Abstract: A universal fitting for electrodes for use with electric arc metal disintegrator apparatus. The fitting accommodates all sizes of electrodes used with metal disintegrator apparatus and enables electrodes as short as one inch to be used. The universal fitting connects two electrodes, such as two electrodes having different diameters and/or materials, respectively. Smaller diameter electrodes may be carried within larger diameter electrodes and only a short length of the smaller diameter electrode need be exposed to the workpiece. The universal fitting is composed of collets, a central double-ended connector for connecting a collet at each end, seals to form a water-tight connection between the collets and the double-ended connector, and retainers to secure the electrodes to the collets and the collets to the middle connector. The universal fitting may be axially aligned, or in another embodiment, form a right angle for offset work.

Abstract: Water shield (38) provided for a metal piece disintegrator (10) of the type having a longitudinally extending quill (12) holding a longitudinally extending electrode (16) at one end (14). A vibrating structure (20) serves for longitudinally vibrating the electrode (16) and a fluid delivery system (30) serves for delivering a stream of pressurized liquid coolant generally parallel to the electrode and against a broken piece of metal (32) embedded in a metallic member (34). Tubular member (40) is about at least one end (14) of the quill (12). A first end portion (46) of the tubular member (40) is positionable generally adjacent the electrode (16). A piston (48) is in tight-fitting slidable relation against the inner wall portion (42) of the tubular member (40). The piston (48) is generally sealingly attached to the quill (12) adjacent its one end (14). The tubular member (40) is selectively longitudinally positionable in releasable fixed relation relative to the electrode (16).