Loading patent…
AssigneeHypertherm, Inc.
InventorsZhipeng Lu, Richard W. Couch, Jr., Brian J. Currier
Estimating the term…
Disclosed is a novel method and structure for contact starting a plasma arc torch. A translatable, electrically conductive component such as a nozzle or swirl ring is biased into contact with an electrode by a compliant spring element. A pilot arc is formed by first passing current through the electrode/component interface. Thereafter, the component is translated under the influence of gas pressure in a plasma chamber formed between the electrode and component, compressing the compliant element and initiating the pilot arc. The spring element may be maintained integrally with the nozzle, swirl ring, or a retaining cap, facilitating removal and replacement of the spring element with consumable components of the torch. Exemplary spring elements include wave spring washers, finger spring washers, curved spring washers, helical compression springs, flat wire compression springs, and slotted conical discs.
A nozzle for a plasma arc torch comprising:
A retaining cap for a plasma arc torch comprising:
A nozzle for a plasma arc torch comprising:
A generally cylindrical hollow nozzle member for a plasma arc torch using a contact starting system comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.