Patents by Inventor Aaron D. Brandt
Aaron D. Brandt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11850681Abstract: A double nozzle for a laser processing head includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a bore for passing a laser beam, a first interface surface near a distal end of the inner body portion, the first interface surface including a plurality of channels, and an exterior surface near a proximal end of the inner body portion and shaped to engage the laser processing head. Each channel includes interior and exterior linear edges in a cross-section that passes though a central longitudinal axis of the double nozzle. The double nozzle also includes an outer body portion connected to the inner body portion. The outer body portion defines a jet surface, which together with the plurality of channels defines a corresponding plurality of auxiliary fluid flow paths about the bore and between the inner body portion and the outer body portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Woods, David J. Cook, Joe Ciambra, Marco Celeghin, Aaron D. Brandt, Sanjay Garg
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Publication number: 20200198057Abstract: A double nozzle for a laser processing head includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a bore for passing a laser beam, a first interface surface near a distal end of the inner body portion, the first interface surface including a plurality of channels, and an exterior surface near a proximal end of the inner body portion and shaped to engage the laser processing head. Each channel includes interior and exterior linear edges in a cross-section that passes though a central longitudinal axis of the double nozzle. The double nozzle also includes an outer body portion connected to the inner body portion. The outer body portion defines a jet surface, which together with the plurality of channels defines a corresponding plurality of auxiliary fluid flow paths about the bore and between the inner body portion and the outer body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Kenneth J. Woods, David J. Cook, Joe Ciambra, Marco Celeghin, Aaron D. Brandt, Sanjay Garg
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Patent number: 8866038Abstract: A component for a plasma arc torch includes a body portion, a tapered surface on the body portion, the tapered surface including a compressible member that provides a disengagement force relative to the body portion, and an axially disposed surface on the body portion for coupling a mating surface on an adjacent structure of the torch. The component can be a nozzle and/or an electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jon W. Lindsay, Brent R. Bartlett, Aaron D. Brandt, Zheng Duan, Stephen M. Liebold
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Patent number: 8809728Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan
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Patent number: 8541710Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan
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Patent number: 8395077Abstract: Plasma arc torches described herein include a torch tip with an improved nozzle that provides angular shield flow injection. In particular, the nozzle provides angular/conical impingement of a fluid (e.g., a shield gas) on an ionized plasma gas flowing through a plasma arc torch. Some of the torch tips described herein include a nozzle with a conical external shape combined with a shield with complementing internal geometry to form the angular fluid flow. As a result, a plasma arc torch including the improved nozzle have the benefits of a stabilized ionized plasma gas flow together with enhanced nozzle cooling and protection from reflecting slag during torch use.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Zheng Duan, Stephen M. Liebold, Aaron D. Brandt
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Publication number: 20110062124Abstract: Plasma arc torches described herein include a torch tip with an improved nozzle that provides angular shield flow injection. In particular, the nozzle provides angular/conical impingement of a fluid (e.g., a shield gas) on an ionized plasma gas flowing through a plasma arc torch. Some of the torch tips described herein include a nozzle with a conical external shape combined with a shield with complementing internal geometry to form the angular fluid flow. As a result, a plasma arc torch including the improved nozzle have the benefits of a stabilized ionized plasma gas flow together with enhanced nozzle cooling and protection from reflecting slag during torch use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Zheng Duan, Stephen M. Liebold, Aaron D. Brandt
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Patent number: 7829816Abstract: Plasma arc torches described herein include a torch tip with an improved nozzle that provides angular shield flow injection. In particular, the nozzle provides angular/conical impingement of a fluid (e.g., a shield gas) on an ionized plasma gas flowing through a plasma arc torch. Some of the torch tips described herein include a nozzle with a conical external shape combined with a shield with complementing internal geometry to form the angular fluid flow. As a result, a plasma arc torch including the improved nozzle have the benefits of a stabilized ionized plasma gas flow together with enhanced nozzle cooling and protection from reflecting slag during torch use.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Zheng Duan, Stephen M. Liebold, Aaron D. Brandt
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Patent number: 7754996Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Publication number: 20090308849Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Publication number: 20080210670Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan
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Publication number: 20080173622Abstract: A component for a plasma arc torch includes a body portion, a tapered surface on the body portion, the tapered surface including a compressible member that provides a disengagement force relative to the body portion, and an axially disposed surface on the body portion for coupling a mating surface on an adjacent structure of the torch. The component can be a nozzle and/or an electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Jon W. Lindsay, Brent R. Bartlett, Aaron D. Brandt, Zheng Duan, Stephen M. Liebold
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Publication number: 20080169272Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan
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Publication number: 20080116179Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: David J. Cook, Richard W. Couch, Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 7193174Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 7019255Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 6946617Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Publication number: 20040200810Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 6614001Abstract: An output structure for material processing apparatus facilitates field replacement of consumable components, while maintaining important alignments. Contoured surfaces within the output structure mate with corresponding contoured surfaces on the consumable components, thereby facilitating alignment of the consumable components with an axis of the output structure. Material processing apparatus employing such surfaces include lasers and plasma arc torches and, with proper alignment, apparatus performance is improved. Typical consumable components include electrodes, swirl rings, nozzles, and shields. The consumable components can be axially translatable with respect to each other, thereby promoting contact starting of a plasma arc torch. An installation tool for consumable components also serves to align the components with an axis of the output structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Hackett, Yutaka Nakano, Zhipeng Lu, Aaron D. Brandt, Brian J. Currier, Kenneth J. Woods
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Patent number: RE49153Abstract: A component for a plasma arc torch includes a body portion, a tapered surface on the body portion, the tapered surface including a compressible member that provides a disengagement force relative to the body portion, and an axially disposed surface on the body portion for coupling a mating surface on an adjacent structure of the torch. The component can be a nozzle and/or an electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jon W. Lindsay, Brent R. Bartlett, Aaron D. Brandt, Zheng Duan, Stephen M. Liebold