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.

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.

Abstract: Provided is an adaptive maintenance system of a pressurized fluid cutting system including methodological aspects of generating a service part replacement criteria for a part of the pressurized fluid cutting system and setting forth a protocol to manage maintenance of the pressurized fluid cutting system.

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.

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.

Abstract: A crown for a plasma arc torch is provided. The crown includes a body defining a proximal and a distal end. The body includes an electrically conductive material. The crown also includes at least one raised feature at the proximal end of the body. The raised feature is adapted to activate a consumable sensor inside of the plasma arc torch. The crown further includes a biasing surface at the proximal end of the body for physically contacting a resilient element.

Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch is provided. The consumable cartridge includes an outer component defining a substantially hollow body, an inner component disposed substantially within the hollow body of the outer component, and a hollow region between the rear portion of the inner component and the outer component. The inner component includes a forward portion configured to axially secure and rotatatably engage the outer component to the inner component and a rear portion substantially suspended within the hollow body of the outer component. The rear portion is axially secured and rotatably engaged with the outer component via the forward portion. The hollow region is configured to receive a torch head to enable mating between the rear portion of the inner component and a cathode of the torch head.

Abstract: A cartridge for an air-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The cartridge includes a swirl ring having a molded thermoplastic elongated body with a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow portion configured to receive an electrode. The swirl ring also has a plurality of gas flow openings defined by the distal end of the elongated body and configured to impart a swirling motion to a plasma gas flow for the plasma arc torch. The swirl ring further includes a nozzle retention feature on a surface of the elongated body at the distal end for retaining a nozzle to the elongated body. The cartridge further includes a cap affixed to the proximal end of the elongated body of the swirl ring for substantially closing the proximal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch is provided. The consumable cartridge includes an outer component defining a substantially hollow body, an inner component disposed substantially within the hollow body of the outer component, and a hollow region between the rear portion of the inner component and the outer component. The inner component includes a forward portion configured to axially secure and rotatatably engage the outer component to the inner component and a rear portion substantially suspended within the hollow body of the outer component. The rear portion is axially secured and rotatably engaged with the outer component via the forward portion. The hollow region is configured to receive a torch head to enable mating between the rear portion of the inner component and a cathode of the torch head.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch is provided. The consumable cartridge includes an outer component defining a substantially hollow body, an inner component disposed substantially within the hollow body of the outer component, and a hollow region between the rear portion of the inner component and the outer component. The inner component includes a forward portion configured to axially secure and rotatatably engage the outer component to the inner component and a rear portion substantially suspended within the hollow body of the outer component. The rear portion is axially secured and rotatably engaged with the outer component via the forward portion. The hollow region is configured to receive a torch head to enable mating between the rear portion of the inner component and a cathode of the torch head.

Abstract: A crown for a plasma arc torch is provided. The crown includes a body defining a proximal and a distal end. The body includes an electrically conductive material. The crown also includes at least one raised feature at the proximal end of the body. The raised feature is adapted to activate a consumable sensor inside of the plasma arc torch. The crown further includes a biasing surface at the proximal end of the body for physically contacting a resilient element.

Abstract: A cartridge for an air-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The cartridge includes a swirl ring having a molded thermoplastic elongated body with a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow portion configured to receive an electrode. The swirl ring also has a plurality of gas flow openings defined by the distal end of the elongated body and configured to impart a swirling motion to a plasma gas flow for the plasma arc torch. The swirl ring further includes a nozzle retention feature on a surface of the elongated body at the distal end for retaining a nozzle to the elongated body. The cartridge further includes a cap affixed to the proximal end of the elongated body of the swirl ring for substantially closing the proximal end of the elongated body.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for establishing operational settings of a plasma arc cutting system automatically using replaceable cartridges. A replaceable cartridge for use with a plasma arc cutting system includes a housing, a connection mechanism for coupling the housing to a plasma arc torch, an arc constrictor connected to the housing, an arc emitter connected to the housing, and an identification mechanism disposed relative to the housing and configured to communicate information to a reader of the plasma arc cutting system and automatically set at least one operating parameter of the plasma arc cutting system.

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.