Abstract: A device to place an incision into matter with a harmonious plasma cloud. A radiofrequency generator system produces pulsed or continuous electromagnetic waveform which is transmitted by an active transmitter incising electrode tip. This generated electromagnetic wave is utilized to initiate a plasma cloud with processes such as thermal ionization and a photoelectric effect which then trigger an Avalanche Effect for charged atomic particles at the surface of the active transmitter incising electrode tip. This electromagnetic wave is impedance matched, frequency matched, power matched and tuned to the plasma cloud in order to sustain and control a harmonious plasma cloud with reduced atomic particle turbulence and chaos. This harmonious plasma cloud forms a coating over the surface of the active transmitter electrode tip as well as acts to reduce the energy output needed from the power amplifier of our plasma cutting device.

Abstract: An installation and a method for oxygen arc cutting of a metal workpiece containing at least a ferrous material, in particular a structural steel workpiece, which consists in: pre-heating locally a priming zone of the metal workpiece to be cut by subjecting the priming zone to a plasma jet; then in producing a localized fusion and/or combustion of the ferrous material contained in the workpiece, using the plasma jet or a combination of the plasma jet and an oxidizing gas flow to obtain a perforation along the whole thickness of the metal workpiece; once the perforation has been obtained, in synchronously displacing, the plasma jet and the oxidizing gas flow along a cutting path to produce a predefined slit through the metal workpiece.

Abstract: A solid-waste conversion plant produces useful products and electrical energy in a closed system with zero emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. The plant is characterized by catalytic ionic-impact chambers having a pair of electrodes that establish an electric arc. The electric arc breaks down solid waste molecules into a plasma of atomic constituents which exothermically recombine into simple molecules upon leaving the plasma. A primary chamber converts carbon-based waste into solidifiable metal, sulfur and glassy slag extractable from the bottom of the chamber, and into gas containing CO, H2, and CH4. A second chamber contains high carbon waste input that is converted by the arc into incandescent coke, which converts CO2 and H2O in the gas from the first chamber into more CO, H2 and CH4, thereby forming a fuel gas. The fuel gas is combusted in gas turbine generators to produce electricity for operating the electric arcs, plus a sellable surplus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing work piece components in which a molten phase is produced by a local energy input from at least one of an electric arc, a jet of combustible gas, an electron plasma, and a laser beam. At least one transducer is included for imparting oscillations having a frequency above 15 kHz. The oscillations can be imparted to one or more of the components, the region of the molten phase, and/or to any filler material that is added to the region of the molten phase. The apparatus and methods can be used with known thermal soldering, welding and cutting methods to improve the quality of weld beads and cut edges that are formed, and to increase the processing rate.

Abstract: A metal cutting process employs an apparatus including a cutting machine operable to cut two dimensional profiles in plates. The plates are transported to and from the cutting machine on carriages. The carriages are movable between a cutting, or burn position, an un-loading position, and a loading, or re-loading position along a path. The path forms a closed circuit, or loop. In the burn position the cutting machine is operable to cut profiles in the plates. Cutting on one carriage can occur while another carriage, or other carriages, are being loaded or unloaded, or both. The carriages can be cylced along the path repeatedly. The apparatus can include a de-coiling machine for un-coiling coils of steel sheet, and the process can include uncoiling a steel sheet directly onto one of the carriages. The process can also include cutting a steel sheet in a single piece to form the side of a large structure, such as a rail road car.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for cutting laminates intended for application to the skin, including the following steps. (1) a laminate having at least one film and at least one further layer is supplied, (2) the laminate is transported to a cutting area of a laser beam cutting arrangement, whereby it is kept flat in the cutting area under a tension of between 0.1 N/m and 1×104 N/m by tightening the laminate synchronously in all four directions to the tightening plane, and (3) the laminate is cut into or cut through by laser beams.

Abstract: Process and unit for the arc working, particularly plasma cutting, of a workpiece, in which a plasma torch is supplied with an electric current and with a gas mixture containing oxygen and nitrogen, and a plasma jet obtained by the ionization of the gas mixture by the electric current is delivered by means of the plasma torch. The concentration of nitrogen and oxygen in the gas mixture is less than 50%. The gas mixture is obtained by adding a defined amount of nitrogen or, depending on the case, oxygen immediately before the gas mixture is introduced into the torch. The amount of nitrogen or oxygen is defined according to the thickness of the workpiece, to the grade of the constituent material of the workpiece, to the desired work rate and/or to the intensity of the electric current.

Abstract: A post-tension construction apparatus including a concrete slab, an anchor embedded in the concrete slab, a tendon fixedly received by and extending through the anchor so as to have a portion extending outwardly of one end of the anchor, and a pocket formed in the concrete slab and extending outwardly from one end of the anchor. The pocket has a wall extending outwardly from one end of the anchor. The wall has a pivot point formed thereon. A cutting torch is removably received within the pocket. The cutting torch has a pivot formed thereon which is pivotally engagable with the pivot point of the pocket.

Abstract: The invention features a centralized control architecture for a closely-coupled plasma arc system, in which the “intelligence” of the system is integrated into a single controller. The closely-coupled plasma arc system includes a power source, an automatic process controller and a torch-height controller, where each of these components individually has a closed-loop dynamic relationship with the controller.

Abstract: Microwave is introduced into a plasma chamber of a plasma processing apparatus and magnetic field is applied thereto to allow plasma generation gas to be placed in plasma state by the electron cyclotron resonance. This plasma is introduced into a film forming chamber of the plasma processing apparatus to allow film forming gas including compound gas of carbon and fluorine or compound gas of carbon, fluorine and hydrogen, and hydro carbon gas to be placed in plasma state. In addition, an insulating film consisting of fluorine added carbon film is formed by the film forming gas placed in plasma state.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for the oxygen cutting of slabs—using one or more oxygen cutting torches—and a device for implementing the process. The process includes the steps of hanging the slab (16) using one or more electromagnets (14) separated from the slab (16) by a non-magnetic device or medium (such as air); causing a relative motion between the cutting torches (18) and the slab (16); using a carrying device (15) acting on the slab on the same side of the slab (16) as the electromagnet (14); and activating the cutting torch (18) in order to cut the slab (16) when it is transported past the cutting torch (18).

Abstract: The present method of forming a silicon oxide layer comprises providing two frequency excitation plasma CVD device which comprises a high frequency electrode, a susceptor electrode, and two matching box for impedance matching between the electrodes and a power supply, wherein one side electrode constituting a tuning condenser of a matching box toward the high frequency electrode is the high frequency electrode; placing a substrate on the susceptor electrode; applying high frequency electric power on the high frequency electrode and the susceptor electrode respectively; and forming a silicon oxide layer on the substrate by generating plasma with using a reaction gas of which main reaction gas is a mixing gas of monosilane and nitrous oxide.

Abstract: Process and unit for the arc working, particularly plasma cutting, of a workpiece, in which a plasma torch is supplied with an electric current and with a gas mixture containing hydrogen and nitrogen and/or argon, and a plasma jet obtained by the ionization of the gas mixture by the electric current is delivered by means of the plasma torch. The hydrogen concentration in the gas mixture containing hydrogen and nitrogen and/or argon is less than 50%. The gas mixture is obtained by adding a defined amount of hydrogen to nitrogen and/or argon, immediately before the gas mixture is introduced into said torch. The defined amount of hydrogen is defined according to the thickness of the workpiece, to the grade of the constituent material of the workpiece, to the desired work rate and/or to the intensity of the electric current.

Abstract: In the method for producing components (2) with a beveled cut edge (Y bevel), a vertical laser beam (5) is used to make at least one vertical cut through the material (1), parts (3) of the material (1) which lie outside the component (2) are removed, and then an inclined laser beam (6) is used to make an inclined cut along the vertical cut edge produced.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is provided for controlling the selection and supply pressure of gases used in a plasma arc torch. A plurality of pressurized feed gases are selectively routed by solenoid gas valves to one or more motorized pressure regulators. A separate regulator controls the pressurized output of a selected pre-flow gas, plasma gas, shield gas, and post flow gas. A microprocessor establishes recommended pressures for each type of gas and prevents operating pressures from being used which may damage a plasma arc torch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blow torch (6) for a cutting process, in particular a steam cutting process, comprising a control device (3), a liquid supply system, in particular a container (5) for a liquid (8), and a power source (2), the blow torch (6) being connected via lines (9, 10) to the power source (2). The blow torch (6) is connected by a supply line (7) to the liquid supply system. At least one duct or flow passage for the liquid (8) having a predeterminable cross section and path is provided in the blow torch (6) and is designed to convert the liquid (8) into a gaseous state, in particular a gas (19).

Abstract: A process for operating a plasma torch having an improved start up and shut down sequence to substantially increase electrode element life. The first shut down mode is controlled such that plasma gas flow through the swirl ring and nozzle prevents the formation of an oxide layer upon the electrode. The shut down method is especially useful for torches which operate at 100 amps or greater. The inclusion of an aluminum jacket surrounding the electrode outer walls has been found to contribute to the ability to avoid formation of oxide layers on the electrode.

Abstract: A method for ashing a resist pattern covered by a hardened layer caused by an ion implantation process previously conducted including a first step for conducting an ashing process at a first temperature e.g. 120° C. or less at which no popping phenomenon happens, for removing the hardened layer, and a second step for conducting an ashing process at a second temperature e.g. 150° C. at which the ashing rate is high, for entirely removing the remaining resist pattern, and apparatus employable for the method for ashing a resist pattern covered by a hardened layer including a mechanism for moving up and down a semiconductor wafer to regulate the temperature of the semiconductor wafer and including a shutter which intervenes between the semiconductor wafer and a heater.

Abstract: An plasma cutter, including a power supply, a cutting torch (with a nozzle), a source of air and a valve, is disclosed. The cutting torch is connected to the two power source outputs (cathode and anode). Air is supplied to the nozzle through the valve from the air supply. In one position the valve allows air to flow from the air source to the nozzle. In a second position the valve prevents air from flowing from the air supply to the nozzle and also vents the nozzle and torch. The torch has a movable electrode and the nozzle is in a fixed position. The nozzle and electrode are each electrically connected to a different one of the power outputs. The electrode is biased (preferably by a spring) to be in contact with the nozzle. However, air flowing into the torch and electrode overcomes the bias and moves the electrode away from the nozzle. If the arc is absent and the user desires current, then the valve is moved to prevent air from flowing into the torch and to vent the torch.

Abstract: In an arrangement for producing expanded material (8), in particular from foil-type webs (2) of metal, with a cutting device (3) for producing coherent strips of webs (5) of foil, and with an expanding device (6, 7) for expanding the web (5), the cutting device (3) comprises laser beam, water jet or electron beam (4)-emitting devices which are arranged substantially adjacent each other, transversely to the moving direction of the web (2), and which are controlled by a controlling device.

Abstract: Microwave is introduced into a plasma chamber of a plasma processing apparatus and magnetic field is applied thereto to allow plasma generation gas to be placed in plasma state by the electron cyclotron resonance. This plasma is introduced into a film forming chamber of the plasma processing apparatus to allow film forming gas including compound gas of carbon and fluorine or compound gas of carbon, fluorine and hydrogen, and hydro carbon gas to be placed in plasma state. In addition, an insulating film consisting of fluorine added carbon film is formed by the film forming gas placed in plasma state.

Abstract: Process and unit for the arc working, particularly plasma cutting, of a workpiece, in which a plasma torch is supplied with an electric current and with a gas mixture containing oxygen and nitrogen, and a plasma jet obtained by the ionization of the gas mixture by the electric current is delivered by means of the plasma torch. The concentration of nitrogen and oxygen in the gas mixture is less than 50%. The gas mixture is obtained by adding a defined amount of nitrogen or, depending on the case, oxygen immediately before the gas mixture is introduced into the torch. The amount of nitrogen or oxygen is defined according to the thickness of the workpiece, to the grade of the constituent material of the workpiece, to the desired work rate and/or to the intensity of the electric current.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cutting a material using a plasma are jet provides improved uniformity along the length of cut, despite variations in cutting speed. This is achieved by pulsing the arc current and dynamically varying the pulsing. By this means the momentum of the plasma arc jet can be maintained substantially constant whilst the amount of energy delivered by the plasma arc jet is controllably varied. The pulsing can be dynamically varied in dependence on one or more of the cutting speed, the angle of ejection of a stream of molten material from the cut, the size of the droplets of the ejected material, the intensity of spectral pattern of light emitted from the plasma arc jet and material interface, and the arc voltage. The pulses can be varied by varying one or more of the pulsing frequency, the pulse duty, upper value of the pulse current, and depth of the pulses.

Abstract: A method of cutting a workpiece along a cutting path that is arcuate or that has one or more arcuate portions includes the step of determining a control parameter that is proportional to the angular velocity of the torch. The arc current supplied to the torch is regulated based on the control parameter and the linear advance rate of the torch, which in turn is a function of the material type and thickness of the workpiece. In one embodiment of the invention suitable for the cutting of holes, the control parameter is the diameter of the hole to be cut, which for a specified linear advance rate is inversely proportional to the angular velocity of the torch. The current is increased above a nominal current when the hole diameter is less than or equal to a predetermined limiting diameter, and otherwise is set at the nominal current. In other embodiments of the invention suitable for cutting holes or other shapes, the control parameter is the radius of curvature of the cutting path.

Abstract: Plasma nozzle, in particular for pretreating surface, including a casing defining a nozzle channel which has an axis and a mouth and through which a working gas is passed, an electrode disposed coaxially in the nozzle channel, and a counter electrode surrounding the nozzle channel, wherein the mouth of the nozzle channel is angled relative to the axis thereof.

Abstract: In oxygen plasma cutting, wear of the nozzle and electrode is reduced. Hafnium and/or zirconium are employed for the electrode material. Pure nitrogen gas is employed as the working gas in pilot arc formation. During cutting, a mixed gas of oxygen and nitrogen of oxygen concentration 70 to 95 mol % (preferably at least 80 mol %) and of nitrogen concentration 30 to 5 mol % (preferably 5 to 10 mol %) is employed as the working gas. The electrode is nitrided by using pure nitrogen gas as working gas from the point where cutting is terminated and the arc about to be extinguished onwards.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch system having automatic purge and fill capability includes a plasma arc torch which has a supply line coupled with a passage in the torch for supplying a process fluid through the torch to a nozzle of the torch. The system further includes a process fluid supply system including at least first and second supplies containing first and second process fluids, respectively, and a purge gas supply containing an inert purge gas. A valve system is coupled between the process fluid supply system and the supply line and between the purge gas supply and the supply line, the valve system including at least one valve operable to selectively couple the supply line to one of the first, second, and purge supplies. An actuator system is connected to the valve system, the actuator system being electrically activatable to cause the valve system to couple the supply line to one of the supplies.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for stopping a cutting operation of a plasma arc torch is disclosed which minimizes the oxidation of the electrode to thereby extend life of the electrode. A flow of oxidizing gas is directed through a plasma chamber and nozzle. An electrical current is then conducted through the electrode to form a plasma arc. The electrical current is cut no later than a time F for extinguishing the plasma arc. The flow of oxidizing gas is switched off a determinable time interval before time F, and a flow of non-oxidizing gas is switched on no later than time F, whereby the non-oxidizing gas substantially completely purges the oxidizing gas from the torch creating an inert environment, whereby the plasma arc extinguishes in the inert environment.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in plasma cutting using a plasma torch of the double-swirl type, to make it possible to maintain the bevel angle always constant, irrespective of the shape of the cutting line, and thereby to raise the accuracy of the cutting track. In locations where the cutting line is a straight line or a comparatively gentle curve, NC control unit 83 makes the cutting speed high and gas control unit 85 makes the secondary gas flow rate or secondary gas strength of rotation high. In locations where the cutting line is a corner or a comparatively sharp curve, NC control unit 83 makes the cutting speed low and gas control unit 85 makes the secondary gas flow rate or strength of rotation comparatively low. NC control unit 83 determines the speed of cutting in accordance with the magnitude of the curvature of the cutting line such that the positional offset between the upper kerf track and lower kerf track caused by the cutting lag is below a prescribed allowed value.

Abstract: A table has a pervious support surface and a gantry is mounted for movement across the support surface in a longitudinal direction. A carriage is mounted to the gantry for movement across the support surface in a transverse direction. Water jet and plasma arc cutting heads are carried by and movable with the carriage. A controller is capable of operating the water jet cutting head while moving the gantry and the carriage to cut a sheet of insulation supported by a first section of the support surface. In addition, the controller is capable of operating the plasma arc cutting head while moving the gantry and the carriage to cut a piece of sheet metal supported by a second section of the support surface. A drainage system is mounted beneath the first section of the support surface for collecting water that falls through the first section of the support surface from the water jet cutting head.

Abstract: A plasma torch for locally heating an object, which comprises an anode having an axially extending bore, and a cathode having an end section extending coaxially through the bore in the anode and another section passing through a chamber communicating with a gas connection, the anode and the end section of the cathode defining an annular gap in communication with the chamber and forming a nozzle. The anode and the cathode are connected in an electrically insulating manner, a gas source is connected to the gas connection, a voltage supply is connected to the anode and the cathode, the voltage supply delivering intermittent voltage pulses exceeding the arc-over voltage in the annular gap, and a ring encloses the nozzle and projects axially therefrom to define a front chamber between the nozzle and the object upon which the ring is placed.

Abstract: A torch angle setting apparatus includes vertical links arranged in a vertical direction, the respective lower end of which is supported on a frame so as to be pivotally rotatable, and coupled with horizontal links at an upper end and an intermediate position of the vertical links for constituting a three-dimensionally parallel link. The torch angle setting apparatus also includes an inclining member constituted of a motor, an arm and a transmission member for inclining the vertical links by pivotally rotating the arm, a swinging member constituted of a swinging motor, a conducting member, splines for, including the inclining member, swinging conically the vertical links on fulcrums at the frame as a center, and a cutting torch moving in parallel to the vertical links.