MXPA98010643A - Method and system for cutting cube perforations in wheels of ferrocar - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for cutting an object, the method comprising the steps of: providing an object to be cut, the object having a plurality of sides, providing a cutting apparatus with a movable main torch and a second blowtorch movable to cut the object, move the main torch to an initial position near the object, energize and move the main torch to cut through a part of the object, move the second torch to an initial position near the object, energize and move the second torch to cut through a part of the object, where the main torch and the second torch are able to move independently of one another, where the main torch and the second torch are each on the same side of the object and aligned with at least one common placement on the object at different times, and where the cut made by the second torch finds the cut made by the torch

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CUTTING CUBE PERFORATIONS IN RAILWAY WHEELS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the manufacture of railway wheels, and more particularly to the formation of perforations or holes in the cubes of railway wheels, through from which axes can be received. Conventionally, steel railway wheels have been made by emptying the wheels.

As part of the production of such steel wheels emptied of rail, it has been necessary to form a bore in the central hub of the wheel, in such a way that the central end of an axle can be inserted through the hub bore for mounting the wheel on the shaft. Cube perforations have been formed through cutting with a torch, followed by machining. Since the cube can be in the order of 15.24-20.32 cm. (6-8 in.) In thickness, cutting or drilling the bucket through this thickness of steel can take some time, and this operation typically involves a bottleneck in the production of the wheels. Therefore, it has been necessary to remove the wheels from the production transport line to cut the bucket holes. A prior art system for cutting hub holes has used a rotary lifting assembly to remove a wheel from a conveyor line and place the wheel in a hub cutting station. The rail wheel is centered using opposite hydraulic cylinders and rotatable bearing rollers or support to pass the rail wheel in the desired position. The rail wheel has a hollow steel tube in the center of its hub. A torch assembly is then pivoted about a horizontal axis downward in position on the rail wheel. The torch assembly has a cutting torch attached to a rotating mechanism. The cut-off torch is placed in position in the center of the hub of the rail wheel with its flame moving down the hollow steel tube in the hub of the rail wheel hub. After the torch has preheated the implied material, the torch begins to cut. The blowtorch cuts through the hub of the rail wheel in a radial direction to a predetermined hub drilling radius, and then moves around a circular path to cut the entire hub bore. When the cut is completed, the center of the hub must be released downwards from the perforated wheel with the torch. The torch assembly is turned up out of position and the rail wheel is then placed back on the conveyor line by the rotary lift assembly, which places another rail wheel in the proper position on the cutting assembly mechanism with blowtorch. The cube cutting method and system, of the prior art, has been deficient in several aspects. The existing drive for the torch uses both a linear drive for the initial radial cut out from the center of the wheel to a ring gear, and a circumferential drive that engages and drives the torch around the circumference of the ring gear to complete the cut. The drive train for both the linear and circumferential impulse consists of a motor, the gearbox and the chain drive connected to the axis of motion. Since the chain can wear out and stretch through time, there could be problems with repeatable placement of the torch for the production of many wheels. For the necessary rotary movement of the torch, the prior art has contemplated a rack and pinion arrangement connected to the chain drive and attached to the ring gear that must be lubricated. But in this environment, hot rail wheels can be in the order of 850 degrees F at this point in the process. Radiant heat from the railway wheels may tend to cause the lubricating grease to freeze, creating problems with the gear of the gears. If the gears are not properly engaged, the blowtorch could sag and chisel the rail wheel, so the scraping of the wheel might be required, if the gouge is quite deep. Also, the hub center does not always fall freely from the rail wheel after the bucket cut is completed. Sometimes, it has been necessary for an operator to hit the hub center with a tool such as a nail hammer to release the hub center from the rest of the wheel after cutting. A manual operation of that kind, not only additionally slows down the manufacturing process, but can also be dangerous. Furthermore, with the present mechanical wheel-centering device, as the rollers wear out, the position of the rollers, in general, must be adjusted to keep the wheel in the exact center of the machine with respect to the torch. Otherwise, the drilling cuts in the hub could be out of center, which could require it to be scraped onto the rail wheel. Another object of the present invention is to expedite the process of cutting perforations in the cubes of the metal railway wheels. Other objects will become apparent from the following specification. In one aspect the present invention provides a method of cutting an object. The method comprises the steps of providing an object to be cut and providing a cutting apparatus with a movable main torch and a second movable torch for cutting the object. The main torch moves to an initial position near the object and energizes and moves to cut through a part of the object. The second torch moves to an initial position near the object and energizes and moves to cut through a part of the object. The main and second torches are capable of being moved independently of each other. In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for cutting objects. The system comprises a main torch, a second torch, and an easel system to support the main and second torches. The trestle system includes a principal and second linear movement means, arranged in parallel to each other, and a third means of linear movement perpendicular to the main linear movement means and to the second. The trestle system also includes a slide means of the main torch to support the main torch and a sliding carriage means of the second torch to support the second torch. The carriage means of the main torch is connected or articulated to be movable by the main means of linear movement and the carriage means of the second torch is connected or articulated to be movable by the second means of linear movement. The main and second linear movement means are supported by the third linear movement means and connected for independent movement along the third linear movement means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top plan view of a cast or cast steel railway wheel, typical, as received in a cube cutting station, with the position of the hub bore that It will be cut, shown in broken lines. Figure 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 of the rail wheel of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an elevation of a cube cutting station mode that can be used with the method and system of the present invention. Figure 4 is an elevation of a modality of a trestle system that can be used with the method and system of the present invention. Figure 5 is a plan view of the top part of the trestle system of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a plan view of the top portion of an alternative embodiment of a trestle system that can be used with the method and system of the present invention. Figure 7 is an end view of the cube cutting station of Figure 3. Figure 8 is a cross section taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 showing details of the assembly structure of the blowtorch. Figure 9 is a plan view of the top of the torch assembly of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a schematic visa showing various inputs and controls that can be used with the controller of the method and system of the present invention. . Figure 11 is a plan view of the upper part of a railway wheel, showing in broken lines the cutting paths for a cube cutting system using two torches. Figure 12 is a plan view of the upper part of a railway wheel showing in broken lines the cutting paths for a cube cutting system using three torches. Figure 13 is an elevation of an alternative embodiment of a cube cutting station that can be used with the method and system of the present invention. Figure 14 is an elevation of a wheel centering device that can be used with the method of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a cross section taken along line 15-15 of Figure 5. Figure 16 is a cross section taken along line 16-16 of Figure 5. In Figures 1-2 A typical rail wheel is illustrated, as is received in the cube cutting station of the present invention. The rail wheel 10 has an outer face or rolling 12, an inner central hub portion 14, and a plate 16 connecting the inner central hub portion 14 and the outer face or rolling 12. On the upper side 19 of the wheel 10, the central cube portion 14 has an outer circumferential edge 18 and the wheel has an outer diameter 20. The rail wheel 10 typically has a central hollow steel tube or plug tube 22 at this stage of production, maintained in the proper place, in general , in the center 24 of the hub portion 14. The plug tube 22 is thus placed during the casting or molding process, and remains thus placed as a residue of the emptying process. A hub perforation 28, shown in dashed lines in Figures 1-2, is not cast into the wheel, but is cut into the cast steel wheel during production at a cube cutting station 30. At the moment in which reaches the cube cutting station 30, the wheel 10 can have a temperature of about 850 degrees F, although the temperature can vary depending on the factors, such as the casting or pouring time to reach the cube cutting station. The cube cutting station 30 can rest on part of the conveyor line, or it can use a mechanism to remove wheels from the manufacturing conveyor line, and then reintroduce the wheels with hub holes into the conveyor line. Alternative cube cutting systems 32, 34 for these options are illustrated in Figures 3 and 13. In the Figures for both systems 32, 34, similar numbers have been used for similar parts, and the description of common parts should be understood to apply to both modalities. In the cube cutting systems 32, 34 of Figures 3 and 13, a support structure 36, a transport line 38, a ridge system 40 supported on the support structure are provided. 36, and a moveable main torch assembly 42 and a second torch assembly 44. Each torch assembly carries a torch for cutting the hub bore 28 in each wheel 10. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the saddle system 40 directly superimposed on the transport line 38, in such a way that it is not necessary to remove the rail wheel from the transport line to cut the hub bore in the wheel. In the embodiment of Figure 13, the support structure 36 engages not only the transport line 38 but also a rotary lifting assembly 46 which is raised to lift a rail wheel 10 from the transport line 38, rotates about an axis central 48 and low below the trestle system 40 to position the wheel 10 for the cube cutting operation. Thus, it should be understood that the dimensions of the support structure will vary with the application. The support structure for the embodiment of Figure 13 is longer and higher than that of the embodiment of Figure 3, since the embodiment of Figure 13 requires a larger area for the movement of the railway wheels 10. Support structures 36 illustrated, comprise a plurality of spaced vertical support members 50, spaced horizontal support members 52 and braces or struts 4. All support members 50, 52, 54 may comprise, for example, steel beams in the form of I joined by any suitable means, such as by welding or by some mechanical connection. In the embodiment of Figure 13, the two vertical members 50 on each side of the structure are spaced a distance of approximately 4.88 mer (16 feet), and the horizontal members 52 are spaced approximately 1.68 meters (5.5 feet) above the floor of the floor. workshop 56. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the two vertical members 50 are placed closer together, and the horizontal members 52 could be placed closer to the shop floor 56. It should be understood that these support structures are identified by purpose of illustration only, and the present invention is not limited to any particular support structure. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the conveyor line 38 may be as is typical in the prior art, with power rollers 58 or other devices for moving the hot wheels 10 down the line. The cube cutting system 32 of Figure 3 comprises a station on, or along, the conveyor line, such as at a downward position of a cooling station and mold sprue removal (not shown) and in the upward direction, for example, of a thermal treatment station (not shown). The ridge system 40 used in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 and 13 is a linear positioning system. As shown in Figures 4-6, the illustrated trestle system 40 has a main bench assembly Y 62 that supports the main torch assembly 42 and a second bench assembly Y 64 that supports the second torch assembly 44. the trestle system 40 of Figure 5 is a double system axis, with the main bank assembly Y and second 62, 64 supported on the linear, spaced-apart drive mechanisms X, 90, 92; in native form, as shown in Figure 6, the bank main assembly Y 62 can be supported in a bank main assembly X 68 and the second bank assembly Y 64 can be supported in a second assembly X 70, each Bench assembly X 68, 70 comprises a pair of spaced-apart linear and follower mechanisms or followers or separators 91, 93. The use of any trestle system of this kind allows the main torch assembly 42 to be placed in position to be aligned on the hollow plug tube 22 in the center 24 of the hub 14. Then, the main torch assembly 42 can move while cutting radially outwardly from the hollow tube 22 in the center of the hub to begin cutting a portion of the bore of cube 28 along a cutting path of the main torch 72, shown in Figure 11. The second torch assembly 44 can then be moved in the aligned position on the hollow tube 22 at the center 24 of the hub 14 and then moved radially outward while cutting to begin cutting another portion of the hub. the perforation of hub 28 along the cutting path of the second blowtorch 74, shown in Figure 11. Each torch assembly 42, 44 can cut a semicircular or semi-cylindrical portion of the hub bore 28. Thus, the mound system 40 allows both torch assemblies 42, 44 to be centered on the tube 22 or the center of the hub at different times, and allows that both torch assemblies move independently to cut portions of the hub bore simultaneously, thereby substantially streamlining the cutting operation of the hub. And since the trajectories 72, 74 of the torch assemblies 42, 44 also cut the waste hub center 76 into two pieces, as shown in Figure 11, the waste hub center 76 should fall more easily from the roll, eliminating any need to hammer manually or take the center out. Greater speed could also be achieved by using a third manual torch assembly, which results in torch cutting paths 78, 80, 82 as shown in Figure 12. In addition, additional torches can also be used. The waste hub center 76 may be received in a larger diameter receptacle or tube 155 shown in Figures 3 and 13 leading to a receptacle area below the floor. The centers of waste cubes can then be collected and reprocessed as waste. In both of the modalities illustrated in the Figures and 6, the bank assemblies Y 62, 64 are movable in the drive mechanisms in the X direction 90, 92 or the bank assemblies X 68, 70, and the torch assemblies 42, 44 are movable in the bank assemblies And 62, 64, to thereby allow the movement of the torch assemblies 42, 44 in both of the X and Y directions to follow the trajectories 72, 74. Any illustrated ridge system 40 can be controlled to move the torch assemblies 42, 44 in the X and Y directions to place the torches in a stable position, such as the position shown in Figures 3 and 13, spaced apart of the wheel as the wheel is released in the area under the trestle system. The trestle system can also be controlled to move the torch assemblies to an initial position, to energize the torches while moving in a straight line to make each radial cut and then make each circumferential, partial cut to complete the complete cut of the torch. Cube drilling As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each bench assembly Y 62, 64 supporting each torch assembly 42, 44 in the illustrated embodiments, comprises a linear drive 84 and a parallel linear support or follower mechanism 86. As both Bank assemblies Y can be of the same structure, only one is described, and similar reference numbers are used for similar parts. The linear drive 84 is driven by an impeller motor assembly 88 and the follower or linear support mechanism 86 of each bank assembly is a separator. Two linear mechanisms for bank assembly are provided And 62 of the illustrated embodiments to ensure that the weight of the associated torch assembly 42 is properly supported, although it should be understood that a single linear drive can be used for each bench assembly Y if it has sufficient capacity to support the weight . The linear drive and tracking mechanisms 84, 86 for each bank assembly Y 62, 64 are closely spaced relative, approximately 20.32 cm. (8 in.), From center to center, in the illustrated modes. In the embodiment of Figure 5, one of the linear drive mechanisms in the X direction, such as the linear drive 90, is connected to move one of the bank assemblies Y 64 and the other linear drive in the X direction 92 is connected to move the other bank assembly Y 62. The linear drive 90 serves as a support for the bank assembly Y 62 and the linear drive 92 serves as a support for the bank assembly Y 64. In the embodiment of Figure 6 each of the two bench assemblies X 68, 70 consists of driving and following mechanisms 91,92. A linear drive 91 of each bank assembly X 68, 70 is i, pulses and the other linear mechanism 92 is a crazy or follower mechanism. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, one of the bank assemblies Y such as the bank assembly Y 62 is connected to a pair of separate X-bank linear assembly drive and follower mechanisms 91, 92 and the other bank assembly Y 64 is connected to the second pair of separate X-bank linear assembly drive and follower mechanisms 91, 93. In both embodiments each bank assembly Y 62.64 can move in the X direction independently of the movement of the other bench assembly of the table. And 62.64. In both modalities of Figs. 5-65, the linear drive and follower mechanisms in the X direction 90,92,91,93, a sufficient distance is separated to allow the bench assemblies Y 90,92,91,93 to be spaced a sufficient distance to allow the assemblies of table Y 62,64 to travel the necessary distance from the center 24 of the hub 14 to the desired circumference of the hub bore 28. In both embodiments, the linear drive mechanisms and tracking in the direction X 90,92,91,93 are long enough to allow the second bench assembly Y 64 to move away from the wheel hub while the main bench assembly Y 62 and the - guide torch assembly 42 moves to the center of the main torch 110 in the hub to initiate the cut, and then move the second table assembly Y 64 and the second torch assembly 44 into a position on the hub 14 to center the second blowtorch 111 on hub 14 to begin cutting after main bank Y assembly 62 and main torch assembly 44 have been removed from the road.

In the illustrated embodiments, the linear drive and follower mechanisms 84,86 for each bank assembly Y, a distance of approximately 20 cm, are separated from center to center. The linear assembler and follower mechanisms of bench assembly Y 84.86 in the embodiment of figure 5 can have a general length of approximately 2.48m, for example, separating the linear drive and follower mechanisms in the X direction 90.92.91 , 93 a distance of approximately 1 m, from center line to centerline and providing a distance of travel for the main torch assemblies and second 42,44 a distance of approximately 53.3cm in the Y direction. The linear drive mechanisms and followed in the X direction 90,92,91,93 can have a length of about 2.5, giving an effective travel distance in the X direction of a distance of about 1. 83 m. An easel system 40 with these dimensions should be able to give rise to a wheel with a diameter of 1 μm. It should be understood that these dimensions are only given illustratively.

Both groups of linear drive mechanisms and followers in the X and Y direction 84,86,90,92,91,93 allow each torch 110,111 are centered on the hub in the hollow stop tube 22 and move independently. Commercial linear drive mechanisms can be used in the method and system of the present invention for both bank assemblies Y 62.64 and linear drive and follower mechanisms in the X direction 90.92, or X 68 bank assemblies, 70 The suitable linear followers and followers are distributed by the firm Parker Hannifin Corp. Daedal Division, of Harrison City, Pennsylvania, and are identified as MOD204060RB-EC-LHM and 204XXXRBFT and MOD204XXXRB-SC-LHM. These follower and driver mechanisms are provided by RSA, inc. of St.Charles, Illinois as article no. NSP081-4421 Rev E. These linear drive mechanisms are driven by a band, the driving belt of each being included within an elongate housing 94. Those commercially available linear drive and follower mechanisms are advantageous because they do not contain components that require lubrication that they can not be protected from the heat. Accordingly, the above problem of lubricant coagulation will be avoided. The heat shield can be incorporated into each of the linear drive and follower mechanisms, or it can be placed at any suitable point such as along a length on the underside of each horizontal frame member 52, as shown with 95 in figures 3,7 and 13, for example. Any heat protection material may be used such as, for example, an insulating board available from MacMaster-Carr Supply Company of Elmhurst, Illinos, part no. 9353K51. The elongate housings 94 can be sealed to prevent contamination. As shown in Figure 9, slots 96 along each face of housing 94 can be sealed with seals 98 to prevent contamination; The stamp material 98 must be able to withstand the high temperatures of this application. Each housing can also have accessories for air inlets and outlets that are measured through the housing to cool the components and reduce waste; The purge air inlet can come from a pressure source such as a 3.5kg / cm3 source. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the main bank assembly Y has a driven carriage mounting plate 100 fixed on each driver and linear follower of the main bank assembly Y 84.86 of the bank assembly Y near one end , and a band through the carriage mounting plate 102 fixed to one end of each of those linear followers and followers of the main bank assembly Y. The carriage mounting plate driven by the main bank assembly Y is 100 connected to be driven by the input driving belt of one of the main linear drivers in the X direction, shown with 92 in Figure 5, and the band of the main bank assembly Y through the carriage mounting plate 102 is free of any connection to the linear impeller band impeller in the X 90 direction such that the carriage mounting plate traversed by the band 102 moves in the linear drive housing in the direction X 94 indep The second bank assembly Y 64 also has a mounting plate driven by a carriage 104 fixed to one end of each of the second drive and follower mechanisms. linear of the bench assembly Y 84.86 near one end and a carriage mounting plate traversed by a band 106 fixed to the opposite end of each of the linear drive and follower mechanisms of the second bench assembly and the second mounting plate driven by the bank assembly Y 104 is connected to be driven by the internal drive belt of the linear drive mechanisms in the opposite X direction 90, and the second carriage mounting plate traversed by the belt 106 is free of any connection to the drive band of the linear drive in the X direction 92 that moves the main bench assembly Y so that the carriage mounting plate with band s and moves in the X direction independently of any movement of the inner belt drive that moves the main bank assembly Y 62. Thus the bank assembly Y 62,64 in the embodiment of Figure 5 can move independently in the X direction. All carriage mounting plates 100, 102, 104, 106 can be made of aluminum or any other desirable material. The drive train in these linear drive mechanisms is coupled relatively tightly to allow tighter tolerances and repeatability in the positions of the torches. As shown in Figure 14, the driven mounting plate 100 is connected by means of screws or the like to an adapter plate located below which is fixed by means of a screw or the like to the driving band 101 and the carriage 103. The carriage 103 has wheels 105 that roll within channels in the housing 94. The drive belt 101 and the carriage 103 can have iteracoplating teeth to ensure a sealing connection. With these narrow tolerances, the cuts can be adjusted in such a way that the difference between the torch or flame cut and the machined hole can be minimized, thus minimizing the amount of metal that must be removed by a drill bit downstream of the cutting station of cube With less metal removed by the drilling bit, the life of the bit inserts will be extended and the bit can operate at higher drilling speeds. The same type of structure can be used to support and move the other mounting plate of the driven carriage 104. The mounting plate to the carriage with traversed web 106 of FIG. 16 is connected to an inner carriage adapter plate 113 and a carriage 115 with wheels 117 that run on tracks in the housing 94. The mounting plate to the carriage with traversed band 106 is carried on the same linear drive mechanism X 92 as the mounting plate of the driven carriage 100 but there is no connection between the drive belt 101 and the carriage 115 or the carriage adapter plate 113. The drive belt 101 falls within the channels 119 in the carriage, and can move freely within the channels without making contact with or moving the carriage 115 or the adapter plate 113. Thus the driving belt 101 of the linear drive mechanisms in the X direction 92 can move the driven carriage mounting plate 100 without moving the mounting plate with band 106. And the band mounting plate 106 can support and move the bench assembly Y 64 without affecting the drive belt 101, the driven mounting plate 100 or the other bench assembly Y 62. LA The same structure can be used to hold and move the other mounting plate with band 102 in the linear drive mechanism in the opposite direction X 90. The driving belt of the other linear driver in the X direction 90 can move the other driving carriage mounting plates 104 without moving the other band mounting plate 102. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, each bench assembly Y 62 ° , 64 has two carriage mounting plates 108 which are fixed to the bank assembly Y near the ends and connected to the belt drives of the linear drive and follower of the bank assembly X 91,93. For each bank assembly X, the linear drive mechanisms 91 is connected to a drive motor assembly 88, and the follower mechanism 93 of each bank assembly X is essentially a crazy mechanism provided for the support. Each bank assembly Y 62,64 is connected to the drive belt of the linear drive mechanism 91 of one of the bank assembly X in this embodiment such that both bank assembly Y 62,64 can also be independently moved in the X direction, as in the modality of the figure. All carriage mounting plates 108 in the embodiment of Figure 6 can be supported and connected as shown in Figure 15. Thus, the system of the present invention includes main and second movement means which are placed parallel to each other. The means of main and central movement in the illustrated modes consist of bank assemblies Y 62.64, which consist of linear drives and follower Y 84,86. Equivalent structures will include banks AND each consisting of a single linear drive mechanism. Means for a third linear movement are perpendicular, to the means for the main and second movements. The main and second linear movement means are supported by the means for the third linear movement and are connected for their independent movement along the third linear movement means. The means for the third linear movement in the illustrated modes consist of either the two bank assemblies X 68.70 each with a linear drive mechanism 91 and a linear follower mechanism 93 or the group of parallel linear drives in the X direction 90,92 shown in Fig. 4. Each of the drive mechanisms for the third linear movement means 90,92 of Fig. 5 has a continuous drive means, such as the drive belt 101 shown in Figs. 16 In the embodiment of Figure 5, the linear guide movement means are connected to move with the movement of the continuous drive means 101 of the drive mechanism 92, and is independent of the movement of the continuous drive means of the second linear drive mechanism. 90. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the means for the second linear movement are connected to move with the movement of the continuous driving means of the second driving mechanism 90, and is independent of the movement of the continuous driving means of the first mechanism. drive 92. It should be understood that other structures could be provided for the main, second and third linear movement means, and that the present invention is not limited to the means of movement illustrated. There are drive motor assemblies 88 in each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 to drive the movement of the belt drives in each of the linear drive mechanisms 91 of each bank assembly X 68, 70, of the belt drives of each linear drive in the X direction 90.92 and of the belt drives in each of the linear drive mechanisms 84 of each board assembly Y 62, 64. Thus there are four assemblies of drive motor 88 in the embodiments of Fig. 5 and 6. Each drive motor assembly 88 in the embodiments illustrated consists of a servomotor and a gear head and may comprise part of the main, second and third movement means. Suitable servomotors and gearheads are commercially distributed by Custom Servo-Motors, Inc. of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Bayside Controls, Inc. of Port Washington, New York, and supplied by RSA, Inc. of St. Charles, Illinois under the designations MPM891FRME-AM and PG90-030. Other components of commercial drive systems that can be used include the safety coupling of Ger ah-Práxison GmBH of Großwallstadt, Germany, and servo-amplifiers and a six-axle rack with power source distributed by Custom Servo-Motors and all sold by RSA, Inc., as articles number DBK / DK 10-20-5 / 8-10, AC-03 and CP-6-030, respectively. It should be understood that these drive components are identified only to illustrate and that the invention is not limited to any particular drive component or assembly. It should also be understood that linear drives are identified only to illustrate, and that the present invention is not limited to any particular linear drive and is not limited to linear drives. Alternative systems may be used to position the main torch assembly 42 and the second torch assembly 44. For example, each of the torch assemblies may be attached to a pivotable spleen such that the torch assembly is first put in place. on the central stop tube 22, pivoted about a vertical axis separated from the main torch assembly. The main torch assembly can then move radially outwards and then the second torch assembly can be placed in place on the central stop tube 22, and moved radially outwardly. Both torch assemblies could cut along trajectories such as those shown at 72 and 74 in Figure 11. It may also be possible to employ a dual torch assembly on a circumferential impeller. Preferably, such an impeller would be protected from heat and avoid the use of lubricants that could coagulate and cause the gears to malfunction. It may also be possible to employ a system that uses additional torch assemblies to further accelerate the cube cutting operation, such as the use of a system with three or more torch assemblies, following the cutting paths 78,80,82 as shown for example in Figure 12. As another alternative, a ridge system similar to the one illustrated could be used to move the torch assemblies from the center of the stop tube radially outward to the desired circumference of the hub bore, and then the The bench holding the wheel could be rotated while the torch assemblies remain fixed to cut the hole in the hub. In addition, the torches could be moved linearly outward and then the torches can be rotated to cut the circumference of the hub bore through the use of a rotating bench mechanism. It should also be understood that the designation of the main and second elements, such as the main and second torch assemblies 42, 44 has been for illustration only. In practice any right or left torch assembly could be in the main torch assembly and the connections to the linear drive assemblies may be different than those shown. Both the main torch assembly 42 and the second torch assembly 44 are similarly structured and only the main torch assembly is described herein. It should be understood that the following description also applies to the second torch assembly. As shown in detail in Figures 8-9, the main torch assembly 42 includes a torch 110, and a torch car 112. Each torch car 112, includes a torch jaw assembly 114 that supports the torch 110. The jaw assembly 114 includes a pair of jaws. vertically aligned torch 116 connected to a vertical member 118. The illustrated torch jaws 116 are aluminum blocks with a central bore and a slit from the bore to the side, with a screw press for tightening around the torch shaft. The vertical member 118 in the illustrated embodiment may consist of an elongated aluminum plate to which the jaws 116 are attached by means of screws. As shown in FIG. 8, the heat-protective material, such as a high-temperature insulating board 121, can be placed along the lower side of the lower jaw to protect the elements from the heat of the wheel and the cutting operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper part of the vertical member 118 of the torch jaw assembly 114 is fixed to a portion of a combined vise 122. The combined vise 122 is connected to a mounting plate for a combined vise 124. The combined vice can be rotated about two axes and fixed in the desired position to adjust the orientation of the torch 110, to ensure that the assembly is properly square with respect to the wheels. The illustrated combination vise 122 is a combined vice of an adapted milling machine that allows the torch head to be adjusted at an angle in two directions. It has a rotating plate 123 mounted to a pair of articulated plates 125, with fixing screws to fix each one in the desired position. The use of such a device allows the fine adjustment of the torch head to achieve an optimal perpendicular cut to the horizontal plane of the wheel face of the wheel to be processed. It's a Heavy Duty Compound Angle Swivel Base, par no. 5198A4, distributed by McMaster-Carr Supply Company of Elmhurst, Illinois. It is to be understood that such a combined vise 122 is an example of means for controlling the angular position of the torch with respect to the wheel, and this particular device is only identified illustratively; Other means of angular control can be used to adjust the torch to the wheel, and the present invention is not limited to a particular device.

In addition, any angular control means need not be placed as shown, but can be placed elsewhere in the torch jaw assembly 114. The torch 110 that is used in the present invention, may for example comprise an oxygen torch. post-mixed combustion fuel that can be moved and cut at a speed of approximately 33 cm per minute through a thickness of 15-20 cm cube. These post-mixing torches cut at a speed of approximately 30% faster than conventional 25 cm per minute cutting torches through a 15-20 cm cube thickness. In addition, the preheating delays associated with the use of conventional torches can be eliminated with these post-mixing torches. These blowtorches can be safer because the mixing of the materials occurs outside the torch. The appropriate torches are commercially distributed by ESAB Welding & Cutting Products of Florence South Carolina, under the designation "OXWELD", PM, part no. 2118100. It is to be understood that this commercial torch is only identified for illustrative purposes, and that the invention is not limited to any particular torch, whether post-mixed or not. The same torches can be used for the main torch 110 and the secondary torch 11 of the first and second torch assemblies 42,44. The use of a post-mixing torch is advantageous because the assembly does not need to be placed as close to the wheel as conventional torches. Conventional torches typically must be within a distance of approximately 2 cm from the surface of the wheel hub to perform the cutting operation, while the post-mixing torch may perform the cutting operation while a distance of approximately 10-15 cm from the surface of the wheel hub. With a post-mixing torch it will not be necessary to move the torch vertically when cutting is performed. The illustrated torch carriage means 112 is designed to accept either a post-mix torch or a conventional torch that must move vertically towards the surface of the wheel hub to begin the cutting operation. To achieve this movement in the illustrated embodiment the rear part of the mounting plate of the combined bench 124 is attached to a pair of vertically oriented linear bearings 126 each receiving a linear rail 128 as shown in Figures 8-9. There is also a horizontally disposed plate 130 at the rear of the mounting plate of the combined vise 124. One side of the horizontally disposed plate 120 is fixed to or juxtaposed with the piston of an air cylinder 132. The air cylinder 132 It can be operated to raise the torch. The air cylinder 132 illustrated is a cylinder of a stroke of 2.54 cm, and for this purpose any conventional air cylinder or similar device can be used. As shown in Figures 8-9 in the illustrated embodiment, the rails 128 and the air cylinder 132 are joined to a base plate of the vertical torch 134, which is joined to a horizontal base plate 136. Two triangular jaws 138 they join the vertical and horizontal base plates 134, 136 for their support. The horizontal base plate 136 is connected to a bridging junction plate 140 and is connected to two parallel carriage plates 142. The carriage plates 142 are connected to move with the driving bands of the linear drive and follower mechanisms 84,86 from bank Y that is below. The connections can be similar to those shown in Figure 15. It should be understood that if only a post-mixing assembly is to be used, it should not be necessary to attempt the vertical movement of the torch and it should not be necessary to use linear bearings 126, linear rails, plates horizontal 130 and air cylinder 132; instead of this the combined vise would be mounted directly on the vertical base plate 134. Preferably, if two linear drive and follower mechanisms of the bench assembly Y 62.64 the weight of the entire torch assembly 42,44 are centered between the linear follower and impeller assemblies 84,86. The triangular jaws 138 should be sized and shaped and made of a material that optimizes the weight distribution such that the center of gravity of each torch assembly 42, 44 centers between the linear drive and follower mechanisms of the bench assembly Y 84 86 The combined vise mounting plate 124, the horizontal plates 130, the vertical torch base plate 134, the horizontal torch base plate 136, the triangular jaws 138, the attachment plate 140 and the carriage plates 1432 they can be made of steel or any other desirable material that has sufficient strength to fulfill the function of the element. The torches 110, 1111 of different lengths can be used in the illustrated torch assemblies. For example, the torch may have a rod length of 50 to 96.5 cm. With a shorter torch it may be necessary to use only the lower torch jaw 116. As shown in Figs. 3 and 13, the hoses 144 for feeding the torches 110, III with combustible material can be fed through hose holders for rotating torches 146, a hose holder 146 for each torch 110, 1111. One of the hoses can also supply a coolant such as water to the torch, for example. Each hose carrier 146 can carry, for example, five hoses for the hose. Hose carriers can be metal tubes. As shown in Figure 7, hose holders 146 can be supported by a rectangular steel tube 143 which is attached to another rectangular steel tube 145 which is attached to the horizontal frame member 52 of the support frame 36. Hose carriers 146 can be mounted to the steel tube 143 through flange bearings 148 which allow the hose carriers 146 to oscillate or rotate about axes labeled 150 in Figures 3 and 13. The steel tube 143 can be welded to a support member 147 that hold the weight of the assembly on the floor of the factory. Each hose carrier 146 arches over the bank assemblies X 68.70 or the steering impellers X 90.92 and the table assemblies Y 62.64, and to follow the entire range of motion of the torches 110, 1111 in the system of ridge 40. The hose holders 146 should be sized and shaped to minimize abrasion of the hoses obtained therein, and to separate and protect the hoses from the high temperatures near the hot wheel 10. The hose holders 146 may be lined with a suitable material to minimize abrasion and provide protection against heat. The number and type of hoses that are sustained will vary with the type of torch used, and it should be understood that those hose holders can be made to give rise to any number or type of hoses. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 13, the system and method of the present invention can be used with a conventional rotary elevator assembly 46. The rotary elevator assembly 46 is used to lift a wheel 10 and remove it from the conveyor line 38 and bringing the wheel to the work area of the cube cutting system 34 separated from the conveyor line. The illustrated rotary lifting assembly 46 comprises a central member 152 with a central vertical axis 48 about which the assembly can rotate. Two groups of receiver arms of the wheel 154 consist of two separate parallel arm elements, and each arm element has a substantially horizontal wheel receiving surface. The central member 152 can be raised and lowered along its central vertical axis, as shown by the vertical arrow in Figure 13, by raising and lowering the receiver arms of the wheel 154. The lifting assembly 46 can be rotated 180 degrees around the central vertical axis 48 of the central member 152. Thus to raise an unfinished wheel to the hub cutting system 34 in the embodiment of figure 12, the pair of folded wheel receiving arms 154 can be placed below the conveyor 38 and then rise to raise the rue of the conveyor. The wheel would then be held on the horizontal receiving surface of the wheel. The elevator assembly can then be rotated 180 degrees to place the unfinished wheel under the trestle system of the cube cutting system 34. Then, depending on the types of torches used, the torches can be lowered to a position closer to the surface horizontal cube or can be kept separated from the wheel hub surface and start the cutting operation. After the wheel hub has been completely cut off, the lift assembly 46 can be rotated 180 degrees again and lowered to place the wheel with the hub cut again on the conveyor 38. the conveyor can then be advanced to place another wheel or Ended by the wheel receiving arms 154. The lift assembly can be lowered during the cutting operation of the hub and then raised before it rotates in such a way that one wheel will be held by the opposite wheel support arm and put on in its position below the ridge when the first support arm rotates again to the conveyor. The torch assemblies 42, 44 must move to the starting position in Figure 13 before the rotary lifting assembly 46 is raised in such a way that there is no interference between the lifting assembly 46 and the torches 110,111. The rotary elevator assembly 46 can be energized by any conventional means, such as hydraulic components, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Although the method and system of the present invention can be used with such a device or other means for removing a wheel from the conveyor line, bringing the wheel to the working area of the hub cutting system and returning the wheel to the conveyor line, for maximum speed and operating efficiency, it is preferred to place the cube cutting system directly on the conveyor line shown in figure 3. Below the cube cutting torches 110,111 it may be desirable to use mechanical means to place the wheel in a known position in relation to the torches. Known wheel centering devices can be used for this purpose. An example of a suitable wheel centering device 156 is used in Figure 14.

As shown there, opposed hydraulic cylinders 158, equalizing gears 160 and rollers 162 can be used to push the wheel to a preferred position. As shown in Figure 14, the illustrated centering means 156 can be used with the rotary elevator assembly 46 of Figure 13, by lowering the wheel receiving arms 154 of the riser assembly below and between the rollers 162. The centering means illustrated can then push the rollers 162 against the edge of the wheel to center the wheel. A similar apparatus could be attached to the conveyor line for use with the embodiment of Figure 3. A preferred alternative system and method for ensuring the proper relative position of the torches and wheels is based on means for recording the position of each wheel to As the wheel is received in the cube cutting system 32,34. The position sensing means may comprise an optical visual processing system. As shown in Figures 3 and 13, such a system may include a scanning apparatus or camera 164 mounted on one of the bank assemblies Y, such that the second bank assembly 64, with its field of vision encompassing the general area in where the unfinished wheel is expected to be located below the trestle system. The scavenging system or chamber 164 is mounted in such a way that when the torch assemblies are in their initial position, such as the position shown in Fig. 3, the scavenging system or chamber 164 is closest to the area where the wheel must be received. The wheel can be scanned for some physical feature that carries a known relationship with the center 24 of the hub 14, such that the edge 18 on the outer circumference of the hub. The position of the feature, such as the outer edge of the cube 18 can then be sent to a computer or a logic element 166, shown schematically in Fig. 109. The computer 166 can be programmed to calculate the position of the center 24 of the cube 14 in base to the received information in such a way that the position of the outer circumferential edge of the hub 18. The wheel can also be analyzed to see the position of the stop tube 22. The computer can direct a control means 168 which can then control the motor assemblies impeller 88, shown schematically in Figure 10. The drive motor assemblies 88 can then be sent to the main torch assembly 42 to position its torch 110 directly above the stop tube 22. The position of the stop tube 22 must correspond to the hub center calculated. If there is a difference between the registered stop pipe position 22 and the calculated center center, the computer can adjust the torch path 72 to compensate for the discrepancy and ensure an optimal cube cut. The control means 168 may then command the assembly 110 of the main torch assembly to be energized to initiate cutting along a path in such a way that the paths shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Once the torch assembly guide 42 is out of the way, the control means 168 then send the second torch assembly 44 to the center of the hub and position its torch lll directly above the stop tube 22. There instead of mechanically forcing each wheel in a predetermined position, the use of these sensor means will allow the center position of each wheel hub to be determined without moving the wheel, and moving the torches to the appropriate initial position. A suitable commercial optical or visual scanning system in the Linescan camera of Bueno Systems distributed by Kelburn Engineering Company of Chicago, Minos, part no. LS128. A suitable computer can be a XYCOM personal computer obtained from MacGregor &; Co of Glendale Heights, Illinois, part no. 9460-513332-TFT-T-F. Such a personal computer allows an interface for an operator designated as 171 in Figure 10, to allow the operator to select characteristics such as the desired drilling size and input parameters such as wheel or hub diameter. A suitable operator interface 171 is available from National Instruments Corporation of Austin, Texas, under the designation Lab Windoes / CVI and may be used in conjunction with a personal XYCOM computer. Suitable control means may be a commercially programmable control such as article number XDC710 available from Custom Servo-Motors, Inc. of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and supplied by RSA, Inc. of St. Charles, Illinois- Although computer 166 and control device 168 are shown as separate elements in figure 10, it should be understood that those elements can be combined in a single device. It should also be understood that those products are identified for illustrative purposes only and that other products may be used. For the control means, any device allowing the control of the position and movement of the torch assemblies 42, 44 may be used. Preferably, said control means may be programmed to respond to the entrances of the sweeping device or from an element of Separate computer to adjust the position and movement of the torch assembly based on its input, to respond to the input of a separate operator or computer and other operator interface to control parameters such as borehole diameter of the hub and also to control the speed of movement and the operation of the torch assemblies in response to another input as described below. With that computer control of the movement of the torch assemblies 42,44 it may also be desirable to optimize the speed at which the torches cut the wheel hubs. To achieve this control, the illustrated system uses a means 170 to record the temperature of the wheel. The temperature sensing means 170 may be mounted in one of the assemblies of the bank Y, such as the second bench assembly 64 as shown in Figures 5-6, and directed with its sensor field encompassing the general area where the The unfinished wheel is spaced * which is located below the ridge system 40. The temperature sensing means illustrated 170 is mounted in such a way that when the torch assemblies 42, 44 are in their initial position, dr such that the position shown in Figure 3, the temperature sensing means 170 is as close as possible to the arrea where the wheel will be received. The illustrated temperature sensing means sweep the wheel to determine the temperature of the wheel as it is placed below the torches. The temperature sensing means may consist of a non-contact infrared temperature sensor directed to detect the temperature of each wheel being processed. The temperature sensor can be a commercial sensor such as an Mikron Model M67S Model Infractor from Mikron Instrument Company, Inc., of Oakland, New Jersey, and supplied by Murphy & Duckey Incorporated of Hilsdale, Illinos. Alternative non-contact temperature sensor means may be used such as a thermal imaging camera. The output of the temperature sensor can be fed to the computer mechanism 166, as schematically shown in Figure 10, which can be programmed to calculate a preferred cutting speed of the torches based on the recorded temperature. The output of the computer 166 can be fed to the control mechanism 168 as shown schematically in Figure 10, which can control the operation of the drive motor assembly 88 to control the speed of movement and cutting of the torches 110, 11. Thus the computer and the control mechanism can order that the movement and cutting of the torches are at their maximum speed of travel that of an effective cut based on the temperature of the wheel being processed. The above-identified computer 166 and the control means 168 can be used for this purpose, and it should be understood that the functions of the computer and the control mechanism can be performed by a single device. It should be understood that the temperature sensor identified in this paragraph is identified for illustrative purposes only, other temperature sensors may be used. It may also be desired to use some means to level the wheel before the cutting begins. An acceptable leveling means may for example consist of a bank which is aligned to receive the wheel of the conveyor line and return the wheel to the conveyor line after finishing the cut. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, other acceptable leveling means may also consist of a pair of support legs 165 with leveled support arms 167 which are raised across the conveyor to lift the wheel slightly above the conveyor surface for its cut and lower when the cut is finished to replace the wheel on the conveyor for transport. Alternatively the legs 165 and the level support arms 167 could be in a fixed position and a section of the conveyor line could be lowered and the wheel placed on the pre-positioned leveling arms 167. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the conveyor section could be supported on articulated support arms 169 that could be lowered to place the wheel on the leveled support arms 167 and then raised when the hub cutting operation is completed. Any movable portion can be operated by any suitable means, such as a hydraulic system that is controlled by the computer or the control mechanism. The sensor means of the wheel position 164, the temperature sensing means 170, and the leveling means such as the support legs 165 and the arms 167 can be used in any embodiment of Figure 3 or 13. However, in the embodiment of Figure 13, the arms 154 of the rotary lifting assembly 46 may consist of leveling means for the wheel. The computer 166 and the control means 168 can be positioned away from the high temperature area, in a suitable cabinet (not shown) and electrically connected to the drive assemblies 88, the wheel position sensing means 164, the sensing means of temperature 170 and the actuators of the air cylinder 132 and the leveling mechanism, such as a hydraulic system for the support legs 165 by means of any suitable electrical wiring (not shown). The appropriate electrical wiring can also connect any limiting switch to computer 166 or control 168. During operation the method of the present invention provides cube cutting holes with a pre-determined circumference. A de-oiled metal wheel 10 is provided with a central hub 14. The unfinished wheel has a central hub 14 and a hollow stop tube 22 at its center 24. A hub cutting station 30 is provided with a cut-off system. cube 32,34, as shown in figure 3 or 13. Each alternative hub cutting system 32,34 has a main torch 110 and a second torch 111 to cut the hole 28 in the hub 14 of the wheel 10. unfinished wheel 10 is transported to the cube cutting section 30. The wheel can be leveled at the cube cutting station 30. The main torch assembly 42 of the hub cutting system 32.34 is moved to a starting position by of the surface of the wheel 19 and substantially aligned with the center 24 of the wheel hub of the stop pipe 22. The hollow stop pipe 22 provides a passage that allows the blow torch to start cutting. The main torch 110 can be energized to initiate the cut in the stop pipe 22 and to move to its energized state radially outward from the aligned position with the stop pipe 22a a position aligned with an initial radius point, shown with 172 in the figure 11, along the desired cube hole circumference 173. Thus the main torch cuts along the path 72 shown in Fig. 11. The movement of the main torch 110 can be achieved by moving the main torch assembly 42 in the bench assembly Y main 62, and the main bank assembly Y moves in the linear follower drive mechanisms in the X direction 92, 90 of the embodiment of figure 5 or the linear follower and drive mechanisms in the X 91, 93 direction of the mode of the Figure 6. These movements can be energized by the drive motor assembly 88 and controlled by the computer 166 and the control means 168. Thus, the stand system 40 can hold the main torch 110 to move along the perpendicular axis and the torch. main 110 can move along the perpendicular axes. Once the main torch assembly 42 is out of the way, the second torch assembly 44 can be moved to place the second torch 111 in its initial position near the wheel hub surface 19, aligned with the center 24 of the hub. 14. In the initial position, the second torch is aligned with the center of the stop pipe 22. The second torch 110 can then be energized to initiate the cut in the stop tube 22 and move in its energized state radially outward from the position aligned with the stop pipe 22 to a position aligned with an initial radius point of the second torch, shown with 174 in Figure 11, along the circumference 173 of the desired hub bore. The movement of the second torch 11 can be achieved by moving the second torch assembly 44 in the second bench assembly Y 64, and the second bench assembly Y 64 moving the linear drive and follower mechanisms in the X direction 90.92 of the embodiment of Figure 5 or the linear driving and follower mechanisms of the bank X 91,93 of the embodiment of Figure 6. These movements can be energized by the drive motor assembly 8 8 and controlled by means of the computer 166 and the control means 168. Thus, the ridge system 40 can support the second torch III to move along the perpendicular linear axes, and the second torch III can move along the perpendicular axes. The second torch 111 cuts the bore of the hub along the path of the second torch, such a path 74 shown in Fig. 11. The two torches 110, 1111 move and cut radially outwardly from the tube 22 in the center of the hub in different directions . The main assembly 110 can reach the position aligned with the initial radius point of the main torch 172 along the inner circumference of the desired hub bore 173 and then begins to move and cut until it is aligned with another desired point in the desired cube perforation circumference 173 to cut around a part of the inner circumference of the desired perforation. The second torch 11 can also reach the position in which it is aligned with the initial radius point 174 of the second torch along the inner circumference of the desired hub bore 173 and then begins to move and cut until it aligns with Another desired point on the desired cube piercing circumference 173. In the case of two torches, the initial radius point of the second torch 174 is diametrically opposite the starting radius point of the main torch 172. The two torches then cut all the bucket perforation 28, the main torch 110 reaching the second initial radius point of the second torch 174 at the end of its cut and the second torch 11 reaching the initial radius point of the main torch 172 at the end of its cut. Thus the initial radius point of the second torch 174 is at the end point of the cut made by the main torch 110 and the initial radius point of the main torch 172 is the end point of the cut made by the second torch III. As shown in Fig. 11, the desired cube piercing circumference 173 coincides with parts of the two cutting paths of the torches 72, 74. When the cutting paths have been completed, the center of the hub 76 must then fall in two pieces from the wheel and into the waste pipe 155. The wheel is then transported from the hub cutting station: depending on the system used, the wheel can be replaced on the conveyor line at rotating the elevator assembly 46 of Figure 143 or can simply move down the conveyor line in the system of Figure 3. As shown in Figure 11, the cutting path can be counterclockwise , requiring the torches to move in a counterclockwise direction. As shown in Figures 5,6 and 9. The torches 110,111 are offset from the center of the jaws 116 towards the center of the ridge system 40 halfway between the linear drivers in the X direction 90,92 of the embodiment of the 5 and midway between the linear followers and followers in the X direction 91,93 of the embodiment of FIG. 6. With the torches displaced in this manner, the torch assemblies 42,44 must move in the opposite direction to the clock hands to avoid interference between the two torch assemblies 42,44 during cutting. This decentering of the torches 110, III should facilitate the efficient movement of the torch assemblies 4,2,44. The method of the present invention can be used with wheel centering devices, conventional mechanics. In that case, the portion the center of the stop tube 22 can be predetermined and the X-Y coordinates pre set such that the initial positions of the torches 110, 11 are constant. Limit switches can be used to ensure constant positions and the shape and diameter of the hub bore can be predetermined and prefixed based on the distances from the assumed assumed position of the center of the stop tube 22. Thus the XY coordinates for the initial radius point 172,174 and the coordinates for the remainder of the path 173 can be predetermined and stored in the control means 168. But for even greater precision, before the main torch assembly 42 moves, the actual position of the stop tube 22 of The center of the stop tube could be determined by sweeping the wheel with the sensor means of the wheel 164. This information could then be fed to the computer 166 or the controller 168 in such a way that the XY coordinates of the initial positions of the main torches and can be determined. second. The main torch 110 and the second torch lll can be aligned at those coordinates for their initial positions, and thus be aligned with the hollow stop pipe pore 22 that has been determined. With such wheel sensing means 164, the wheel can also be swept to determine the actual position of another physical feature of the wheel, such that the outer circumferential edge 18 of the hub portion. This information may be fed to the computer 166 or control 168. From the actual position of this physical feature, the computer 166 or the control 168 may determine the actual center position of the hub 14 and the position of the appropriate cutting path 173 to cut the desired cube drilling circumference based on the actual center of the cube, and can provide XY coordinates for the initial radius points 172,174 and other points along the appropriate cut path 173 split the drill circumference of the desired cube in base to the actual center of the cube determined by the neighborhood and the calculation, and can direct the torches to align with any point calculated in the cutting path 173. The scanned information can be correlated with the information stored in the computer 166. Thus using the wheel sensor means 164, the method can compensate for any slight variation in the position of the stop tube 22 and can to reasonably ensure that the bucket bore was centered in the bucket. If for example the stop tube 22 is not positioned in the center 24 of wheel hub 14, the swept position of the stop tube 22 is used in such a way that the torches always begin to cut at the stop point; and the controller or computer can use the registered position of the outer edge of the hub 18 to calculate or determine the coordinates of the center of the cube and the appropriate cutting path for the desired position of the cube perforation circumference 28 based on the calculated center of the cube. cube and not the wrong stopper tube. The cutting path can be adjusted to compensate for the offset of the stop tube. For a plurality of wheels the steps register the position of the part of the wheel and the stop tube, align the torches with the position of the determined stop tube, and determine the position of the appropriate cutting path for the desired circumference of the perforation of bucket based on the results of the sweep of the wheel are preferably made for each wheel in the series. If temperature sensing means 170 are included, the method of the present invention may include the step of recording the temperature of the wheel and adjusting the rate of movement of the main torch 110 and the second torch III based on the recorded temperature. The correlation of the swept information with the information related to a predetermined desired starting position for the main and second torches, and the determinations of the coordinates for the initial positions, the initial radius points and other points along the cutting path The appropriate torch positions, and the appropriate torch positions to align them with those points, can be accomplished by means of a suitably programmed computer 166 that feeds the results of its operation to the control means 168 or by means of suitable control 168 or by means of a combination of computer and control means. The software suitable for this function is available from the National Instruments Corporation of Austin, Texas, under the designation Lab Windows / CVI and can be used in conjunction with a personal XYCOM computer. This software can also be used to integrate the results of a temperature study with the programmed information such as appropriate cutting speeds for different temperature ranges and feed the results of its operation to the control means to adjust the speed of operation of the motor assembly. of impulsion 88. The method can be used with additional torches. If, for example, three torches are used, the torches could be moved to three uniformly spaced initial radius points 180, as shown in FIG. 12, and the three torches could move around the inner circumference of the borehole of the hub 182 in three paths. . It should be understood that although the main and second torch assemblies 42,44 can move independently of each other in the linear drive mechanisms, the movements of the assemblies must be controlled and coordinated to avoid collisions or interference between the moving torch assemblies 42, 44 Limit switches (not shown) may be placed, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, to provide feedback to the control means or computer to ensure proper positioning of the torch assemblies 42,44 and the banks Y 62, 64 and preventing the catastrophic movement of the torch assembly and the banks Y. The use of the illustrated system and the method described before the present invention must provide many manufacturing advantages. First with more than one blowtorch in operation, the cutting speed of the bucket drilling is substantially increased, eliminating bottlenecks in production. With a higher speed according to the present invention, it should be possible to incorporate the cube cutting operation directly on the conveyor line to eliminate the need to remove the wheels from and then replace the wheel on the conveyor line. Secondly, with cube centers cut into two or more pieces, the need for manual removal of cube centers will be eliminated. Third although the present invention can be used with mechanical wheel centering devices, with the use of the sweeping system and the computer control, a greater precision must be obtained with fewer decentered cube perforations. Thus the number of wheels discarded and the amount of machining required will be minimized. In fourth place with the temperature sensor system, the cube cutting efficiency should be optimized together with a better consistency of the cube perforations. Fifth, if one of the torch assemblies became inoperable or there was a need to service it, the cube cutting apparatus could be operated with a single torch until the second torch is back on the line. Although only specific embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications can be made and alternatives used. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the present invention has applications beyond those shown. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims cover those modifications and alternatives and applications that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS l.- A method for cutting an object, which comprises the steps of: providing an object to be cut, the object having a plurality of sides; providing a cutting apparatus with a movable main torch and a second movable torch for cutting the object; move the main torch to an initial position near the object; energize and move the main torch to cut through a part of the object; moving the second torch to an initial position near the object; energize moving the second torch to cut through a part of the object; wherein the main torch and the second torch are capable of moving independently of one another; wherein the main torch and the second torch are each on the same side of the object and aligned with at least one common placement on the object at different times; and where the cut made by the second blowtorch finds the cut made by the main torch.
2. 2. - The method according to claim 1, wherein the object comprises a metal rail wheel with a central hub and the method is for cutting a hub bore, in the rail wheel, the borehole has a circumference desired, and where the step of energizing and moving the main torch to shorten through a part of the object includes cutting through a part of the hub of the rail wheel and the step of energizing and moving the second torch to cut to through a part of the object comprises cutting through a part of the hub of the railway wheel.
3. 3. - a method for cutting a hole or hub bore in a rail wheel, the bore hole having a desired circumference, the method comprising the steps of: providing a rail wheel with a hub centered to cut it; providing a cutting apparatus with a movable main torch and a second movable torch for cutting the hub of the rail wheel; moving the main torch to an initial position near the hub of the rail wheel; energize and move the main torch to cut through a part of the hub of the rail wheel; moving the second thruster to an initial position near the hub of the rail wheel; energizing the second torch to cut through a part of the hub of the rail wheel; wherein the main and second torches are capable of moving independently of one another;
4. 4. - The method of any of the claims 2 or 3, wherein the step of moving the main torch to an initial position comprises moving the main torch to a position substantially aligned with the hub of the wheel hub and where the step of energizing and moving the main torch to cut to through a part of the wheel comprises moving the main torch radially outward from the initial position to a position substantially aligned with an initial radius point of the main torch along the desired circumference of the hub bore and moving the main torch to another position substantially aligned with another point on the desired circumference of the hub bore when cutting a portion of the desired hub bore; and wherein the step of moving the second torch to an initial position comprises moving the second torch to a position substantially aligned with the hub center of the wheel after the main torch has moved away from the initial position of the main torch and in where the step of energizing and moving the second torch to cut through a part of the wheel comprises moving the second torch radially outward from the initial position to a position substantially aligned with an initial radius point of the second torch along the the desired circumference for the hub bore and moving the second torch from the radius point of the second torch to another position substantially aligned with another point in the desired circumference of the bore hole when cutting a portion of the desired bore hole; and wherein the main torch cuts the wheel hub bore from the point of the initial radius of the main torch to the starting point of the second torch and the second torch cuts the wheel hub bore from the initial radius point of the second torch to the The initial radius point of the main torch, the main torch and the second torch combine to cut off the entire hub bore.
5. 5. - The method according to claim 4 wherein the wheel has a hollow tube plug in the basic center of the hub, the method further comprises the step of scanning the wheel to determine the position of the plug tube, and the step of moving the main torch to a position substantially aligned with the hub of the wheel comprises moving the main torch to a position essentially aligned with the position of the hollow tube plug as determined by the scan and where the step of moving the second torch to a basically aligned position with the hub center of the wheel comprises moving the second torch to a position aligned with the position of the hollow plug tube as determined by the scan.
6. 6. - The method according to any of claims 2-5, comprising the step of sensing the temperature of the wheel and adjust the rate of movement of the main torch and the second torch based on the temperature sensed.
7. 7.- A system for cutting objects, the system includes: a main torch; a second blowtorch; an easel system to support the main torch and the second torch, the trestle system includes: main and second linear movement means, arranged parallel to each other; a third means of linear movement perpendicular to the first and second linear movement means; a means of transportation of the main torch to support the main torch, the main torch conveyor is connected to be moved by the main linear movement means; a second torch transport means for supporting the second torch, the conveying means of the second torch is connected to be moved by the second means of linear movement; the main and second linear movement means are supported by the third linear motion means and connected for independent movement along the third linear movement means.
8. 8. The system of claim 7 further comprises means for sensing the temperature of the object and control means connected to receive the input related to the sensed temperature of the object and to control the speed of operation of the main and second torches based on the sensed temperature.
9. 9. - The system according to claim 7-8 further comprising means for sensing the position of the object and control means connected to receive the input related to the sensed position of the object and controlling the movement of the main torches and second to base of the position marked.
10. 10. The system according to any of claims 7-9 wherein the means of linear movement comprise first and second linear drive mechanism, each having a continuous drive means, and wherein the main linear movement means is connected to move with the movement of the continuous drive of the linear drive mechanism first and is connected to be supported by the second linear drive mechanism and to be independent of the movement of the continuous driving means of the second linear drive mechanism, and where the second means of linear movement is connected to move with the movement of the continuous drive means of the second linear drive mechanism and is connected to be supported by the first linear drive mechanism and to be independent of movement of the continuous drive mechanism of the first drive medium. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method and a seventh are described for cutting perforations of a metal wheel hub. The system includes a main torch and second pair to shorten the cubes. In the method, the main torch moves to an initial position above the wheel. The main torch is energized and moves to cut a part of the wheel. The second torch moves to an initial position above the wheel. The second torch is energized and moved to cut a part of the wheel. The entire bucket hole in the wheel is cut. Additional torches can also be provided. An easel system is designed to provide the main and second torches. The easel trestle system includes a first and a second means of linear movement, arranged in parallel to each other, and a third means of linear movement perpendicular to the first and second means of linear movement. The trestle system also includes a slide means of the main torch to support the main torch and a sliding carriage means of the second torch to support the second torch. The carriage means of the main torch is connected or articulated to be movable by the main means of linear movement and the carriage means of the second torch is connected or articulated to be movable by the second means of linear movement. The first and second means of linear movement are supported by the third means of linear movement and connected for independent movement along the third means of linear movement. The cube cutter may include position sensing means, temperature sensing means, and control means that allow movement and velocity of the main torch and the second torch to be adjusted based on the recorded position and temperature of the torch. the wheel.