Abstract: A rotating power connection for connecting an electrical supply power cable to an electric welding torch body is provided. In the rotating power connection, the mechanical load is carried by steel bearings, and the electric load is carried by multi-contact, spring loaded fins made out of highly conductive materials or coatings. In some examples, a rotating power connector is affixed to a torch before the power connection to a wire feeder. The rotating power connector advantageously allows for rotation of the welding torch relative to the unicable while providing continual electrical connection at the high current levels employed in welding applications.

Abstract: A rotating power connection for connecting an electrical supply power cable to an electric welding torch body is provided. In the rotating power connection, the mechanical load is carried by steel bearings, and the electric load is carried by multi-contact, spring loaded fins made out of highly conductive materials or coatings. In some examples, a rotating power connector is affixed to a torch before the power connection to a wire feeder. The rotating power connector advantageously allows for rotation of the welding torch relative to the unicable while providing continual electrical connection at the high current levels employed in welding applications.

Abstract: An example wire feeder includes: a frame; a receptacle configured to transfer welding-type current to a welding torch via a torch connector, and to position the torch connector to receive a wire electrode; one or more drive rolls configured to drive the wire electrode to the welding torch, the one or more drive rolls being electrically insulated from the frame, and wherein the wire electrode is electrically insulated from the frame; and a sensor configured to determine at least one of a voltage or an impedance between a first point electrically coupled to the wire electrode and a reference point.

Abstract: An example welding torch includes: a contact tip configured to conduct welding-type current to a wire electrode; a conductor configured to transfer welding-type current from a welding-type power source to the contact tip; a connector configured to couple the conductor to a wire feeder to receive the welding-type current, the connector comprising an inlet configured to receive the wire electrode from a wire feeder; and a wire liner configured to deliver the wire electrode from the wire feeder to the contact tip via the inlet of the connector, the wire liner being electrically insulated from the conductor along a length of the wire liner and being electrically insulated from the connector.

Abstract: Welding cable assemblies, welding torch assemblies, and robotic welding systems are disclosed. An example welding-type cable assembly includes: a cable configured to deliver welding-type current and an electrode wire to a welding-type torch, the cable configured to be coupled to the welding-type torch on a first end and coupled to at least one of a wire feeder or a welding-type power supply on a second end; and a spring mechanically coupled to the cable, the spring having a higher resistance to torque than the cable, and the spring configured to transfer a portion of twisting induced at a first end of the cable past a bend portion of the cable.