×

Plasma arc torch

  • US 7,435,925 B2
  • Filed: 11/22/2005
  • Issued: 10/14/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/26/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A plasma arc torch, comprising:

  • a tubular member having opposing ends and defining a bore extending axially between the ends;

    a nozzle capable of being operably engaged with one end of the tubular member;

    a movable member having an electrode operably engaged therewith and being configured to axially and moveably engage the bore of the tubular member, the moveable member further being biased toward the one end of the tubular member such that the electrode contacts the nozzle when the nozzle is operably engaged with the one end of the tubular member, and such that the electrode is directed toward the one end of the tubular member and axially outward of the bore when the nozzle is not operably engaged with the one end of the tubular member;

    a piston member operably engaged with the movable member, the piston member being configured such that, when the nozzle is operably engaged with the one end of the tubular member, the piston member is capable of selectively moving the electrode, via the movable member, between a torch inoperable position where the electrode is in contact with the nozzle and a torch operable position where the electrode is separated from the nozzle within the bore;

    a fluid flow inlet operably engaged with the tubular member between the ends thereof and configured to channel a fluid flow into the bore;

    a first sealing member operably engaged with the piston member and configured to movably seal the piston member with respect to the bore so as to allow the fluid flow to act upon the piston member to move the electrode to the torch operable position when the nozzle is operably engaged with the one end of the tubular member; and

    a second sealing member operably engaged with the bore and configured to engage the piston member when the nozzle is not operably engaged with the one end of the tubular member and the electrode is directed toward the one end of the tubular member and axially outward of the bore, the second sealing member being operably engaged with the bore such that the fluid flow inlet is disposed between the first and second sealing members, thereby preventing operation of the torch when at least one of the nozzle and the electrode is not properly assembled therewith by preventing the fluid flow from acting upon the piston member to move the electrode to the torch operable position.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×