Patent ID: 6350960
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: B23K,H05H

Abstract:
A plasma arc torch for use in connection with a workpiece, said torch comprising:an electrode; a tip having an electrical relationship with the electrode; a power supply having a power output; a housing supporting the tip and the electrode, said housing allowing electrical continuity between the tip and the electrode; a soft start circuit in electrical combination with the power supply, the combination of said soft start circuit and said power supply providing a power signal to the electrode that transitions from an initial level to an operating level; a monitor circuit monitoring the electrical relationship between the tip and the electrode, said monitor circuit providing a status signal indicative of the electrical relationship between the tip and the electrode; and a reset circuit responsive to the status signal wherein said reset circuit resets the soft start circuit so that the power signal returns to the initial level when the status signal indicates an unacceptable electrical relationship between the tip and the electrode.