Binary Signal Detection
AssigneeHypertherm, Inc.
InventorsDennis M. Borowy, Jesse A. Roberts
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for identifying a torch assembly associated with a thermal processing system can include a detector that detects a multi-bit binary signal based on a plurality of open circuits or closed circuits with the thermal processing system. Each representative binary signal can comprise an individual physical component. The system can also include a control mechanism in communication with the detector, the control mechanism identifying at least one characteristic of the torch assembly based upon the multi-bit binary signal.
Claims24
A system for identifying a torch assembly associated with a thermal processing system comprising:
- a detector that detects a multi-bit binary signal based on a plurality of open circuits or closed circuits with the thermal processing system;
- and
- a control mechanism in communication with the detector, the control mechanism identifying at least one characteristic of the torch assembly based upon the multi-bit binary signal.
A method for identifying a torch assembly associated with a thermal processing system comprising:
- connecting a torch assembly to the thermal processing system;
- and
- detecting a plurality of open and closed circuits between the torch and the thermal processing system that establish a multi-bit binary signal, wherein the signal corresponds to a characteristic of the torch assembly.
A torch for a plasma arc torch system comprising:
- a plurality of electrical paths configured to carry a current;
- and
- a plurality of devices having a first state that permits current to pass through the electric path and a second state that prevents current from passing through the electric path, the selective configuration of each device to one of the first or second state forming a multi-bit binary signal identifying the torch.
A connector assembly for a plasma arc torch system, comprising:
- a housing;
- a gas conduit in the housing for passing a gas between a gas supply and a plasma arc torch assembly;
- an operational current conduit in the housing to conduct an operational current from a power supply to the plasma arc torch assembly;
- a plurality of pin locations, wherein the selective population of a pin location corresponds to a characteristic of the plasma torch assembly.
An assembly for identifying a torch assembly associated with a thermal processing system comprising:
- a means for detecting at least one of an open circuit means or a closed circuit means;
- a control means for forming a binary signal based on the detected open circuit means or closed circuit means;
- and
- a means for identifying the device associated with the thermal processing system based on the binary signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.