The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 16, 2010
Filed:
Mar. 30, 2005
Jeff G. Wells, Old Castle, CA;
Jeff G. Wells, Old Castle, CA;
Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
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.