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: The invention is a training device to enable a golfer to develop a smooth and consistent swing. It comprises a harness with a chest encircling band and shoulder straps, somewhat similar to a brassiere. A rigid bar is attached transversely and retained in the rear portion of the shoulder straps. The bar is of a sufficient length and positioned so that in use it is essentially horizontal across the shoulders and not visible to a golfer addressing a ball. However, one end becomes visible directly in front of the golfer at the peak of a correct back swing and the other end becomes visible in front of the golfer at the end of a proper follow through. Golf professionals will find the device useful as a teaching aid.

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 rotary potentiometer located toward the rear portion of the torch. Here the torch diameter 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. In contrast to the use of a highly miniaturized potentiometer at the control point location, failure rate is greatly reduced. Weld disturbance due to torch movement during current adjustment is virtually eliminated by use of the fingertip operated rotary control.

Abstract: An enclosure enveloping a work area with a controlled gaseous atmosphere. It is particularly useful as a welding enclosure for welding metals in a total atmosphere of inert gas. The enclosure consists of a basal portion which rests on a table or work bench of similar dimensions and geometry. A short lower portion is preferably of somewhat smaller horizontal cross section than an attached much larger upper portion. A gas diffusion ring is located inside about midway between the top and bottom. There is a recloseable gas tight opening in or adjacent the top for introducing workpieces and a one way vent valve at or adjacent the highest point on the top. When ready for introducing the workpiece the hood drapes neatly and uniformly around the workbench and the gas diffusion ring is enclosed at the lowest part of the draped portion. Argon is the inert gas of preference. When it is introduced it displaces any remaining air ahead of it and ultimately out the vent valve.

Abstract: The invention is a method of insulating an electric welding torch and the torch produced by the method. The insulation is applied in three layers. The inner layer applied directly over the metallic elements is preferably a heat resistant elastomer such as silicone rubber. The middle layer is a reinforcing fiber, preferably a heat resistant glass cloth. The outer layer is also a heat resistant elastomer. The preferred manufacturing method is to apply the first two layers and compression mold this to form a first assembly. After trimming any flash another layer of heat resistant elastomer is applied over the outside and the product is again placed in a compression mold. The process compensates for the very poor flow characteristics of the elastomer, ensures that the reinforcing is well contacted and wet out by the elastomer, and produces a product of excellent appearance and durability.

Abstract: The present invention is a tungsten inert gas or similar welding torch which is readily adjustable in length for different welding situations. The torch has a relatively conventional head with a heat shield attached at the lower end. The heat shield serves as a resilient telescopic mounting for the gas cup which surrounds the electrode. It further serves to give thermal and mechanical isolation between the torch head and gas cup. A gas diffusion screen pack is located within and bears against an inner circumference of the gas cup to provide resilient support and center the cup about the longitudinal axis of the electrode. The gas cup may be extended or retracted a limited distance within the heat shield and may also be rotated if desired. Alternatively, longer or shorter electrode collet bodies can be screwed into the head to provide almost unlimited adjustment of torch length. A gas cup of appropriate length is used with each collet body.

Abstract: An easily replaceable ventilated external insulator for a tungsten inert gas, plasma, or similar welding torch comprises a generally cylindrical member molded from a resilient heat resistant electrical material such as a silicone rubber. The inner wall of the insulator has a plurality of parallel alternating grooves and lands. The grooves communicate at each end with circumferential grooves which act as manifolds. At least one of these circumferential grooves has a vent to release to the atmosphere any gases formed between the insulator and the body of the torch head during welding operations. The vent is located so that these gases are directed away from the weld zone and do not act to contaminate the welding atmospehre.