Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided having a tubular member defining a bore extending axially between opposing ends, and nozzle engaged with one end. A movable member carries an electrode, moves axially along the bore, and is biased toward the one end axially outward of the bore. A piston member engaged with the movable member is configured to selectively move the electrode between a torch inoperable and a torch operable position within the bore. A fluid flow inlet is configured to channel a fluid flow into the bore. A sealing member operably engaged with the movable member is configured to allow the fluid flow to act upon the piston member to move the electrode to the torch operable position when the nozzle is operably engaged with the one end of the tubular member, and to prevent the fluid flow from such when the nozzle is not so operably engaged.

Abstract: A method apparatus and article of manufacturing for using a computer to electronically clear and cash a check submitted to an on-line merchant from an on-line consumer by electronic means is provided. First, an input of check information submitted by a consumer by electronic means is accepted. Next the accuracy of the check information is verified and then is presented for clearing through the Federal Reserve's Automated Clearing House. Finally, the consumer's checking account from which the check was drawn is debited by the amount indicated in the check information and the merchant's account is credited by the amount indicated in the check information.

Abstract: An apparatus packaging enclosure includes end members (preferably injection molded plastic) of desired configuration to define a cross-sectional shape including a desired height and width to the packaging enclosure. Spaced-apart elongate fastener members (preferably extruded aluminum) extend longitudinally between the end members to define therewith a desired length to the packaging enclosure. Devices secure opposite ends of the fastening members to the inside surfaces of respective end members at generally outer peripheral areas of the end members. Elongate panels (preferably pultruded plastic) extend between the end members and around the outside of the fastener members to define outside surfaces of the packaging enclosure. Devices secure longitudinal edges of the panels to the fastener members. The panels are positioned within the edges an abutting relationship with inside surfaces of the end members.

Abstract: A power supply includes a housing and an air moving device for moving cooling air along a flowpath extending through the housing. A heat sink extends in a longitudinal direction and is positioned within the flowpath so that an upstream section of the flowpath has a flow axis that defines an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, air flowing from the upstream section of the flowpath impinges upon and is deflected by the heat sink toward and along a downstream section of the flowpath that has a flow axis that extends approximately in the longitudinal direction. An electrical component to be cooled is positioned within the flowpath downstream from the heat sink. A second heat sink extends in the longitudinal direction and is laterally displaced from the first heat sink so that the flowpath extends between the first heat sink and the second heat sink.

Abstract: A power source apparatus for supplying electrical power for an arc welder includes a frame having a base member and first and second pairs of support members each defining an inverted V-shaped configuration mounted to the opposite side edges of the base member. An inverted channel cross member extends transversely between the upper ends of the support members. The support members each define a U-shaped channel having a pair of sidewalls and a connecting wall therebetween and are oriented such that the connecting walls face away from each other. An associated assembly method includes the steps of adjoining the ends of first and second pairs of support members and connecting them with a cross member to define a frame subassembly. At least a portion of the power circuit of the arc welder power source is then mounted on the frame subassembly before it is attached to the power source frame. A busbar assembly for supporting two rows of capacitors in parallel on the frame of an arc welder is also provided.