Abstract: A system for providing a dynamically controlled plasma cutting system. The plasma cutting system includes a proportional valve and a sensing device arrangement and a controller connected to this arrangement. The system is configured to dynamically control gas flow in a plasma torch. The system measures gas pressure at a proportional valve and makes necessary gas pressure adjustments in the system by way of controlling a drive signal sent to the proportional valve to control gas flow.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a numerically-controlled plasma special-shaped cutting machine tool including a bracket, a cross beam, a feeding mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a gun head moving mechanism, a material conveying system, a material receiving device, a dedusting system, an electrical control system, and an outer cover. The present disclosure adopts plasma cutting, and the surface quality is obviously improved. Material conveying and cutting are performed by a predetermined program programmed in advance, and the dimensional precision of the machining is well ensured. Workers only need to place a workpiece material on the material conveying system, and the machine tool can perform automatic cutting. The labor intensity of the workers is greatly reduced, the cutting is continuously performed, and the machining efficiency is remarkably improved.

Abstract: Apparatus (20, 22) and a method for mechanically joining a steel sheet portion (28 or 32) of advanced high strength steel to a metallic sheet portion (30 or 34) is performed to a light-safe extent by a detector assembly (106) during the mechanical joining that may be clinching, clinch riveting, full-punch riveting or self-piercing riveting.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a welding or plasma cutting system is provided that includes a torch having a torch body. Located on or in the torch body are one or more status indicators that provide, for example, a status of a process parameter (e.g. current data, pressure data, etc.) and/or of an operating mode of the torches. Control circuitry coupled to the one or more status indicators is configured to activate the one or more status indicators prior to a carrying out of a welding or plasma cutting operation through use of the torch and to deactivate the one or more status indicators during a time when the welding or plasma cutting operation is being carried out by the torch. An associated method of operating the torch includes activating the one or more status indicators prior to a carrying out of a welding or plasma cutting operation by use of the torch, and during a time when the welding or plasma cutting operation is being carried out by use of the torch, deactivating the one or more status indicators.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to plasma generation systems particularly applicable to systems which utilize plasma for semiconductor processing. A plasma generation system consistent with the present disclosure includes an arc suppression device coupled to the RF generator. The arc device includes switches that engage upon a triggering signal. In addition, the arc device includes a power dissipater to be engaged by the set of switches to dissipate both stored and delivered energy when the set of switches engage. The arc suppression device also includes an impedance transformer coupled to the power dissipater to perform an impedance transformation that, when the switches are engaged in conjunction with the power dissipater, reduces the reflection coefficient at the input of the device. The plasma generation system further includes a matching network coupled to the radio frequency generator and a plasma chamber coupled to the matching network.

Abstract: In some aspects, torch receptacles for coupling a plasma arc torch to a torch lead can include: a body having a first end to connect to the torch lead and a second end to connect to a torch body; a set of ports within the first end to fluidly connect to a set of fluid conduits within the torch lead; and a multiway valve within the body and fluidly connected to the set of ports and to a torch gas conduit formed in the second end, the multiway valve being configured to: i) manipulate a flow of fluids between the first end and the second end to select from primary gases entering the set of ports, ii) deliver a selected primary gas to the torch body through the torch gas conduit, and iii) fluidly connect the torch gas conduit to a gas supply manifold of the plasma cutting system.

Abstract: A driving apparatus including: gate driving circuit to drive gates of a first semiconductor element and a second semiconductor element connected in series between a positive side power supply line and a negative side power supply line; a first timing generating circuit to generate a first timing signal when voltage applied to the second semiconductor element becomes reference voltage during a turn-off period of the first semiconductor element; and a first driving condition change circuit, wherein the gate driving circuit relaxes change in a charge amount of the gate of the first semiconductor element, according to the first timing signal.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods for controlling a plasma arc in a plasma torch of a plasma cutting system in a low operating current mode can include: receiving, by a computing device within the plasma power supply, a command to begin a plasma processing operation; generating a pilot arc command to generate a pilot arc within the plasma torch, the generating of the pilot arc command including directing an electrical signal and a gas flow to the plasma torch, the electrical signal being configured to generate the pilot arc at a current having a first arc amperage magnitude; and generating an operational arc command to facilitate a transition from the pilot arc to an operational plasma arc, the generating of the operational arc command including adjusting the current directed to the plasma torch to be a second arc amperage magnitude that is lower than the first arc amperage magnitude.

Abstract: Techniques for extinguishing a plasma arc in a blowback plasma torch are provided. The plasma arc can be extinguished by bringing the electrode into contact with the nozzle and out of contact with the nozzle while the power supply and flow of gas are left on. In particular, while current is flowing through the electrode, the electrode may be brought into contact with the nozzle to extinguish the plasma arc.

Abstract: A consumable set for a plasma arc torch is provided. The consumable set comprises a consumable tip including a plurality of consumable components, at least one of which includes an asymmetric feature asymmetrically disposed in the consumable tip relative to a longitudinal axis. The consumable set also includes a mounting element for coupling the consumable tip to a torch body. The mounting element is configured to axially secure the consumable tip relative to the torch body while permitting independent rotation of the consumable tip relative to the longitudinal axis during assembly. The mounting element is also configured to both axially and radially fix the consumable tip with respect to the torch body such that the asymmetric feature is locked at the specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis after securement.

Abstract: The system includes a plasma strand cutter. The plasma strand cutter includes a plasma torch, the plasma torch including a pivot and an attachment point and an actuating device, the actuating device mounted on the plasma torch at the attachment point. The plasma strand cutter also includes a power supply, the power supply connected to the plasma torch and the actuating device. The system includes a strand puller, the strand puller paired with the plasma strand cutter and a platform, the platform positioned so as to provide a rest for or in close proximity to the strand.

Abstract: An electronic device incorporating a high voltage power supply connected to a pair of metal plates spaced to maintain a continuous high current arc of electricity creating an Ion Plasma discharge for the purpose of vaporizing documents placed between the plates. Magnetic containment coils around the outside of the metal plates are phase synchronized to the magnetic field created by the Ion Plasma arc to maintain the position of the arc between the plates and to direct the position of the arc in a predetermined pattern to search for any material between the plates that has not been disintegrated.

Abstract: A machine tool for processing workpieces, in particular metal sheets, has a punching device and a laser processing device. The punching device comprises a punch-side positioning device by means of which a punching tool component of a punching tool can be positioned in a definable position along an operating stroke axis of the punching device. The laser processing device has a laser processing unit and a laser accessory unit. The laser accessory unit can be positioned by means of an accessory unit positioning device with an activation movement in an operating position which can be defined by means of the punch-side positioning device. In the context of a method for processing workpieces, in particular metal sheets, which method is carried out using the above machine tool, the operating position of the laser accessory unit is defined by means of the punch-side positioning device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a material cutting system are provided. The system has a table for receiving a work piece. A cutting head cuts the work piece on the table and includes a positioning apparatus. The positioning apparatus moves the cutting head relative to the work piece at an angle relative to a planar surface of the work piece. The material cutting system also includes a computerized numeric controller (CNC) controlling the positioning apparatus. The CNC references a table of values within application software to find a material value and a work piece thickness value within the table to determine the angle from the perpendicular to produce a kerf edge that is formed at a particular angle to the work piece planar surface.

Abstract: A wire feeder including a housing having wire inlet and outlet regions. In some approaches, a tensioning assembly includes a pivotable tension arm and a pivotable tension knob assembly. The pivotable tension arm has a pivot axis oriented perpendicular to the direction of a wire fed through the wire feeder, while the pivotable tension knob assembly has a pivot axis oriented parallel to the direction of the wire fed through the wire feeder. A roller assembly includes a drive roller rotatably coupled to the pivotable tension arm, and a feed roller coupled to the housing. The feed roller is positionable opposite the drive roller to receive a welding wire therebetween and to move the welding wire from the wire inlet region to the wire outlet region. A gear assembly transmits rotational motion from a motor to the feed roller.

Abstract: In known methods for through-cut detection in the thermally assisted through cutting of a workpiece, the workpiece is subjected to a first alternating signal. A method that allows a fast and accurate detection of a through-cut made comprises the method steps of detecting a second alternating electrical signal caused by the first alternating electrical signal in a measurement electrode spaced from the workpiece, determining the phase shift between the first and second alternating electrical signals to output a phase shift signal, and detecting a temporal evolution of the phase shift electrical signal or a measurement variable derived therefrom in a predetermined time interval. When a workpiece through-cut is made, it is detected in that the phase shift signal or the measurement variable derived therefrom is in the time interval within a predetermined fluctuation range.

Abstract: In some aspects, a consumable for plasma arc torch that generates a predetermined plenum pressure from a substantially constant preset gas supply pressure from a plasma arc torch power supply, where the substantially constant preset gas supply being used to support plasma generation for a selection of multiple consumable components that each generate a different plasma plenum pressure for carrying out different processes, can include a proximal portion shaped to connect to the plasma arc torch and define a plasma gas inlet region; a distal portion shaped to define a gas outlet; and a pressure-matching stage comprising a pressure wall defining at least one flow path between the gas inlet region and the gas outlet configured to establish sufficient fixed pressure drop of a flow of gas flowing through the pressure-matching stage to reduce a pressure of the flow of gas to the predetermined plenum pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power supply includes a power circuit and a controller. The power circuit receives input power and provides welding type power and auxiliary power. It is controlled on a control input. The power circuit also includes an auxiliary power transformer. A temperature responsive component is mounted in the auxiliary power transformer and provides a temperature signal indicative of the temperature in the auxiliary power transformer. The controller controls a cooling fan for the aux power transformer and/or turns off the aux power output in response to the sensed temperature.

Abstract: A method of removing materials by their disintegration, especially metal tubes and non-metal materials, particularly in an area of a borehole, by thermal disintegration of materials by action of plasma created in a plasma generator, by hydrodynamic and/or gravitational removing of disintegrated materials from the area of the borehole, characterized in that a directed flow of water vapour-based plasma acts on material being disintegrated and disintegrates it by synergetic simultaneous effect of thermal action and exothermic chemical reactions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a welding-type power includes a housing with an auxiliary power mount, and a welding type power circuit. A controller, a control power circuit, and an auxiliary power module are disposed in the housing. The auxiliary power module/circuit is mounted to the auxiliary power mount. A standard power receptacle is connected to the auxiliary power module. At least one wiring harness connects the welding type power circuit to the auxiliary power module/circuit, which is the only electrical connection between the auxiliary power circuit and the welding type power circuit. The auxiliary power is electrically isolated from the input power and the welding type power.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of using a plasma arc torch to cut holes and contours in workpieces having varying thickness and material properties. The systems and methods of the present invention allow for the cutting of holes and contours without the need for using secondary processing by using particular overburn, tail out and/or cutting parameters.

Abstract: A torch assembly for cutting or spraying applications. The torch assembly includes a torch connector that connects to at least one cable that communicates with a power supply. The torch assembly includes a trigger mounted on the torch assembly to start and stop torch operations. The trigger electrically communicates with the power supply via the at least one cable. The torch assembly also includes a remote switch mounted on the torch assembly to allow an operator to remotely adjust an output of the power supply to a desired output level. The remote switch is electrically coupled to the power supply via the at least one cable.

Abstract: In some aspects, torch receptacles for coupling a plasma arc torch to a torch lead can include: a body having a first end to connect to the torch lead and a second end to connect to a torch body; a set of ports within the first end to fluidly connect to a set of fluid conduits within the torch lead; and a multiway valve within the body and fluidly connected to the set of ports and to a torch gas conduit formed in the second end, the multiway valve being configured to: i) manipulate a flow of fluids between the first end and the second end to select from primary gases entering the set of ports, ii) deliver a selected primary gas to the torch body through the torch gas conduit, and iii) fluidly connect the torch gas conduit to a gas supply manifold of the plasma cutting system.

Abstract: An arc-resistance performance evaluation device includes a plasma generator that generates plasma; and a stand on which a sheet-like test piece is placed so that the plasma generated in the plasma generator is irradiated on a front surface of said test piece, the stand includes a temperature measurement device that measures a temperature on a back surface of said test piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the plasma cutting of workpieces. It is the object of the invention to provide possibilities with which improved cutting surfaces can be achieved in plasma cutting which do not require any reworking, or at least only a reduced reworking. In the method in accordance with the invention, a plasma cutting torch having at least one torch body, an electrode and a nozzle is used and the plasma jet is inclined or deflected at least before the traveling over of a workpiece edge at an angle ? with respect to the axis aligned perpendicular to the workpiece surface such that the emission position of the plasma jet from the workpiece is arranged at a spacing in the feed movement direction which is at most half the amount than is the case with a plasma jet incident perpendicular on the workpiece surface.

Abstract: A plurality of cutout members are cut out from a plate blank by a plasma arc generated from a plasma torch by a method including a piercing step and a cutting step. In the piercing step, an aperture is formed on an outer peripheral side of a cutout member by maintaining the plasma torch at a first height from the plate blank on the outer peripheral side of the cutout member while the plasma arc is generated from the plasma torch and by moving the plasma torch relative to the plate blank in a horizontal direction. In the cutting step, a continuous cutting groove is formed along an outer contour of the cutout member by setting the plasma torch at a second height lower than the first height and by moving the plasma torch in the horizontal direction along an incision part and a processing line continuing to the incision part.

Abstract: A method for controlling a start of a metalworking operation. The method includes detecting an initial contact between a wire being fed from a welding apparatus and a workpiece and, in response to the detection, halting feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus. The method further includes activating a high energy heat source configured to heat a tip of the wire and resuming the feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus when the tip of the wire is heated by the high energy heat source to a plastic state. The feeding of the wire is resumed by measuring a force feedback from the wire contacting the workpiece. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting system including a plasma arc torch having an electrode, nozzle, and a gas conduit through which gas is transferred to a torch tip. The torch includes at least one of a sensor and a set circuit, where the set circuit stores a parameter related to the torch. The system also includes a power supply outputting a cutting waveform to the electrode via an electrical connector to initiate a working arc. The working arc creates a plasma arc using the gas. The system further includes a controller that controls an output of the power supply and a feeding of the gas through the gas conduit based upon input from a user input device positioned on at least one of the torch and the power supply. The controller monitors at least one usage parameter. The system additionally includes a memory device that is coupled to the controller. The memory device stores data related to the at least one usage parameter.

Abstract: A method of using a coolant tube in a liquid cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The method includes installing the coolant tube and a first electrode in the plasma arc torch. The method also includes biasing, by a first coolant flow, a biasing surface of the coolant tube against the first electrode, such that the coolant tube translates axially along the longitudinal axis to contact the first electrode. The biasing by the first coolant flow defines a first distance in an axial direction between the O-ring of the coolant tube and a proximal end of the first electrode. The method further includes removing the first electrode from the plasma arc torch and installing a second electrode in the torch. The method includes biasing, by a second coolant flow, the biasing surface of the coolant tube against the second electrode, such that the coolant tube translates axially along the longitudinal axis to contact the second electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to generating energy. The teachings thereof may be embodied in methods for burning a reaction gas with an electropositive metal. An method for generating energy may include: supplying a reaction gas and an electropositive metal separately to at least one nozzle; wherein the electropositive metal is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, aluminum, zinc, mixtures, and/or alloys thereof; burning the reaction gas with the electropositive metal; and coverting the reaction gas before or during burning at least temporarily into a plasma.

Abstract: The monitoring of protective glasses in laser machining heads, which are exposed to dust, sputtering and/or soiling, with the aim of predicting the contamination of the protective glass by way of determination of its absorption rate by means of temperature monitoring. The absorption rate is determined during laser processing by using a time-resolved temperature profile of the protective glass. Either, a difference of temporal temperature gradients being present before and after switching the working laser or an amplitude arising in a frequency spectrum of the temperature profile at the switching frequency of the laser is evaluated. Upon exceeding predetermined threshold values warning and error signals, respectively, are triggered.

Abstract: Methods of forming earth-boring tools include using a plasma spray device to gouge at least one recess through a hardfacing material and into a body. At least a portion of the recess may define a cutting element pocket in which a cutting element may be received and bonded. The recess formed using the plasma spray device optionally may be further machined to form the cutting element pocket. Earth-boring tools are fabricated using such methods.

Abstract: A machining method and apparatus for machining a part comprises a machining head and motorized axes comprising a rotary axis for displacing the machining head in a working space. Apparatus comprises a mechanism for positioning a part and holding it in position the working space. The machining head comprises a support for supporting a material shaping tool and a supply device for supplying material.

Abstract: A system and method for a plasma system includes a plasma torch actuated by a trigger, a consumable installed in the plasma torch, and a gas flow system constructed to receive pressurized gas and provide a gas flow to the plasma torch. A gas flow regulating system is included and configured to regulate the gas flow, and a sensing device is included and configured to monitor a gas pressure in the plasma torch. The plasma system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensing device and to determine one of a length parameter of the plasma torch and a type of the consumable therefrom.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed by this application are for a cladding apparatus, a cladding head, and a method of cladding a relatively planar solid object such as a boiler waterwall. Cladding of non-horizontal surfaces is complicated by the effects of gravity as melted clad material trends to runoff the surface before the cladding material bonds to the appropriate location. The disclosed inventions overcome these limitations by controlling the relative angle of application by either rotating the workpiece or the cladding head through a pre-programmed sequence. Also presented in a compact design for a laser cladding head that facilitates such cladding by minimizing movement of the laser fiber and improves cladding speed over irregular shaped objects.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for regulating a shielding liquid in a plasma torch. A liquid-injection shield for a plasma torch includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface and a liquid injection regulation component circumferentially disposed within and in direct contact with the interior surface of the body. The liquid injection regulation component and the interior surface of the body define a chamber. The liquid injection regulation component also defines a first set of ports sized to regulate a liquid entering the chamber and a second set of ports oriented to distribute a fluid exiting the chamber.

Abstract: A material processing system for performing a processing operation includes a processor that receives information from a user relating to a proposed processing operation to be performed by the material processing system. The processor determines, responsive to the information received from the user, two or more configurations of consumable components for performing the proposed processing operation and estimates processing performance capabilities associated with using each configuration of consumable components. An interactive display presents the estimated processing performance capabilities to the user for selection.

Abstract: A system and device operating using a welding power bus are provided. One welding power supply includes control circuitry configured to control the operation of the welding power supply and power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to output welding power. The welding power supply also includes welding terminals configured to receive the output welding power from the power conversion circuitry and to provide the output welding power to a device that does not use the welding power for a welding operation. The control circuitry is configured to adapt the output welding power to the device.

Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc torch is provided with a distal region sidewall formed by rotation of a variably curved element about a nozzle axis. The distal region sidewall has an inclination to the nozzle axis that increases at an increasing rate as it approached a nozzle terminal plane that terminates an orifice of the nozzle. The distal region sidewall is substantially tangent to the nozzle terminal plane where it intersect the same. The desired curvature can be formed by rotation of a portion of an ellipse or parabola. The curvature of the distal region sidewall appears to draw a portion of the shield gas along the nozzle to provide improved cooling and greater stability to the plasma arc, which can improve the quality of cuts made by the arc and can increase nozzle life.

Abstract: A device for treating a surface with a dielectric barrier plasma, wherein the surface functions as a return electrode, having a housing (1), in which a high-voltage feed line, an electrode (8) which is connected to the high-voltage feed line, and a dielectric (9), which screens the electrode (8) with respect to the surface, are located, permits the plasma treatment of highly curved surfaces and of relatively large surface areas by virtue of the fact that the electrode (8) has the shape of a circle which is mounted in the housing (1) so as to be rotatable at least to a limited degree, and projects with a spherical section from an end-side opening (5) in the housing (1), and in that the electrode (8) is coated with the dielectric (9) in such a way that its spherical section projecting out of the housing (1) is covered by the dielectric (9) in every possible rotational position.

Abstract: A torch assembly for cutting or spraying applications. The torch assembly includes a torch connector that connects to at least one cable that communicates with a power supply. The torch assembly includes a trigger mounted on the torch assembly to start and stop torch operations. The trigger electrically communicates with the power supply via the at least one cable. The torch assembly also includes a remote switch mounted on the torch assembly to allow an operator to remotely adjust an output of the power supply to a desired output level. The remote switch is electrically coupled to the power supply via the at least one cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical apparatus to generate a dual plasma stream to perform electrosurgery on a surgical site on a patient. The apparatus and method of the present disclosure generates a hot gas jet to a surgical site by generating two plasma beams that are electrically up to 180 degrees out of phase from each other. Since each beam uses the other beam to establish plasma currents at a load, the combined dual plasma stream can be used on non-conductive surfaces, e.g., a tissue at the surgical site. Furthermore, by applying different flow rates to the plasma beams, various scanning effects by the hot gas jet can be achieved.

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 cutting system that utilizes an inertial sensor to control movement of a cutting device is provided. The system includes a cutting device for cutting operation, a controller, and at least one inertial sensor. The controller controls movement of the cutting device during cutting operation. The inertial sensor(s) is included in an inertial data module coupled to the cutting device and communicates inertial measurement data to the controller. The controller controls movement of the cutting device based on the inertial measurement data from the inertial sensor(s).

Abstract: A power supply assembly for a plasma arc torch is provided. The power supply assembly includes an input circuit, an energy storage device, a torch connector and an output circuit. The input circuit is configured to produce a first output signal. The energy storage device is electrically connected to the input circuit for receiving a charge signal therefrom. The energy storage device is capable of producing a second output signal. The torch connector is electrically connected to the input circuit and the energy storage device for receiving the first and second output signals through the output circuit. The torch connector is configured to supply at least one of the first or second output signal to the plasma arc torch to sustain a plasma arc.

Abstract: In some aspects, plasma torch cutting systems can include a housing and a plasma torch power supply within the housing and configured to generate a signal that initiates generation of a plasma arc in a torch head, the power supply including an integrated circuit comprising a plurality of electronic components used to generate the signal that initiates generation of the plasma arc, at least one of the electronic components being at least partially formed of a wide bandgap semiconductor material.

Abstract: A component for a contact start plasma arc torch is provided. The component includes a hollow body defining a channel with a longitudinal axis. The channel is capable of slideably receiving an electrode body along the longitudinal axis. The component includes a contact element disposed in the hollow body and includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to facilitate electrical communication with a power supply and the second surface is adapted to physically contact a surface of the electrode body when the plasma arc torch is operated in a transferred arc mode. In addition, the second surface is characterized by the absence of physical contact with the surface of the electrode body when the torch is operated in a pilot arc mode.

Abstract: A method of cutting a cut member out of an original sheet by means of thermal cutting and machining, and includes a hole-cutting process, a finishing process, and an outer periphery-cutting process. During the hole-cutting process, a hole is created in the original sheet by means of thermal cutting while leaving a machining allowance in addition to the finished size of the hole. During the finishing process, a cutting tool is inserted into the hole which has been created through the hole-cutting process, and the cutting tool is guided along the inner circumference of the hole so as to cut the thermally-cut end surface in order to machine the hole to the finished size. During the outer periphery-cutting process, the outer periphery of the cut member is cut by means of thermal cutting to take the cut member out of the original sheet.

Abstract: An arc atmospheric pressure plasma device is described. The arc atmospheric pressure plasma device includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a nozzle. The first electrode is configured to connect to a power supply. The second electrode has a chamber and is grounded. The first electrode is located within the chamber. The nozzle is connected to a bottom of the second electrode, and has at least two nozzle channels. The nozzle channels communicate with the chamber.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for providing electrical power for use in powering electronic devices is described herein. The electrical circuit includes a primary power circuit and a secondary power circuit. The primary power circuit receives an alternating current (AC) input power signal from an electrical power source and generates an intermediate direct current (DC) power signal. The intermediate DC power signal is generated at a first voltage level that is less than a voltage level of the AC input power signal. The secondary power circuit receives the intermediate DC power signal from the primary power circuit and delivers an output DC power signal to an electronic device. The output DC power signal is delivered at an output voltage level that is less than the first voltage level of the intermediate DC power signal.