Dual mode plasma arc torch
First Claim
1. A start cartridge for use in a high frequency start plasma arc torch, the start cartridge providing separation and electrical isolation between an electrode and a tip in the plasma arc torch comprising:
- a plurality of vent holes, the vent holes further comprising outer vent holes and inner vent holes such that a velocity of the gas is increased as the gas flows from the outer vent holes to the inner vent holes, wherein the vent holes provide gas flow to cool the electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dual mode plasma arc torch is provided that preferably comprises a start cartridge disposed between an electrode and a tip. In one form, the start cartridge comprises an initiator that is in electrical contact with the electrode and that is resiliently biased into contact with the tip, such that when the plasma arc torch is in a contact start mode, the initiator is movable against the resilient bias to separate from the tip and establish a pilot arc between the initiator and the tip. Further, when the plasma arc torch is in a high frequency start mode, the start cartridge spaces the tip from the electrode such that a pilot arc is established between the electrode and the tip. In other forms, a contact start torch is provided that is operable under high frequency, and conversely, a high frequency start torch is provided that is operable under low voltage.
36 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A start cartridge for use in a high frequency start plasma arc torch, the start cartridge providing separation and electrical isolation between an electrode and a tip in the plasma arc torch comprising:
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a plurality of vent holes, the vent holes further comprising outer vent holes and inner vent holes such that a velocity of the gas is increased as the gas flows from the outer vent holes to the inner vent holes, wherein the vent holes provide gas flow to cool the electrode.
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- 2. A set of consumables for use in a plurality of plasma arc torches, the set of consumables comprising at least one component adapted to be disposed between an anode body and a cathode body of the plasma arc torch, the component defining a dielectric standoff sized such that the set of consumables are operable under both contact start and high frequency start modes of the plasma arc torches.
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4. A set of consumables for use in a plurality of plasma arc torches, the set of consumables comprising:
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an electrode;
a tip; and
a gas distributor disposed between the electrode and the tip, wherein the gas distributor is sized to provide a dielectric standoff such that the set of consumables are operable under both contact start and high frequency start modes of the plasma arc torches.
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- 5. A contact start plasma arc torch modified for operation with a high frequency power supply, the contact start plasma arc torch comprising a dielectric standoff, the dielectric standoff adapted to be disposed between an anode body and a cathode body of the plasma arc torch and sized such that the contact start torch is operable under high frequency.
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9. A method of operating a contact start plasma arc torch modified to operate under high frequency, the method comprising the step of providing sufficient dielectric standoff between an anode body and a cathode body of the plasma arc torch such that arcing only occurs between an electrode and a tip.
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10. A method of operating a contact start plasma arc torch in a high frequency mode comprising the step of installing consumable components between an anode body and a cathode body of the plasma arc torch, at least one of the consumable components defining a dielectric standoff sized such that the contact start plasma arc torch is operable under the high frequency mode.
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11. A dual mode torch comprising:
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a torch head defining a proximal end and a distal end;
a torch lead disposed at the proximal end of the torch head;
a torch handle disposed proximate the torch head and the torch lead; and
a set of consumable components disposed at the distal end of the torch head, wherein at least one of the torch head, the torch lead, the torch handle, and the set of consumable components comprises a dielectric standoff sized such that the dual mode torch is operable with both a high frequency power supply and a contact start power supply.
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- 12. A dual mode torch comprising a dielectric standoff disposed between an anode body and a cathode body of the plasma arc torch, the dielectric standoff sized such that the dual mode torch is operable with both a high frequency power supply and a contact start power supply.
Specification