Thermal metal spraying apparatus

A thermal metal spraying apparatus having a thermal metal spraying torch for applying a metal coating to a workpiece through a torch spraying nozzle having a spraying orifice, comprising:

• a substantially tubular shroud having a first end and a second end and adaptable to concentrically receive said torch spraying nozzle, and said shroud having an opening at said second end, wherein said opening is selectably alignable with said spraying orifice;
• and
• a drive mechanism connected to said shroud and operable to translate said shroud between a first position, wherein said opening of said second end is not aligned with said spraying orifice preventing spraying of said metal coating on said workpiece, and a second position, wherein said opening of said second end is aligned with said spraying orifice permitting the spraying of said metal coating toward said workpiece,
• wherein said shroud has a mechanical spline formed on an inner diameter at said first end of said shroud, and said mechanical spline engageable with a mating spline on said torch spraying nozzle for allowing linear movement of said shroud relative to said torch spraying nozzle along a longitudinal axis of said shroud and preventing rotational movement of said shroud relative to said torch spraying nozzle.

A thermal metal spraying apparatus having a thermal metal spraying torch for applying a metal coating to a workpiece through a torch spraying nozzle having a spraying orifice, comprising:

• a substantially tubular shroud having a first end and a second end and adaptable to concentrically receive said torch spraying nozzle, and said shroud having an opening of said second end, wherein said opening is selectably alignable with said spraying orifice;
• a drive mechanism connected to said shroud and operable to translate said shroud between a first position, wherein said opening of said second end is not aligned with said spraying orifice preventing spraying of said metal coating on said workpiece, and a second position, wherein said opening at said second end is aligned with said spraying orifice permitting the spraying of said metal coating toward said workpiece,
• a substantially tubular outer mask for receiving said shroud in a substantially concentric matter;
• a longitudinal passageway formed between said outer mask and said shroud;
• and
• a pressurized air source in communication with said passageway for selectively directing said metal coating away from said workpiece through application of pressurized air,
• wherein said shroud has a mechanical spline formed on an inner diameter at said first end of said shroud, and said mechanical spline engageable with a mating spline on said torch spraying nozzle for providing linear movement of said shroud relative to said torch spraying nozzle along a longitudinal axis of said shroud and preventing rotational movement of said shroud relative to said torch spraying nozzle.