Abstract: An example robotic tool holder includes an actuator that is disposed within a housing and configured to hold a tool. The housing and the actuator are in contact via dowels to limit movement of the actuator toward a distal end of the housing. Ones of the dowels that are in contact are in line contact and the ones of the dowels that are in contact are in a triangular geometry. The pressure plate is in line contact with the actuator within the housing around a circumference of the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the pressure plate to bias the actuator toward a proximal end of the housing via the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the mounting plate opposite the pressure plate. The sensor switch detects a shock force on the actuator and outputs a signal in response to the shock force.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to preheat weld wire are disclosed. An example welding torch includes a first contact tip configured to conduct welding current to a consumable electrode, a second contact tip configured to conduct preheating current to the consumable electrode, and a plurality of liquid cooling assemblies configured to conduct the preheating current and to conduct the welding current to the consumable electrode.

Abstract: A welding torch assembly device comprising a revolution power connector (RPC) directly connectable to a power cable and electrically connectable to a neck of a welding torch, and a torch connector assembly for accommodating the RPC is provided. The welding torch assembly device may include an infinite rotation module with a shock sensor for allowing infinite rotation connection with a cable. The welding torch neck may be connected to the torch connector via a handnut.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch assembly configured to establish a welding arc between an electrode and workpieces separated by a narrow groove utilizing power from a power supply while moving the electrode radially in a desired pattern by a motion control assembly within the welding torch assembly. The welding torch assembly includes a nozzle through which the electrode is fed and within which the electrode is radially moved.

Abstract: An example robotic tool holder includes an actuator that is disposed within a housing and configured to hold a tool. The housing and the actuator are in contact via dowels to limit movement of the actuator toward a distal end of the housing. Ones of the dowels that are in contact are in line contact and the ones of the dowels that are in contact are in a triangular geometry. The pressure plate is in line contact with the actuator within the housing around a circumference of the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the pressure plate to bias the actuator toward a proximal end of the housing via the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the mounting plate opposite the pressure plate. The sensor switch detects a shock force on the actuator and outputs a signal in response to the shock force.

Abstract: An example robotic tool holder includes an actuator that is disposed within a housing and configured to hold a tool. The housing and the actuator are in contact via dowels to limit movement of the actuator toward a distal end of the housing. Ones of the dowels that are in contact are in line contact and the ones of the dowels that are in contact are in a triangular geometry. The pressure plate is in line contact with the actuator within the housing around a circumference of the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the pressure plate to bias the actuator toward a proximal end of the housing via the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the mounting plate opposite the pressure plate. The sensor switch detects a shock force on the actuator and outputs a signal in response to the shock force.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to preheat welding wire are disclosed. An example welding assembly for a welding torch includes: a first contact tip configured to conduct welding current to a consumable electrode; a second contact tip configured to conduct preheating current to the consumable electrode; and a cooling body configured to transfer heat from at least the first contact tip to coolant and to conduct the welding current.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to preheat weld wire are disclosed. An example welding torch includes a first contact tip configured to conduct welding current to a consumable electrode, a second contact tip configured to conduct preheating current to the consumable electrode, and a plurality of liquid cooling assemblies configured to conduct the preheating current and to conduct the welding current to the consumable electrode.

Abstract: An example robotic tool holder includes an actuator that is disposed within a housing and configured to hold a tool. The housing and the actuator are in contact via dowels to limit movement of the actuator toward a distal end of the housing. Ones of the dowels that are in contact are in line contact and the ones of the dowels that are in contact are in a triangular geometry. The pressure plate is in line contact with the actuator within the housing around a circumference of the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the pressure plate to bias the actuator toward a proximal end of the housing via the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the mounting plate opposite the pressure plate. The sensor switch detects a shock force on the actuator and outputs a signal in response to the shock force.

Abstract: A contactor providing for electrical contact in a welding torch includes a body member having first and second opposite sides, and adjacent pivot and head portions. The pivot portion has an outwardly curved contact surface on the second side providing a pivot point. The head portion also has a contact surface on the second side. The pivot portion has a shorter length between the first and second sides than the head portion. The contactor may be pivotally mounted in a torch connector body. At least one resilient member urges the contact surface of the pivot portion into engagement with an inner flange surface of the connector body, and biases the head portion into an opening in the torch connector body. The contact surface of the head portion is engageable with a torch neck inserted into the torch connector body, and provides an electrical connection between the torch body and neck.

Abstract: A contactor providing for electrical contact in a welding torch includes a body member having first and second opposite sides, and adjacent pivot and head portions. The pivot portion has an outwardly curved contact surface on the second side providing a pivot point. The head portion also has a contact surface on the second side. The pivot portion has a shorter length between the first and second sides than the head portion. The contactor may be pivotally mounted in a torch connector body. At least one resilient member urges the contact surface of the pivot portion into engagement with an inner flange surface of the connector body, and biases the head portion into an opening in the torch connector body. The contact surface of the head portion is engageable with a torch neck inserted into the torch connector body, and provides an electrical connection between the torch body and neck.

Abstract: A robotic welding cable for a welding torch includes a flexible hose defining a hollow core for passage of welding wire and shielding gas. Conductor strands are arranged around the flexible hose. A composite layered covering includes electrical insulation that covers the conductor strands and an outer jacket that surrounds the electrical insulation. The electrical insulation is formed of an Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) synthetic rubber, and the outer jacket is formed of a Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) synthetic rubber.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch assembly configured to establish a welding arc between an electrode and workpieces separated by a narrow groove utilizing power from a power supply while moving the electrode radially in a desired pattern by a motion control assembly within the welding torch assembly. The welding torch assembly includes a nozzle through which the electrode is fed and within which the electrode is radially moved.

Abstract: A hand-turnable welding cable connection includes a welding cable portion and a cooperable welding torch portion. The welding cable portion includes a receiver having an opening defined by an inner, generally cylindrical surface. A slit extends through the receiver. A fastener extends across the slit generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the receiver and partially protrudes into the opening. The welding torch portion includes a tubular member having a generally cylindrical outer surface. A transverse, circumferentially extending groove is formed on the outer surface of the tubular member. The groove may extend generally 90 degrees around the outer surface. A flat portion is formed on the outer surface of the tubular member. The flat surface extends longitudinally from an end of the groove toward an end of the tubular member. The welding torch portion is insertable in the welding cable portion, and the fastener engages the groove.

Abstract: A robotic welding cable for a welding torch includes a flexible hose defining a hollow core for passage of welding wire and shielding gas. Conductor strands are arranged around the flexible hose. A composite layered covering includes electrical insulation that covers the conductor strands and an outer jacket that surrounds the electrical insulation. The electrical insulation is formed of an Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) synthetic rubber, and the outer jacket is formed of a Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) synthetic rubber.

Abstract: An improved laparoscopic instrument with an ergonomic handle comprising a large fixed ring for three fingers and a small moveable thumb ring. The invention enables a surgeon to use all controls on the instrument, including opening and closing of jaws, rotating and ratcheting them with one hand. The invention introduces a unique placement of ratchet mechanism in the large fixed ring where its use is possible with a very intuitive movement of middle and ring finger. The circular rotating knob is designed to be large in size, with large lateral projections and placed at a distance to be easily actuated. Its smooth rotation is ensured through a frictionless rotary bearing that also provides a solid fastening with the elongate tube. The high frequency (HF) connector is designed to ensure a definite and safe contact with the elongate conduit.