Abstract: A welding system includes a feeder with a reel rotatably mounted therein for supplying welding wire; and a torch having a cable extending therefrom connected to the feeder for receiving wire therefrom and a pair of opposing conductive drive rolls connected to a source of charging power and mounted for powered rotation on the torch. The rolls engage, charge and deliver the wire to the work piece. Opposing rollers driven by a motor through a clutch also pull the wire from the reel in the feeder and push it through the cable. The torch is equipped with a nozzle on the torch is fitted with a nonconductive delivery tube to guidingly receive the welding wire without sparking. A unique method of delivering a charged wire electrode in a MIG welding torch assembly is disclosed. Also disclosed is a special configuration for the groove for engaging the wire electrode between the rolls or rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus to prevent the formation of welding material about the outlet end of a welding nozzle comprising valve units activated upon contact by engagement thereby of the welding nozzle, a pneumatic system connected with the valve units, and reciprocal hammer device proximate the valve units and fluid connected to the pneumatic system, the hammer device operable by the pneumatic system upon activation of the valve units to repeatedly strike the welding nozzle, thereby dislodging any material build-up thereon. The apparatus further includes a spraying unit connected with the valve units and pneumatic system to spray an anti-welding spatter compound toward and into the outlet of the welding nozzle.