Importance

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Abstract

The housing of the cutting torch power supply has an opening and a drawer which can be slid into and out of the opening. The back wall of the drawer carries a connector plug adapted for connection to the torch connectors and connections to a gas source, and a power source in the power supply. When the drawer extends out of the opening, the connector plug is accessible for changing connectors. The drawer may also be entirely removed from the housing so that the connector plug can be replaced. The above feature enables the power supply to be conveniently used for supplying power and gas to torches which have cables with different types of gas and power connectors. When the drawer is in a closed position, power is supplied to the torch. When the drawer is away from the closed position, a switch is activated to cut off power to the torch to prevent shock hazard. A number of voltage divider circuits are provided in a reference circuit for providing a reference signal to the power source for setting a current level for sustaining a pilot arc at the torch. Each voltage divider circuit has a resistance ratio which causes the current level set to be appropriate for supporting pilot arc at a particular type of torch. The operator can then select the appropriate voltage divider circuit for causing the power source to provide the desired current for sustaining a pilot arc at a torch which the operator intends to use. Such feature also enables the power supply to supply power to torches having different pilot current requirements.

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First Claim