Abstract: An improved collimator for a plasma arc torch consists of an annular holder member and an insert member. The insert member includes a tubular stem portion ending in an integrally formed, radially extending face plate. When the stem portion is fitted into the central bore of the holder member with a predetermined clearance fit therebetween, a cooling water passage is created. The improved collimator is characterized by the absence of any welds between the holder member and the insert member that would be exposed to conductive gases given off during use of the plasma arc torch and a lesser resistance to cooling water flow than prior art collimator designs.

Abstract: Methods of arc welding and an arc welding assembly comprise a power source configured to provide a welding current, and a single weld housing. The weld housing comprises a welding torch, which comprises a consumable electrode wire. The welding torch defining an elongated member configured to utilize the welding current to melt at least part of the consumable electrode wire and provide welding current to the work piece. The weld housing further comprises a bypass torch defining an elongated member configured to divert a portion of the welding current away from the work piece while allowing other portions of the current to flow to the work piece.

Abstract: TIG welding equipment includes a first articulate robot having a first arm, a TIG torch holding member for holding a TIG torch at a specified position so that the TIG torch can perform a weaving operation, and a filler wire guide moving member formed so as to surround the TM torch holding member and holdingly moving a filler wire guide in Z-axis direction.

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

Abstract: A welding implement, such as a TIG welding torch. The welding implement comprises a torch head and a thermal storage member. The torch head is operable to conduct electricity to a welding electrode disposed therein. The thermal storage member is adapted to store heat from the torch head during operation of the torch and to release the heat when the torch is not operated. The thermal storage member is electrically isolated from the torch head by an electrical insulator. The welding implement may comprise a tube coupled to the torch head to conduct gas and electricity to the torch head. The welding implement may also comprise a second tube disposed around the tube proximate to the torch head to increase heat transfer from the torch head to the tube.

Abstract: A TIG welding method of welding a first part with a first wall and an end edge to a second part with a second wall and an edge along a junction surface between said edges and along which the first wall forms a salient angle with the second wall. The TIG welding electrode is moved along the junction surface to weld the first part to the second part. The electrode being aligned on the side of the salient angle at an angle (?) with respect to the first wall smaller than 180° and with the longitudinal axis of the electrode running through the re-entrant angle associated with the salient angle.

Abstract: A welding system comprises a combined torch that includes a consumable electrode and a non-consumable electrode positioned so that their respective axes form an acute angle and so that arcs initiated from the electrodes intersect a workpiece plane to define an impingement point distance D, and a magnetic mechanism coupled to the torch and used for controlling the distance D during welding. The magnetic mechanism may be a magnetic shield inserted between the electrodes, or a separate magnetic device, e.g. a permanent magnet or electromagnet.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of longitudinally welded metal tubes where a metal strip (1) is drawn from a strip supply and gradually shaped into a slit tube in a shaping station (2). The slit tube is welded in a welding system (4) along the edges of the strip, and the welded tube (6) is extracted by an extraction device (5). The welding system (4) is a protective gas arc welding system with several electrodes supplied by separate sources (4c, 4d) of welding current. The electrodes are arranged in succession, in the direction of production. The welding system (4) has two welding devices (4a, 4b), whose electrode tips are directed at a common welding point. Only one of the welding devices (4a, 4b) is in operation at any given time, while the other welding device is in a standby position. When an electrode change becomes necessary, the arc of the welding device in the standby position is first struck by means of an auxiliary arc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding gas for use in the arc welding of metallic work pieces. The invention further relates to a process for the arc welding of metallic work pieces using consumable electrodes, whereby a shielding gas stream is supplied to the work piece adjacent to the electrode. According to the invention, for shielding gases recommended for use in the MSG welding, preferably the MAG welding, of rust-proof steels, especially nickel-based materials, specialty steels, or high-alloy steels, a) if the shielding gas contains no helium, it contains carbon dioxide in a proportion of between 0.001% by volume and 1.9% by volume and b) if the shielding gas does contain helium, it contains carbon dioxide in a proportion of between 0.001% by volume and 0.9% by volume, in addition to argon, nitrogen, and, if applicable, helium.

Abstract: A welding shield gas comprising an inert gas and nitrogen gas, where the concentration of the nitrogen gas is 1 to 95 vol %; or comprising an inert gas and a helium gas, where the concentration of the helium gas is 35 to 95 vol %; or comprising an inert gas, nitrogen gas, and a helium gas, wherein the concentration of the nitrogen gas is not less than 1 vol % and less than 65 vol % and the concentration of the helium gas is 35 to 95 vol %. This shield gas can be used in the non-consumable electrode arc welding of a welded material consisting of stainless steel.

Abstract: An ultra-flat non-consumable electrode welding torch which allows performing a welding operation through a narrow gap between adjacent piping such as welding piping of a boiler panel, to be mounted on a compact automatic welding head, and a welding head provided with such a welding torch are to be provided. As a gas supply mechanism that supplies a shield gas to a welding section formed at the tip of the non-consumable electrode through inside of the torch body for the non-consumable electrode welding, a gas supply path is provided for supplying the shield gas from an outer gas space in a double ring shaped gas space provided around a non-consumable electrode and divided by a partition wall, to an inner gas space through a plurality of orifices provided at regular intervals in the partition wall, and the gas is blown from the inner gas space to the region around the non-consumable electrode through a metal mesh plate.

Abstract: A dual mode plasma arc torch is provided that preferably comprises a start cartridge disposed between an electrode and a tip. In one form, the start cartridge comprises an initiator that is in electrical contact with the electrode and that is resiliently biased into contact with the tip, such that when the plasma arc torch is in a contact start mode, the initiator is movable against the resilient bias to separate from the tip and establish a pilot arc between the initiator and the tip. Further, when the plasma arc torch is in a high frequency start mode, the start cartridge spaces the tip from the electrode such that a pilot arc is established between the electrode and the tip. In other forms, a contact start torch is provided that is operable under high frequency, and conversely, a high frequency start torch is provided that is operable under low voltage.

Abstract: A welding head employs a carriage assembly for guiding the welding head along a track or guide. A torch assembly, mounted on the carriage assembly, is configurable for multiple welding processes. The torch assembly includes a torch block and a GTA filler wire guide mounted together on a mounting plate, whereby the GTA filler wire guide is placed in general proximity of a welding torch mounted on the torch block. The torch block accommodates the mounting of either of a GMA torch and a GTA torch. Additionally, the torch block accommodates placement of a GMA adapter sleeve within the torch block to feed a filler wire through the GMA torch. A system control unit provides manual, semi-automated, or automated control of welding system resources including a welding power supply, a supply of one or more shielding gasses, and a fluid coolant supply.

Abstract: A welding process for non-stainless steel workpieces using GTAW equipment and hydrogen containing shield gas on a first root pass is improved by using a shield gas delivery system comprising hoses or conduits made of elastomeric material having a moisture permeability coefficient of less that 275, preferably less than 100, and using a tungsten electrode composition comprising at least tungsten and lanthanum oxide, and preferably tungsten, lanthanum oxide, yttrium oxide and zirconium oxide. Preventing moisture permeation through the elastomeric hoses delivering hydrogen containing shield gas eliminates expulsion of fused weld metal during second pass filler welding over the root pass weld. Electrode life is enhanced using the tungsten compounds.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a set of torch consumable components secured to a torch head, wherein a supply of cooling fluid flows coaxially through the torch to cool torch components and a supply of plasma gas and secondary gas flows through the torch to generate and stabilize a plasma stream for operations such as cutting workpieces. The torch consumable components, in part, comprise an electrode and a tip that include a variety of configurations for improved cooling, electrical contact, and attachment to adjacent torch components. Further, a consumables cartridge is provided for ease of use and replacement of the torch consumable components. Additionally, methods of operating the plasma arc torch at relatively high current levels are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A tip gas distributor is provided that preferably comprises a plurality of swirl holes and a plurality of secondary gas holes, wherein the swirl holes direct a plasma gas to generate a plasma stream, and the secondary gas holes direct a secondary gas to stabilize the plasma stream. Additionally, a tip gas distributor is provided that comprises swirl passages and secondary gas passages formed between the tip gas distributor and an adjacent component to generate and stabilize the plasma stream. Further, methods of generating and stabilizing the plasma stream are provided through the use of the swirl holes and passages, along with the secondary gas holes and passages.

Abstract: A plasma torch is provided, comprising a first electrode holder configured to be received by the plasma torch and adapted to cut a thinner workpiece. The first electrode holder is configured to receive a first electrode assembly comprising a holder element having an emissive insert element received therein. A second electrode holder is also configured to be received by the plasma torch and is adapted to cut a thicker workpiece. The second electrode holder is interchangeable with the first electrode holder, with respect to the plasma torch. The second electrode holder is further configured to receive a second electrode assembly comprising a pencil element. The interchangeable first and second electrode holders thereby allow a single plasma torch to cut both the thinner and thicker workpieces. An associated electrode system and an electrode device are also provided.

Abstract: A welding torch having a torch body that is adapted to receive a welding electrode. A collet and collet body, or other mechanism, may be used to secure the electrode to the torch body. The welding torch has a handle that is securable to the torch body, but which may be selectively removed from the torch body. The welding torch may be operated with the handle removed. The welding torch is adapted to prevent arcing from the torch body to a surrounding surface when the handle is removed. The welding torch also may have a cable that is adapted to convey gas and electricity that is affixed to the torch body. The torch body may have an electrical connector disposed within the torch body for connection to the cable operable to convey gas and electricity. The cable and torch may also be adapted to provide cooling water to the torch body. The torch body may also be flexible.

Abstract: An electrode element for plasma torches and a production method for such electrode elements. The electrode element for plasma torches includes at least one core made of a metal or a metal alloy having a smaller work function that forms the actual electrode connected as a cathode. This core is enclosed by a shell part, which is made of a metal or a metal alloy having a greater work function than the core and a greater thermal conductivity. Between the core surface and the shell part there is provided a boundary layer in a graded form, which is made up of solid solutions of the two metals or metal alloys, or an intermediate layer toward the core surface and toward the shell part, which is made of another metal or a metal alloy having a work function greater than that of the core material wherein the boundary layers of the intermediate layer form a graded transition.

Abstract: A method for joining weldable metal structures and compound structure formed using the method are disclosed herein. The method includes steps of abutting a first structure to a second structure along an edge to form a seam. The two structures are then welded together along the seam on one side of the structures through at least 75% of the thickness of the structures. The structures are then welded along a portion of the seam from the opposite side of the structures. The method may be used to join porous weldable metal structures. The method may be used to create a compound structure having very narrow weld seam widths.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a sequential segment joining type stator coil for use in an electric rotating machine, capable of achieving satisfactory electrical and thermal contact between end tip portion pairs of segments and basal electrodes and of realizing suitable welding even in the alignment of a large number of end tip portion pairs. For the arc welding of the end tip portion pairs of a sequential segment joining type stator coil, a large number of end tip portion pairs adjoining each other in a radial direction are held and pressed between basal electrode blocks. At this time, a circular-arc-like auxiliary electrode is put in a radial spacing between the end tip portion pairs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a temperature of a torch consumable is disclosed. The invention includes a shielding cup constructed to be attached to a torch having a coating which indicates a temperature of the shielding cup during a welding/cutting process. Preferably, the coating indicates to a user when the temperature of the torch is beyond a preferred operating range thereby preventing excessive wear of the consumables associated with overheating.

Abstract: A wire-guide/nozzle assembly for an electric arc welding torch, with at least one nozzle for delivering gas and at least one wire-guide system for guiding at least one consumable wire, distinguished in that the downstream end of the wire-guide system runs into the nozzle. The peripheral wall of the nozzle has at least one cut-out through which the wire-guide system passes. The wire-guide system is fastened to the nozzle. A TIG welding torch utilizing such a wire-guide/nozzle assembly.

Abstract: Friction stir welding is enhanced by preheating of the workpiece with an electrical arc, such as an arc applied by a common gas-tungsten arc welding (GTAW) torch. As the arc is moved about a path on the workpiece, it preheats or partially welds the path, with the friction stir welding head following along the path to complete the weld.

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

Abstract: An improved anode element for a plasma generator is comprised of an anode body having a central bore therein. A plurality of arc attachment regions are formed along a surface of the central bore. Each attachment is configured to provide a substantially radially predefined attachment point for an electrical arc extending between the attachment region and a respective cathode when the anode element is used in a plasma generator. The arc attachment points can be areas along the central bore which are elevated or proud relative to adjacent areas. The attachment points can also be defined at least in part by asymmetrical cooling of the anode.

Abstract: A trigger system for operating a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a selector that operates between at least a first operating position and a second operating position, wherein the first operating position operates the plasma arc torch in a first mode to deliver gas to the plasma arc torch, and the second operating position operates the plasma arc torch in a second mode to deliver the gas and electric power to the plasma arc torch. Further, the selector comprises a neutral position that selects a neutral mode in which delivery of gas and electric power to the plasma arc torch is inhibited. The selector is preferably disposed within a housing of the plasma arc torch and is slidably operable between the first operating position, the second operating position, and the neutral position.

Abstract: These shielding gas flow-control devices avoid weld start quality problems often created in typical GMAW systems. They accomplished this while maintaining the common high pressure gas delivery pressures. Higher pressures maintain automatic flow compensation when gas restrictions occur while welding. A measured amount of extra shielding gas is quickly delivered at the weld start to displace air that enters the welding torch body and cable when welding is stopped. They also provide extra gas to purge the air in the weld start area. The extra gas is provided without excess gas flow velocity that, if present, causes air to be pulled into the shielding gas stream. These unique devices control gas flow while being located in, on or in close proximity to the wire feeder. A simple method of limiting gas flow adjustment is also included. These systems also minimize shielding gas waste which often occurs at the weld start.

Abstract: A combined YAG laser/arc welding apparatus performs a welding operation with a large depth of fusion and a deep fusion at a high efficiency. The welding apparatus includes an arc electrode which targets a point on a welded member where a laser beam from a YAG laser is focused. While an arc power supply is connected between the arc electrode and the welded member, the welded member is irradiated by the YAG laser to produce plasmoid gasses and metal vapors or a plume which is effective to start an arc from the arc electrode. A combined YAG laser/arc welding operation takes place while keeping the plume within and without a keyhole. Welded surface is covered by a hood, and a shielded gas passed through a commutation metal network surrounds the welded focus to prevent an oxidation and keeps the plume maintained. A filler wire is fed to a molten pool.

Abstract: This device significantly reduces a major reason for shielding gas waste in MIG welding. When welding is stopped, excess gas is stored in the hose transporting shielding gas to the solenoid located in a welding system. At subsequent weld starts, this stored gas creates a high surge flow wasting gas. Prior methods employed to reduce gas waste at the weld start have been complex, subject to leaks, were not sufficiently robust for the environment, did not provide shielding gas savings for welds longer than 3 to 4 seconds, were useful for limited delivery hose lengths or reduced the self compensating flow features inherent in higher delivery pressure systems. The device includes a compact variable flow-control that is inserted in a shielding gas delivery hose at a predetermined distance from the solenoid end to reduce gas waste and provide a controlled amount of extra gas at the weld start.

Abstract: A combined YAG laser/arc welding apparatus performs a welding operation with a large depth of fusion and a deep fusion at a high efficiency. The welding apparatus includes an arc electrode which targets a point on a member being welded where a laser beam from a YAG laser is focused. While an arc power supply is connected between the arc electrode and the member being welded, the member being welded is irradiated by the YAG laser to produce plasmoid gasses and metal vapors or a plume which is effective to start an arc from the arc electrode. A combined YAG laser/arc welding operation takes place while keeping the plume within and without a keyhole. Welded surface is covered by a hood, and a shielded gas passed through a commutation metal network surrounds the welded focus to prevent an oxidation and keeps the plume maintained. A filler wire is fed to a molten pool.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of brazing workpieces (16) with a torch (10), in particular a plasma or welding torch, having an electrode (28), in which a transmitted and/or non-transmitted working arc supplied with power from a power source or a current source (2) is produced in order to generate a plasma beam from a delivered plasma gas, whereby at least one filler material (38) is fed to the seam region of the workpieces (16) to be joined. The filler material (38) is connected to the or to another power source or current source (39). To this end, one potential (40) of the power source or current source (39) is applied to the filler material (38) and the other potential (35, 41) to the workpieces (16). The power source or current source (39) is regulated in such a way that when the filler material (38) is lifted off the workpiece (16) an arc is prevented from being generated.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a set of torch consumable components secured to a torch head, wherein a supply of cooling fluid flows coaxially through the torch to cool torch components and a supply of plasma gas and secondary gas flows through the torch to generate and stabilize a plasma stream for operations such as cutting workpieces. The torch consumable components, in part, comprise an electrode and a tip that include a variety of configurations for improved cooling, electrical contact, and attachment to adjacent torch components. Further, a consumables cartridge is provided for ease of use and replacement of the torch consumable components. Additionally, methods of operating the plasma arc torch at relatively high current levels are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A variety of electrodes for use in a plasma arc torch are provided that improve cooling between the electrode and an adjacent cathodic element such as a cathode. At least one passageway is formed between the electrode and the cathode for the flow of a fluid, e.g. cooling fluid, wherein the flow of the fluid is proximate, or through an adjacent vicinity of, electrical contact between the cathode and the electrode. The passageway is formed through the electrode, through the cathode, between the electrode and the cathode, and through a third element in the various forms of the present invention. Further, methods of operating a plasma arc torch using the electrodes according to the various forms of the invention are also provided.

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

Abstract: An intermediate holding member is inserted between a second free end and a third free end from an inner circumferential side in a radial direction, a first radial restraining member presses against a free end at an innermost circumference from radially inside, and a second radial restraining member presses against a free end at an outermost circumference from radially outside. Next, a voltage is supplied between a torch and the members, an inert gas is supplied to the torch, and an arc discharge is generated between the torch and the free ends, welding the radially-adjacent free ends.

Abstract: A consumables cartridge for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a cartridge body and at least one other consumable component such as a tip or an electrode, for example. The consumables cartridge provides for ease of use and replacement of the torch consumable components by replacing the consumables cartridge when consumable components require replacement rather than replacing consumable components individually or one at a time. Further, methods of installing, removing, and replacing the consumables cartridge are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch and method for improving the life of the consumable parts of the plasma arc torch, including the electrode, the tip and the shield cap. The method includes turbulating gas as it flows over the exposed surfaces of the electrode, tip and shield cap to increase turbulence in the hydrodynamic boundary layer of the gas flow, thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. The result of enhanced cooling is improved consumable parts life. For example, to increase the turbulence of the gas flow over the outer surface of the electrode, the plasma arc torch electrode has a roughened, or textured outer surface formed with dimples, axially extending grooves or spiraling grooves formed in the outer surface of the electrode. The inner and outer surfaces of the tip and the inner surface of the shield cap are similarly textured.

Abstract: A TIG welding apparatus comprises; a twin electrode type welding torch 1 having a first and a second welding electrode 1a, 1b arranged approximately parallel and either side of an insulation plate of a predetermined thickness, and a main unit 2 which supplies to the first welding electrode 1a a first welding current varied at a first period F, and to the second welding electrode 1b a second welding current varied at the first period F and at an opposite phase to the variation of the first welding current. The main unit 2 superimposes a variation of a second period fm being shorter than the first period F, onto the first and second welding currents. As a result, the arc current is increased without increasing the welding current.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes at least one consumable component in coaxial relationship with another component of the torch. At least two compressible components are disposed between longitudinally extending coaxial surfaces of the consumable component and the second component. A pressurized medium flow path is directed to a longitudinal location between the compressible components. Upon supply of a pressurized medium through the flow path, the compressible components are caused to deform radially outward thereby centering the consumable component relative to the other component.

Abstract: Electrode and nozzle that seat within a retaining member and in two different seating locations relative to retaining member. The electrode and nozzle each include an interwoven-double-start thread having two thread cuts, which start 180 degrees from one another as measured around the circumference of the electrode or nozzle. Further, the electrode, nozzle, and retaining member include mating frustum surfaces, which are configured and dimensioned so that the electrode and nozzle seat within the retaining member with less than one turn of the electrode and nozzle relative to the retaining member. Therefore, the electrode and nozzle may be quickly inserted in, and removed from, the retaining member.

Abstract: A process for repairing a compressor rear frame of a gas turbine engine. The process entails removing a seal flange from the inner casing wall of the frame to define an annular face on the casing wall, and fabricating a replacement flange to have an annular face with a radial width greater than the radial width of the annular face of the casing wall. The faces of the flange and wall are mated to form a joint, a penetration-enhancing flux is deposited adjacent the joint, and a single-pass gas tungsten arc welding operation is performed to form a root weldment that extends completely through the joint. The flux is then removed and a gas tungsten arc welding operation is performed to deposit a filler on the root weldment and form a second weldment that completely overlays but does not penetrate through the root weldment.

Abstract: A fixing structure for a welding electrode and a welding head is shown which enable improvement of durability of a welding electrode, improvement of work efficiency in welding, and a reduction of time required for welding and also which make it possible to execute welding for an extended time with high reliability. In the fixing structure, a fixed section of a welding electrode is inserted via a thermally conductive material into an inserting section of a fixing base and a peripheral surface of the fixed section of the welding electrode is uniformly contacted to the fixing base to affix the welding electrode to the fixing base.

Abstract: A dual mode plasma arc torch is provided that preferably comprises a start cartridge disposed between an electrode and a tip. In one form, the start cartridge comprises an initiator that is in electrical contact with the electrode and that is resiliently biased into contact with the tip, such that when the plasma arc torch is in a contact start mode, the initiator is movable against the resilient bias to separate from the tip and establish a pilot arc between the initiator and the tip. Further, when the plasma arc torch is in a high frequency start mode, the start cartridge spaces the tip from the electrode such that a pilot arc is established between the electrode and the tip. In other forms, a contact start torch is provided that is operable under high frequency, and conversely, a high frequency start torch is provided that is operable under low voltage.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus capable of making an accurate lifetime assessment for each of plural consumable parts (the definition of “the consumable part” is an electrode and/or a nozzle) so that effective use of the consumable parts becomes possible leading to reduced running cost. In the plasma processing apparatus, a plasma arc is generated from a plasma torch composed of an electrode and a nozzle to perform plasma work on a workpiece. Such a plasma processing apparatus includes a plurality of consumable parts, each consumable part being an electrode and/or a nozzle, and further comprises a memory for storing consumption data on every consumable part, the consumption data being used for calculation of consumption; and a display unit for displaying consumption calculated by a CPU for selecting the consumption data corresponding to a consumable part in use.

Abstract: A tip for a plasma arc torch includes a ridge for improved electrical contact with a starting member.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled welding device comprising a torch head body having a helical cooling fin extending along a length of the torch head body. A sleeve may be disposed around the torch head body to define a flow channel over the torch head body. The sleeve may have a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet to enable liquid to flow into and out of the flow channel. The liquid outlet may be located adjacent to the liquid inlet. The liquid-cooled welding device may have a baffle disposed within the sleeve between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet to direct liquid to flow along the length of the torch head body to enable the helical cooling fin transfer heat to the liquid.

Abstract: This process for assembling conductive segments (16) of a rotor or stator winding of a rotary electrical machine comprises the stages consisting in inserting the conductive segments (16) in slots arranged in a core (12) of the rotor or of the stator in such a way that the conductive segments project beyond the latter by their free ends, and in welding the conductive segments in pairs by their projecting free ends to form a winding (14) around the rotor or the stator. The conductive segments each being formed by a wire of electrically conductive material covered with a layer of electrically insulating material, the layer of electrically insulating material is eliminated, in the zone in which the conductive segments are welded, by the means used to weld the latter. Application to the assembly of conductive segments of a rotor or stator winding of a motor-vehicle alternator.

Abstract: Vented shield systems for plasma arc torches are provided that comprise a shield cup body defining a distal end portion, a vented retainer secured to the distal end portion of the shield cup body, and a shield cap secured to the vented retainer. The vented retainer defines at least one vent passageway that directs a flow of secondary gas inward toward the shield cap, and the vented shield system blocks at least a portion of molten metal from contacting components, such as a tip or nozzle, of the plasma arc torch. The shield cap may comprise a mechanized cap, a drag cap, a gouging cap, or a deflector cap, among others. Accordingly, various shield caps may be employed without removal or replacement of the vented retainer. The same vented retainer may be used throughout a variety of plasma arc torch applications.

Abstract: A contact start plasma arc torch is provided that comprises an electrode, a tip, and an initiator that is resiliently biased into contact with the tip, the initiator being movable against the resilient bias to separate from the tip and establish a pilot arc between the initiator and the tip. The initiator is disposed within a start cartridge, which preferably comprises a coil spring that biases the initiator into contact with the tip. The plasma arc torch further comprises a plurality of head vent holes to vent gas from within the start cartridge during operation of the torch. Additionally, the tip defines a plurality of swirl holes and secondary gas holes to generate and control a plasma stream that is subsequently blown from a central exit orifice in the tip.