Abstract: An automatic air carbon-arc cutting and gouging torch having a fixed drive wheel for moving an electrode through an insulated housing and through a nozzle adapted to conduct air in a semi-circular pattern along the electrode. Electrical current is supplied to the electrode through a contact shoe supported by and biased to the electrode by a lever arm, the shoe causing the electrode to frictionally engage the drive wheel. Alternately idler rollers can be used in combination with the contact shoe to position the electrode for movement by the drive wheel. Apparatus is included to reposition the electrode in the event of electrode "stub-out". Also included is a slidable guideblock having a generally U-shaped cross-section to help position electrodes of varying diameter inside the torch.

Abstract: A swivel coupling of the type for mounting a concentric cable consisting of an electrical conductor inside of an insulated conduit to an apparatus such as an air carbon-arc cutting and gouging torch wherein a connector used to mount the cable to the torch holds a retainer which can swivel 360.degree. relative to the connector, the retainer in turn holds a cable coupling which is adjusted to hold the conductor and the conduit, the conduit positioned to cooperate with a spring and washer to provide intimate contact between internal electrically conductive parts of the coupling.

Abstract: An automatic air carbon-arc cutting and gouging torch having a fixed drive wheel for moving an electrode through an insulated housing and through a nozzle adapted to conduct air in a semi-circular pattern along the electrode. Electrical current is supplied to the electrode through a contact shoe supported by and biased to the electrode by a lever arm, the shoe causing the electrode to frictionally engage the drive wheel. Alternately idler rollers can be used in combination with the contact shoe to position the electrode for movement by the drive wheel. Means are included to reposition the electrode in the event of electrode "stub-out".

Abstract: A tractor assembly for mounting on a track fixed to a workpiece the tractor used to support and guide a metal-working tool along a fixed path, the tractor having three wheels to engage opposite edges of the track, one of said wheels being laterally displaceable to facilitate mounting of the tractor to the track. The invention also includes rest buttons or supports to facilitate alignment and mounting of the tractor and additional roller supports engageable to said track if needed.

Abstract: A heavy duty carriage assembly for supporting and guiding a metal-working tool along a fixed path the assembly having a three wheeled support with two driven wheels and a single leading wheel. The carriage assembly is guided along a path determined by a rail, removably mounted on the surface of the workpiece to be acted upon by the metal-working tool, by guides mounted on the carriage sliding along the rail.