Patent ID: 7544914

Claim:
A torch for use in welding operations during which smoke and/or fumes are created, said torch comprising: a nozzle having a longitudinal axis, an outer diameter portion and an axial end adjacent which welding occurs; said nozzle comprises a wire electrode, terminating in an arc tip; a handle connected to a conduit extending between said handle and said nozzle and through said handle; a fume extraction duct extending from said nozzle and through said handle; and an annular member having a portion with an outer diameter surrounding said axial end of said nozzle wherein said portion of said annular member is parallel to said outer diameter portion of said nozzle; said annular member comprising a flared wall portion extending radially outward from said axial end of said nozzle, said annular member flared wall portion having an outer diameter greater than said outer diameter of said annular member, said annular member comprising a plurality of openings formed on an outer surface of said flared wall portion outer diameter around a periphery of said annular member, said openings are oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said nozzle oriented such that fumes and ambient air are extracted directly into said annular member in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said nozzle prior to entering said nozzle.