Abstract: A novel hub design that enables removal of nozzle core for disposal while the hub is retained for reuse. The reusable hub provides a cost advantage over a one-piece metal design, enabling the use of a dispensing system that is of high quality and low cost to proliferate the use of the technology in the industry. Using this method, a nozzle hub dispensing system has a very favorable impact on the environment, 90% less hazardous waste with a reusable hub system, as only the lightweight cores are disposed. This nozzle hub provides a positive locking, tool-less mechanical connection of nozzle core to hub, which offers a financial advantage over competitive products.

Abstract: An inlet guide mechanism for a wire feeder used with an arc welder wherein the guide mechanism comprises: a housing with a wire guiding passageway having an entrance end and an exit end for directing welding wire to the wire feeder, a plurality of closely spaced spherical guide balls and a support structure for rotatably mounting the guide balls in a pattern circumferentially around the entrance end of the wire passageway whereby a wire entering the passageway engages the spherical surface of at least one of the guide balls.