Abstract: An end assembly for use with a welding device having a chamber between the diffuser sleeve and the insert which allows for cooling the insert and for controlling the flow of gas through the end assembly. Some of the components of the end assembly such as the contact tip, insert and gooseneck are constructed of a conductive material which are securely held together in contact by a diffuser sleeve constructed of a dissimilar material. The end assembly provides better conductivity of the current through the end assembly for use of less energy during welding.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate treating apparatus. The substrate treating apparatus comprises: a housing having a treating space therein; a spin head for supporting and rotating a substrate in the treating space; and a chemical supply unit having an injection nozzle for supplying a chemical to the substrate which is supported by the spin head, wherein the injection nozzle comprises a nozzle body, and wherein the nozzle body comprises an inner space for receiving a chemical and minute holes which are connected with the inner space for discharging the chemicals to downward.

Abstract: An end assembly for use with a welding device having a chamber between the diffuser sleeve and the insert which allows for cooling the insert and for controlling the flow of gas through the end assembly. Some of the components of the end assembly such as the contact tip, insert and gooseneck are constructed of a conductive material which are securely held together in contact by a diffuser sleeve constructed of a non-conductive material. The end assembly provides better conductivity of the current through the end assembly for use of less energy during welding.

Abstract: A underwater cutting torch having a control valve assembly, a check valve assembly and a torch head all positioned within a housing. The control valve assembly and check valve assembly include a passageway for gasses to flow that includes a coupler formed of PTFE material to inhibit combustion within the handle of the underwater cutting torch.

Abstract: A cordless welding machine includes first and second batteries being connected in parallel, a ground clamp connected to the first and second batteries, and a first welding electrode connected to the first and second batteries. The batteries providing a current output of at least about 40 amps.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of significantly reducing torque between a cable and a connector, preventing breakage/damage to the cable, and thus increasing the durability and safety of the cable relative to the prior art when an end part of a cable is grasped and subjected to a bending or twisting action. The cable according to the present invention is provided with a cable body, a connector part attached to an end part of the cable body in the longitudinal direction thereof, and a cable holding device (strain relief) for covering a peripheral surface of the cable body, the cable holding device being provided so as to be able to rotate about the central axis of the cable body in relation to the cable body. When an operator grasps the cable holding device or a portion thereof and connects the connector part to a testing device, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a torch power system using a multi-stage compressor. In one embodiment, a system includes a torch power unit that includes a compressor having multiple compression stages. A method of operation is provided that includes compressing a gas via a multi-stage compressor in a torch power unit. A method of manufacturing a torch power unit is provided that includes providing a multi-stage compressor for a torch power unit and mounting the multi-stage compressor inside an enclosure of the torch power unit. Another system is provided that includes a plasma cutting circuit, a multi-stage compressor, a motor coupled to the compressor, and a compressor controller.

Abstract: A gouging carbon rod using an aluminum or aluminum alloy material as its conducting material includes a carbon rod unit, which has an elongated hollow main body internally defining a central space portion and having a first and a second open end; an aluminum/aluminum alloy unit, which is formed by high-pressure injection molding a molten aluminum or aluminum alloy material in the central space portion of the main body via the second open end, such that the aluminum/aluminum alloy unit so formed includes a shielded section located in the central space portion and an exposed section projected from the main body via the second open end. In this manner, the energy, time and labor costs for binding the aluminum material to the carbon rod are lowered, compared to the conventional carbon rod produced by metal thermal spraying technique, and the problem of uneven thickness of metal coating is solved.

Abstract: A method for metalworking using an adjustable vacuum and support system for evacuating particulate matter, smoke, excess gas, and molten metal from a work area during welding and for providing adjustable support to a welding head. The vacuum system has a vacuum head and a vacuum nozzle. An adjustable mounting bracket has a first portion fixed to the vacuum head and a second portion securable to the welding head. The bracket arrangement establishes pivotal and slidable couplings between the welding head and the vacuum head. The vacuum nozzle has a support surface for being rested on a surface of a workpiece to support the vacuum head and the welding head. The support surface can be a base bevel surface at the tip of the nozzle, and an opposed suction bevel surface can have a nozzle aperture interposed therealong.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of laser diode unit of the present invention includes steps: placing a laser diode on top of a solder member formed on a mounting surface of a submount, applying a pressing load to the laser diode and pressing the laser diode against the solder member, next, melting the solder member by heating the solder member at a temperature higher than a melting point of the solder member while the pressing load is being applied, and thereafter, bonding the laser diode to the submount by cooling and solidifying the solder member, thereafter, removing the pressing load, and softening the solidified solder member by heating the solder member at a temperature lower than the melting point of the solder member after the pressing load has been removed, and thereafter cooling and re-solidifying the solder member.

Abstract: The hand-held electro-discharge device to remove boluses of material from a workpiece is disclosed. In some implementations, a conductive electrode and its supporting ground pin are immersed in a dielectric fluid contained in a hood or cavity near or at the electrode's distal tip, and removably sealed to a conductive workpiece. A flushing inlet and outlet in fluid communication with said hood provide a flushing fluid, which may also be a dielectric fluid to remove FOD and to cool.

Abstract: An adjustable vacuum and support system for evacuating particulate matter, smoke, excess gasses, and molten metal from a work area during TIG welding and for providing adjustable support to a welding head. The vacuum system has a vacuum head and a vacuum nozzle. An adjustable mounting bracket arrangement has a first portion fixed to the vacuum head and a second portion securable to the welding head. The bracket arrangement establishes pivotal and slidable couplings between the welding head and the vacuum head. The vacuum nozzle has a support surface for being rested on a surface of a workpiece to support the vacuum head and the welding head. The support surface of the vacuum nozzle can be a base bevel surface at the tip of the nozzle. An opposed suction bevel surface can have a nozzle aperture interposed therealong.

Abstract: A graphite electrode and a holder for the electrode for use in a metal disintegrator, the electrode having a hollow columnar body with a skirt wall open at one end, the skirt wall having a plurality of holes extending between one end and an opposite end, the holes being adapted to conduct liquid coolant from said opposite end to said open end, the holder being proportioned to engage and support the electrode at its opposite end when the electrode is installed on a metal disintegrator, the electrode and holder being constructed and arranged to vent a portion of the volume of said liquid coolant through a space between a part being disintegrated and an interior surface of the skirt wall.

Abstract: An adapter, and the method of using the same, is disclosed for converting a oxy-fuel cutting torch to an exothermic or air lance cutting torch. The oxy-fuel cutting torch is converted by removing the torch tip therefrom and by substituting a two-piece, adapter which enables one end of a burning bar to be inserted therein and securely positioned therein. Two different embodiments of the adapter are disclosed.

Abstract: A high yield in a manufacture of an HDD having a high recording density and using a patterned medium by a trench-like or a dot-like pattern is realized. In this HDD manufacturing method, a magnetic field size (writing and reading) of a head in a head manufacturing process is measured in a head unit inspection process. According to the result of the measurement, the head is classified into a plurality of groups in a head classifying process. In a patterned medium manufacturing process, a plurality of types of the patterned media which are designed so as to correspond to the classified head groups are manufactured. In an HDD assembly process, the HDD is manufactured by combining the plurality of head groups and the plurality of patterned media following a predetermined rule.

Abstract: A device comprising an improved electrical hot-air gun for fast ignition of the charcoal-bed of a barbeque charcoal grill for home use having a very short distance between the front of the hot-air gun and the electrical heating wire of the heating assembly and a very high outlet temperature. The hot-air gun also has a scraper mounted on the igniter/heater front to be able to aid in cleaning the grating of a BBQ grill.

Abstract: By providing a plurality of semiconductor chips that are connected in parallel and constitute one arm of an inverter; a first conductor to which a face on one side of said plurality of semiconductor chips is connected; a wide conductor to which a face on the other side of said plurality of semiconductor chips is connected; a second conductor said first conductor and second conductor are connected connected to said wide conductor; and a cooler to which through an insulating resin sheet, part of the heat loss generated in the semiconductor chips is thermally conducted to the first conductor and is thence thermally conducted to the cooler, producing cooling, while another part thereof is thermally conducted to the wide conductor and thence to the second conductor, whence it is thermally conducted to the cooler, producing cooling.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cartridge assembly of a hard disk drive, including a step of forming a part of a wiring circuit into flying leads and a step of forming a coating layer on the respective opposite surfaces of the bonding surfaces of the flying leads, which will be connected to bonding terminals of a flexible printed circuit board. The method also includes a step of placing an ultrasonic tool in contact with the opposite surfaces of the flying leads via the coating layers, and applying ultrasonic vibration from the ultrasonic tool in a state where the flying leads are pressed onto the bonding terminals to ultrasonically bond the flying leads and the bonding terminals together. Additionally, the method includes a step of heating and melting the coating layers to smooth surfaces of the coating layers that have been roughened by contact with the ultrasonic tool during ultrasonic bonding.

Abstract: A consumable, oxy-carbon arc cutting electrode to be used in an oxygen exothermic torch for cutting both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The cutting electrode includes a hollow, outer copper clad steel tube. A plurality of copper clad carbon fuel rods run through and are surrounded by the outer tube. The plurality of fuel rods are aligned in side-by-side engagement with one another and positioned circumferentially around the interior of the outer tube so that a passageway extends longitudinally through the outer tube in coaxial alignment with the circumferential arrangement of fuel rods. Pure oxygen gas is blown from the torch down the passageway through the center of the outer tube and along the fuel rods. By virtue of the foregoing, the oxy-carbon arc cutting electrode of this invention is capable of sustaining a higher combustion temperature, having a longer life, and generating lower levels of noise relative to conventional exothermic and air-carbon-arc cutting rods.

Abstract: A consumable, oxy-carbon arc cutting electrode to be used in an oxygen exothermic torch for cutting both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The cutting electrode includes a hollow, outer copper clad steel tube. A plurality of copper clad carbon fuel rods run through and are surrounded by the outer tube. The plurality of fuel rods are aligned in side-by-side engagement with one another and positioned circumferentially around the interior of the outer tube so that a passageway extends longitudinally through the outer tube in coaxial alignment with the circumferential arrangement of fuel rods. Pure oxygen gas is blown from the torch down the passageway through the center of the outer tube and along the fuel rods. By virtue of the foregoing, the oxy-carbon arc cutting electrode of this invention is capable of sustaining a higher combustion temperature, having a longer life, and generating lower levels of noise relative to conventional exothermic and air-carbon-arc cutting rods.

Abstract: A discharge pulse number generated between a wire electrode and a workpiece is counted every predetermined time. A ratio Px/Ps of this counted value Px to the reference pulse number Ps will be determined to control an amount of coolant in response to this ratio Px/Ps. Also, in response to this ratio Px/Ps, an amount of movement within predetermined time is controlled. Further, through the ratio Px/Ps and the like, quiescent time to be controlled by the detection voltage generator is controlled. Thereby, surplus supply of energy is prevented, the machining speed and machining precision is improved and any disconnection of the wire electrode is avoided.

Abstract: An electrode discharge machining (EDM) apparatus for machining slots in a jet pump diffuser in a nuclear reactor pressure vessel is described. The apparatus is configured to machine a plurality of slots in the diffuser at positions behind the diffuser sensing line within the plane formed by the center of the diffuser and the sensing line. The apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of clamp assemblies, a hook assembly configured to engage the sensing line standoff so that the apparatus is positioned at an angle from a plane formed by the center of the diffuser and the sensing line, and a plurality of electrode assemblies. The EDM apparatus can be configured to be installed clockwise or counter-clockwise around the sensing line depending on the spacing available around given diffusers. The EDM apparatus is capable of burning a plurality of slots at the same time, thereby saving time and money.

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: An improved holder for a carbon arc electrode has a tubular handle that receives an electrical conductor and a hose for conducting air under pressure. An insulation block is affixed to the forward end of the tubular handle. A metal torch body extends from the insulation block in the direction opposite the handle and is in electrical communication with the electrical conductor. A flow passageway opening is provided within the body. An electrode support is affixed to the body and has a concave electrode contacting surface that is inclined at an angle to the torch body and has a lower surface having a gas passageway recess therein communicating with the torch body flow passageway. A U-shaped bail extends from the insulation block and has a bight portion positioned laterally above the electrode contacting surface.

Abstract: A plasma arc can be employed to demolish a concrete structure at a high efficiency, while preventing a secondary problem due to noise, flying dust and chips, and the like. The concrete structure can be demolished by melting a surface of the concrete structure by generating a plasma arc from a plasma torch (15) of a plasma arc generator, mixing thermite powder (T) with a supply gas (Gc) for the plasma torch (15), directing the plasma arc at the surface of the concrete structure, and controlling the rate of supply of the thermite powder (T) to the plasma torch (15) in response to the operation of the plasma arc, including initiating and stopping the supply of the thermite powder (T) to the plasma torch (15) in a manner coordinated with the initiation and stoppage of the plasma arc, thereby controlling the heat generated by the thermite reaction, and melting the surface of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A holder (10) for an electric arc gouging electrode comprises an elongate body (12) having a front end and a rear end. An electrically conductive tube (14) for receiving an electrode (31) therein is located on the body member (12) and extends longitudinally thereof. An air conduit (28) which is separate from the tube (14) is provided on the body member (12). The air conduit (28) has an air outlet at the front end of the body member (12) and a connector (36) is provided at the rear end of the body member (12) for connecting the air conduit (28) to a source of air under pressure. The holder (10) also includes electrically conductive rod (22) for connecting the electrically conductive tube (14) to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A convergent nozzle assembly (10) includes a generally cylindrically-shaped nozzle (52) engaged over a diffuser (40) extending forwardly from the gooseneck (26) of a hand piece (22) of a continuous wire electrode (14), inert gas shielded arc welding unit (12). The nozzle (52) also extends over an electrically conductive tip (35) extending forwardly from the diffuser (40). The interior of the nozzle (52), being of a larger diameter than the exterior of the diffuser (40), defines an air or gas collection cavity (51) therebetween to receive pressurized air or gases through cross holes (50) to intersect the central bore (48) of the diffuser (40) with the collection cavity (51). A plurality of passageways (64) direct the pressurized air or gas from the collection cavity (51) forwardly to discharge such air or gas forwardly from the nozzle assembly (10) to converge with each other at approximately the location at which the endless wire electrode (14) intersects the workpiece being cut or gouged.

Abstract: A spark disintegrator tube cutter comprises a housing having a shaft with armature rotatably mounted in the housing. A conductive base which is electrically connected to a post accessible from outside the housing, carries a carbon brush against which the armature slides. The post is used to supply electricity to the shaft. A flexible shaft extension is connected to the shaft and carries a cutting electrode which extends radially outwardly from an end of the shaft. A spacer which is engaged around at least part of the shaft extension on an opposite side from the cutting electrode, and urges the cutting electrode against the inner circumferential surface of the tube to be cut. A pneumatic motor mounted to the housing and connected to the shaft, rotates the shaft. With dc current passing through the cutting electrode, an arc is formed as the electrode slides in continuous contact around the inner circumference of the tube, for cutting the tube.

Abstract: A cordless hand held exothermic rod ignition system including a housing containing a direct current power source to permit contact by an exothermic rod to initiate an arc between one end of the exothermic rod and the ignition system to cause ignition of that end of the exothermic rod in the presence of oxygen supplied through the exothermic rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exothermic cutting electrode. The electrode includes an outer hollow conductor, an inner conductor disposed inside the and outer hollow conductor. The inner conductor is configured so as to form the boundaries of two chambers and configured to form a third chamber between the outer hollow conductor and an inner conductor. The three chambers are of substantially equal cross-sectional size whereby even gas flow is proudced and even consumption of the electrode is provided.

Abstract: A convergent nozzle assembly (10) includes a generally cylindrically-shaped nozzle (52) engaged over a diffuser (40) extending forwardly from the gooseneck (26) of a hand piece (22) of a continuous wire electrode (14), inert gas shielded arc welding unit (12). The nozzle (52) also extends over an electrically conductive tip (35) extending forwardly from the diffuser (40). The interior of the nozzle (52), being of a larger diameter than the exterior of the diffuser (40), defines an air or gas collection cavity (51) therebetween to receive pressurized air or gases through cross holes (50) to intersect the central bore (48) of the diffuser (40) with the collection cavity (51). A plurality of passageways (64) direct the pressurized air or gas from the collection cavity (51) forwardly to discharge such air or gas forwardly from the nozzle assembly (10) to converge with each other at approximately the location at which the endless wire electrode (14) intersects the workpiece being cut or gouged.

Abstract: Cutting tools for MIG (metal-inert gas) welders and conventional electric arc welders which provide clean and fast cutting action of ferrous and other oxidizable materials using only a directed stream of oxygen after cutting is initiated. For MIG welders, the cutting tool may be in the form of an attachment coming with or solid separately from the hand unit of the MIG welders. Such attachment is coupled to a source of oxygen and includes a manual control for the jet of oxygen used to oxidize and thereby cut the metal. To initiate the cutting action, an electric arc is first established for a short time to sufficiently locally heat the metal so that rapid oxidation will proceed without any further outside source of energy.

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: A cutting device which includes an external tube, an internal tube disposed within the external tube, and a number of steel rods or wires housed within the internal tube. A squib, with or without additional fuel, is disposed within the external tube and adjacent to one end of the internal tube. A plurality of vent holes are provided on the periphery of the external tube to allow the combustion gases to exhaust therethrough. The vent holes are located away from the squib but adjacent to the end of the internal tube. One of the open ends of the external tube is sealed with a plug.

Abstract: An improved electrode construction for use in cutting and gouging where air under high pressure is used to blow away molten metal. The improvement in a structure where a carbon is employed with a covering surrounding the carbon with an air passage formed at least in part by the covering. The air passage transmits high pressure air to the area where the cutting and/or gouging takes place.

Abstract: An apparatus for carbon arc electrodes which permits the use of short length electrodes, having a body member for connection to an electrical energy source so that the body member may be manually manipulated for electric arc application purposes, and provision at the other end to removably receive a short length of electrode, the body member providing electrical continuity between the short electrode and the electrical energy source so that the short electrode may be consumed and replaced.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for using successively joined carbon electrodes (that are not coated with a metal) shaped with a projection at one end and a socket at the other end. In order for the user to know the existing length of the electrode performing the gouging this electrode is marked with a notch, ink or material which changes its color at elevated temperatures at 80 mm, 60 mm, and 40 mm.

Abstract: A metal cutting nozzle attachment for an inert gas welder converting the welder into a metal cutting apparatus having the welding flux core wire energized to become the cutting element and the nozzle being arranged to cause a sufficient increase in the velocity of an air stream passing therethrough to clear away the molten or cut metal.

Abstract: An exothermic cutting electrode or burning bar having an oxidizable metal fluid conduit (tube) surrounded by alternate layers of wire wound helically in opposite directions, the entire structure covered with an outer oxidizable metallic tube, either end of the electrode being adapted for connection to a source of oxidizing fluid and electric current, so that an arc can be struck between a work-piece and the free end of the electrode to produce a cutting flame. By proper selection of the type and size of materials of construction the electrode will burn after the electric current has been turned off.

Abstract: The cutting tip of a conventional oxy-fuel cutting and welding torch is replaced by the adaptor of the invention to convert the torch for using exothermic cutting rods or electrodes for erothermic cutting.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cutting and gouging a workpiece wherein solely a vacuum is used as the operative molten metal removal force. Isolating the atmosphere surrounding the arc as it melts the workpiece while evacuating the atmosphere as the melting proceeds thus facilitating a better cut or gouge with lower process generated noise and removal of process generated fume.

Abstract: A method and a tool for freeing of parts held fast, especially for freeing of bolts and nuts rusted fast under water. According to the invention an electric arc is created between the rotating endpiece (21) of the tool and the fast held part (1), with which the fast held part is heated and/or thermally cut, after which the fast held part can be freed from the fastened object.

Abstract: A holder for an arc-forming electrode which directs the flow of air in the direction toward the arc formed by the electrode, the holder being formed of an elongated metallic body having an air supply hose and an electrical conductor attached to it, the body also having a cylindrical nozzle head rotatably affixed at the forward end, the turret having an upper surface with a notch formed therein to receive an electrode, the nozzle head having an internal passageway and a cylindrical external sidewall having an air jet opening communicating with the passageway and arranged to eject air in alignment with the notch, the body having a passageway therein communicating air supplied by the hose to the nozzle head and a tong member pivotally affixed to the body having a spring for releaseably retaining an electrode in contact with the notched upper surface of the nozzle head.

Abstract: A flux cored tubular metallic arc cutting electrode having a steel tube with a core composition of particulate carbonaceous material which is drawn and compacted within the steel tube by reducing the size of the tube. Preferably the carbonaceous material contains at least 75% carbon and additive selected from the group consisting of arc stabilizers, fluxing agents, and gas formers. The electrode is characterized in use by reduced dross formation.

Abstract: A consumable thermal torch includes inner and outer casings having a first gas flow passage defined therebetween. At least one burning rod is received in the inner casing further defining second gas flow passages. Each of the inner and outer casings is a multi-layer wrapped construction facilitating ease of assembly. The wrapped casings are formed with a powder mix including an effective amount of an exothermic adjuvant. The preferred exothermic adjuvant is magnesium. The powder mix and wrapped casings are each welded or brazed to form integral structures. The magnesium content increases the exothermic reaction temperature of the thermal torch to at least 6000.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved system for underwater oxy-arc cutting of a work piece, and a unique cutting rod used in such cutting work. This rod has an outer ferrous metal tube which contains a metal liner, which liner may in turn be comprised of a plurality of metal wires spaced in a circular pattern along the inner circumference of the tube. Oxygen is passed through a central passageway within the tube near but less than at sonic flows to avoid arc bounce. DC current (200-400 amperes) flows between the rod and work piece to form an arc consuming the rod at a rate between about 0.09-0.20 inches per second. The cross-sectional areas of the tube and the wires are about equal and the central passageway is less than one-half of either the tube or wires in cross-sectional areas. The rod is made (non-thermic) by sealing the tube about the wires or by use of aluminum or copper wires. Optimized parameters in underwater cutting of the work piece is applied, i.e. cutting rate, oxygen consumption, current magnitude and rod consumption.

Abstract: A portable, hand held electric arc saw has a small frame for supporting an electrically conducting rotary blade which serves as an electrode for generating an electric arc to erode a workpiece. Electric current is supplied to the blade by biased brushes and a slip ring which are mounted in the frame. A pair of freely movable endless belts in the form of crawler treads stretched between two pulleys are used to facilitate movement of the electric arc saw. The pulleys are formed of dielectric material to electrically insulate the crawler treads from the frame.

Abstract: Tool holder, preferably for a thermic cutting rod, having an attachment for the rear end of the rod, a supply of oxygen to the rear end of the rod passing through the same to its front end. There is a valve for controlling the oxygen supply, and a handle for the tool holder. The attachment itself comprises a sleeve which encloses with a seat the rear end of the tool thereby attaching the same, and which is movable from a front, loading position to a rear, working position of the rod. In the rear position the sleeve is pushed inwardly into a space, which can be placed under gas pressure, preferably by the above supply of oxygen, while in the front position the sleeve rests against a shoulder. A forward movement of the sleeve from the rear position to the rest position against the shoulder can be effected by the gas pressure and with such velocity that the rest of the rod, when it should be removed from the holder when the main part of the rod is consumed, will be thrown out of its seat in the sleeve.

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 method and apparatus for demounting a metal plate spot welded to a metal member. In accordance with the method, a hollow electrode rod is placed in opposition to the periphery of a spot weld between the metal plate and the metal member, an electric arc is formed between the electrode rod and the metal plate, the periphery of the spot weld is melted with arc heat, and the resultant molten metal is drawn up through the hollow portion of the electrode rod. The method may be performed with an apparatus having a hollow internal rod which includes an electrode rod retaining portion at a forward tip end thereof. A rod retaining mechanism retains the internal rod for free longitudinal movement in opposite forward and rearward directions, elastically urged in the forward direction. A sliding block is movable in the forward and rearward directions, urged forward by an elastic member. Structure is provided to prevent movement of the sliding block forward of a predetermined forward position.