Method and apparatus for positioning a plasma arc cutting torch
US4203022A · kind A · utility
79Cited by
10References
6Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1977 |
| Grant date | May 13, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K10/006
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The positioning method disclosed herein is particularly applicable to a plasma arc cutting torch of the type in which tangential swirl is imparted to an ionizable gas through which the arc discharge takes place. The gas flow is initiated while the torch is in a retracted position and the torch is then advanced toward the workpiece. The vortex pressure is sensed and a signal is generated which is responsive to changes in vortex pressure. The advance of the torch is terminated in response to a change in the signal corresponding to the abrupt drop in the vortex pressure caused by attachment of the vortex to the workpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.