Patent ID: 7256366
Filing Date: 2007-08-14
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
1. A plasma arc torch, comprising: a torch body assembly comprising a generally cylindrical torch body and an insulator body disposed in the torch body; an electrode assembly mounted in the torch body assembly, an electrode of the electrode assembly projecting out from a front end of the insulator body; a nozzle engaged with the torch body assembly and defining a central bore extending therethrough for directing a flow of a plasma gas from the central bore through an exit orifice defined in a front end of the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an externally threaded portion and a front-facing surface spaced rearwardly of the externally threaded portion; a hollow generally cylindrical nozzle retaining cup assembly comprising a rear portion forming a releasable connection with the torch body assembly and a front portion defining an aperture through which the externally threaded portion of the nozzle projects, the front portion further defining a rear-facing surface surrounding the aperture and opposing the front-facing surface of the nozzle; and an internally threaded retainer engaging the externally threaded portion of the nozzle and engaging the front portion of the nozzle retaining cup assembly to urge the front-facing surface of the nozzle toward the rear-facing surface of the nozzle retaining cup assembly so as to retain the nozzle retaining cup assembly and the nozzle together as a unit, said unit being removable from the torch body assembly by disengaging the releasable connection between the nozzle retaining cup assembly and the torch body assembly so as to provide access to the electrode assembly.