US 12,280,441 B2
Swirl ring and contact element for a plasma arc torch cartridge
Yu Zhang, Hanover, NH (US); Jesse A. Roberts, Cornish, NH (US); Zheng Duan, Hanover, NH (US); Michael Scheller, Grantham, NH (US); David Agan, Enfield, NH (US); Steven Moody, Charlestown, NH (US); Stephen T. Eickhoff, Hanover, NH (US); and Garrett K. Quillia, Enfield, NH (US)
Assigned to Hypertherm, Inc., Hanover, NH (US)
Filed by Hypertherm, Inc., Hanover, NH (US)
Filed on Jan. 11, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/146,090.
Application 17/146,090 is a continuation of application No. 15/892,687, filed on Feb. 9, 2018, granted, now 10,912,183.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/456,813, filed on Feb. 9, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2021/0136905 A1, May 6, 2021
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B23K 10/02 (2006.01); H05H 1/34 (2006.01)
CPC B23K 10/02 (2013.01) [H05H 1/34 (2013.01); H05H 1/3468 (2021.05); H05H 1/3473 (2021.05); H05H 1/3489 (2021.05)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch, the consumable cartridge comprising:
a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features, the discrete retaining features defining at least one protuberance, the at least one protuberance including at least one interior guide track; and
an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface,
wherein the contact element is disposed at least partially between a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch and an electrode of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch, and
wherein at least one discrete retaining feature in the plurality of discrete retaining features is configured to engage a switch for sensing a presence of the cartridge frame or the consumable cartridge secured to a torch body of the plasma arc torch.