Abstract:
An arc is initiated between a pair of hollow electrodes spaced a relatively substantial distance apart and contained at opposite ends in a quartz tube by passing a rod through the bore of one electrode and into the bore of the other electrode, establishing a swirling gas vortex about the rod sufficient to cause the rod to make continuous internal rotational contact with the bore of each electrode, and impressing thereafter a relatively low voltage across the electrodes while withdrawing the rod. The rod is connected to a piston assembly externally connected at one end of the torch.
Abstract:
An arc radiation source having a pair of concentric envelopes, the inner envelope of which defines the arc chamber, and including a cooling system comprising means for passing a gas coolant between the envelopes, and means for thereafter passing the gas into the arc chamber in a direction coaxial with the gas flow between the envelopes, the gas being continuously recirculated in a closed loop.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for stabilizing an arc established in an arc device having two axially spaced electrodes, at least one being a hollow electrode wherein a cooling fluid is passed along the outside surface of the hollow electrode at varying speeds to create a hot surface on the inside surface of said electrode which will form a zone from which the arc will not wander.