Abstract: An electronically adjustable damper system includes at least one electronically adjustable damper. The electronically adjustable damper includes at least one electronically controlled valve, whereby, the damper is electronically adjustable. The electronically adjustable damper system also includes a controller for adjusting each of the electronically adjustable dampers independently via the electronically controlled valves, and a remote electronic device. The electronically adjustable damper system allows a user to tune the dampers by allowing a user to adjust the electronically adjustable damper system to different applications and functions for various users, conditions, or both.

Abstract: An adjustable rebound buffer includes: an outer perimeter, a central shaft hole and at least one adjustable hole. The outer perimeter is sized to fit inside a buffer cavity of the hydraulic damper. The central shaft hole is sized to fit around a damper shaft and position the adjustable rebound buffer on the damper shaft. The at least one adjustable hole provides an adjustable bleed path through the adjustable rebound buffer. A hydraulic damper with the adjustable rebound buffer includes the buffer cavity, wherein, the outer perimeter of the adjustable rebound buffer is adapted to fit inside the buffer cavity as the hydraulic damper approaches full extension.

Abstract: An adjustable rebound buffer includes: an outer perimeter, a central shaft hole and at least one adjustable hole. The outer perimeter is sized to fit inside a buffer cavity of the hydraulic damper. The central shaft hole is sized to fit around a damper shaft and position the adjustable rebound buffer on the damper shaft. The at least one adjustable hole provides an adjustable bleed path through the adjustable rebound buffer. A hydraulic damper with the adjustable rebound buffer includes the buffer cavity, wherein, the outer perimeter of the adjustable rebound buffer is adapted to fit inside the buffer cavity as the hydraulic damper approaches full extension.

Abstract: An electronically adjustable damper system includes at least one electronically adjustable damper. The electronically adjustable damper includes at least one electronically controlled valve, whereby, the damper is electronically adjustable. The electronically adjustable damper system also includes a controller for adjusting each of the electronically adjustable dampers independently via the electronically controlled valves, and a remote electronic device. The electronically adjustable damper system allows a user to tune the dampers by allowing a user to adjust the electronically adjustable damper system to different applications and functions for various users, conditions, or both.

Abstract: To assist in the development of travel plans, at least one first and at least one second user input mechanism is provided via a graphical user interface to a user. In response, first travel inputs and second travel inputs are received and respectively used to derive baseline and revised travel parameters, which travel parameters respectively include a baseline and revised environmental impact indication. The baseline and revised travel parameters, including the environmental impact indications, are presented via the graphical user interface. Difference values between the respective baseline and revised travel parameters may be determined and likewise presented. Furthermore, cost and commute time indications may be determined in a similar fashion, i.e., based on the first and second travel inputs, and subsequently presented. The environmental impact indications may be provided in the form of estimated carbon emissions.

Abstract: A muffler includes an upstream outer shell, a downstream outer shell, and identical upstream and downstream inner baffles forming in combination an upstream expansion chamber, an inner expansion chamber, and a downstream expansion chamber. The upstream and downstream inner baffles divide the inner expansion chamber therebetween into a main chamber and first and second laterally spaced subchambers. The upstream and downstream inner baffles have respective sets of apertures therethrough laterally offset from each other and aligned with respective subchambers and communicating exhaust from the upstream expansion chamber through the set of apertures in the upstream inner baffle into the first subchamber and then flowing laterally through the main chamber to the second subchamber and then flowing through the second set of apertures into the downstream expansion chamber.

Abstract: A torch height control system maintains a substantially constant operating parameter of the arc during processing of a workpiece by measuring the operating parameter, comparing the operating parameter to a reference value to generate a deviation, adjusting a standoff between the torch and the workpiece by moving the torch relative to the workpiece at a rate which increases with an increase in the deviation to minimize the deviation, and clamping the rate of torch movement relative to the workpiece when the deviation exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch system includes a plasma arc torch and a positioning apparatus for automated processing of workpieces. In order to maintain consistent cut quality, a controller maintains arc voltage at a predetermined reference value by controlling a standoff between the torch and the workpiece. To prevent contact between the torch and workpiece during kerf crossings and to maintain an optimum standoff during acceleration and deceleration, standoff control override algorithms are implemented in the controller. Additionally, a contact sensing apparatus is provided to automatically retract the torch in the event of contact with the workpiece during processing.

Abstract: A liquid cooled plasma arc cutting torch system includes a plasma arc torch, a torch receptacle and a cooling system. The torch is removably mounted to the receptacle. The cooling system includes a liquid storage tank, supply and return lines providing fluid communication paths between the tank and the receptacle and a pump for pumping the cooling liquid from the tank through the supply line, the receptacle, the torch and the return line. A valve coupled to the return line includes a nozzle that directs liquid toward an inside top surface of the tank. A flow restriction member may be provided to equalize pressure in the supply with atmospheric pressure when the pump is not operating. A pressurized gas source may be utilized to substantially clear the receptacle, torch and return line of liquid when the pump is not operating.

Abstract: An arc control circuit in a plasma arc torch, having an electrode and a nozzle, maintains a plasma arc during operation of the torch. The circuit includes a power supply electrically coupled to the electrode, nozzle and a workpiece. A logic device opens a power switch electrically coupling the nozzle to the power supply, disconnecting the nozzle from the supply, when a transferred arc is formed between the electrode and the workpiece. An amplifier is electrically connected to the power supply. The amplifier compares a sensed current to an operating current. The amplifier increases the output voltage of a power supply to maintain the operating current in coordination with an increasing distance between the workpiece and the torch. A comparator is electrically connected to a logic device and compares the output voltage of the power supply to a maximum voltage. When the output voltage of the power supply exceeds the maximum voltage, the comparator sets the logic device.

Abstract: Circuitry and methods for reducing nozzle wear during starting of a plasma arc torch, even with a large standoff distance from a workpiece is described. The invention features a method of starting a plasma arc torch for cutting a workpiece using a pilot voltage to ionize a plasma gas and generate a pilot arc between an electrode and a nozzle. The method expedites the transfer of the arc from the nozzle to the workpiece by passing a generally smooth signal through the electrode before, during and after the arc transfers to the workpiece. A high frequency high voltage starting circuit is constructed with a pilot arc circuit isolated from a transfer arc circuit. A signal is generated which has a magnitude sufficient to ionizes a plasma gas to generate a pilot arc between the electrode and the nozzle and has a magnitude which generally increases after the pilot arc has been generated in order to expedite the transfer of the arc.

Abstract: A high frequency, high voltage starting circuit for a plasma arc cutting torch is constructed and operated with isolation between a pilot arc circuit and a transfer arc circuit. The duration and value of the energy flow in the pilot arc after initiating the HFHV signal are controlled electronically. The maximum value is sufficient to initiate and support the pilot arc and its transfer. The duration is sufficiently long to allow the pilot arc to transfer, but sufficiently short that nozzle wear is reduced. In the preferred form both circuits have a common D.C. power supply and independent surge injector circuits each formed by a resistor and surge capacitor connected in parallel with the power supply. An L-C loop in the pilot arc circuit maintains a generally constant current output on discharge.

Abstract: A high frequency, high voltage starting circuit for a plasma arc cutting torch is operated in pulses to restart the torch if an initial arc extinguishes before the arc transfers to the workpiece. The starting circuit includes a D.C. power supply with its negative output connected to an electrode of the torch. A positive output is connected to a nozzle, and at a higher positive voltage, to a workpiece. A surge injector circuit of a resistor and surge capacitor is connected in parallel with the power supply to supply current to the arc as soon as breakdown occurs. The duration of the interval between restart pulses is sufficient to allow the surge injector circuit to recharge to a value that will reliably restart the arc as the power supply ramps up to a steady state pilot arc current.

Abstract: A jam detector circuit for use in a photocopier employs feedback and visual indication circuitry for providing a stable and easily adjusted detector. Feedback is provided to desensitize the circuit to sensing device operating parameters which vary according to and within manufacturing specifications. The visual indication circuitry allows a predetermined range of signal change to be defined thereby enabling easy "set-up" of the circuit without the need of electrical metering apparatus.