Patent ID: 7985940
Filing Date: 2011-07-26
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A shielding gas system for use in a welding apparatus comprising: an enclosure; a shielding gas regulator disposed within the enclosure and fluidly connected to a first gas source via a gas path free of restriction, wherein the first gas source is connected to the shielding gas regulator and is disposed at least partially within the enclosure; a first additional gas path originating at the shielding gas regulator and extending to a valve, wherein the first additional gas path is constructed to provide shielding gas from the first gas source to a welding torch; and a housing adapter connectable to a second gas source on one end and connected to the shielding gas regulator on another end thereof via a second additional gas path constructed to provide shielding gas from the second gas source, wherein the second additional gas path connects to the first additional gas path at a location between the shielding gas regulator and the valve.