Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes an annular baffle defining distinct faces A, B, C, and D. Faces A and C are opposite from each other, and faces B and D are opposite from each other. First passages for fluid flow extend between the faces A and C, and second passages extend between the faces B and D. The baffle is installable in an annular space between an inner wall and an outer wall, in either of two orientations. In a first orientation, the first passages are open to fluid flow and the second passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces B and D, and in a second orientation, flipped over relative to the first orientation, the second passages are open to fluid flow and the first passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces A and C.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes an annular baffle defining distinct faces A, B, C, and D. Faces A and C are opposite from each other, and faces B and D are opposite from each other. First passages for fluid flow extend between the faces A and C, and second passages extend between the faces B and D. The baffle is installable in an annular space between an inner wall and an outer wall, in either of two orientations. In a first orientation, the first passages are open to fluid flow and the second passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces B and D, and in a second orientation, flipped over relative to the first orientation, the second passages are open to fluid flow and the first passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces A and C.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes an annular baffle defining distinct faces A, B, C, and D. Faces A and C are opposite from each other, and faces B and D are opposite from each other. First passages for fluid flow extend between the faces A and C, and second passages extend between the faces B and D. The baffle is installable in an annular space between an inner wall and an outer wall, in either of two orientations. In a first orientation, the first passages are open to fluid flow and the second passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces B and D, and in a second orientation, flipped over relative to the first orientation, the second passages are open to fluid flow and the first passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces A and C.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes an annular baffle defining distinct faces A, B, C, and D. Faces A and C are opposite from each other, and faces B and D are opposite from each other. First passages for fluid flow extend between the faces A and C, and second passages extend between the faces B and D. The baffle is installable in an annular space between an inner wall and an outer wall, in either of two orientations. In a first orientation, the first passages are open to fluid flow and the second passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces B and D, and in a second orientation, flipped over relative to the first orientation, the second passages are open to fluid flow and the first passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces A and C.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electrode is disclosed, wherein the electrode comprises a copper holder defining a cavity in a forward end. An emissive element and separator assembly is positioned in the cavity. An intermetallic compound is formed between the emissive element and the separator by heating a relatively non-emissive material until it melts and dipping the emissive element therein before cooling the assembly. As a result, the intermetallic compound is formed significantly faster than by conventional methods.

Abstract: A gas pressure reducing regulator which includes a flexible diaphragm which is biased by a spring so as to control the opening of the valve of the regulator and thus the delivery pressure of the gas being regulated. The regulator includes a system for effectively containing an accidental oxygen fire, or the like, within the body of the regulator, and protecting the internal components from ignition. The system includes a plunger which resides in an axial bore in the regulator body and shields the diaphragm from hot combustion products, and plunger-retaining features which prevent the plunger from being displaced from its axial bore. Also, the regulator has provision for venting the interior of the regulator to the atmosphere in the event of an excessive overpressure therein.

Abstract: A post-mixed cutting torch selectively operable in a pilot mode and a cutting mode is provided by the present invention. The control body includes a fuel passage and an oxygen passage which is divided into a preheat oxygen supply branch and a cutting oxygen supply branch. A fuel flow valve is provided in the fuel passage and an oxygen flow valve is provided in the cutting oxygen supply branch of the oxygen passage. Advantageously, an interconnecting passage extends between the preheat oxygen supply branch and the cutting oxygen supply branch. Accordingly, the torch is operable in a preheat/cutting mode wherein oxygen is directed through both the preheat and cutting oxygen apertures of a cutting nozzle. In addition, each of the fuel and oxygen flow valves is associated with a bypass channel which allows the torch to be operable in a fuel saving pilot mode wherein oxygen is directed through both the preheat and cutting oxygen apertures of a cutting nozzle.