Patent ID: 6703581
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
A contact start plasma torch comprising:a cathode body adapted for electrical communication with the negative side of a power supply; an anode body adapted for electrical communication with the positive side of the power supply; a primary gas flow path for directing working gas from a source of working gas through the torch; and a conductive element constructed of an electrically conductive material and being free from fixed connection with the cathode body and the anode body; the torch being operable between an idle mode in which the conductive element provides an electrically conductive path between the cathode body and the anode body and a pilot mode in which a pilot arc formed between the conductive element and at least one of said cathode body and said anode body is adapted for initiating operation of the torch by exhausting working gas in the primary gas flow path from the torch in the form of an ionized plasma.