Methods, devices and systems for laser-supported plasma cutting or plasma welding of a workpiece. In one aspect, a method includes producing a plasma beam which extends in an expansion direction between an electrode and a processing location on the workpiece, the plasma beam having, with respect to a center axis of the plasma beam that extends in the expansion direction, an inner central region and an outer edge region, and supplying laser radiation to the outer edge region of the plasma beam. The laser radiation supplied to the outer edge region extends parallel with the center axis of the plasma beam.

The invention features a replaceable cartridge for a plasma arc torch. The cartridge includes a cartridge body having a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are joined at an interface to form a substantially hollow chamber. The interface provides a coupling force that secures the first and second sections together. The cartridge also includes an arc constricting member located in the second section; an electrode included within the substantially hollow chamber; and a contact start spring element affixed to the electrode. The spring element imparts a separating force that biases the electrode toward at least one of the first section or the second section of the body. The separating force has a magnitude that is less than a magnitude of the coupling force.

The invention features a replaceable cartridge for a plasma arc torch. The cartridge includes a cartridge body having a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are joined at an interface to form a substantially hollow chamber. The interface provides a coupling force that secures the first and second sections together. The cartridge also includes an arc constricting member located in the second section; an electrode included within the substantially hollow chamber; and a contact start spring element affixed to the electrode. The spring element imparts a separating force that biases the electrode toward at least one of the first section or the second section of the body. The separating force has a magnitude that is less than a magnitude of the coupling force.

An adapter for a plasma arc torch comprising a torch body is provided. The adapter includes a body defining a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and at least one protruding portion extending from the proximal end of the body. The at least one protruding portion is configured to be inserted into a cavity of the torch body to physically engage a switch inside of the cavity. The engagement of the switch is adapted to indicate installation of a consumable component in the plasma arc torch.

An example welding-type system includes: processing circuitry; and a machine readable storage medium comprising a machine readable instruction, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to: control a first switch to disconnect a motor circuit from a motor power source, the motor circuit comprising a wire feed motor and a second switch; control the second switch to permit current to flow while the first switch disconnects the motor circuit from the motor power source during a test period; and in response to feedback indicative of a current through the motor circuit while the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, detecting a fault condition associated with the motor circuit.

A plasma arc cutting system and method is providing which provides a fixed arc start current until separation occurs between the torch nozzle and electrode. After separation the current is dropped to a low current level for a period of time and then current pulses are provided until a work current is detected in a work piece to be cut.

A processing target reforming apparatus includes: a conveying unit that conveys a processing target along a conveyance path; a discharge unit including a plurality of discharge electrodes aligned along the conveyance path, a counter electrode with the conveyance path interposed therebetween, and a power source that applies a voltage waveform to the discharge electrodes; and a control unit that controls the discharge unit such that a phase of the voltage waveform applied to a first discharge electrode of the discharge electrodes at a timing when a certain point of the processing target passes between the first discharge electrode and the counter electrode is shifted with respect to a phase of the voltage waveform applied by the power source to a second discharge electrode of the discharge electrodes at a timing when the certain point of the processing target passes between the second discharge electrode and the counter electrode.

An electrode-supporting assembly for a contact-start plasma arc torch has an insulator that partially houses an electrode, and employs a spring-loaded plunger to bias the electrode to a forward position. The spring is engaged between the plunger and a contact element attached to the insulator, and may conduct electrical current to the electrode. The plunger, spring, and contact element are retained in the insulator when the torch is opened to replace the electrode, which is a consumable part. The electrode and the plunger have axially-engagable mating surfaces to assure good thermal and electrical conductivity therebetween. Conductivity can be further enhanced by forming the plunger of silver or a silver-bearing alloy. In some embodiments, a passage through the insulator is partitioned into forward and rear chambers, with the plunger, spring, and contact element trapped in the rear chamber.

An electrode-supporting assembly for a contact-start plasma arc torch has an insulator that partially houses an electrode, and employs a spring-loaded plunger to bias the electrode to a forward position. The spring is engaged between the plunger and a contact element attached to the insulator, and may conduct electrical current to the electrode. The plunger, spring, and contact element are retained in the insulator when the torch is opened to replace the electrode, which is a consumable part. The electrode and the plunger have axially-engagable mating surfaces to assure good thermal and electrical conductivity therebetween. Conductivity can be further enhanced by forming the plunger of silver or a silver-bearing alloy. In some embodiments, a passage through the insulator is partitioned into forward and rear chambers, with the plunger, spring, and contact element trapped in the rear chamber.

Disclosed is a device having an oscillator and high voltage transformer connected to a glass-like tube filled with an inert gas or a mixture of inert gasses. The tube is located at the end of a wand having a handle. The output of the transformer is an RF high voltage signal. The output of the transformer is fed to the tube through a high voltage wire, where the signal excites the gas to produce a plasma-like beam. The tube is then applied to a patient's skin to aid in healing and the relief of additional ailments. The field generated by the tube interacts with the cells in the patient to increase transmembrane potential, stimulate ATP production, and inject negative ions and ozone into the surface of the user's skin to combat infection and disease.