Plasma torch head, body, handle and control circuitry

Abstract

Disclosed herein a plasma torch that includes a torch body that at its upstream portion is adapted for being removably retained in a plurality of laterally adjusted positions by one lateral end position of a handle. The opposite end of the torch body is joined to the head to extend at an obtuse angle. The head includes an adaptor and an electrode having axial portion coaxially arranged to an air tube and at least parts of the combination of the torch shell and the nozzle to provide a cooling air path to flow downwardly through the tube, thence upwardly around the tube and thence downwardly to primarily discharge downwardly through the shell and in part through the nozzle. A stand and holder are mounted on the shell to hold the nozzle spaced from the cutting surface. The handle has a pair of switches connected in series and positioned to prevent accidently starting the cutting operation, i.e. located on the handle top and bottom half portions respectively such that the user when holdingly using the torch with one hand, the thumb moves and retains the trigger switch in a closed condition and at least one of the ring finger and little finger of the same hand moves and retains the interlock switch in a closed position. Also a wrench interlock switch is connected in series with the above switches and retained in a closed position by a torch wrench.