Abstract: An automated plasma cutting system is provided that includes a positioning system mounted to a support, an automated plasma arc torch mounted to the positioning system, and at least one power supply operatively connected to the automated plasma arc torch. The power supply may provide electrical power and fluid flow to the automated plasma arc torch for operation. The system further includes a controller in communication with the automated plasma arc torch and the power supply, and an auxiliary plasma arc torch operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power and fluid flow to both the automated plasma arc torch and the auxiliary plasma arc torch. The automated plasma arc torch may process the workpiece to generate a set of features, while the auxiliary plasma arc torch may process/cut a residual framework of the workpiece remaining after formation of the set of features.

Abstract: An automated plasma cutting system is provided that includes a positioning system mounted to a support, an automated plasma arc torch mounted to the positioning system, and at least one power supply operatively connected to the automated plasma arc torch. The power supply may provide electrical power and fluid flow to the automated plasma arc torch for operation. The system further includes a controller in communication with the automated plasma arc torch and the power supply, and an auxiliary plasma arc torch operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power and fluid flow to both the automated plasma arc torch and the auxiliary plasma arc torch. The automated plasma arc torch may process the workpiece to generate a set of features, while the auxiliary plasma arc torch may process/cut a residual framework of the workpiece remaining after formation of the set of features.

Abstract: A component for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that includes an orifice that defines a continuously changing cross-sectional size along the length of a surface of the orifice from an inlet portion to an outlet portion. The surface extends along the component and directs a flow of shield gas at a predetermined angle to result in a specific pierce or cut location on a workpiece. In one form, the component is a shield cap. The continuously changing surface may be convergent, divergent, or a combination of convergent and divergent according to the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, the shield cap may comprise a single, unitary piece or alternately a plurality of pieces or components.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a method of piercing a workpiece with a plasma arc torch of the type having a plasma gas flow path for directing a plasma gas through the torch and a secondary gas flow path for directing a secondary gas through the torch. The method comprises directing a flow of shield gas along a distal end portion of the plasma arc torch to deflect metal spatter generated from the piercing, and ramping a current provided to the plasma arc torch along a profile during piercing and controlling current ramp parameters as a function of a thickness of the workpiece and an operating current level, wherein the current ramp parameters comprise a length of time, a ramp rate, a shape factor, and a modulation.

Abstract: Methods of forming an electrode for use in a plasma arc torch are provided that generally include forming an electrode body defining a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, forming a recess within the distal end portion, securing a slug within the recess of the distal end portion, creating a bore through the slug and the distal end portion of the electrode body, and securing an emissive insert within the bore. In another form, a hybrid electrode is provided, which is formed by the manufacturing methods of the present invention, and which includes an electrode body defining a cavity, a secondary body secured to the electrode body, and an emissive element secured within the bore and in contact with the secondary body and the electrode body, wherein the secondary body is not exposed to the cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for incremental analysis of one or more properties of a program. According to one aspect of the invention, at least one property of a software program is evaluated, given one or more changes to the software program. Nodes in a derivation graph are identified corresponding to changed edges in a control flow graph representation of the software program, wherein the derivation graph describes an earlier evaluation of the software program. In addition, at least one of the identified nodes in the derivation graph is updated and the derivation graph is traversed outward from a location of a change. The revised derivation graph can optionally be further processed to remove false errors.

Abstract: In a plasma arc torch parts distribution network, the present invention provides a method of providing plasma arc torch parts for use in a single plasma arc torch model through a plurality of distribution channels. In one form of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing a first set of plasma arc torch parts to a replacement parts distributor, providing a second set of plasma arc torch parts to an original equipment manufacturer, and providing a third set of plasma arc torch parts to a select original equipment manufacturer. The first, second, and third set of plasma arc torch parts are not interchangeable such that the replacement parts distributor, the original equipment manufacturer, and the select original equipment manufacturer maintain separate inventories of plasma arc torch parts.

Abstract: A mobile stage lighting system configured to be positioned on a film stage and cast soft light upon subjects and objects on stage. The lighting system includes a light frame having a plurality of light sources positioned within the frame. A mobile support is positioned below the frame and enables the frame to be moved. A diffusion film is disposed in front of the plurality of light sources and an eggcrate louver is positioned adjacent the diffusion film. Panels having light-reflective inner surfaces cover the back and sides of the diffusion frame. A light control system regulates electrical power to the plurality of light sources, such that an illumination intensity of individual ones of the plurality of light sources can be varied.

Abstract: A connector is provided that comprises a locking ring engaged with a housing, wherein the housing defines a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion, and the locking ring comprises a thread engagement member. The first threaded portion comprises a first pitch that is coarser than a second pitch of the second threaded portion, and accordingly, the thread engagement member engages the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion to secure the locking ring to the housing with a varying amount of axial travel per rotation of the locking ring that corresponds with the pitch of the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion. As a result, the locking ring initially engages the housing with a relatively small rotation followed by relatively larger rotations for complete engagement to a fully mated condition.