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:
Aug. 19, 2014
Filed:
Sep. 07, 2007
Aaron D. Brandt, Grantham, NH (US);
Christopher S. Passage, Canaan, NH (US);
Shane M. Selmer, Ascutney, VT (US);
Girish R. Kamath, Lebanon, NH (US);
Guy T. Best, Bethel, VT (US);
Stephen M. Liebold, Grantham, NH (US);
Jon W. Lindsay, Hanover, NH (US);
Zheng Duan, Hanover, NH (US);
Aaron D. Brandt, Grantham, NH (US);
Christopher S. Passage, Canaan, NH (US);
Shane M. Selmer, Ascutney, VT (US);
Girish R. Kamath, Lebanon, NH (US);
Guy T. Best, Bethel, VT (US);
Stephen M. Liebold, Grantham, NH (US);
Jon W. Lindsay, Hanover, NH (US);
Zheng Duan, Hanover, NH (US);
Hypertherm, Inc., Hanover, NH (US);
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.