Patent ID: 9326367
Filing Date: 2016-04-26
CPC Classification: B23K,H05H

Claim Text:
1. A nozzle cooling system for a plasma arc torch comprising: a nozzle having a body with a first end and a second end that define a longitudinal axis, a plenum region substantially formed within the body, the plenum region extending from the first end of the body and configured to receive a plasma gas flow, an exit orifice located at the second end of the body and oriented substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis, the exit orifice fluidly connected to the plenum region, and a feature on an outer surface of the body configured to increase cooling by receiving a cooling gas flow flowing at high velocity generally in a direction of the longitudinal axis along a length of the body, an impingement surface of the feature configured to receive the cooling gas flow at a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the impingement surface and to redirect the cooling gas flow to promote cooling and uniform shield flow; and a nozzle retaining cap comprising a generally cylindrical body and a securing flange, the securing flange of the retaining cap including a plurality of shield gas supply ports angled generally along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the impingement surface of the feature of the nozzle.