FLEXIBLE TORCH TOOL AND METHOD

Abstract

A method for delivering a High-Pressure gas mixture to a High-Temperature torch nozzle. The method includes several steps. A first steps is providing a plurality of gases to a gas mixing chamber. Then there is mixing turbulently the plurality of gases in the gas mixing chamber to form a High-Pressure gas mixture. Next is directing the High-Pressure gas mixture into a flexible gooseneck hose, and then flowing the High-Pressure gas mixture through the flexible gooseneck hose. A further step is delivering the High-Pressure gas mixture to the High-Temperature torch nozzle. And then, there is dispensing the High-Pressure gas mixture out of the High-Temperature torch nozzle at a temperature of between about 3000 degrees Fahrenheit to 6500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Claims

1. A method for delivering a High-Pressure gas mixture from a torch handle to a High-Temperature torch nozzle comprising: providing a plurality of gases to a gas mixing chamber; mixing turbulently the plurality of gases in the gas mixing chamber to form a High-Pressure gas mixture; directing the High-Pressure gas mixture into a flexible gooseneck hose; flowing the High-Pressure gas mixture through the flexible gooseneck hose; leaking a small portion of the High-Pressure gas mixture through a side wall of the flexible gooseneck hose; delivering all of the High-Pressure gas mixture except the small portion of the High-Pressure gas mixture to the High-Temperature torch nozzle; and, dispensing the High-Pressure gas mixture out of the High-Temperature torch nozzle at a temperature of between about 3000 degrees Fahrenheit to 6500 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of flowing comprises using the flexible gooseneck hose without an internal fuel line.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming the flexible gooseneck hose in multiple temporary configurations relative to an elongated axis of the flexible gooseneck hose.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising maintaining the flexible gooseneck hose in a particular temporary configuration of the multiple temporary configurations until a new configuring force acts upon the particular temporary configuration.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the High-Temperature torch nozzle is brazed to the flexible gooseneck hose via a nozzle attachment coupler.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising using a sealing cover over an outside of the flexible gooseneck hose.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of using a sealing cover comprises heat shrinking the sealing cover over the flexible gooseneck hose.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the High-Temperature torch nozzle is crimp sealed over the sealing cover to the flexible gooseneck hose via a nozzle attachment coupler.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the High-Pressure gas mixture comprises oxygen and acetylene.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the plurality of gases to form a desired High-Pressure gas mixture.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein dispensing the High-Pressure gas mixture out of the High-Temperature torch nozzle is at the temperature of between about 4000 degrees Fahrenheit to 6000 degrees Fahrenheit.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising selectively connecting and disconnecting the High-Temperature torch nozzle with the flexible gooseneck hose.

13. A method for delivering a High-Pressure gas mixture from a torch handle to a High-Temperature torch nozzle comprising: providing a plurality of gases to a gas mixing chamber; mixing turbulently the plurality of gases in the gas mixing chamber to form a High-Pressure gas mixture; directing the High-Pressure gas mixture into a flexible gooseneck hose; flowing the High-Pressure gas mixture through the flexible gooseneck hose without an internal fuel line; delivering the High-Pressure gas mixture to the High-Temperature torch nozzle; dispensing the High-Pressure gas mixture out of the High-Temperature torch nozzle at a temperature of at least 3000 degrees Fahrenheit; and, forming the flexible gooseneck hose in multiple temporary configurations relative to an elongated axis of the flexible gooseneck hose.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising maintaining the flexible gooseneck hose in a particular temporary configuration of the multiple temporary configurations until a new configuring force acts upon the particular temporary configuration.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the High-Temperature torch nozzle is brazed to the flexible gooseneck hose via a nozzle attachment coupler.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising using a sealing cover over an outside of the flexible gooseneck hose.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of using a sealing cover comprises heat shrinking the sealing cover over the flexible gooseneck hose.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the High-Temperature torch nozzle is crimp sealed over the sealing cover to the flexible gooseneck hose via a nozzle attachment coupler.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the High-Pressure gas mixture comprises oxygen and acetylene.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising adjusting the plurality of gases to form a desired High-Pressure gas mixture.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein dispensing the High-Pressure gas mixture out of the High-Temperature torch nozzle is at the temperature of between about 4000 degrees Fahrenheit to 6000 degrees Fahrenheit.

22. The method of claim 13, further comprising selectively connecting and disconnecting the High-Temperature torch nozzle with the flexible gooseneck hose.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various features of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of a short length gooseneck and short nozzle version of our flexible torch tool for use with the method;

[0011] FIG. 2 shows an end elevation view of that seen in FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a cross section view of that seen in FIG. 1, taken along the line A-A seen in FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 shows an unassembled diagrammatic view of our flexible torch tool for use with the method, as seen in FIG. 1 but now with multiple torch nozzle options represented;

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of a medium length gooseneck and long nozzle version of our flexible torch tool for use with the method;

[0015] FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of a long length gooseneck and rose bud nozzle of our flexible torch tool for use with the method;

[0016] FIGS. 7 thru 15 show multiple orthogonal and isometric angles of the short length gooseneck and short version nozzle of our flexible torch tool for use with the method, in various configurations;

[0017] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of that seen in FIG. 1, but in a different configuration for the flexible gooseneck hose, and attached to an industry standard torch handle;

[0018] FIG. 17 shows a cross section view of an alternate embodiment to that seen in FIG. 1, taken along the line A-A seen in FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary method for delivering a High-Pressure gas mixture from a torch handle to a High-Temperature torch nozzle, consistent with the present disclosure; and,

[0020] FIG. 19 shows an alternate exemplary method for delivering a High-Pressure gas mixture from a torch handle to a High-Temperature torch nozzle, consistent with the present disclosure.

[0021] The drawings show some but not all embodiments. The elements depicted in the drawings are illustrative and not necessarily to scale, and the same (or similar) reference numbers denote the same (or similar) features throughout the drawings, though all the same (or similar) features are not always separately numbered to help avoid over numbering and obscuring what the drawings are disclosing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In accordance with the practice of our innovative flexible torch tool, as seen in the Figures, we first describe tool 8 and its parts, and then its innovative method of delivering a High-Pressure gas mixture from a torch handle 48 to a High-Temperature torch nozzle. As used herein, High-Pressure is defined as a mixture of at least two different gases inside flexible gooseneck hose 14 after leaving the mixing chamber and before entering the nozzle, such pressure being in the range of about 3 psig to about 60 psig. As used herein, High-Temperature is defined as a temperature in the range of about 3000 degrees to about 6500 degrees Fahrenheit, more preferably in the range of about 4000 degrees to about 6000 degrees Fahrenheit, and most preferably in the range of about 5000 degrees to about 6000 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the tool 8 is shown including: a gas mixing chamber 10 for mixing two part fuel gasses, such as oxygen and acetylene, a torch union nut 12 for attaching the torch tip to industry common and existing torch handle 48 (FIG. 16), and a flexible gooseneck hose 14 for articulating a torch nozzle 18 to provide a means of flame access to both difficult to reach and standardly impossible to access work points. A nozzle attachment coupler 16 is connectable to, and here connected with, a distal end of the gooseneck hose 14 for attaching various torch nozzles to the flexible gooseneck hose, and a torch nozzle 18 then connectable to, and here connected with, the coupler 16, such that nozzle 18 can then dispense the fuel gas at a High-Temperature to both difficult to reach and standardly impossible to access work points, to heat, weld, solder, braze, and/or cut, metal product.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, the gas mixing chamber 10 has a central bore 20 for delivery of a first gas supply that is located coaxially with the main diameter of the gas mixing chamber 10. This central bore 20 has a venturi feature 22 for increasing the velocity of the axial gas, typically oxygen, to a speed desirable for adequate mixing of the two gasses. A plurality of off axis holes 24, typically for the fuel gas, connect the second gas supply through the torch handle 48 to the central bore 20 enabling mixing of the two gasses. The small o-ring seal 26 seals the central bore 20 against the attached torch handle 48 as it delivers the first gas to the gas mixing chamber 10 and also seals the plurality of off-axis holes 24 as they deliver the second gas to the gas mixing chamber 10. The large o-ring seal 28 seals the gas mixing chamber 10 with the attached torch handle such that the second gas is delivered solely to the off axis holes 24 for mixing with the first gas inside of the gas mixing chamber 10. The union nut 12 is semi-rigidly captured in place by the split ring 30 so that it is retained in its approximate proper location during assembly and disassembly of the torch tip with the torch handle 48. This split ring 30 allows the union nut 12 to be easily assembled or disassembled with the gas mixing chamber 10 by requiring only light axial force to snap it into place on the mating round groove cut into the gas mixing chamber 10. The split ring retaining slot 32 is cut into the union nut 12 and axially retains the split ring 30 during assembly and disassembly procedures. The gas mixing chamber stop shelf 34 interacts with the union nut stop shelf 36 so as to compress both the small o-ring seal 26 and the large o-ring seal 28 between the attached torch handle 48 and the gas mixing chamber 10, creating a seal as the union nut 12 is threaded onto the attached torch handle, when in use.

[0025] The flexible gooseneck hose 14 is soldered, welded, brazed, glued, epoxied, rubber sealed, crimped, threaded, or otherwise permanently attached to the gas mixing chamber 10 at the gas mixing chamber junction point 38. The flexible gooseneck hose 14 then extends some defined amount of length, which can be made in any desired lengths, to the nozzle attachment coupler 16. Coupler 16 can be similarly soldered, welded, brazed, glued, epoxied, rubber sealed, crimped, threaded, or otherwise permanently attached to distal end of the gooseneck hose 14. Flexible gooseneck hose 14 can be, for example, one of the following commercially available hose materials purchased and then adapted and connected with its other parts as taught herein: Sealflex™ coolant hose, provided by Precision Hose & Expansion Joints (2200 Centre Park Court, Stone Mountain, GA 30087); Interlock Gooseneck Tube, provide by Zhejiang Flexible Technology Co., Ltd. (No. 50, Zhijiang Road, Jiashan Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang Province, China); Flexible Gooseneck (Stand Tube), provided by LeFlexo Industrial Co., Ltd. (New Energy Center, No. 57 Cuiying St, Nancheng Dist, Zhang Mutou, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523617, China); Flexible Gooseneck Tubing, provided by Uniprise International, Inc. (50 Napco Dr., Terryville, CT 06786); Flexible Gooseneck Tubing, provided by SnakeClamp Products LLC (5 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073, United States); or, Goose-Neck, provided by Kientec Systems, Inc. (2692 SE Willoughby Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994).

[0026] The torch nozzle 18 is then selectively connected and disconnected with coupler 16, for example, via a threaded relationship with nozzle attachment coupler 16 through the interaction of the torch nozzle threads 42 and the nozzle attachment coupler threads 44. The torch nozzle 18 is threaded into the nozzle attachment coupler 16 until a flange seal surface 46 of the attachment coupler 16 contacts the adjacent end of the nozzle 18. Further in this regard, if desired, wrench flats 17 can be added to coupler 16 outer surface to assist with holding tool 8 in place, and in particular the distal end of flexible gooseneck hose 14 and its rigidly attached nozzle attachment coupler 16, when connecting and disconnecting torch nozzle 18. For example, this can help with using a desired torque and for ensuring a sealed fit between interior end of torch nozzle 18 and flange seal surface 46.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, there is seen the torch nozzle 18 component further expanded into four variations: a short and straight torch nozzle 18, a long and bent torch nozzle 18b, a rose bud torch nozzle 18c, and a J-hook torch nozzle 18d. Each of these torch nozzles represent possible useful variations, but are not meant to limit the scope of this current disclosure and instead illustrate the opportunity for various types and styles of torch nozzles. Additionally, each nozzle could be of a torch nozzle tip type for heating, welding, brazing, soldering, or cutting, as desired by the user in conjunction with the disclosure here and what one of ordinary skill in the art would know to do when using tool 8.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, many possible configurations of the tool 8 are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In FIG. 5 a variant is shown utilizing a medium length flexible gooseneck hose 14b and a long and bent torch nozzle 18b. In FIG. 6 another variant is shown utilizing a long length flexible gooseneck hose 14c and rose bud style torch nozzle 18c. In FIG. 7 another variant is shown utilizing a short length flexible gooseneck hose 14 and a short and straight torch nozzle 18, similar to FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 8-15, are seen additional orientations and configurations of the FIG. 7 style tool 8, manipulating its gooseneck as desired to reach standardly impossible to access work points, to heat, weld, solder, braze, and/or cut, metal product. While these orientations and configurations are shown just for FIG. 7, such orientations and configurations are possible for all the tools types described here, as well as others based on the teaching herein.

[0029] For assembly, and referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 16, the gas mixing chamber 10 is inserted into the torch tip receiving end of an industry common or existing torch handle 48. The union nut 12, retained axially in its position by the split ring 30 riding in its mating split ring retaining slot 32, is then threaded onto the mating threads of the attached torch handle. This causes the union nut stop shelf 36 to draw close to the gas mixing chamber stop shelf 34 and eventually contact each other. Once the union nut stop shelf 36 and the gas mixing chamber stop shelf 34 contact each other, the gas mixing chamber 10 will have neared its seated position and both the small o-ring seal 26 and the large o-ring seal 28 be in contact with their mating surfaces within the attached torch handle. At this point the user should continue to tighten the union nut 12 until it is snug.

[0030] Once the union nut 12 is snug against the attached torch handle, both the small o-ring seal 26 and the large o-ring seal 28 will be compressed between the attached torch handle and the gas mixing chamber 10 adequately sealing the first gas and second gas from mixing prior to inside of the gas mixing chamber 10. The user will then select the applicable torch nozzle 18 (e.g., short nozzle 18 that could be replaced by nozzles 18b, 18c, or 18d) for their intended use and thread it into the nozzle attachment coupler 16 via the interaction of the torch nozzle threads 42 and the nozzle attachment coupler threads 44. Torch nozzle 18 can then be made snug against the flange seal surface 46. This creates a seal causing the mixed gas to be directed solely out the tip of the torch nozzle 18.

[0031] To use tool 8, generally, a user will turn on the supply of fuel gas to handle 48 and light the torch with an industry common sparking device. Once the fuel gas is burning at the tip of the torch nozzle 18, the user can adjust the supply of the respective gasses, e.g., the oxygen gas most often, until the heat and shape of the flame are applicable to the intended use. As the axial gas (e.g, oxygen or conventional air mixture) flows from the torch handle 48 into the gas mixing chamber 10 it passes through the central bore 20 and then through the venturi zone 22. When the oxygen gas flows through the venturi zone 22 the velocity of the oxygen gas increases, in accordance with the classic function of a venturi feature. This increased velocity in the oxygen gas causes greater turbulence with fuel gas (e.g., acetylene, MAPP, propane, natural gas) as supplied through the off-axis holes 24, thereby mixing these two gasses. This mixture of the oxygen and fuel gasses will now flow through the flexible gooseneck 14, then through the nozzle attachment coupler 16, and finally out the distal end of the torch nozzle 18. The flexible gooseneck hose 14 can be bent into nearly any shape desired to provide a means of accessing both difficult to reach and standardly impossible to access work points with the torch flame. Shut down procedures, disassembly, and reconfiguration of tool 8 are readily discerned based on the disclosure herein and what one of ordinary skill in the art of torch use would know.

[0032] More particularly as seen generally in the Figures and described above, we now further describe our innovative method for delivering a High-Pressure gas mixture from torch handle 48 to a High-Temperature torch nozzle 18, with specific reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. A first step 110 is providing a plurality of gases to a gas mixing chamber 10, such as from handle 48, which is attached to respective gas supply lines (not shown). A next step 120 is mixing turbulently the plurality of gases in the gas mixing chamber to form a High-Pressure gas mixture, for example via venturi zone 22. Then, there is step 130 of directing the High-Pressure gas mixture into a flexible gooseneck hose 14, e.g., as the mixture exits the mixing chamber 10. Next is step 140 of flowing the High-Pressure gas mixture through the flexible gooseneck hose, or alternately, step 190 of delivering the High-Pressure gas mixture to the High-Temperature torch nozzle 18. Another step is step 200 of dispensing the High-Pressure gas mixture out of the High-Temperature torch nozzle at a temperature of at least 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, and often times but not always, alternately step 170 of a temperature of up to 6500 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0033] Without being limited to a theory of understanding, the inventors have surprisingly discovered there is a tradeoff in how a tool delivers the High-Pressure gas mixture from the mixing chamber 10 to the torch nozzle 18, while also enabling a flexible means between chamber 10 and nozzle 18, such as flexible gooseneck hose 14. To meet both needs (which move in opposite directions to each other) and still have an efficient and effective tool 8, the inventors employ at least one the following step pairs. For example, a first pair of steps 150/160 can be step 150 of leaking a small portion of the High-Pressure gas mixture through a side wall 15 of the flexible gooseneck hose, and step 160 of delivering all of the High-Pressure gas mixture except the small portion of the High-Pressure gas mixture to the High-Temperature torch nozzle. This means a small portion of the High-Pressure gas is forced out and/or escapes through the sidewall 15 (e.g., about 1% to 10%, more preferably about 1% to 7% and most preferably about 1% to 4%) but not a significant enough amount to cause a fire or other hazard. In exchange for this very small gap or passageway in side wall 15, side wall 15 gains a sufficient amount of flexibility to be bent into nearly any shape desired to provide a means of accessing both difficult to reach and standardly impossible to access work points with the torch flame.

[0034] In addition to, or as an alternative to, the first pair of steps 150/160, the innovative method can employ a second pair of steps 180/210, such as step 180 of flowing the High-Pressure gas mixture through the flexible gooseneck hose without an internal fuel line, and step 210 of forming the flexible gooseneck hose in multiple temporary configurations relative to an elongated axis of the flexible gooseneck hose. This is an alternative way to deliver a sufficient amount of the High-Pressure gas mixture to the torch nozzle 18, and yet still have side walls 15 gain a sufficient amount of flexibility to be bent into nearly any shape desired to provide a means of accessing both difficult to reach and standardly impossible to access work points with the torch flame. Of particular import here, is the absence of an internal fuel line, for example made possible with the gooseneck structures described above, as well as others that can be used or constructed based on the teachings herein. In the end, it is the tools flexibility, in combination with its sufficient gas delivery that enables such a functional flexible torch tip tool and method unlike ever before possible.

[0035] In other aspects of the method related to tool 8 flexibility, it can further include maintaining the flexible gooseneck hose 14 in a particular temporary configuration of the multiple temporary configurations until a new configuring force acts upon the particular temporary configuration. For example, this can be starting with the particular configuration seen in FIG. 1, until a user grabs and acts upon torch nozzle coupler 16 to configure hose 14 to look like that in FIG. 16, or a plethora of configurations in between those two positions, e.g., a more v-like configuration (not seen) closer to one of the ends of the gooseneck hose 14.

[0036] Further related to the tool's flexibility, while also enhancing is High-Pressure gas mixture delivery, the method can include using a sealing cover 13 over an outside of the flexible gooseneck hose 14, as seen in FIG. 17. Further in this regard, if desired for such cover, it can include heat shrinking the sealing cover 13 over the flexible gooseneck hose. When used, such a cover aids to further seal the fluid flow path of the gas mixture within the flexible gooseneck hose, while not compromising the flexibility and configurability of gooseneck hose 14. For example, cover 13 could be one of the following commercially available cover materials: 3M™ Heat Shrink Thin-Wall Flexible Polyolefin Tubing FP-301, provided by 3M (3M Corporate Headquarters, 3M Center, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000); FEP heat shrinkable tubing, provided by Taiwan Yun Lin Electronic Co., Ltd. (No. 361-1, Sec. 1, Shanjin Road, Yuanlin Jen, Changhua, Taiwan 510); CB-HFT600 2x Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing, provided by Thermosleeve USA (No Address Available); or, PTFE tubing, provided by Zeus Company Inc. (Headquarters, 3740 Industrial Blvd, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118, United States). Additionally, it can be applied and heat shrunk by conventional heat shrinking means.

[0037] Other aspects of the innovative method are directed to use of tool 8 and further versatility as desired for such tool. For example, the method can include adjusting the plurality of gases to form a desired High-Pressure gas mixture. Additionally, or alternately, the method can include dispensing the High-Pressure gas mixture out of the High-Temperature torch nozzle at the temperature of between about 4000 degrees Fahrenheit to 6000 degrees Fahrenheit, or more preferably at the temperature of between about 5000 degrees Fahrenheit to 6000 degrees Fahrenheit. Notably, this is now accomplished in combination with flexible gooseneck hose 14 unlike ever before possible. Still additionally, or alternately, the method can include selectively connecting and disconnecting the High-Temperature torch nozzle with the flexible gooseneck hose. For example, this is possible given the threaded relationship between the nozzle 18 and its attachment coupler 16.

[0038] Each and every document cited in this present application, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is incorporated in this present application in its entirety by this reference, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed in this present application or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this present application conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this present application governs.

[0039] The invention includes the description, examples, features, embodiments, and drawings disclosed; but it is not limited to such description, examples, features, embodiments, or drawings. As briefly described above, the reader should assume that features of one disclosed embodiment can also be applied to all other disclosed embodiments, unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the present application are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation using the teachings disclosed in the present application. Modifications and other embodiments will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the torch heating, welding, soldering, brazing, and cutting art, and all such modifications and other embodiments are intended and deemed to be within the scope of the invention.