Patent · US Active

Method and apparatus for automatic gas control for a plasma arc torch

US8541710B2 · kind B2 · utility

26Cited by

99References

20Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Hypertherm, Inc. · US

Inventors

Aaron D. Brandt · North Grantham, US
Christopher S. Passage · Canaan, US
Shane M. Selmer · Ascutney, US
Girish R. Kamath · Lebanon, US
Guy T. Best · Bethel, US
Stephen M. Liebold · Lebanon, US
Jon W. Lindsay · Lebanon, US
Zheng Duan · Hanover, US

Key dates

Filing date	Feb 29, 2008
Grant date	Sep 24, 2013
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Mar 30, 2029

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB23K10/02
WIPO fieldChemical engineering
WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.

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