Patents Assigned to Hypertherm, Inc.
-
Publication number: 20150105898Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Richard Adams, Steve Bertken
-
Patent number: 8981252Abstract: In some aspects, a retaining cap for a plasma arc torch can include a shell having an exterior surface that defines, at least in part, a first liquid coolant channel, a liner circumferentially disposed within the shell and having an interior surface that defines, at least in part, a second liquid coolant channel, and a gas flow channel defined at least in part by and located between the shell and the liner.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Brian J. Currier
-
Patent number: 8981253Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: E. Michael Shipulski, Nicholas A. Sanders, Jay L. Jason, Jonathan Mather, Peter J. Twarog
-
Patent number: 8975555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jesse Roberts, Peter Twarog
-
Publication number: 20150027998Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: 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
-
Publication number: 20150021300Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Zheng Duan, Yu Zhang, Peter Twarog, Sung Je Kim, Michael F. Kornprobst, Josh Murray, Jeffery Cornish
-
Publication number: 20150021302Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Yu Zhang, Zheng Duan
-
Patent number: 8927895Abstract: The technology features an apparatus and a method for sensing the length of a lead that connects to a power source to a thermal processing system such as a plasma torch system. Components disposed in the thermal processing system enable the length of the lead to be sensed. In addition, the time for contact starting a thermal processing system enables determination of the length of the lead.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Theodore Eickhoff, Peter J. Twarog
-
Patent number: 8890021Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: E. Michael Shipulski, Nicholas A. Sanders
-
Patent number: 8884179Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jesse Roberts, Peter Twarog, Zheng Duan, Sung Je Kim
-
Patent number: 8866038Abstract: A component for a plasma arc torch includes a body portion, a tapered surface on the body portion, the tapered surface including a compressible member that provides a disengagement force relative to the body portion, and an axially disposed surface on the body portion for coupling a mating surface on an adjacent structure of the torch. The component can be a nozzle and/or an electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jon W. Lindsay, Brent R. Bartlett, Aaron D. Brandt, Zheng Duan, Stephen M. Liebold
-
Patent number: 8853588Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Junsong Mao, Michael Kornprobst
-
Patent number: 8847103Abstract: A system and method for regulating a gas flow of a plasma arc system. The system having a gas regulator that control gas flow from a gas source to the plasma torch system, a pilot input valve to fill a pilot chamber and a pilot dump valve to evacuate the pilot chamber, the pilot chamber mechanically coupled to the gas regulator through a pressure actuator, such that the gas flow pressure through the regulator is controlled using the pressure actuator and based on the pressure in the pilot chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventor: Ashok V. Retnaswamy
-
Patent number: 8835796Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Yu Zhang, Zheng Duan
-
Patent number: 8829385Abstract: A nozzle, retaining cap, or shield for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle, retaining cap, or shield can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Yong Yang, David Jonathan Cook
-
Patent number: 8809728Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan
-
Patent number: 8772667Abstract: A nozzle or retaining cap for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle or retaining cap can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Yong Yang, David Jonathan Cook, E. Michael Shipulski
-
Patent number: 8766134Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling a plasma torch to a receptacle including a connector body configured to receive a mating connector body. The connector body is attachable to a power supply or a plasma arc torch. One or more circumferentially shaped blades extend axially from a surface of the connector body and form a blade ring. One or more gaps can be disposed relative to the surface of the connector body. The plurality of gaps are defined by and between the circumferentially shaped blades. A distance of the gaps between the circumferentially shaped blades extends along a portion of the circumference of the blade ring. The plurality of gaps can be asymmetrically distributed about the blade ring to facilitate proper rotational alignment, and are shaped to align with corresponding circumferentially shaped blades of the mating connector body.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Mather, Adam Fitzpatrick
-
Patent number: 8759709Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a cavity in a front face at a first end of the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the cavity. The first end of the electrode body is formed of high purity copper containing at least 99.81% copper. The insert has a first end and a second end and is formed of a high emissivity material. A diameter of the first end of the insert is less than a diameter of a second end of the insert. An electrode is compressed to retain the insert using radial compression. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode, and a method of operation of an electrode in a plasma torch.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Peter J. Twarog
-
Patent number: D735028Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey S. Baillies
