Abstract: A translatable electrode for use in a cartridge assembly for a contact start plasma arc torch including an electrode body having a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end including a spiral groove and a contact surface at a proximal end face shaped to electrically communicate with a cathodic element. The translatable electrode also including at least one emissive insert disposed within the distal end of the electrode body and proximate a distal end face. The translatable electrode including at least one baffle disposed between the proximal and distal end of the electrode body. The translatable electrode also including a gas flow dampening region disposed circumferentially about the distal end and adjacent the distal end face and positioned between the at least one baffle and the distal end face.

Abstract: A translatable electrode for use in a cartridge assembly for a contact start plasma arc torch including an electrode body having a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end including a spiral groove and a contact surface at a proximal end face shaped to electrically communicate with a cathodic element. The translatable electrode also including at least one emissive insert disposed within the distal end of the electrode body and proximate a distal end face. The translatable electrode including at least one baffle disposed between the proximal and distal end of the electrode body. The translatable electrode also including a gas flow dampening region disposed circumferentially about the distal end and adjacent the distal end face and positioned between the at least one baffle and the distal end face.

Abstract: In some aspects, a consumable for plasma arc torch that generates a predetermined plenum pressure from a substantially constant preset gas supply pressure from a plasma arc torch power supply, where the substantially constant preset gas supply being used to support plasma generation for a selection of multiple consumable components that each generate a different plasma plenum pressure for carrying out different processes, can include a proximal portion shaped to connect to the plasma arc torch and define a plasma gas inlet region; a distal portion shaped to define a gas outlet; and a pressure-matching stage comprising a pressure wall defining at least one flow path between the gas inlet region and the gas outlet configured to establish sufficient fixed pressure drop of a flow of gas flowing through the pressure-matching stage to reduce a pressure of the flow of gas to the predetermined plenum pressure.

Abstract: In some aspects, a consumable for plasma arc torch that generates a predetermined plenum pressure from a substantially constant preset gas supply pressure from a plasma arc torch power supply, where the substantially constant preset gas supply being used to support plasma generation for a selection of multiple consumable components that each generate a different plasma plenum pressure for carrying out different processes, can include a proximal portion shaped to connect to the plasma arc torch and define a plasma gas inlet region; a distal portion shaped to define a gas outlet; and a pressure-matching stage comprising a pressure wall defining at least one flow path between the gas inlet region and the gas outlet configured to establish sufficient fixed pressure drop of a flow of gas flowing through the pressure-matching stage to reduce a pressure of the flow of gas to the predetermined plenum pressure.

Abstract: A protective shell for surrounding a portion of a body of a handheld plasma torch includes a first and second shell section. The plasma torch body includes a handle, a head extending from the handle and a torch tip extending from the head. The first shell section is structurally independent from an outer surface of the plasma torch body. The second shell section is structurally independent from the outer surface of the plasma torch body and is capable of being secured to the first shell section such that, in combination, the first and second shell sections surround the torch head and provide (i) structural protection to the torch head and (ii) thermal insulation to the torch head, wherein the first and second shell sections are electrically insulated relative to the torch head.

Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc torch includes a body having a first end and a second end. The nozzle also includes a plasma exit orifice located at the first end of the body. A flange is located at the second end of the body. The flange is adapted to mate with a corresponding consumable. The flange is configured to selectively block at least one gas passage in the corresponding consumable to establish a gas flow relative to the nozzle body.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element, contacting a proximal end of the electrode body, is used for imparting a separation force to the electrode body. The electrode body is adapted to overcome the separation force and engage a contact element of the torch when the torch is operated in a transferred arc mode.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface characterized by (i) physical contact with the electrode body during transferred arc mode and (ii) absence of physical contact with the electrode body during initiation of a pilot arc.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element, contacting a proximal end of the electrode body, is used for imparting a separation force to the electrode body. The electrode body is adapted to overcome the separation force and engage a contact element of the torch when the torch is operated in a transferred arc mode.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface characterized by (i) physical contact with the electrode body during transferred arc mode and (ii) absence of physical contact with the electrode body during initiation of a pilot arc.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.

Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc torch includes a body having a first end and a second end. The nozzle also includes a plasma exit orifice located at the first end of the body. A flange is located at the second end of the body. The flange is adapted to mate with a corresponding consumable. The flange is configured to selectively block at least one gas passage in the corresponding consumable to establish a gas flow relative to the nozzle body.

Abstract: A protective shell for surrounding a portion of a body of a handheld plasma torch includes a first and second shell section. The plasma torch body includes a handle, a head extending from the handle and a torch tip extending from the head. The first shell section is structurally independent from an outer surface of the plasma torch body. The second shell section is structurally independent from the outer surface of the plasma torch body and is capable of being secured to the first shell section such that, in combination, the first and second shell sections surround the torch head and provide (i) structural protection to the torch head and (ii) thermal insulation to the torch head, wherein the first and second shell sections are electrically insulated relative to the torch head.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch and method for improving the life of the consumable parts of the plasma are torch, including the electrode, the tip and the shield cap. The method includes turbulating gas as it flows over the exposed surfaces of the electrode, tip and shield cap to increase turbulence in the hydrodynamic boundary layer of the gas flow, thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. The result of enhanced cooling is improved consumable parts life. For example, to increase the turbulence of the gas flow over the outer surface of the electrode, the plasma arc torch electrode has a roughened, or textured outer surface formed with dimples, axially extending grooves or spiraling grooves formed in the outer surface of the electrode. The inner and outer surfaces of the tip and the inner surface of the shield cap are similarly textured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatic patching of a sparsely streamed application, such as a game application. The invention enables an initial file set to be streamed to a client's network device. The file set is used to generate file segments. A patcher is then authorized to write to sections of the file segment, regardless of whether they have received portions of the streamed application. Once a section of the file segment has been written to by the patcher, that section becomes an authoritative region, which indicates that the streaming process may not write to it again. This authoritative region represents a last-known good image for that section of the file. This approach may be applied over an arbitrary number of patches, with authoritative sections growing, coalescing, or truncating as appropriate.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch and method for improving the life of the consumable parts of the plasma arc torch, including the electrode, the tip and the shield cap. The method includes turbulating gas as it flows over the exposed surfaces of the electrode, tip and shield cap to increase turbulence in the hydrodynamic boundary layer of the gas flow, thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. The result of enhanced cooling is improved consumable parts life. For example, to increase the turbulence of the gas flow over the outer surface of the electrode, the plasma arc torch electrode has a roughened, or textured outer surface formed with dimples, axially extending grooves or spiraling grooves formed in the outer surface of the electrode. The inner and outer surfaces of the tip and the inner surface of the shield cap are similarly textured.