Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the size of an entire device by simplifying a device configuration, and also accurately measure the stroke position of a rod. A lower electrode 2 is mounted on an upper portion of an electrode holder tube 3. A rod 4 that is vertically movable within the electrode holder tube 3 is divided into a first rod 4a and a second rod 4b. The rod 4 is urged upward by a compressed spring 5 that is interposed between a spring receiving seat 14 fixed to the upper end surface of the second rod 4b and an insulating adapter 7. Pressurized air supplied from a pressurized air supply pipe 15 to assist the urging force is received by a pressure receiving portion on the lower surface of the spring receiving seat 14, thereby assisting the spring 5 to urge the rod 4 upward. A magnetic sensor 10 is disposed below the second rod 4b, and a lower end portion of the second rod 4b is directly connected to a detector 17 of the magnetic sensor 10.

Abstract: A flexible guide device for a welding wire, formed by a plurality of individual elements which are connected to each other in an articulated manner, characterized in that the individual elements are adapted to swivel in relation to each other in any direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of a welding rod expander assembly for expanding a welding rod to a remote location. The welding rod expander assembly may include a first attachment member, a second attachment member, at least one elongated member and a welding rod holder. The second attachment member may be pivotally carried by the first attachment member. Further the at least one elongated member may have an external threaded end portion and a connecting end portion. The welding rod holder may be carried by the second attachment member. The welding rod holder may include a holding unit carried by the second internal threaded portion. The holding unit may be capable of receiving the welding rod. The welding rod holder may further include a clamping unit disposed on the second internal threaded portion. Further, the welding rod secured in the holding unit may be capable of expanding to the remote location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a collet to align and/or axially secure a liner within the gooseneck of a welding torch and to extend the useful life of the torch components are provided. A method and apparatus for securing torch components including said collet and including tapered locking engagement connections are also provided. A position of the liner with respect to a retaining head or a diffuser can be established and maintained, in spite of bending, swiveling, and other general movement of the torch, while still allowing flow of a shield gas past the collet. The welding torch components, including a gas diffuser, can be secured to the torch or other torch components via tapered locking engagements. The invention is useful for both manual and robotic torch systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a welding torch that includes an electrode (3) that has a longitudinal groove (9) formed therein which guides a welding wire (4) which is fed form a laterally spaced-apart location. The electrode (3) is open and the wire (4) is supported on one side only. In the region of the welding tip, the electrode (3) is elongate and the cross-sectional area is smaller than the area at a position further from the tip. Regions between an outer housing (11) and a main support body (2) define two shielding gas conduits positioned on opposite sides of the body (2), through which gas flows and then combines to form a unitary stream. The body (2) contains cooled regions which are supplied with cooling fluid by a conduit (7) and removed by conduit (8), parts of which are positioned between the shielding gas conduits close to the welding electrode (3).

Abstract: A system and method for performing a welding-type process includes a welding-type torch having a first electrode connected to receive a welding-type power to effectuate a welding-type process. The welding-type torch also includes a second electrode connected to receive a starting power to initiate the welding-type process and a nozzle surrounding at least a portion of the first electrode.

Abstract: A hand held electrode holder has a power on/off switch on the handle of the electrode holder and a trigger to open the clamping jaws that clamp the electrode. The holder has internal parts which operate such that the trigger cannot open the clamping jaws while the switch is in the power on position thereby reducing the possibility of an electric hazard when changing electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective covering for welding devices, in particular spot welding pliers, said covering being resistant to welding projections and being non-flammable. The inventive covering comprises a front panel and a rear panel which can be connected to each other by connecting means enabling the distance between the two panels to be adjusted, said panels being substantially planar and protecting the part of the device provided with welding pliers and the part opposite thereto, also comprising a tubular rim which is placed between the front and rear panels and which protects the part located between them, said rim consisting of several panels which are joined to each other in a detachable manner such that the rim corresponds substantially to the circumference of the welding device.

Abstract: A welding torch member for securing an electrode to a welding torch is provided. The welding torch member may be adapted to capture the electrode and to enable gas to flow through the welding torch member. The welding torch member may be adapted with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be adapted to secure the welding torch member to the welding torch. The second portion may be adapted to be compressed onto the electrode to secure the electrode to the welding torch. The welding torch may have a second welding torch member to compress the second portion onto the electrode. A power source may be used to provide power to the electrode through the welding torch member.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a welding electrode to a welding torch. The system includes a collet body having a first portion that compresses an end of a collet against a welding electrode as the collet is urged against the first portion. The collet body also includes an inner cylindrical portion that receives the compressed end of the collet and prevents the collet from expanding, thereby maintaining the collet compressed against the welding electrode. The method includes urging the collet against the first portion of the collet body to compress the end portion of the collet against the welding electrode. The method also includes urging the collet further into the collet body to dispose the end portion of the collet into the inner cylindrical portion of the collet body to prevent the end portion of the collet from expanding.

Abstract: A collet and a backcap are provided that are securable to each other. The collet and backcap may be adapted for threaded engagement. The collet and backcap may be utilized in a welding torch. A method of securing a collet to a backcap is provided. The method may include threading a threaded portion of the collet to a threaded portion of a backcap. A method of securing an electrode to a welding torch also is provided. The method may include securing a collet to a backcap. The method also may include threading the collet to the backcap.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible cover for protecting a welded electrode holder, which comprises an elongate arceol hollow body; a protrusion extending outwardly from a lower side of the body; and a lip extending inwardly around the border of at least one aperture of the body. Upon mounting the cover on a welded electrode holder, the cover flexes and adopts the shape of the holder and the lips engages an external circumference of the holder.

Abstract: A collet and a backcap are provided that are securable to each other. The collet and backcap may be adapted for threaded engagement. The collet and backcap may be utilized in a welding torch. A method of securing a collet to a backcap is provided. The method may comprise threading a threaded portion of the collet to a threaded portion of a backcap. A method of securing an electrode to a welding torch also is provided. The method may comprise securing a collet to a backcap. The method also may comprise threading the collet to the backcap.

Abstract: An over-handle is mounted on a rotor-ring for rotation around the handle of the torch. The accessory is for use with a torch of the kind in which a (coated) electrode is mounted in an electrode holder, and is tightened therein by the welder screwing the holder into the torch handle. The orientation of the electrode relative to the handle is unpredictable, and the rotatable over-handle enables the over-handle to be orientated to suit the orientation of the electrode. A rotatable accessory in the form of a pick hammer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A welding rod extender is provided for extending an arc welding rod. The welding rod extender comprises an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted for connection with an electrode holder. A housing is provided having a first connecting end shaped for receiving the second end of the elongated member. The housing includes a tip having an opening shaped for receiving a welding rod. A collet is provided for connecting the receiver and the tip to the welding rod. Turning the tip in a first direction tightens the collet onto the welding rod and turning the tip in a second direction allows removal of the welding rod. The welding rod extender is provided that can easily be manipulated to reach a work piece which may not be easily accessible.

Abstract: A welding rod extender is provided for extending an arc welding rod. The welding rod extender comprises an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted for connection with an electrode holder. A housing is provided having a first connecting end shaped for receiving the second end of the elongated member. The housing includes a tip having an opening shaped for receiving a welding rod. A collet is provided for connecting the receiver and the tip to the welding rod. Turning the tip in a first direction tightens the collet onto the welding rod and turning the tip in a second direction allows removal of the welding rod. The welding rod extender is provided that can easily be manipulated to reach a work piece which may not be easily accessible.

Abstract: Welding electrode holder comprising an electrically conducting body with positioning seats of electrodes and welding cable connection position, an insulating tubular handle where the back part of the body is encaged, a lever pivotably assembled with the body and having insulated lever arm, a compression spring seated on the electrode holder body or on the handle and pushing the lever arm thus forcing the lever to be turned and to exert force onto the positioning seats of electrodes, and an insulating head covering the parts of the body and those of the lever located in front of the handle or even covering and part of the handle and allowing the clamping of electrodes on the body. It is characterized in that the welding cable connection position is located outside the handle and inside the insulating head, behind or/and underneath the positioning seats of electrodes, and in that the rest electrode holder body, i.e.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch has a cathode and electrode having connecting ends configured for a coaxial telescoping connection with one another on a central longitudinal axis of the torch. The connecting ends have interengageable detents thereon, with at least one of the detents being movable in a generally radial direction relative to the central longitudinal axis of the torch between an undeflected state and a deflected state. The at least one detent is movable from the undeflected state to the deflected state when the cathode and electrode are telescoped one into the other, and is movable from the deflected state back toward the undeflected state when the cathode and electrode are further telescoped tc, a point where the detents on the cathode and electrode are generally axially aligned. In this position, the at least one detent is engageable with the other detent to interconnect the cathode and electrode and inhibit axial movement of the electrode away from the cathode.

Abstract: An electrode holder mirror device for welding purposes and method therefor comprises a body structure which comprises an open sleeve member and a flange section. The flange section functions to releasably engage a handle portion of an electrode holder through usage of a fastening means. A telescoping mirror assembly comprises a telescoping male member releasably inserted into the open sleeve member at one end thereof. A mirror housing is rigidly affixed to a distal end of the telescoping male member. The telescoping male member and swivel means function to position the mirror rotationally about its longitudinal and latitudinal axes, allowing the device to be placed in a position to allow a welder to adequately view a process being performed. The position of the mirror about its longitudinal and latitudinal axes may adjusted manually or automatically, wherein a substantially crescent-shaped trigger mechanism allows a welder to adjust the mirror with one finger while wearing welding gloves.

Abstract: A torch for cutting, gouging or welding metal including a body having a central longitudinal axis for connection to sources of pressurized gas and electrical potential and a swivel housing threadably connected to the body for rotation relative to the body about the axis and a tubular handle around the body and the swivel housing. The handle has front and rear sections manually relatively rotatable. The front section and swivel housing are rotatable as a unit, and the rear section and body are rotatable as a unit so that rotation of one section relative to the other effects rotation of the swivel housing relative to the body. The torch includes a head forward of the swivel housing having an opening for holding an electrode and includes an elongate unitary swivel member having a forward end non-rotatably attached to the head and a rearward swivel end disposed in an opening of the swivel housing.

Abstract: An orbiting head welding clamp comprised of an upper clamping portion. A lower clamping portion is pivotally coupled with a lower end of the upper clamping portion. A biasing spring has a first end secured to the upper clamping portion. The biasing spring has a second end secured to the lower clamping portion. An insulated handle portion is secured to the lower clamping portion. An orbiting disk is rotatably coupled with the lower clamp portion. The orbiting disk has a plurality of radial grooves formed therein. The orbiting disk has a fiberglass disk positioned thereunder to facilitate rotation thereof.

Abstract: A combination of a layered leather pouch and a flat flexible unified structure of a heater utilizing an exothermic composition for the purpose of creating and maintaining an arc welding rod inside the pouch at a temperature range between about 28 degrees C and about 139 degrees C, the pouch having a walled off compartment made of specifically perforated suede, the compartment being adapted to receive and hold one or more heaters having sufficient heat generating capacity to maintain the rod in the temperature range for an extended period of at least 3 hours and to be portably and safely worn adjacent a welder on his belt.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention comprises an apparatus for storing an end effector nestably adjacent a pipe to which it is attached and for moving the end effector into a working position laterally-displaced from said pipe is disclosed. Such apparatus desirably is part of the robotic welding apparatus wherein the end effector is a welding head. This apparatus comprises a pair of pipe segments in rotating end-abuttable relationship, each segment bearing a ring gear about its circumference; a pair of helical lotus petals having an in inner surface which conforms to the outer surface of the pipe segment to which each lotus petal is hingedly attached at its distal end, each lotus petal being attached hingedly at their respective distal ends to a lotus petal hinge attachment stage; drive means drivably connected to each of said ring gears for separately driving each pipe segment; and an end effector carried by said lotus petal hinge attachment stage.

Abstract: The electrode holder is provided with a handle and a screw threaded current conductor which is adapted to alternatively receive two fastening heads. One fastening heads includes a current-conducting clamping member which is threaded onto the screw-threaded portion of the holder and has a bore for receiving a consumable electrode therein for clamping between the screw-threaded portion of the current conductor and the clamping member. The second fastening head also has a clamping member threaded onto the screw-threaded portion of the holder as well a coupling bushing for coupling with a source of gas, a gas passage extending from the bushing for conducting a flow of gas about one end of an arc electrode secured in the fastening head and a control valve for adjusting the flow of gas in the passage and thus to and along the arc electrode.

Abstract: A small, fractional horsepower, low voltage electric motor with an eccentric weight on its output shaft is attached to the electrode clamp of a hand held welding electrode holder. The oscillating or orbiting motion generated by rotation of the eccentric weight is transmitted through the electrode clamp to the welding rod. Higher quality welds and reduced sticking and burn through result.

Abstract: A welding electrode device with quick ejection of the worn out electrode comprises an extended hollow body (12, 112) in which a tubular pin (16, 116) is inserted, on which a jaw sleeve (19, 132) is assembled and which is extended in correspondence with an end opening (15, 109) of said hollow body (12, 112) able to contain the welding electrode; the pin (16, 121) has a rivet (28, 125) sliding into it and pushed towards said opening (15, 109) of the body by elastic means (29, 128); the sleeve (19, 132) has longitudinal grooves (21, 134) obtained in correspondence with said end and has oblique inner (22, 136) and outer (24, 133) walls which cooperate with corresponding inner (14, 115) and outer walls respectively (27, 121) of the body and of the pin, in order to expand in the grooved portion (21, 134) during its movement on the pin (16, 121) due to the action of a pushbutton (31, 138, 129) connected to it and held by the cover in such a way to be manually pressed from the exterior; power feeding means to the ele

Abstract: A clamping sleeve for an electrode of a burner, especially a TIG burner, has its bore receiving the electrode offset from the axis of the housing receiving the sleeve so that, upon clamping of the electrode, the electrode is not only pressed against the wall of the bore over a greater part of its length, but is also pressed to the wall of a bore in the housing through which the electrode extends to increase the area over which electric current is delivered to and heat is abstracted from the electrode.

Abstract: An automatic feed apparatus is provided for a fusion welding machine, in which metal components are welded together. The apparatus has an electrode holder for holding a pin and having a clamping lever for clamping the pin to an electrode. A feeding device feeds pins to the electrode holder. A feed control unit controls the feeding device so that pins are sent individually to the electrode holder. The electrode holder in turn is controlled by a holder control unit. The holder control unit causes the clamping lever to open to receive a pin, and optionally can also control the position at which the pin is clamped. The feed control unit and holder control unit are synchronized together. Thus, the feeding device is only actuated to send a pin to the electrode holder, when the holder control unit has opened the clamping lever.

Abstract: A quick releasable clamp for welder's ground and rod connections, characterized by a thumb operable release lever releasing an adjustable toggle link, wherein the opposed jaws have toothed engagement buried into a work piece clamped by extended lever arms having resilience for reserved clamping energy, and alternately wherein the opposed arms have wedging action to position a rod normal to the disposition of the clamp, and wherein the cable conductor is anchored remote from its terminal electrical fitting to the frame of the clamp.

Abstract: A special welding apparatus comprises welding pliers and a head shield, which may be attached together by means of an engaging groove, a pressure ball, a fixed ring, a fixed hook and a hook seat, or may be separated from each other. The colored goggle assembly has a sliding mechanism; when a key on the handle of the head shield is pressed down, the colored goggle will slide away from the window, and when the key is released, the colored goggle will be moved back over the window.

Abstract: Improvements on a DC plasma jet generator for emission spectrochemical analysis wherein two anode blocks and one cathode block are positioned in an inverted Y shape, and each of the anode blocks has a cylinder, a piston, an an anode received by a recess in the end of the piston. Each anode can be secured in the recess at the end of the piston in the corresponding anode block by magnetic force. Each of the anode and cathode blocks is pivotable so that the associated electrode attached to each block can be fixed upright with the free end thereof directed upward. This means that the electrodes can be replaced easily as well as speedily by remote control using manipulators.

Abstract: An electrode holder comprises an electrically insulating tubular handle having at one end an axially outward directed bearing surface. An electrode-clamping head member is rotatably seated on such bearing surface, and a cable connector is axially slidable in the tubular handle and has an axially-extending threaded pin portion screwed into a portion of the head member. A coil spring surrounds such pin portion and is arranged to retract the cable connector into the tubular handle so as to hold the head member against the bearing surface. A radially-effective pressure spring is arranged to act between one side of the cable connector and the inner wall of the tubular handle so as to press the other side of the cable connector against the inner wall of the tubular handle.

Abstract: A self-sealing electrode guide for supporting an electrode in an electrode port of a welding chamber, includes a housing adapted to be mounted in the electrode port and a sealing sleeve accommodated in a housing channel defined in the housing. The sealing sleeve has opposite first and second ends and an open-ended passage adapted to receive the electrode. The first end is disposed for exposure to an external force which is oriented in a direction extending from the first end towards the second end and which is derived from a pressure in the welding chamber. An abutting arrangement is provided in the housing for cooperating with the second end to prevent displacement of the sealing sleeve relative to the housing. The sealing sleeve is resiliently deformable by the external force for assuming a deformed state in which the sealing sleeve is sealingly pressed about the electrode and against housing walls forming the housing channel.

Abstract: Welding apparatus embodies an electrode support and guide structure provided by a framework hingedly connected at opposite ends and supported generally midway of the ends by a swivel joint assembly rotatively mounted for swingable movement by one end of a hinged support arm connected at its opposite end to generally vertically disposed mounting structure. A plurality of pivotal connections are provided which permit an operator to move the electrode vertically, horizontally, and generally arcuately with respect to a workpiece being welded.

Abstract: A torch, useful in air-carbon arc processes has a holder (9, 11) for an electrode (E) and gas control means comprising a venturi air injector (4), arranged to pass both compressed air (F) and induced air (Fi) along the electrode to the tip (Et) to cool the electrode, increase the rate of removal of metal and reduce consumption of electrode and compressed air.

Abstract: The invention is an improved collet design for arc welding torches. The collet tip is asymmetrically tapered. The collet tip bears on the interior surface of an adjacent sleeve which is appropriately flared in the rearward direction so as to receive the tapered collet tip. The sleeve also has an opening through which the electrode passes. The asymmetry of the collet-sleeve interaction causes the collet to be laterally displaced thereby gripping the electrode between the collet and the sleeve opening.The improved collet also includes a spring fastener means for connecting the rear end of the collet to the back cap of the torch head.

Abstract: A universal electrode holder having a holder body including a top face, a bottom face, perpendicular sidewalls and end walls, wherein one side wall is stepped to define offset lower and upper surface portions joined by a horizontally disposed connecting surface portion; a reference plate having a reference surface disposed to extend transversely of the lower and connecting surface portions; an indexing plate having an indexing surface and being slidably mounted on the lower and connecting surface portions to selectively vary the distance between the reference and indexing surfaces; a clamp device fixed to the holder body for releasably clamping an electrode of rectangular cross section in a mounted position, wherein its opposite edge surfaces engage with the reference and indexing surfaces, its upper and rear side surfaces engage with the connecting and lower surface portions and its front side surface engages with the clamping device; mounting and aligning means including a plurality of ribs depending from t

Abstract: An underwater cutting and welding torch including a one-piece insulating body anatomically shaped for the hand of a user including positive means to prevent water from contacting the electrically conducting parts of the torch and to prevent working fluid (e.g. oxygen gas) from escaping from the torch. Also included are improved electrode gripping means, flow and flash arresting means and variable positioning means for the gas valve.

Abstract: This light is designed for use in the welding industry, for checking joint preparations, by lighting the area to be welded, lighting the area of a weld, so as to enable the user effectively to clean or chip slag from it, etc. It consists primarily of a sleeve, in which a high voltage bulb is received, that includes a resistor across the leads, and it is mounted to any electrode holder, by a ball and socket swivel, for changing the light angle.

Abstract: A reduced operating noise nozzle for a cutting device using at least one electrode and an electric arc to cut material of a workpiece, comprises, a nose end piece disposed around the electrode which has an outer surface tapered from an outer relatively wide diameter end inwardly toward a smaller diameter end which faces the workpiece to be cut. Compressed air is directed in a substantially annular flow path along the tapered surface of the nose piece from the wide diameter end toward the smaller diameter end thereof. Noise which would have emanated from the nozzle, especially when the material of the workpiece which is melted by the arc is blown away to effect the cutting operation, will be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A welding guide to be attached to a welding head to aid in welding a joint at an outside corner or edge. The guide includes a collar attached to the welding head and a pair of legs are connected to opposite sides of the collar and straddle the joint to be welded to center the welding head over the joint. Each leg includes an elongated section which rides on the workpiece at locations spaced from the joint and the forward ends of the legs are connected together by a curved tip.

Abstract: A pivotally adjustable welding electrode support is used to permit remote adjustment of the contact angle of the welding electrode with the material to be welded. The use of a modified parallelogram construction of the holding arm in combination with the use of hinges and a ball joint allow the torch or electrode to be moved not only in the horizontal and vertical plane but also permit remote rotational adjustment of the electrode to change the angle that the electrode makes with the horizontal plane. A ball socket supports the parallelogram structure of the arm. The modified parallelogram support linkage of the arm comprises two adjoining parallelogram shaped sections; one section is vertically offset from the other section. Each edge of each parallelogram shaped section contains a hinge to support movement of the electrode to change the angle of the electrode with the forge die or workpiece.

Abstract: A part of hard, weldable material which has been through drilled and tapped is sealed by stud welding a stud thereover to form a fluid-tight article which is used to facilitate the connecting of other parts. The threads are protected during stud welding by a conductive refractory insert in the tapped through bore thereby preventing molten metal or the like from entering the same. A magnetic jig serves to hold the insert and as an electrical connector of the insert to the part to permit the proper arc to be drawn during stud welding.

Abstract: Rubber sleeve device for surrounding an electrical current conductor member. The device is adapted for axial displacement relative to the member as well as being prevented from turning relative to that member. The device has a first fastening portion in the form of a support ring composed of a heat-durable, shape-stable, insulating material embedded in the body of the sleeve. The ring is adapted to be in a fixed turning engagement and free fit relation with a fastening portion of the member whereby mutual axial movement of the sleeve and member is permitted. A second fastening portion axially bounds the first fastening portion and is adapted to engage directly and frictionally another fastening portion of the member whereby unintentional mutual axial displacement of the sleeve and the member can be prevented.

Abstract: An auxiliary handle attached to a main handle of a welding apparatus by means of a circumferential clamp which permits adjustment rotationally and pivotally of the auxiliary handle. A radiation and contact shield, made of a single piece of heat insulating flexible material, is attached to the auxiliary handle so as to provide a forward radiation shield to protect the user's hand from heat generated at the weld area, and a contact insulating portion which permits the user to place the heel of his hand against the work piece being welded, while protecting the user's hand from the heat of the work piece itself.

Abstract: A head attachable to the insulated handle normally used to support an electrode employed in electric arc welding. The head supports an electrode and combines with the handle to provide a torch which allows cutting and gouging to be performed by conventional welding equipment. A conductive body of the head electrically connects the electrode to the handle and compressed air is delivered through the body to a jet nozzle on the end of the body in which the electrode is adjustably mounted. The air discharges from the jet nozzle as a stream which travels longitudinally of the electrode to impinge on the workpiece and blow away molten metal at the tip of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrode holder to be connected to a welding current cable and having a pair of jaw support members pivoted to a tubular member therebetween which has a bore receiving said cable, the cable being connected by separate conductors to electrode gripping jaw pieces in said support members, and a pair of springs separately urging the respective jaw support members about said pivot to bring the jaw pieces together and clamp an electrode therebetween, the ends of the springs being supported in a collar which surrounds the tubular member and is adjustable longitudinally thereof to adjust the spring pressure closing said jaw pieces.

Abstract: An electric welding torch adapted to hold an electrode comprises a helically fluted tube made of flexible material and adapted to surround a portion of the electrode inserted in the tube. Means is provided for mounting the tube in the torch and permitting relative rotation of displaced portions of the tube along the electrode for selectively holding the electrode in the tube by physical engagement of helical land portions of the tube against the surface of the electrode and for releasing the electrode by twisting of the tube in a direction opposite that of the spiral flutes or by application of axial compression of the tube.