Abstract: The invention contemplates an adapter for easily converting existing gas metal arc welding apparatus to serve the relatively elevated gas-flow requirements of a gas-constricted arc nozzle.The adapter makes it possible to utilize a shop-air or other high-capacity source of pressurized gas, in substitution for a conventional gas cylinder, and in making the substitution the existing solenoid valve and its controls remain without change except that the solenoid valve becomes the control, for pilot operation of a main valve forming part of the adapter.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a host-torch body configuration for interchangeable use of a selected one of a variety of different welding-process heads. A bayonet-type locking engagement is quickly operable to connect or disconnect any selected process head. The arrangement is such that the same bayonet-lockable engagement serves electrical-supply, consumable-electrode supply, and gas-supply or gas-venting requirements of particular different welding-process heads.

Abstract: An electric-arc discharge device includes an annular gas-flow nozzle surrounding the discharge electrode, the nozzle being configured for discharging gas flows at trans-sonic to supersonic velocity, with circumferential uniformity of the gas flow around the axis of the electrode, and directed downstream to surround and radially inwardly confine and shape the arc. The trans-sonic speeds of gas discharge are the result of special annular gas-nozzle design and suitable pressure of gas supply thereto, whereby a region of criticality characterizes gas flow within the nozzle, i.e., prior to discharge at trans-sonic speeds, the discharge being around the electrode and with such thrusting momentum as to establish shaping confinement and directional stability of the region of electric-arc development.

Abstract: An electric-arc discharge device includes an annular gas-flow nozzle surrounding the discharge electrode, the nozzle being configured for discharging gas flows at trans-sonic to supersonic velocity, with circumferential uniformity of the gas flow around the axis of the electrode, and directed downstream to surround and radially inwardly confine and shape the arc. The trans-sonic speeds of gas discharge are the result of special annular gas-nozzle design and suitable pressure of gas supply thereto, whereby a region of criticality characterizes gas flow within the nozzle, i.e., prior to discharge at trans-sonic speeds, the discharge being around the electrode and with such thrusting momentum as to establish shaping confinement and directional stability of the region of electric-arc development.