Abstract: An improved skate rail having the dual-function of a flat surface and a round surface in one device. The skate rail allows the skateboard rider to easily choose either the flat surface or the round surface. A locking mechanism holds the skate rail securely in either position.

Abstract: A novel type of welding chamber for welding refractory metals such as titanium, that is open on the top rather than completely enclosed like other welding chambers is disclosed. Pressurized argon, an inert gas, is introduced into the bottom chamber of the device through a diffuser. The argon is then forced to travel upward through a gas-permeable welding bed formed above the accumulation chamber, the welding bed made from a conductive and gas-permeable material. The present invention creates an argon cloud of substantially 100% argon for welding titanium and other refractory metals therein. The argon cloud is constrained by a curtain barrier and the property that argon is heavier than air. The argon cloud substantially stays in place when not disturbed by movement of air above it. Workpieces are placed into the argon cloud and onto the welding bed to be welded.

Abstract: An improved skate rail having the dual-function of a flat surface and a round surface in one device. The skate rail allows the skateboard rider to easily choose either the flat surface or the round surface. A locking mechanism holds the skate rail securely in either position.

Abstract: A welding chamber having a laminar-vortex inert gas flow is disclosed. The welding chamber comprises a transparent dome that covers an open top side of a rigid generally rectanguloid enclosure. The dome includes a one-way vent for discharging ambient air from within the chamber while preventing the introduction of ambient air into the chamber. The enclosure includes a bottom and side walls that are joined at smooth, curved edges, and at least one side wall of the enclosure includes portholes with gloves for manually accessing the interior of the chamber while the dome is in a closed position. At least one gas distribution tube, a plurality of gas inlets and laminar-flow tunnels are included. In use, an inert gas is introduced into the distribution tube that substantially encircles the top of the enclosure.