US Patent No: 6,350,960
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
Parts-in-place safety reset circuit and method for contact start plasma-arc torch
Stats
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Feb 26, 2002
Issued date -
Nov 28, 2000
filing date -
09/724,984
serial no -
In Force
status
Importance
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Abstract
A contact plasma-arc torch having a parts-in-place safety reset circuit and method. The torch includes an electrode and a tip. A safety reset circuit monitors parameters associated with the electrical relationship between the electrode and the tip to determine whether the tip and/or electrode are properly installed. The circuit also monitors an electrical relationship associated with the workpiece to detect when current is flowing in the workpiece when such current is not expected. The torch power supply and associated circuitry includes a soft start capability whereby the full power output of the power supply is supplied to the electrode over time due to the soft start characteristic of a soft start circuit. If the safety reset circuit detects that the tip and/or electrode arc not properly installed, or that current is flowing in the workpiece when such current is not expected, the safety reset circuit resets the soft start circuit. When the soft start circuit is reset, the power applied to the electrode is returned to its initial starting value at or near zero volts. Thus, full power output is not applied to the electrode when the tip and/or electrode are not properly installed.
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First Claim
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International Classification(s)
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- [Patents Count]
Cited Art
| Patent Info | (Count) | # Cites | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 4,585,921 Torch operation interlock device | 13 | 1983 | |
| 5,170,030 Plasma torch electronic pulsing circuit | 15 | 1991 | |
| 5,530,220 Plasma torch arc transfer circuit | 14 | 1994 | |
| 5,961,855 Low voltage electrical based parts-in-place (PIP) system for contact start torch | 14 | 1998 | |
| 5,990,443 Plasma torch pilot arc circuit | 10 | 1998 | |
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| 4,929,811 Plasma arc torch interlock with disabling control arrangement system | 16 | 1988 | |
| 5,796,067 Plasma arc torches and methods of operating and testing the same | 21 | 1995 | |
| 5,847,354 Arc transfer circuit | 9 | 1997 | |
| 5,844,197 Arc retract circuit and method | 12 | 1997 | |
| 5,938,949 Plasma arc torch | 13 | 1998 | |
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| 5,296,665 Method of restarting a plasma arc torch using a periodic high frequency-high voltage signal | 12 | 1992 | |
| 5,620,617 Circuitry and method for maintaining a plasma arc during operation of a plasma arc torch system | 20 | 1995 | |
| 5,900,169 Safety circuit for a blow forward contact start plasma arc torch | 7 | 1997 | |
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| 4,814,577 Control circuit in plasma arc cutting and welding equipment designed for transferred arc operation | 27 | 1987 | |
| 4,987,285 Protection circuit for plasma-arc welding and cutting equipment operated with transferred or non-transferred arc | 9 | 1989 | |
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| 5,660,745 Method and apparatus for a contact start plasma cutting process | 16 | 1995 | |
| 6,054,670 Method and apparatus for a contact start plasma cutting process | 8 | 1998 | |
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| 5,630,952 Plasma-arc power supply apparatus | 14 | 1995 | |
| 5,864,110 Power supply apparatus for plasma arc utilizing equipment | 23 | 1997 | |
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| 4,973,816 Plasma torch with safety switch | 24 | 1989 | |
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| 5,216,221 Plasma arc torch power disabling mechanism | 17 | 1992 | |
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| 4,692,582 Plasma welding or cutting system provided with a delay | 20 | 1986 | |
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| 4,272,671 Temperature control system for electric surface heater | 7 | 1979 | |
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| 5,241,152 Circuit for detecting and diverting an electrical arc in a glow discharge apparatus | 54 | 1990 | |
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| 4,225,769 Plasma torch starting circuit | 24 | 1977 | |
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| 5,584,972 Plasma noise and arcing suppressor apparatus and method for sputter deposition | 17 | 1995 | |
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| 4,330,700 Plasmaburner with contact protection | 8 | 1980 | |
Patent Citation Ranking
Maintenance Fees
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5 Year Payment | $7400.00 | $3700.00 | $1850.00 | Aug 26, 2013 |
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months | $160.00 | $80.00 | $40.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable | $700.00 | $350.00 | $175.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional | $1,640.00 | $820.00 | $410.00 |