Search Patents
-
Patent number: 7375303Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventor: Peter J. Twarog
-
Patent number: 7375302Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Peter J. Twarog, Charles M. Hackett, David J. Cook, Bruce P. Altobelli, David L. Bouthillier
-
Patent number: 8354610Abstract: A method and apparatus for a plasma torch system having a plasma torch tip configuration that includes a nozzle, an electrode, and a control unit for controlling a composition of the shield gas flow, such that while cutting the contour the shield gas flow comprises a first shield gas composition and while cutting the hole the shield gas flow comprises a second shield gas composition.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jon W. Lindsay, Guy T. Best
-
Patent number: 8354609Abstract: A method and apparatus for a plasma torch system having a plasma torch tip configuration that includes a nozzle, an electrode, and a control unit for controlling a composition of the shield gas flow, such that while cutting the contour the shield gas flow comprises a first shield gas composition and while cutting the hole the shield gas flow comprises a second shield gas composition.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Jon W. Lindsay, Guy T. Best
-
Patent number: 8809728Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan
-
Publication number: 20080210670Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan
-
Publication number: 20080169272Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan
-
Patent number: 8541710Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Brandt, Christopher S. Passage, Shane M. Selmer, Girish R. Kamath, Guy T. Best, Stephen M. Liebold, Jon W. Lindsay, Zheng Duan