US3596050A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic torch height control
Assignee: L-Tec Co
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Filing: 1970-05-05
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Granted: 1971-07-27
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Expires: 1990-05-05
Abstract
Abstract The height control apparatus of the present invention automatically maintains a desired spacing between a torch and the surface of a workpiece by detecting variations in capacitance between a plate attached to the torch and the workpiece, and by comparing the variations with a reference signal which represents the desired spacing, the compared signal output controlling torch-positioning means for returning the torch to the desired height.
Inventors
- 👤 George H Tikijian
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:17
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K7/00; B23K7/10; B23K7/102
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
In an automatic height control system for controlling the spacing between a torch and an electrically conductive workpiece having: a high frequency excited sensor circuit including said workpiece as one element thereof and having another element thereof affixed to said torch for movement therewith, said sensor circuit defining a tuned resonance circuit, the output voltage of which varies in magnitude linearly with torch movements toward or away from said workpiece; detector means for converting said sensor output voltage into a DC varying voltage; comparator means for comparing said DC varying voltage with a DC reference voltage to produce an output signal equal to the difference therebetween; driving means responsive to the comparator output signal for moving said torch in a direction toward or away from said workpiece until said comparator output signal is zero wherein the improvement comprises: lost plate control means for automatically energizing said drive means, independent of said comparator output, in response to a predetermined output sensor voltage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
In an automatic height control system for controlling the spacing between a torch and an electrically conductive workpiece having: a high frequency excited sensor circuit including said workpiece as one element thereof and having another element thereof affixed to said torch for movement therewith, said sensor circuit defining a tuned resonance circuit, the output voltage of which varies in magnitude linearly with torch movements toward or away from said workpiece; detector means for converting said sensor output voltage into a DC varying voltage; comparator means for comparing said DC varying voltage with a DC reference voltage to produce an output signal equal to the difference therebetween; driving means responsive to the comparator output signal for moving said torch in a direction toward or away from said workpiece until said comparator output signal is zero wherein the improvement comprises: lost plate control means for automatically energizing said drive means, independent of said comparator output, in response to a predetermined output sensor voltage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
An automatic height control system as defined in claim 1 wherein said lost plate control means comprises means for automatically switching the driving means from the comparator output to a source of potential whereby said torch is automatically retracted to a predetermined height above the workpiece when the sensor circuit output voltage reaches said predetermined value.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-26 | 1975-01-25 | 1975-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-26 | 1979-01-25 | 1979-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-26 | 1983-01-25 | 1983-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |