Patent ID: 7148443
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A consumable guide tube configured to be placed in a weld gap, said consumable guide tube comprising: a first elongated strip and a second elongated strip wherein each of said strips have a front face, a back face, a length, and two elongates edges; at least one longitudinal channel defined on said front face of said first elongated strip, said longitudinal channel distant from the elongated edges; said front face of said first elongated strip joined to said front face of said second elongated strip; said at least one longitudinal channel positioned to receive at least one welding wire; and a plurality of button insulator modules wherein each of said plurality of button insulator modules comprises a flat projecting face, said plurality of button insulator modules coupled to said back face of said first elongated strip and said back face of said second elongated strip wherein said plurality of insulator modules are disposed along said length of said first elongated strip and said second elongated strip, said plurality of button insulator modules configured to melt into a molten flux puddle and configured to provide adequate clearance for the consumable guide tube to oscillate within the weld gap.