Abstract: Process transformation can include mapping, by a first machine learning model, predetermined key performance indicators (KPIs) to a discovered process model. For each of the KPIs, a KPI gap and a KPI impact score can be determined. For each of the KPIs, a KPI-level enhancement potential value based on the KPI gap and KPI impact score of each KPI can be determined. Based on the KPI-level enhancement potential value of each of the KPIs, a process value debt (PVD) can be generated. Responsive to the PVD exceeding a predetermined threshold, a process transformation recommendation generated by a second machine learning model can be outputted to identify at least one modification to the process that is likely to reduce the PVD.

Abstract: Systems and techniques that facilitate hybrid unsupervised and supervised image segmentation are provided. In various embodiments, a system can access a computed tomography (CT) image depicting an anatomical structure. In various aspects, the system can generate, via an unsupervised modeling technique, at least one class probability mask of the anatomical structure based on the CT image. In various instances, the system can generate, via a deep-learning model, an image segmentation based on the CT image and based on the at least one class probability mask.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods for preserving a usable life of a plasma arc electrode consumable installed in a plasma arc torch can include measuring a characteristic of an electrical signal being provided to the torch to generate a plasma arc between the torch and a workpiece to be processed; monitoring the characteristic during operation of the torch over a time period; comparing the characteristic to a threshold value; and, responsive to determining that a measured characteristic meets and/or exceeds the threshold value, initiating an arc extinguishing sequence to preserve the life of the electrode.

Abstract: A torch tip is provided for a liquid-cooled plasma arc cutting torch. The torch tip includes an electrode with an elongated electrode body having a distal end and a proximal end extending along a longitudinal axis. The electrode body includes at least one interior threaded connection at the proximal end for engaging a liquid-cooled electrode holder. The electrode holder comprises a liquid coolant channel that does not extend into the electrode body. The electrode body has (i) a length extending along the longitudinal axis and (ii) a diameter associated with a widest portion of the electrode body along the longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends, where a ratio of the length to the diameter of the electrode body is greater than about 5.

Abstract: An embodiment may involve persistent storage containing a representation of an escalation path including an ordering of groups, wherein the groups each represent agents and include maximum numbers of contact attempts, maximum times to wait after the contact attempts, and channels for each of the contact attempts. The embodiment may also involve processors configured to: (i) receive an indication that an event has occurred; (ii) perform attempts to contact the agents in the groups; (iii) receive a request for live tracking of the attempts; (iv) generate a representation of a graphical user interface that identifies: a current agent for which contact is being attempted, a number of attempts made to contact the current agent, and a time at which either a subsequent attempt or an escalation to a subsequent group is to be made; and (v) provide the representation of the graphical user interface.

Abstract: Scheduling information for each of plural shifts of an on-call schedule is set based on user operation at design-time within an on-call scheduling user interface. The scheduling information includes an escalation path graphical outline having at least one escalation step element and a corresponding wait duration element. An escalation path associated with a current one of the plural shifts of the on-call schedule at run-time is executed in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied. An on-call user associated with the current one of the shifts is notified based on the escalation path. The escalation path is configured to make a first notification attempt to notify the on-call user based on a first attempt contact preference selected by the on-call user, and make a second notification attempt to notify the on-call user based on a second attempt contact preference selected by the on-call user.

Abstract: An embodiment may involve persistent storage containing a representation of an escalation path including an ordering of groups, wherein the groups each represent agents and include maximum numbers of contact attempts, maximum times to wait after the contact attempts, and channels for each of the contact attempts. The embodiment may also involve processors configured to: (i) receive an indication that an event has occurred; (ii) perform attempts to contact the agents in the groups; (iii) receive a request for live tracking of the attempts; (iv) generate a representation of a graphical user interface that identifies: a current agent for which contact is being attempted, a number of attempts made to contact the current agent, and a time at which either a subsequent attempt or an escalation to a subsequent group is to be made; and (v) provide the representation of the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch system comprising a plasma arc torch is provided. The torch includes an electrode, a nozzle, a vent passage and a shield. The nozzle is spaced from the electrode to define a plasma chamber therebetween. The plasma chamber is configured to receive a plasma gas. The vent passage, disposed in the nozzle body, is configured to divert a portion of the plasma gas exiting the plasma chamber from a nozzle exit orifice. The shield is spaced from the nozzle to define a flow region therebetween. The flow region is configured to (i) receive a liquid and (ii) expel the liquid along with a plasma arc substantially surrounded by the liquid via a shield exit orifice.

Abstract: An incident management interface enables an operator to track progress in resolving an incident and includes a first, second, and third selectable feature. The first selectable feature presents a summary of at least effects of the incident and resolution activity, the second selectable feature enables the operator to create, edit, and administer one or more communication tasks associated with one or more client devices, and the third selectable feature enables the operator to manage one or more conference calls with a variety of agents. The first selectable feature, the second selectable feature, and the third selectable feature are each selectable from a screen of the unified incident management interface.

Abstract: Scheduling information for each of plural shifts of an on-call schedule is set based on user operation at design-time within an on-call scheduling user interface. The scheduling information includes an escalation path graphical outline having at least one escalation step element and a corresponding wait duration element. An escalation path associated with a current one of the plural shifts of the on-call schedule at run-time is executed in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied. An on-call user associated with the current one of the shifts is notified based on the escalation path. The escalation path is configured to make a first notification attempt to notify the on-call user based on a first attempt contact preference selected by the on-call user, and make a second notification attempt to notify the on-call user based on a second attempt contact preference selected by the on-call user.

Abstract: A torch tip is provided for a liquid-cooled plasma arc cutting torch. The torch tip includes an electrode with an elongated electrode body having a distal end and a proximal end extending along a longitudinal axis. The electrode body includes at least one interior threaded connection at the proximal end for engaging a liquid-cooled electrode holder. The electrode holder comprises a liquid coolant channel that does not extend into the electrode body. The electrode body has (i) a length extending along the longitudinal axis and (ii) a diameter associated with a widest portion of the electrode body along the longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends, where a ratio of the length to the diameter of the electrode body is greater than about 5.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods for limiting damage to a plasma arc torch body resulting from a consumable failure within the torch can include determining a specified conductivity parameter set point of a current to be provided to the plasma arc torch for a material processing operation; measuring a detected conductivity parameter of plasma arc current being provided to the plasma torch to perform the material processing operation; comparing the specified conductivity parameter set point to the detected conductivity parameter of plasma arc current and calculating an error term signal; and based on a determination that the error term signal exceeds a threshold amount, initiating a plasma arc shut down sequence to extinguish the plasma arc to limit damage to the plasma arc torch body.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods of initiating a plasma arc of a plasma arc torch to pierce a workpiece and detecting plasma piercing through the workpiece to begin a cutting sequence can include calculating a pulse width modulation characteristic of an electrical signal associated with a plasma arc between an electrode of a plasma arc torch and a workpiece to be processed; monitoring the characteristic during operation of the torch over a time period of a workpiece piercing sequence; comparing the characteristic to a threshold value; and responsive to determining that a calculated characteristic meets and/or exceeds the threshold value, ending the workpiece piercing sequence and beginning the cutting sequence and causing the plasma arc torch to move relative to the workpiece to form a cut.

Abstract: A nozzle for a liquid-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The nozzle includes a thermally conductive body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The nozzle also includes a plasma arc exit orifice at the distal end of the thermally conductive body. The nozzle additionally includes a cooling waist located circumferentially about an exterior surface of the thermally conductive body. The cooling waist includes a liquid inlet slope, a liquid outlet slope and a heat exchange region between the liquid inlet slope and the liquid outlet slope. The heat exchange region extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the liquid inlet slope and the liquid outlet slope are oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods for preserving a usable life of a plasma arc electrode consumable installed in a plasma arc torch can include measuring a characteristic of an electrical signal being provided to the torch to generate a plasma arc between the torch and a workpiece to be processed; monitoring the characteristic during operation of the torch over a time period; comparing the characteristic to a threshold value; and, responsive to determining that a measured characteristic meets and/or exceeds the threshold value, initiating an arc extinguishing sequence to preserve the life of the electrode.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods for preserving a usable life of a plasma arc electrode consumable installed in a plasma arc torch can include measuring a characteristic of an electrical signal being provided to the torch to generate a plasma arc between the torch and a workpiece to be processed; monitoring the characteristic during operation of the torch over a time period; comparing the characteristic to a threshold value; and, responsive to determining that a measured characteristic meets and/or exceeds the threshold value, initiating an arc extinguishing sequence to preserve the life of the electrode.

Abstract: An incident management interface enables an operator to track progress in resolving an incident and includes a first, second, and third selectable feature. The first selectable feature presents a summary of at least effects of the incident and resolution activity, the second selectable feature enables the operator to create, edit, and administer one or more communication tasks associated with one or more client devices, and the third selectable feature enables the operator to manage one or more conference calls with a variety of agents. The first selectable feature, the second selectable feature, and the third selectable feature are each selectable from a screen of the unified incident management interface.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch system comprising a plasma arc torch is provided. The torch includes an electrode, a nozzle, a vent passage and a shield. The nozzle is spaced from the electrode to define a plasma chamber therebetween. The plasma chamber is configured to receive a plasma gas. The vent passage, disposed in the nozzle body, is configured to divert a portion of the plasma gas exiting the plasma chamber from a nozzle exit orifice. The shield is spaced from the nozzle to define a flow region therebetween. The flow region is configured to (i) receive a liquid and (ii) expel the liquid along with a plasma arc substantially surrounded by the liquid via a shield exit orifice.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for liquid cooling a plasma arc torch. An electrode is provided including a body having a longitudinal axis defining a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The electrode includes a first sealing element disposed on an exterior of the body near the first end; a second sealing element disposed on the exterior of the body located in the middle portion, the second sealing element configured to provide a first gas seal to a swirl gas chamber and defining a portion of the swirl gas chamber; and a third sealing element disposed on the exterior of the body, the third sealing element located between the second sealing element and the second end, the third sealing element configured to provide a second gas seal to the swirl gas chamber and defining a portion of the swirl gas chamber.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch system comprising a plasma arc torch is provided. The torch includes an electrode, a nozzle, a vent passage and a shield. The nozzle is spaced from the electrode to define a plasma chamber therebetween. The plasma chamber is configured to receive a plasma gas. The vent passage, disposed in the nozzle body, is configured to divert a portion of the plasma gas exiting the plasma chamber from a nozzle exit orifice. The shield is spaced from the nozzle to define a flow region therebetween. The flow region is configured to (i) receive a liquid and (ii) expel the liquid along with a plasma arc substantially surrounded by the liquid via a shield exit orifice.