Abstract: The invention provides an improved gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) torch apparatus allows for welding on such surfaces that otherwise could not be welded with linear or 90.degree. bend welding torch apparatuses, by providing a bend greater than 282.degree..

Abstract: Arc welding apparatus for use in conjunction with conventional link forming apparatus is operable for welding the closed ends of a link after it is formed. The electrode is mounted on a swinging arm which presents the electrode from the front of the assembly and positions the electrode substantially over the top of the link for welding thereof. The vertical, horizontal and angular positions of the electrode are adjustable by means of threaded adjustment knobs. A shield and gas tube are mounted adjacent to the tip end of the electrode and move simultaneously with the electrode into position over the link during a welding operation.

Abstract: A plasma welding and cutting gun for discharging plasma gas with constant outlet pressure includes a gun body having a negative-electrode jacket for directing welding and cutting gas into the gun, a core tube through which the gas flows through a gas outlet of the negative-electrode jacket disposed around the core tube and then discharged through a nozzle secured to a lower portion of the gun body, and a positive-electrode sleeve secured to an outer portion of the gun body and connected to the nozzle, wherein the nozzle serves as a positive-electrode terminal and the gas directed into a passage between the nozzle and a negative-electrode terminal secured to a lower portion of the negative-electrode jacket will be ionized by an arc formed between the nozzle and the negative-electrode terminal, and then discharged through the nozzle to form plasma arc of high temperature and high velocity for welding and cutting a work piece, and wherein an over-pressure relief valve is provided between the core tube and negati

Abstract: Gun for cutting out sheet metal, of the type comprising an electrode (26) within a nozzle (19) with an outlet conduit (23) for a plasmagenic gas, mounted for free axial displacement relative to an electrode carrier (14), characterized by a drive shaft (7) for the rotation of the electrode carrier (14) and of the nozzle (19) about an external axial bearing pivot (22) of the nozzle and an outlet conduit (23) for plasmagenic gas which is eccentric relative to said axial pivot (22).This gun permits carrying out small cutouts of sheet metal by rotation of a plasma arc issuing from the conduit (25) rotating about the pivot (22).Application particularly to unbuttoning spot welded sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a stream of molten material. The apparatus includes a melt container having a bottom wall in which is formed an aperture. A funnel is adapted and constructed to receive molten material from the aperture in the container, and includes a plurality of fluid-cooled metallic segments. The funnel segments define an inner funnel contour that decreases in cross-sectional area from the inlet end to the outlet end of the funnel. An electrically conductive coil surrounds the funnel, and has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of said funnel. A source of medium-frequency current in selective electrical connection with the coil. The method begins with the step of providing a predetermined quantity of molten material in a melt container. A metallic funnel is provided in fluid communication with the melt container, and includes a plurality of fluid-cooled funnel segments. The method also includes the step of providing an electrically conductive coil surrounding the funnel.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a plasma torch of the type including:two tubular and axially spaced coaxial electrodes (5 and 6), each electrode being arranged in a support (3 and 4) in which a cooling circuit (8 and 9) of the corresponding electrode is fitted; anda passageway for injecting a plasmagene gas between said electrodes, said passageway including a revolution piece (17) coaxial with said electrodes and defining with the latter and their supports a chamber (18) into which the plasmagene gas is injected via transverse orifices (17B) provided in the piece.According to the invention, the revolution piece (17) is not provided with internal cooling means.

Abstract: In a convertible TIG, MIG or plasma arc welding system, a cylindrical docking body mountable in a socket at a welding station, has utilities passages therethrough for receiving an elongated metal electrode, shielding and plasma gases, welding potential and cooling water. The electrode passage is threaded at one end to interchangeably mount any of a plurality of electrode feed assemblies for consumable wire or tungsten electrodes. An output fixture is mounted at the other end of the body to receive the electrode and the plasma or shielding gas and pass them from the body. A nozzle assembly is removably mountable on the other end of the docking body in surrounding relationship with the output fixture and the associated tip assembly and communicates with the shielding gas passage for passing shielding gas to the working end of the nozzle. The docking body has internal channels among the passages so as to circulate cooling water through both the output fixture and the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A plasma torch and the method of cooling the torch wherein specified heated surfaces and in particular the heated tip portion of an electrode within the torch have a low volume of liquid coolant directed thereagainst. The volume of the liquid coolant is controlled so that the liquid coolant evaporates into vapor as it contacts the specified heated surfaces.

Abstract: A plasma lamp placed at the first focal point of an elliptical mirror spherically radiates, the light from the plasma lamp being reflected on said elliptical mirror so as to be spherically condensed to a specimen levitated by an electric field at the second focal point thereof. Thus, the specimen is uniformly heated under the levitated condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible hinge pin, and a method and apparatus for forming the hinge pin, wherein a cable is twisted and heated with sufficient torque and heat to sever the cable into shorter hinge pins. The heating and twisting causes the portions of the cable in proximity with the severed ends to have a tight spiral and to be reduced in diameter, and the strands which comprise the cable to be bonded to one another both internally and at external portions of the cable. The reduced diameters of the formed ends facilitates easier threading of the hinge pins through belt fastener hoops. The bonding of the cable strands in the region of the ends serves to both maintain the tight spiral and the reduced diameter, and to prevent the ends of the hinge pin from separating.

Abstract: The plasma cutting device of the present invention comprises a plurality of release ports for releasing the work gas to prevent adverse influence on the cutting processing besides the exhaust port for jetting the gas toward the work. Accordingly the flow rate and velocity of the swirl flow are increased and the flow rate of the jet gas is still kept the same as that in the conventional device, resulting in stabilizing the plasma arc and performing superior cutting.

Abstract: In a plasma torch, the contact surface (61) between the nozzle (6) and the swirler (5), the contact surface (4b) between the swirler (5) and the insulating cylindrical body (4), the contact surface between the insulating cylindrical body (4) and the electrode (3), and the contact surface (3a) between the electrode (3) and the electrode table (2) are arranged in line from the nozzle (6) to the torch body (1). The inner diameter (d1) of the portion of insulating cylindrical body (4) positioned in contact with the flange (31) of the electrode (3) is smaller than the inner diameter (d2) of the flat surface (4b) of insulating cylindrical body (4) which is in contact with the end of swirler (5). An upper stepped chamber (65) or an upper tapered chamber (66) can be formed in the cylindrical portion (62) of the nozzle (6) above the swirler (5) which upper chamber has a diameter larger than that of the swirler (5) to permit easy removal of the swirler (5) from the cylindrical portion (62).

Abstract: A process for consolidating a composite material comprising the steps of forming a workpiece including a matrix interspersed with fibers, supporting the workpiece by an electrically conductive support, inductively heating the support and thereby conductively heating the workpiece, and applying pressure to the heated workpiece.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for welding heavy gages of high strength steels and alloys relatively quickly and inexpensively, while producing joints which are extremely strong and durable and have high fracture toughness.

Abstract: A plasma-arc torch system is disclosed wherein a source provides gas and electrical power. A delivery device is connected to the source for supplying the gas and electrical power to a plasma-arc torch. A filter is disposed within the delivery device for filtering the gas being supplied to the plasma-arc torch. The filter provides more uniform operation and improved gas mixing.

Abstract: A plasma torch assembly that provides a removable and replaceable barrier to prevent catastrophic failure of a plasma arc torch following failure of an electrode. The torch assembly comprises the combination of an electrode body for providing an electrical path in a plasma arc torch, an electrode, and an electrode adaptor positioned between the electrode body and the electrode and formed of an electrically conductive material. The adaptor comprises an adaptor body portion having structure for removably fitting the adaptor body to the electrode body and structure for removably fitting the adaptor body to the electrode so that the adaptor forms an electrically conductive path between the electrode body and the electrode and contains features and components essential to the gas distribution.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a transferred plasma arc torch capable of obtaining an excellent cut face having a small angle of inclination even in the case of cutting a thick plate. In the torch, the tip of an electrode holder (2) holding an electrode (3) fixedly is enclosed by a nozzle (1) forming a tapered working gas passage (4) together with the electrode holder (2). The nozzle (1) has such a chamber (7, 7a, 7b or 7c) inside of a throat (1a) formed in the tip of the nozzle (1) as faces the electrode (3). The following relations are satisfied if the throat diameter of the nozzle (1) is designated at d and if the diameter and axial length of the chamber are designated at D and H, respectively: 1.5.ltoreq.D/d.ltoreq.10; and 0.75.ltoreq.H/D.ltoreq.5. A swirler (6) for generating a swirling flow is disposed upstream of the working gas passage (4).

Abstract: A torch assembly for TIG relaxing an inner surface of a tube to be removed from a tube sheet which comprises a conductive base containing passages for cooling water and for inert gas. A sheath is rotatably mounted to the base and contains a drive shaft fixed to the base. A torch head is fixed to an opposite end of the drive shaft and the drive shaft is embraced by a conductive braid so that electrical power applied to the base is conveyed to the torch head. A torch tip extends radially from the torch head and is used to strike an arc with the inner surface of the tube to be TIG relaxed. Inert gas is supplied through the sheath and to a space around the head which is confined by a gas cap. A hole in the gas cap receives the end of the torch tip so that inert gas bathes the annular space around the tip to protect the arc.

Abstract: An improved plasma torch nozzle which has a substantially barrel shaped body having a longitudinal opening therethrough for directing the flow of gas for a plasma arc from rearward portions of the body downstream to forward portions of the body and then out of a face at the forward portions to form a plasma arc in the presence of a sufficient electrical potential difference. The nozzle body particularly comprises a rear section for which the outer surface portions diverge with respect to the downstream direction, a center section for which the outer surface portions are cylindrical with respect to the downstream direction, and a forward section for which the outer surface portions converge with respect to the downstream direction so that the respective outer surface portions form a continuous outer surface for the nozzle body that encourages the flow of gases that is directed along the outer surface of the nozzle body to follow the outer surface and converge at the face of the nozzle body.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plasma arc torch contact starting system has a torch head having an electrically conductive plasma exit nozzle at one end and a pilot arc chamber within the torch head immediately adjacent the plasma exit nozzle. An electrode is mounted in the torch head for movement relative to the nozzle. An arc-drawing mechanism is operably connected to but substantially thermally isolated from the electrode and the torch head for biasing the electrode into contact with the nozzle and for displacing the electrode from the nozzle to draw a pilot arc in the pilot arc chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma torch in which the position of the center electrode (1) is adjustable relative to the orifice of the plasma torch (2). The invention is based on a construction in which the center electrode (1) is mounted to the body part (9) of the plasma torch by way of a pivotal ball joint (7, 23), whereby the electrode (1) can be pivotally rotated in said joint (7, 23), thus making it possible to align the electrode tip to the orifice center of the plasma nozzle (2). The spherical element (7) of the pivotal joint is attached to the bearing box (23) with the help of a tightening gland nut (11, 12). The depth of the center electrode (1) can be adjusted by rotating a depth adjustment gland nut (14), which is attached to the spherical element (7) by a threaded joint. Due to its versatile adjustability the function of the plasma torch can be maintained in a stable range, thus significantly contributing to reduced wear and damage of the plasma nozzles.

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: An electrostatic levitation furnace is used for production of microgravity material in space.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch used in underwater cutting is disclosed. The plasma arc torch includes a torch body having a front end of substantially cylindrical configuration, and an electrode supported by the torch body and defining a discharge end extending toward the front end. A nozzle is mounted on the front end of the torch body adjacent the front discharge end of the electrode, and has a bore through which plasma is ejected. A cylindrical support body is secured onto the outer surface of the torch body and extends in spaced relation from the torch body outer surface toward the front end and forms an annular opening. A cylindrical sleeve has a rear portion received within the annular opening of the cylindrical support body and extends in spaced relation along the front end of the torch body to define an annular air chamber extending along the front end and forming an annular outlet opening positioned adjacent the nozzle. A high velocity gas is injected into the annular air chamber.

Abstract: A non-consumable electrode for tungsten inert gas welding. The electrode is formed from at least two portions in face-to-face relationship so as to define a longitudinal slit between them extending lengthwise of the electrode and terminating at the tip of the electrode. The slit acts as a cavity and ensures that spark initiation takes place from locations on the electrode where metal ion deposition is inhibited. The faces of the portions may be of flat form or of complementary contoured form.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch mounts an electrode and a nozzle, with a mutual spacing, symmetrically about a common longitudinal axis at one end of the torch adjacent a workpiece. The inner surface of the nozzle has an annular, inwardly-directed projection, located opposite the electrode and at a point of closest spacing between the electrode and the nozzle. The projection, or "angle kink", is characterized by a minimum radius of curvature as compared to the radii of curvature of adjacent portions of the nozzle opposite said electrode. The inner surface is adjacent a central exit passage of the nozzle and the angle kink is spaced from the intersection of the exit port and the inner nozzle. In the preferred form the interior nozzle surface is formed by two conical surfaces each having different slopes with respect to the longitudinal axis so as to form the circumferentially extending angle kink at their plane of intersection.

Abstract: A method of welding stainless steel, such as a stainless steel end plug into a stainless steel nuclear fuel rod is disclosed. The welding process has a reduced arc wander and deeper arc penetration. A treated welding electrode for practicing the method also is disclosed. A layer of stainless steel is placed on the working arc discharge end of a nonconsumable tungsten arc welding electrode before welding. The stainless steel coating on the electrode reduces arc wander and permits deeper arc penetration. Approximately 0.001 to 0.005 inches of stainless steel is placed on the working arc discharge end of the electrode. The electrode coating can be formed by positioning the working arc discharge end of the electrode into close proximity to a grounded piece of stainless steel and then electrically shorting the electrode to the stainless steel so that the working arc discharge end sticks to the stainless steel.

Abstract: A levitator which is mounted on a space station; for example, for use in material science experiments in space. The levitator has a position detector for detecting the position of a sample, a variable power supply whose output voltage varies in accordance with the signal output from the position detector, a pair of planar electrodes connected to two ends, respectively, of the variable power supply and disposed in opposing relation to each other, and a ring electrode disposed so as to surround each of the planar electrodes and to which is applied a higher voltage than that applied to the corresponding planar electrode from a DC power supply, thereby holding the sample stationary at a desired position by means of the planar and ring electrodes. The levitator further has a means for rotating the sample being held stationary. Thus, it is possible to rotate the sample in a controlled manner and hence possible to carry out an experiment in which the sample is uniformly heated in a microgravity environment.

Abstract: A gas/arc electrode for use under vacuum conditions wherein a first housing encloses a second housing, with an end of the second housing extending through an opening in the first housing and having therein an outlet orifice. Provisions are made for circulating a coolant through the first housing to surround and cool the second housing. An electrical current and a gas, such as argon, as passed through the second housing, with the current flowing through a narrow stream of the ionized gas flowing through the outlet orifice to a workpiece to be treated. The second housing forms a chamber which has a cross sectional area, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of gas flow, of at least ten times the cross sectional area of the outlet orifice such that a gas pressure can be maintained in the chamber to reduce erosion of the chamber walls.

Abstract: A device for providing electromagnetic levitating forces and heating is described. A plurality of separate coils are provided, each powered by a separate power amplifier. Each coil may be supplied with two separate frequencies, one to levitate, and the other to heat the object. Also, the coils may be driven at separate phases to more uniformly distribute the magnetic levitating and heating forces.

Abstract: A cutting torch is provided circumjacent its tip with a stand-off cup which maintains a fixed distance between the torch orifice and the work piece. The distal end of the cup has a series of notches or windows which allow the operator to see the cutting arc and also permit escape of arc spatter. Between the notches are posts or castellations, at the distal end of which is a ring that maintains constant spacing between the cutting arc and a template, as the torch is guided around the edge of the template.

Abstract: A plasma torch comprises a torch housing, rear and front tubular electrodes coaxially mounted within such housing with a gap therebetween, both electrodes being fabricated from copper having tubular inserts of refractory material, a vortex generator for introducing a tangential flow of gas in opposite direction into the tubular electrodes through the gap between the two electrodes, and a cooling system for cooling the tubular electrodes.

Abstract: A plasma cutting torch comprising: a gas current generator having at least one orifice which is formed in a working gas passage defined between the outer peripheral surface of an electrode and the inner peripheral surface of a nozzle disposed so as to surround the electrode and which extends substantially in parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of said electrode, wherein in case the restricted area of the orifice of the gas current generator is expressed by S5 and the restricted area of a nozzle orifice of the nozzle is expressed by S4, the relation between the two is expressed by S5.gtoreq.S4. The plasma cutting torch is further provided with a generally cylindrical space portion formed on the upstream side of the nozzle orifice defined in the leading end portion of the nozzle and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating powders or powder compacts for consolidation in a pressure vessel having a chamber. There is a device for directly induction heating the powder or powder compact. Additionally, the apparatus is comprised of a device for compacting a powder or powder compact. The device for directly induction heating the powder essentially provides uniform heating to the powder while the compacting device compacts the powder or powder compact in the chamber of the pressure vessel. A method for consolidation of powders or powder compacts which has the steps of heating directly by induction the powder or powder compact, and applying an isostatic stress to the powder or powder compact.

Abstract: A plasma arc cutting torch, particularly one operating in the 0-200 ampere range, has a shield mounted at its lower end adjacent a workpiece to block splattered molten metal from reaching a nozzle of the torch. The shield is electrically insulated, preferably by mounting it on an insulating ring that is itself secured on a cap screwed onto the torch body. A secondary gas flow through the torch passes through the space between the nozzle and the shield to provide cooling. Bleed ports in the shield allow an enhanced flow rate with the remaining flow being at a rate, in conjunction with the size of an exit orifice in the shield, to stabilize the plasma arc. The bleed ports are outwardly angled away from the arc. Canted ports in the secondary gas flow path, but before the bleed ports, produce a swirling of the gas flow which enhances the quality of the cut.

Abstract: A plasma torch includes two axially spaced tubular electrodes and an electromagnetic coil for rotating an electric arc formed between the electrodes. Each electrode is held in a support, at least one support containing a cylindrical cooling chamber through which an electrically nonconductive cooling fluid can be passed. The electromagnetic coil divides the cooling chamber into two annular spaces which are interconnected at one end.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is disclosed and includes an electrode defining a discharge end and a longitudinal axis. A nozzle base, formed of metallic material, is positioned adjacent the discharge end of the electrode. The nozzle base has an outer, annular configured mounting surface and a frusto-conical surface positioned adjacent the mounting surface and tapering toward the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the electrode. A lower nozzle member, formed of metallic material, is secured onto the nozzle base mounting surface on the side opposite the electrode, and includes an interior surface spaced from the outer frusto-conical surface of the nozzle base to form a water passage. A ceramic insulator is secured onto the outer surface of the lower nozzle member and extends substantially along that surface for preventing double arcing and insulating the lower nozzle member from heat and plasma generated during torch operation. In a one embodiment the ceramic insulator is secured by means of glue.

Abstract: A plasma arc cutting torch, particularly one operating in the 0-200 ampere range, has a shield mounted at its lower end adjacent a workpiece to block splattered molten metal from reaching a nozzle of the torch. The shield is electrically insulated, preferably by mounting it on an insulating ring that is itself secured on a cap screwed onto the torch body. A secondary gas flow through the torch passes through the space between the nozzle and the shield to provide cooling. Bleed ports in the shield allow an enhanced flow rate with the remaining flow being at a rate, in conjunction with the size of an exit orifice in the shield, to stabilize the plasma arc. The bleed ports are outwardly angled away from the arc. Canted ports in the secondary gas flow path, but before the bleed ports, produce a swirling of the gas flow which enhances the quality of the cut.

Abstract: A torch for plasma cutting and welding which includes an outwardly insulated metal casing (10, 11, 12) provided with a non-melting electrode centered therein and having an insert (36) of active material directly opposite a nozzle orifice (17) in one end of the casing. The electrode (31) is centered in the casing by an insulating ring (21) at the electrode tip adjacent said orifice (17), and by an adapter sleeve (34) arranged in the opposite end and having a spring member (40). The adapter sleeve (34) has a tapered opening for receiving the likewise tapered end (33) of the electrode (31) and is axially slotted (35) to expand radially when receiving the electrode (31), so as to engage with the interior of the casing for safe current supply form the casing to the electrode (31). Gas is supplied from an inlet (27) along the electrode (31) and is forced to pass inclined ducts (41) in the electrode (31) in the area of the insulating ring (21), so as to be conducted in a spiral motion adjacent the orifice (17).

Abstract: Arc welding apparatus and method for precisely welding abutting pipe end portions defining an interface having a seam or joint to welded. The apparatus includes a roller assembly for precisely rolling the apparatus around a track circumscribing one of the pipe portions so that the seam may be suitably welded. Connected to the roller assembly is a carriage which carries an electrode housing having an electrode housed therein. A gear rack is provided on the roller assembly for engaging a pinion gear on the carriage for precisely biasing the carriage and thus the electrode housing parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the pipe portions. Connected to the carriage is a lead screw assembly for precisely biasing the electrode housing and thus the electrode perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis of the pipe portions to be welded. Connected to the electrode housing is a manipulator arm for precisely manipulating filler wire at the weld site.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed, and wherein the electrode includes a copper holder having a lower end which mounts an emissive insert which acts as the cathode terminal for the arc during operation. Where the torch is used in an oxidizing atmosphere, the copper holder tends to oxidize, and the arc tends to attach to the oxidized copper rather than the insert, which results in the rapid destruction of the holder. To prevent this destruction, the present invention incorporates a sleeve of silver or other metal having a relatively high work function, and which is positioned to surround the insert and form an annular ring on the lower end surface of the holder and thus to surround the exposed end face of the emissive insert. The annular ring serves to prevent arcing from the copper holder, and so that the arc is maintained on the insert.

Abstract: The support for the electrode has at its end a cavity at the bottom of which there is an emissive insert made of zirconium of hafnium. A portion of the support end around the insert has at least a portion of an electroconductive material axially projecting with respect to the insert. Application to plasma cutting torches ignition by short-circuit.

Abstract: The nozzle includes an axially extending discharge passage of circular cross-section and having a convergent entrance portion, a constricted throat which is axially and circumferentially convex, and an enlarged diameter exit portion which is concave in the axial direction as well as in the circumferential direction. The annular wall which defines the axially concave exit portion terminates perpendicular to the extreme end of the nozzle. By virtue of the shape of the passage, the plasma is discharged from the nozzle at supersonic velocity and substantially in the form of a collimated stream so as to effect faster and squarer cutting of a metal workpiece.

Abstract: A syringe needle disposer includes a setting section for setting waste syringe needles and a magnetic field generating section for providing a high frequency alternating field to the setting section. When the high frequency alternating field is activated, a magnetic path of the magnetic flux passing through the waste syringe needle set in the setting section is formed, thereby induction-heating the syringe needle to soften the needle and to round its tip and to close an axial hole of the syringe needle. The sharp edge of the softened syringe needle may be blunted by contacting a pressure plate under pressure.

Abstract: A quick disconnect connector for both electrical power and gas flow to a plasma arc torch has a plug that includes at least one pin contact and a mating receptacle that includes at least one socket contact that receives the pin contact axially. Both contacts have a central axial passage that conducts the gas flow at a sufficient rate to cool the contacts when they are conducting a large heavy operating current, typically 20 to 1,000 amperes, D.C. For high voltage operation, each contact is closely surrounded by a barrier sleeve of a dielectric material which is supported in an insulating body filling the plug or receptacle. The sleeved contacts are mounted to pivot independently of one another about a central mounting boss for self-alignment on mating. O-rings seal the sleeves to the insulator bodies to restrict the gas to a connection zone of the connector.

Abstract: A torch system adapted primarily for a welding torch comprises an elongated handle within which is a manifold. Passages in the manifold permit separate tubes or conduits that carry cooling water and shielding gas to be incorporated into a single series of concentric tubes projecting from the handle which create annular passages radially spaced from each other. These passages carry the cooling water and the heated return water after it has cooled the torch head at the distal end of the apparatus. The distal end of the apparatus has a torch head, the inward facing face of which is in contact with the cooling water as it flows from the inner annular passage radially outward to the outer annular passage. The water returns through the handle and to the individual return conduit, then back to a suitable receptacle, which may be in the form of a heat exchanger or refrigerator that removes the heat injected into the cooling fluid by the torch head.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a plasma torch that includes a torch body that at its upstream portion is adapted for being removably retained in a plurality of laterally adjusted positions by one lateral end position of a handle. The opposite end of the torch body is joined to the head to extend at an obtuse angle. The head includes an adaptor and an electrode having axial portion coaxially arranged to an air tube and at least parts of the combination of the torch shell and the nozzle to provide a cooling air path to flow downwardly through the tube, thence upwardly around the tube and thence downwardly to primarily discharge downwardly through the shell and in part through the nozzle. A stand and holder are mounted on the shell to hold the nozzle spaced from the cutting surface. The handle has a pair of switches connected in series and positioned to prevent accidently starting the cutting operation, i.e.

Abstract: A welding electrode tip cracking apparatus includes a main housing having spaced front and rear walls defining a cavity therebetween. The front wall has an entry passage for receiving an electrode therethrough having a tip end in which a cruciform-shaped crack is to be formed. A gauge member is adjustably mounted to the rear wall and has a stop element spaced from and disposed in alignment with the front wall entry passage. The stop element is engageable by the electrode tip end to block further movement of the electrode tip toward the rear wall. A die assembly has a support frame fitted within the cavity between the main housing front and rear walls and defining a guide channel. A pair of upper and lower crimping dies are disposed within the support frame guide channel.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed, and wherein the electrode includes a copper holder having a lower end which mounts an emissive insert which acts as the cathode terminal for the arc during operation. Where the torch is used in an oxidizing atmosphere, the copper holder tends to oxidize, and the arc tends to attach to the oxidized copper rather than the insert, which results in the rapid destruction of the holder. To prevent this destruction, the present invention incorporates a sleeve of silver or other metal having a relatively high work function, and which is positioned to surround the insert and form an annular ring on the lower end surface of the holder and thus to surround the exposed end face of the emissive insert. The annular ring serves to prevent arcing from the copper holder, and so that the arc is maintained on the insert.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a plasma arc torch having a first gas flow within the nozzle for engaging an electrode and generating a plasma and a second gas flow in surrounding engagement to the outer surface of the nozzle is disclosed. The nozzle includes an outer surface of substantially hourglass configuration in longitudinal cross-section so that the second gas remains in close contact with the outer hourglass surface of the nozzle to provide efficient heat transfer from the nozzle to the surrounding second gas flow.