Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrode which may be used in plasma cutting torches which has a superior service life over similar electrodes found in the prior art, due to a design which improves cooling of the electrode, and which allows advancement and resurfacing of the electrode insert.

Abstract: A small TIG-arc welding torch which can be well applied for welding of a narrow portion and allow production of a small welding apparatus which is superior in insulation. The welding torch comprises a heat resisting insulator case which covers the entire welding torch except a portion of an electrode. The insulator case has one or a plurality of shield gas spouting holes formed therein through which gas is spouted such that flows or fluxes of gas may surround and isolate the electrode and a welding area around it from the open air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torch for plasma arc welding and cutting operations carried out on metal, which comprises a hollow grip, to which two power supply conductors are connected together with tubes supplying plasma-forming gas and coolant, a cylindrical electrode rigidly attached to the forward end of the grip and wired to the negative pole of the power supply, and a tapered nozzle positioned forward of the electrode and fitted to a metal sleeve which is wired to the positive pole of the power supply, ensheathed by insulating material, and capable of sliding in relation to the electrode. Plasma-forming gas is injected into a space between the electrode and the sleeve, channelled through to a constricting chamber accommodating the tip of the electrode, and ionized by an arc struck between the electrode and the nozzle before being projected from the orifice in the nozzle.

Abstract: System and method for producing metal or alloy powder are described comprising an electromagnetic levitating coil having an outlet for supporting a molten source of the metal or alloy and controllably discharging a molten stream thereof, an electromagnetic confining coil disposed at the outlet of the levitating coil and surrounding the molten stream for controlling the diameter of the molten stream, and either an atomization die and associated pressurized fluid source for disintergrating the confined molten stream into molten droplets for subsequent cooling to powder, or a controllable electromagnetic coil surrounding the confined molten stream for generating a downwardly and radially outwardly directed electromagnetic force interacting with the molten stream to form the droplets.

Abstract: A gas cup extension assembly (10) is mounted on a standard electric welding torch gas cup (11) to enable welding in areas with limited access. The gas cup assembly (10) has a tubular insert (14) that fits within the gas cup (11) but extends a lower externally threaded portion (17) downward through the gas cup exit opening. A tubular extension (18) is screwed onto the threaded portion (17) so as to be placed tight against the lower edge of the gas cup (11). The upper portion (20) of the extension has a rim (21) to define the outer perimeter of the seat edge about the entrance opening so a gasket (24) may be placed to effect an air tight seal between the tubular insert (14) and tubular extension (18). The tubular extension (18) will have its lower portion (19) shaped as desired for the particular welding activity and may easily be replaced with another extension having a different shaped lower portion.

Abstract: A plasma-arc cutting torch housing defines a chamber which has an outlet at the end of the housing. The torch also includes an electrode in the chamber near the outlet and a provision in the chamber for separating the gas flowing towards the outlet of the housing into a primary gas flow adjacent to the electrode for generating a plasma and a secondary gas flow away from the electrode for cooling the torch and the workpiece. The electrode has a centrally disposed bore therethrough for conveying gas. An insert in the workpiece end of the electrode burns away so as to expose the essentially disposed bore therethrough, thereby automatically quenching operation of the plasma arc so as to minimize damage to the torch. In the preferred embodiment, the electrode has a stepped centrally disposed bore which stops short of the insert. In an alternate embodiment, the stepped bore extends through to the insert and accommodating insert bore.

Abstract: Device for temperature homogenization of passing metallic products (3), housed in the bed plate of the temperature equalization zone of a reheating furnace and constituted by elongated polyphase static sliding field inductors (14) located in the extension of elements (9) supporting the metallic products in the heating zone (7) of the furnace. The device achieves efficient and rapid heating by enabling precise localization of the heating zone in a predetermined part of the metallic product to be treated, and is particularly useful for treating large dimension products, such as large slabs, in order to attenuate or eliminate skid marks (20) which are usually present upon their emergence from prior art reheating furnaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining lead battery parts (e.g., plate lugs, intercell connectors, terminals, etc.) together via a low resistance electrical coupling wherein substantially oxide-free, arc-melted, superheated molten lead is cast into a cavity between the parts. The parts are shielded from the arc while being bathed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere which is preferably formed from an ionizable, non-oxidizing gas heated by the lead-melting arc and spewed onto the parts along with the molten lead to provide additional heat thereto.

Abstract: Nozzle for plasma arc torch includes internal and external forming nozzles mounted one within other and fitted to the torch housing to form first and second gaps. The first gap is formed between the torch cathode and the internal nozzle, an internal vortex generator mounted in it. An external vortex generator is fitted in the second gap and is connect to races machined in the torch housing. A forming canal is designed in the front end of the internal nozzle and an intermediary nozzle is mounted between the internal and external nozzles. A third gap is formed between it and the internal nozzle, and the second gap is formed between the intermediary and the external nozzle. A second forming race coaxial with that of the internal nozzle is provided in the front part of the intermediary nozzle, thus forming a common forming race. An intermediary vortex generator with tangential races is included in the contact surface of the intermediary and internal nozzles.

Abstract: The penetration in an arc welding process is measured in real time by monitoring the natural frequency of oscillation of the weld pool. Spatial oscillations are induced in the weld pool by modulating either the shielding gas or the welding current at a plurality of different frequencies, and the light reflected from the pool at a non-specular angle is sensed and processed to determine the natural frequency of oscillation. Both pulse and swept frequency modulations are employed for excitation of the weld pool.

Abstract: A crushed powder metal workpiece preform is enclosed in a shell or envelope of a ceramic liquid die material and is inductively heated through the ceramic material and then transferred to a pressure vessel wherein the liquid die material is pressurized to provide a rapid omnidirectional compaction of the powder metal preform and thus a fused powder metal workpiece.

Abstract: A plasma-arc torch is provided having a spring loaded ejector mechanism for expelling the electrode and thereby breaking off electrical contact so as to prevent operation of the torch when necessary parts are not in place.

Abstract: The plasma welding or cutting torch comprises a hollow torch body (1) whose interior is connected to a source of plasma-producing gas, an electrode (2) disposed inside the body (1) and electrically connected to an electrical supply conductor, and a nozzle (3) provided with a plasma outlet orifice (34). This torch is characterized in that it comprises a cartridge (60) which cannot be disassembled and comprises an annular skirt (4) assembled by screwing with the torch body (1) and having a seat (18b) for the nozzle (3) which is freely slidably mounted in the skirt (4) and applied against the seat (18b) solely by the pressure of the plasma-producing gas.

Abstract: A gas shielding arrangement and method is disclosed for use with tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and the like, consisting of an inner, primary flow of an inert gas such as argon, passing about the electrode and weld area, and an outer radially spaced secondary flow of hydrogen gas, completely enveloping the flow of inert gas and ignited by the welding arc to provide a flow of burning hydrogen gas which consumes the atmospheric oxygen penetrating into the flow to minimize oxidizing of the weld metal. The flow of hydrogen gas also minimizes dissipation of the inert gas to conserve and improve its shielding effect. The heat generated by the burning hydrogen heats the portions of the workpiece surrounding the weld to produce superior welds with improved grain structure by minimizing the quenching effect of the weld created by conduction of the weld heat into the surrounding metal.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is disclosed having an upper body of a non-conductive material supporting an electrode and a lower body of a conductive material supporting a nozzle through which an arc is formed between the electrode and a work piece. Means is provided for blowing a mixture of inert gas and a fusible powder through a passageway formed in said lower body and through passages formed in said nozzle onto the work piece. A liquid coolant is circulated through a reservoir formed in the lower body, and an inert gas is discharged through an opening that circumvallates the nozzle. Both the nozzle and the torch as a whole are uniquely constructed to avoid many of the problems caused by the use of insulators and fluid seals. In addition, the novelty of construction enhances performance.

Abstract: An arc-heated plasma lance characterized by an elongated tubular housing containing arc heater ports for producing a plasmic jet at one end of the housing and service ports for providing electric power, gas, and coolant fluid to the arc heater ports, and the service means extending into the housing from the other end.

Abstract: An electric arc or plasma jet torch or heater has water-cooled electrode structures and a working gas injection arrangement which produce efficiently a very stable arc of maximum length at operating currents ranging from 20 amps to more than 400 amps so that the same torch can be used to satisfy a wide range of heating requirements.

Abstract: A plasma torch comprises an electrode secured to a liquid-cooled electrode holder and formed with a flow passage communicating with a central outlet for delivering an ionizable gas and a nozzle body which surrounds the electrode and serves to conduct gas along the outside surface of the electrode. To permit an increase of the torch power, the central outlet communicating with the flow passage constitutes a diffuser. The outlet opening of the diffuser is axially spaced from the nozzle body.

Abstract: A gas distribution ring for a plasma gun comprises a ring member with two sets of gas inlet orifices extending from the outer surface inwardly through the ring member. The outer surface has an undulated groove for an O-ring formed therein, and the orifices are positioned with respect to the undulated O-ring such that one set of orifices are isolated on one side of the O-ring and the other set of orifices are isolated on the other side of the O-ring. In a preferred embodiment the orifices of one set are radial with respect to the axis of the ring, and the orifices on the other side of the undulated O-ring have a tangential component to provide vortical gas flow in the arc region of the gun. The gas distribution ring positioned in the plasma spray gun permits a simple choice between radial and vortical flow in the arc region of the gun, without alteration of the gun.

Abstract: In a plasma torch having an output end, the torch including an electrode having a longitudinal axis, and a generally cylindrical nozzle body surrounding, and positioned concentrically with, the electrode and the nozzle body, the nozzle body includes: a radially symmetrical, generally cylindrical inner wall spaced radially from the electrode; a radially symmetrical, generally cylindrical outer wall surrounding, and arranged concentrically with respect to, the inner wall; a front end wall located in the vicinity of the torch output end and joining together the inner and outer walls; and an electrical insulating component forming part of at least one of the inner and front end walls and extending entirely across its associated wall for electrically insulating the inner and outer walls from one another at at least one location in the vicinity of the front end wall.

Abstract: An improved electrode mounting structure for a gas tungsten arc welding torch having a coaxial imaging system. The electrode mounting structure includes a support having a central hub and a plurality of spokes which extend from the hub generally radially with respect to the axis of the torch into supporting engagement with the interior walls of the torch. The spaces between the spokes are optical passages for transmission of light to form the image. A tubular collet holder is threadedly engaged at its upper end to the hub and extends downwardly toward the open end of the torch. The collet holder has an inwardly tapering constriction near its lower end. An electrode-retaining, tubular collet is mounted within the collet holder and has a longitudinally split and tapered end seating against the tapered constriction. A spring seats against the upper end of the collet and forces the split end against the tapered constriction to wedge the split end radially inwardly to grip the electrode within the collet.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for stabilizing a plasma stream by the use of two different stabilization liquids. The plasma arc is stabilized in the discharge chamber by a whirl of a first stabilization liquid containing at least one element chosen from the group consisting of carbon and nitrogen, and the plasma arc is stabilized in the stabilization channel by a second stabilization liquid differing in its boiling point from the first stabilization liquid. Between the discharge chamber of the burner and the stabilization channel there is provided a transition space from which there lead slit-like outlets for the stabilization liquids. In the transition space there may be placed an orifice plate dividing said space into two sub-spaces. From the stabilization channel upstream of the front nozzle of the burner there may be provided an outlet for the second stabilization liquid, which is disposed in the stabilization channel.

Abstract: A plasma arc welding torch which provides a leak-free method of conveying a plasma arc through a replaceable orifice onto a workpiece. An electrode holding assembly concentrically aligns an electrode with respect to this orifice and an electrode setting tool secures this electrode a specific known distance from a surface of this orifice. Plasma gas and orifice gas travel through passageways in the torch and are discharged out of the torch surrounding the electrically generated arc. A cooling fluid is circulated within a cooling chamber located adjacent to this orifice to reduce the temperature of this torch.

Abstract: A shielding gas for use in electric arc welding is disclosed. The gas comprises a mixture of helium, argon, 1.75% to 2.25% carbon dioxide and 0.25% to 1.0% oxygen (by volume). Use of the gas enables slag-free welds which accept readily paint applied by an electrostatic deposition process.

Abstract: A hybrid transferred-arc plasma torch system utilizes a transferred-arc plasma torch whose hollow body carries internally a cathode aligned with a relatively small diameter nozzle which functions under a created arc to issue an arc flame through the nozzle with a plasma gas applied to the chamber. An external anode electrically isolated from the cathode and the transferred-arc plasma torch body coaxial with the nozzle and spaced downstream thereof has an active anode surface of relatively large area radially remote from the axis of the arc flame issuing from the transferred-arc torch with the torch anode position such that the arc flame extends freely beyond the active anode surface with a reverse flow of electrons completing the circuit from the arc flame beyond the anode surface back to that anode surface.

Abstract: A welding method forms a fiber reinforced weld in a fiber metal matrix composite. Novel weld rods or consumable electrodes for introducing the fibers to the molten weld pool are disclosed. Reinforcing fibers are added to a molten weld pool that is initially substantially free of fibers. The fibers strengthen the weld. The concentration of the fiber should be controlled so that the viscosity of the pool remains suitable for welding.

Abstract: This invention relates to plasma torches in which, the gas entering the electrode holder is divided into a plasmagenic gas flow and into a cooling gas flow by two series of openings drilled in one and the same metal element forming the electrode holder.

Abstract: A burner for WIG-welding for a welding seam having a rod-shaped tungsten electrode with an electrode tip facing the welding seam, a welding wire guide and a protective-gas feed includes a coolant line connected to the electrode and formed of two adjacent channels extending as feed and discharge lines on mutually opposite sides of the electrode, the electrode tip projecting through a heat-resistant insulating cap overlapping ends of the coolant channels which face towards the electrode tip, and the protective-gas feed including protective-gas feed lines insulatedly fastened to a side of the coolant channels facing away from the electrode, the protective-gas feed lines having a region extending out of the insulating cap and formed with outlet openings directed towards the welding seam.

Abstract: A welding fixture for locating a driver sleeve about the open end of a nuclear fuel pin cladding. The welding fixture includes a holder provided with an open cavity having shoulders for properly positioning the driver sleeve, the end cap, and a soft, high temperature resistant plastic protective sleeve that surrounds a portion of the end cap stem. Ejected contaminant particles spewed forth by closure of the cladding by pulsed magnetic welding techniques are captured within a contamination trap formed in the holder for ultimate removal and disposal of contaminating particles along with the holder.

Abstract: The plasma torch has a hot cathode (3) connectable to the negative poles of a main current course and of an arcing current source, an anode (2) connectable to the positive pole of the main current source, and an intermediate arcing electrode (6) connectable to the positive poles of both sources. An inert gas is introduced (at 8) between the cathode (3) and the arcing electrode (6). A plasma-producing gas is introduced (at 4) between the arcing electrode (6) and the anode (2). A fuel supply line (17) may open into the space between the arcing electrode (6) and the anode.

Abstract: The plasma torch comprises a hollow torch body whose interior is connected to a source of plasma-producing gas, a hollow electrode lodged inside this body and electrically connected to an electric supply conductor, and a nozzle provided with an orifice for the outlet of the plasma. The feature of the invention is that the torch comprises a detachable annular skirt (4) which is assembled by a screwed connection with the torch body (1) and has two axially spaced-apart seats (17c,18b) respectively for the electrode (2) and the nozzle (3), and the electrode and the nozzle are freely slidably mounted in the skirt (4) and applied against their respective seats (17c,18b) solely under the action of the pressure of the plasma-producing gas.

Abstract: A welding apparatus with monitor means including a welding torch having an electrode located in the vicinity of its forward end and supported at its rearward portion by a welding head for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis and back-and-forth reciprocatory movement along the longitudinal axis. The welding torch further includes an electric conductor covered at its outer periphery with an insulator and formed with a gas sump in the vicinity of the electrode. The electric conductor has defined therein a gas supply passageway for supplying gas shield gas, a bore for allowing an image guide and a light guide to extend therethrough, and a bore for allowing a fluid to flow therethrough to cool the electric conductor. The image guide and light guide have their forward ends located in the gas sump, so that they can command a view of outside through guide openings serving concurrently as gas ejecting ports for ejecting the shield gas therethrough.

Abstract: In the plasma arc torch of this invention the same gas may be used for generating a plasma and for secondary gas flow for cooling the torch and the workpiece. A torch housing defines a chamber which has an outlet at the end of the housing. The torch also includes an electrode in the chamber near the outlet and means in the chamber for separating the gas flowing towards the outlet of the housing into a primary gas flow adjacent to the electrode for generating a plasma and a secondary gas flow away from the electrode for cooling the torch and the workpiece. In the preferred embodiment, air may be used for both the plasma forming gas and the secondary gas and the electrode has a halfnium insert. The torch has a torch tip adjacent to the electrode and the torch may be started without a pilot arc by touching the workpiece with the torch tip.

Abstract: The plasma torch of the present invention includes safety control means which responds to the removal or partial removal of the torch heat shield from the torch body for interrupting the flow of plasma gas and a switch system responsive to the interruption of the flow of plasma gas for disengaging the power supply from the torch.

Abstract: A levitation heating system uses only a single power supply for both levitation and heating, but permits the frequency of the power supply to be changed to control heating effects independently of levitation forces. The levitation force is kept constant by changing the apparent impedance of the induction and levitation coil as the frequency is changed, thereby providing a constant applied current to the coil over a range of applied frequencies. Feedback is employed to assure constant current in the coil.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to plasma cutting. The nozzle (5) is freely slidably mounted in the torch body so as to come into contact with the electrode if the torch is applied against the work piece (16). By disengaging the torch, an arc is struck between the electrode and the nozzle and then transferred to the work piece. Application in particular to low-power plasma torches.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, utilizing electromagnetic levitation, for producing low density, porous metal structures and hollow metallic spheres, using particulate material as a starting point. As an initial step, a porous article of sufficient green strength to be substantially self-supporting is formed of a particulate material containing at least one electrically-conductive metal. The green porous article is subjected to an electromagnetic field which has a field strength and frequency sufficient to levitate the green article in space against the force of gravity, and which has a frequency sufficient to induce in the article an eddy current of such intensity to produce heat sufficient to melt the electrically conductive metal, thereby entrapping the pores of the green article and any gases or non-electrically conductive particulate material contained therein. The next steps vary, depending on whether a porous metal structure or a hollow metallic sphere is to be produced.

Abstract: A plasma arc cutting torch housing defines a chamber which has an outlet at the end of the housing. The torch also includes an electrode in the chamber near the outlet and means in the chamber for separating the gas flowing towards the outlet of the housing into a primary gas flow adjacent to the electrode for generating a plasma and a secondary gas flow away from the electrode for cooling the torch and the workpiece. The electrode has a centrally disposed bore therethrough for conveying gas. Inserts in the bore at opposite ends of the electrode burn away so as to expose the centrally disposed bore and thereby automatically quench operation of the plasma arc so as to prevent damage to the torch. In the preferred embodiment, the electrode has a centrally disposed transverse bore and a pair of transverse bores intermediate the central bore and the electrode ends. In an alternate embodiment, the pair of transverse bores are eliminated and gas is conducted by means of an annular gas distributor.

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: A plasma arc torch is disclosed which comprises a rear electrode, an aligned front tubular electrode, and vortex generating means for generating a vortical flow of gas between the rear and front electrodes. The torch further includes an inner shroud which is electrically connected to the front electrode, and an outer shroud which is electrically insulated from both of the electrodes and from the inner shroud. A power supply is operatively connected to the rear electrode and the outer shroud, which is adapted to generate an arc which extends axially from the rear electrode through the vortical flow of gas and through the front electrode, with the front electrode and inner shroud thereby electrically "floating" with respect to the power supply. A water cooling system is also provided which includes a coolant flow path which extends serially from the rear electrode through an insulator to the front electrode, then to the inner shroud, and then through an insulator to the outer shroud.

Abstract: A gas shielded arc torch for welding or cutting having a torch head surrounding a collet assembly including a collet body and a slotted collet for gripping and positioning an electrode within the torch head and a torch cap for locking the collet within the collet body. The torch cap has a taper for engaging the unslotted end of the collet and the collet body has a taper for engaging the slotted end of the collet. The taper in the torch cap is substantially larger than the taper in the collet body.

Abstract: A hot wire welding torch assembly includes a nonconsumable metal electrode 12, a filler metal 6 fed to a weld puddle 11 fomed by an arc 10, a collet body 15 for holding the electrode, a shielding gas nozzle 3, and a torch body 1 molded from a synthetic resin for coaxially mounting the collet body and shielding gas nozzle. A highly dielectric and heat-proof insulating bushing 14 is provided between the torch body and a clamping holder 2 for mounting the torch body 1 to a filler metal torch 4 to prevent any relative slippage between the two torches and avoid electrical shock hazards.

Abstract: A compact gas tungsten arc welding torch, which may have an integral puddle view optical system, utilizes an inert gas supply line and coolant supply and return lines, one carrying current for the weld process. The torch body has passages for flow of cover gas from a connection tube to the gas nozzle. The gas supply hose additionally carries the filler wire for the weld process, which passes into the gas connection tube and out of the torch body to an integral wire feed guide tube that is alternatively inside or outside of the gas nozzle.

Abstract: In order to improve electric arc penetration of an arc welding torch, the angles of convergence .alpha. and .beta. of a sleeve and a nozzle of the torch are selected within an area which is inscribed in a quadrangular figure defined by the coordinates (.alpha., .beta.) with corners, or apices, at the four following points:______________________________________ .alpha. = 17.5 degrees S'.sub.1 : .beta. = 27.5 degrees .alpha. = 7.2 degrees S'.sub.2 : .beta. = 20 degrees .alpha. = 7.5 degrees S'.sub.3 : .beta. = 15 degrees .alpha. = 17.5 degrees S'.sub.4 : .beta. = 7.5 degrees ______________________________________The disclosed arc welding torch is favorably employed in an inert gas welding process.

Abstract: A kit for adapting tungsten-inert-gas welding torches of conventional design to use high amperage current. This comprises an internally and externally screw-threaded tube of highly conductive heat-resistant material which is designed to screw onto a cable housing terminal on the torch body, an insulating gasket which seats against an external shoulder of the torch body, and an insulating sleeve which fits over the internally and externally screw-threaded tube in place on the cable housing terminal, and seats against the gasket. This combination provides gripping means for the operator of the welding torch while dissipating the heat generated by the high operating current.

Abstract: A plasma arc process and a combination plasma arc torch and nozzle assembly in which the arc plasma gas composition contains at least 50% oxygen. An oxygen containing reactive gas is passed through a gap between a first and second nozzle body of a nozzle assembly having a first and second arc constricting passageway adapted to constrict the arc plasma. The width of the gap is of a critical dimension to permit a tungsten electrode to be used without suffering from rapid electrode erosion.

Abstract: A small bore welding torch for tungsten inert gas welding includes a copper rod which functions as an electrical conductor to the tungsten electrode which is anchored in a cross bore adjacent one end of the rod and as a tie to hold two insulative sleeves in assembly. An annular passage surrounds the copper rod and between the rod and outer sleeve provides an inert gas conduit to the welding electrode which projects into a side port in a refractory sleeve.

Abstract: A gas shielded plasma arc torch and collet assembly having a collet for receiving and gripping an electrode wherein the collet has spherical front and rear surfaces for engagement of and rotation in seats within the torch and a means for locking the position of the collet thereby locking and fixing the position of the electrode with respect to the torch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid baffle assembly suitable for use in water-cooled welding or cutting torches for providing a fluid passageway for efficient cooling of the torch head. The baffle assembly is comprised of a thin arcuate baffle member held in compression within the cylindrical outer sleeve of the torch head and about the inner body portion of the torch head so as to bifurcate the upstream portion of the water cooling area between the sleeve and the outer body portion of the torch head into separate water inlet and outlet channels. The inlet and outlet channels terminate at the lower end of the baffle in an annular water cooling chamber and at their upper ends communicate with water inlet and outlet tubes so that cooling water can flow from the inlet tube down the inlet channel, about the lower portion of the torch head in the annular water cooling chamber and out the outlet tube via the outlet channel.

Abstract: A gas tungsten arc welding torch has an integral optical system which images the weld puddle on the face of a fiber optic cable, and is suitable for industrial welding. The copper torch body has cover gas, electrical power, and coolant connections and an integral slim profile electrode holder. The optical lens is located directly above the electrode; the holder is out of focus and is not seen in the image of the weld region. A concentric torch configuration is more compact and has a large field of view at the weld area. When coupled to a remote video camera and monitor components, the torch-vision system permits control of torch manipulation and of the weld process.