Electromechanical linearly actuated electrode

US10616988B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The ESAB Group, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Andrew Raymond · Lebanon, US
• David A. Tatham · Grafton, US
• Leonid Pekker · Santa Rosa, US
• Daniel Cote · Lyman, US
• Geoffrey H. Putnam · Barre, US
• Ryan T. Lynaugh · Cornish, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 20, 2017
• Grant date: Apr 7, 2020
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H05H1/3489
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Approaches herein provide a plasma arc torch including a tip surrounding an electrode, the electrode having a proximal end and a distal end, and a shield surrounding the tip, the shield including an exit orifice proximate the distal end of the electrode. The torch may further include a linear actuating device coupled to the electrode for actuating the electrode such that the distal end of the electrode moves axially relative to the tip and the exit orifice of the shield. In some approaches, the linear actuating device is operable to actuate the electrode along a central longitudinal axis extending through the tip. In some approaches, the linear actuating device may include one of: a micro linear drive motor, a micro linear stepper motor, a voice coil, a solenoid coil, and a magnetostrictive actuator. In some approaches, the electrode is actuated during a welding or cutting cycle of the torch.