Hypertherm, Inc.

Other

Christopher Scott Passage

Stephen M Liebold

Aaron D Brandt

Soumya Mitra

Girish R Kamath

Shane M Selmer

Jon W Lindsay

Zheng Duan

John Peters

Guy Best

Wayne Chin

Jonathan Ames

Richard Eugene Anderson

Steve Dunbar

Dana Labrecque

Norman LeBlanc

In some aspects, methods for preserving a usable life of a plasma arc electrode consumable installed in a plasma arc torch can include measuring a characteristic of an electrical signal being provided to the torch to generate a plasma arc between the torch and a workpiece to be processed; monitoring the characteristic during operation of the torch over a time period; comparing the characteristic to a threshold value; and, responsive to determining that a measured characteristic meets and/or exceeds the threshold value, initiating an arc extinguishing sequence to preserve the life of the electrode.

Controlling plasma arc torches and related systems and methods

A material processing system includes a power supply in electrical communication with a cutting head. The power supply includes a control processor and a wireless communications control circuit configured to establish a web server for wirelessly communicating with a client device via a first communications interface. The wireless communications control circuit is configured to receive a request from the client device for a first web resource. The wireless communications control circuit is configured to request, via a second communications interface, a set of material processing system parameters from the control processor. The set of material processing system parameters is based on content of the request. The wireless communications control circuit is configured to serve, via the web server over the first communications interface, the first web resource to the client device. The first web resource includes web page formatting information and the set of material processing system parameters.

Systems and methods for wireless communications between components of a material processing system

In some aspects, methods for limiting damage to a plasma arc torch body resulting from a consumable failure within the torch can include determining a specified conductivity parameter set point of a current to be provided to the plasma arc torch for a material processing operation; measuring a detected conductivity parameter of plasma arc current being provided to the plasma torch to perform the material processing operation; comparing the specified conductivity parameter set point to the detected conductivity parameter of plasma arc current and calculating an error term signal; and based on a determination that the error term signal exceeds a threshold amount, initiating a plasma arc shut down sequence to extinguish the plasma arc to limit damage to the plasma arc torch body.

A plasma cutting system includes a plasma torch having a head, and a housing. A power supply is disposed within the housing and is in communication with the plasma torch. The power supply is configured to provide an output current for generating and maintaining a plasma cutting arc by the plasma torch, and includes a control processor in communication with a plurality of autonomous switching circuits via a multi-node communications bus. Each of the autonomous switching circuits includes a microcontroller configured to control the generation of a portion of the output current based on messages received from the control processor, monitor operating parameters of the autonomous switching circuit, and modify a control parameter of the autonomous switching circuit independent of and asynchronous to the other autonomous switching circuits of the plurality of autonomous switching circuits when one or more of the operating parameters exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Systems and methods for providing power for plasma arc cutting

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.

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

Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses for automated self test for a thermal processing system. A signal to execute the automated self test is received. The automated self test is executed. The execution includes executing one or more self test instructions for the one or more subsystems of the system. Data can be received from sensors associated with the subsystems. The data can be analyzed to determine the results of the automated self test for the thermal processing system.

Automated self test for a thermal processing system

A customizable armrest includes a cushioning pad and a rigid, single support unit being configured to couple the cushioning pad. The rigid, single support unit includes an armrest retention protrusion pivotably coupled to the single support unit. Furthermore, the armrest retention protrusion is configured to be mounted in a window orifice of a vehicle.

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Canaan, NH, United States of America

Christopher Scott Passage