Search Patents
  • PLASMA TORCH ELECTRODE WITH IMPROVED INSERT CONFIGURATIONS
    Publication number: 20080272094
    Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Mather, David Cook, David Bouthillier, John Sobr, Stephen Eickhoff
  • PLASMA TORCH ELECTRODE WITH IMPROVED INSERT CONFIGURATIONS
    Publication number: 20070125755
    Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Mather, David Cook, David Bouthillier, John Sobr, Stephen Eickhoff
  • ELECTRODE FOR A CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH AND CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH EMPLOYING SUCH ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20120152912
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element, contacting a proximal end of the electrode body, is used for imparting a separation force to the electrode body. The electrode body is adapted to overcome the separation force and engage a contact element of the torch when the torch is operated in a transferred arc mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Electrode for a plasma arc torch having an enhanced cooling configuration
    Patent number: 6403915
    Abstract: An electrode having a ribbed configuration providing a large surface area for cooling the electrode. The electrode includes an elongated electrode body having a first end and a second end. The electrode also includes a shoulder having an enlarged diameter body integral with the electrode body. The shoulder has an imperforate face toward the first end and at least one rib extending aft of the face towards the second end of the electrode body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cook, Charles A. Landry, Steve J. Schaefer
  • Plasma torch electrode with improved insert configurations
    Patent number: 8101882
    Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, David J. Cook, David L. Bouthillier, John Sobr, Stephen T. Eickhoff
  • ELECTRODE FOR A CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH AND CONTACT START PLASMA ARC TORCH EMPLOYING SUCH ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20120152913
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface characterized by (i) physical contact with the electrode body during transferred arc mode and (ii) absence of physical contact with the electrode body during initiation of a pilot arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
    Patent number: 8546718
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element, contacting a proximal end of the electrode body, is used for imparting a separation force to the electrode body. The electrode body is adapted to overcome the separation force and engage a contact element of the torch when the torch is operated in a transferred arc mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
    Patent number: 8541712
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface characterized by (i) physical contact with the electrode body during transferred arc mode and (ii) absence of physical contact with the electrode body during initiation of a pilot arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Electrode for a plasma arc torch having an improved insert configuration
    Patent number: 6130399
    Abstract: An electrode for use in a plasma arc torch has an insert designed to improve the service life of the electrode, particularly for high current processes. The electrode comprises an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material and having a bore disposed in a bottom end of the electrode body. The bore can be cylindrical or ring-shaped. An insert comprising a high thermionic emissivity material, and in some embodiments, a high thermal conductivity material, is disposed in the bore. The insert can be ringed-shaped or cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhipeng Lu, Richard W. Couch
  • Plasma torch electrode materials and related systems and methods
    Patent number: 9516738
    Abstract: In some aspects, multi-metallic emissive inserts shaped to be disposed within an electrode for a plasma arc torch electrode can include an exposed emitter surface at a distal end of the emissive insert to emit a plasma arc from the electrode, wherein the emissive insert comprises a first emissive material and about 8 weight percent to about 50 weight percent yttrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Wittmann, John Peters, E. Michael Shipulski
  • Plasma arc torch having an electrode with internal passages
    Publication number: 20060102598
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Twarog, Charles Hackett, David Cook, Bruce Altobelli, David Bouthillier
  • Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch
    Publication number: 20050067387
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite 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 composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cook, Kirk Ferland, Charles Hackett, Yong Yang, Richard Couch, Zhipeng Lu
  • Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
    Publication number: 20070210035
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Twarog, Jonathan Mather, Stephen Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
    Publication number: 20070210034
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Mather, Stephen Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Plasma arc torch having an electrode with internal passages
    Patent number: 7375303
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face. A controller can control the electrode gas flow through the passages as a function of a plasma arc torch parameter. Methods for operating the plasma arc cutting torch with the electrode are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Twarog
  • Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch
    Patent number: 6841754
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite 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 composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cook, Kirk H. Ferland, Charles Hackett, Young Yang, Richard W. Couch, Zhipeng Lu
  • Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
    Patent number: 8115136
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Plasma Arc Torch Having an Electrode With Internal Passages
    Publication number: 20080237202
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face. A controller can control the electrode gas flow through the passages as a function of a plasma arc torch parameter. Methods for operating the plasma arc cutting torch with the electrode are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Twarog, Charles Marcou Hackett, David Jonathan Cook, Bruce Peter Altobelli, David L. Bouthillier
  • Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
    Patent number: 8035055
    Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter John Twarog, Jonathan P. Mather, Stephen T. Eickhoff, Jesse Roberts
  • Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch
    Patent number: RE46925
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite 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 composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cook, Kirk H. Ferland, Charles M. Hackett, Yong Yang, Richard W. Couch, Jr., Zhipeng Lu
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