Abstract: The invention recites a plasma-arc spray gun comprising a cathode and an anode defining a longitudinal axis. The anode further includes an external surface and an internal chamber, the internal chamber extending from a first end to a second end. At least a portion of the internal chamber is defined by revolving a non-linear curve about the longitudinal axis. The plasma-arc spray gun also includes a gun body supporting the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes a first consumable component having a longitudinally extending connection end. A second component in a coaxial relationship with the first consumable component has a bore defined therein into which the connection end of the first component extends. The bore includes a contact surface defined substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torch. The connection end of the first component includes a contact shoulder defined substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torch, a locking engagement section configured to engage with a corresponding section of the second component, and an alignment section extending longitudinally from the engagement section. The alignment section has a diameter closely matching that of the bore such so as to minimize axial misalignment between the first consumable component and the second component. The first consumable component may be an electrode.

Abstract: A welding torch member for securing an electrode to a welding torch is provided. The welding torch member may comprise first and second portions. Each of the first and second portions may have a hole therethrough to enable an electrode to extend through the first and second portions. The first portion may be adapted to secure the welding torch member to a welding torch body. The first and second portions may have a hole therethrough to enable the electrode to extend through the welding torch member. The second portion may be adapted so that it may be compressed onto the electrode to secure the electrode to the welding torch. A second welding torch member may be urged against the first welding torch member to compress the second portion onto the electrode. The first and second welding torch members may be secured to a welding torch. A power source may be used to provide power to the electrode through the welding torch member.

Abstract: A welding torch (10) comprises an electrode (12), means to supply weld filler material (14), a nozzle (16) surrounding the electrode (12), means to supply inert gas (17) to the nozzle (16) and a shroud (18) surrounding the nozzle (16). There are means to form a seal (20) provided between the nozzle (16) and the shroud (18), the means to form a seal (20) is arranged to allow relative movement between the nozzle (16) and the shroud (18). The means to form a seal (20) comprises a plurality of rings (22,24,26). Each ring (22,24,26) has an aperture (28,30,32) and an outer diameter (34,36,38). The diameter of the aperture (28) in a first ring (22) is substantially the same as the diameter of the nozzle (16). The outer diameter (34) of the first ring (22) is less than the outer diameter (36) of a second ring (24). The outer diameter (36) of the second ring (24) is substantially the same as the diameter of the shroud (18).

Abstract: An arc welding torch accessory providing automatic material feed to an existing TIG torch, which has user adjustable wire feed speed without discontinuing use of the device. The welding torch device is employed in gas delivery arc welding devices which use hyperbaric welding techniques to evacuate air or oxygen from the weld area while the weld is being processed. The disclosure describes a system for adopting an automatic wire feed system to an existing TIG welding torch head. The device allows automatic delivery of wire material, commonly fed by hand in arc welding, by presenting the wire to be fed automatically while allowing the arc welding torch operator to adjust the quantity of material feed while actually in the process of welding.

Abstract: A welding torch, in particular a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch, comprises a body portion (2) in which is housed an elongate, non-consumable electrode (10) the tip of which projects from the body portion (2), clamping means (8) within the body portion (2) for releasably gripping the electrode (10), control means (18) selectively movable between a first position in which the clamping means (8) hold the electrode (10) in an operative position, and a second position in which the clamping means (8) are released from the electrode (10), and an ejector mechanism (16) which, with the control means (18) in its second position, can be actuated to move the electrode (10) axially within the body portion (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13) for an electric arc welding torch, comprising at least one nozzle (11) for delivering gas and at least one wire-guide system (13) for guiding at least one consumable wire, characterized in that the downstream end (20) of the wire-guide system (13) runs into the nozzle (11). The peripheral wall of the nozzle (11) has at least one cut-out (10) through which the wire-guide system (13) passes. The wire-guide system (13) is fastened to the nozzle (11). The TIG welding torch comprises a wire-guide/nozzle assembly (11, 13).

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: A TIG welding equipment and a TIG welding method are described, capable of forming a welded metal portion deeply without lowering the welding quality, making the welding performance easier and improving the welding efficiency. The TIG welding equipment includes an electrode 2 for generating an electric arc 7 between itself and the welded object 10, a tubular inner nozzle 3 disposed surrounding the electrode 2, and a tubular outer nozzle 4 disposed surrounding the inner nozzle 3. A first shielding gas 8 composed of an inert gas can be supplied from the inner nozzle 3, and a second shielding gas 9 containing an oxidative gas can be supplied from between the inner nozzle 3 and the outer nozzle 4.

Abstract: The Tig Torch Finger Eliminator is attached to a tig torch to aid in welding pipes. It eliminates the use of the welder's fingers as a guide to stop tungsten contamination. It can be used in all positions of welding a pipe, and will take all the work out of walking the cup. It also gives maximum gas coverage and heat flow. The base plate comes in different sizes to fit different sizes of tig torches. It includes a handle base plate, which connects to a base extension. The base extension connects to the ball unit by a weld. The ball unit, having a beveled opening, will not let the ball fall out of its tip. The ball is held in place by a spring pushing against the ball and the spring retainer plate to allow pressure on the ball to keep it in place and allow it to move during welding.

Abstract: A process for applying weld overlay material to a tube with a single pass of a weld head. A gas tungsten arc welding process with high frequency wave pulse current is preferably used to apply the overlay material. The overlay material is preferably in the form of weld wire and is pre-heated and mechanically fed into the resultant weld pool on the tube. The wire is preferably resistance-heated to a temperature lower than its melting point prior to contact of the wire with the molten weld pool, and the weld pool is preferably oscillated during the overlay process. Use of the gas tungsten arc welding process provides sufficient weld fusion to allow the overlaid tube to be subsequently bent and formed, and use of the high frequency wave pulse current provides for reduced dilution of the overlay.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for plasma MIG welding or TIG MIG welding are disclosed. They include a plasma or TIG torch for following along a weld path by a MIG torch (or the order may be reversed). A constant distance may be maintained between the torches, and the angle of the torches, relative to the workpiece, may vary. The MIG process is performed EP or EN in various embodiments.

Abstract: A welding torch, in particular a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch, comprises a body portion (2) in which is housed an elongate, non-consumable electrode (10) the tip of which projects from the body portion (2), clamping means (8) within the body portion (2) for releasably gripping the electrode (10), control means (18) selectively movable between a first position in which the clamping means (8) hold the electrode (10) in an operative position, and a second position in which the clamping means (8) are released from the electrode (10), and an ejector mechanism (16) which, with the control means (18) in its second position, can be actuated to move the electrode (10) axially within the body portion (2).

Abstract: A torch head having a base section, a tip section and three or more radial rods connected between the base section and the tip section. The radial rods form a generally circular inner chamber which inner chamber includes an electrode. One or more of the radial rods has an inner passageway to convey one or more shielding gasses and/or one or more cooling fluids from the base section to the tip section of the torch head. The cooling fluid cools at least a portion of the torch head. The shielding gas is directed about the electrode and onto the weld metal to improve the quality of the weld bead. One or more of the radial rods function as support structures to enhance the strength and the rigidity of the torch head. The tip section of the torch head is designed to direct the one or more shielding gas in a desired profile about the electrode and onto the weld metal. The tip section includes an electrical contact that form an electrical connection with the electrode as the electrode passes through the tip section.

Abstract: A twin plasma torch assembly includes two plasma torch assemblies supported in a housing. Each of the two plasma torch assemblies has an electrodes. Plasma gas is introduced into a processing zone around the two electrodes. A shroud gas is introduced to surround the plasma. A feed tube is provided to supply feed material to the processor.

Abstract: Velocity/flow measuring of purge gas when welding pipe, is accomplished by providing a controllably fixed orifice at the distal end of the pipe being welded. The purge gas passes through a pressure regulator, a flow meter, and a purifier. An isolation/control valve is used to control access to the purge gas. The purge gas then passes through a header connected to the input end of the first pipe. A second pipe is positioned adjacent to the first pipe. A pressure clamp, tape or other sealing means seals the circumferential weld area between the first pipe and the second pipe. A second pressure gauge monitors the gas pressure at the pressure clamp. The purge gas passes through the weld area, to a manifold in fluid communication with a first pressure gauge, a back pressure control means and to a weld purge orifice fitting, having a selected orifice size.

Abstract: A weld preparation process that translates a consumable or nonconsumable tool over an area that is subsequently to be welded to impart friction heating to the surface. Rotary or linearly oscillated motion between the tool and the workpiece is used to generate heat and produce deformation in the surface, resulting in recrystallization of the area being processed and a compressive residual stress.

Abstract: A welding torch (10) comprises an electrode (12), means to supply weld filler material (14), a nozzle (16) surrounding the electrode (12), means to supply inert gas (17) to the nozzle (16) and a shroud (18) surrounding the nozzle (16). There are means to form a seal (20) provided between the nozzle (16) and the shroud (18), the means to form a seal (20) is arranged to allow relative movement between the nozzle (16) and the shroud (18). The means to form a seal (20) comprises a plurality of rings (22,24,26). Each ring (22,24,26) has an aperture (28,30,32) and an outer diameter (34,36,38). The diameter of the aperture (28) in a first ring (22) is substantially the same as the diameter of the nozzle (16). The outer diameter (34) of the first ring (22) is less than the outer diameter (36) of a second ring (24). The outer diameter (36) of the second ring (24) is substantially the same as the diameter of the shroud (18).

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 torch member for securing an electrode to a welding torch is provided. The welding torch member may comprise first and second portions. Each of the first and second portions may have a hole therethrough to enable an electrode to extend through the first and second portions. The first portion may be adapted to secure the welding torch member to a welding torch body. The first and second portions may have a hole therethrough to enable the electrode to extend through the welding torch member. The second portion may be adapted so that it may be compressed onto the electrode to secure the electrode to the welding torch. A second welding torch member may be urged against the first welding torch member to compress the second portion onto the electrode. The first and second welding torch members may be secured to a welding torch. A power source may be used to provide power to the electrode through the welding torch member.

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

Abstract: 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: A welding torch assembly includes a torch body, a plurality of quick connect fittings and an elongated electrically insulated handle. The torch body includes a plurality of utility supply lines extending from the torch body with one of the quick connect fittings coupled at an end of each of the utility supply lines. The handle is shaped to engage at least a portion of the torch body and extend over at least one of the fittings.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for plasma MIG welding or TIG MIG welding are disclosed. They include a plasma or TIG torch for following along a weld path by a MIG torch (or the order may be reversed). A constant distance may be maintained between the torches, and the angle of the torches, relative to the workpiece, may vary. The MIG process is performed EP or EN in various embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonflammable ternary gas mixture to be used in a plasma machining operation. The ternary gas mixture of the present invention comprises from about 4% to about 6.2% hydrogen, 30% to 50% argon, and the balance nitrogen. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of generating a high pressure plasma is provided. The method of this embodiment comprises introducing the ternary gas mixture of the present invention into a plasma torch apparatus, initiating a plasma in the plasma torch apparatus, and sustaining the plasma with a high voltage between a cathode and an anode.

Abstract: An electrode for supporting an arc in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes a metallic holder having a front end and a rear end. An emissive insert cavity is formed in the front end. An emissive insert is mounted in the cavity and is a metallic material having a relatively low work function. The front end is a casting made of a metal which is selected from silver, gold, platinum, rhodium, indium, palladium, nickel and alloys thereof. The rear end is a metal selected from copper and copper alloys. A cylindrical post extends inwardly from the front end of the metallic holder. The cylindrical post has an inner-rear tip portion which is a metal selected from copper and copper alloys.

Abstract: A positionable welding torch for a welding system is featured. The torch comprises a torch head, a handle, and a flexible portion coupled to the torch head and the handle. The flexible portion is adapted to enable the torch head to be positioned relative to the handle. The flexible portion has a first end, a second end, and a rigid restraining member adapted to cooperate with the first and second ends to limit the relative displacement of the first and second ends. The restraining member may comprise a restraining portion adapted to abut one of the first and second end portions. The restraining member also may comprise a biasing portion adapted to bias the restraining portion into engagement with one of the first and second end portions. A method for assembling a welding torch having a restraining member also is featured.

Abstract: A transferred plasma heating anode for heating a molten metal in a container by applying Ar plasma generated by passing a direct current through the molten metal, the transferred plasma heating anode comprising; an anode, composed of a conductive metal, that has an internal cooling structure, a metal protector having an internal cooling structure that is placed outside the anode with a constant gap between the anode and the protector, and a gas supply means that supplies an Ar-containing gas to the gap, is characterized by the central portion on the external surface of the anode tip end being inwardly recessed.

Abstract: A housing for a cable adapter assembly is featured. The housing may comprise a plurality of pieces that may be secured together, each piece forming a portion of the housing. The housing also may comprise a single piece having portions that are secured to each other around the welding cable adapter to form the housing. The single piece housing may be hinged. The housing may house a welding cable connector and the welding cable adapter. A method of converting a welding cable connector from one type of connector to another also is featured.

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. Additionally, the retaining member includes 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. Because of the configuration of the interwoven-double-start threads, the two seating locations of the electrode and nozzle are 180 degrees apart thereby enabling the electrode and nozzle to be used twice as long as conventional electrodes and nozzles which include a single cut thread.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing a heatable section of a tubular heater to a cold section, the heatable section includes an outer sheath, which has a heating element therein. The cold section includes an outer sheath which has a cold pin therein. The apparatus comprises an enclosure defining a chamber which further defines opposed openings in communication with the chamber. A welding tip extends into the chamber and is capable of melting the cold pin and welding the ends of the heatable and cold sections together.

Abstract: An end portion of a coil wire is wound around a coil terminal to form a wound portion. Then, air is supplied to the wound portion. While the air is supplied to the wound portion, heat is supplied in a first stage to the coil terminal, and thus a heat resistant coating of the coil wire is burnt and is removed from the coil wire located in the wound portion. Thereafter, heat is supplied in a second stage to the coil terminal, and thus a protrusion of the coil terminal is melted to join the coil wire and the coil terminal to each other at the wound portion.

Abstract: Protective cap for a plasma arc working torch, includes a cap body (7) having an opening (17) for the passage of plasma gas, the cap body (7) being made of at least one material of ceramic type. The ceramic is a silicon nitride or an aluminum silicate. Preferably, the ceramic cap body (7) is clad with boron nitride deposited on the external surface of the cap body, the thickness of the cladding of boron nitride being less than 3 mm. Torch provided with such a cap and its use in a steel plate plasma cutting operation.

Abstract: The purpose of the Tig Finger Eliminator is to eliminate the use of the welder's finger in all position of welding. It will allow your hand to be more stable, as well as lessen the friction on your wrist and shoulders. It will also eliminate the changing of gas cup when welding a root, hot filler, or a cap on heavy wall pipes. It takes all the work out of walking the cup in all positions. It gives you a maximum gas coverage and heat flow. It will also speed up your welding time. It also lessens tungsten electrodes contaminations. The Eliminator will come in two sizes to fit the wp26-F and the WP17-finger tig torches. It is made of Velcro straps, which is connected to the handle base plate, with rivets. The base handle plate is welded to the base extension, The base extension is connected to the ball unit by a weld. The ball unit has a ball at the tip, which has a spring to allow pressure on the ball. To use the Eliminator, attach it to the handle of the tig torch with the Velcro straps.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal step shelf tray that has a series of trays at stepped elevated heights. The method includes providing a planar sheet of stainless steel and cutting a planar blank from the sheet. The planar blank includes a number of tray panel sections spaced from each other, a riser panel section between adjacent pairs of tray panel sections, and a pair of side panel sections extending out from opposite sides of each tray panel section. The planar blank may further include end riser sections extending from the free ends of the planar blank, and lower lip sections extending out from each of the side panel sections. The planar blank is then formed by a series of bending operations where the lower lip sections are directed perpendicular to their adjacent side panel sections; and the side panel sections, rise panel sections, and end riser sections are directed perpendicular to their adjacent tray panel sections.

Abstract: A torch for powder plasma buildup welding capable of readily attaining welding in conformity to any size of a pipe material to be subjected to welding, any configuration thereof and the like. A torch head is replaceably connected to a torch body. The torch body is provided with a gap formation spacer member which is abutted against an inner peripheral surface of the pipe material to keep a distance between an opening of a convergent nozzle of the torch head and the inner peripheral surface of the pipe material substantially constant during buildup welding. Also, the torch body is provided with a deflection restraint spacer member which is abutted against the inner peripheral surface of the pipe material to prevent deflection of the torch body in the pipe material during buildup welding.

Abstract: An apparatus (105) and method are provided for feeding wire (135) to a tip (120) of a torch (115) in a welding system (100). The apparatus (105) includes a drive mechanism (150) attached to the torch (115), and a guide assembly (155) attached to the drive mechanism. The guide assembly (155) includes a bracket (180) by which it is attached to the drive mechanism (150), a wire guide (185) through which the wire (135) is passed, and first and second adjustors (270A, 270B) to position the wire guide relative to the tip (120). The guide assembly (155) is configured to pass the wire (135) in a straight line from the drive mechanism (150) to the tip (120). In one embodiment, the adjustors (270A, 270B) include gimbals (275) supporting the wire guide (185). Each gimbal (275) is attached to a screw (280) passing through an opening in an arm (285) projecting from the bracket (180) of the guide assembly (155).

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: In a welding system for performing butt welding which comprises butting the end surfaces of steel plates, materials to be welded, placed on the upper surface of a table of a welding stage and welding the end surfaces together, a welding head is a laser/arc combined welding head for simultaneously performing laser light irradiation and arc discharge of the materials 38 to be welded, thereby welding the materials to be welded, and the position of an arc electrode 40 in an up-and-down direction relative to the materials 38 to be welded, the position of the arc electrode in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis of laser light 32 applied to the materials 38 to be welded, and the inclination angle of the arc electrode relative to the optical axis of the laser light 32 can be adjusted.

Abstract: An improved welding apparatus, for use with a MIG apparatus, or a tungsten rod in a TIG apparatus. A nozzle housing, having an outer shroud, defines an airspace, which receives an injection of water vapor mist. The water vapor mist, when directed into the airspace in the nozzle housing, contacts the heated nozzle housing surface, and is then able to absorb the heat energy from the nozzle housing surface. When the water vapor mist absorbs heat energy, it undergoes a phase change from atomized water into steam. The steam is allowed to exit out of the rear portion of the rear of the nozzle assembly. The phase change of water to steam provides a significant heat transfer, due to the latent heat energy absorption capability of the water that is required to convert it from a liquid state to a gaseous state. This cooling apparatus, and method of cooling, both utilize a minimal amount of water usage, and also dramatically extends the usable life of the welding apparatus.

Abstract: A heating apparatus and method for pre-weld heat treating, welding and post-weld heat treating a superalloy article in a single enclosure while avoiding oxidation of the article. The enclosure is preferably equipped with a one-way valve that permits the escape of gases, but otherwise seals the enclosure to prevent the ingress of air during welding and heat treatment as a result of thermal gradients induced when the article is inductively heated. To provide access to the article and a device used to weld the article, the enclosure is equipped with gloves by which the welding device and the article can be manipulated while a nonreactive atmosphere is fully maintained within the enclosure and the article is inductively heating.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electrode is disclosed, wherein the electrode comprises a copper holder defining a cavity in a forward end. An emissive element and separator assembly is positioned in the cavity. An intermetallic compound is formed between the emissive element and the separator by heating a relatively non-emissive material until it melts and dipping the emissive element therein before cooling the assembly. As a result, the intermetallic compound is formed significantly faster than by conventional methods.

Abstract: An arc welding torch accessory providing automatic material feed to an existing TIG torch, which has user adjustable wire feed speed without discontinuing use of the device. The welding torch device is employed in gas delivery arc welding devices which use hyperbaric welding techniques to evacuate air or oxygen from the weld area while the weld is being processed. The disclosure describes a system for adopting an automatic wire feed system to an existing TIG welding torch head. The device allows automatic delivery of wire material, commonly fed by hand in arc welding, by presenting the wire to be fed automatically while allowing the arc welding torch operator to adjust the quantity of material feed while actually in the process of welding.

Abstract: A plasma torch includes an interchangeable cartridge (100) consisting of just six parts: an anode nozzle made of electrolytic copper 1 a cathode support made of el S32-0684-AMctrolytic copper 2 a doped tungsten cathode 3 a cathode centring diffuser device made of plastic material 4 an assembler made of plastic material 5 a ceramic insert 6. These parts are assembled by means of a press and the assembly of these parts constitutes volumes 71, 72, 73 constituting the cooling circuit of the anode 1 and other components of the torch, and plasmagene gas inflow conduits and connectors. Fluid inflows and outflows are ensured through a connecting and holding structure provided for easy cartridge (100) assembly.

Abstract: A cable cover for use with welding and cutting apparatus to protect and bundle together the power and any fluid-carrying lines extending from the torch handle. The cover includes an elongated panel formed of a flexible and durable material and having substantially parallel edge portions adapted to be secured together about the torch lines. A zipper is carried by the edge portions for securing those edge portions together over a first major portion of the cover. Strips of hook and loop fasteners are carried by the edge portions of the panel over the last two to three feet of the cover. Thus, a major portion of the cover can be quickly secured about the torch lines using the zipper fastener and one or more torch lines can exit the cover laterally at desired locations through the hook and loop fastener proximate the power supply without adversely impacting the integrity of the cover.

Abstract: The invention concerns a plasma torch comprising an interchangeable cartridge (100) consisting of six components only: an electroplating copper anode nozzle (1); an electroplating cathode support (2); a doped tungsten cathode (3); a plastic cathode diffusing-centring device (4); a plastic assembling device (5); a ceramic insert (6). Said components are assembled by pressing and the assembly of the components form volumes (71, 72, 73) constituting the anode cooling circuit and the plasma forming gas intake conduits (127, 44). The intake and discharge of fluid are provided by a connecting and maintaining structure designed for the easy mounting of the cartridge (100).

Abstract: The present invention provides a means of saving a significant amount of shielding gas, primarily in the metal inert gas (MIG) welding process. The invention significantly reduces a major reason for shielding gas waste, which is excess shielding gas storage in the hose connecting the shielding gas source to the welding machine. Other methods employed over the years to achieve the objective of reducing shielding gas waste have been complex, subject to leaks or were not sufficiently robust for the environment in which they are used therefore are not widely employed. The present invention consists of a hose connecting the shielding gas supply to the welding machine, which has a small internal volume. The outside diameter of the shielding gas delivery hose is sufficiently large and robust to provide satisfactory service in a welding fabricating environment.

Abstract: A torch head having a base section, a tip section and three or more radial rods connected between the base section and the tip section. The radial rods form a generally circular inner chamber which inner chamber includes an electrode. One or more of the radial rods has an inner passageway to convey one or more shielding gasses and/or one or more cooling fluids from the base section to the tip section of the torch head. The cooling fluid cools at least a portion of the torch head. The shielding gas is directed about the electrode and onto the weld metal to improve the quality of the weld bead. One or more of the radial rods function as support structures to enhance the strength and the rigidity of the torch head. The tip section of the torch head is designed to direct the one or more shielding gas in a desired profile about the electrode and onto the weld metal. The tip section includes an electrical contact that form an electrical connection with the electrode as the electrode passes through the tip section.

Abstract: A control method for arc welding wherein position control of an electrode or a torch is performed while adjusting welding conditions on the basis of optical information obtained from arc light generated during an arc welding process. Illuminance, which forms the optical information obtained from the arc light, has a certain mutual relationship with the arc length or the torch height, so that the weld control is accomplished based on the illuminance. The control method includes a step of comparing illuminance with reference information based on the mutual relationship, and a step of adjusting the welding conditions on the basis of a result of comparison.