Abstract: A wire feeder device for feeding a welding wire in a feeding direction is disclosed. The wire feeder device includes one or more roller chains and a plurality of first and second gripper members. The gripper members are movable from an open position to a closed position to contact and grip the welding wire. In use, the first and second gripper members are longitudinally movable with the roller chain(s) so that the welding wire is pulled along a substantially linear path. The first and second gripper members may be orientated in a vertical (i.e., coplanar) orientation or a horizontal, lateral orientation. The gripper members may include a built-in centering function to center a position of the welding wire.

Abstract: A wire feeder device and method for feeding a welding wire includes a plurality of first and second gripper members movable from an open position to a closed position to engage on another and the welding wire along an engagement path. A projection from each gripping member is received in a recess defined in its engaged gripping member such that the welding wire is contacted on opposite sides in notches defined at the distal edges of respective projections. The gripper members may include a built-in centering function to center a position of the welding wire, may be made at least partially of material that conforms to the welding wire, and may be biased toward one another to firmly grip the welding wire.

Abstract: A wire feeder device for feeding a welding wire in a feeding direction is disclosed. The wire feeder device includes one or more roller chains and a plurality of first and second gripper members. The gripper members are movable from an open position to a closed position to contact and grip the welding wire. In use, the first and second gripper members are longitudinally movable with the roller chain(s) so that the welding wire is pulled along a substantially linear path. The first and second gripper members may be orientated in a vertical (i.e., coplanar) orientation or a horizontal, lateral orientation. The gripper members may include a built-in centering function to center a position of the welding wire.