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 method and system utilizing multi-sensor analysis and data point correlation is provided for predictive monitoring and maintenance of a pressurized fluid cutting system. In a disclosed aspect, multiple sensed characteristics of system operation are correlated to determine a particular failure mode. Identification of the failure mode through active sensor data analysis and correlation facilitates predictive maintenance, minimizes system downtime, and optimizes system output.

Abstract: A method and system utilizing multi-sensor analysis and data point correlation is provided for predictive monitoring and maintenance of a pressurized fluid cutting system. In a disclosed aspect, multiple sensed characteristics of system operation are correlated to determine a particular failure mode. Identification of the failure mode through active sensor data analysis and correlation facilitates predictive maintenance, minimizes system downtime, and optimizes system output.

Abstract: An ultra high-pressure liquid jet soil processing system of an agricultural implement is provided. The ultra high-pressure liquid jet soil processing system includes a frame, an ultra high-pressure liquid pump disposed on the frame, a set of ultra high-pressure lines fluidly connected to the ultra high-pressure liquid pump, and at least a first liquid jet soil implementation head and a second liquid jet soil implementation head fluidly connected to the ultra high-pressure liquid pump via the set of ultra high-pressure lines. The first and second implementation heads are configured to condition soil for seed deposition by generating a plurality of trenches.

Abstract: A method and system utilizing multi-sensor analysis and data point correlation is provided for predictive monitoring and maintenance of a pressurized fluid cutting system. In a disclosed aspect, multiple sensed characteristics of system operation are correlated to determine a particular failure mode. Identification of the failure mode through active sensor data analysis and correlation facilitates predictive maintenance, minimizes system downtime, and optimizes system output.

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: 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: 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 system to prevent a flow of gas and particulates from spreading to atmosphere during a material processing operation includes a slag deflector disposed proximate a torch during the material processing operation. The slag deflector includes a thermally-conductive base portion having an impact surface facing the torch. The impact surface is shaped to prevent the flow of gas and particulates from the material processing operation from spreading in a direction away from the torch, and to redirect the first flow of particulates to a surface configured to inhibit the first flow of particulates from flowing to atmosphere. The slag deflector includes a coolant flow channel configured to thermally-regulate the impact surface of the thermally conductive base portion.

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: Disclosed is an electro-mechanical apparatus for snugging a boot, especially a snow ski boot, around the calf of the user. The apparatus is essentially comprised of a reversible electric motor, a jackscrew, a switch, two brackets, a strap, and a power supply. The invention enables the user to achieve a desired snug fit by first placing a foot of the user into the boot, then operating the electric motor to turn the jackscrew, bringing the two brackets together and thereby tightening the strap around the boot to reach the desired fit. Once the desired snug fit is achieved, the electric motor is switched off, the user closes pre-existing latches on the boot to lock the boot parts into place, and the user removes the apparatus from around the boot by unbuckling a quick release buckle provided for this purpose. The apparatus may then be stored for later use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electro-mechanical apparatus for snugging a boot, especially a snow ski boot, around the calf of the user. The apparatus is essentially comprised of a reversible electric motor, a jackscrew, a switch, two brackets, a strap, and a power supply. The invention enables the user to achieve a desired snug fit by first placing a foot of the user into the boot, then operating the electric motor to turn the jackscrew, bringing the two brackets together and thereby tightening the strap around the boot to reach the desired fit. Once the desired snug fit is achieved, the electric motor is switched off, the user closes pre-existing latches on the boot to lock the boot parts into place, and the user removes the apparatus from around the boot by unbuckling a quick release buckle provided for this purpose. The apparatus may then be stored for later use.