Method and apparatus for alignment of components of a plasma arc torch

US6946617B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Hypertherm, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Aaron D. Brandt · North Grantham, US
• Richard Anderson · Lebanon, US
• Brian J. Currier · Newport, US
• Jon W. Lindsay · Lebanon, US
• Zheng Duan · Hanover, US
• Casey Jones · Humble, US
• Edward M. Shipulski · Etna, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 11, 2003
• Grant date: Sep 20, 2005
• Expiry date: Apr 11, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H05H1/3478
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.