Assembly for a plasma arc torch comprising:—an electrical contact element (6), having a proximal contact surface (25) for contact with a power supply component (8) and a cavity with inner side walls for contact with side walls of a proximal end portion (14) of an electrode (3), and—a spring (4) for pushing the electrode (3) away from the electrical contact element (6), and—an insulation element (5) arranged on the electrical contact element (6) and adapted to prevent transfer of electrical current form the electrical contact element (6) to the spring (4).

In some aspects, methods for preserving a usable life of a plasma arc electrode consumable installed in a plasma arc torch can include measuring a characteristic of an electrical signal being provided to the torch to generate a plasma arc between the torch and a workpiece to be processed; monitoring the characteristic during operation of the torch over a time period; comparing the characteristic to a threshold value; and, responsive to determining that a measured characteristic meets and/or exceeds the threshold value, initiating an arc extinguishing sequence to preserve the life of the electrode.

In some aspects, material processing head can include a body; an antenna disposed within the body; a first tag, associated with a first consumable component, disposed within a flux communication zone of the body at a first distance from the antenna, the first tag having a first resonant frequency; and a second tag, associated with a second consumable component, disposed within the flux communication zone of the body at a second distance from the antenna, the second tag having a second resonant frequency that is different than the first resonant frequency, where the first and second resonant frequencies are tuned based upon at least one of: i) a difference between the first distance and the second distance; or ii) a characteristic (e.g., shape) of the flux communication zone in which the first tag and/or the second tag is disposed.

In some aspects, material processing head can include a body; an antenna disposed within the body; a first tag, associated with a first consumable component, disposed within a flux communication zone of the body at a first distance from the antenna, the first tag having a first resonant frequency; and a second tag, associated with a second consumable component, disposed within the flux communication zone of the body at a second distance from the antenna, the second tag having a second resonant frequency that is different than the first resonant frequency, where the first and second resonant frequencies are tuned based upon at least one of: i) a difference between the first distance and the second distance; or ii) a characteristic (e.g., shape) of the flux communication zone in which the first tag and/or the second tag is disposed.

In some aspects, torch receptacles for coupling a plasma arc torch to a torch lead can include: a body having a first end to connect to the torch lead and a second end to connect to a torch body; a set of ports within the first end to fluidly connect to a set of fluid conduits within the torch lead; and a multiway valve within the body and fluidly connected to the set of ports and to a torch gas conduit formed in the second end, the multiway valve being configured to: i) manipulate a flow of fluids between the first end and the second end to select from primary gases entering the set of ports, ii) deliver a selected primary gas to the torch body through the torch gas conduit, and iii) fluidly connect the torch gas conduit to a gas supply manifold of the plasma cutting system.

A plasma generator capable of detecting whether a connector of a head is electrically connected to a power cable. When the connector of the plasma head is electrically connected to the cable harness, a signal current flows in a path from the controller to the ground via a photocoupler, a relay, a cable, a terminal, another terminal, and a first ground cable in response to a pulse signal outputted from the controller. Accordingly, the plasma generator is able to detect whether the connector of the head is electrically connected to the first power cable and the second power cable, based on whether the photocoupler detects a signal current.

Provided herein is a quick disconnect torch handle for use in a plasma arc system. In one approach, the plasma arc system includes a lead having a first end connected to a power source and a second end connected to a torch handle. The quick disconnect is located at a proximal end of the torch handle, and may include at least one signal connection, a pilot connection, a fluid connection, and a main power connection. The fluid and power connection may be formed by a connection between a main power socket and a conductive conduit. Specifically, the main power socket includes a conductive spring and an O-ring encircling an interior bore thereof. Removal of the conductive conduit from the main power socket causes the fluid connection to break between the O-ring and the conductive conduit, and then the power connection to break between the conductive spring and the conductive conduit.

A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch includes a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features. The consumable cartridge includes an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features and translatable up to a predetermined distance within the cartridge frame along the longitudinal axis at the second end, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface. The proximal surface is shaped to contact a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch and the distal surface is shaped to contact an electrode of the plasma arc torch during an operation of the plasma arc torch.

The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of a biological surface using atmospheric-pressure plasma, comprising: a device for generating atmospheric-pressure plasma (DGP), and a control device (DC) configured to control an amount of plasma generated by said plasma generation device (DGP) within a given time period and to limit generation of the plasma by said plasma generation device (DGP) so that the amount of plasma generated over the given time period does not exceed a maximum threshold.

The present invention relates to techniques for absorbing and dissipating heat from a cutting torch during a plasma cutting process/operation, including a piercing stage. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, an outer shield club with a deflector ring absorbs and dissipates heat from a cutting torch including consumable components disposed therein. The shield club surrounds and protects the outermost consumable (e.g., nozzle/tip, shield, etc.) and dissipates heat from the plasma cutting operation. In some implementations, a flow of cooling water flows between and cools the outermost consumable and the shield club.