Abstract: The invention is a welding parameter control device for a welding torch operable by the welders thumb and/or index finger. A forward-located rotary knob or belt is positioned where the torch is of relatively small diameter and comfortable for the welder to hold in the hand. This is coupled to a potentiometer located toward the rear portion of the torch. If a rotary potentiometer is used, the torch diameter here can be increased without discomfort to the welder. By placing the potentiometer in this position it can be much larger and more rugged than would be possible if located at the position of the control knob. If a linear potentiometer is used, the body may be maintained very slim over its entire length. Weld disturbance due to torch movement during current adjustment is virtually eliminated by use of the fingertip operated rotary control.

Abstract: A readily installed or removed cover for boot for a connection in an electrical cable or fluid line is described. The boot consists of a body portion divided longitudinally into two sections for easy application. The body has a threaded cylindrical proximal end, a middle section, and a generally frustroconical distal end. The proximal end and middle sections are split by a plane preferably located to include the longitudinal axis of the boot. Just before the distal end the plane makes a sharp upward jog to form a shoulder. A slot through the upper part of the distal end completes separation of the two sections. In cross section this slot occupies about 60° of the distal end circumference. The lower section contains the major part of the distal end while the upper section has a tongue corresponding to the slot in the lower section. The edges of the tongue have outwardly extending ridges that fit into corresponding grooves in the lower section to lock the two together when assembled.