Welding fume collector

Abstract

A welding fume collector is disclosed that includes a sheath, fume collection opening and vacuum hose. A welding torch extends through the sheath with the nozzle extending beyond the distal end of the sheath. The fume collection opening is at the distal end of the sheath. The vacuum hose extends into the proximal end of the sheath. A vacuum system creates a negative pressure inside the sheath which extends out through the collection opening to collect fumes. The collection opening can be generally elliptical with a major axis extending along the welding direction. The vacuum system, vacuum hose and sheath can be sized to create the desired vacuum to collect welding fumes without interfering with the welding process. The diameters of the vacuum hose and sheath can be sized to create low-speed welding fume collection through the collection opening. The vacuum system can include a self-cleaning filter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.