Abstract: A system for the efficient utilization of plasma torch post arc cooling gas includes a controller configured to automatically determine a post arc gas flow duration. The controller monitors a plasma arc parameter associated with a temperature of the plasma torch at arc termination. The controller dynamically determines the duration of post arc gas flow through the torch from the plasma arc parameter.

Abstract: A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector which is a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece.

Abstract: A lightweight and compact plasma cutting system includes a power source having an inverter and a non-adjustable regulator enclosed within the power source. The inverter is configured to generate a power signal suitable for a plasma arc process and the non-adjustable regulator is preconfigured to deliver a fixed gas flow to a plasma torch for the plasma arc process.

Abstract: A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector comprising a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece.

Abstract: A system for providing a dynamically controlled plasma cutting system. The plasma cutting system includes a proportional valve and a sensing device arrangement and a controller connected to this arrangement. The system is configured to dynamically control gas flow in a plasma torch. The system measures gas pressure at a proportional valve and makes necessary gas pressure adjustments in the system by way of controlling a drive signal sent to the proportional valve to control gas flow.

Abstract: A system for providing a dynamically controlled plasma cutting system includes a plasma cutting system having a proportional valve and a sensing device arrangement and a controller connected to this arrangement. The system is configured to dynamically control gas flow in a plasma torch. The system measures gas pressure at a proportional valve and makes necessary gas pressure adjustments in the system by way of controlling a drive signal sent to the proportional valve to control gas flow.

Abstract: A punch press alignment instrument has upper and lower cylindrical components that are associated for vertical displacement relative to one another. Both components have outer tool holder engaging surfaces which are to be aligned with one another so as to in turn align the tool holders of the punch press when the upper and lower components themselves are in alignment. Alignment elements, e.g., ridges and grooves provided on mating surfaces of the components confronting each other are brought into contact with one another to move the components of the instrument into mutual alignment. An alignment control member, e.g., a screw is preferably provided for progressively bringing the upper and lower components toward one another and an indicator such as a lamp, a dial indicator or an audible indicator is provided for denoting the spacing between the upper and lower components to thereby confirm the alignment of the tool holders.

Abstract: A plasma torch assembly having a quick-connect retaining cup is disclosed. The plasma torch has a torch body constructed to receive an electrode therein. A retaining cup secures the electrode to the torch body by rotating the retaining cup less than approximately 360 degrees relative to the torch body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a temperature of a torch consumable is disclosed. The invention includes a shielding cup constructed to be attached to a torch having a coating which indicates a temperature of the shielding cup during a welding/cutting process. Preferably, the coating indicates to a user when the temperature of the torch is beyond a preferred operating range thereby preventing excessive wear of the consumables associated with overheating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system including a plasma cutting torch having an output electrode and a plasma cutter starting circuit configured to generate a pilot arc at the output electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for a plasma cutting system including a plasma cutting power source and a plasma torch operationally connected to the plasma cutting power source. A processing unit is disposed within the plasma torch and is configured to control the plasma cutting power source during a plasma cutting process based on operational feedback gathered of the plasma cutting process.

Abstract: A system and method for a welding power supply housing is disclosed. The power supply housing includes a U-shaped panel positioned between two louvered end panels and a base. The combination of the U-shaped panel and the base forms a wind tunnel. The U-shaped panel includes a slot configured to receive a heat sink. The heat sink is in thermal connection with heat generating electrical components of the power supply and is exposed to the cooling flow within the wind tunnel thereby cooling the electrical components of the power supply.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an overvoltage protection control that includes a combination of hardware and software that together detect and determine an average voltage of a power signal being supplied by a power source to a welding-type device. The determined average voltage is then compared to a “trip” voltage. If the average voltage is greater than or equal to the trip voltage then the welding-type device is disabled. The present invention may also be implemented as an undervoltage control wherein the detected average voltage is compared to a minimum acceptable average voltage. If the average voltage of the power signal being supplied to the welding-type device is less than the minimum acceptable average voltage, the welding-type device is prevented from being operated.

Abstract: A storage box for welding and plasma cutting applications is disclosed. The storage box is configured to be mounted in an opening in the chassis of a welding-type power supply. The storage box is preferably secured in the opening using one or more grooves, one or two fasteners or a combination of one or more grooves and one or more fasteners.

Abstract: A storage box for welding and plasma cutting applications is disclosed. The storage box is configured to be mounted in an opening in the chassis of a welding-type power supply. The storage box is preferably secured in the opening using one or more grooves, one or two fasteners or a combination of one or more grooves and one or more fasteners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma cutting includes a cutting power supply, preferably a buck converter, and a compressor. The cutting power supply provides power to a plasma torch, and the compressor provides air to the torch. The air compressor is integrated into the plasma cutter, and includes a compressor motor, preferably with a buck convertor power supply, or having the motor windings are part of the buck converter that is the cutting power supply. The motor is regulated regulator to a fixed setpoint or a user setpoint by a compressor regulator in response to a feedback signal, preferably a compressor motor voltage feedback signal. The compressor also turns the compressor on and/off in response to a trigger and/or cutting current feedback signal and has an on/off circuit responsive thereto in various alternatives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma cutting includes a cutting power supply, preferably a buck converter, and a compressor. The cutting power supply provides power to a plasma torch, and the compressor provides air to the torch. The air compressor is integrated into the plasma cutter, and includes a compressor motor, preferably with a buck convertor power supply, or having the motor windings are part of the buck converter that is the cutting power supply. The motor is regulated regulator to a fixed setpoint or a user setpoint by a compressor regulator in response to a feedback signal, preferably a compressor motor voltage feedback signal. The compressor also turns the compressor on and/off in response to a trigger and/or cutting current feedback signal and has an on/off circuit responsive thereto in various alternatives.

Abstract: A power supply, such as a plasma cutting power supply or a welding power supply, that provides an output to a pair of output terminals is disclosed. The power supply includes a source of voltage and a plurality of choppers. The choppers are connected in parallel between the voltage source output terminals. A controller controls the choppers so that they are out-of-phase with respect to each of the other of the plurality of choppers. The choppers preferably include a freewheeling diode, an inductor and a switch. The number of choppers is approximately equal to the ratio of the open circuit voltage to the output load voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma cutting includes a cutting power supply, preferably a buck converter, and a compressor. The cutting power supply provides power to a plasma torch, and the compressor provides air to the torch. The air compressor is integrated into the plasma cutter, and includes a compressor motor, preferably with a buck convertor power supply, or having the motor windings are part of the buck converter that is the cutting power supply. The motor is regulated regulator to a fixed setpoint or a user setpoint by a compressor regulator in response to a feedback signal, preferably a compressor motor voltage feedback signal. The compressor also turns the compressor on and/off in response to a trigger and/or cutting current feedback signal and has an on/off circuit responsive thereto in various alternatives.

Abstract: A power supply, such as a plasma cutting power supply or a welding power supply, that provides an output to a pair of output terminals is disclosed. The power supply includes a source of voltage and a plurality of choppers. The choppers are connected in parallel between the voltage source output terminals. A controller controls the choppers so that they are out-of-phase with respect to each of the other of the plurality of choppers. The choppers preferably include a freewheeling diode, an inductor and a switch. The number of choppers is approximately equal to the ratio of the open circuit voltage to the output load voltage.