Patents by Inventor Brett A. Hansen
Brett A. Hansen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Systems and methods for determining characteristics of a workpiece in a plasma arc processing system
Patent number: 11890693Abstract: A computerized method is provided for automatically determining at least one characteristic of a workpiece for processing by a plasma arc processing system. The method includes electrically connecting the workpiece to the plasma arc processing system that includes a plasma arc torch. A distal tip of the plasma arc torch is configurable to be positioned proximate to the workpiece. The method includes supplying, by the plasma arc processing system, an electrical current with a low amperage to the workpiece, the low amperage current insufficient to cut the workpiece, and monitoring, by the plasma arc processing system, a path of the electrical current relative to the workpiece. The method further includes determining, by the plasma arc processing system, the at least one characteristic of the workpiece based on the electrical current path monitored.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: John Peters, Jeff Ortakales, Mirko Milaneschi, Dana Labrecque, Norman LeBlanc, Richard Glen Robinson, Brett A. Hansen, Georgios E. Gkatzimas -
Patent number: 11707860Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for altering a cutting operation during operation of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. A pressurized liquid jet cutting system includes a pressurized fluid jet cutting head having a plurality of components. The cutting head further includes a sensor configured to sense an operating condition. The sensor transmits a value of the operating condition to a computing device, which alters a subsequent cutting operation. Further, the fluid jet cutting head is configured to work with a data storage mechanism and a reader, such that the data storage mechanism in contact with a body of the fluid jet cutting head is configured to communicate information to a reader of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. The information is usable to determine a condition of replacement (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
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Patent number: 11331743Abstract: In some aspects, a replaceable consumable component for performing a cutting or welding operation can include a body and a readable data storage device coupled to the body or integrated within the body, wherein the data storage device contains an operation instruction for a cutting or welding device.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Michael Hoffa, Michael Shipulski, Brett A. Hansen
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Publication number: 20220055245Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for altering a cutting operation during operation of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. A pressurized liquid jet cutting system includes a pressurized fluid jet cutting head having a plurality of components. The cutting head further includes a sensor configured to sense an operating condition. The sensor transmits a value of the operating condition to a computing device, which alters a subsequent cutting operation. Further, the fluid jet cutting head is configured to work with a data storage mechanism and a reader, such that the data storage mechanism in contact with a body of the fluid jet cutting head is configured to communicate information to a reader of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. The information is usable to determine a condition of replacement (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
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Systems and Methods for Determining Characteristics of a Workpiece in a Plasma Arc Processing System
Publication number: 20210291290Abstract: A computerized method is provided for automatically determining at least one characteristic of a workpiece for processing by a plasma arc processing system. The method includes electrically connecting the workpiece to the plasma arc processing system that includes a plasma arc torch. A distal tip of the plasma arc torch is configurable to be positioned proximate to the workpiece. The method includes supplying, by the plasma arc processing system, an electrical current with a low amperage to the workpiece, the low amperage current insufficient to cut the workpiece, and monitoring, by the plasma arc processing system, a path of the electrical current relative to the workpiece. The method further includes determining, by the plasma arc processing system, the at least one characteristic of the workpiece based on the electrical current path monitored.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: John Peters, Jeff Ortakales, Mirko Milaneschi, Dana Labrecque, Norman LeBlanc, Richard Glen Robinson, Brett A. Hansen, Georgios E. Gkatzimas -
Patent number: 11110626Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for altering a cutting operation during operation of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. A pressurized liquid jet cutting system includes a pressurized fluid jet cutting head having a plurality of components. The cutting head further includes a sensor configured to sense an operating condition. The sensor transmits a value of the operating condition to a computing device, which alters a subsequent cutting operation. Further, the fluid jet cutting head is configured to work with a data storage mechanism and a reader, such that the data storage mechanism in contact with a body of the fluid jet cutting head is configured to communicate information to a reader of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. The information is usable to determine a condition of replacement (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
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Patent number: 10955807Abstract: In some aspects, autonomous motion devices configured to operably connect to a plasma torch of a plasma cutting system can include: a body to support a power supply of the plasma cutting system and move relative to a workpiece; a torch holder connected to the body and configured to position a plasma arc torch tip of the plasma torch relative to a region of the workpiece to be processed; a drive system to translate the body supporting the power supply and torch autonomously relative to a surface of the workpiece during a plasma processing operation; and a processor in communication with the drive system and configured to communicate with the power supply, the processor being configured to control the translation of the body relative to the workpiece in accordance with the plasma processing operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, Martin Higgens, Brenda Mahoney
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Patent number: 10737347Abstract: A connector component configured for coupling a consumable component to a plasma arc torch is provided. The connector component comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end disposed along and defining a longitudinal axis. The connector component includes at least two engagement regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body. Each engagement region includes at least one engagement feature disposed on the surface of the body. The connector component also includes at least two free regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on the surface of the body. Each free region is radially located between a pair of the engagement regions and characterized by an absence of the engagement feature.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Harshawardhan Jogdand, E. Michael Shipulski, David J. Cook, David L. Bouthillier, Zheng Duan, Jesse A. Roberts, Micah Roberts, Stephen M. Dunbar, Peter J. Twarog, Brian J. Currier, Stephen M. Liebold, Brett A. Hansen, Garrett K. Quillia
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Publication number: 20200114450Abstract: A method for visually communicating material processing parameters to an operator of a torch system. The method includes receiving data related to a material processing operation from at least one sensor of a torch system and at least one camera disposed on a protective helmet. The method further includes processing the data into information relating to a set of material processing parameters and converting the information into visual data compatible with a display disposed on or within the protective helmet. The method also includes providing the visual data to a region of the display for viewing by an operator of the torch system. The region of the display is within a field of view of the operator in order to visually communicate the information to the operator of the torch system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Dennis Kulakowski, Christopher S. Passage, Richard Adams, Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, John Peters, Justin Gullotta, Garrett K. Quillia, Jeff Ortakales
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Publication number: 20200096961Abstract: In some aspects, autonomous motion devices configured to operably connect to a plasma torch of a plasma cutting system can include: a body to support a power supply of the plasma cutting system and move relative to a workpiece; a torch holder connected to the body and configured to position a plasma arc torch tip of the plasma torch relative to a region of the workpiece to be processed; a drive system to translate the body supporting the power supply and torch autonomously relative to a surface of the workpiece during a plasma processing operation; and a processor in communication with the drive system and configured to communicate with the power supply, the processor being configured to control the translation of the body relative to the workpiece in accordance with the plasma processing operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, Martin Higgens, Brenda Mahoney
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Publication number: 20200055138Abstract: In some aspects, a replaceable consumable component for performing a cutting or welding operation can include a body and a readable data storage device coupled to the body or integrated within the body, wherein the data storage device contains an operation instruction for a cutting or welding device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Michael Hoffa, Michael Shipulski, Brett A. Hansen
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Patent number: 10539942Abstract: In some aspects, autonomous motion devices configured to operably connect to a plasma torch of a plasma cutting system can include: a body to support a power supply of the plasma cutting system and move relative to a workpiece; a torch holder connected to the body and configured to position a plasma arc torch tip of the plasma torch relative to a region of the workpiece to be processed; a drive system to translate the body supporting the power supply and torch autonomously relative to a surface of the workpiece during a plasma processing operation; and a processor in communication with the drive system and configured to communicate with the power supply, the processor being configured to control the translation of the body relative to the workpiece in accordance with the plasma processing operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, Martin Higgens, Brenda Mahoney
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Patent number: 10486260Abstract: In some aspects, a replaceable consumable component for performing a cutting or welding operation can include a body and a readable data storage device coupled to the body or integrated within the body, wherein the data storage device contains an operation instruction for a cutting or welding device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Michael Hoffa, E. Michael Shipulski, Brett A. Hansen
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Publication number: 20190344466Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for altering a cutting operation during operation of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. A pressurized liquid jet cutting system includes a pressurized fluid jet cutting head having a plurality of components. The cutting head further includes a sensor configured to sense an operating condition. The sensor transmits a value of the operating condition to a computing device, which alters a subsequent cutting operation. Further, the fluid jet cutting head is configured to work with a data storage mechanism and a reader, such that the data storage mechanism in contact with a body of the fluid jet cutting head is configured to communicate information to a reader of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. The information is usable to determine a condition of replacement (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
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Publication number: 20180178310Abstract: A connector component configured for coupling a consumable component to a plasma arc torch is provided. The connector component comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end disposed along and defining a longitudinal axis. The connector component includes at least two engagement regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body. Each engagement region includes at least one engagement feature disposed on the surface of the body. The connector component also includes at least two free regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on the surface of the body. Each free region is radially located between a pair of the engagement regions and characterized by an absence of the engagement feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2018Publication date: June 28, 2018Inventors: Harshawardhan Jogdand, E. Michael Shipulski, David J. Cook, David L. Bouthillier, Zheng Duan, Jesse A. Roberts, Micah Roberts, Stephen M. Dunbar, Peter J. Twarog, Brian J. Currier, Stephen M. Liebold, Brett A. Hansen, Garrett K. Quillia
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Patent number: 9993934Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for determining replacement of components in liquid pressurization systems. A replaceable component for use in a pump of a liquid pressurization system includes a body portion and a data storage mechanism. The data storage mechanism is in physical contact with the body portion. The data storage mechanism is configured to communicate information to a reader of the liquid pressurization system. The information is usable to determine a condition of replacement (e.g., a remaining usable life) of the replaceable component.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Hyperthem, Inc.Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
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Publication number: 20170322532Abstract: In some aspects, autonomous motion devices configured to operably connect to a plasma torch of a plasma cutting system can include: a body to support a power supply of the plasma cutting system and move relative to a workpiece; a torch holder connected to the body and configured to position a plasma arc torch tip of the plasma torch relative to a region of the workpiece to be processed; a drive system to translate the body supporting the power supply and torch autonomously relative to a surface of the workpiece during a plasma processing operation; and a processor in communication with the drive system and configured to communicate with the power supply, the processor being configured to control the translation of the body relative to the workpiece in accordance with the plasma processing operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, Martin Higgens, Brenda Mahoney
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Patent number: 9782852Abstract: A plasma arc cutting system includes a power supply and a plasma torch attachable to the power supply. The plasma torch generates a plasma arc for cutting a workpiece. A reader is associated with the plasma torch. The reader is capable of reading stored data from an identification device located on a cartridge or a consumable component of the plasma arc cutting system. A controller is within the plasma arc cutting system and in communication with the power supply. The controller is capable of automatically establishing operating parameters of the plasma arc cutting system based upon the data stored on the identification device. An override feature allows a user of the plasma arc cutting system to override the automatically established operating parameters of the torch and to input user selected operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Junsong Mao, Michael F. Kornprobst, Brett A. Hansen, E. Michael Shipulski
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Publication number: 20150251331Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for determining replacement of components in liquid pressurization systems. A replaceable component for use in a pump of a liquid pressurization system includes a body portion and a data storage mechanism. The data storage mechanism is in physical contact with the body portion. The data storage mechanism is configured to communicate information to a reader of the liquid pressurization system. The information is usable to determine a condition of replacement (e.g., a remaining usable life) of the replaceable component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
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Publication number: 20150001193Abstract: A plasma arc cutting system includes a power supply and a plasma torch attachable to the power supply. The plasma torch generates a plasma arc for cutting a workpiece. A reader is associated with the plasma torch. The reader is capable of reading stored data from an identification device located on a cartridge or a consumable component of the plasma arc cutting system. A controller is within the plasma arc cutting system and in communication with the power supply. The controller is capable of automatically establishing operating parameters of the plasma arc cutting system based upon the data stored on the identification device. An override feature allows a user of the plasma arc cutting system to override the automatically established operating parameters of the torch and to input user selected operating parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Junsong Mao, Michael F. Kornprobst, Brett A. Hansen, E. Michael Shipulski