are inclined in the direction of travel, may be employed for obtaining high-speed cutting in the manner disclosed .in the previously mentioned Patent 2,184,562.

The cutting jet from the leading nozzle 51 forms a severing cut through the metal body, while the irregular edges of the kerf are trimmed or smoothed by the cutting jet issuing from the nozzle 58, which latter nozzle is preferably offset a slight degree in a lateral direction fromthe leading nozzle 51. By means of a cutting head H of the type shown in Fig. 6, a considerable saving in space is efiected and the respective jets can be manipulated and controlled with considerably more ease than can a plurality of separate blowpipes.v

Although the cutting head shown in Fig. 6 is specifically adapted for a flame-cutting and trimming operation; the same design principles may be incorporated in a similar cutting head H adapted to perform a cutting and beveling operation. Fig. 4 discloses such a head-wherein use is made of a casing 49' having connecting means 5| of the type shown in Fig. 6 for securing the'head H to the discharge end of a cutting blowpipe B. The internal connections and conduits are identical-with those-shown in Fig. 6,

with the exception that the nozzles are disposed in a slightly difierent fashion. Use is preferably made of a leading nozzle 51, the axis of which 7 is substantially parallel to that of the connecting means SI and to the axis of the blowpipe B", so that when the blowpipe B' is disposed in a ver tical position, the nozzle 51' is adapted to form the squaring ofi or vertical face of a beveled edge. A trailing nozzle 58' isdisposed man inclined position, sloping downwardly in a forward 56 which is and a lateral direction so as to form the inclined face of the undercut beveled edge. As shown in Fig. 5, the nozzle 58' is so inclined and spaced from the nozzle 51 that the jets issuing from the respective nozzles will not intersect. The use of a bevel-cutting head or adaptor H, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, permits the wheel 34' to be located directly adjacent to both nozzles, thus assisting in maintaining the nozzles precisely in uniform spaced relation to the work surface S. Furthermore, by employing a wheel 34' of fairly large diameter, it is possible to locate the spaced nozzles 51 and 58 so that all portions thereof,

and especially the discharge ends, are located within the axially projected circumference of the wheel. In this manner the wheel periphery offers a large degree of protection to the nozzles, saving them from undesirable contact with the work surface, for example, at the start or end of a cutting operation.

The blowpipe B shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5, projects vertically through the platform 20' being secured firmly with respect thereto by means of an adjustable mounting 59. The mounting 59 comprises a tubular body 6| fitted with conventional blowpipe elevating mechanism 62 adapted to engage a rack 63 extending longitudinally of the blowpipe B. A flange 64 rests against the platform 20' and is provided with a plurality of circular slots 65 through which project machine screws or similar fastening means 56. By loosening the screws 66, the blowpipe B and the mounting 59 may be adjustably swiveled and held in any desired position so as to align the cutting head H accurately with respect to the edge to be formed without disturbing the coupling nut 60. Suitable indicia 61 may be provided on the flange 64 as shown in Fig. 4, to permit accurate adjustment of the parts. By swiveling the blowpipe B' about its axis, the head H is rotated, effecting a change in the depth of the bevel face at the normal spacing of the nozzles above the work. Accordingly,

it is possible to out various depths of angular shape of the bevel both by varying the angle of the bevel face, and the depth of the vertical face or nose. Swiveling of the'cutting head H does not affect the angle of the jet forming the vertical face of the scarfed edge, because the nozzle 51 is parallel to the axis about which the blowpipe is swiveled.

A modified form of wheel-supporting means is disclosed in Fig. 7. A caster 58, comprising a wheel 69 and clevis H, is pivotally mounted to a portion of the undercarriage U, as for example, to the blowpipe-supporting frame disclosed in either Fig. 1 or 5. A pint1e'12 extending up-' wardly from the clevis II is mounted to turn freely about a vertical axis as by means of a ball bearing I3 housed within a support 14 which, in turn, is secured in a suitable manner to the platform 20' of the undercarriage U. The clevis H is provided with a slot 15 to adjustably receive the axle 18 ofthe wheel 69. By shifting the caster to the leading position at the start of 'a cutting operation, as shown by full lines in Fig. '7, the point of rolling contact between the wheel 69 and the work surface S is located forward of the cutting nozzles 51 and 58. thus providing for proper positioning of the nozzles with respect to the initial edge of the work surface. Throughout the cutting operation the point .of rolling contact is either directly ad jacent to the nozzles or slightly behind them, so that full support is provided for the nozzles right up to the final stage of the cutting.

Since the wheel 69 preferably is located closely adjacent to the head H in the operating position, it is desirable, when the caster pivots from the leading position to the trailing position, that it move in an arcuate path away from the nozzles so as not to abut against the head H. This is effected by the use of a stop 11 depending from the support 14, and a pin 18 extending from the clevis II adapted to abut against the stop 11 to prevent the caster from swiveling in the direction of the cutting head H. Preferably the stop ll is located so as to maintain the caster 58 slightly to one side of the dead center position,

so that as the apparatus is set in motion the caster is urged to pivot in an arcuate path away from the head H. A second stop I9 may be located opposite the stop 11 to prevent the caster from being moved against the head H when the caster is in the trailing position, slight clearance normally being provided between the pin I8 and the stop 19.

By providing slightly greater spacing in a transverse direction between the blowpipe means and the caster 68, the stops l1 and 19 may be eliminated thereby allowing thecaster to swivel through a complete or substantially complete circle. Such an arrangement in conjunction with the pivotal mounting means between the carriage and undercarriage as shown in Fig. 5, provides for allowing the cutting head to follow slightly irregular paths of predetermined contour even though the carriage C is propelled along a straight line. Under these conditions the blowpipe means is maintained at a constant height above the work surface even though the path to be followed is an irregular contour.

As shown in Fig. 4, the nozzles 51' and 58' are located close enough together. transversely of the line of cut, that the nozzle 51' forms the vertical face at the top portion of the edge, while the nozzle 58 forms an undercut bevel face at the bottom-portion of theedge. By providing greater spacing between the two nozzles, or us ing the present nozzle on a thinner plate the nozzle 58' may form a top bevel face on the adjoining section of metal, while the nozzle 51' forms the usual relatively small vertical face at the bottom portion of the same adjoining section.

Various other modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing its advantages.

I claim: 1

1. Apparatus for supporting and guiding a blowpipe comprising an arm adapted to be detachably connected to a movable carriage, said arm being movable by said carriage above a generally horizontal work surface along adesired path of travel, said arm extending in a generally horizontal direction transversely of said path of travel; a blowpipe-supporting platform located substantially horizontally beneath said arm; pivotal links extending between said horizontal platform and said arm adapted to maintain said plat-.

form horizontal during relative vertical movement between said arm and said platform; surface-engaging means depending from said platform for maintaining said platform at a uniform distance from said work surface; and blowpipe mounting means adjustably supported on said platform and being adapted to shift the position of the discharge portion of said blowpipe along said horizontal platform.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said arm comprises a cantilever and wherein said links are located in spaced relation along said arm.

3. Blowpipe supporting and guiding apparatus comprising a carriage; means for propelling said carriage along a predetermined path; a horizontal arm extending from said carriage over a work surface; a platform extending longitudinally and transversely of said path in a horizontal plane below said arm; blowpipe supporting means .adiustably mounted on said. platform; a link pivotally secured at one end to one side of said arm at an intermediate point along the length of said arm and pivotally secured at its other end to said platform; a pair of spaced links pivotally secured adjacent to the opposite side of said arm at points spaced along the length thereof, said links extending parallel to said first mentioned link and having their opposite ends secured to said platform, said links being pivotally connected to said arm at points forming the apices of a substantially equilateral triangle; and means depending from said platform and adapted to engage said surface to raise and lower said platform in accord with irregularities in said surface to maintain said platform at a uniform distance from said surface.

4. Apparatus for supporting and guiding metal severing and beveling blowpipes, comprising a carriage adapted to be propelled along a path; an arm projecting from said carriage over a work surface; a blowpipe-supporting frame comprising a first member extending substantially parallel with said arm, and a second member secured to and extending horizontally substantially at right angles from said first member; links pivotally secured adiacent'to the free ends of said members,

said links extending in parallel relation from said spect to said frame.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein such depending means comprises a support; a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on said support upon parallel spaced axes; and means for adjustably positioning said wheels on said 8. Apparatus for supporting and guiding a blowpipe, comprising an arm adapted to be connected at one end to a self-propelled carriage, said arm being movable by said carriage above a generally horizontal worksurface along a desired path of travel, said arm extending in a generally parallel equal-length links pivotally connecting said member and said platform about axes located respectively in spaced parallelv planes to maintain said platform in a horizontal plane during relative vertical movement between said platform and said member. and a wheel adapted to roll on said work surface and to support said platform-in uniform spaced relation to said work surface, said undercarriage being. free to swivel completely arm.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 including locking means adapted to lock said undercarriage in predetermined swiveled relation to said arm.

- 10. In a plate riding device having a floating blowpipe-supporting frame, and means for propelling said frame relatively to a path over the that the point of rolling contact of said caster whereby said caster'may support said frame I when said nozzle is initially located over an edge of said surface, said axis being so located that said point of rolling contact is directly adjacent support to vary the location of said wheels with respect to such blowpipe-attaching means.

'7. Apparatus as claimedin claim 4 wherein such depending means comprises'a yoke, said yoke having arms secured at the top portion to said frame; wheels vrotatably mounted on said yoke with parallel spaced axes; and means for securing at least one of said wheels in adjustable spaced relation to said yoke.

to said nozzle when said caster pivots to a trailing position during forward movement of said frame relative to said path.

11. In a plate riding device having a floating blowpipe-supporting frame, and means for propelling said frame relatively to a path over the top surface of a metal body, the combination comprising means for securing blowpipe means on said frame in position to project a gaseous let against said surface from at least one nozzle on said blowpipe means; wheel means secured to said frame for rolling engagement with said surface to maintain the discharge portion of said nozzle at a uniform distance from said surface,

said wheel means comprising a. caster pivotal in an orbit about a vertical axis, said axis being so located with respect to said blowpipe means that the point of rolling contact of said caster on said a surface is located substantially forward of said nozzle when said caster isin the leading position, and adjacent to said nozzle when said caster is in the trailing position; and stop means adapted to locate said caster away from a dead-center position, thereby causing said caster to swivel from 'the leading position to the trailing position in an arcuate path extending in such a direction as to preclude interference withsaid nozzle.

about a vertical axis beneath said.

-top' surface of a metal body, the combination comprising means for securing a blowpipe means 12. Metal-cutting apparatus comprising, in combination, a plate-riding device including a vertically floating blowpipe-supporting platform comprising a plate disposed in a substantially horizontal plane; a carriage for propelling said platform along a path over a surface of a metal body; parallel equal-length links pivotally connecting said carriage with said platform, said links being pivoted about axes spaced longitudinally of said path, said axes being located respectively in substantially horizontal planes so as to maintain said platform in a horizontal position during relative vertical movement between said platform and said carriage; a blowpipe adjustably positioned on said platform and extending down-. ward toward said surface; a cutting head secured to the discharge end of said blowpipe,'said cutand cutting oxygen from said connecting means to said nozzles.

15. A flame-cutting-and-beveling head movable by a support along a predetermined path on the horizontal surface of a workpiece comprising a casing; connecting means adapted to I secure said casing to the discharge end of a verting head being provided with a, plurality of spaced cutting nozzles adapted to direct flamecutting jets against said surface at spaced points along the line of cut; and at least one wheel depending from said platform and adapted to support said floating platform in rolling engagement with said surface, to maintain said nozzles in uniform spaced relation to said surface.

13. Metal-cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein one of said cutting nozzles is a vertical severing nozzle, and the other of said cutting nozzles is an inclined beveling nozzle in non-intersecting relation to said vertical severing nozzle; and including means for varying the shape of the bevel formed with said beveling nozzle, comprising a swiveled connection between said blowpipe and said platform adapted to provide pivotal movement of said blowpipe about its axis, to thereby adjust the angle and spacing of saidbeveling nozzle to the line of cut, and accordingly the shape of the bevel formed by said beveling nozzle.

14. A flame-cutting head adapted to be advanced along a path on a work surface comprising a casing; connecting means for securing said casing to the discharge end of a cutting blowpipe, said casing being provided with a plurality of spaced nozzle seating means in tandem along said path having axes inclined relative to said connecting means in closely adjoining laterallyspaced substantially yertical planes; nozzles se= cured to said seating means and adapted to project flame-severing and trimming jets respectively in tandem relation in a forwardly-inclined direction along said path; and conduits within said casing adapted to conduct preheating mixture tically disposed cutting blowpipe mounted on said support; a plurality of spaced nozzles pro- ,jecting from said casing. at least one of said nozzles being adapted to deliver a first jet substantially parallel with the axis of said blowpipe to form a vertical edge on a workpiece, and another of said nozzles being adapted to deliver a second jet inclined toward but in non-intersecting relation to said first jet to form a beveled edge on said workpiece;. and conduits extending through said connecting means to said nozzles, to provide said nozzles with flame-cutting gases from the discharge end of said blowpipe, said head being adjustable relative to said support about a vertical axis offset from both of said nozzles to control the shape of such beveled edge and the location of said vertical edge according to the pivotal position of said head relative to said support.

I6. Flame cutting and beveling apparatus adapted to be propelled along a path of travel on the surface of a ferrous metal workpiece, comprising a head having seats adapted to receive a pair of cutting nozzles extending in fixed spaced relation from said head, and having inlet means adapted to connect said nozzles with sources of cutting oxygen and combustible preheating gas respectively; a first of said nozzles being adapted when in operating positionv to project a jet of cutting oxygen perpendicularly against said plate, the second of said nozzles being inclined relatively to said first nozzle and being adapted to project a second jet of cutting oxygen toward but in non-intersecting relation to said first-men-

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