US3833787A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Plasma jet cutting torch having reduced noise generating characteristics
Assignee: HYPOTHERM Inc
•
Filing: 1973-10-15
•
Granted: 1974-09-03
•
Expires: 1993-10-15
Abstract
Abstract In the plasma jet cutting torch construction disclosed herein, a low velocity annular water sheath is provided around the plasma jet to absorb and dampen acoustic energy generated by the jet. This sheath forms an essentially continuous shield around the jet between the torch and the workpiece.
Inventors
- 👤 R Couch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 01:19
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05H; H05H1/00; H05H1/24; H05H1/26; H05H1/32; H05H1/42; B; B23; B23K; B23K10/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
In a plasma arc cutting torch of the type having a generally cylindrical body enclosing an electrode, provided with means for generating an arc between said electrode and a workpiece and means for producing a high velocity flow of an inert gas around said electrode to generate a plasma, the plasma being projected as a high velocity jet from the torch to cut the workpiece, the method of reducing the noise generated by the torch which comprises: providing, entirely around said cylindrical body, an annular downward flow of water which falls at an essentially minimal, relatively low velocity from said body to said workpiece as an essentially continuous and unbroken water curtain surrounding but not contacting said jet, said water curtain being in the order of one-eighth inch thick.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
In a plasma arc cutting torch of the type having a generally cylindrical body enclosing an electrode, provided with means for generating an arc between said electrode and a workpiece and means for producing a high velocity flow of an inert gas around said electrode to generate a plasma, the plasma being projected as a high velocity jet from the torch to cut the workpiece, the method of reducing the noise generated by the torch which comprises: providing, entirely around said cylindrical body, an annular downward flow of water which falls at an essentially minimal, relatively low velocity from said body to said workpiece as an essentially continuous and unbroken water curtain surrounding but not contacting said jet, said water curtain being in the order of one-eighth inch thick.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 1 in which said flow is provided by a collar surrounding said torch body, said collar including a circumferential plenum opening downwardly into an annular nozzle having a relatively restricted entrance followed by a section of flaring cross-section for slowing the downward annular flow.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1 in which said flow is provided by a collar surrounding said torch body, said collar including a circumferential plenum opening into a downwardly directed annular channel, a screen being interposed between said plenum and said channel for restricting said flow and providing a uniform flow around said channel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-02 | 1978-03-04 | 1978-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-02 | 1982-03-04 | 1982-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-02 | 1986-03-04 | 1986-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |