Amsted Industries Inc.

Daniel H Gray

C Dale Christie

Brian L VanLaar

Neil E Konrardy

A method and system for cutting hub bores in metal railroad wheels is disclosed. The system includes a lead and second torch for cutting the hub bores. In the method, the lead torch is moved to an initial position above the wheel. The lead torch is energized and moved to cut through a part of the wheel. The second torch is moved to an initial position above the wheel. The second torch is then energized and moved to cut through a part of the wheel. The entire hub bore is cut in the wheel. Additional torches may also be provided. A gantry system for supporting the lead and second torches is disclosed. The gantry system includes lead and second linear movement means arranged parallel to each other and a third linear movement means perpendicular to the lead and second linear movement means. The gantry system also includes a lead torch carriage means for supporting the lead torch and a second torch carriage means for supporting the second torch. The lead torch carriage means is connected to be movable by the lead linear movement means and the second torch carriage means is connected to be movable by the second third linear movement means. The lead and second linear movement means are supported by the third linear movement means and connected for independent movement along the third linear movement means. The hub-cutting system may include a position sensing means, a temperature sensing means, and a control means that allows the movement and speed of the lead torch and second torch to be adjusted based upon the sensed position and temperature of the wheel.

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Bartlett, IL, United States of America

Daniel H Gray