Patents by Inventor Jesse A. Roberts

Jesse A. Roberts has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12280441
    Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch includes a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features. The consumable cartridge includes an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features and translatable up to a predetermined distance within the cartridge frame along the longitudinal axis at the second end, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface. The proximal surface is shaped to contact a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch and the distal surface is shaped to contact an electrode of the plasma arc torch during an operation of the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Zheng Duan, Michael Scheller, David Agan, Steven Moody, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Publication number: 20250016906
    Abstract: A lead connector is provided for connecting a plasma torch lead of a plasma arc torch to a power supply of a plasma cutting system. The lead connector includes a base portion, a central conduit disposed in the base portion, where the central conduit is configured to carry a gas and a torch current to the plasma arc torch, and multiple pins disposed radially about a center of the central conduit. The pins are located at a radius of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.65 inches from the center of the central conduit on a radial plane of the base portion. The pins include one or more pilot carrying pins and one or more control signal pins located from about 27 degrees to about 64 degrees and from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees, respectively, about the center of the central conduit on the radial plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Jing Wu, Jesse A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 12114413
    Abstract: A lead connector is provided for connecting a plasma torch lead of a plasma arc torch to a power supply of a plasma cutting system. The lead connector includes a base portion, a central conduit disposed in the base portion, where the central conduit is configured to carry a gas and a torch current to the plasma arc torch, and multiple pins disposed radially about a center of the central conduit. The pins are located at a radius of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.65 inches from the center of the central conduit on a radial plane of the base portion. The pins include one or more pilot carrying pins and one or more control signal pins located from about 27 degrees to about 64 degrees and from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees, respectively, about the center of the central conduit on the radial plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Wu, Jesse A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11622440
    Abstract: In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Je Kim, Jesse A. Roberts, Shreyansh Patel
  • Patent number: 11432393
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: HYPERTHERM, INC.
    Inventors: Zheng Duan, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Eric Streit, Brandon Mason, Dennis Kulakowski
  • Publication number: 20210136905
    Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch includes a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features. The consumable cartridge includes an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features and translatable up to a predetermined distance within the cartridge frame along the longitudinal axis at the second end, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface. The proximal surface is shaped to contact a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch and the distal surface is shaped to contact an electrode of the plasma arc torch during an operation of the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Zheng Duan, Michael Scheller, David Agan, Steven Moody, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Patent number: 10912183
    Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch includes a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features. The consumable cartridge includes an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features and translatable up to a predetermined distance within the cartridge frame along the longitudinal axis at the second end, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface. The proximal surface is shaped to contact a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch and the distal surface is shaped to contact an electrode of the plasma arc torch during an operation of the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Zheng Duan, Michael Scheller, David Agan, Steven Moody, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Patent number: 10827600
    Abstract: In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Je Kim, Jesse A. Roberts, Shreyansh Patel
  • Publication number: 20200281066
    Abstract: A lead connector is provided for connecting a plasma torch lead of a plasma arc torch to a power supply of a plasma cutting system. The lead connector includes a base portion, a central conduit disposed in the base portion, where the central conduit is configured to carry a gas and a torch current to the plasma arc torch, and multiple pins disposed radially about a center of the central conduit. The pins are located at a radius of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.65 inches from the center of the central conduit on a radial plane of the base portion. The pins include one or more pilot carrying pins and one or more control signal pins located from about 27 degrees to about 64 degrees and from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees, respectively, about the center of the central conduit on the radial plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Jing Wu, Jesse A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10737347
    Abstract: A connector component configured for coupling a consumable component to a plasma arc torch is provided. The connector component comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end disposed along and defining a longitudinal axis. The connector component includes at least two engagement regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body. Each engagement region includes at least one engagement feature disposed on the surface of the body. The connector component also includes at least two free regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on the surface of the body. Each free region is radially located between a pair of the engagement regions and characterized by an absence of the engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Harshawardhan Jogdand, E. Michael Shipulski, David J. Cook, David L. Bouthillier, Zheng Duan, Jesse A. Roberts, Micah Roberts, Stephen M. Dunbar, Peter J. Twarog, Brian J. Currier, Stephen M. Liebold, Brett A. Hansen, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Patent number: 10736204
    Abstract: A hand-held plasma power tool is provided, which includes a hand-held housing, a plasma delivery tip section at least partially disposed within the housing for delivering a plasma arc to a workpiece, an air compressor disposed within the housing for providing a gas to the plasma delivery tip section, and a power source disposed within the housing for providing a current to at least one of the air compressor or the plasma delivery tip section. The hand-held plasma power tool further comprises a handle section defined by at least a portion of the housing. The handle section is configured to enable an operator to manipulate the plasma power tool by hand while delivering the plasma arc to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse A. Roberts, Michael Scheller, Michael Hoffa
  • Patent number: 10624198
    Abstract: In some aspects, methods for controlling a pneumatic system in a plasma arc processing system can include: receiving, by a computing device, a command to begin a plasma processing operation; generating a valve command signal for a valve that includes an operational drive voltage of at least about 125% of a continuous duty cycle coil voltage rating of the valve to open the valve; and once open, adjusting the valve command signal to facilitate a steady state operation to: monitor a steady state operational duty cycle of the valve, the steady state operational duty cycle being determined by comparing the continuous duty cycle coil voltage rating of the valve to an actual operational drive voltage supplied to the valve, and control the operational drive voltage supplied to the valve to maintain a steady state operational duty cycle of the valve at less than about 60% during steady state operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Streit, Jesse A. Roberts, Junsong Mao, Richard Pavlik
  • Publication number: 20200077504
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Zheng Duan, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Eric Streit, Brandon Mason, Dennis Kulakowski
  • Publication number: 20190335573
    Abstract: In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Sung Je Kim, Jesse A. Roberts, Shreyansh Patel
  • Patent number: 10335888
    Abstract: A swirl ring for a plasma arc torch includes a body configured to at least partially surround and slidingly engage an electrode of the plasma arc torch. The body includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one protuberance extending from the second end in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The at least one protuberance is configured to engage a switch of the plasma arc torch for sensing a presence of a swirl ring in the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Zheng Duan, Michael Scheller, David Agan, Steven Moody, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Publication number: 20180257164
    Abstract: A swirl ring for a plasma arc torch includes a body configured to at least partially surround and slidingly engage an electrode of the plasma arc torch. The body includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one protuberance extending from the second end in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The at least one protuberance is configured to engage a switch of the plasma arc torch for sensing a presence of a swirl ring in the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Zheng Duan, Michael Scheller, David Agan, Steven Moody, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Publication number: 20180235066
    Abstract: In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Sung Je Kim, Jesse A. Roberts, Shreyansh Patel
  • Publication number: 20180228013
    Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch includes a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features. The consumable cartridge includes an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features and translatable up to a predetermined distance within the cartridge frame along the longitudinal axis at the second end, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface. The proximal surface is shaped to contact a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch and the distal surface is shaped to contact an electrode of the plasma arc torch during an operation of the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Zheng Duan, Michael Scheller, David Agan, Steven Moody, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Publication number: 20180178310
    Abstract: A connector component configured for coupling a consumable component to a plasma arc torch is provided. The connector component comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end disposed along and defining a longitudinal axis. The connector component includes at least two engagement regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body. Each engagement region includes at least one engagement feature disposed on the surface of the body. The connector component also includes at least two free regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on the surface of the body. Each free region is radially located between a pair of the engagement regions and characterized by an absence of the engagement feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Harshawardhan Jogdand, E. Michael Shipulski, David J. Cook, David L. Bouthillier, Zheng Duan, Jesse A. Roberts, Micah Roberts, Stephen M. Dunbar, Peter J. Twarog, Brian J. Currier, Stephen M. Liebold, Brett A. Hansen, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Patent number: 9967964
    Abstract: In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Je Kim, Jesse A. Roberts, Shreyansh Patel