The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 15, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 13, 2000
Thomas Franklin Oakley, Florence, SC (US);
The ESAB Group, Inc., Florence, SC (US);
Abstract
A process and apparatus for stopping a cutting operation of a plasma arc torch is disclosed which minimizes the oxidation of the electrode to thereby extend life of the electrode. A flow of oxidizing gas is directed through a plasma chamber and nozzle. An electrical current is then conducted through the electrode to form a plasma arc. The electrical current is cut no later than a time F for extinguishing the plasma arc. The flow of oxidizing gas is switched off a determinable time interval before time F, and a flow of non-oxidizing gas is switched on no later than time F, whereby the non-oxidizing gas substantially completely purges the oxidizing gas from the torch creating an inert environment, whereby the plasma arc extinguishes in the inert environment.