Welding device

A multiple electrode magnetic arc welder, comprising:

• a plurality of electrodes arranged in a preselected pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the welds to be made by said electrodes;
• means mounting said electrodes for movement from a retracted inoperative position toward the respective work areas where the welding takes place and back to said retracted position;
• means for moving each electrode in a preselected sequence into close proximity welding position to its workpiece for welding the workpiece, said means for moving each said electrode comprising a solenoid for each electrode including a core on which a said electrode is mounted, the solenoid thereby comprising means when energized for projecting said electrode into working position relative to its workpiece;
• means for automatically retracting said electrode to said inoperative position upon de-energizing of said solenoid comprising spring means constantly urging said electrode to said inoperative position;
• means for automatically projecting an inert pressurized gas substantially completely enveloping the electrode and workpiece adjacent to the electrode upon said moving of the electrode into operative position comprising gas passage means for said gas having a passage exit adjacent to said workpiece;
• and means on said electrode closing said passage exit when said electrode is in said retracted inoperative position and opening said exit when in said operative position, said means for retracting comprising means for automatically de-energizing the individual electrodes.