Importance

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Abstract

A plasma-arc cutting torch housing defines a chamber which has an outlet at the end of the housing. The torch also includes an electrode in the chamber near the outlet and a provision in the chamber for separating the gas flowing towards the outlet of the housing into a primary gas flow adjacent to the electrode for generating a plasma and a secondary gas flow away from the electrode for cooling the torch and the workpiece. The electrode has a centrally disposed bore therethrough for conveying gas. An insert in the workpiece end of the electrode burns away so as to expose the essentially disposed bore therethrough, thereby automatically quenching operation of the plasma arc so as to minimize damage to the torch. In the preferred embodiment, the electrode has a stepped centrally disposed bore which stops short of the insert. In an alternate embodiment, the stepped bore extends through to the insert and accommodating insert bore. A generally cylindrical insulator is also provided for directing the primary and secondary gas flows.

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First Claim