Abstract: A self extinguishing torch mechanism has a stationary tube with an opening at an upper end thereof, and a wick tube concentrically rigidly affixed inside the stationary tube defining a space therebetween. A sliding tube is situated coaxially around wick tube the within the space defined between the wick tube and stationary tube. A biasing member extends the sliding member through the opening at the upper end of the stationary tube when the stationary tube is overturned.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide components and a system for providing a safer environment for using a cutting torch. The system includes a cutting torch and a control box. There is communication from the user to the control box to allow fluids to flow to the torch. The control box includes closed biased valve(s) such that if there is a condition where there is no instruction from the torch to the control box and/or power is lost, the valves will shut, preventing fluid from flowing into the torch.

Abstract: A coupling for attaching a fuel canister to an appliance such as a torch is provided that comprises a first connector on the canister. The first connector comprises a first set of screw threads where the first set of screw threads are interrupted to define a shape. A second connector is provided on the appliance or torch where the second connector comprises a locking element. The locking element has a matching shape that matches the shape such that the locking element closely receives the first connector when the first connector is in a first orientation relative to the second connector. A method of using the coupling is also provided where the appliance is rotated relative to the canister less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: Burners (14) are used to make glass bodies (19) from OMCTS. The burners have six concentric regions. Putting certain gases through the regions results in thicker bodies than can be achieved with existing techniques and with improved efficiency.

Abstract: Burners and methods for producing fused silica members. The burner includes seven gas-emitting regions, including four regions for emitting a mixture of oxygen and combustible gas.

Abstract: A soldering iron (1) comprises a soldering head (4) connected to a handle (2). A cylindrical catalytic element (20) located in a combustion chamber (8) converts gas to heat for heating a soldering tip (15). An electrode (40) located within the catalytic element (20) initially ignites a fuel gas/air mixture to burn in a flame (42) within the catalytic element (20) for raising the temperature of a downstream portion (50) of the catalytic element (20) to its ignition temperature. Heat from the downstream portion (50) raises an upstream portion (51) of the catalytic element (20) upstream of the flame (42) to its ignition temperature, which then commences to convert the fuel gas/air mixture to heat. This starves the flame (42) of fuel gas/air mixture, thus extinguishing the flame (42) so that the catalytic element (20) continues to convert fuel gas/air mixture to heat in a catalytic reaction.

Abstract: The assembly which produces the flame is made up of a strip of conductive material, narrowed over an intermediate portion lengthwise, laminated onto a strip of combustible material such as cardboard, folded lengthwise over the strip such that the narrowed portion of the conductive strip is in a notch at one end of the combustible strip. The notched end of the combustible strip is saturated with a highly combustible material such as candle wax. Applying electrical power to the ends of the conductive strip causes the narrowed section to glow and ignite the highly combustible material and thereby the end of the combustible strip. This flame producing assembly is termed a flamestrip. The flamestrips are disposable. The flame producer includes a cassette which holds a plurality of flame strips and enables dispensing them one by one. The cassette may be adapted for attachment to a flashlight so that the power to produce the flame is drawn from the flashlight batteries.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for monitoring an ethylene oxide sterilization process in which 100% ethylene oxide is utilized as the sterilant comprising a wick impregnated with an ethylene oxide responsive chemical compound, a quantifier and a pH sensitive dye; an ethylene oxide impervious backing strip upon which the wick is mounted; and a cover strip having an ethylene oxide impervious film. The backing and cover strip are adhered to one another, and in intimate contact with and sealed to the wick. At least one of the cover strip and backing strip having a centrally located perforation through which the ethylene oxide sterilant can access the wick.

Abstract: A portable gas torch igniter includes a housing having a flame duct formed therein for the introduction of a gas torch. The flame duct is open at its rear end and has a front portion arranged substantially horizontally and has an open front end into which the torch tip can be inserted. A rear portion of the flame duct is directed upwardly at an angle in the range between 35 degrees and 55 degrees for directing the resulting flame up and away from the rear of the torch igniter. A glow plug is secured to a surface of the flame duct. An electric power source provides an electric current to the glow plug. Appropriate electrical connections are provided including an electrical switch attached to the housing for conducting electric current between the power source and the glow plug. The electrical switch is positioned so as to switch on when a tip of the welding torch is positioned in proximity to the glow plug.

Abstract: A self-contained portable exothermic cutting system including an electrode holder, current source, arc initiator and source of oxygen.

Abstract: A device for automatically igniting the oxygen-acetylene mixture flowing from a welders torch when the tip of the torch is brought into pressure contact with an elongate resilient member that forms a part of the invention.

Abstract: An igniter for acetylene torches having ignition means protectively housed in a box-like metal enclosure that has an inwardly depressible hinged wall, depression of which activates the ignition means. A guarded opening through the depressible hinged wall provides a passageway through which gas issuing from a torch may be projected into the vicinity of the ignition means, so that by positioning the nozzle of the torch to project the jet of gas issuing therefrom into the inlet of the guarded opening and, at the same time, applying inward pressure on the hinged wall, the torch is ignited. Located within the enclosure are two solenoid-actuated valves which control the admission of gas and oxygen to the torch, and an upwardly biased depressible torch supporting hook on the exterior of the enclosure holds a normally closed switch that controls energization of the solenoids of the valves, in its open condition as long as the torch is supported by said hook.

Abstract: A device having a two piece housing on the cover of which are mounted the electrical components of an arc producing circuit including a sparkplug projecting upwardly through the cover. A partially closed hood about the sparkplug confines torch emitted gases for ignition by the sparkplug. A switch control arm is located for torch tip actuation during a lighting operation.

Abstract: An electric arc lighting device for igniting inflammable products. The device comprises a direct current supply source and an oscillating unit constituted of a first inductance and an amplifying circuit connected in parallel with the supply source. The unit is adapted to generate an oscillation at a given frequency. A second inductance is connected in series with electrodes spaced one from another and between which the electric arc is produced at the given frequency and under a voltage induced in the second inductance by the first inductance, the first and second inductances being wounded around a same core.

Abstract: An electric safety lighter is provided which requires the preliminary step of immersing a normally dry wick into a reservoir of lighter fluid before a flame can be produced. This additional step precludes inadvertent operation of the lighter by a child and thus performs a valuable safety function. In addition, by maintaining the wick normally removed from the reservoir, lighter fluid evaporation is minimized.