Importance

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Abstract

A gas lens assembly for an arc welding torch includes a lens body having a rearward end and a forward end, a passage through the lens body from its forward end to its rearward end for receiving an electrode therethrough and for permitting flow of an inert gas in a forward direction in the passage. A lens housing is secured to the lens body and defines a chamber around a forward end portion of the lens body. One or more openings in the forward end portion of the lens body enable the inert gas to flow from the passage into the chamber. The gas lens assembly further includes a flow control device associated with the housing through which said inert gas is adapted to flow in a forward direction. The flow control device controls the flow of the inert gas therethrough so that the gas exists the flow control device as a laminar stream of gas moving in a forward direction. The laminar stream is adapted to blanket a weld puddle during a welding operation on a workpiece. The gas lens assembly further includes a holder for the flow control device releasably and removably attached to the lens housing whereby the flow control member may readily be replaced.

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First Claim