Patent · US Expired

Plasma cutter for auxiliary power output of a power source

US6313431A · kind A · utility

74Cited by
15References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 5, 2000
Grant dateNov 6, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 5, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K10/006
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A plasma arc cutting power supply, and method of providing plasma cutting power, is disclosed. It includes a source of power having, preferably an engine or transformer based power source, that provides a main power output and an auxiliary power output. A two-state configuration circuit is in electrical communication with the auxiliary power output. The auxiliary power output receives voltage of a first magnitude with a non-floating ground when the configuration circuit is in its first state. The auxiliary power output receives voltage of a second magnitude, preferably different than the first magnitude, with a floating ground, when the configuration circuit is in its second state. When a plasma cutting circuit is connected to the auxiliary power output the configuration circuit is set in its second state. The plasma cutting circuit includes at least one chopper. A safety circuit that disables the plasma output includes a GFI or optical isolator.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.