Patent ID: 6163008
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
A plasma torch comprising:a cathode and electrode having connecting ends configured for a coaxial telescoping connection with one another on a central longitudinal axis of the torch; andinterengageable detents on the connecting ends of the cathode and electrode, at least one of the detents being movable in a generally radial direction relative to the central longitudinal axis of the torch between an undeflected state and a deflected state, said at least one detent being movable from said undeflected state to said deflected state when said cathode and electrode are telescoped one into the other, and being movable from said deflected state back toward said undeflected state when the cathode and electrode are further telescoped to a point where the detents on the cathode and electrode are generally axially aligned whereby the at least one detent is engageable with the other detent to interconnect the cathode and electrode and inhibit axial movement of the electrode away from the cathode.