Abstract: The present invention discloses a manual rivet tool, comprising a first handle assembly, a second handle assembly, a force amplification pulling mechanism, a planetary accelerating rotating mechanism and a quick replacement mechanism; the first handle assembly is fixed to the force amplification pulling mechanism; the second handle assembly is disposed on the force amplification pulling mechanism; the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly act on the force amplification pulling mechanism cooperatively to drive the force amplification pulling mechanism to output a pulling force; a threaded brace rod is fixed to the end of the force amplification pulling mechanism through the quick replacement mechanism, and the force amplification pulling mechanism outputs the pulling force to the threaded brace rod to act on a rivet nut; and the planetary accelerating rotating mechanism is engaged on the upper end of the force amplification pulling mechanism, and the planetary accelerating rotating mechanism dri

Abstract: A tool including a pair of rails is attachable to the inside surface of the skin panel. A housing is pivotally and slidably connected between the pair of rails. The housing is pivotable about a first axis and is slidable along grooves in the pair of rails. The housing has a first end and a second end opposite each other. The tool includes a rod having a third end and a fourth end, the third end attached to and extending from the first end of the housing. The tool also includes a pressure foot attached to the fourth end of the housing. The pressure foot includes a curved ankle integrally formed with a flat flange, the curved ankle curving into the flat flange. The pressure foot is configured to apply pressure along a portion of the inside surface of the skin panel when the housing is in a vertical position.

Abstract: Method for enhancing sharpness of a cutting tool. A blade portion is cold forged by applying a force to a first side of the blade portion using a form tool projection to form a notch such that a portion of the metal material from the first side of the blade is work hardened and plastically deformed to extend through a plane along which the second side extends. A secondary grinding operation is applied to the second side of the blade portion to remove the portion of the metal material that extends beyond the plane along which the second side extends and sharpen a cutting edge extending between the first and second sides. The form tool projection is a radially extending projection of a rotatable knurl roller which rotates to form a sequence of spaced apart cold forged notches along the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method of producing an exothermic mold powder in a form of sprayed granules of the present invention includes spray-drying into granules, an aqueous slurry containing: a raw material blend; and a metal silicon powder and/or a silicon alloy powder, the method comprising adjusting the pH of the aqueous slurry to 13 or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous casting metal strip reducing snake eggs comprising a pair of counter rotating casting rolls, each roll less than 800 millimeters in diameter and positioned to form a nip there between through which thin strip can be cast; a metal delivery system disposed above the nip and capable of discharging molten metal to form a casting pool supported on the rolls; a pair of side dam holders and a pair of side dams assembled adjacent each end portion of the rolls, each side dam holder tapered along edge portions to dovetail with an adjacent side dam, and each side dam adapted to confine the casting pool of molten metal supported on casting surfaces of the rolls; an oscillation mechanism adapted to cause lateral oscillation of each side dam and side dam holder at a frequency 2-50 hertz and with an amplitude 100-2000 ?m during a casting campaign.

Abstract: There is provided a method of continuous casting two or more long products using a single continuous twin casting strand (CCM) comprising two sub-strands. The process control of the method is automatic and comprises master/slave logic. wherein one sub-strand of the twin casting strand is a master sub-strand and remaining sub-strand(s) are slave sub-strand(s). The master strand has non-controlled metal flow and liquid metal level in the master sub-strand is regulated by adjusting casting speed. The liquid metal level in said slave strand(s) is regulated by adjusting the liquid metal pouring rate.

Abstract: A method of casting an assembly is provided that includes forming a structural insert, over-molding the structural insert with a temporary core, and positioning the over-molded structural insert within a cavity of a casting die. The over-molded structural insert is cast within a part, to form the assembly, and the temporary core is removed. The method may also include a temporary core configured to define an alloy flash trim location or locating features to position the structural insert within the cavity of the casting die. Further, the temporary core may define shared features with the structural insert. The part and structural insert may be dissimilar materials such as a part of an aluminum alloy material and a structural insert of a steel alloy material.

Abstract: A method of forming an assembly is provided. The method includes forming an insert, coating the insert with a bond material and placing the insert within a casting mold or die. The casting mold or die is purged with an inert gas and the casting mold or die is filled with molten metal to encapsulate the insert. The encapsulated insert is diffusion bonded to the molten metal to form a diffusion bonded insert, which is placed within a cavity of a secondary casting mold or die. The secondary casting mold or die is filled with molten metal to form a composite casting assembly. After or during the casting, the composite casting assembly is heat treated. In another method of the present disclosure, the insert includes ferrous alloys, nickel-based alloys, super alloys, and nonferrous alloys.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for formation of a multicomponent metal alloy ingot or product in which granulated metal feedstock, under a high pressure inert environment, is introduced onto a rotating platen or previously deposited layer on the rotating platen. As the granulated feedstock is deposited on the platen, the platen is rotated such that a segment of the platen having the feedstock thereon passes through an energy generator field such as a melting laser beam or eddy current induction melting field. As it passes it is melted to form an arcuate segment of melt. The melt is then rotated out from under the energy beam and cooled into a solid state of the desired alloy as a next contiguous segment of feedstock is introduced and the process repeated until a layer is formed. The platen may then be indexed lower and a new layer is formed in the same manner.

Abstract: Powder mixture for use in the manufacture of a three-dimensional object using an additive manufacturing method, wherein the powder mixture includes a first material and a second material, wherein the first material comprises a steel in powder form, wherein the second material comprises a reinforcement material different from the first material, and wherein the powder mixture is adapted to form a composite object when solidified an electromagnetic and/or particle radiation in the additive manufacturing method.

Abstract: An iron powder and method of making an iron powder. The method includes a step of neutralizing an acidic aqueous solution containing a trivalent iron ion and a phosphorus-containing ion, with an alkali aqueous solution, so as to provide a slurry of a precipitate of a hydrated oxide, or a step of adding a phosphorus-containing ion to a slurry containing a precipitate of a hydrated oxide obtained by neutralizing an acidic aqueous solution containing a trivalent iron ion with an alkali aqueous solution. A silane compound is added to the slurry so as to coat a hydrolysate of the silane compound on the precipitate of the hydrated oxide. The precipitate of the hydrated oxide after coating is recovered through solid-liquid separation, the recovered precipitate is heated to provide iron particles coated with a silicon oxide, and a part or the whole of the silicon oxide coating is dissolved and removed.

Abstract: A powder metal material comprises pre-alloyed iron-based powder including carbon present in an amount of 0.25 to 1.50% by weight of the pre-alloyed iron-based powder. Graphite is admixed in an amount of 0.25 to 1.50% by weight of the powder metal material. The admixed graphite includes particles finer than 200 mesh in an amount greater than 90.0% by weight of the admixed graphite. Molybdenum disulfide is admixed in an amount of 0.1 to 4.0% by weight of the powder metal material, copper is admixed in an amount of 1.0 to 5.0% by weight of the powder metal material, and the material is free of phosphorous. The powder metal material is then compacted and sintered at a temperature of 1030 to 1150° C. At least 50% of the admixed graphite of the starting powder metal material remains as free graphite after sintering.

Abstract: 3D-printed parts may include binding agents to be removed following an additive manufacturing process. A debinding process removes the binding agents by immersing the part in a solvent bath causing chemical dissolution of the binding agents. The time of exposure of the 3D-printed part to the solvent is determined based on the geometry of the part, wherein the geometry is applied to predict the diffusion of the solvent through the 3D-printed part. The 3D-printed part is then immersed in the solvent bath to remove the binding agent, and is removed from the solvent bath after the time of exposure.

Abstract: Removing unfused powder from internal passages of an additive-manufacture part includes attaching piezoelectric transducers to a plurality of locations on an exterior of the part. The part is vibrated by driving the piezoelectric transducers at varying amplitudes and frequencies. An amount of the unfused powder that exits the part is monitored.

Abstract: A powder quality control system includes a powder container, a piston, and at least one sensor. The powder container is configured to contain a powder sample. The piston is configured to compact the powder sample in the powder container. The at least one sensor is configured to measure at least one parameter when the piston compacts the powder sample to facilitate determining a powder quality measurement for the powder sample.

Abstract: Mold lock is remediated by performing a layer-by-layer, two-dimensional analysis to identify unconstrained removal paths for any support structure or material within each two-dimensional layer, and then ensuring that aligned draw paths are present for all adjacent layers, all as more specifically described herein. Where locking conditions are identified, a sequence of modification rules are then applied, such as by breaking support structures into multiple, independently removable pieces. By addressing mold lock as a series of interrelated two-dimensional geometric problems, and reserving three-dimensional remediation strategies for more challenging, complex mold lock conditions, substantial advantages can accrue in terms of computational speed and efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a sintered component having a hole formed therein, in which a sintered component having no defect, such as cracks, can be manufactured with good productivity and also a reduction in tool life accompanied by forming the hole can be suppressed. The method for manufacturing a sintered component includes a molding step of press-molding a raw material powder containing a metal powder and thus fabricating a green body; a drilling step of forming a hole in the green body using a candle-type drill and thus forming a thin-walled portion, of which a thickness Gt as measured between an inner circumferential surface of the hole and an outer surface of the green body is smaller than a diameter Gd of the hole; and a sintering step of sintering the green body after the drilling step.

Abstract: A hybrid additive manufacturing process is utilized for creating a shrouded rotor with the shrouded rotor having a hub at a radial center, a shroud at a radial outer side, and vanes extending therebetween. The hybrid additive manufacturing process includes forming the shrouded rotor in stages, with a first stage being formed by depositing material in an axial direction through a first stage of the hub, machining an outer surface of the first stage of the hub to smooth the outer surface, depositing material on the first stage of the hub in a radial direction through a first stage of the vanes and the shroud, and machining all surfaces of the first stage of the vanes and an inner surface of the first stage of the shroud to smooth the surfaces. Subsequent stages of the shrouded rotor are formed similarly to the first stage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sized powder metal component having improved fatigue strength. The method includes the sequential steps of solutionizing a sintered powder metal component and quenching the sintered powder metal component, sizing the sintered powder metal component to form a sized powder metal component, re-solutionizing the sized powder metal component, and ageing the sized powder metal component. The sized powder metal component made by this method, in which the component is re-solutionized between sizing before ageing, can exhibit exceptional improvements in fatigue strength compared to components prepared similarly but that are not re-solutionized.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for fabricating a hybrid component includes a build platform having a platform surface at a first elevation and at least one preform structure secured proximate to the build platform. The preform structure includes a first preform surface located at a second elevation. The system further includes a powder deposition device disposed above the build platform at a third elevation, the third elevation being greater than the first and second elevations.

Abstract: A nickel sulfate amine complex liquid and nickel powder having a particle diameter of 0.1 ?m to 300 ?m are supplied to a reaction container, hydrogen gas is continuously supplied while the inside of the reaction container is maintained at 150° C. to 250° C., and the pressure is set to 2.5 MPa to 3.5 MPa, whereby nickel ions in the nickel sulfate amine complex liquid are reduced to nickel and deposited on the surfaces of the nickel powder supplied to the reaction container, a reacted slurry including the nickel sulfate amine complex liquid and the nickel powder is then transferred to a pressurized storage container at the same or slightly lower pressure than the internal pressure of the reaction container, and the pressure of the pressurized storage container to which the reacted slurry is transferred is then reduced, after which the reacted slurry is extracted from the pressurized storage container.

Abstract: A face grooving tool body includes a blade portion having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a front end and an opposite rear end. A longitudinal axis of the blade portion coincides with a primary cutting feed direction of the blade portion. An upper blade portion is associated with the top surface and a lower blade portion is associated with the bottom surface, the upper and lower blade portions being separated by a slit. The second side surface of the lower blade portion is curved around a second side surface axis of curvature parallel to the longitudinal axis. A key hole is formed in the blade portion. The slit includes a slit portion that has the shape of a concave function in a side view.

Abstract: A surface-coated cutting tool having a rake face and a flank face includes a base material and a coating formed on the base material. The base material is a cemented carbide or a cermet. The coating includes an aluminum oxide layer containing a plurality of aluminum oxide crystal grains. The aluminum oxide layer includes: a first region made up of a region A on the rake face and a region B on the flank face; a second region on the rake face except for the region A; and a third region on the flank face except for the region B. The aluminum oxide layer satisfies a relation: b?a>0.5, where a is an average value of TC(110) in the first region in texture coefficient TC(hkl), and b is an average value of TC(110) in the second or third region in texture coefficient TC(hkl).

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a base material. The base material is a cemented carbide or a cermet. A surface of the base material includes a rake face, a flank face, and a cutting edge face connecting the rake face to the flank face. The base material has an oxygen concentration of less than or equal to 1 at. % at a depth position of 0.4 ?m from the cutting edge face.

Abstract: A release unit for a machine tool spindle, in particular motor spindle, for releasing a tool clamp, wherein the release unit comprises at least one adjustment element which can be linearly adjusted along an adjustment path for actuating the tool clamp, which release unit reduces the structural and/or economic complexity. This is achieved according to the invention in that the release unit is constructed as an electric motor which comprises an electromagnetic drive system having a hollow-cylindrical rotor shaft which rotates about a rotation axis, in that the linearly adjustable adjustment element is constructed as a spindle element of a conversion unit for converting the rotation of the electric motor into a linear adjustment and in that the rotor shaft is constructed as a spindle nut of the conversion unit which rotates about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A roughening tool for roughening the cylindrical surface of a bore in a particular metallic workpiece, e.g. the piston running surface of a cylinder bore or cylinder liner in an internal combustion engine, by generating a defined microstructure of a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart circumferential microgrooves. The roughening tool has a tool main body which can be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation and a multiplicity of circumferentially cutting cutting tools arranged at a defined axial distance from one another on the tool main body. According to the invention, the cutting tools are each formed from a disc milling cutter and each disc milling cutter has at least one cutting element with a multiplicity of cutting teeth arranged at an axial distance from one another. In addition, a method for roughening a cylindrical surface.

Abstract: Implementations of a miter jig are provided. The miter jig can be used to fabricate a non-perpendicular miter joint, the miter joint being formed by beveling each of two parts (e.g., wooden panels) to be joined to form a corner. In some implementations, by using a miter jig, each of the parts to be joined can be cut to have a bevel angle of up to 80°. In this way, a corner having an acute angle or an obtuse angle can be formed. The miter jig is configured so that it can be secured to a workpiece and comprises a base plate connected to a top plate by a hinge, at least two adjustable brace assemblies configured to set the angle of the top plate relative to the base plate, and a cutting implement guide configured to guide a cutting implement to cut a workpiece at an angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machining the interior of a brake caliper (1) of a disc brake, on which are formed: —a first saddle portion to the one side of the brake disc of the disc brake, —a second saddle portion to the other side of the brake disc, and —a bridge section connecting the saddle portions and providing a free space for at least a part of the brake disc. At least one of the saddle portions is provided with a hollow space (7) for receiving a brake application device, wherein said hollow space comprises a mounting opening (4) towards the free space and extends in the opposite direction until a saddle rear wall (18). At least one support surface for the forces acting during the brake application is formed on the inner side of the saddle rear wall. The machining of the support surface (20) is carried out from the direction of the free space and, for this purpose, a tool (55) is brought from outside of the brake caliper (1) into the hollow space.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting tool for a sputtering target that is used to chamfer a corner portion formed between a sputtering surface and a side surface of a sputtering target, into an R plane, the cutting tool comprising: a shaft portion; and a blade portion provided at a tip end of the shaft portion, wherein as viewed from a cross section along an axis of the shaft portion, the blade portion includes: a side surface extending along the axis; a leading end surface intersecting the axis; a main concave curved surface positioned between the side surface and the leading end surface, the main concave curved surface extending from a trailing end to a leading end; a first notched surface connected between the leading end of the main concave curved surface and the leading end surface; and a second notched surface connected between the trailing end of the main concave curved surface and the side surface.

Abstract: A cutting insert includes a rake face, a flank surface, and a cutting edge, the cutting edge includes a bottom cutting edge that is positioned at a front end in a central axis direction and forms a convex arc shape and an outer peripheral cutting edge aligned with a radial-direction outer end of the bottom cutting edge and forms a convex arc shape of which a curvature radius is larger than that of the bottom cutting edge, an angle formed between a tangent line to a boundary point between the bottom cutting edge and the outer peripheral cutting edge and the central axis is less than 45°, a curvature radius R1 of the bottom cutting edge is 0.3 to 10 mm, and a ratio (R2/R1) of a curvature radius R2 of the outer peripheral cutting edge to the curvature radius R1 of the bottom cutting edge is 3.6 to 333.

Abstract: A compression milling cutter includes a shank and a front cutting portion that terminates at a leading end of the milling cutter. The front cutting portion has a first circumferential row of one or more insert receiving pockets proximate a leading end of the milling cutter, and a second circumferential row of one or more insert receiving pockets, each insert receiving pocket configured to receive a respective indexable cutting insert. The cutting insert mounted in the first circumferential row has a positive axial rake angle, A, and the indexable cutting insert mounted in an insert pocket of the second circumferential row has a negative axial rake angle, B. Because of the different axial rake angles, chips generated during a machining operation flow in opposite directions, thereby creating a compression zone disposed between the first and second circumferential rows. This compression zone replicates the cutting action of a solid end mill, particularly when machining fiber reinforced plastic materials.

Abstract: A modular cutting tool includes a cutting head, a shank and a mechanism which assists in assembling and locks the cutting head to the shank. The cutting head includes a cutting portion rotatable about a central longitudinal axis and a cylindrical skirt extending axially from the cutting portion and terminating at a contact face disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The skirt has a number of curved inner surfaces which generally define a bore disposed about the longitudinal axis. The shank includes a cylindrical portion of a first diameter disposed about the central longitudinal axis and a central protrusion disposed in the bore of the cutting portion. The central protrusion has a second diameter less than the first diameter and extends longitudinally from a contact face disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a leading end of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fasteners for securing an object to produce a straight line cut of the secured object, including a square cut of a secured pipe. More particularly, the present invention relates to fasteners for securing objects of various sizes and/or shapes where the object may be in almost any location. The fastener has a gap to guide a saw blade to produce a straight-line cut of the secured object. In some instances, the fastener may retain both pieces of a cut workpiece in place after the workpiece is cut. In some instances, the fastener may prevent the saw blade from cutting beyond the fastener.

Abstract: A band saw machine has two deflection pulleys arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, an endless saw band, which is guided around the deflection pulleys and which has an upward running portion and a downward running portion, and a machine frame, which has a saw neck for holding at least the upper deflection pulley. The deflection pulleys are arranged substantially parallel to a front edge of the machine frame, so that both the upward running portion and the downward running portion of the saw band face towards the front edge with their cutting edges. The saw neck is arranged offset from the deflection pulleys from the front edge (6) to the rear. Both the upward running portion and the downward running portion of the saw band are at least partially exposed between the deflection pulleys.

Abstract: A guide block assembly for controlling a saw blade of a band saw during cutting. The assembly includes a mounting part having a rear part adapted for securing the guide block assembly to the band saw frame and a front part for detachably securing a thrust part. The thrust part includes at least two thrust slats detachably secured in the front part of the mounting part. The slats are aligned and spaced apart around a center section of the front part. When using the guide block assembly, vibrations, chattering and heating of the saw blade are substantially reduced, and the production rate and speed are increased. The guide block assembly is typically used for band saws that have a cutting speed of between 1800-6000 m/min, pulley wheels having diameters of 1000-2500 mm, and saw blade widths in the range of 80-360 mm.

Abstract: A machine-driven saw blade comprising (1) a blade body having a blade body edge including a plurality of primary saw teeth for cutting during blade movement in a first direction, the primary teeth spaced at a primary tooth pitch and each having a primary tooth tip and primary-tooth leading and trailing edges and (2) at least one secondary saw tooth on the trailing edge of a subset of primary saw teeth, the at least one secondary saw tooth having a secondary tooth tip and a secondary-tooth leading edge configured for cutting during blade movement in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gear, the method includes applying a first charge to a workpiece and applying a second, opposite charge to an electrochemical machining (ECM) attachment, the ECM attachment having a pattern. The method further includes simultaneously forming a plurality of surfaces of a gear tooth in the workpiece using the pattern of the ECM attachment while applying the first charge to the workpiece and applying the second charge to the ECM attachment and turning the workpiece and the ECM attachment in opposite rotational directions. The plurality of surfaces includes at least one end face and a top land of the gear tooth.

Abstract: A wire guide device of a wire electrical discharge machine includes a first roller shaft, a first wire guide roller provided at an end of the first roller shaft, a second roller shaft, and a second wire guide roller provided at an end of the second roller shaft and having an end face in an axial direction provided to face an end face of the first wire guide roller in the axial direction. The first wire guide roller and the second wire guide roller have a conical surface and a conical surface with which a wire electrode is in contact.

Abstract: Methods of forming a cooling passage on a turbine component having a component wall with an internal surface and an external surface, are disclosed. An opening is formed passing through the component wall and fluidly connecting the internal and external surfaces. The opening includes a metering section extending from the internal surface to a metering end, and a diffuser area extending from the metering end to the external surface. A preformed cap element is added to close a portion of the diffuser area to form the cooling passage with a diffusion section extending from the metering end to the external surface. The preformed metal cap element includes a projection extending internally of the external surface and into the diffusion area to define an internally facing section of the diffusion section. The cooling passage extends through the component wall and fluidly connects the internal surface and the external surface.

Abstract: In various embodiments, apparatuses for receiving and supporting one or more components during processing thereof at process temperatures greater than approximately 1000° C. feature refractory metal shelves separated by refractory metal support posts.

Abstract: A portable welding carriage with a retaining compartment for receiving a fire extinguisher, the fire extinguisher positioned forwardly of acetylene and oxygen cylinders to protect the same and provide accessibility in exigent circumstances.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a master node device. The master node device includes communication circuitry configured to facilitate communication with a welding power supply unit via a long-range communication link, and to facilitate wireless communication with one or more welding-related devices via a short-range wireless communication network.

Abstract: A method for joining a joining element onto a workpiece, in particular for stud welding or stud gluing. The method steps including providing the joining element the workpiece; detecting a characteristic variable of the workpiece or of the joining element; evaluating the characteristic variable and classifying it into one a first or a second variable class; performing the joining process, if the characteristic variable is classified into the first variable class; or performing a cleaning process on the workpiece or on the joining element and then performing the joining process after the cleaning process, if the characteristic variable is classified into the second variable class.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a welded structure of a ferritic heat-resistant steel is provided that prevents Type IV damage and that has good on-site operability without adding a high B concentration. The method includes: the step of preparing a base material including 8.0 to 12.0% Cr, less than 0.005% B and other elements; the step of forming an edge on the base material; a pre-weld heat treatment step in which a region located between a surface of the edge and a position distant from the surface of the edge by a pre-weld heat treatment depth of 30 to 100 mm is heated to a temperature of 1050 to 1200° C. and is held at this temperature for 2 to 30 minutes; a welding step in which the edge is welded to form the weld metal; and a post-weld heat treatment step in which a region located between the surface of the edge and a position distant from the surface of the edge by a distance not smaller than the pre-weld heat treatment depth and not greater than 100 mm is heated to a temperature of 720 to 780° C.

Abstract: To provide a compact welding torch in which a motor can be easily replaced, in which, when a motor capable of high-speed welding is used for a long time in a high current region, heat generated by the motor can be sufficiently cooled, and in which the motor can be protected from spatters or the like. A first cooler that cools a first side surface of a motor parallel to a shaft of the motor and a second cooler that cools a second side surface of the motor different from the first side surface are included. The first cooler has a first inflow port and a first outflow port for a cooling fluid, and a first flow passage that connects the first inflow port and the first outflow port. The second cooler has a second inflow port and a second outflow port for the cooling fluid, and a second flow passage that connects the second inflow port and the second outflow port.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a stabilizer for a welding gun, wherein said stabilizer may comprise a plurality of sections hinged together to allow rotation with respect to each other and in connection with a user's hand. The stabilizer may comprise a holder designed to accept the end of a welding gun and a positioning device at one end to minimize movement of the welding gun. The stabilizer attaches to the user's hand and allows precise and repeatable welding movements. The stabilizer also allows a user to push fingers slightly, instead of constantly gripping the trigger.

Abstract: A TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding torch (10) comprises a torch body (22), a collet (38a,b,c) for retaining a tungsten rod, and a back cap (42), in which the collet 838a,b,c) passes through an aperture in the torch body (22) from the front of the torch body (22) to the rear of the torch body (22), and is joined directly to the back cap (42) by a screw thread (40a,b,c), the collet (38a,b,c) being drawn backwards against a front section of the torch body (22), to close the collet (38a,b,c) and retain the tungsten rod when the screw thread (40a,b,c) is tightened.

Abstract: A cable retention system including a support strap having first and second outer connectors and first and second inner connectors coupled to a flexible member, wherein the first inner connector is positioned between the first outer connector and the second inner connector and the second inner connector is positioned between the second outer connector and the first inner connector, and a portable device including first and second outer connector attachment points and first and second inner connector attachment points, wherein the first and second outer connectors of the support strap are connected to first and second outer connecter attachment points, respectively, and first and second inner connectors of the support strap are connected to first and second inner connecter attachment points, respectively, wherein a linear distance between the first and second outer connector attachment points is less than a linear distance between the first and second inner connector attachment points.

Abstract: Pliers for cleaning a welding gun nozzle include a right and left handle. The right handle is configured to operate a top left gripping end and a bottom right nozzle cleaner. The left handle is configured to operate a top right gripping end and a bottom left nozzle cleaner. The right handle are hingedly fixed together about a connection point. When the left handle and the right handle are closed, the top left gripping end and the top right gripping end are configured to squeeze together and the bottom right nozzle cleaner and the bottom left nozzle cleaner are configured to spread apart. And, when the left handle and the right handle are opened, the top left gripping end and the top right gripping end are configured to spread apart and the bottom right nozzle cleaner and the bottom left nozzle cleaner are configured to come together.

Abstract: In some aspects, torch receptacles for coupling a plasma arc torch to a torch lead can include: a body having a first end to connect to the torch lead and a second end to connect to a torch body; a set of ports within the first end to fluidly connect to a set of fluid conduits within the torch lead; and a multiway valve within the body and fluidly connected to the set of ports and to a torch gas conduit formed in the second end, the multiway valve being configured to: i) manipulate a flow of fluids between the first end and the second end to select from primary gases entering the set of ports, ii) deliver a selected primary gas to the torch body through the torch gas conduit, and iii) fluidly connect the torch gas conduit to a gas supply manifold of the plasma cutting system.