Patents by Inventor Stephen Theodore Eickhoff

Stephen Theodore Eickhoff 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).

  • Method and apparatus for sensing the length of a lead
    Patent number: 8927895
    Abstract: The technology features an apparatus and a method for sensing the length of a lead that connects to a power source to a thermal processing system such as a plasma torch system. Components disposed in the thermal processing system enable the length of the lead to be sensed. In addition, the time for contact starting a thermal processing system enables determination of the length of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Theodore Eickhoff, Peter J. Twarog
  • Adapter for a plasma arc torch
    Patent number: 8624150
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending a plasma arc torch is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plasma torch adapter for relocating a mounting location of plasma torch consumables with respect to a plasma arc torch. The adapter is configured to be mounted between a plasma arc torch and the plasma torch consumables. The adapter is connectable to a consumable interface of the torch and includes a generally longitudinal body having a first end and a second end. The adapter includes a first connector at the first end of the body that is adapted to mate with the consumable interface. The adapter further includes a second connector at the second end of the body for mating with a set of plasma torch consumables, such that a second mounting location for consumables is established in a spaced relationship relative to the first connector, the mounting location adjacent the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Simek, Jonathan Mather, Peter J. Twarog, Stephen Theodore Eickhoff
  • Adapter for a Plasma Arc Torch
    Publication number: 20120061355
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending a plasma arc torch is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plasma torch adapter for relocating a mounting location of plasma torch consumables with respect to a plasma arc torch. The adapter is configured to be mounted between a plasma arc torch and the plasma torch consumables. The adapter is connectable to a consumable interface of the torch and includes a generally longitudinal body having a first end and a second end. The adapter includes a first connector at the first end of the body that is adapted to mate with the consumable interface. The adapter further includes a second connector at the second end of the body for mating with a set of plasma torch consumables, such that a second mounting location for consumables is established in a spaced relationship relative to the first connector, the mounting location adjacent the second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Simek, Jonathan Mather, Peter J. Twarog, Stephen Theodore Eickhoff
  • Method and apparatus for sensing the length of a lead
    Publication number: 20090032502
    Abstract: The technology features an apparatus and a method for sensing the length of a lead that connects to a power source to a thermal processing system such as a plasma torch system. Components disposed in the thermal processing system enable the length of the lead to be sensed. In addition, the time for contact starting a thermal processing system enables determination of the length of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Theodore Eickhoff, Peter J. Twarog