Omax Corporation

Peter H -t Liu

Ernst H Schubert

Various embodiments of abrasive jet systems are described herein. In one embodiment, an abrasive jet system includes an abrasive container and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly has a mixing region or cavity and an abrasive inlet. The abrasive jet system can also include an abrasive supply conduit that is operably coupleable between the abrasive container and the abrasive inlet. The abrasive supply conduit includes a first interior surface portion configured to be positioned proximate to the abrasive inlet and a second interior surface portion, different from the first interior surface portion, configured to be spaced apart from the abrasive inlet. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first interior surface portion has a greater ability to repel fluid (e.g., water) than the second interior surface portion, thereby reducing a tendency of the abrasives to clog the abrasive supply conduit.

Abrasive jet systems, including abrasive jet systems utilizing fluid repelling materials, and associated methods

Embodiments of abrasive jet piercing and/or cutting devices are described herein. In some embodiments, a piercing device includes a holding or positioning device coupling a mixing tube to a secondary tube. The holding device has one or more passages extending to at least an intermediate portion of the piercing device. The one or more passages allow air to contact or mix with an abrasive waterjet as it travels through the piercing device. In some embodiments, a cutting device includes two plates configured so as to form a slot between the two plates. The cutting device can be placed directly on a workpiece, and an abrasive waterjet can be directed at the workpiece through the slot. An abrasive waterjet system utilizing the piercing and cutting devices disclosed herein can pierce holes and cut slots in materials that have reduced hole diameters and kerf widths, respectively.

Growing community of inventors

Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Peter H -t Liu