Hypertherm, Inc.

William J Connally

Kenneth J Woods

Nicholas A Sanders

Robert C Dean, Jr

Zhipeng Lu

John Sobr

Charles Marcou Hackett

Yong Yang

Sanjay Garg

Richard W Couch

Richard W Couch, Jr

Tate S Picard

Roger E Young, Jr

Charles M Hackett

A method for determining a distance between a first piece and a second piece includes measuring, at the first or second piece, an AC signal, and determining the distance based on the measured AC signal. A system for determining a distance between a first piece and a second piece includes a measuring device adapted to measure, at one or both of the first and second piece, an AC signal, and a signal processing device adapted to determine the distance based on the measured AC signal. The AC signal includes a DC offset.

Plasma insensitive height sensing

A method for determining a distance between a first piece and a second piece includes measuring, at the first or second piece, a first signal at a first frequency, and measuring, at the first or second piece, a second signal at a second frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency. The distance is determined based on the measured first and second signals.

A method for monitoring the processing of a workpiece includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece. At least two signals are generated by a detector based upon the emitted signal. A workpiece processing quality is determined based upon the ratio of the two output signals and a magnitude of one of the two outputs.

Process monitor for laser and plasma materials processing of materials

Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.

Centralized control architecture for a laser materials processing system

A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.

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Grantham, NH, United States of America

William J Connally