CONTACT START PLASMA TORCH AND METHOD OF OPERATION
First Claim
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1. A plasma torch comprising:
- an electrode;
a nozzle positioned about the electrode;
a shuttle element disposed between the nozzle and the electrode and movable between a first position and a second position, the shuttle element separated from at least one of the nozzle and the electrode when in the first position and contacting the nozzle and the electrode when in the second position; and
biasing means constructed to bias the shuttle element to the first position during an idle mode and a cutting mode of the plasma torch.
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Abstract
A contact start plasma torch has a shuttle element disposed between a cathodic component and an anodic component. The shuttle element is movable between a first position and a second position and is maintained in the first position during an idle mode and a cutting mode. When the shuttle element is in the first position, a separation is maintained between the cathodic component and the anodic component of the plasma torch. The shuttle element momentarily bridgingly connects the cathodic component and the anodic component when it is located in the second position and initiates a plasma arc therebetween as it returns to the first position.
124 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A plasma torch comprising:
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an electrode;
a nozzle positioned about the electrode;
a shuttle element disposed between the nozzle and the electrode and movable between a first position and a second position, the shuttle element separated from at least one of the nozzle and the electrode when in the first position and contacting the nozzle and the electrode when in the second position; and
biasing means constructed to bias the shuttle element to the first position during an idle mode and a cutting mode of the plasma torch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A plasma cutting system comprising:
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a power source constructed to generate a power signal suitable for plasma cutting applications;
a plasma torch connected to the power source and having a cathodic component having a fixed-position, an anodic component having a fixed-position, and a separator movably disposed between the cathodic component and the anodic component;
a first biasing means connected to the plasma torch and constructed to bias the separator out of mutual contact with the cathodic component and the anodic component; and
a second biasing means connected to the plasma torch and constructed to overcome the first biasing means and move the separator into mutual contact with the cathodic component and the anodic component. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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13. The plasma cutting system of 12 wherein the spring is housed in a recess formed in the one of the anodic component and the cathodic component.
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18. A method of initiating a plasma arc comprising the steps of:
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positioning a shuttle element substantially about a circumference of an electrode in a plasma torch;
biasing the shuttle element housed in a plasma torch to maintain a separation between a cathode and an anode;
overcoming the bias to connect the shuttle element to the cathode and the anode; and
returning the shuttle element to the biased position to generate a plasma arc. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification