Abrasive hoppers for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated systems and methods

Abstract

The present technology is generally directed abrasive hoppers for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated devices and methods. In an embodiment, an abrasive hopper includes an abrasive material storage component, an abrasive delivery device, and a cap. The abrasive material storage component can receive and store a reservoir of abrasive material. The abrasive delivery device can be positioned within the abrasive material storage component and can include one or more filters configured to filter abrasive material supplied to the hopper. The abrasive delivery device and the cap can, individually or together, define a complex exhaust path that, in the event of an over pressurization condition within the hopper, both allows pressurized air to escape the hopper and at least partially prevents or even eliminates abrasive material from being blown out from the with the escaping air.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 63 / 728,922; which was filed on Dec. 6, 2024; the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology is generally directed abrasive hoppers, including abrasive hoppers for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated devices and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] Liquid jet cutting systems are used in precision cutting, shaping, carving, reaming, and other material processing applications. During operation of a liquid jet system, a cutting head directs a high-velocity jet of liquid carrying particles of abrasive material toward a workpiece to rapidly erode portions of the workpiece. Liquid jet processing has significant advantages over other material processing technologies (e.g., grinding, plasma-cutting, etc.). For example, liquid jet systems tend to produce relatively fine and clean cuts without heat-affected zones around the cuts. Liquid jet systems also tend to be highly versatile with respect to the material type of the workpiece. The range of materials that can be processed using liquid jet systems includes very soft materials (e.g., rubber, foam, leather, and paper) as well as very hard materials (e.g., stone, ceramic, and hardened metal). Furthermore, in many cases, liquid jet systems are capable of executing demanding material processing operations while generating little or no dust, smoke, or other potentially toxic airborne byproducts.

[0004] Some liquid jet cutting systems include bulk feed systems that store and supply the abrasive material used by the cutting head. Bulk feed systems often include a large vat of abrasive material that is pressurized to drive abrasive material toward a hopper that, in turn, supplies the abrasive material to the cutting head. While bulk feed systems allow for more automated operation of liquid jet cutting systems they are also often mechanically complex (e.g., require tubing, chambers, hardware, etc., often totaling to 50-60 additional components that need to be monitored and / or maintained) and / or can create drawbacks under certain operating conditions. For example, if air is introduced into the feed of abrasive material from the large vat to the hopper, e.g., such that air pockets are interspersed between pockets of abrasive, it can cause a pulsating feed of air and abrasive material that disrupts the otherwise steady flow of abrasive toward the cutting head. As another example, if the large vat that supplies abrasive material to the hopper runs out of abrasive material, the pump that pressurizes the large vat can send pressurized air to the hopper. When this happens, the pressurized air can hit any abrasive material stored in the hopper and blow this abrasive material out of the hopper, creating a huge mess that often necessitates taking the system offline for cleaning. Accordingly, there is a need for improved abrasive hoppers for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated devices and methods.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially schematic view of a liquid jet cutting system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0006] FIG. 2A is a partial perspective view of a hopper of the liquid jet cutting system of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] FIG. 2B is a partially-exploded perspective view of the hopper of FIG. 2A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an abrasive delivery device of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B positioned within an abrasive material storage component of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B taken from the same perspective as in FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B taken from the same perspective as in FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following disclosure describes various embodiments of abrasive hoppers for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated systems and methods. An abrasive hopper configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include an abrasive delivery device that can be positioned within the hopper and configured to filter abrasive material supplied to the hopper and / or to define a complex exhaust path that, in the event of an over pressurization condition within the hopper, both allows pressurized air to escape the hopper and at least partially prevents or even eliminates abrasive spillage from the hopper. In at least some embodiments, for example, the abrasive delivery device includes an abrasive nozzle configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive storage container, an abrasive platform positioned downstream from the abrasive nozzle, and one or more pressure-relief ports positioned at an elevation above the abrasive nozzle and the abrasive platform. The abrasive platform is configured to redirect a flow of air exiting the abrasive nozzle upwardly through the abrasive delivery device and toward the one or more pressure relief ports. The one or more pressure relief ports allow this upward flow of air to return downwardly toward a lower portion of the hopper. Redirecting the flow of air via the abrasive platform and the one or more pressure-relief ports in this manner is expected to slow and / or otherwise dissipate the flow of air through the abrasive delivery device (e.g., to reduce or eliminate the over pressurization condition within the hopper) and thereby prevent, or at least partially prevent, any air (including, e.g., pressurized air pockets or flows from the abrasive storage container) received via the abrasive nozzle from affecting the operation of the hopper and / or other portions of the liquid jet cutting system. In at least some embodiments, this flow of air can carry abrasive material through the abrasive nozzle and / or encounter abrasive material supported on the abrasive platform; the one or more pressure relief ports can direct abrasive material carried and / or entrained by the flow of air back into the hopper, e.g., instead of allowing this abrasive material to be blown out of the hopper. The abrasive delivery device can, additionally or alternatively, include one or more filters configured to remove debris and / or other materials from the abrasive material provided to the hopper.

[0013] In some embodiments the abrasive delivery device is configured to be coupled to a cap that also defines a complex exhaust path configured to at least partially prevent or even eliminate abrasive spillage from the hopper. The cap can be configured to cover an opening to the hopper and can define an interior area having one or more baffle structures and an outlet in communication with an environment external to the hopper. The outlet can allow air within the hopper to escape into the environment external to the hopper, e.g., to depressurize the interior of the hopper and / or otherwise dissipate or eliminate an over pressurization condition within the hopper. Additionally or alternatively, if the flow of air that exits the abrasive delivery device (e.g., via the one or more pressure relief ports) has sufficient energy to blow / carry abrasive material within the hopper upwardly toward the cap, this flow of air can drive the abrasive material against the one or more baffle structures of the cap, which can cause the abrasive material to lose momentum and fall out of the flow of air instead of being blown out of the hopper with the air that escapes through the outlet. In addition to being configured to inhibit or even prevent abrasive material spillage from the hopper, the abrasive delivery device and / or cap are also expected to provide a less mechanically complicated solution for providing abrasive to liquid jet cutting systems. For example, whereas existing abrasive feed systems can involve a number of components (e.g., 50 to 60), the abrasive delivery device and the cap total a far fewer number of components (e.g., 2).

[0014] Specific details of abrasive delivery devices and associated systems and methods configured in accordance with several embodiments of the present technology are disclosed herein with reference to FIGS. 1-6. Although the devices, systems, and methods may be disclosed herein primarily or entirely with respect to certain liquid jet cutting applications, other applications in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. Furthermore, it should be understood, in general, that other devices, systems, and methods, including other abrasive waterjet devices, systems, and methods, in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. For example, devices, systems, and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can have different and / or additional configurations, components, and procedures than those disclosed herein. Moreover, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that devices, systems, and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present technology may not include one or more of the configurations, components, and / or procedures disclosed herein without deviating from the present technology. Liquid jet systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can be used with a variety of suitable fluids, such as water, aqueous solutions, hydrocarbons, glycols, and nitrogen, and / or a variety of suitable abrasives, such as particulate abrasive, abrasive garnet, sand, and / or other appropriate abrasive materials or combinations thereof.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially schematic view of a liquid jet cutting system 100 (“system 100”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The system 100 can include a fluid supply assembly 102 (shown schematically), a cutting head assembly 104, one or more conduits 106, a cutting table 108 that can be supported by a base 110, and an abrasive supply assembly 112. The fluid supply assembly 102 can be configured to provide pressurized fluid to the system 100 and can include, for example, a fluid container, a pump, an intensifier, an accumulator, one or more valves, and / or one or more hydraulic units. In various embodiments, the system 100 is configured to use various fluids including, e.g., liquid (e.g., water) and / or gases, and the fluid supply assembly 102 can be configured to supply these fluids to, e.g., the cutting head assembly 104 and / or other portions of the system 100.

[0016] The cutting head assembly 104 can include a cutting head 122 and a nozzle outlet 124. The cutting head 122 can be configured to receive fluid from the fluid supply assembly 102 via one or more of the conduits 106 at a pressure suitable for liquid jet (e.g., waterjet) processing. The pressure can be up to 5,000 psi, 10,000 psi, 15,000 psi, 55,000 psi, 60,000 psi, 120,000 psi, 150,000 psi, or greater. For example, the one or more conduits 106 can extend between the fluid supply assembly 102 and the cutting head assembly 104, e.g., to provide fluid from the fluid supply assembly 102 toward and / or to the cutting head assembly 104. In some embodiments, one or more of the conduits 106 include one or more joints 107 (e.g., a swivel joint or another suitable joint having two or more degrees of freedom). The cutting head 122 can include one or more components configured to condition fluid between the fluid supply assembly 102 and the nozzle outlet 124. In some embodiments, the system 100 can include multiple cutting heads that can be controlled individually and can have the same or different parameters (orifice size, mixing tube size, abrasive size, abrasive type, abrasive feed rate, etc.).

[0017] The cutting head assembly 104 (or at least a portion thereof) can be supported relative to the cutting table 108 and / or the base 110 by one or more actuators configured to tilt, rotate, translate, and / or otherwise move the cutting head assembly 104. For example, in some embodiments the system 100 can include a first actuator 114a, a second actuator 114b, and a third actuator 114c (collectively, “the actuators 114”) configured to move the cutting head assembly 104 relative to the base 110 and other stationary components of the system 100, and / or to move the base 110 relative to the cutting head assembly 104 (such as a stationary liquid jet assembly). For example, the second actuator 114b can be configured to move the cutting head assembly 104 along a processing path (e.g., cutting path) in two or three dimensions and to tilt the cutting head assembly 104 relative to the base 110, or to tilt the base 110 relative to the cutting head assembly 104, or to tilt both. In some embodiments, the second actuator 114b tilts the cutting head assembly 104 in two or more dimensions. Thus, the cutting head assembly 104, or the base 110, or both, can be configured to direct a pressurized jet of fluid toward a workpiece (not shown) supported by the base 110 (e.g., held in a jig supported by the base 110) and to move relative to either the cutting head assembly 104 or the base 110, or both, while directing the jet toward the workpiece. In various embodiments, the system 100 can also be configured to manipulate the workpiece in translatory and / or rotatory motion, manipulating the jet and / or the workpiece. The base 110 can include a diffusing tray positioned beneath the cutting table 108. The diffusing tray can be configured to hold a pool of fluid positioned relative to the jig so as to diffuse the remaining energy of the jet from the cutting head assembly 104 after the jet passes through the workpiece.

[0018] The abrasive supply assembly 112 can include an abrasive storage container 128 configured to hold one or more abrasive materials, such as particulate abrasive, abrasive garnet, sand, and / or other appropriate abrasive materials or combinations thereof (referred to collectively as “abrasive”). The abrasive storage container 128 can be configured to provide abrasive to a hopper 126 configured in accordance with the present technology via a first or upstream abrasive conduit 129. In at least some embodiments, the abrasive storage container 128 includes or is operably coupled to a pump configured to pressurize the abrasive storage container 128 to drive the abrasive material contained therein toward and / or to the hopper 126.

[0019] The hopper 126 can be configured to receive and store abrasive from the abrasive storage container 128 and to provide a consistent flow of the abrasive to the cutting head assembly 104 via a second or downstream abrasive conduit 132. In some embodiments, the hopper 126 is configured to move with the cutting head assembly 104 relative to the base 110, or vice versa. In other embodiments, the hopper 126 can be configured to be stationary while the cutting head assembly 104 moves relative to the base 110. Additional details regarding the hopper 126 are described elsewhere herein, including with reference to one or more of FIGS. 2A-6.

[0020] The system 100 can further include user interface 116 configured to receive input from a user and to send data based on the input to a computing device 120 (e.g., a controller). The input can include, for example, one or more specifications (e.g., coordinates, geometry or dimensions) of the processing path and / or one or more specifications (e.g., material type or thickness) of the workpiece and operating parameters (e.g., for a waterjet tool, pressure, flow rate, abrasive material, etc.). The computing device 120 (shown schematically) can be operably connected to the user interface 116 and one or more of the actuators 114 (e.g., via one or more cables, wireless connections, etc.). The computing device 120 can include a processor 134 and memory 136 and can be programmed with instructions (e.g., non-transitory instructions contained on a computer-readable medium) that, when executed, control operation of the system 100. In the illustrated embodiment the user interface 116 is coupled to the base 110; in other embodiments the user interface 116 can be coupled to one or more other portions of the system 100, can be free-standing, and / or can include a portable display screen (e.g., a laptop computer, a tablet, etc.).

[0021] The system 100 can be configured to contain one or more independent or connected motion control units. The system can be configured in various ways that allow perpendicular, rotational and / or angular cutting of workpieces of different shape. Embodiments of the system can include but are not limited to gantry, bridge, multi-axis kinematics (similar in function to OMAX Tilt-A-Jet or A-Jet tools and Hypertherm Echion and HyPrecision systems), 6-axis robot, rotary, and hexapod style machines. In various embodiments, the system is suited to cutting workpieces of a wide variety of thicknesses, including workpieces of negligible thicknesses. In various embodiments, the system 100 is adapted to cut workpieces of a variety of three-dimensional shapes. In some embodiments, the jet can cut at any angle relative to the workpiece.

[0022] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the hopper 126 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 2B is a partially-exploded perspective view of the hopper 126 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, the hopper 126 can include an abrasive material storage component 240, an abrasive delivery device 242, and a cap 244. The abrasive material storage component 240 can include a sidewall 241 having an inner surface 246 that at least partially defines an interior volume or chamber 248 configured to receive abrasive material, e.g., from the abrasive storage container 128 (FIG. 1). The abrasive delivery device 242 can be positioned at least partially within the chamber 248, e.g., with at least a portion of the abrasive delivery device 242 positioned or seated against the inner surface 246. In some embodiments, a grommet or other sealing device 250 can be positioned at least partially within an opening 252 that extends through the sidewall 241 to at least partially define an abrasive feed pathway 254 configured to allow abrasive material to be provided to the abrasive delivery device 242, e.g., from the abrasive storage container 128 (FIG. 1). The abrasive delivery device 242 can define a slot 251 sized and / or otherwise configured to allow the abrasive delivery device 242 to be inserted into the chamber 248 after the sealing device 250 has been installed within the sidewall 241.

[0023] The cap 244 can be configured to couple to the abrasive delivery device 242 and seat against an upper portion of the abrasive material storage component 240, e.g., to at least partially close or seal an opening 256 to the chamber 248. In at least some embodiments, for example, the abrasive delivery device 242 can include a first coupling feature 258a (FIG. 2B) and the cap 244 can include a second coupling feature 258b (FIG. 4) configured to operably engage the first coupling feature 258 to couple the cap 244 to the abrasive delivery device 242. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first and second coupling features 258a,b include mating threaded structures that allow the cap 244 to be screwed onto the abrasive delivery device 242 and securely / sealably engaging the top edge of the abrasive material storage component 240. In at least some embodiments, coupling the cap 244 to the abrasive delivery device 242 can allow the cap 244 to at least partially support the abrasive delivery device 242 in position within the chamber 248.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the abrasive delivery device 242 positioned within the abrasive material storage component 240 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The abrasive delivery device 242 can include an outer body portion 360, an upper surface portion 362, a support tab 364, and a flange 366. The outer body portion 360 can have a cross-sectional shape that is circular, at least generally circular, and / or one or more other suitable shapes (e.g., ovular, triangular, square, rectangular, etc.). When the abrasive delivery device 242 is positioned within the chamber 248, all or at least a part of the outer body portion 360 can be spaced apart from the inner surface 246. The space between the outer body portion 360 and the inner surface 246 can allow a user to manually feed abrasive material into the abrasive material storage component 240, e.g., by pouring and / or otherwise providing abrasive material through the opening 256 and into the space(s) between the outer body portion 360 and the inner surface 246.

[0025] The upper surface portion 362 can be sloped, e.g., toward the support tab 364 and / or the flange 366, and / or otherwise oriented at an angle that is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242. The slope of the upper surface portion 362 can help facilitate the hand-feeding of the abrasive material into the hopper 126. For example, if the user pours abrasive material onto the upper surface portion 362 the slope of the upper surface portion 362 can cause the abrasive material to flow downwardly across the upper surface portion 362, e.g., toward the flange 366 and / or a lower portion of the abrasive material storage component 240. The first coupling feature 258 can be coupled to and / or extend upwardly from the upper surface portion 362, e.g., parallel or at least generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242.

[0026] The support tab 364 can extend outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) from the outer body portion 360, e.g., to define an outermost contact surface 368. The outermost contact surface 368 can be configured to contact the inner surface 246 when the abrasive delivery device 242 is positioned within the chamber 248. In at least some embodiments, the contact between the outermost contact surface 368 and the inner surface 246 can maintain an axial positioning and / or alignment of the abrasive delivery device 242 and the abrasive material storage component 240. For example, the support tab 364 and / or the outermost contact surface 368 thereof can contact the inner surface 246 of the abrasive material storage component 240 to prevent or at least partially prevent the abrasive delivery device 242 from tipping, tilting, and / or otherwise rotating relative to the abrasive material storage component 240 when the abrasive delivery device 242 is positioned within the chamber 248 of the abrasive material storage component 240.

[0027] The flange 366 can extend outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) from and / or at least partially around (e.g., circumferentially around) the outer body portion 360, e.g., to define an outermost contact perimeter 370. The outermost contact perimeter 370 can be configured to contact the inner surface 246 when the abrasive delivery device 242 is positioned within the chamber 248. In at least some embodiments, for example, the outermost contact perimeter 370 can define a shape (e.g., a circular or substantially circular shape) and the inner surface 246 can define a corresponding shape (e.g., a corresponding circular or substantially circular shape) to allow the outermost contact perimeter 370 to be seated in contact with and / or sealingly engage the inner surface 246. The contact between the outermost contact perimeter 370 and the inner surface 246 can prevent, or at least partially prevent, the abrasive delivery device 242 from tipping, tilting, and / or otherwise rotating relative to the abrasive material storage component 240 when positioned therewithin. In some embodiments, placing the outermost contact perimeter 370 in contact with the inner surface 246 can create a seal (e.g., a substantially fluid- and / or abrasive-impermeable seal) between these features that prevents or at least partially prevents air and / or abrasive material from passing between the outermost contact perimeter 370 and the inner surface 246. All or a portion of the flange 366 can be oriented perpendicularly relative to (or at least generally perpendicularly relative to) a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242 and / or can be sloped at an angle that is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 366 extends partially around the circumference of the outer body portion 360, e.g., such that first and second (e.g., left and right) ends of the flange 366 at least partially define the slot 251 described previously with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. When the abrasive delivery device 242 is in the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 3, the flange 366 can be positioned at an elevation below the support tab 364, e.g., with the support tab 364 at least partially between the upper surface portion 362 and the flange 366 relative to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242.

[0028] The flange 366 can include one or more ports or first filter holes 372 (three first filter holes 372a-c labeled) that at least partially define a first filter 374. One or more of the first filter holes 372 can be sized and / or otherwise configured to allow abrasive material to pass through the first filter 374 and travel into a lower portion of the abrasive material storage component 240 and to prevent, or at least partially prevent, debris and / or other materials from passing through the first filter 374. Bulk quantities of abrasive material can include paper chunks from packaging materials, beetle shells, rocks, abrasive clumps, and / or other materials that can clog the liquid jet cutting system 100 (FIG. 1) and / or otherwise negatively impact its operation if these materials are allowed to reach the cutting head 122 (FIG. 1) and / or other portions of the liquid jet cutting system downstream from the hopper 126 (FIG. 1). When abrasive material is manually- or hand-fed into a hopper, it can be difficult and time-consuming to monitoring the abrasive feeding process to identify and remove these materials from the hopper. However, as described above, the first filter 374 can prevent, or at least partially prevent, all or at least a subset of these materials from reaching the cutting head 122 (FIG. 1) and / or other portions of the liquid jet cutting system downstream from the hopper 126 (FIG. 1) and thereby reduce the likelihood that hand-feeding abrasive material into the hopper introduces debris and / or other materials that may negatively impact the system's performance and / or reduce the operational downtime associated with the abrasive feeding process. The sealing engagement between the outermost contact perimeter 370 and the inner surface 246 can cause all or substantially all abrasive material fed into the hopper 126 via the opening 256 to pass through the first filter 374.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper 126 taken substantially along section line A-A of FIG. 2B, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In some embodiments, in addition to the features described previously with reference to FIG. 3, the abrasive delivery device 242 can include (e.g., further include) an abrasive feed nozzle 476 and an inner body portion 478. The abrasive feed nozzle 476 can include an abrasive inlet 480 and an abrasive outlet 482. The abrasive inlet 480 can be positioned against and / or aligned with the sealing device 250, e.g., to communicatively connect the abrasive feed nozzle 476 to the abrasive feed pathway 254. In at least some embodiments, the abrasive inlet 480 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the upstream abrasive conduit 129 therein, e.g., such that the abrasive storage container 128 can provide abrasive material AM to the abrasive delivery device 242 via the conduit 129 and the abrasive feed nozzle 476. In some embodiments, the abrasive inlet 480 includes one or more abutments 484 configured to contact a distal portion of the conduit 129, e.g., to securely retain the distal portion of the conduit 129 within the abrasive inlet 480 and / or prevent, or at least partially prevent, the conduit 129 from becoming dislodged from the abrasive inlet 480. The abrasive outlet 482 can be positioned at least partially within an interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478, e.g., such that the abrasive feed nozzle 476 is configured to supply abrasive material AM from the abrasive storage container 128 into the interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478. The abrasive outlet 482 can be offset from and / or off-center relative to a longitudinal axis L of the hopper 126.

[0030] The abrasive inlet 480 and the abrasive outlet 482 can have different orientations, e.g., relative to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242 and / or the hopper 126. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the abrasive inlet 480 has a first or horizontally-aligned orientation and the abrasive outlet 482 has a second or vertically-aligned orientation, e.g., rotated 90-degrees relative to the first / vertically-aligned orientation. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments the abrasive nozzle 476 defines a non-linear abrasive supply path, e.g., because the abrasive inlet 480 receives abrasive material AM traveling in a first or horizontal direction from the abrasive storage container 128 and the abrasive outlet 482 provides at least a portion of the received abrasive material AM to the interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478 that is traveling a second direction different than (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction. This curved / non-linear abrasive supply path can prevent (or at least substantially prevent) unimpeded or “line-of-sight” access between the abrasive storage container 128 and the interior of the hopper 126 which, as described below, can help to mitigate or prevent abrasive material spillage in the event of an over pressurization condition. The curved / non-linear path between the inlet 480 and the outlet 482 can, additionally or alternatively, restrict how far the conduit 129 can be inserted into the inlet 480, thereby ensuring unblocked flow of abrasive material from the 129 conduit into the abrasive delivery device 242.

[0031] The inner body portion 478 of the abrasive delivery device 242 can be positioned inwardly (e.g., radially inwardly) relative to and / or spaced apart from the outer body portion 360 and can include a sidewall 488, an abrasive platform 490, and a second filter 498. The sidewall 488 can at least partially define one or more pressure-relief ports 494 positioned at least partially between the inner body terminus 492 and the upper surface portion 362 and in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with the interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478. The sidewall 488 can be spaced apart from the outer body portion 360, e.g., to define an annular channel 496 extending at least partially between the inner body portion 478 and the outer body portion 360. The annular channel 496 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with individual ones of the one or more ports 494. In some embodiments, the sidewall 488 extends outwardly (e.g., downwardly, longitudinally, etc.) from the upper surface portion 362 to at least partially define an inner body terminus 492. As seen in FIG. 4, the outer body portion 360 can also extend outwardly (e.g., downwardly, longitudinally, etc.) from the upper surface portion 362 to at least partially define an outer body terminus 497 that can be positioned between (e.g., longitudinally between) the inner body terminus 492 and the upper surface portion 362, e.g., such that when the abrasive delivery device 242 is in the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 4, the outer body terminus 497 is positioned at an elevation above the inner body terminus 492. In other embodiments, however, the inner body terminus 492 can be positioned between (e.g., longitudinally between) the outer body terminus 497 and the upper surface portion 362, e.g., such that when the abrasive delivery device 242 is in the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 4, the inner body terminus 492 is positioned at an elevation above the outer body terminus 497.

[0032] The abrasive platform 490 can be positioned below or downstream from the abrasive nozzle 476 and / or the abrasive outlet 482 thereof. The abrasive platform 490 can have a planar or at least generally planar shape (e.g., be perpendicular or at least generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242) and can be configured to receive and / or at least temporarily support abrasive material AM exiting the abrasive outlet 482. The abrasive platform 490 can be positioned opposite the upper surface portion 362, e.g., such that the interior volume 486 is at least partially between (e.g., longitudinally between) the abrasive platform 490 and the upper surface portion 362. Like the curved / non-linear path defined by the abrasive nozzle 476, the location of the abrasive platform 490 below / downstream from the abrasive nozzle 476 can prevent (e.g., further prevent or at least substantially prevent) unimpeded or “line-of-sight” access between the abrasive storage container 128 and the interior of the hopper 126 which, as described below, can help to mitigate or prevent abrasive material spillage in the event of an over pressurization condition.

[0033] The second filter 498 can include one or more second holes 499 (two second filter holes 499a, 499b identified) positioned outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) from the abrasive platform 490. The one or more second holes 499 can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to one or more of the first holes 372. In at least some embodiments, for example, one or more of the second holes 499 can be sized and / or otherwise configured to allow abrasive material to pass through the second filter 498 and travel into a lower portion of the abrasive material storage component 240 and prevent, or at least partially prevent, debris and / or other materials from passing through the second filter 498. Thus, the second filter 498 can prevent, or at least partially prevent, debris and / or other non-abrasive material that may be within the abrasive storage container 128 from mixing with a reservoir R of abrasive material AM contained within the abrasive material storage component 240 and instead, e.g., trap these materials within the interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478. The first and second filters 374, 498 of the abrasive delivery device 242 can, accordingly, be configured to filter abrasive material entering the abrasive material storage component 240 regardless of whether that abrasive material is manually-fed or supplied via the conduit 129.

[0034] Abrasive material AM exiting the abrasive outlet 482 can contact and / or spread out along the abrasive platform 490, pass through the second filter 498, and join the reservoir R of abrasive material within the abrasive material storage component 240. In at least some embodiments, the abrasive platform 490 can be configured to allow at least some abrasive material AM to accumulate thereon, e.g., prior to exiting the interior volume 486 via the second filter 498. As abrasive accumulates on the platform 490 it can fall (e.g., via gravity) through the second filter 498 and join the reservoir R of abrasive material. Because the second filter 498 is located radially outwardly from the platform 490, the arrangement of the platform 490 and the second filter 498 is expected to provide a more consistent and / or uniform distribution of abrasive material to the reservoir R. The abrasive platform 490 can also provide space to hold the debris and / or other material that cannot pass through the second filter 498 within the interior volume 486, e.g., without that debris and / or other material clogging, occluding, and / or otherwise covering one or more of the second filter holes 499.

[0035] The cap 244 can include a body 495 that at least partially defines a concave interior area 493 and an opening 491 thereto. The opening 491 can be configured to receive and / or seat against an upper portion of the abrasive material storage component 240, e.g., to at least partially cover, close, or seal the opening 256 to the abrasive material storage component 240. The concave interior area 493 of the cap 244 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with the chamber 248 of the abrasive material storage component 240 via the opening 491.

[0036] The cap 244 can include one or more baffle structures 489 (individually identified as first and second baffle structures 489a, 489b) positioned at least partially within the interior area 493. Each of the baffle structures 489 can at least partially define one or more abrasive catchment chambers 487 (individually identified as first and second abrasive catchment chambers 487a, 487b). The abrasive catchment chambers 487 can define at least a portion of the interior area 493 of the cap 244. As described elsewhere herein, including with reference to at least FIG. 5, all or a subset of the baffle structures 489 and all or a subset of the abrasive catchment chambers 487 can cooperate to prevent, or at least partially prevent, abrasive material AM from spilling or leaking out of the hopper 126 during an over pressurization condition, which can occur if there is an air pocket or other interruption in the flow of abrasive material through the conduit 129, e.g., if or when the abrasive storage container 128 goes empty.

[0037] The cap 244 can further include an annular channel 485 and one or more cap outlets 483. The annular channel 485 can couple (e.g., fluidly couple) the one or more cap outlets 483 to the interior area 493 of the cap 244 (and e.g., to one or more of the abrasive catchment chambers 487 within the interior area 493). As described elsewhere herein, including with reference to at least FIG. 5, the annular channel 485 and the cap outlet 483 can cooperate to allow air within the hopper 126 to escape the hopper 126 while also providing a tortuous path that blocks continued movement of the abrasive through the cap such that abrasive material within the hopper 126 does not, or substantially does not, exit the hopper 126 with the escaping air.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper 126 taken from the same perspective as in FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Under certain circumstances and / or operating conditions, the hopper 126 may receive increased amounts of air (e.g., pressurized air pockets, sustained flows of high-velocity and / or high-pressure air, etc.) from the abrasive storage container 128, e.g., in addition to or instead of receiving abrasive material from the abrasive storage container 128. For example, as described previously the abrasive storage container 128 can be pressurized, e.g., by a pump, and this pressurization can be used to drive abrasive material from the abrasive storage container 128 toward and / or into the hopper 126. Under some (e.g., abnormal) operating conditions, the pressure within the abrasive storage container 128 can cause one or more pockets of air to enter or join the flow of abrasive material to the hopper 126, and / or can cause the hopper 126 to receive sustained flows of pressurized air and little to no abrasive material. The abrasive delivery device 242 and the cap 244 can prevent or at least substantially prevent these air flows from blowing abrasive material out of the hopper 126 and / or otherwise disrupting the operation of the liquid jet cutting system. For the purpose of illustrating how the abrasive delivery device 242 and the cap 244 are configured to dissipate these air flows and reduce or prevent abrasive spillage, FIG. 5 uses arrows to show the flow path(s) through the abrasive delivery device 242 and the cap 244, and includes diamonds to depict how air can travel along the flow path(s), and includes circles to depict how abrasive material can travel along the flow path(s).

[0039] Under normal operating conditions, the abrasive storage container 128 is expected to provide a flow of abrasive material to the abrasive nozzle 476, the content of air in this flow of abrasive material is not expected to negatively impact the operation of the hopper 126 and / or other portions of the system 100, and the abrasive delivery device 242 is configured to direct the abrasive material received from the abrasive storage container 128 into the chamber 248 to join the reservoir R of abrasive material contained therein. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, abrasive material received from the abrasive storage container can enter the abrasive nozzle 476 traveling in a first direction (circle 1), the abrasive nozzle 476 can redirect the abrasive material to travel a second direction into the interior volume 486, e.g., toward and / or into contact with the abrasive platform 490 (circle 2), and all or at least a portion of the abrasive material that enters the interior volume 486 can flow through the second filter 498 and into the chamber 248 (circle 3) to join the reservoir R of abrasive material contained therein.

[0040] Under abnormal operating conditions, such as when the flow of abrasive material from the abrasive storage container 128 is disrupted by one or more pockets of air and / or a sustained flow of pressurized air (e.g., one or more flows of air sufficient to negatively impact the operation of the hopper 126 and / or other portions of the system 100), the features of the abrasive delivery device 242 described herein create a complex and / or tortuous flow path that dissipates this air flow and allows it to escape the abrasive delivery device 242 without (or at least generally without) blowing any of the abrasive material out from the top of the hopper 126. For example, as one or more pockets of air and / or a sustained airflow from the abrasive storage container 128 enters the nozzle 476 (diamond 1), the nozzle 476 can deflect / redirect the air toward the platform 490 (diamond 2). A first portion of the air may escape through the abrasive filter 498 (diamond 3) and a second portion of the air can be deflected off the platform away from the reservoir R (diamond 4). The curved / non-linear shape of the nozzle 476 and the position of the platform 490 beneath / downstream from the outlet 482 of the abrasive nozzle 476 can prevent these air pockets / airflows from having direct, “line-of-sight” access to the reservoir R of abrasive material. For example, the platform 490 can block or otherwise prevent the air exiting the abrasive nozzle 476 from impinging directly upon the reservoir R of abrasive material by deflecting / redirecting at least a portion of this air upwardly toward the one or more ports 494 and / or otherwise away from the reservoir R.

[0041] Some abrasive material may be supported on the platform 490 when the air exits the nozzle 476 and this flow of air can entrain at least a portion of this abrasive material, blowing it off the platform 490 and / or otherwise causing it to travel away from the platform 490 (circle 4), e.g., upwardly through the interior volume 486 toward the upper surface portion 362 and / or the one or more ports (circle 5, diamond 5). This flow of air may drive some of the abrasive material into contact with the upper surface portion 362 which, in turn, can cause at least a portion of this abrasive material to lose velocity and / or momentum and / or otherwise fall out of the flow of air and, e.g., return to the platform 490 and / or exit the interior volume 486 through the second filter 498. The one or more ports 494 can allow at least a portion of the air and / or abrasive material traveling upwardly through the interior volume 486 to exit the interior volume 486 and enter the annular channel 496 (diamond 6, circle 6). The annular channel 496 can deflect / redirect this flow of air and / or abrasive material (diamond 7, circle 7) downwardly, toward and / or into the chamber 248 (diamond 8, circle 8), e.g., to allow the abrasive material to join the reservoir R through the first filter 374 and / or otherwise prevent (or at least generally prevent) the abrasive material from being blown upwardly out from the hopper 126. Redirecting the flow of air via the abrasive platform 490, the one or more ports 494, and the annular channel 496 in this manner is expected to slow and / or otherwise dissipate the flow of air through the abrasive delivery device and thereby prevent, or at least partially prevent, any air (including, e.g., pressurized air pockets or sustained flows from the abrasive storage container) received via the abrasive nozzle from affecting the operation of the hopper and / or other portions of the liquid jet cutting system. Dissipating the flow of air through the abrasive delivery device 242 can, additionally or alternatively, allow abrasive material to pass through the second filter 498 at or near normal or expected rates, which is expected to reduce the likelihood of or even prevent operational issues associated with inconsistent or abnormal abrasive feed rates to the cutting head.

[0042] If the features of the abrasive delivery device 242 do not dissipate the over pressurization condition within the hopper 126, the features of the cap 244 described herein are configured to create a complex and / or tortuous flow path that both allows air within the hopper 126 to escape and prevents all or at least a portion of the abrasive material within the hopper 126 from being blown out from the hopper 126 with the escaping air. For example, if the air exiting the abrasive delivery device 242 (diamond 3, diamond 8) has sufficient momentum to entrain abrasive material from the reservoir R, this air and abrasive material can be deflected (e.g., by / off the reservoir R) upwardly and / or toward the cap 244 (diamond 9, circle 9). At least a portion of this air and / or abrasive material can be deflected back toward the reservoir R by the underside of the first filter 374, although in some instances air and / or abrasive material may make it through the first filter 374 and pass through the opening 491 of the cap 244 to enter the concave interior area 493 thereof. One or more of the baffle structures 489 within the concave interior area 493 can deflect / redirect respective portions of the air and / or abrasive material flow to prevent (or at least generally prevent) abrasive material from being blown out from the hopper 126. For example, the first baffle structure 489a can direct a first portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the cap 244 toward and / or into the first catchment chamber 487a (diamond 10, circle 10). At least some of the abrasive material that enters the first catchment chamber 487a can be driven into contact with the walls of the first catchment chamber 487a which, in turn, can cause at least a portion of this abrasive material to lose velocity and / or momentum and / or otherwise fall out of the flow of air and, e.g., return to the platform 490 and / or exit the interior volume 486 through the second filter 498 (circle 11). The second baffle structure 489b can direct a second portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the cap 244 toward and / or into the second catchment chamber 487b (diamond 12, circle 13). This second portion of the air and / or abrasive material can include at least some of the air and / or abrasive material that is deflected by the first baffle structure 489a and other air and / or abrasive material that travels past the first baffle structure 489a. At least some of the abrasive material that enters the second catchment chamber 487b can be driven into contact with the walls of the second catchment chamber 487b which, in turn, can cause at least a portion of this abrasive material to lose velocity and / or momentum and / or otherwise fall out of the flow of air (circle 14) and, e.g., return toward the upper surface portion 362 the and / or the first filter 374. For example, the second catchment chamber 487b can cause at least some abrasive material to fall onto and / or slide along the upper surface portion 263 of the abrasive delivery device 242 and / or cause at least some abrasive material to fall through the first filter 374 and, e.g., rejoin the reservoir R of abrasive material. Any air that makes it past the second baffle structure 489b (diamond 13) can enter the annular channel 485 (diamond 14) and exit the cap 244 via the outlet 483 (diamond 15). No abrasive material is illustrated exiting the cap 244 via the outlet 483 because the abrasive delivery device 242 and the cap 244 are configured to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, abrasive material from leaving the hopper 126 in this manner.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper 126 taken from the same perspective as in FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The cap 244 can, additionally or alternatively, be configured to prevent liquid intrusion into the interior area 493 thereof and / or the chamber 248 of the abrasive material storage component 240. Because the outlet 483 extends downwardly from the annular channel 485, the orientation of the outlet 483 can inhibit or prevent liquid and / or other contaminants / fluids external to the hopper 126 from flowing into the hopper 126. For example, if the hopper 126 is sprayed with water, e.g., during cleaning, some water may flow / splash into the outlet 483 but the vertical orientation of the outlet 483 is expected to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, water from entering the annular channel 485 and passing into the interior area 493 of the cap 244 and / or the chamber 248 of the abrasive material storage component 240. This, in turn, can keep the reservoir of abrasive material within the abrasive material storage component 240 dry and / or otherwise free from external contaminants.EXAMPLES

[0044] Several aspects of the present technology are described with reference to the following examples:

[0045] 1. An abrasive hopper for a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the abrasive hopper comprising:

[0046] an abrasive material storage component defining a chamber configured to store a reservoir of abrasive material therein and an opening to the chamber configured to allow the reservoir of abrasive material to be replenished;

[0047] an abrasive delivery device configured to be positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component, wherein the abrasive delivery device includes

[0048] an abrasive feed nozzle configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive material source,

[0049] an internal filter positioned downstream from the abrasive feed nozzle and configured to direct abrasive material received via the abrasive feed nozzle toward the reservoir of abrasive material, and

[0050] an external filter positioned radially outwardly of and spaced apart from the internal filter, wherein the external filter is configured to direct abrasive material received via the opening toward the reservoir of abrasive material; and

[0051] a cap configured to be removably coupled to the abrasive delivery device and to cover the opening to the chamber when coupled to the abrasive delivery device and the abrasive delivery device is positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component.

[0052] 2. The abrasive hopper of example 1 wherein the abrasive feed nozzle includes an abrasive inlet positioned to receive abrasive material travelling in a first direction and an abrasive outlet positioned to direct received abrasive material in a second direction different than the first direction.

[0053] 3. The abrasive hopper of example 1 or example 2 wherein the abrasive delivery device further includes one or more ports positioned radially between the internal filter and external filter, and wherein the one or more ports are located at an elevation above the internal filter and the external filter at least when the abrasive delivery device is positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component.

[0054] 4. The abrasive hopper of any of examples 1-3 wherein the cap includes an annular channel configured to be fluidly coupled to the chamber of the abrasive material storage component and an outlet passageway configured to fluidly couple the annular channel to an environment external to the abrasive hopper, wherein the outlet passageway is configured to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive material storage component at least when the cap is positioned to cover the opening to the chamber.

[0055] 5. A method of using an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the method comprising:

[0056] receiving, via a nozzle of an abrasive delivery device of the abrasive hopper, abrasive material and air from an abrasive material source, the abrasive material and air travelling in a first direction when exiting the nozzle;

[0057] causing, via a platform of the abrasive delivery device, at least a portion of the abrasive material and air to travel in a second direction different than the first direction within the abrasive delivery device toward an upper portion of the abrasive delivery device; and

[0058] allowing, via one or more ports in the upper portion of the abrasive delivery device, the portion of the abrasive material and air to exit the abrasive delivery device and travel in the first direction toward a reservoir of abrasive material contained within the abrasive hopper.

[0059] 6. The method of example 5, further comprising:

[0060] prior to receiving the abrasive material and air

[0061] receiving, via the nozzle, abrasive material from the abrasive material source within the abrasive delivery device, and

[0062] causing the received abrasive material to travel through an internal filter of the abrasive delivery device and toward the reservoir of abrasive material.

[0063] 7. The method of example 5 or example 6, further comprising:

[0064] directing, via an external filter of the abrasive delivery device, a flow of air from below the abrasive delivery device into a cap coupled to and positioned above the abrasive delivery device;

[0065] disrupting, via a baffle structure of the cap, the flow of air into the cap; and

[0066] causing, via an outlet channel of the cap, at least a portion of the flow of air to travel out from the abrasive hopper and into the surrounding environment.

[0067] 8. The method of example 7 wherein the flow of air includes entrained abrasive material, and wherein disrupting the flow of air includes causing at least a portion of the entrained abrasive material to leave the flow of air and return toward the reservoir of abrasive material.

[0068] 9. The method of example 7 or example 8 wherein the baffle structure defines a chamber within the cap, and wherein disrupting the flow of air includes receiving at least a portion of the flow of air within the chamber and directing the portion of the flow of air downwardly toward the abrasive delivery device.

[0069] 10. An abrasive delivery device for an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the abrasive delivery device comprising:

[0070] a body portion configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive hopper and including an outer wall that at least partially defines an interior volume and one or more pressure relief ports communicatively coupling the interior volume to an environment external to the body portion;

[0071] an abrasive feed nozzle coupled to the body portion and positioned at least partially within the interior volume, the abrasive feed nozzle including an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive feed supply and an abrasive outlet positioned within the interior volume of the body portion;

[0072] a platform positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the body portion downstream from the abrasive outlet; and

[0073] a filter positioned at least partially around the platform, the filter comprising a plurality of filter holes configured to direct abrasive material from the platform toward a lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

[0074] 11. The abrasive delivery device of example 10 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of the inner body portion and configured to be received within the abrasive hopper.

[0075] 12. The abrasive delivery device of example 11, further comprising an upper portion, wherein the outer body portion extends longitudinally away from the upper portion to an outer body terminus, wherein the inner body portion extends longitudinally away from the upper portion to an inner body terminus, and wherein the inner body terminus is located further away from the upper portion than the outer body terminus.

[0076] 13. The abrasive delivery device of example 12 wherein the inner and outer body portions define a longitudinal axis, and wherein the upper portion is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0077] 14. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 10-13 wherein the filter is an internal filter and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an external filter positioned radially outwardly from the body portion, the external filter comprising a plurality of external filter holes configured to direct abrasive material received within the abrasive hopper external to the body portion toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

[0078] 15. The abrasive delivery device of example 14 wherein the external filter further comprises a flange extending radially outwardly relative to the body portion, and wherein the plurality of external filter holes extend vertically through the flange.

[0079] 16. The abrasive delivery device of example 15 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion, and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of the inner body portion, and wherein the flange extends radially outwardly from the outer body portion.

[0080] 17. The abrasive delivery device of example 16 wherein the abrasive delivery device is configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive material storage component of the abrasive hopper, and wherein a radially-outermost surface of the flange is configured to contact an inner surface of the abrasive material storage component when the outer body portion is positioned therewithin.

[0081] 18. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 10-17 wherein the outer wall of the body portion at least partially defines an annular channel fluidly coupled to the interior volume via the one or more pressure relief ports.

[0082] 19. The abrasive delivery device of example 18 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion, wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of and spaced apart from the inner body portion, and wherein the annular channel is located at least partially between the inner body portion and the outer body portion.

[0083] 20. The abrasive delivery device of example 18 or example 19 wherein the body portion includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the first end portion includes the platform, the filter, and the plurality of filter holes, and wherein the second end portion includes the one or more pressure relief ports.

[0084] 21. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 18-20 wherein the platform is positioned in a path of air traveling through the abrasive outlet in a first direction and is configured to redirect at least a portion of the air in a second direction toward the one or more pressure relief ports.

[0085] 22. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 18-21 wherein the annular channel is oriented to direct air within the interior volume of the body portion toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

[0086] 23. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 10-22, wherein the abrasive delivery device is configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive material storage component of the abrasive hopper, and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises a tab extending radially outwardly relative to the body portion, wherein the tab is configured to contact an inner surface of the abrasive material storage component to at least partially prevent the abrasive delivery device from rotating relative to the abrasive material storage component when the abrasive delivery device is positioned therein.

[0087] 24. A cap for an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the cap comprising:

[0088] a body defining an interior area and an opening thereto, wherein the opening is configured to receive air and / or abrasive material traveling in a first direction away from a lower portion of the abrasive hopper and to direct the air and / or abrasive material into the interior area;

[0089] a baffle structure positioned within the interior area and oriented to extend toward the opening, wherein the baffle structure is configured to redirect at least a portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area in a second direction different than the first direction;

[0090] an annular channel extending through the body, positioned radially outwardly from the baffle structure, and fluidly coupled to the interior area, wherein the annular channel is configured to receive at least a second portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area; and

[0091] an outlet fluidly coupling the annular channel to an environment external to the cap, wherein the outlet is configured to allow all or part of the second portion of the air and / or abrasive material to flow outwardly from within the annular channel toward the external environment.

[0092] 25. The cap of example 24 wherein the body defines a center axis, and wherein the baffle structure is angled radially inwardly toward the center axis.

[0093] 26. The cap of example 24 or example 25 wherein:

[0094] the baffle structure is a first baffle structure,

[0095] the cap further comprises a second baffle structure configured to redirect at least a third portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area in a third direction different than the first direction, and

[0096] the first baffle structure is positioned at least partially between the second baffle structure and the opening.

[0097] 27. The cap of any of examples 24-26 wherein the outlet is positioned radially outwardly from the opening.

[0098] 28. The cap of any of examples 24-27 wherein the annular channel extends circumferentially around the opening.

[0099] 29. The cap of any of examples 24-28 wherein the baffle structure at least partially defines an abrasive catchment chamber, wherein, when a flow of air and abrasive material enters the interior area, the abrasive catchment chamber is configured to cause abrasive material received therein to leave the flow of air and return toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

[0100] 30. The cap of any of examples 24-29, further comprising a set of coupling features configured to allow the cap to be removably coupled to an abrasive delivery device of the abrasive hopper.Conclusion

[0101] This disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed herein. Although specific embodiments are disclosed herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible without deviating from the present technology, as those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize. In some cases, well-known structures and functions have not been shown and / or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present technology. Although steps of methods may be presented herein in a particular order, in alternative embodiments the steps may have another suitable order. Similarly, certain aspects of the present technology disclosed in the context of particular embodiments can be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments may have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages or other advantages disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the present technology.

[0102] Certain aspects of the present technology may take the form of computer-executable instructions, including routines executed by the computing device 120. In some embodiments, the computing device 120 is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of these computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, some aspects of the present technology may take the form of data (e.g., non-transitory data) stored on the memory 136 or stored or distributed on other computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable or removable computer discs as well as media distributed electronically over networks. Accordingly, data structures and transmissions of data particular to aspects of the present technology are encompassed within the scope of the present technology. The present technology also encompasses methods of both programming computer-readable media to perform particular steps and executing the steps.

[0103] Throughout this disclosure, the singular terms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the terms “comprising” and the like may be used herein to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature(s) and / or one or more additional types of features are not precluded. Directional terms, such as “upper,”“lower,”“front,”“back,”“vertical,” and “horizontal,” may be used herein to express and clarify the relationship between various elements. It should be understood that such terms do not denote absolute orientation. Reference herein to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” or similar formulations means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations herein are not all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, various particular features, structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0104] As used herein, the use of relative terminology, such as “about”, “approximately”, “substantially” and the like refer to the stated value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the use of the term “about 100” refers to a range of from 90 to 110, inclusive. In instances in which the context requires otherwise and / or relative terminology is used in reference to something that does not include a numerical value, the terms are given their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art.

Examples

examples

[0044]Several aspects of the present technology are described with reference to the following examples:[0045]1. An abrasive hopper for a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the abrasive hopper comprising:[0046]an abrasive material storage component defining a chamber configured to store a reservoir of abrasive material therein and an opening to the chamber configured to allow the reservoir of abrasive material to be replenished;[0047]an abrasive delivery device configured to be positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component, wherein the abrasive delivery device includes[0048]an abrasive feed nozzle configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive material source,[0049]an internal filter positioned downstream from the abrasive feed nozzle and configured to direct abrasive material received via the abrasive feed nozzle toward the reservoir of abrasive material, and[0050]an external filter positioned radially outwardly of and sp...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 63 / 728,922; which was filed on Dec. 6, 2024; the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology is generally directed abrasive hoppers, including abrasive hoppers for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated devices and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] Liquid jet cutting systems are used in precision cutting, shaping, carving, reaming, and other material processing applications. During operation of a liquid jet system, a cutting head directs a high-velocity jet of liquid carrying particles of abrasive material toward a workpiece to rapidly erode portions of the workpiece. Liquid jet processing has significant advantages over other material processing technologies (e.g., grinding, plasma-cutting, etc.). For example, liquid jet systems tend to produce relatively fine and clean cuts without heat-affected zones around the cuts. Liquid jet systems also tend to be highly versatile with respect to the material type of the workpiece. The range of materials that can be processed using liquid jet systems includes very soft materials (e.g., rubber, foam, leather, and paper) as well as very hard materials (e.g., stone, ceramic, and hardened metal). Furthermore, in many cases, liquid jet systems are capable of executing demanding material processing operations while generating little or no dust, smoke, or other potentially toxic airborne byproducts.

[0004] Some liquid jet cutting systems include bulk feed systems that store and supply the abrasive material used by the cutting head. Bulk feed systems often include a large vat of abrasive material that is pressurized to drive abrasive material toward a hopper that, in turn, supplies the abrasive material to the cutting head. While bulk feed systems allow for more automated operation of liquid jet cutting systems they are also often mechanically complex (e.g., require tubing, chambers, hardware, etc., often totaling to 50-60 additional components that need to be monitored and / or maintained) and / or can create drawbacks under certain operating conditions. For example, if air is introduced into the feed of abrasive material from the large vat to the hopper, e.g., such that air pockets are interspersed between pockets of abrasive, it can cause a pulsating feed of air and abrasive material that disrupts the otherwise steady flow of abrasive toward the cutting head. As another example, if the large vat that supplies abrasive material to the hopper runs out of abrasive material, the pump that pressurizes the large vat can send pressurized air to the hopper. When this happens, the pressurized air can hit any abrasive material stored in the hopper and blow this abrasive material out of the hopper, creating a huge mess that often necessitates taking the system offline for cleaning. Accordingly, there is a need for improved abrasive hoppers for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated devices and methods.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially schematic view of a liquid jet cutting system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0006] FIG. 2A is a partial perspective view of a hopper of the liquid jet cutting system of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] FIG. 2B is a partially-exploded perspective view of the hopper of FIG. 2A in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an abrasive delivery device of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B positioned within an abrasive material storage component of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B taken from the same perspective as in FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper of FIGS. 2A and 2B taken from the same perspective as in FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following disclosure describes various embodiments of abrasive hoppers for liquid jet cutting systems, and associated systems and methods. An abrasive hopper configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include an abrasive delivery device that can be positioned within the hopper and configured to filter abrasive material supplied to the hopper and / or to define a complex exhaust path that, in the event of an over pressurization condition within the hopper, both allows pressurized air to escape the hopper and at least partially prevents or even eliminates abrasive spillage from the hopper. In at least some embodiments, for example, the abrasive delivery device includes an abrasive nozzle configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive storage container, an abrasive platform positioned downstream from the abrasive nozzle, and one or more pressure-relief ports positioned at an elevation above the abrasive nozzle and the abrasive platform. The abrasive platform is configured to redirect a flow of air exiting the abrasive nozzle upwardly through the abrasive delivery device and toward the one or more pressure relief ports. The one or more pressure relief ports allow this upward flow of air to return downwardly toward a lower portion of the hopper. Redirecting the flow of air via the abrasive platform and the one or more pressure-relief ports in this manner is expected to slow and / or otherwise dissipate the flow of air through the abrasive delivery device (e.g., to reduce or eliminate the over pressurization condition within the hopper) and thereby prevent, or at least partially prevent, any air (including, e.g., pressurized air pockets or flows from the abrasive storage container) received via the abrasive nozzle from affecting the operation of the hopper and / or other portions of the liquid jet cutting system. In at least some embodiments, this flow of air can carry abrasive material through the abrasive nozzle and / or encounter abrasive material supported on the abrasive platform; the one or more pressure relief ports can direct abrasive material carried and / or entrained by the flow of air back into the hopper, e.g., instead of allowing this abrasive material to be blown out of the hopper. The abrasive delivery device can, additionally or alternatively, include one or more filters configured to remove debris and / or other materials from the abrasive material provided to the hopper.

[0013] In some embodiments the abrasive delivery device is configured to be coupled to a cap that also defines a complex exhaust path configured to at least partially prevent or even eliminate abrasive spillage from the hopper. The cap can be configured to cover an opening to the hopper and can define an interior area having one or more baffle structures and an outlet in communication with an environment external to the hopper. The outlet can allow air within the hopper to escape into the environment external to the hopper, e.g., to depressurize the interior of the hopper and / or otherwise dissipate or eliminate an over pressurization condition within the hopper. Additionally or alternatively, if the flow of air that exits the abrasive delivery device (e.g., via the one or more pressure relief ports) has sufficient energy to blow / carry abrasive material within the hopper upwardly toward the cap, this flow of air can drive the abrasive material against the one or more baffle structures of the cap, which can cause the abrasive material to lose momentum and fall out of the flow of air instead of being blown out of the hopper with the air that escapes through the outlet. In addition to being configured to inhibit or even prevent abrasive material spillage from the hopper, the abrasive delivery device and / or cap are also expected to provide a less mechanically complicated solution for providing abrasive to liquid jet cutting systems. For example, whereas existing abrasive feed systems can involve a number of components (e.g., 50 to 60), the abrasive delivery device and the cap total a far fewer number of components (e.g., 2).

[0014] Specific details of abrasive delivery devices and associated systems and methods configured in accordance with several embodiments of the present technology are disclosed herein with reference to FIGS. 1-6. Although the devices, systems, and methods may be disclosed herein primarily or entirely with respect to certain liquid jet cutting applications, other applications in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. Furthermore, it should be understood, in general, that other devices, systems, and methods, including other abrasive waterjet devices, systems, and methods, in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. For example, devices, systems, and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can have different and / or additional configurations, components, and procedures than those disclosed herein. Moreover, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that devices, systems, and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present technology may not include one or more of the configurations, components, and / or procedures disclosed herein without deviating from the present technology. Liquid jet systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can be used with a variety of suitable fluids, such as water, aqueous solutions, hydrocarbons, glycols, and nitrogen, and / or a variety of suitable abrasives, such as particulate abrasive, abrasive garnet, sand, and / or other appropriate abrasive materials or combinations thereof.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially schematic view of a liquid jet cutting system 100 (“system 100”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The system 100 can include a fluid supply assembly 102 (shown schematically), a cutting head assembly 104, one or more conduits 106, a cutting table 108 that can be supported by a base 110, and an abrasive supply assembly 112. The fluid supply assembly 102 can be configured to provide pressurized fluid to the system 100 and can include, for example, a fluid container, a pump, an intensifier, an accumulator, one or more valves, and / or one or more hydraulic units. In various embodiments, the system 100 is configured to use various fluids including, e.g., liquid (e.g., water) and / or gases, and the fluid supply assembly 102 can be configured to supply these fluids to, e.g., the cutting head assembly 104 and / or other portions of the system 100.

[0016] The cutting head assembly 104 can include a cutting head 122 and a nozzle outlet 124. The cutting head 122 can be configured to receive fluid from the fluid supply assembly 102 via one or more of the conduits 106 at a pressure suitable for liquid jet (e.g., waterjet) processing. The pressure can be up to 5,000 psi, 10,000 psi, 15,000 psi, 55,000 psi, 60,000 psi, 120,000 psi, 150,000 psi, or greater. For example, the one or more conduits 106 can extend between the fluid supply assembly 102 and the cutting head assembly 104, e.g., to provide fluid from the fluid supply assembly 102 toward and / or to the cutting head assembly 104. In some embodiments, one or more of the conduits 106 include one or more joints 107 (e.g., a swivel joint or another suitable joint having two or more degrees of freedom). The cutting head 122 can include one or more components configured to condition fluid between the fluid supply assembly 102 and the nozzle outlet 124. In some embodiments, the system 100 can include multiple cutting heads that can be controlled individually and can have the same or different parameters (orifice size, mixing tube size, abrasive size, abrasive type, abrasive feed rate, etc.).

[0017] The cutting head assembly 104 (or at least a portion thereof) can be supported relative to the cutting table 108 and / or the base 110 by one or more actuators configured to tilt, rotate, translate, and / or otherwise move the cutting head assembly 104. For example, in some embodiments the system 100 can include a first actuator 114a, a second actuator 114b, and a third actuator 114c (collectively, “the actuators 114”) configured to move the cutting head assembly 104 relative to the base 110 and other stationary components of the system 100, and / or to move the base 110 relative to the cutting head assembly 104 (such as a stationary liquid jet assembly). For example, the second actuator 114b can be configured to move the cutting head assembly 104 along a processing path (e.g., cutting path) in two or three dimensions and to tilt the cutting head assembly 104 relative to the base 110, or to tilt the base 110 relative to the cutting head assembly 104, or to tilt both. In some embodiments, the second actuator 114b tilts the cutting head assembly 104 in two or more dimensions. Thus, the cutting head assembly 104, or the base 110, or both, can be configured to direct a pressurized jet of fluid toward a workpiece (not shown) supported by the base 110 (e.g., held in a jig supported by the base 110) and to move relative to either the cutting head assembly 104 or the base 110, or both, while directing the jet toward the workpiece. In various embodiments, the system 100 can also be configured to manipulate the workpiece in translatory and / or rotatory motion, manipulating the jet and / or the workpiece. The base 110 can include a diffusing tray positioned beneath the cutting table 108. The diffusing tray can be configured to hold a pool of fluid positioned relative to the jig so as to diffuse the remaining energy of the jet from the cutting head assembly 104 after the jet passes through the workpiece.

[0018] The abrasive supply assembly 112 can include an abrasive storage container 128 configured to hold one or more abrasive materials, such as particulate abrasive, abrasive garnet, sand, and / or other appropriate abrasive materials or combinations thereof (referred to collectively as “abrasive”). The abrasive storage container 128 can be configured to provide abrasive to a hopper 126 configured in accordance with the present technology via a first or upstream abrasive conduit 129. In at least some embodiments, the abrasive storage container 128 includes or is operably coupled to a pump configured to pressurize the abrasive storage container 128 to drive the abrasive material contained therein toward and / or to the hopper 126.

[0019] The hopper 126 can be configured to receive and store abrasive from the abrasive storage container 128 and to provide a consistent flow of the abrasive to the cutting head assembly 104 via a second or downstream abrasive conduit 132. In some embodiments, the hopper 126 is configured to move with the cutting head assembly 104 relative to the base 110, or vice versa. In other embodiments, the hopper 126 can be configured to be stationary while the cutting head assembly 104 moves relative to the base 110. Additional details regarding the hopper 126 are described elsewhere herein, including with reference to one or more of FIGS. 2A-6.

[0020] The system 100 can further include user interface 116 configured to receive input from a user and to send data based on the input to a computing device 120 (e.g., a controller). The input can include, for example, one or more specifications (e.g., coordinates, geometry or dimensions) of the processing path and / or one or more specifications (e.g., material type or thickness) of the workpiece and operating parameters (e.g., for a waterjet tool, pressure, flow rate, abrasive material, etc.). The computing device 120 (shown schematically) can be operably connected to the user interface 116 and one or more of the actuators 114 (e.g., via one or more cables, wireless connections, etc.). The computing device 120 can include a processor 134 and memory 136 and can be programmed with instructions (e.g., non-transitory instructions contained on a computer-readable medium) that, when executed, control operation of the system 100. In the illustrated embodiment the user interface 116 is coupled to the base 110; in other embodiments the user interface 116 can be coupled to one or more other portions of the system 100, can be free-standing, and / or can include a portable display screen (e.g., a laptop computer, a tablet, etc.).

[0021] The system 100 can be configured to contain one or more independent or connected motion control units. The system can be configured in various ways that allow perpendicular, rotational and / or angular cutting of workpieces of different shape. Embodiments of the system can include but are not limited to gantry, bridge, multi-axis kinematics (similar in function to OMAX Tilt-A-Jet or A-Jet tools and Hypertherm Echion and HyPrecision systems), 6-axis robot, rotary, and hexapod style machines. In various embodiments, the system is suited to cutting workpieces of a wide variety of thicknesses, including workpieces of negligible thicknesses. In various embodiments, the system 100 is adapted to cut workpieces of a variety of three-dimensional shapes. In some embodiments, the jet can cut at any angle relative to the workpiece.

[0022] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the hopper 126 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 2B is a partially-exploded perspective view of the hopper 126 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, the hopper 126 can include an abrasive material storage component 240, an abrasive delivery device 242, and a cap 244. The abrasive material storage component 240 can include a sidewall 241 having an inner surface 246 that at least partially defines an interior volume or chamber 248 configured to receive abrasive material, e.g., from the abrasive storage container 128 (FIG. 1). The abrasive delivery device 242 can be positioned at least partially within the chamber 248, e.g., with at least a portion of the abrasive delivery device 242 positioned or seated against the inner surface 246. In some embodiments, a grommet or other sealing device 250 can be positioned at least partially within an opening 252 that extends through the sidewall 241 to at least partially define an abrasive feed pathway 254 configured to allow abrasive material to be provided to the abrasive delivery device 242, e.g., from the abrasive storage container 128 (FIG. 1). The abrasive delivery device 242 can define a slot 251 sized and / or otherwise configured to allow the abrasive delivery device 242 to be inserted into the chamber 248 after the sealing device 250 has been installed within the sidewall 241.

[0023] The cap 244 can be configured to couple to the abrasive delivery device 242 and seat against an upper portion of the abrasive material storage component 240, e.g., to at least partially close or seal an opening 256 to the chamber 248. In at least some embodiments, for example, the abrasive delivery device 242 can include a first coupling feature 258a (FIG. 2B) and the cap 244 can include a second coupling feature 258b (FIG. 4) configured to operably engage the first coupling feature 258 to couple the cap 244 to the abrasive delivery device 242. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first and second coupling features 258a,b include mating threaded structures that allow the cap 244 to be screwed onto the abrasive delivery device 242 and securely / sealably engaging the top edge of the abrasive material storage component 240. In at least some embodiments, coupling the cap 244 to the abrasive delivery device 242 can allow the cap 244 to at least partially support the abrasive delivery device 242 in position within the chamber 248.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the abrasive delivery device 242 positioned within the abrasive material storage component 240 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The abrasive delivery device 242 can include an outer body portion 360, an upper surface portion 362, a support tab 364, and a flange 366. The outer body portion 360 can have a cross-sectional shape that is circular, at least generally circular, and / or one or more other suitable shapes (e.g., ovular, triangular, square, rectangular, etc.). When the abrasive delivery device 242 is positioned within the chamber 248, all or at least a part of the outer body portion 360 can be spaced apart from the inner surface 246. The space between the outer body portion 360 and the inner surface 246 can allow a user to manually feed abrasive material into the abrasive material storage component 240, e.g., by pouring and / or otherwise providing abrasive material through the opening 256 and into the space(s) between the outer body portion 360 and the inner surface 246.

[0025] The upper surface portion 362 can be sloped, e.g., toward the support tab 364 and / or the flange 366, and / or otherwise oriented at an angle that is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242. The slope of the upper surface portion 362 can help facilitate the hand-feeding of the abrasive material into the hopper 126. For example, if the user pours abrasive material onto the upper surface portion 362 the slope of the upper surface portion 362 can cause the abrasive material to flow downwardly across the upper surface portion 362, e.g., toward the flange 366 and / or a lower portion of the abrasive material storage component 240. The first coupling feature 258 can be coupled to and / or extend upwardly from the upper surface portion 362, e.g., parallel or at least generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242.

[0026] The support tab 364 can extend outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) from the outer body portion 360, e.g., to define an outermost contact surface 368. The outermost contact surface 368 can be configured to contact the inner surface 246 when the abrasive delivery device 242 is positioned within the chamber 248. In at least some embodiments, the contact between the outermost contact surface 368 and the inner surface 246 can maintain an axial positioning and / or alignment of the abrasive delivery device 242 and the abrasive material storage component 240. For example, the support tab 364 and / or the outermost contact surface 368 thereof can contact the inner surface 246 of the abrasive material storage component 240 to prevent or at least partially prevent the abrasive delivery device 242 from tipping, tilting, and / or otherwise rotating relative to the abrasive material storage component 240 when the abrasive delivery device 242 is positioned within the chamber 248 of the abrasive material storage component 240.

[0027] The flange 366 can extend outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) from and / or at least partially around (e.g., circumferentially around) the outer body portion 360, e.g., to define an outermost contact perimeter 370. The outermost contact perimeter 370 can be configured to contact the inner surface 246 when the abrasive delivery device 242 is positioned within the chamber 248. In at least some embodiments, for example, the outermost contact perimeter 370 can define a shape (e.g., a circular or substantially circular shape) and the inner surface 246 can define a corresponding shape (e.g., a corresponding circular or substantially circular shape) to allow the outermost contact perimeter 370 to be seated in contact with and / or sealingly engage the inner surface 246. The contact between the outermost contact perimeter 370 and the inner surface 246 can prevent, or at least partially prevent, the abrasive delivery device 242 from tipping, tilting, and / or otherwise rotating relative to the abrasive material storage component 240 when positioned therewithin. In some embodiments, placing the outermost contact perimeter 370 in contact with the inner surface 246 can create a seal (e.g., a substantially fluid- and / or abrasive-impermeable seal) between these features that prevents or at least partially prevents air and / or abrasive material from passing between the outermost contact perimeter 370 and the inner surface 246. All or a portion of the flange 366 can be oriented perpendicularly relative to (or at least generally perpendicularly relative to) a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242 and / or can be sloped at an angle that is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 366 extends partially around the circumference of the outer body portion 360, e.g., such that first and second (e.g., left and right) ends of the flange 366 at least partially define the slot 251 described previously with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. When the abrasive delivery device 242 is in the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 3, the flange 366 can be positioned at an elevation below the support tab 364, e.g., with the support tab 364 at least partially between the upper surface portion 362 and the flange 366 relative to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242.

[0028] The flange 366 can include one or more ports or first filter holes 372 (three first filter holes 372a-c labeled) that at least partially define a first filter 374. One or more of the first filter holes 372 can be sized and / or otherwise configured to allow abrasive material to pass through the first filter 374 and travel into a lower portion of the abrasive material storage component 240 and to prevent, or at least partially prevent, debris and / or other materials from passing through the first filter 374. Bulk quantities of abrasive material can include paper chunks from packaging materials, beetle shells, rocks, abrasive clumps, and / or other materials that can clog the liquid jet cutting system 100 (FIG. 1) and / or otherwise negatively impact its operation if these materials are allowed to reach the cutting head 122 (FIG. 1) and / or other portions of the liquid jet cutting system downstream from the hopper 126 (FIG. 1). When abrasive material is manually- or hand-fed into a hopper, it can be difficult and time-consuming to monitoring the abrasive feeding process to identify and remove these materials from the hopper. However, as described above, the first filter 374 can prevent, or at least partially prevent, all or at least a subset of these materials from reaching the cutting head 122 (FIG. 1) and / or other portions of the liquid jet cutting system downstream from the hopper 126 (FIG. 1) and thereby reduce the likelihood that hand-feeding abrasive material into the hopper introduces debris and / or other materials that may negatively impact the system's performance and / or reduce the operational downtime associated with the abrasive feeding process. The sealing engagement between the outermost contact perimeter 370 and the inner surface 246 can cause all or substantially all abrasive material fed into the hopper 126 via the opening 256 to pass through the first filter 374.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper 126 taken substantially along section line A-A of FIG. 2B, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In some embodiments, in addition to the features described previously with reference to FIG. 3, the abrasive delivery device 242 can include (e.g., further include) an abrasive feed nozzle 476 and an inner body portion 478. The abrasive feed nozzle 476 can include an abrasive inlet 480 and an abrasive outlet 482. The abrasive inlet 480 can be positioned against and / or aligned with the sealing device 250, e.g., to communicatively connect the abrasive feed nozzle 476 to the abrasive feed pathway 254. In at least some embodiments, the abrasive inlet 480 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the upstream abrasive conduit 129 therein, e.g., such that the abrasive storage container 128 can provide abrasive material AM to the abrasive delivery device 242 via the conduit 129 and the abrasive feed nozzle 476. In some embodiments, the abrasive inlet 480 includes one or more abutments 484 configured to contact a distal portion of the conduit 129, e.g., to securely retain the distal portion of the conduit 129 within the abrasive inlet 480 and / or prevent, or at least partially prevent, the conduit 129 from becoming dislodged from the abrasive inlet 480. The abrasive outlet 482 can be positioned at least partially within an interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478, e.g., such that the abrasive feed nozzle 476 is configured to supply abrasive material AM from the abrasive storage container 128 into the interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478. The abrasive outlet 482 can be offset from and / or off-center relative to a longitudinal axis L of the hopper 126.

[0030] The abrasive inlet 480 and the abrasive outlet 482 can have different orientations, e.g., relative to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242 and / or the hopper 126. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the abrasive inlet 480 has a first or horizontally-aligned orientation and the abrasive outlet 482 has a second or vertically-aligned orientation, e.g., rotated 90-degrees relative to the first / vertically-aligned orientation. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments the abrasive nozzle 476 defines a non-linear abrasive supply path, e.g., because the abrasive inlet 480 receives abrasive material AM traveling in a first or horizontal direction from the abrasive storage container 128 and the abrasive outlet 482 provides at least a portion of the received abrasive material AM to the interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478 that is traveling a second direction different than (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction. This curved / non-linear abrasive supply path can prevent (or at least substantially prevent) unimpeded or “line-of-sight” access between the abrasive storage container 128 and the interior of the hopper 126 which, as described below, can help to mitigate or prevent abrasive material spillage in the event of an over pressurization condition. The curved / non-linear path between the inlet 480 and the outlet 482 can, additionally or alternatively, restrict how far the conduit 129 can be inserted into the inlet 480, thereby ensuring unblocked flow of abrasive material from the 129 conduit into the abrasive delivery device 242.

[0031] The inner body portion 478 of the abrasive delivery device 242 can be positioned inwardly (e.g., radially inwardly) relative to and / or spaced apart from the outer body portion 360 and can include a sidewall 488, an abrasive platform 490, and a second filter 498. The sidewall 488 can at least partially define one or more pressure-relief ports 494 positioned at least partially between the inner body terminus 492 and the upper surface portion 362 and in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with the interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478. The sidewall 488 can be spaced apart from the outer body portion 360, e.g., to define an annular channel 496 extending at least partially between the inner body portion 478 and the outer body portion 360. The annular channel 496 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with individual ones of the one or more ports 494. In some embodiments, the sidewall 488 extends outwardly (e.g., downwardly, longitudinally, etc.) from the upper surface portion 362 to at least partially define an inner body terminus 492. As seen in FIG. 4, the outer body portion 360 can also extend outwardly (e.g., downwardly, longitudinally, etc.) from the upper surface portion 362 to at least partially define an outer body terminus 497 that can be positioned between (e.g., longitudinally between) the inner body terminus 492 and the upper surface portion 362, e.g., such that when the abrasive delivery device 242 is in the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 4, the outer body terminus 497 is positioned at an elevation above the inner body terminus 492. In other embodiments, however, the inner body terminus 492 can be positioned between (e.g., longitudinally between) the outer body terminus 497 and the upper surface portion 362, e.g., such that when the abrasive delivery device 242 is in the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 4, the inner body terminus 492 is positioned at an elevation above the outer body terminus 497.

[0032] The abrasive platform 490 can be positioned below or downstream from the abrasive nozzle 476 and / or the abrasive outlet 482 thereof. The abrasive platform 490 can have a planar or at least generally planar shape (e.g., be perpendicular or at least generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive delivery device 242) and can be configured to receive and / or at least temporarily support abrasive material AM exiting the abrasive outlet 482. The abrasive platform 490 can be positioned opposite the upper surface portion 362, e.g., such that the interior volume 486 is at least partially between (e.g., longitudinally between) the abrasive platform 490 and the upper surface portion 362. Like the curved / non-linear path defined by the abrasive nozzle 476, the location of the abrasive platform 490 below / downstream from the abrasive nozzle 476 can prevent (e.g., further prevent or at least substantially prevent) unimpeded or “line-of-sight” access between the abrasive storage container 128 and the interior of the hopper 126 which, as described below, can help to mitigate or prevent abrasive material spillage in the event of an over pressurization condition.

[0033] The second filter 498 can include one or more second holes 499 (two second filter holes 499a, 499b identified) positioned outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) from the abrasive platform 490. The one or more second holes 499 can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to one or more of the first holes 372. In at least some embodiments, for example, one or more of the second holes 499 can be sized and / or otherwise configured to allow abrasive material to pass through the second filter 498 and travel into a lower portion of the abrasive material storage component 240 and prevent, or at least partially prevent, debris and / or other materials from passing through the second filter 498. Thus, the second filter 498 can prevent, or at least partially prevent, debris and / or other non-abrasive material that may be within the abrasive storage container 128 from mixing with a reservoir R of abrasive material AM contained within the abrasive material storage component 240 and instead, e.g., trap these materials within the interior volume 486 of the inner body portion 478. The first and second filters 374, 498 of the abrasive delivery device 242 can, accordingly, be configured to filter abrasive material entering the abrasive material storage component 240 regardless of whether that abrasive material is manually-fed or supplied via the conduit 129.

[0034] Abrasive material AM exiting the abrasive outlet 482 can contact and / or spread out along the abrasive platform 490, pass through the second filter 498, and join the reservoir R of abrasive material within the abrasive material storage component 240. In at least some embodiments, the abrasive platform 490 can be configured to allow at least some abrasive material AM to accumulate thereon, e.g., prior to exiting the interior volume 486 via the second filter 498. As abrasive accumulates on the platform 490 it can fall (e.g., via gravity) through the second filter 498 and join the reservoir R of abrasive material. Because the second filter 498 is located radially outwardly from the platform 490, the arrangement of the platform 490 and the second filter 498 is expected to provide a more consistent and / or uniform distribution of abrasive material to the reservoir R. The abrasive platform 490 can also provide space to hold the debris and / or other material that cannot pass through the second filter 498 within the interior volume 486, e.g., without that debris and / or other material clogging, occluding, and / or otherwise covering one or more of the second filter holes 499.

[0035] The cap 244 can include a body 495 that at least partially defines a concave interior area 493 and an opening 491 thereto. The opening 491 can be configured to receive and / or seat against an upper portion of the abrasive material storage component 240, e.g., to at least partially cover, close, or seal the opening 256 to the abrasive material storage component 240. The concave interior area 493 of the cap 244 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with the chamber 248 of the abrasive material storage component 240 via the opening 491.

[0036] The cap 244 can include one or more baffle structures 489 (individually identified as first and second baffle structures 489a, 489b) positioned at least partially within the interior area 493. Each of the baffle structures 489 can at least partially define one or more abrasive catchment chambers 487 (individually identified as first and second abrasive catchment chambers 487a, 487b). The abrasive catchment chambers 487 can define at least a portion of the interior area 493 of the cap 244. As described elsewhere herein, including with reference to at least FIG. 5, all or a subset of the baffle structures 489 and all or a subset of the abrasive catchment chambers 487 can cooperate to prevent, or at least partially prevent, abrasive material AM from spilling or leaking out of the hopper 126 during an over pressurization condition, which can occur if there is an air pocket or other interruption in the flow of abrasive material through the conduit 129, e.g., if or when the abrasive storage container 128 goes empty.

[0037] The cap 244 can further include an annular channel 485 and one or more cap outlets 483. The annular channel 485 can couple (e.g., fluidly couple) the one or more cap outlets 483 to the interior area 493 of the cap 244 (and e.g., to one or more of the abrasive catchment chambers 487 within the interior area 493). As described elsewhere herein, including with reference to at least FIG. 5, the annular channel 485 and the cap outlet 483 can cooperate to allow air within the hopper 126 to escape the hopper 126 while also providing a tortuous path that blocks continued movement of the abrasive through the cap such that abrasive material within the hopper 126 does not, or substantially does not, exit the hopper 126 with the escaping air.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper 126 taken from the same perspective as in FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Under certain circumstances and / or operating conditions, the hopper 126 may receive increased amounts of air (e.g., pressurized air pockets, sustained flows of high-velocity and / or high-pressure air, etc.) from the abrasive storage container 128, e.g., in addition to or instead of receiving abrasive material from the abrasive storage container 128. For example, as described previously the abrasive storage container 128 can be pressurized, e.g., by a pump, and this pressurization can be used to drive abrasive material from the abrasive storage container 128 toward and / or into the hopper 126. Under some (e.g., abnormal) operating conditions, the pressure within the abrasive storage container 128 can cause one or more pockets of air to enter or join the flow of abrasive material to the hopper 126, and / or can cause the hopper 126 to receive sustained flows of pressurized air and little to no abrasive material. The abrasive delivery device 242 and the cap 244 can prevent or at least substantially prevent these air flows from blowing abrasive material out of the hopper 126 and / or otherwise disrupting the operation of the liquid jet cutting system. For the purpose of illustrating how the abrasive delivery device 242 and the cap 244 are configured to dissipate these air flows and reduce or prevent abrasive spillage, FIG. 5 uses arrows to show the flow path(s) through the abrasive delivery device 242 and the cap 244, and includes diamonds to depict how air can travel along the flow path(s), and includes circles to depict how abrasive material can travel along the flow path(s).

[0039] Under normal operating conditions, the abrasive storage container 128 is expected to provide a flow of abrasive material to the abrasive nozzle 476, the content of air in this flow of abrasive material is not expected to negatively impact the operation of the hopper 126 and / or other portions of the system 100, and the abrasive delivery device 242 is configured to direct the abrasive material received from the abrasive storage container 128 into the chamber 248 to join the reservoir R of abrasive material contained therein. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, abrasive material received from the abrasive storage container can enter the abrasive nozzle 476 traveling in a first direction (circle 1), the abrasive nozzle 476 can redirect the abrasive material to travel a second direction into the interior volume 486, e.g., toward and / or into contact with the abrasive platform 490 (circle 2), and all or at least a portion of the abrasive material that enters the interior volume 486 can flow through the second filter 498 and into the chamber 248 (circle 3) to join the reservoir R of abrasive material contained therein.

[0040] Under abnormal operating conditions, such as when the flow of abrasive material from the abrasive storage container 128 is disrupted by one or more pockets of air and / or a sustained flow of pressurized air (e.g., one or more flows of air sufficient to negatively impact the operation of the hopper 126 and / or other portions of the system 100), the features of the abrasive delivery device 242 described herein create a complex and / or tortuous flow path that dissipates this air flow and allows it to escape the abrasive delivery device 242 without (or at least generally without) blowing any of the abrasive material out from the top of the hopper 126. For example, as one or more pockets of air and / or a sustained airflow from the abrasive storage container 128 enters the nozzle 476 (diamond 1), the nozzle 476 can deflect / redirect the air toward the platform 490 (diamond 2). A first portion of the air may escape through the abrasive filter 498 (diamond 3) and a second portion of the air can be deflected off the platform away from the reservoir R (diamond 4). The curved / non-linear shape of the nozzle 476 and the position of the platform 490 beneath / downstream from the outlet 482 of the abrasive nozzle 476 can prevent these air pockets / airflows from having direct, “line-of-sight” access to the reservoir R of abrasive material. For example, the platform 490 can block or otherwise prevent the air exiting the abrasive nozzle 476 from impinging directly upon the reservoir R of abrasive material by deflecting / redirecting at least a portion of this air upwardly toward the one or more ports 494 and / or otherwise away from the reservoir R.

[0041] Some abrasive material may be supported on the platform 490 when the air exits the nozzle 476 and this flow of air can entrain at least a portion of this abrasive material, blowing it off the platform 490 and / or otherwise causing it to travel away from the platform 490 (circle 4), e.g., upwardly through the interior volume 486 toward the upper surface portion 362 and / or the one or more ports (circle 5, diamond 5). This flow of air may drive some of the abrasive material into contact with the upper surface portion 362 which, in turn, can cause at least a portion of this abrasive material to lose velocity and / or momentum and / or otherwise fall out of the flow of air and, e.g., return to the platform 490 and / or exit the interior volume 486 through the second filter 498. The one or more ports 494 can allow at least a portion of the air and / or abrasive material traveling upwardly through the interior volume 486 to exit the interior volume 486 and enter the annular channel 496 (diamond 6, circle 6). The annular channel 496 can deflect / redirect this flow of air and / or abrasive material (diamond 7, circle 7) downwardly, toward and / or into the chamber 248 (diamond 8, circle 8), e.g., to allow the abrasive material to join the reservoir R through the first filter 374 and / or otherwise prevent (or at least generally prevent) the abrasive material from being blown upwardly out from the hopper 126. Redirecting the flow of air via the abrasive platform 490, the one or more ports 494, and the annular channel 496 in this manner is expected to slow and / or otherwise dissipate the flow of air through the abrasive delivery device and thereby prevent, or at least partially prevent, any air (including, e.g., pressurized air pockets or sustained flows from the abrasive storage container) received via the abrasive nozzle from affecting the operation of the hopper and / or other portions of the liquid jet cutting system. Dissipating the flow of air through the abrasive delivery device 242 can, additionally or alternatively, allow abrasive material to pass through the second filter 498 at or near normal or expected rates, which is expected to reduce the likelihood of or even prevent operational issues associated with inconsistent or abnormal abrasive feed rates to the cutting head.

[0042] If the features of the abrasive delivery device 242 do not dissipate the over pressurization condition within the hopper 126, the features of the cap 244 described herein are configured to create a complex and / or tortuous flow path that both allows air within the hopper 126 to escape and prevents all or at least a portion of the abrasive material within the hopper 126 from being blown out from the hopper 126 with the escaping air. For example, if the air exiting the abrasive delivery device 242 (diamond 3, diamond 8) has sufficient momentum to entrain abrasive material from the reservoir R, this air and abrasive material can be deflected (e.g., by / off the reservoir R) upwardly and / or toward the cap 244 (diamond 9, circle 9). At least a portion of this air and / or abrasive material can be deflected back toward the reservoir R by the underside of the first filter 374, although in some instances air and / or abrasive material may make it through the first filter 374 and pass through the opening 491 of the cap 244 to enter the concave interior area 493 thereof. One or more of the baffle structures 489 within the concave interior area 493 can deflect / redirect respective portions of the air and / or abrasive material flow to prevent (or at least generally prevent) abrasive material from being blown out from the hopper 126. For example, the first baffle structure 489a can direct a first portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the cap 244 toward and / or into the first catchment chamber 487a (diamond 10, circle 10). At least some of the abrasive material that enters the first catchment chamber 487a can be driven into contact with the walls of the first catchment chamber 487a which, in turn, can cause at least a portion of this abrasive material to lose velocity and / or momentum and / or otherwise fall out of the flow of air and, e.g., return to the platform 490 and / or exit the interior volume 486 through the second filter 498 (circle 11). The second baffle structure 489b can direct a second portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the cap 244 toward and / or into the second catchment chamber 487b (diamond 12, circle 13). This second portion of the air and / or abrasive material can include at least some of the air and / or abrasive material that is deflected by the first baffle structure 489a and other air and / or abrasive material that travels past the first baffle structure 489a. At least some of the abrasive material that enters the second catchment chamber 487b can be driven into contact with the walls of the second catchment chamber 487b which, in turn, can cause at least a portion of this abrasive material to lose velocity and / or momentum and / or otherwise fall out of the flow of air (circle 14) and, e.g., return toward the upper surface portion 362 the and / or the first filter 374. For example, the second catchment chamber 487b can cause at least some abrasive material to fall onto and / or slide along the upper surface portion 263 of the abrasive delivery device 242 and / or cause at least some abrasive material to fall through the first filter 374 and, e.g., rejoin the reservoir R of abrasive material. Any air that makes it past the second baffle structure 489b (diamond 13) can enter the annular channel 485 (diamond 14) and exit the cap 244 via the outlet 483 (diamond 15). No abrasive material is illustrated exiting the cap 244 via the outlet 483 because the abrasive delivery device 242 and the cap 244 are configured to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, abrasive material from leaving the hopper 126 in this manner.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper 126 taken from the same perspective as in FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The cap 244 can, additionally or alternatively, be configured to prevent liquid intrusion into the interior area 493 thereof and / or the chamber 248 of the abrasive material storage component 240. Because the outlet 483 extends downwardly from the annular channel 485, the orientation of the outlet 483 can inhibit or prevent liquid and / or other contaminants / fluids external to the hopper 126 from flowing into the hopper 126. For example, if the hopper 126 is sprayed with water, e.g., during cleaning, some water may flow / splash into the outlet 483 but the vertical orientation of the outlet 483 is expected to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, water from entering the annular channel 485 and passing into the interior area 493 of the cap 244 and / or the chamber 248 of the abrasive material storage component 240. This, in turn, can keep the reservoir of abrasive material within the abrasive material storage component 240 dry and / or otherwise free from external contaminants.EXAMPLES

[0044] Several aspects of the present technology are described with reference to the following examples:

[0045] 1. An abrasive hopper for a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the abrasive hopper comprising:

[0046] an abrasive material storage component defining a chamber configured to store a reservoir of abrasive material therein and an opening to the chamber configured to allow the reservoir of abrasive material to be replenished;

[0047] an abrasive delivery device configured to be positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component, wherein the abrasive delivery device includes

[0048] an abrasive feed nozzle configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive material source,

[0049] an internal filter positioned downstream from the abrasive feed nozzle and configured to direct abrasive material received via the abrasive feed nozzle toward the reservoir of abrasive material, and

[0050] an external filter positioned radially outwardly of and spaced apart from the internal filter, wherein the external filter is configured to direct abrasive material received via the opening toward the reservoir of abrasive material; and

[0051] a cap configured to be removably coupled to the abrasive delivery device and to cover the opening to the chamber when coupled to the abrasive delivery device and the abrasive delivery device is positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component.

[0052] 2. The abrasive hopper of example 1 wherein the abrasive feed nozzle includes an abrasive inlet positioned to receive abrasive material travelling in a first direction and an abrasive outlet positioned to direct received abrasive material in a second direction different than the first direction.

[0053] 3. The abrasive hopper of example 1 or example 2 wherein the abrasive delivery device further includes one or more ports positioned radially between the internal filter and external filter, and wherein the one or more ports are located at an elevation above the internal filter and the external filter at least when the abrasive delivery device is positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component.

[0054] 4. The abrasive hopper of any of examples 1-3 wherein the cap includes an annular channel configured to be fluidly coupled to the chamber of the abrasive material storage component and an outlet passageway configured to fluidly couple the annular channel to an environment external to the abrasive hopper, wherein the outlet passageway is configured to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive material storage component at least when the cap is positioned to cover the opening to the chamber.

[0055] 5. A method of using an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the method comprising:

[0056] receiving, via a nozzle of an abrasive delivery device of the abrasive hopper, abrasive material and air from an abrasive material source, the abrasive material and air travelling in a first direction when exiting the nozzle;

[0057] causing, via a platform of the abrasive delivery device, at least a portion of the abrasive material and air to travel in a second direction different than the first direction within the abrasive delivery device toward an upper portion of the abrasive delivery device; and

[0058] allowing, via one or more ports in the upper portion of the abrasive delivery device, the portion of the abrasive material and air to exit the abrasive delivery device and travel in the first direction toward a reservoir of abrasive material contained within the abrasive hopper.

[0059] 6. The method of example 5, further comprising:

[0060] prior to receiving the abrasive material and air

[0061] receiving, via the nozzle, abrasive material from the abrasive material source within the abrasive delivery device, and

[0062] causing the received abrasive material to travel through an internal filter of the abrasive delivery device and toward the reservoir of abrasive material.

[0063] 7. The method of example 5 or example 6, further comprising:

[0064] directing, via an external filter of the abrasive delivery device, a flow of air from below the abrasive delivery device into a cap coupled to and positioned above the abrasive delivery device;

[0065] disrupting, via a baffle structure of the cap, the flow of air into the cap; and

[0066] causing, via an outlet channel of the cap, at least a portion of the flow of air to travel out from the abrasive hopper and into the surrounding environment.

[0067] 8. The method of example 7 wherein the flow of air includes entrained abrasive material, and wherein disrupting the flow of air includes causing at least a portion of the entrained abrasive material to leave the flow of air and return toward the reservoir of abrasive material.

[0068] 9. The method of example 7 or example 8 wherein the baffle structure defines a chamber within the cap, and wherein disrupting the flow of air includes receiving at least a portion of the flow of air within the chamber and directing the portion of the flow of air downwardly toward the abrasive delivery device.

[0069] 10. An abrasive delivery device for an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the abrasive delivery device comprising:

[0070] a body portion configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive hopper and including an outer wall that at least partially defines an interior volume and one or more pressure relief ports communicatively coupling the interior volume to an environment external to the body portion;

[0071] an abrasive feed nozzle coupled to the body portion and positioned at least partially within the interior volume, the abrasive feed nozzle including an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive feed supply and an abrasive outlet positioned within the interior volume of the body portion;

[0072] a platform positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the body portion downstream from the abrasive outlet; and

[0073] a filter positioned at least partially around the platform, the filter comprising a plurality of filter holes configured to direct abrasive material from the platform toward a lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

[0074] 11. The abrasive delivery device of example 10 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of the inner body portion and configured to be received within the abrasive hopper.

[0075] 12. The abrasive delivery device of example 11, further comprising an upper portion, wherein the outer body portion extends longitudinally away from the upper portion to an outer body terminus, wherein the inner body portion extends longitudinally away from the upper portion to an inner body terminus, and wherein the inner body terminus is located further away from the upper portion than the outer body terminus.

[0076] 13. The abrasive delivery device of example 12 wherein the inner and outer body portions define a longitudinal axis, and wherein the upper portion is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0077] 14. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 10-13 wherein the filter is an internal filter and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an external filter positioned radially outwardly from the body portion, the external filter comprising a plurality of external filter holes configured to direct abrasive material received within the abrasive hopper external to the body portion toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

[0078] 15. The abrasive delivery device of example 14 wherein the external filter further comprises a flange extending radially outwardly relative to the body portion, and wherein the plurality of external filter holes extend vertically through the flange.

[0079] 16. The abrasive delivery device of example 15 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion, and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of the inner body portion, and wherein the flange extends radially outwardly from the outer body portion.

[0080] 17. The abrasive delivery device of example 16 wherein the abrasive delivery device is configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive material storage component of the abrasive hopper, and wherein a radially-outermost surface of the flange is configured to contact an inner surface of the abrasive material storage component when the outer body portion is positioned therewithin.

[0081] 18. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 10-17 wherein the outer wall of the body portion at least partially defines an annular channel fluidly coupled to the interior volume via the one or more pressure relief ports.

[0082] 19. The abrasive delivery device of example 18 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion, wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of and spaced apart from the inner body portion, and wherein the annular channel is located at least partially between the inner body portion and the outer body portion.

[0083] 20. The abrasive delivery device of example 18 or example 19 wherein the body portion includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the first end portion includes the platform, the filter, and the plurality of filter holes, and wherein the second end portion includes the one or more pressure relief ports.

[0084] 21. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 18-20 wherein the platform is positioned in a path of air traveling through the abrasive outlet in a first direction and is configured to redirect at least a portion of the air in a second direction toward the one or more pressure relief ports.

[0085] 22. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 18-21 wherein the annular channel is oriented to direct air within the interior volume of the body portion toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

[0086] 23. The abrasive delivery device of any of examples 10-22, wherein the abrasive delivery device is configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive material storage component of the abrasive hopper, and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises a tab extending radially outwardly relative to the body portion, wherein the tab is configured to contact an inner surface of the abrasive material storage component to at least partially prevent the abrasive delivery device from rotating relative to the abrasive material storage component when the abrasive delivery device is positioned therein.

[0087] 24. A cap for an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the cap comprising:

[0088] a body defining an interior area and an opening thereto, wherein the opening is configured to receive air and / or abrasive material traveling in a first direction away from a lower portion of the abrasive hopper and to direct the air and / or abrasive material into the interior area;

[0089] a baffle structure positioned within the interior area and oriented to extend toward the opening, wherein the baffle structure is configured to redirect at least a portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area in a second direction different than the first direction;

[0090] an annular channel extending through the body, positioned radially outwardly from the baffle structure, and fluidly coupled to the interior area, wherein the annular channel is configured to receive at least a second portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area; and

[0091] an outlet fluidly coupling the annular channel to an environment external to the cap, wherein the outlet is configured to allow all or part of the second portion of the air and / or abrasive material to flow outwardly from within the annular channel toward the external environment.

[0092] 25. The cap of example 24 wherein the body defines a center axis, and wherein the baffle structure is angled radially inwardly toward the center axis.

[0093] 26. The cap of example 24 or example 25 wherein:

[0094] the baffle structure is a first baffle structure,

[0095] the cap further comprises a second baffle structure configured to redirect at least a third portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area in a third direction different than the first direction, and

[0096] the first baffle structure is positioned at least partially between the second baffle structure and the opening.

[0097] 27. The cap of any of examples 24-26 wherein the outlet is positioned radially outwardly from the opening.

[0098] 28. The cap of any of examples 24-27 wherein the annular channel extends circumferentially around the opening.

[0099] 29. The cap of any of examples 24-28 wherein the baffle structure at least partially defines an abrasive catchment chamber, wherein, when a flow of air and abrasive material enters the interior area, the abrasive catchment chamber is configured to cause abrasive material received therein to leave the flow of air and return toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

[0100] 30. The cap of any of examples 24-29, further comprising a set of coupling features configured to allow the cap to be removably coupled to an abrasive delivery device of the abrasive hopper.Conclusion

[0101] This disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed herein. Although specific embodiments are disclosed herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible without deviating from the present technology, as those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize. In some cases, well-known structures and functions have not been shown and / or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present technology. Although steps of methods may be presented herein in a particular order, in alternative embodiments the steps may have another suitable order. Similarly, certain aspects of the present technology disclosed in the context of particular embodiments can be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments may have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages or other advantages disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the present technology.

[0102] Certain aspects of the present technology may take the form of computer-executable instructions, including routines executed by the computing device 120. In some embodiments, the computing device 120 is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of these computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, some aspects of the present technology may take the form of data (e.g., non-transitory data) stored on the memory 136 or stored or distributed on other computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable or removable computer discs as well as media distributed electronically over networks. Accordingly, data structures and transmissions of data particular to aspects of the present technology are encompassed within the scope of the present technology. The present technology also encompasses methods of both programming computer-readable media to perform particular steps and executing the steps.

[0103] Throughout this disclosure, the singular terms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the terms “comprising” and the like may be used herein to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature(s) and / or one or more additional types of features are not precluded. Directional terms, such as “upper,”“lower,”“front,”“back,”“vertical,” and “horizontal,” may be used herein to express and clarify the relationship between various elements. It should be understood that such terms do not denote absolute orientation. Reference herein to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” or similar formulations means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations herein are not all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, various particular features, structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0104] As used herein, the use of relative terminology, such as “about”, “approximately”, “substantially” and the like refer to the stated value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the use of the term “about 100” refers to a range of from 90 to 110, inclusive. In instances in which the context requires otherwise and / or relative terminology is used in reference to something that does not include a numerical value, the terms are given their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art.

Examples

examples

[0044]Several aspects of the present technology are described with reference to the following examples:[0045]1. An abrasive hopper for a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the abrasive hopper comprising:[0046]an abrasive material storage component defining a chamber configured to store a reservoir of abrasive material therein and an opening to the chamber configured to allow the reservoir of abrasive material to be replenished;[0047]an abrasive delivery device configured to be positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component, wherein the abrasive delivery device includes[0048]an abrasive feed nozzle configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive material source,[0049]an internal filter positioned downstream from the abrasive feed nozzle and configured to direct abrasive material received via the abrasive feed nozzle toward the reservoir of abrasive material, and[0050]an external filter positioned radially outwardly of and sp...

Claims

1. An abrasive hopper for a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the abrasive hopper comprising:an abrasive material storage component defining a chamber configured to store a reservoir of abrasive material therein and an opening to the chamber configured to allow the reservoir of abrasive material to be replenished;an abrasive delivery device configured to be positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component, wherein the abrasive delivery device includesan abrasive feed nozzle configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive material source,an internal filter positioned downstream from the abrasive feed nozzle and configured to direct abrasive material received via the abrasive feed nozzle toward the reservoir of abrasive material, andan external filter positioned radially outwardly of and spaced apart from the internal filter, wherein the external filter is configured to direct abrasive material received via the opening toward the reservoir of abrasive material; anda cap configured to be removably coupled to the abrasive delivery device and to cover the opening to the chamber when coupled to the abrasive delivery device and the abrasive delivery device is positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component.

2. The abrasive hopper of claim 1 wherein the abrasive feed nozzle includes an abrasive inlet positioned to receive abrasive material travelling in a first direction and an abrasive outlet positioned to direct received abrasive material in a second direction different than the first direction.

3. The abrasive hopper of claim 1 wherein the abrasive delivery device further includes one or more ports positioned radially between the internal filter and external filter, and wherein the one or more ports are located at an elevation above the internal filter and the external filter at least when the abrasive delivery device is positioned at least partially within the chamber of the abrasive material storage component.

4. The abrasive hopper of claim 1 wherein the cap includes an annular channel configured to be fluidly coupled to the chamber of the abrasive material storage component and an outlet passageway configured to fluidly couple the annular channel to an environment external to the abrasive hopper, wherein the outlet passageway is configured to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the abrasive material storage component at least when the cap is positioned to cover the opening to the chamber.

5. A method of using an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the method comprising:receiving, via a nozzle of an abrasive delivery device of the abrasive hopper, abrasive material and air from an abrasive material source, the abrasive material and air travelling in a first direction when exiting the nozzle;causing, via a platform of the abrasive delivery device, at least a portion of the abrasive material and air to travel in a second direction different than the first direction within the abrasive delivery device toward an upper portion of the abrasive delivery device; andallowing, via one or more ports in the upper portion of the abrasive delivery device, the portion of the abrasive material and air to exit the abrasive delivery device and travel in the first direction toward a reservoir of abrasive material contained within the abrasive hopper.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:prior to receiving the abrasive material and airreceiving, via the nozzle, abrasive material from the abrasive material source within the abrasive delivery device, andcausing the received abrasive material to travel through an internal filter of the abrasive delivery device and toward the reservoir of abrasive material.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising:directing, via an external filter of the abrasive delivery device, a flow of air from below the abrasive delivery device into a cap coupled to and positioned above the abrasive delivery device;disrupting, via a baffle structure of the cap, the flow of air into the cap; andcausing, via an outlet channel of the cap, at least a portion of the flow of air to travel out from the abrasive hopper and into the surrounding environment.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the flow of air includes entrained abrasive material, and wherein disrupting the flow of air includes causing at least a portion of the entrained abrasive material to leave the flow of air and return toward the reservoir of abrasive material.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the baffle structure defines a chamber within the cap, and wherein disrupting the flow of air includes receiving at least a portion of the flow of air within the chamber and directing the portion of the flow of air downwardly toward the abrasive delivery device.

10. An abrasive delivery device for an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the abrasive delivery device comprising:a body portion configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive hopper and including an outer wall that at least partially defines an interior volume and one or more pressure relief ports communicatively coupling the interior volume to an environment external to the body portion;an abrasive feed nozzle coupled to the body portion and positioned at least partially within the interior volume, the abrasive feed nozzle including an abrasive inlet configured to receive abrasive material from an abrasive feed supply and an abrasive outlet positioned within the interior volume of the body portion;a platform positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the body portion downstream from the abrasive outlet; anda filter positioned at least partially around the platform, the filter comprising a plurality of filter holes configured to direct abrasive material from the platform toward a lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

11. The abrasive delivery device of claim 10 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of the inner body portion and configured to be received within the abrasive hopper.

12. The abrasive delivery device of claim 11, further comprising an upper portion, wherein the outer body portion extends longitudinally away from the upper portion to an outer body terminus, wherein the inner body portion extends longitudinally away from the upper portion to an inner body terminus, and wherein the inner body terminus is located further away from the upper portion than the outer body terminus.

13. The abrasive delivery device of claim 12 wherein the inner and outer body portions define a longitudinal axis, and wherein the upper portion is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

14. The abrasive delivery device of claim 10 wherein the filter is an internal filter and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an external filter positioned radially outwardly from the body portion, the external filter comprising a plurality of external filter holes configured to direct abrasive material received within the abrasive hopper external to the body portion toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

15. The abrasive delivery device of claim 14 wherein the external filter further comprises a flange extending radially outwardly relative to the body portion, and wherein the plurality of external filter holes extend vertically through the flange.

16. The abrasive delivery device of claim 15 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion, and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of the inner body portion, and wherein the flange extends radially outwardly from the outer body portion.

17. The abrasive delivery device of claim 16 wherein the abrasive delivery device is configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive material storage component of the abrasive hopper, and wherein a radially-outermost surface of the flange is configured to contact an inner surface of the abrasive material storage component when the outer body portion is positioned therewithin.

18. The abrasive delivery device of claim 10 wherein the outer wall of the body portion at least partially defines an annular channel fluidly coupled to the interior volume via the one or more pressure relief ports.

19. The abrasive delivery device of claim 18 wherein the body portion is an inner body portion, wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises an outer body portion positioned radially outwardly of and spaced apart from the inner body portion, and wherein the annular channel is located at least partially between the inner body portion and the outer body portion.

20. The abrasive delivery device of claim 18 wherein the body portion includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the first end portion includes the platform, the filter, and the plurality of filter holes, and wherein the second end portion includes the one or more pressure relief ports.

21. The abrasive delivery device of claim 18 wherein the platform is positioned in a path of air traveling through the abrasive outlet in a first direction and is configured to redirect at least a portion of the air in a second direction toward the one or more pressure relief ports.

22. The abrasive delivery device of claim 18 wherein the annular channel is oriented to direct air within the interior volume of the body portion toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

23. The abrasive delivery device of claim 10, wherein the abrasive delivery device is configured to be received at least partially within an abrasive material storage component of the abrasive hopper, and wherein the abrasive delivery device further comprises a tab extending radially outwardly relative to the body portion, wherein the tab is configured to contact an inner surface of the abrasive material storage component to at least partially prevent the abrasive delivery device from rotating relative to the abrasive material storage component when the abrasive delivery device is positioned therein.

24. A cap for an abrasive hopper of a high-pressure liquid jet cutting system, the cap comprising:a body defining an interior area and an opening thereto, wherein the opening is configured to receive air and / or abrasive material traveling in a first direction away from a lower portion of the abrasive hopper and to direct the air and / or abrasive material into the interior area;a baffle structure positioned within the interior area and oriented to extend toward the opening, wherein the baffle structure is configured to redirect at least a portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area in a second direction different than the first direction;an annular channel extending through the body, positioned radially outwardly from the baffle structure, and fluidly coupled to the interior area, wherein the annular channel is configured to receive at least a second portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area; andan outlet fluidly coupling the annular channel to an environment external to the cap, wherein the outlet is configured to allow all or part of the second portion of the air and / or abrasive material to flow outwardly from within the annular channel toward the external environment.

25. The cap of claim 24 wherein the body defines a center axis, and wherein the baffle structure is angled radially inwardly toward the center axis.

26. The cap of claim 24 wherein:the baffle structure is a first baffle structure,the cap further comprises a second baffle structure configured to redirect at least a third portion of the air and / or abrasive material that enters the interior area in a third direction different than the first direction, andthe first baffle structure is positioned at least partially between the second baffle structure and the opening.

27. The cap of claim 24 wherein the outlet is positioned radially outwardly from the opening.

28. The cap of claim 24 wherein the annular channel extends circumferentially around the opening.

29. The cap of claim 24 wherein the baffle structure at least partially defines an abrasive catchment chamber, wherein, when a flow of air and abrasive material enters the interior area, the abrasive catchment chamber is configured to cause abrasive material received therein to leave the flow of air and return toward the lower portion of the abrasive hopper.

30. The cap of claim 24, further comprising a set of coupling features configured to allow the cap to be removably coupled to an abrasive delivery device of the abrasive hopper.

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