Description:‘EFFECTIVE USAGE OF DISCARDED ELECTRODE BITS
AND DEVICE THEREOF’

FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention in general relates to a handy arrangement, for storing discarded electrodes of all lengths and feeding them to the core of the TIG welding arc. The present invention relates to utilizing the electrode bits beyond the present threshold length, limited by the closeness of hot arc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention.

[003] Due to practical reasons related to the proximity of hot arc, welders are forced to discard electrode bits. Among the inert gas weld processes used, the use of filler rods for deposition of metal onto the weldment is common in Tungsten inert gas (TIG) weld process. The materials of filler wires comprise of a variety of materials ranging from common to exotic alloys. However, the welders after consuming the electrodes up to a certain length are forced to discard the electrode bits of smaller length due to excessive heat from the proximity of arc from the welding process. Thus is the need for development of a tool for effective utilization of discarded electrode bits.

[004] welders after consuming the electrodes up to a certain length are forced to discard the electrode bits of smaller length due to excessive heat from the proximity of arc from the welding process and since the materials of filler wires comprise of a variety of materials ranging from common to exotic alloys. There exists the difficulty in utilizing the electrode bits beyond the threshold length (usually 10 to 15 cm), limited by the closeness of hot arc.

PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION

[005] US patent US2394204A (electrode holder) describes the method for positive gripping of electrode rod using an electrode holder during electrical welding of metals and that is adapted to be operated with ease and very little effort on the part of the user. Further, the holder should be durable and weighing light and has spring action on the jaws to accommodate different sized welding rods and to compensate for wear in the operating parts. However, this lacks the mechanism for continuous feeding the discarded electrodes one after the other.

[006] US patent US2998507A (Welding electrode feeder) describes the method to regulate the feed of electrode during welding operation using a well-balanced, hand-held, compact and sturdy device provisioned with regulator to adjust the feed of electrode. However, this deals with mechanism to continuously feed wire/rod afresh and the inability to use discarded electrodes.

[007] Russian Patent SU143946A1 (Electrode feeder) describes a mechanism for feeding two-electrodes in vibration arc welding, having a notched driving roller, a pressure roller and an output die for two electrodes. This patent describes the use of vibro-arc head for increased productivity in comparison with the single-electrode welding. Though, the proposed mechanism differs from the known installation of the pressure roller on an axis with a spherical bearing surface to facilitate the line of contact between the axis and the roller sleeve passes between the grooves for the electrodes, which ensures a uniform flow of both electrodes; having an output die defines the fixed diameter of electrodes that can be handles and any change in electrode diameter necessitates change of die. Since, the described feed mechanism consists of a feed roller / with a straight notch, mounted on the knives of the output shaft of the gearbox, and a pressure roller 2, whose axis 3 is spherical facilitates alternate feeding of two electrodes at a given frequency, this differs from the proposed invention whose ability is to continuously feed discarded electrode bits of varying length and diameters one after the other.
[008] All the aforementioned patents lack the following:
• Use of discarded electrode bits.
• Continuous feed of the electrodes with provision to regulate the feed of electrode by the welder.
• Subsequent feed of the electrodes upon usage of the present discarded electrode bit.
• Ability to handle discarded electrodes of various lengths.
• Ability to handle discarded electrodes of various diameters.
• Ability to feed electrode bits with solidified bulbs of molten metals
• Stacking of electrodes

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[009] It is an object of the invention to provide a holder device which is light weight and durable construction with mechanisms (complaint or classical in nature) to grip multiple electrode bits

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide the holder device that continuously feed one electrode bit at a time

[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide the holder device in which post-consumption of first electrode bit, consecutive electrode bit is fed

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide the holder device to store and feed the discarded electrode bits (TIG electrodes), irrespective of their diameter and lengths during welding process.

[0013] Still another objective of the present invention is to provide the holder device which is welder friendly feed regulatory adjustments and facilitate continuous feed of discarded electrodes by gripping, positioning and feeding the consecutive electrode from the stack.

[0014] Still another objective of the present invention is to provide the holder device which is ease and little effort on the part of the user.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide the holder device which is interchangeable and having flexibility in adapting to various changes in diameters of discarded electrode between the melting tip to the handling tip.

[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention is relating to a device holder cum box magazine feeder for effective usage of discarded electrode bits.

[0018] The present invention is a holder device for effective usage of discarded electrode bits comprises an electrode feeder gripping spring and a leaf spring positioned over the electrode bit. A friction wheel to feed the stored electrodes. A convergent feeder for auto-alignment of the feeder-front electrode and position for feeding and stacking the discarded electrodes in a magazine with box feeder. A feeder-front electrode auto-aligns are channelized against the convergent part of the convergent feeder in position and contact with a roller and a rotary feeder positions the electrode and fed towards the arc using a manually regulated roller.

[0019] In an aspect of the invention, the electrode feed gripping spring and the leaf spring maintains pressure over the electrode bit and upon continuous feeding, the current electrode advances and moves past the leaf spring and the next electrode is positioned exactly behind the electrode being presently fed and ready for subsequent feeding and the process continues until the stack is emptied.

[0020] In an aspect of the invention, the device holder discards electrodes including Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) electrodes which are of various length and diameter and the electrode bits are fed with solidified bulbs of molten metals.

[0021] In an aspect of the invention, the roller is slotted for slide-clearing the jams..

[0022] In an aspect of the invention, a profiled slot is configured for smooth clutching of next electrode after clearing the jam.

[0023] In an aspect of the invention, an axial alignment of the subsequent electrode and feed of the present electrode bit gripped by the electrode feed gripping spring and sequential electrode bit.

[0024] In an aspect of the invention, the opening regulates the feed by the welder..

[0025] In an aspect of the invention, the positioning of spring mechanism forces multiple electrodes towards the convergent feeder.

[0026] In an aspect of the invention, an integrated channelizer is to direct the electrode bits while loading from rear side.

[0027] In an aspect of the invention, an integrated guide prevents the loaded electrodes from getting struck with the electrode feed gripping spring.

[0028] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0029] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0030] FIG 1. shows isometric view of a holder device according to the present invention;

[0031] FIG.2 shows a sectioned Side view of the holder device fixed in accordance with the present invention; and

[0032] FIG.3 shows an isometric view of sectioned sheet metal housing to portray the arrangement in accordance with the present invention

[0033] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0034] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

[0035] In the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0036] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0038] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0039] The present invention relates to a holder device which is capable of storing and feeding the discarded bits.

[0040] FIG. 1. shows isometric view of a holder device (10). The holder device (10). for storing and feeding electrodes either discarded bits or new electrodes or both.
[0041] The holder device (10) comprises an electrode feeder gripping spring (12). A friction wheel (14) for feeding. A profiled slot (16) to clear the jammed electrode. A convergent feeder (18). Gap for loading electrode bits from rear. A guide at the end of leaf spring for applying gripping pressure over the inserted electrode bit. A guide (24) to facilitate free flow of electrode bits through the exit. A leaf spring (26) provides gripping pressure on the electrode bits. Electrode bits are fed to the arc through an opening (28) with the push offered by the friction wheel (14). Stacked electrode bits are pushed by rolling the friction wheels manually.

[0042] FIG.2 shows a sectioned side view of a fixed holder device (10). The holder device (10) is fabricated from sheet metal and stamped further to achieve adequate stiffness. The leaf spring (26) keeps the stored electrodes intact. The friction wheel (14) facilitates to feed the stored electrodes. The electrodes of adequate length are gripped by both electrode feed gripping spring (12) and leaf spring (26) provides pressure on the electrode. Lesser than a particular threshold length, the roller (not shown) is slid and the pressure is exerted only by the electrode feeder grip spring (12). Further feed is enabled by the electrode, which is auto-positioned at the tail end of the presently fed electrode. The cycle of feeding is continued by bringing back the friction wheel (14) to its original position and rolling and continues up until the stacked is emptied.

[0043] In an embodiment, the storing and feeding of discarded electrode bits (TIG electrodes) is done by stacking the discarded electrodes in a magazine with convergent feeder (18). For stacking multiple electrodes, the feeder-front electrode auto-aligns and are channelized against the convergent part of the feeder (18) in position which is in contact with the roller. The positioned electrode is directed and fed towards the arc using a manually regulated roller which acts as a rotary feeder. During the process, both the leaf spring (26) and the electrode feed gripping spring (12) maintains pressure over the electrode bit. Upon continuous feeding, the present electrode advances, moves past the leaf spring (26) and positions the next electrode exactly behind the electrode being presently fed and ready for subsequent feeding and continues until the stack is emptied.

[0044] FIG.3 shows an isometric view of sectioned sheet metal housing to portray the arrangement. In a preferred embodiment the device holder (10) is used for the effective usage of discarded electrodes. The device holder (10) handles discarded electrodes of various lengths and various diameters. The device holder (10) used to feed electrode bits with or without solidified bulbs of molten metals. The leaf spring (26) maintain the pressure on the stacked electrodes and against the convergent feeder (18). The convergent feeder (18) facilitates auto-alignment of the feeder-front electrode and positions it ready for feeding. The roller (14) acts as a compliant mechanism for feeding the electrode. The roller (14) positioned inside the sickle profiled slot (16) is used for slide-clearing the jams. A sickle profiled slot (16) is configured for smooth clutching of next electrode after clearing the jam. An axial alignment of the subsequent electrode and feed of the present electrode bit gripped is achieved by electrode feed gripping spring (12) by using the next electrode bit. An opening (28) or provision is configured to regulate the feed by the welder. stacking of electrodes of different diameters is achieved by the device holder (10). An integrated feeder gripper spring facilitating the feed of electrode near to the arc. The spring mechanism is positioned such that multiple electrodes are moved towards the convergent feeder (18). Using the device holder (10) rapid refilling of the bit electrodes through the rear loading space (20) is achieved. An integrated channelizer (22) is configured to direct the electrode bits while loading from rear. The integrated guide (24) for preventing the loaded electrodes from getting struck with the electrode feed gripping spring (12).

WORKING OF THE INVENTION
[0045] According to the invention, the device holder (10) assembled for storing and continuous feeding of discarded electrode bits for TIG welding. The device holder (10) acts as a holder cum feeder. For achieving a handy and light-weight arrangement, the holder (10) is fabricated from sheet metal and stamped further to achieve adequate stiffness. Both the springs i.e., electrode feed gripping spring (12) and leaf spring (26) forms an integral part of the holder and are bent fabricated to improve structural integrity and to avoid unnecessary joints that might increase the mass.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment while loading the discarded electrodes the leaf spring (26) compresses and provides room for multiple electrodes and also pushes the electrodes against the convergent feeder (18). The device holder (10) facilitates the feeder front electrode to be self-aligned and ready for feeding. The electrode is prepared for feeding, manual rotation of roller feeds the electrode towards electrode feed gripping spring (12). Now the electrode being consumed is under the pressure of both springs (12, 26). Upon consumption the electrode reduces in length and at a point is no more under the compression of the leaf spring (12) and also loses contact with the roller. Due to the electrode feed gripping spring (26), it retains its position. At this point, the next electrode fills in the space left by the electrode being presently fed and positions itself exactly at the tail end of the electrode being currently fed. Despite losing the control of the roller(14), the electrode is pushed by the tail-positioned electrode. The aforementioned routine continues up until the stacker is emptied.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0047] The present disclosure proposes a holder device for using discarded electrode bits.

[0048] The present disclosure proposes the holder device for continuous feed of the electrodes with provision to regulate the feed by the welder.

[0049] The present disclosure proposes the holder device for subsequent feed of the electrodes upon usage of the present discarded electrode bit.

[0050] The present disclosure proposes the holder device to efficiently handle discarded electrodes of various lengths

[0051] The present disclosure proposes the holder device to handle discarded electrodes of various diameters

[0052] The present disclosure proposes the holder device to feed electrode bits with solidified bulbs of molten metals

[0053] The present disclosure proposes the holder device for improved way of stacking of electrodes

[0054] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.

[0055] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. The present invention will now be described more specifically with reference to the following specification.

[0056] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A holder device (10) for effective usage of discarded electrode bits comprises:
an electrode feeder gripping spring (12) and a leaf spring (26) positioned over the electrode bit;
a friction wheel (14) to feed the stored electrodes;
a convergent feeder (18) for auto-alignment of the feeder-front electrode and position for feeding and stacking the discarded electrodes in a magazine with box feeder;
a feeder-front electrode auto-aligns channelized against the convergent part of the convergent feeder (18) in position and contact with a roller(14); and
a rotary feeder (14) positions the electrode and fed towards the arc using a manually regulated roller.

2. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrode feed gripping spring (12) and the leaf spring (26) maintains pressure over the electrode bit and upon continuous feeding, the current electrode advances and moves past the leaf spring (26); and the next electrode is positioned exactly behind the electrode being presently fed and ready for subsequent feeding and the process continues until the stack is emptied.

3. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device holds and feeds discarded electrodes that are of various length and diameter with or without solidified bulbs of molten metals.
4. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller (14) is slotted for slide-clearing the jams.
5. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a profiled slot (16) is configured for smooth clutching of next electrode after clearing the jam.
6. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an axial alignment of the subsequent electrode and feed of the present electrode bit gripped by the electrode feed gripping spring (12) and sequential electrode bit.
7. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening (28) regulates the feed by the welder.
8. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positioning of spring mechanism (12, 26) forces multiple electrodes towards the convergent feeder (18).
9. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an integrated channelizer is to direct the electrode bits while loading from rear side.
10. The holder device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an integrated guide (24) prevents the loaded electrodes from getting struck with the electrode feed gripping spring (12).