Patent ID: 6271495
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A diffuser assembly for narrow groove welding capable of use with a conventional automatic gas tungsten arc welding torch including a tungsten electrode, said diffuser assembly comprising:a manifold adapted for adjustable mounting on said welding torch, said manifold including a central opening for receiving the welding torch, a shield gas inlet, and laterally extending manifold sections in communication with said shield gas inlet, said manifold sections each having a gas passage therein such that shield gas supplied to said inlet passes to the gas passages of said manifold sections; andfirst and second tapered diffusers respectively connected to said manifold sections of said manifold in fluid communication with the gas passages thereof and extending, in use, downwardly along the torch electrode on opposite sides thereof so as to release shield gas along the length of the electrode and at the distal tip of the electrode, said diffusers being of a transverse width which is less than that of the manifold sections and which is on the order of the thickness of the electrode so that the diffusers connected to said manifold can, in use, extend into a narrow welding groove on opposite sides of the electrode, said diffuser assembly being repositionable on said torch, in order to enable said diffusers to be retracted from said welding groove as weld layers are deposited.