Swirl ring and contact element for a plasma arc torch cartridge

US12280441B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Hypertherm, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Yu Zhang · Hanover, US
• Jesse A. Roberts · Colchester, US
• Zheng Duan · Hanover, US
• Michael Scheller · Unterpleichfeld, DE
• David Agan · Enfield, US
• Steven Moody · Charlestown, US
• Stephen T. Eickhoff · Hanover, US
• Garrett Quillia · Hanover, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 11, 2021
• Grant date: Apr 22, 2025
• Expiry date: Feb 24, 2044

Classification

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

Abstract

A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch includes a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features. The consumable cartridge includes an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features and translatable up to a predetermined distance within the cartridge frame along the longitudinal axis at the second end, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface. The proximal surface is shaped to contact a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch and the distal surface is shaped to contact an electrode of the plasma arc torch during an operation of the plasma arc torch.