Search Patents
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Patent number: 6841754Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: David J. Cook, Kirk H. Ferland, Charles Hackett, Young Yang, Richard W. Couch, Zhipeng Lu
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Patent number: 7659488Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: David J. Cook, Kirk H. Ferland, Charles M. Hackett, Yong Yang, Richard W. Couch, Jr., Zhipeng Lu
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Publication number: 20040200810Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Publication number: 20090308849Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 7019255Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 7193174Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 7754996Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 6946617Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Publication number: 20080116179Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: David J. Cook, Richard W. Couch, Aaron D. Brandt, Richard R. Anderson, Brian J. Currier, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan, Casey Jones, Edward M. Shipulski
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Patent number: 8525069Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a cavity in a front face at a first end of the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the cavity. The first end of the electrode body is formed of high purity copper containing at least 99.81% copper. The insert has a first end and a second end and is formed of a high emissivity material. A diameter of the first end of the insert is less than a diameter of a second end of the insert. An electrode is compressed to retain the insert using radial compression. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode, and a method of operation of an electrode in a plasma torch.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Peter J. Twarog
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Patent number: 8759709Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a cavity in a front face at a first end of the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the cavity. The first end of the electrode body is formed of high purity copper containing at least 99.81% copper. The insert has a first end and a second end and is formed of a high emissivity material. A diameter of the first end of the insert is less than a diameter of a second end of the insert. An electrode is compressed to retain the insert using radial compression. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode, and a method of operation of an electrode in a plasma torch.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan P. Mather, Peter J. Twarog
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Publication number: 20140021175Abstract: An electrode is provided for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes a body having a forward portion, a middle portion and an aft portion. The forward portion includes an electrode tip comprising a conductive first material, wherein the electrode tip includes: 1) a pilot contact region for initiating a pilot arc across the nozzle and 2) an emitter. The middle portion comprises a second material and defines a proximal end for mating with the forward portion and a distal end for mating with the aft portion. The material density of the second material is at least half of the material density of the first material. The electrode also includes an electrically conductive path extending from the forward portion to the aft portion of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Carey Chen, Nicholas Sanders
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Publication number: 20090026180Abstract: A nozzle, retaining cap, or shield for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle, retaining cap, or shield can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Yong Yang, David Jonathan Cook
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Publication number: 20080210669Abstract: A nozzle or retaining cap for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle or retaining cap can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Yong Yang, David Jonathan Cook, E. Michael Shipulski
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Patent number: 8829385Abstract: A nozzle, retaining cap, or shield for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle, retaining cap, or shield can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Yong Yang, David Jonathan Cook
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Publication number: 20120055906Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc cutting torch includes a substantially hollow, elongated body capable of receiving an electrode. The nozzle body defines a longitudinal axis and has a length along the axis from a first end of the nozzle body to a second end of the nozzle body. The nozzle also includes a plasma exit orifice disposed at the first end of the body. The first end of the nozzle body has a width and a ratio of the length of the nozzle body to the width of the nozzle body is greater than about 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: E. Michael Shipulski, Nicholas A. Sanders, Jay L. Jason, Jonathan Mather, Peter J. Twarog
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Patent number: 8772667Abstract: A nozzle or retaining cap for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle or retaining cap can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Yong Yang, David Jonathan Cook, E. Michael Shipulski
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Publication number: 20080217305Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gas-cooled plasma arc torch. Components of the torch can include an electrode, nozzle and a shield, each of which can be gas-cooled. The nozzle can be disposed relative to the electrode and can include a generally hollow conductive body and a cooling gas flow channel defined by at least one fin disposed about an exterior surface of the body, the body providing a thermal conductive path that transfers heat between the nozzle to the cooling gas flow channel during operation of the torch. The shield can be disposed relative to the nozzle and can include a generally hollow conductive body and a cooling gas flow channel defined by at least one fin disposed about an exterior surface of the body, the body providing a thermal conductive path that transfers heat between the shield to the cooling gas flow channel during operation of the torch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas A. Sanders
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Patent number: 8089025Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gas-cooled plasma arc torch. Components of the torch can include an electrode, nozzle and a shield, each of which can be gas-cooled. The nozzle can be disposed relative to the electrode and can include a generally hollow conductive body and a cooling gas flow channel defined by at least one fin disposed about an exterior surface of the body, the body providing a thermal conductive path that transfers heat between the nozzle to the cooling gas flow channel during operation of the torch. The shield can be disposed relative to the nozzle and can include a generally hollow conductive body and a cooling gas flow channel defined by at least one fin disposed about an exterior surface of the body, the body providing a thermal conductive path that transfers heat between the shield to the cooling gas flow channel during operation of the torch.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas A. Sanders
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Patent number: 11622440Abstract: In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Sung Je Kim, Jesse A. Roberts, Shreyansh Patel