Abstract: An improved welding torch wherein the connection between the torch body and handle is a frictional engagement and prevents any relative rotational movement of the torch handle and body while additionally providing an indexing mechanism for selective alignment of the torch body with a variety of surface contours on the torch handle. The torch body includes a plurality of radially projecting handle engagement ribs thereon and a radially projecting indexing pin receivable in one or more axial grooves in an end wall of the handle. The grooves are radially aligned with different surface contours on the handle such that when the handle is in place on the torch body, the ribs frictionally engage the handle and the indexing pin is disposed in one of the grooves preventing inadvertent relative rotation of the torch handle and body and aligning a selected handle contour with the torch body.

Abstract: A MIG welding gun has a diffuser with an external thread and a frusto-conical back ramp. A nozzle assembly includes an insert with a back ramp and a thread that mates with the diffuser thread. The threads of the diffuser and insert have respective ramps that mate. A single turn of the nozzle assembly on the diffuser causes simultaneous engagement of the insert and diffuser back ramps and of the insert and diffuser thread ramps. Such engagement centers the nozzle to be concentric with the diffuser and also produces a wedging action that retains the nozzle assembly on the diffuser until a relatively substantial reverse torque is applied to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle front end has a narrow annulus, which reduces the amount of radiant heat from the welding arc that reaches the nozzle.

Abstract: A guide device for an electric arc torch having an insulator surrounding a contact tip through which a welding wire extends comprises a sleeve having a first end for receiving the insulator and a second end through which the welding wire extends and which second end includes an edge and/or rib for engaging a workpiece and spacing the contact tip therefrom and an opening for viewing the wire, arc and weld puddle.

Abstract: A welding gun comprising a welding handle and at least one interchangeable assembly. A plurality of interchangeable assemblies are securable to the welding handle to enable the welding gun to be configured for operation in a plurality of welding applications. A first interchangeable assembly enables the welding gun to receive gas and wire. A second interchangeable assembly enables the welding gun to receive flux and wire. The welding gun is coupled to a power source. The welding gun may be coupled to a flux reservoir or a source of gas. The welding gun may be coupled to the system by a cable operable to convey wire, gas, and flux to the welding handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain relief mechanism for a plasma arc torch. In particular, the invention relates to a strain relief system including a positive axial restraint component for restraining axial movement of a lead relative to a housing and a positive rotational restraint component for restraining rotational movement of the lead relative to the housing, wherein the positive axial restraint component and the positive rotational restraint component are independent components arranged in a spaced relationship relative to each other.

Abstract: The support or body (23) of a welding gun is made of a material highly resistant to heat and a dielectric or insulator, as well as being resistant to impact, thereby preventing the possibility of shorting internally. The gun tube (22) is of solid copper to reduce its electrical resistance and the build-up of heat when high currents are flowing, being capable of working with currents up to 400 Amperes without cooling. Externally the body of the gun (23) is fitted with a nylon washer (20) to optimise adaptation to the supporting holder in the machine.

Abstract: The attachment provides an overhandle, which overlies the handle of the torch, thereby creating a tapering space. The welder places the first web area of the hand into the space, whereupon the connection between the hand and the torch is made more secure. The welder can manipulate the torch, without the need to exert a constant tight gripping force on the torch. The attachment includes side-cheeks which provide even more of a constraining connection between the hand and the torch. The attachment is adjustable as to position and angle with respect to the torch.

Abstract: A plasma torch head has transfer components, including an HF lead and a power lead/gas conduit, which are partially encased in a core fabricated from an elastomer. The core is housed in a rigid shell, which preferably also engages a portion of the transfer components. The shell can be a two-piece shell which is assembled around the core, or can be a single piece cast around the core. The core can be fabricated by securing the transfer components in a mold and filling the mold with an elastomer such as liquid silicone rubber. After curing the elastomer in the mold, the core is stripped from the mold and the shell is formed around the core. In one preferred method, sections of a two-part shell are injection molded from phenolic, placed about the core, and secured together with bolts. In another preferred method, the core is placed in a mold and the mold is filled with a liquid two-part epoxy which is cured in a reduced pressure atmosphere to form a one-piece shell.

Abstract: A mig welding gun handle is in two sections that are offset from each other by an angle of approximately 20 degrees. The offset handle makes the gun exceptionally comfortable for an operator to maneuver when welding various workpieces. A non-right angle gear set in which the pinion axial centerline intersects the gear axis of rotation at an angle of approximately 70 degrees makes the offset handle possible. The gun further comprises a gas seal that blocks atmospheric air in the weld wire liner from reaching the welding arc. The gas seal comprises a passage that bleeds inert gas to the interior of the liner. The relatively high pressure of the inert gas in the liner interior blocks atmospheric air from flowing through the hole in the contact tip to the arc.