Patents Assigned to Hypertherm, Inc.
  • Systems and methods for configuring a cutting or welding delivery device
    Patent number: 9643273
    Abstract: A system is provided for configuring a delivery device of a cutting or welding apparatus. The system includes a determination module and a mobile computing device. The determination module is configured to determine at least one desired component of the delivery device or a value for at least one operating parameter of the cutting or welding apparatus. The mobile computing device includes a receiver, a reader and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive information from the determination module including at least one of i) identification of the desired component or ii) the value of the operating parameter. The reader is configured to read an element associated with a selected component, where the element provides indicia of at least one characteristic of the selected component. The processor is configure to approve the selected component for assembly into the delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Adams, Steve Bertken
  • Method of improving electrode life by simultaneously controlling plasma gas composition and gas flow
    Patent number: 9642237
    Abstract: A method of operating a plasma arc torch system is provided. A first plasma gas supply source, a second plasma gas supply source, and a control unit are provided. A first plasma gas composition is flowed through a first plasma gas flow path, and a plasma arc is generated using the first plasma gas composition. After arc generation, the plasma gas composition is changed to a second plasma gas composition, and the plasma gas flow path is changed to a second plasma gas flow path, wherein the second plasma gas flow path is different from the first plasma gas flow path. The plasma arc is sustained using the second plasma gas composition. The first and second plasma gas flow paths are both at least partially disposed within the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: John Peters, Jon W. Lindsay
  • Thread connection for a torch system
    Patent number: 9642236
    Abstract: A connector component is provided for assembly into a torch. The connector component comprises a body that includes a proximal end and a distal end disposed along a longitudinal axis. At least two thread regions are disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body near the proximal end. Each thread region includes at least two parallel threads disposed on the surface of the body. In addition, at least two smooth regions are each disposed radially about the longitudinal axis between a pair of thread regions on the surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Jeffrey R. Cornish, Geoffrey W. Smith, Boris Mandadzhiev, Harshawardhan Jogdand, Shawn Laflamme, George Caccavaro
  • Workpiece edge detection using plasma arc cutting system
    Patent number: 9630273
    Abstract: Systems and methods can be provided to use an automated cutting system to identify an edge or multiple edges of a workpiece. An automated cutting system receives trace data for a test path to be traced over a workpiece. The automated cutting system includes a torch from which gas is flowed. The torch is controlled in accordance with the trace data to trace the test path over the workpiece. A set of back pressure values are obtained by monitoring a back pressure of the gas during the tracing of the path. The back pressure values are mapped to a set of coordinates. An edge of the workpiece is identified using the set of back pressure values and the set of coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: John Peters, Richard Adams
  • Identifying plasma arc torch components and related systems and methods
    Patent number: 9630272
    Abstract: In some aspects, methods for operating a plasma cutting system can include initiating an arc between a set of consumable components disposed in a torch of the plasma cutting system, the set of consumable components including a first consumable component and a second consumable component, detecting an operational characteristic of the arc, and analyzing the operational characteristic to identify at least one consumable component of the set of consumable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Gullotta
  • High access consumables for a plasma arc cutting system
    Patent number: 9560732
    Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc torch is provided. The nozzle includes a substantially hollow, elongated nozzle body capable of receiving an electrode, the body defining a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The nozzle also includes a swirl sleeve attachable to an interior surface of the nozzle body, the swirl sleeve configured to impart a swirling motion to a gas introduced to the nozzle. The nozzle additionally includes a nozzle tip connected to the proximal end of the nozzle body, a nozzle shield, and an insulator configured to connect the nozzle tip and the nozzle shield to electrically insulate the nozzle shield and the nozzle tip from one another while transferring thermal energy therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Michael Shipulski, Nicholas A. Sanders, Jay Jason, Jonathan P. Mather, Peter J. Twarog, Clifford Glenn Darrow
  • Power supply assembly for a plasma arc torch system
    Patent number: 9550251
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Gullotta
  • Battery-controlled plasma arc torch system
    Patent number: 9522438
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a plasma arc torch system having a power supply and a plasma arc torch. The method includes supplying power to the power supply from a battery. The battery provides at least a portion of the power to generate a plasma arc by the plasma arc torch. The method also includes communicating a first signal, indicating at least one parameter of the battery, between the battery and a control unit of the power supply, generating a second signal, by the control unit, based on the at least one parameter of the battery, and controlling, using the control circuit, operation of the plasma arc torch based on the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Michael Shipulski, Michael Hoffa
  • Plasma torch electrode materials and related systems and methods
    Patent number: 9516738
    Abstract: In some aspects, multi-metallic emissive inserts shaped to be disposed within an electrode for a plasma arc torch electrode can include an exposed emitter surface at a distal end of the emissive insert to emit a plasma arc from the electrode, wherein the emissive insert comprises a first emissive material and about 8 weight percent to about 50 weight percent yttrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Wittmann, John Peters, E. Michael Shipulski
  • Wide bandgap semiconductor based power supply assemblies for plasma operating systems and related methods and devices
    Patent number: 9510436
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Borowy, Qinghua Liu, Yu Zhang, Girish R. Kamath, Michael Hoffa
  • Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
    Patent number: 9492883
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Nicholas A. Sanders, Jon W. Lindsay, Peter Twarog, E. Michael Shipulski, Zheng Duan, David Jonathan Cook
  • Consumables for a plasma arc torch for bevel cutting
    Patent number: 9497845
    Abstract: A consumable set is provided that is usable in a plasma arc torch to direct a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece. The consumable set comprises a nozzle and an alignment surface. The nozzle includes: 1) a nozzle body defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and 2) a nozzle exit orifice disposed in the nozzle body for constricting the plasma arc. The nozzle exit orifice defines an exit orifice axis oriented at a non-zero bevel angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The alignment surface is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially planar. The alignment surface is dimensioned to orient the nozzle exit orifice such that the plasma arc impinges on the processing surface of the workpiece at the bevel angle while the plasma arc torch is substantially perpendicular to the processing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey Chen, Peter Twarog
  • Plasma arc cutting system and persona selection process
    Patent number: 9481050
    Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for establishing operational settings of a plasma arc cutting system. A plasma power supply includes a user selectable control. The user selectable control enables selection of a single cutting persona that establishes at least a current, a gas pressure or gas flow rate, and an operational mode of the plasma arc cutting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Brine, Jesse A. Roberts, Junsong Mao, Michael Hoffa, Clayton Gould, Peter Twarog, E. Michael Shipulski, Stephen M. Liebold, Brett Andrew Hansen
  • Plasma ARC torch electrode with symmetrical plasma gas flow
    Patent number: 9480139
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a generally cylindrical elongated body formed of an electrically conductive material. The elongated body includes a proximal end that connects to a power supply and a distal end that receives an emissive element. The electrode can include a flange that is disposed about a surface relative to the distal end of the elongated body, extends radially from the surface of the elongated body, and is utilized to establish a uniform gas flow distribution of a plasma gas flow about the distal end of the elongated body. The electrode can include a contact element that is in electrical communication with the proximal end of the electrode. The contact element includes seating portion that has an outer width that is greater than the outermost diameter of the electrode body and is configured to position the contact element within the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Zheng Duan
  • Articulating thermal processing torches and related systems and methods
    Patent number: 9480138
    Abstract: In some aspects, a plasma processing torch can include an end portion that receives at least one gas and at least one power input; a first joint coupled to the end portion, the first joint conveying the gas and power through the first joint; a middle portion coupled to the first joint, the middle portion conveying the gas and power through the middle portion; a second joint coupled to the middle portion at an end opposite the first joint, the pivot joint conveying the gas and power through the pivot joint; and a head portion coupled to the second joint, the head portion conveying the gas and power to a torch tip to generate a plasma arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Andrew Hansen, Peter J. Twarog
  • Diffuser shape vent slots in a hand torch shield castellation
    Patent number: 9462670
    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. Each castellation has a castellation width defined by the distance between the sidewalls of that castellation. At least one slot is disposed between two castellations. Each slot has a slot width defined by a distance between the sidewalls of its adjacent castellations. The slot width can be at least twice the castellation width. Each slot also has a slot floor and an exterior shape. The slot floor can have slope that tapers toward the first end of the body in an outward radial direction and the exterior shape of the slot can have a generally V-shaped or U-shaped contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Shreyansh Patel, Zheng Duan, Steven Moody, Nicholas Pecor
  • Thermal torch lead gas delivery methods and related systems and devices
    Patent number: 9427820
    Abstract: In some aspects, methods of initiating a plasma arc in a plasma cutting system can include providing a plasma gas supply lead line extending between a power supply and a plasma arc cutting torch, where the lead line has a first segment proximate to the power supply and a second segment proximate to the torch, and an in-line valve within the lead line between the first segment and the second segment; selectively closing the in-line valve to capture a static volume of gas in the first segment; establishing a decayable volume of gas in the second segment; and initiating the plasma arc when a pressure of the decayable volume reaches a pressure value within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Mather, Liming Chen, Ross Angus Smith
  • Identifying components in a material processing system
    Patent number: 9395715
    Abstract: An automated material processing system is provided for processing a workpiece using a processing table. The system includes a replaceable component comprising at least one cutting head consumable, one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) signal devices disposed in or on the replaceable component, and at least one reader communicatively connected to the one or more signal devices. The one or more signal devices are encoded with information about the replaceable component and the reader is configured to sense the information encoded on the one or more signal devices. In addition, the system includes a computing device communicatively connected to the reader for (i) processing the information transmitted by the reader and (ii) configuring a set of operating parameters of the material processing system based on the sensed information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Brandt, E. Michael Shipulski
  • Pedestal style waterjet orifice assembly
    Patent number: 9346147
    Abstract: An orifice assembly for a liquid jet cutting system includes a generally cylindrical base, an orifice member, and an orifice cap. The base includes a conduit that extends through a central axis from a top surface to a bottom surface of the base. The base also includes a pedestal that defines a protrusion from the top surface, the pedestal having a planar top region substantially parallel to the planar bottom region of the base. The orifice member sits on the planar top region of the pedestal. The orifice member defines an intermediate conduit therethrough, the intermediate conduit in fluid communication with the base conduit. The orifice cap defines an upper conduit therethrough, the upper conduit in fluid communication with the intermediate conduit of the orifice member. The orifice cap is configured to secure the orifice member to the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: HYPERTHERM, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Chalmers, Jon Lindsay, Cedar Vandergon
  • Package
    Patent number: D774901
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Geheran, Frank D. Cook, Pedro A. Tedeschi, Scott Behner, Jeffrey S. Baillies