A method for media blasting a workpiece includes, during a scan cycle: accessing a first set of images captured by an optical sensor traversing a scan path over the workpiece; compiling the first set of images into a virtual model of the workpiece; accessing a first set of blast parameters; generating a first tool path for a first workpiece region of the workpiece based on a geometry of the workpiece represented in the virtual model and the first set of blast parameters. The method further includes, during a processing cycle: via the set of actuators, navigating the blast nozzle over the first workpiece region according to the first tool path; and projecting blasting media toward the workpiece according to the first set of blast parameters.

The present disclosure relates to abrasive material delivery systems for liquid jet cutting systems. The abrasive material delivery systems can include a valve configured to adjust an inflow of abrasive material into the abrasive material delivery system from a source of abrasive material. The systems can include a chamber downstream of the valve and configured to receive the inflow of abrasive material from the valve. The systems can include a metering component configured to control an outflow of abrasive from the chamber to a cutting head of the liquid jet cutting system. In some embodiments, the systems include a sensor configured to monitor movement of a top surface of a portion of abrasive material within the chamber as the top surface moves through the chamber; and a processing device operably connected to the sensor and configured to determine an abrasive flow rate through the metering component based on a speed of the top surface as monitored by the sensor.

An abrasive blasting system that includes a blast hose, and a deadman assembly coupled with the blast hose. The deadman assembly further includes a primary deadman switch and a secondary deadman switch. The deadman also has a base frame, with each of the primary deadman switch and the secondary deadman switch coupled with the base frame. There is a trigger member pivotably coupled with the base frame, the trigger member configured to contact and move the primary deadman switch to a signal-flow position, and also to contact and move the secondary deadman switch to a secondary signal-flow position.

This relates to a method for manufacturing a lens element including: a refraction area having first curvature; a plurality of optical elements located on at least part of the refraction area, wherein the method includes a step of using an abrasive-filled fluid jet to manufacture the lens element.

A metering valve for introducing media into a pressurized fluid includes media passaging having a media inlet for receiving media and a media outlet for dispensing media toward the pressurized fluid. The media passaging defines a flow path extending from the media inlet to the media outlet and is configured to permit flow of media along the flow path. A plunger, including a plunger head, is movable between a closed position in which the plunger head forms a seal to prevent flow of media through the media passaging and an open position in which the plunger head permits flow of media through the media passaging. The seal formed by the plunger head includes a first sealing interface and a second sealing interface downstream along the flow path of the first sealing interface.

A particle blast apparatus comprises an interior cavity, a defrost port in fluid communication with the interior cavity, such that defrost gas is selectively introduced into the interior cavity through the defrost port; and an internal flow path extending from a source of blast media to a transport gas flow path, wherein at least a portion of the internal flow path extends through the interior cavity. A method of defrosting a particle blast apparatus that uses cryogenic materials comprises providing a particle blast apparatus comprising an interior cavity, an internal flow path extending from a source of blast media to a transport gas flow path through an interior cavity, and introducing defrost gas into the interior cavity.

A nozzle arrangement for use in expelling pressurized fluid includes a dead man control. The dead man control has a manually operable control part movable between a non-operating position, which prevents operation of the nozzle arrangement, and an operating position, and biased towards the non-operating position. The manually operable control part is pivotably coupled relative to a nozzle holder of the nozzle arrangement, which extends away from the pivotal coupling substantially towards a distal end of a nozzle part of the nozzle arrangement. The manually operable control part includes a handle part which in the operating position is substantially against and aligned with the nozzle part.

Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods of operating an abrasive fluid jet system that recycles and reuses abrasive particles. The systems and methods described enable accurate metering and consistent feeding of wet abrasive particles thereby reducing the time and cost of operations associated with drying the recycled abrasive particles prior to reuse. The system may adjust a ratio of wet abrasive to dry abrasive being provided to a cutting head to form an abrasive fluid jet. Components of the system may overcome challenges associated with clumping and other issues that result in difficulty metering wet abrasive.

An apparatus to remove at least a portion of a coating from a coated surface of a substrate may include a nozzle assembly and one or more nozzle-heads. Each nozzle-head may include at least one nozzle tip and a cavity configured to receive a portion of the coated surface of the substrate. The nozzle tip may be configured to direct an angled stream of an etchant on the substrate as the nozzle assembly moves along the length of the substrate. One or more sensors may measure a warpage of the substrate along the length of the substrate, and a controller may move the nozzle-head orthogonal to the direction of nozzle-head movement based on the measured warpage.

Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods of operating an abrasive fluid jet system that recycles and reuses abrasive particles. The systems and methods described enable accurate metering and consistent feeding of wet abrasive particles thereby reducing the time and cost of operations associated with drying the recycled abrasive particles prior to reuse. The system may adjust a ratio of wet abrasive to dry abrasive being provided to a cutting head to form an abrasive fluid jet. Components of the system may overcome challenges associated with clumping and other issues that result in difficulty metering wet abrasive.