Method and torch for sustaining multiple coaxial arcs
AssigneeUnion Carbide Corporation
InventorAugust Frederick Manz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A torch having a first non-constricting arc electrode disposed within the longitudinal bore of a second non-constricting arc electrode with the ac attachment end of the second arc electrode being annular in cross-section and extending a predetermined distance from the current transfer means for the first arc electrode. An arc is established from the arc attachment end of each arc electrode from at least one source of power. Both arcs are shielded in common with a single common shielding medium.
Claims14
An arc working torch for establishing multiple independent arc discharges in a coaxial relationship to one another from at least one source of power, with said arc discharges originating on separate electrodes and terminating upon a common workpiece, comprising:
- a first arc electrode having an arc attachment end upon which a first arc originates;
- a second arc electrode having an arc attachment end upon which a second arc originates;
- the arc attachment end of said second arc electrode having an annular cross-section and forming a cavity within said second arc electrode;
- said first arc electrode being disposed within said second arc electrode and extending into said cavity in spaced apart relation to the annular cross-section arc attachment end of said second arc electrode;
- the arc attachment end of both said first and second arc electrodes adapted to be spaced apart a predetermined distance respectively from the workpiece to provide a nonconstricting arc sustaining region between said electrodes and said workpiece for establishing separate coaxial arcs between said first and second arc electrodes and the workpiece;
- means located a predetermined distance from the arc attachment end of said second arc electrode for transferring current to said first arc electrode;
- means for transferring current to said second arc electrode;
- means for cooling said first and second arc electrodes;
- and
- means for shielding said first and second arcs in common with one another.
A method of establishing and sustaining coaxial arcs between at least a pair of electrodes and a workpiece, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first arc electrode having an arc attachment end for originating a first arc;
- providing a second arc electrode having an arc attachment end with an annular cross-section for originating a second arc;
- positioning said first arc electrode within said second arc electrode such that the arc attachment end of said first arc electrode is maintained is spaced apart relation to the annular cross-section arc attachment end of said second arc electrode;
- maintaining a nonconstricting arc sustaining region between the arc attachment end of both said first and second arc electrodes and the workpiece;
- introducing a first current into said first arc electrode at a location which is set back a predetermined distance from the arc attachment end of said second arc electrode, said first current being of a predetermined magnitude sufficient to establish and sustain the first arc between the arc attachment end of said first arc electrode and the workpiece;
- introducing a second current into said second arc electrode of a magnitude sufficient to establish and sustain the second arc between said second arc electrode and the workpiece;
- and
- surrounding said first and second arcs in common with a common shielding medium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.