Patents Assigned to Hypertherm, Inc.
  • PLASMA TORCH ELECTRODE WITH IMPROVED INSERT CONFIGURATIONS
    Publication number: 20070125755
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Mather, David Cook, David Bouthillier, John Sobr, Stephen Eickhoff
  • Method and apparatus for alignment of components of a plasma arc torch
    Patent number: 7193174
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
  • Process monitor for laser and plasma materials processing of materials
    Patent number: 7186947
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the processing of a workpiece includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece. At least two signals are generated by a detector based upon the emitted signal. A workpiece processing quality is determined based upon the ratio of the two output signals and a magnitude of one of the two outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Connally, Kenneth J. Woods
  • Method and apparatus for alignment of components of a plasma arc torch
    Publication number: 20070045245
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Brandt, Richard Anderson, Brian Currier, Jon Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward Shipulski
  • Reduced rating output rectifier snubber for plasma cutting power supply
    Publication number: 20070030612
    Abstract: A snubber circuit for absorbing reverse recovery current in a power supply is featured comprising a dissipative snubber circuit and a non-dissipative snubber circuit coupled in parallel to a source of reverse recovery current and a load. The dissipative snubber circuit is capable of dissipating a first amount of reverse recovery current from the reverse recovery current source and the non-dissipative snubber circuit recovering a second amount of reverse recovery current from the reverse recovery current source, resulting in the reverse recovery current being absorbed with reduced power dissipation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventor: Girish Kamath
  • Generating discrete gas jets in plasma arc torch applications
    Publication number: 20060289398
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a nozzle for a plasma torch, the nozzle having a rear portion that defines at least a portion of a plasma chamber and a front portion that includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adjacent the rear portion, and the second end defines a plasma exit portion. One or more fluid passageways are disposed within the front portion and extend from the first end to the second end. The fluid passageways have passageway exit portions that provide one or more discrete jets of a secondary fluid to surround a plasma jet that is ejected from the plasma exit portion. Features of the invention include faster cutting, thicker workpiece piercing capability, reduced noise, improved arc stability, and increased consumable life, all of which improve productivity associated with plasma arc torch workpiece processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cook, Stephen Liebold, Jon Lindsay, Zheng Duan
  • Centralized control architecture for a plasma arc system
    Publication number: 20060219674
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Tate Picard, Roger Young, Gregory Wilson, Ronald Huppe
  • Automatic gas control for a plasma arc torch
    Publication number: 20060163216
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Brandt, Christopher Passage, Shane Selmer, Girish Kamath, Guy Best, Stephen Liebold, Jon Lindsay, Zheng Duan
  • Method and apparatus for alignment of components of a plasma arc torch
    Publication number: 20060151447
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Brandt, Richard Anderson, Brian Currier, Jon Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward Shipulski
  • Centralized control architecture for a plasma arc system
    Publication number: 20060108333
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Tate Picard, Kenneth Woods, Roger Young, William Connally
  • Process and apparatus for cutting or welding a workpiece
    Patent number: 7049540
    Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Sanders, Richard W. Couch, Jr., Yong Yang, Zhipeng Lu, Robert C. Dean, Charles M. Hackett
  • Plasma arc torch having an electrode with internal passages
    Publication number: 20060102598
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Twarog, Charles Hackett, David Cook, Bruce Altobelli, David Bouthillier
  • Method and apparatus for alignment of components of a plasma ARC torch
    Patent number: 7019255
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
  • Centralized control architecture for a laser materials processing system
    Publication number: 20050205530
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Tate Picard, Kenneth Woods, Roger Young, William Connally
  • Centralized control architecture for a laser materials processing system
    Patent number: 6947802
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Tate S. Picard, Kenneth J. Woods, Roger E. Young, Jr., William J. Connally
  • Method and apparatus for alignment of components of a plasma arc torch
    Patent number: 6946617
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
  • Centralized control architecture for a plasma arc system
    Patent number: 6900408
    Abstract: The invention features a centralized control architecture for a closely-coupled plasma arc system, in which the “intelligence” of the system is integrated into a single controller. The closely-coupled plasma arc system includes a power source, an automatic process controller and a torch-height controller, where each of these components individually has a closed-loop dynamic relationship with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Tate S. Picard, Roger E. Young, Gregory S. Wilson, Ronald M. Huppe
  • Method and apparatus for alignment of components of a plasma ARC torch
    Publication number: 20050092718
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Brandt, Richard Anderson, Brian Currier, Jon Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward Shipulski
  • Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch
    Publication number: 20050067387
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite electrode in the body to define a plasma chamber. The torch body includes a plasma flow path for directing a plasma gas to the plasma chamber in which a plasma arc is formed. The nozzle includes a hollow, body portion and a substantially solid, head portion defining an exit orifice. The composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cook, Kirk Ferland, Charles Hackett, Yong Yang, Richard Couch, Zhipeng Lu
  • Strain relief mechanism for a plasma arc torch
    Patent number: 6852943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain relief mechanism for a plasma arc torch. In particular, the invention relates to a strain relief system including a positive axial restraint component for restraining axial movement of a lead relative to a housing and a positive rotational restraint component for restraining rotational movement of the lead relative to the housing, wherein the positive axial restraint component and the positive rotational restraint component are independent components arranged in a spaced relationship relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. Eickhoff, Ronald E. Morris