Abstract: A quick disconnect for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a plug housing and a mating socket housing, a locking ring disposed around the plug housing secures the plug housing to the socket housing. A negative lead gas carrying pin is disposed within the plug housing, and a mating main power socket is disposed within the socket housing for the purpose of conducting both gas and electricity from a power supply to a plasma arc torch. Further, the negative lead gas carrying pin and mating main power socket are positioned off-center in order to provide additional volume for a plurality of signal conductors disposed within each housing, along with a pilot return conductor. Additionally, both the plug housing and the socket housing define a D-configuration in order to properly align the housings and conductors disposed therein, among other novel features of the present invention.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that control gas flow to a plasma arc torch local to a torch handle. Generally, a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a gas control device operable with a torch lead and a torch head, and an activation member operable with the gas control device. Accordingly, the activation member activates the gas control device such that gas flow is supplied from the torch lead to the torch head, and the activation member deactivates the gas control device such that the gas flow is terminated. Further, the activation member may comprise a trigger system, a button, or a safety member, among others. Moreover, the gas control device may comprise a gas control valve or a switch that activates a gas control device disposed within a power supply, among others.

Abstract: A quick disconnect for use in a plasma arc torch is provided wherein a plurality of connections disposed therein are configured such that the connections break in a specific order when the quick disconnect is disengaged. Preferably, the quick disconnect comprises a plurality of signal pin connections, a pilot return connection, a fluid connection, and a main power connection. Accordingly, the signal pin connections break before the pilot return connection, the fluid connection, and the main power connection. Further, the pilot return connection breaks before the fluid connection and the main power connection, and the fluid connection breaks before the main power connection as the quick disconnect is disengaged. As a result, a safer quick disconnect in which both gas and electric power are conducted is provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that control gas flow to a plasma arc torch local to a torch handle. Generally, a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a gas control device operable with a torch lead and a torch head, and an activation member operable with the gas control device. Accordingly, the activation member activates the gas control device such that gas flow is supplied from the torch lead to the torch head, and the activation member deactivates the gas control device such that the gas flow is terminated. Further, the activation member may comprise a trigger system, a button, or a safety member, among others. Moreover, the gas control device may comprise a gas control valve or a switch that activates a gas control device disposed within a power supply, among others.

Abstract: A quick disconnect for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a plug housing and a mating socket housing, wherein a locking ring disposed around the plug housing secures the plug housing to the socket housing. A negative lead gas carrying pin is disposed within the plug housing, and a mating main power socket is disposed within the socket housing for the purpose of conducting both gas and electricity from a power supply to a plasma arc torch. Further, the negative lead gas carrying pin and mating main power socket are positioned off-center in order to provide additional volume for a plurality of signal conductors disposed within each housing, along with a pilot return conductor. Additionally, both the plug housing and the socket housing define a D-configuration in order to properly align the housings and conductors disposed therein, among other novel features of the present invention.

Abstract: A tamper resistant pin connection for use in a plasma arc cutting apparatus is provided that comprises a plurality of locking fingers within a hollow internal channel of a housing that secure a negative lead gas carrying pin within the housing. The pin comprises a first collar with a shoulder disposed thereon, and accordingly, the locking fingers engage the shoulder to secure the pin within the housing. The pin further comprises a second collar that blocks access to the locking fingers through a first portion of the hollow internal channel such that the locking fingers cannot be accessed to disengage the pin. Further, the pin is recessed within a second portion of the hollow internal channel to prevent further access to the pin for a tamper resistant pin connection.

Abstract: A quick disconnect for use in a plasma arc torch is provided wherein a plurality of connections disposed therein are configured such that the connections break in a specific order when the quick disconnect is disengaged. Preferably, the quick disconnect comprises a plurality of signal pin connections, a pilot return connection, a fluid connection, and a main power connection. Accordingly, the signal pin connections break before the pilot return connection, the fluid connection, and the main power connection. Further, the pilot return connection breaks before the fluid connection and the main power connection, and the fluid connection breaks before the main power connection as the quick disconnect is disengaged. As a result, a safer quick disconnect in which both gas and electric power are conducted is provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A dual mode plasma arc torch is provided that preferably comprises a start cartridge disposed between an electrode and a tip. In one form, the start cartridge comprises an initiator that is in electrical contact with the electrode and that is resiliently biased into contact with the tip, such that when the plasma arc torch is in a contact start mode, the initiator is movable against the resilient bias to separate from the tip and establish a pilot arc between the initiator and the tip. Further, when the plasma arc torch is in a high frequency start mode, the start cartridge spaces the tip from the electrode such that a pilot arc is established between the electrode and the tip. In other forms, a contact start torch is provided that is operable under high frequency, and conversely, a high frequency start torch is provided that is operable under low voltage.

Abstract: Plasma cutting apparatus (10) for use in cutting a material (M). A torch (12) cuts the material. A control unit (14) controls the cutting operation performed by the torch and includes a control module (16) in which the control unit is housed. At least one power unit (18) supplies power to the cutting torch, the application of this power being controlled by the control unit. Each power unit includes a power module (24) in which the power unit is housed. A cooling unit (54) for cooling the torch is also available. The cooling unit includes a cooling module (56). The control module, power module(s), and coolant module are removably stackable one on top of the other.

Abstract: An activity entry apparatus for making activity entries onto pre-established time log activity forms is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a time log form overlay sheet of resilient and significantly transparent material having a series of writing instrument guides extending therethrough. The guides define a series of activity change segments having lengths at least great enough to extend from one time log form activity section to a directly adjacent time log form activity section. At least one such activity change segment has a length great enough to extend from and between activity sections on the time log form which are separated furthest from one another. The guides also define time interval segments which extend from the activity change segments. The time interval segments have lengths which are equal to predetermined distances between log form time indicator lines which represent selected intervals of time during the pre-established time period for a given activity on the time log form.