Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Tregaskiss Ltd.

Jeff G Wells

A method and apparatus for using a collet to align and/or axially secure a liner within the gooseneck of a welding torch and to extend the useful life of the torch components are provided. A method and apparatus for securing torch components including said collet and including tapered locking engagement connections are also provided. A position of the liner with respect to a retaining head or a diffuser can be established and maintained, in spite of bending, swiveling, and other general movement of the torch, while still allowing flow of a shield gas past the collet. The welding torch components, including a gas diffuser, can be secured to the torch or other torch components via tapered locking engagements. The invention is useful for both manual and robotic torch systems.

Method and apparatus for securing welding torch components

Locking engagement connections between various components of a welding device can include tapered features having varied thread patterns and/or varied angles to ensure that the components remain tight during service. For example, locking engagement connections can be incorporated between a nozzle and a retaining head, a retaining head and a gooseneck, and/or a contact tip and a retaining head.

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Old Castle, Canada

Jeff G Wells