Abstract: A plasma torch system and method is provided, in which the system utilizes a number of pressure sensors throughout the system and the torch to detect the flow/pressure of shield and plasma gas during operation. The detected pressures are used by the system to dynamically control the system pressures to optimize the cutting operation.

Abstract: Gas flow control for a plasma arc torch is provided. More particularly, a method and apparatus to modulate the pressure and flow from a plasma arc torch is provided. Cyclic pulsing of a flow control valve between states of fully open and fully closed provides for a relatively constant flow of plasma gas to the torch at a relatively constant pressure.

Abstract: A plasma torch system and method is provided, in which the system utilizes a number of pressure sensors throughout the system and the torch to detect the flow/pressure of shield and plasma gas during operation. The detected pressures are used by the system to dynamically control the system pressures to optimize the cutting operation.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes a cathode adaptor body having at least two sealant channels with sealant rings. The torch also includes a cathode body having at least two sealant channels with sealant rings. The torch further includes a pilot arc connector having at least two sealant channels with sealant rings. The torch additionally includes a rear isolator that includes at least two sealant channels with sealant rings that engage an anode body and are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is in a range of 2 percent to 50 percent of an overall length of the rear isolator. The rear isolator also includes at least two sealant channels with sealant rings that engage a ring isolator and are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is in a range of 2 percent to 50 percent of the overall length of the rear isolator.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes a cathode adaptor body having at least two sealant channels with sealant rings. The torch also includes a cathode body having at least two sealant channels with sealant rings. The torch further includes a pilot arc connector having at least two sealant channels with sealant rings. The torch additionally includes a rear isolator that includes at least two sealant channels with sealant rings that engage an anode body and are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is in a range of 2 percent to 50 percent of an overall length of the rear isolator. The rear isolator also includes at least two sealant channels with sealant rings that engage a ring isolator and are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is in a range of 2 percent to 50 percent of the overall length of the rear isolator.

Abstract: A plasma arc system includes a single-gas, gas-cooled plasma arc torch and a torch control unit. The torch control unit includes a housing and a user input device on the housing for receiving an indication of a desired cutting or marking function and for providing a responsive signal. A single gas supply both to the housing, and from the housing to the torch, is provided for cutting or marking. A current control device is located within the housing for controlling current output to the torch for either cutting or marking. A gas control device is located within the housing for controlling gas output to the torch for either cutting or marking. A controller is located within the housing for receiving the signal from the user input device indicating the desired cutting or marking function, and for sending a responsive signal to the current control and gas control devices depending on the desired cutting or marking function so that the torch operates accordingly. A related control until is disclosed.

Abstract: A plasma arc system includes a single-gas, gas-cooled plasma arc torch and a torch control unit. The torch control unit includes a housing and a user input device on the housing for receiving an indication of a desired cutting or marking function and for providing a responsive signal. A single gas supply both to the housing, and from the housing to the torch, is provided for cutting or marking. A current control device is located within the housing for controlling current output to the torch for either cutting or marking. A gas control device is located within the housing for controlling gas output to the torch for either cutting or marking. A controller is located within the housing for receiving the signal from the user input device indicating the desired cutting or marking function, and for sending a responsive signal to the current control and gas control devices depending on the desired cutting or marking function so that the torch operates accordingly. A related control until is disclosed.

Abstract: A starting circuit for use with a plasma torch is provided including circuitry for initiating a pilot arc using a unipolar voltage impulse. A transformer is selectively coupled to a DC source so that an impulse is introduced using the same DC source used to maintain an established pilot arc. A method is provided wherein an arc can be initiated while at the same time the DC source is pre-loaded so that surge injection circuitry is not needed to sustain the arc while ramping to the full pilot arc current level.

Abstract: A starting circuit for use with a plasma torch is provided including circuitry for initiating a pilot arc using a unipolar voltage impulse. A transformer is selectively coupled to a DC source so that an impulse is introduced using the same DC source used to maintain an established pilot arc. A method is provided wherein an arc can be initiated while at the same time the DC source is pre-loaded so that surge injection circuitry is not needed to sustain the arc while ramping to the full pilot arc current level.

Abstract: A controllable A.C power supply for supplying quasi square waves of alternating current to a welding arc between an electrode and a metal workpiece such as aluminum, aluminum alloys and the like comprising a first controllable alternately conducting current path for providing for current flow from the electrode to the workpiece; a second controllable alternately conducting current path for providing for current flow from the workpiece to the electrode; inductor means connect in the first and second current paths for accumulating and dissipating energy to maintain the square waves of current; and commutating means for forcibly rendering the second current path nonconductive whereby energy stored in the inductor means provides a voltage sufficient to reestablish the welding current flow from the electrode to the workpiece.