Patents Assigned to Hypertherm, Inc.
  • FAILURE EVENT DETECTION IN A PLASMA ARC TORCH
    Publication number: 20120234803
    Abstract: A method of determining a failure event of consumable for a plasma torch is provided. The method includes monitoring at least one of an operating current or an operating voltage during a transfer arc mode of the plasma arc torch. The method also includes determining when at least one parameter associated with the operating current or the operating voltage exceeds a tolerance threshold for a time period indicative of the failure event. The method further includes shutting off at least one of the operating current or the operating voltage of the plasma arc torch when the at least one parameter exceeds the tolerance threshold for the time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Qinghua Liu, Zheng Duan, Zhang Yu
  • Plasma insensitive height sensing
    Patent number: 8244494
    Abstract: A method for determining a distance between a first piece and a second piece includes measuring, at the first or second piece, a first signal at a first frequency, and measuring, at the first or second piece, a second signal at a second frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency. The distance is determined based on the measured first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjay Garg, William J. Connally
  • Electrode for a Contact Start Plasma Arc Torch and Contact Start Plasma Arc Torch Employing Such Electrodes
    Publication number: 20120181257
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Nicholas A. Sanders, Jon W. Lindsay, Peter Twarog, E. Michael Shipulski, Zheng Duan, David Jonathan Cook
  • Liquid cooled shield for improved piercing performance
    Patent number: 8212173
    Abstract: A shield for a plasma arc torch that pierces and cuts a metallic workpiece producing a splattering of molten metal directed at the torch, the shield protecting consumable components of the plasma arc torch from the splattering molten metal. The shield can include a body, a first surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a gas flow, a second surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a liquid flow, and a seal assembly configured to be secured to the body and disposed relative to the second surface configured to retain the liquid flow contact-cooling the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay
  • ELECTRODE FOR A CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH AND CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH EMPLOYING SUCH ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20120152912
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element, contacting a proximal end of the electrode body, is used for imparting a separation force to the electrode body. The electrode body is adapted to overcome the separation force and engage a contact element of the torch when the torch is operated in a transferred arc mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • ELECTRODE FOR A CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH AND CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH EMPLOYING SUCH ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20120152913
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface characterized by (i) physical contact with the electrode body during transferred arc mode and (ii) absence of physical contact with the electrode body during initiation of a pilot arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Method and apparatus for operating an automated high temperature thermal cutting system
    Patent number: 8204618
    Abstract: A method for setting up a cutting table for an automated high temperature thermal cutting system can include providing a computer-readable product to, for example, a digital signal processor (e.g., CNC). The computer-readable product can include data for at least one part to be cut from a workpiece (e.g., a part program). A user can be prompted to select values from a menu of mandatory operating parameters (e.g., using a graphical user interface) for a shape of the part to be cut from the workpiece. Mandatory operating parameters can include at least one of an operating current, a gas flow, a thickness of the workpiece, or a material of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger E. Young, Jr., Peter V. Brahan
  • Wearable autonomous material processing system
    Patent number: 8203096
    Abstract: A portable plasma arc torch system can be used for processing materials. The system includes a replaceable or rechargeable power source and replaceable or rechargeable gas source. A controller communicates with at least one of the power source or the gas source. A plasma delivery device received via the controller current from the power source and gas from the gas source to generate a plasma arc at an output of the plasma delivery device. The plasma arc can be used to process materials such as metallic workpieces. The plasma arc torch can include a wearable portable assembly which includes the replaceable or rechargeable power and gas source. A plasma delivery device receives current from the power source in the assembly and gas from the gas source in the assembly to generate a plasma arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, E. Michael Shipulski, Mike Hoffa, Jay L. Jason
  • High visibility plasma arc torch
    Patent number: 8153927
    Abstract: An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Twarog, Jesse A. Roberts
  • Adapter for a Plasma Arc Torch
    Publication number: 20120061355
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending a plasma arc torch is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plasma torch adapter for relocating a mounting location of plasma torch consumables with respect to a plasma arc torch. The adapter is configured to be mounted between a plasma arc torch and the plasma torch consumables. The adapter is connectable to a consumable interface of the torch and includes a generally longitudinal body having a first end and a second end. The adapter includes a first connector at the first end of the body that is adapted to mate with the consumable interface. The adapter further includes a second connector at the second end of the body for mating with a set of plasma torch consumables, such that a second mounting location for consumables is established in a spaced relationship relative to the first connector, the mounting location adjacent the second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Simek, Jonathan Mather, Peter J. Twarog, Stephen Theodore Eickhoff
  • Forward Flow, High Access Consumables for a Plasma Arc Cutting Torch
    Publication number: 20120055906
    Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc cutting torch includes a substantially hollow, elongated body capable of receiving an electrode. The nozzle body defines a longitudinal axis and has a length along the axis from a first end of the nozzle body to a second end of the nozzle body. The nozzle also includes a plasma exit orifice disposed at the first end of the body. The first end of the nozzle body has a width and a ratio of the length of the nozzle body to the width of the nozzle body is greater than about 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Michael Shipulski, Nicholas A. Sanders, Jay L. Jason, Jonathan Mather, Peter J. Twarog
  • Method and Apparatus for Cutting High Quality Internal Features and Contours
    Publication number: 20120048835
    Abstract: An automated method for cutting a plurality of hole features using a plasma arc torch system can be implemented on a computer numerical controller. The automated method can include the steps of: a) cutting a lead-in for a hole feature using a lead-in command speed based on a diameter of that hole feature and b) cutting a perimeter for the hole feature using a perimeter command speed greater than the corresponding lead-in command speed for the hole feature. The automated method can also include the step c) of repeating steps a) and b) for each additional hole feature having a same diameter or a different diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon W. Lindsay, Guy T. Best, Peter V. Brahan, Gregory S. Wilson
  • Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
    Patent number: 8115136
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • HIGH QUALITY HOLE CUTTING USING VARIABLE SHIELD GAS COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20120018409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a plasma torch system having a plasma torch tip configuration that includes a nozzle, an electrode, and a control unit for controlling a composition of the shield gas flow, such that while cutting the contour the shield gas flow comprises a first shield gas composition and while cutting the hole the shield gas flow comprises a second shield gas composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon W. Lindsay, Guy T. Best
  • Plasma torch electrode with improved insert configurations
    Patent number: 8101882
    Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, David J. Cook, David L. Bouthillier, John Sobr, Stephen T. Eickhoff
  • Plasma Torch with LCD Display with Settings Adjustment and Fault Diagnosis
    Publication number: 20120012564
    Abstract: A portable plasma cutting system includes a power supply and a torch attachable to the power supply. The torch generates a plasma arc for cutting a workpiece. A gas valve is disposed in the system or the torch. The gas valve establishes a gas flow rate or a gas pressure in the torch. A controller is within the system and in communication with the power supply. The controller is capable of automatically manipulating the gas valve to establish the gas flow rate or pressure based upon a predetermined operating condition. A user activated switch is in communication with the controller. The switch has a first setting which causes the controller to automatically establish the gas flow rate or pressure based upon the predetermined operating condition, and a second setting which causes the controller to establish one of a user-determined gas flow rate or a user-determined gas pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Junsong Mao, Michael Kornprobst
  • Protective Shell for a Hand Held Plasma Cutting Torch
    Publication number: 20120012566
    Abstract: A protective shell for surrounding a portion of a body of a handheld plasma torch includes a first and second shell section. The plasma torch body includes a handle, a head extending from the handle and a torch tip extending from the head. The first shell section is structurally independent from an outer surface of the plasma torch body. The second shell section is structurally independent from the outer surface of the plasma torch body and is capable of being secured to the first shell section such that, in combination, the first and second shell sections surround the torch head and provide (i) structural protection to the torch head and (ii) thermal insulation to the torch head, wherein the first and second shell sections are electrically insulated relative to the torch head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Roberts, Peter Twarog
  • Diffuser Shape Vent Slots in a Hand Torch Shield Castellation
    Publication number: 20120012565
    Abstract: A torch tip for a plasma arc torch includes a body having a first end, configured to attach to the torch, and a second end, where an end wall is disposed. A plasma exit orifice is formed in the end wall. At least two castellations are formed in the end wall. At least one slot is disposed between two castellations. Each slot is defined by a first and second castellation wall, and a slot floor. The first castellation wall is opposite the second castellation wall. The torch tip has at least one of the following characteristics: a slope of the slot floor within the at least one slot tapers in an outward radial direction relative to the plasma exit orifice toward the first end of the body, or a distance between the first and second castellation walls along the slot floor increases with distance away from the exit orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Zheng Duan
  • Torch Flow Regulation Using Nozzle Features
    Publication number: 20120012560
    Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc torch includes a body having a first end and a second end. The nozzle also includes a plasma exit orifice located at the first end of the body. A flange is located at the second end of the body. The flange is adapted to mate with a corresponding consumable. The flange is configured to selectively block at least one gas passage in the corresponding consumable to establish a gas flow relative to the nozzle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm , Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Roberts, Peter Twarog, Zheng Duan, Sung Je Kim
  • Mechanized plasma torch
    Patent number: D654104
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Mather