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).

  • Patent number: 11890693
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: John Peters, Jeff Ortakales, Mirko Milaneschi, Dana Labrecque, Norman LeBlanc, Richard Glen Robinson, Brett A. Hansen, Georgios E. Gkatzimas
  • Patent number: 11707860
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 11331743
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hoffa, Michael Shipulski, Brett A. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20220055245
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20210291290
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: John Peters, Jeff Ortakales, Mirko Milaneschi, Dana Labrecque, Norman LeBlanc, Richard Glen Robinson, Brett A. Hansen, Georgios E. Gkatzimas
  • Patent number: 11110626
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10955807
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, Martin Higgens, Brenda Mahoney
  • Patent number: 10737347
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20200114450
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Dennis Kulakowski, Christopher S. Passage, Richard Adams, Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, John Peters, Justin Gullotta, Garrett K. Quillia, Jeff Ortakales
  • Publication number: 20200096961
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, Martin Higgens, Brenda Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20200055138
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Hoffa, Michael Shipulski, Brett A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10539942
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, Martin Higgens, Brenda Mahoney
  • Patent number: 10486260
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hoffa, E. Michael Shipulski, Brett A. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20190344466
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20180178310
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    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
  • Patent number: 9993934
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Hyperthem, Inc.
    Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20170322532
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Clifford G. Darrow, Brett A. Hansen, Martin Higgens, Brenda Mahoney
  • Patent number: 9782852
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Junsong Mao, Michael F. Kornprobst, Brett A. Hansen, E. Michael Shipulski
  • Publication number: 20150251331
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Cedar J. Vandergon, Jon W. Lindsay, Steve E. Voerding, Brett A. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20150001193
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Junsong Mao, Michael F. Kornprobst, Brett A. Hansen, E. Michael Shipulski