Abstract: Gas flow control for a plasma arc torch is provided. More particularly, a method and apparatus to modulate the pressure and flow from a plasma arc torch is provided. Cyclic pulsing of a flow control valve between states of fully open and fully closed provides for a relatively constant flow of plasma gas to the torch at a relatively constant pressure.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to integrating cutting or marking operation parameters and motion parameters. A controller is provided that manages both process related control and motion related controls rather than having separate controllers with respective connectivity. The controller provides integrated process related control and motion related control which directly controls a cutting or marking operation with improved dynamics while minimizing connectivity and data communications.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to integrating cutting or marking operation parameters and motion parameters. A controller is provided that manages both process related control and motion related controls rather than having separate controllers with respective connectivity. The controller provides integrated process related control and motion related control which directly controls a cutting or marking operation with improved dynamics while minimizing connectivity and data communications.

Abstract: A universal power supply for use in a plasma arc system is disclosed. The power supply can include a plurality of power modules for providing a DC output from an AC input. Each of the power modules can include a rectifier, a converter, an inverter, an isolation transformer and an output rectifier. The power modules can include a power module controller configured to control at least one of the rectifier, the converter, or the inverter such that a DC output can be obtained from a wide variety of AC inputs. The power modules can be connected in parallel to provide a wide range of DC output currents for the power supply. The universal power supply can include a master controller coupled to each of the individual power module controllers to regulate the DC output current of the power supply by controlling the individual power module controllers.

Abstract: A universal power supply for use in a plasma arc system is disclosed. The power supply can include a plurality of power modules for providing a DC output from an AC input. Each of the power modules can include a rectifier, a converter, an inverter, an isolation transformer and an output rectifier. The power modules can include a power module controller configured to control at least one of the rectifier, the converter, or the inverter such that a DC output can be obtained from a wide variety of AC inputs. The power modules can be connected in parallel to provide a wide range of DC output currents for the power supply. The universal power supply can include a master controller coupled to each of the individual power module controllers to regulate the DC output current of the power supply by controlling the individual power module controllers.

Abstract: Gas flow control for a plasma arc torch is provided. More particularly, a method and apparatus to modulate the pressure and flow from a plasma arc torch is provided. Cyclic pulsing of a flow control valve between states of fully open and fully closed provides for a relatively constant flow of plasma gas to the torch at a relatively constant pressure.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a variety of networked appliances, including equipment controlled or monitored via an Ethernet connection in industrial applications. In one example embodiment of the present invention, a networked industrial-application appliance, having a processor, includes a removable modular circuit board and a memory arrangement. The removable modular circuit board includes an identity circuit memory, an external-connection port for providing communication access between the networked industrial-application appliance processor and the identity circuit memory, and electrical conductors each of which is adapted to provide a connection with the external-connection port. The memory arrangement includes a nonvolatile memory device and is adapted to store an identity profile that is particular to the networked industrial-application appliance.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a circuit arrangement controls a load current to an inductive weld load in a welding application with certain compensation for the slope of the current delivery to the inductive load, such that the average load current converges quickly to the selected command current without impacting the transient response. The circuit arrangement includes a user-engageable control adapted to specify a command current value for the inductive weld load and a current sensor adapted to measure an observed current value from instantaneous current pulses through the inductive weld load during a current supply operation that is responsive to the specified command current value.