An automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system including an oxy-fuel torch, an automated machine tool operatively coupled to the torch for moving the torch relative to a work piece, and a circuit including a voltage source or a current electrically connected to the torch and configured to be electrically connected to the work piece. The automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system may further include a processor that is operatively connected to the torch, the automated machine tool, the circuit, and the voltage source or current source, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the torch, the automated machine tool and the voltage source or current source, and to monitor a current or voltage in the circuit in a predefined manner.

A sputter-ion-pump system includes a sputter ion pump and an electronic drive. The electronic drive supplies a voltage across the ion pump to establish, in cooperation with a magnetic field, a Penning trap within the ion pump. A current sensor measures the Penning-trap current across the Penning trap. The Penning trap is used as an indication of pressure within the ion pump or a vacuum chamber including or in fluid communication with the ion pump. The pressure information can be used to determine flow rates, e.g., due to a load, outgassing, and/or leakage from an ambient.

A sputter-ion-pump system includes a sputter ion pump and an electronic drive. The electronic drive supplies a voltage across the ion pump to establish, in cooperation with a magnetic field, a Penning trap within the ion pump. A current sensor measures the Penning-trap current across the Penning trap. The Penning trap is used as an indication of pressure within the ion pump or a vacuum chamber including or in fluid communication with the ion pump. The pressure information can be used to determine flow rates, e.g., due to a load, outgassing, and/or leakage from an ambient.

A sputter-ion-pump system includes a sputter ion pump and an electronic drive. The electronic drive supplies a voltage across the ion pump to establish, in cooperation with a magnetic field, a Penning trap within the ion pump. A current sensor measures the Penning-trap current across the Penning trap. The Penning trap is used as an indication of pressure within the ion pump or a vacuum chamber including or in fluid communication with the ion pump. The pressure information can be used to determine flow rates, e.g., due to a load, outgassing, and/or leakage from an ambient.

An automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system including an oxy-fuel torch, an automated machine tool operatively coupled to the torch for moving the torch relative to a work piece, and a circuit including a voltage source or a current electrically connected to the torch and configured to be electrically connected to the work piece. The automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system may further include a processor that is operatively connected to the torch, the automated machine tool, the circuit, and the voltage source or current source, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the torch, the automated machine tool and the voltage source or current source, and to monitor a current or voltage in the circuit in a predefined manner.

An automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system including an oxy-fuel torch, an automated machine tool operatively coupled to the torch for moving the torch relative to a work piece, and a circuit including a voltage source or a current electrically connected to the torch and configured to be electrically connected to the work piece. The automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system may further include a processor that is operatively connected to the torch, the automated machine tool, the circuit, and the voltage source or current source, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the torch, the automated machine tool and the voltage source or current source, and to monitor a current or voltage in the circuit in a predefined manner.

An automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system including an oxy-fuel torch, an automated machine tool operatively coupled to the torch for moving the torch relative to a work piece, and a circuit including a voltage source or a current electrically connected to the torch and configured to be electrically connected to the work piece. The automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system may further include a processor that is operatively connected to the torch, the automated machine tool, the circuit, and the voltage source or current source, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the torch, the automated machine tool and the voltage source or current source, and to monitor a current or voltage in the circuit in a predefined manner.

An automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system including an oxy-fuel torch, an automated machine tool operatively coupled to the torch for moving the torch relative to a work piece, and a circuit including a voltage source or a current electrically connected to the torch and configured to be electrically connected to the work piece. The automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system may further include a processor that is operatively connected to the torch, the automated machine tool, the circuit, and the voltage source or current source, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the torch, the automated machine tool and the voltage source or current source, and to monitor a current or voltage in the circuit in a predefined manner.