Flexible welding implement and method of manufacturing same
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorDavid Delgado
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A welding implement includes a torch having a flexible torch head. The torch head is operable to conduct electricity to a welding electrode disposed within the torch head. The welding implement may include a gas supply tube and a coiled wire spring operable to flexibly couple the gas supply tube to the torch head. The welding implement may include a torch that directs a fluid to flow axially through a spring coupled the torch head. The welding implement may also include a torch including a torch head and a tripod support system to flexibly support the torch head. Each of the legs of the tripod support system may include a spring.
Claims21
A flexible welding implement, comprising:
- a torch head operable to couple electricity to a welding electrode disposed therein;
- a cooling fluid supply tube operable to convey a cooling fluid to the torch head;
- a cooling fluid return tube operable to convey the cooling fluid from the torch head;
- a first biasing member comprising a helix of non-tubular material defining an axial flow path and operable to flexibly and fluidicly couple the cooling fluid supply tube to the torch head such that the cooling fluid flows axially through the flow path of the first biasing member;
- and
- a second biasing member comprising a helix of non-tubular material defining an axial flow path and operable to flexibly couple the cooling fluid return tube to the torch head.
A flexible welding implement, comprising:
- a torch coupleable to a handle, comprising:
- a torch head operable to receive a cooling liquid;
- and
- a plurality of non-tubular coils disposed generally parallel with one another and with an axis of the handle within the torch to enable the torch head to be displaced relative to the handle, wherein the torch directs the cooling liquid to flow through the coils to and from the torch head.
A welding implement, comprising:
- a torch head;
- a plurality of tubes operable to convey fluids;
- and
- a plurality of coils comprising a helix of non-tubular material defining an axial flow path and secured to the torch head to enable the torch head to be angled relative to the plurality of tubes and to route fluids axially through the coils;
- wherein a first coil is adapted to direct a gas axially through the first coil, wherein a second coil is adapted to direct a cooling fluid to the torch head axially through the second coil, and wherein a third coil is adapted to direct the cooling fluid from the torch head axially through the third coil.
A welding implement, comprising:
- a torch head;
- a plurality of tubes operable to convey fluids;
- a plurality of coils comprising a helix of non-tubular material defining an axial flow path and secured to the torch head to enable the torch head to be angled relative to the plurality of tubes and to route fluids axially through the coils;
- a deformable support member extending through the plurality of coils and configured to retain a user-determined position of the torch head, wherein the deformable support member comprises a plurality of wires braided together.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.