Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Derek Yu-Fung Hung

Mark Steven Kadlec

John Alan Luck

Various welding systems including a welding torch assembly are provided. The welding torch assemblies may include a welding torch adapted to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc between the welding torch and a workpiece. The welding torch assemblies may also include a temperature sensing system integral with the welding torch and adapted to sense a temperature of the workpiece.

Welding torch with a temperature measurement device

Embodiments of a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch with an improved air cooled handle are provided. The welding torch may include a body, a cable assembly, and a torch head, with a handle placed over the body and the cable assembly. The handle may feature a curved end designed to fit near the torch head without contacting the torch head, providing a closer gripping point to allow greater control of the torch. In addition, the handle may be spaced from the body and the cable assembly to form an air space within the handle through which air may flow to cool the handle.

Tungsten inert gas welding torch with improved air cooled handle

A connector for connecting together a welding torch power cable including a threaded connector, a coolant line and a shielding gas line to a welding power and/or coolant source including a connector receptacle includes an electrically conductive tubular body having a front end and a back end. The tubular body front end is adapted to receive and connect to the power cable threaded connector. The tubular body back end is adapted to connect to the connector receptacle. The tubular body also includes a passageway therein to communicate shielding gas or coolant between the source and the torch. A hose connector is attached at an end of the passageway. A casing including a longitudinally extending tubular side wall terminates in front and back ends. A twist cap is releasably connectable to the back end of the casing. A cable cover adapter is releasably connectable to the front end of the casing.

TIG torch connector with hose management and toolless assembly

Systems and methods for improved liquid cooling of a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch are provided. The improved welding torch may feature conduits for conveying coolant from a cooling system to a collar, which holds a tungsten electrode of the welding torch, and back. A coolant return conduit may be disposed in a coolant supply conduit to improve thermal insulation of an outer surface of the welding torch. Some embodiments may feature a helical channel formed in the collar for conveying coolant around the electrode multiple times before returning the coolant through the return conduit.

Tungsten inert gas welding torch with improved liquid cooling

The invention provides a high flow power cable for a welding system designed for effective cooling of the power cable while maintaining maneuverability of the cable. Provided is a power cable having two segments, the first segment being larger in diameter than the second segment. The first segment is generally coupled to the power source and the second segment is coupled to the welding torch. The first segment includes a thicker wire, which has less resistance and dissipates less heat while the second segment includes a thinner wire, allowing for easier handling. Additionally, cooling fluid is conducted through the first segment and the second segment, further cooling the cable.

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Greenville, WI, United States of America

Derek Yu-Fung Hung