Patent ID: 6969819

Claim:
A plasma torch, comprising: a tubular member having opposing first and second ends and defining a bore extending axially between the ends; a nozzle operably engaged with the first end of the tubular member; a movable member movably engaged with the tubular member axially within the bore, the movable member having a first end disposed toward the nozzle and an opposing second end; a piston member operably engaged with the movable member away from the first end thereof; and an electrode having a first portion defining a bore and configured to be received by the first end of the movable member, the electrode also having a second portion extending outwardly from the first end of the movable member toward the nozzle, the electrode having a radially outward-extending medial flange disposed between the first and second portions axially outward of the first end of the movable member, the electrode being configured to be movable by the piston member, via the movable member, between an inoperable position with the electrode in contact with the nozzle and an operable position with the electrode separated from the nozzle and the medial flange in contact with the first end of the tubular member.