Search Patents
  • Method of improving electrode life by simultaneously controlling plasma gas composition and gas flow
    Patent number: 9642237
    Abstract: A method of operating a plasma arc torch system is provided. A first plasma gas supply source, a second plasma gas supply source, and a control unit are provided. A first plasma gas composition is flowed through a first plasma gas flow path, and a plasma arc is generated using the first plasma gas composition. After arc generation, the plasma gas composition is changed to a second plasma gas composition, and the plasma gas flow path is changed to a second plasma gas flow path, wherein the second plasma gas flow path is different from the first plasma gas flow path. The plasma arc is sustained using the second plasma gas composition. The first and second plasma gas flow paths are both at least partially disposed within the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: John Peters, Jon W. Lindsay
  • Method of restarting a plasma arc torch using a periodic high frequency-high voltage signal
    Patent number: 5296665
    Abstract: A high frequency, high voltage starting circuit for a plasma arc cutting torch is operated in pulses to restart the torch if an initial arc extinguishes before the arc transfers to the workpiece. The starting circuit includes a D.C. power supply with its negative output connected to an electrode of the torch. A positive output is connected to a nozzle, and at a higher positive voltage, to a workpiece. A surge injector circuit of a resistor and surge capacitor is connected in parallel with the power supply to supply current to the arc as soon as breakdown occurs. The duration of the interval between restart pulses is sufficient to allow the surge injector circuit to recharge to a value that will reliably restart the arc as the power supply ramps up to a steady state pilot arc current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Peterson, William V. Bailey
  • METHOD OF IMPROVING ELECTRODE LIFE BY SIMULTANEOUSLY CONTROLLING PLASMA GAS COMPOSITION AND GAS FLOW
    Publication number: 20150342019
    Abstract: A method of operating a plasma arc torch system is provided. A first plasma gas supply source, a second plasma gas supply source, and a control unit are provided. A first plasma gas composition is flowed through a first plasma gas flow path, and a plasma arc is generated using the first plasma gas composition. After arc generation, the plasma gas composition is changed to a second plasma gas composition, and the plasma gas flow path is changed to a second plasma gas flow path, wherein the second plasma gas flow path is different from the first plasma gas flow path. The plasma arc is sustained using the second plasma gas composition. The first and second plasma gas flow paths are both at least partially disposed within the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: John Peters, Jon W. Lindsay
  • Nozzle and method of operation for a plasma arc torch
    Patent number: 5317126
    Abstract: In a plasma arc cutting torch a flow of plasma gas is bypassed out of a plasma chamber, preferably at an annular gap between a pre-orifice in an inner nozzle piece and an exit nozzle orifice in an outer nozzle piece. A bypass channel formed between the inner and outer nozzle pieces directs the bypass flow to atmosphere. A metering valve or restricting orifice remote from the gap controls the amount of the bypass flow and delays the response of changes in the flow parameters in the plasma chamber to changes in the bypass flow. The pre-orifice and nozzle orifice are positioned and dimensioned to optimize the mass flow velocity and the strength of a vortex-type flow at the pre-orifice, thereby creating a virtual nozzle immediately below the electrode. The gas flow in the plasma chamber is highly uniform and very steady.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Couch, Jr., Nicholas A. Sanders, Lifeng Luo, John Sobr, Patrik Backander
  • Nozzle for plasma arc torch
    Patent number: 6614001
    Abstract: An output structure for material processing apparatus facilitates field replacement of consumable components, while maintaining important alignments. Contoured surfaces within the output structure mate with corresponding contoured surfaces on the consumable components, thereby facilitating alignment of the consumable components with an axis of the output structure. Material processing apparatus employing such surfaces include lasers and plasma arc torches and, with proper alignment, apparatus performance is improved. Typical consumable components include electrodes, swirl rings, nozzles, and shields. The consumable components can be axially translatable with respect to each other, thereby promoting contact starting of a plasma arc torch. An installation tool for consumable components also serves to align the components with an axis of the output structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Hackett, Yutaka Nakano, Zhipeng Lu, Aaron D. Brandt, Brian J. Currier, Kenneth J. Woods
  • Apparatus and method of improved consumable alignment in material processing apparatus
    Patent number: 6424082
    Abstract: An output structure for material processing apparatus facilitates field replacement of consumable components, while maintaining important alignments. Contoured surfaces within the output structure mate with corresponding contoured surfaces on the consumable components, thereby facilitating alignment of the consumable components with an axis of the output structure. Material processing apparatus employing such surfaces include lasers and plasma arc torches and, with proper alignment, apparatus performance is improved. Typical consumable components include electrodes, swirl rings, nozzles, and shields. The consumable components can be axially translatable with respect to each other, thereby promoting contact starting of a plasma arc torch. An installation tool for consumable components also serves to align the components with an axis of the output structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Hackett, Yutaka Nakano, Zhipeng Lu, Aaron D. Brandt, Brian J. Currier, Kenneth J. Woods
  • Swirl ring and contact element for a plasma arc torch cartridge
    Patent number: 10912183
    Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch includes a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features. The consumable cartridge includes an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features and translatable up to a predetermined distance within the cartridge frame along the longitudinal axis at the second end, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface. The proximal surface is shaped to contact a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch and the distal surface is shaped to contact an electrode of the plasma arc torch during an operation of the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Jesse A. Roberts, Zheng Duan, Michael Scheller, David Agan, Steven Moody, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Garrett K. Quillia
  • Plasma arc torch tip providing a substantially columnar shield flow
    Patent number: 6207923
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch which includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to an electrode in the body to define a plasma chamber. The torch body includes a plasma flow path for directing a plasma gas to the plasma chamber in which a plasma arc is formed. The nozzle includes a hollow, body portion and a substantially solid, head portion defining an exit orifice. The torch also includes a shield attached to the torch body. The shield has a head portion and a body portion which defines a shield exit orifice that has an inlet and an outlet. The shield exit orifice is dimensioned such that the head portion of the nozzle extends, at least in part, to a position between the inlet and the outlet of the shield exit orifice. This configuration produces a substantially columnar flow of shield gas that does not substantially interfere with the plasma arc and prevents a substantial portion of splattered molten metal produced during marking or cutting of the workpiece from reaching the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon W. Lindsay
  • Apparatus and method for starting and stopping a plasma arc torch used for mechanized cutting and marking applications
    Patent number: 5760363
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch apparatus and method for cutting or marking a workpiece includes a torch having an electrode and a nozzle coupled to a power supply, and a plasma gas source coupled to a fluid line for delivering plasma gas to the torch. A flow restriction member is disposed in the fluid line adjacent the torch and causes the pressure of the plasma gas in the torch to gradually increase during start up thus creating a stable plasma arc. A three-way valve is disposed in the fluid line downstream of the flow restriction member and has an inlet, a torch outlet, and a vent outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the torch outlet for delivering plasma gas to the torch when the valve is in the open position, and the torch outlet is in fluid communication with the vent outlet when the valve is in the vent position, for rapidly dissipating the gas in the plasma chamber of the torch to atmosphere after the arc has been extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth B. Hackett, Timothy M. Brewer, Zhipeng Lu, Richard W. Couch, Jr.
Narrow Results

Filter by US Classification