Abstract: In a method and a carrier gas nozzle for allowing at least one fluid to flow over a welding area of a workpiece along a welding path during a welding process, the at least one fluid is flowed onto the welding area via at least one inlet and channels having openings. The openings of the channels are divided into at least two sectors, and at least one flow parameter, if need be also a property of the at least one fluid of each sector, is individually controlled, wherein at least one flow parameter of at least one fluid of at least one sector is controlled depending on the geometry of the welding path and/or depending on the geometry of the workpiece.

Abstract: A device is provided with a first die, a second die and a pressing machine. The second die is provided with a plastic processing hole where a core metal is disposed on a hole center line. On the inner peripheral surface of the plastic processing hole, three projecting portions are provided at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the hole center line. By the approach of the first and second dies to each other, the core metal is inserted into a guide hole of a contact tip, and the projecting portions plastically deform the head end side of the contact tip by pressing it until it is in contact with the core metal.

Abstract: Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a cover cap for a welding torch. The cover cap is attached to a housing of the welding torch and rotatable between a closed position, where the cover cap covers an access port of the welding torch, and an open position, where the cover cap does not cover the access port. The welding torch may have welding components within the handle that may be accessed through the access port when the cover cap is in the open position. A cap holder may be used to hold the cover cap in the open position.

Abstract: A MIG welding torch adapter that attaches to and/or replaces a welding torch's nozzle and enables welding in confined spaces includes: (1) a wire guide, (2) a turning nozzle that is concentric with and encloses said wire guide, (4) a collar that detachably slip-fits onto a MIG welding torch's contact tip, (5) an attachment tube that attaches to the nozzle, (6) an entry guide wire adapter that directs the free end of the torch's electrode wire move into the wire guide, (7) an exit guide wire adapter that guides the electrode wire as it exits this adapter, and (8) entry and exit spacers that enable the torch's shielding gases to flow through this adapter.

Abstract: A consumable assembly for use in an arc welding apparatus is provided that includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle body, an insulator disposed within the nozzle body, and a nozzle insert disposed within the insulator. The nozzle insert includes an internal gas diverter. A contact tip is disposed within the nozzle assembly and includes at least one aperture extending from an exterior portion to an internal cavity, an exit orifice, a distal end face, and an exterior surface extending between the at least one aperture and the distal end portion of the contact tip. The internal gas diverter directs a flow of shield gas exiting the at least one aperture along the exterior surface of the contact tip, and a principal distance from the at least one aperture to the distal end face is varied to adjust the flow of the shield gas for improved cooling.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to preheat weld wire are disclosed. An example contact tip includes: an inner bore configured to conduct current to a consumable welding electrode; screw threads on an exterior of the contact tip; and a head opposite the screw threads on an exterior of the contact tip to enable threading and dethreading of the contact tip.

Abstract: Described is laser machining nozzles for laser machining devices. The laser machining nozzles includes a body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the laser machining nozzles include at least one subarea. The subarea includes a layer of at least one of the copper oxides CuO and Cu2O. The layer of CuO and/or Cu2O has an absorbing effect for radiation at an observation wavelength between 300 and 1100 nm or between 900 and 1700 nm.

Abstract: A wire guide device of a wire electrical discharge machine includes a first roller shaft, a first wire guide roller provided at an end of the first roller shaft, a second roller shaft, and a second wire guide roller provided at an end of the second roller shaft and having an end face in an axial direction provided to face an end face of the first wire guide roller in the axial direction. The first wire guide roller and the second wire guide roller have a conical surface and a conical surface with which a wire electrode is in contact.

Abstract: A contact device for feeding current to one or more welding wires in a welding apparatus includes a split tip nozzle having first and second diametrically opposed slots formed therein and a biasing means for supplying an adjustable biasing force to first and second split tips to bias the first and second split tips together to ensure that a desired contact between the split tip nozzle and the one or more welding wires is maintained throughout the lifecycle of the nozzle. The biasing force may be applied by any means including, for example, a compression ring, interaction of tapered surfaces between the tube and the split tip nozzle, a compression or cylinder spring pre-mounted on the first and second split tips, a tensioning screw, etc.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a welding wire delivery system includes a non-rotational actuator configured to engage, disengage, and move welding wire. In certain embodiments, the welding wire delivery system includes a piezoelectric walk motor, a piezoelectric worm drive, a piezoelectric wave drive, a shape memory alloy, a solenoid piston, a linear actuator or motor, or a voice coil actuator.

Abstract: A consumable assembly for use in an arc welding apparatus is provided that includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle body, an insulator disposed within the nozzle body, and a nozzle insert disposed within the insulator. The nozzle insert includes an internal gas diverter. A contact tip is disposed within the nozzle assembly and includes at least one aperture extending from an exterior portion to an internal cavity, an exit orifice, a distal end face, and an exterior surface extending between the at least one aperture and the distal end portion of the contact tip. The internal gas diverter directs a flow of shield gas exiting the at least one aperture along the exterior surface of the contact tip, and a principal distance from the at least one aperture to the distal end face is varied to adjust the flow of the shield gas for improved cooling.

Abstract: A welding system includes a welding torch assembly. The welding torch assembly includes a first feed roll configured to rotate about a first axis, a second feed roll disposed opposite the first feed roll about a welding wire feed region, a first helical gear coupled to the first feed roll, a second helical gear operatively coupled to the first helical gear, and a drive motor. The first helical gear is configured to rotate about the first axis, the second helical gear is configured to rotate about a second axis to rotate the first helical gear about the first axis, wherein the second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis, and the drive motor is configured to rotate the second helical gear about the second axis. The second axis is offset from a plane defined by the welding wire feed region between the first and second feed rolls.

Abstract: An end assembly for use with a welding device having a contact tip, a diffusor, an insert, and an gooseneck, and the contact tip has a convex end that contacts a concave end of the insert, and the insert has an opposite end in contact with the gooseneck. The contact tip is threaded into the diffusor at one end of the diffusor, and the gooseneck is threaded into the diffusor at the opposite end of the diffusor, and the insert is disposed within the diffusor and between the contact tip and the gooseneck, such that a conductive path exists between the gooseneck, the insert, and the contact tip. The contact tip, insert and gooseneck are constructed of a conductive material which are securely held together in contact by the diffuser constructed of a dissimilar material.

Abstract: A consumable electrode gas shield arc welding torch (20) includes a torch body (21), a tip body (22) mounted to a front end of the torch body, a tip holder (23) mounted to a front end of the tip body, a spring (26) provided in the tip body (22) in contact with the front end of the torch body (21), a pressing shaft (27) provided in the tip body (22) in contact with a front end of the spring 26) and a power feed tip (28) pressed by the pressing shaft (27) and the tip holder (23). The tip (28) includes a side surface having a projection contacting with a base end (23a) of the holder (23), with a space (29) defined between an inner surface of the holder (23) and a front end (28a) of the tip (28) when the front end (28a) of the tip (28) is inserted into the holder (23).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for contacting a welding wire (13) in a welding torch (10), including at least two contact shells (31) having a contact area (32) for contacting the welding wire (13), and to a contact shell (31) for contacting a welding wire (13). In order to make the contact of the welding wire as constant and permanent as possible during the lifetime of a contacting device, the contact shells (31) have a holding section (48) and are arranged inside a sleeve (37) to define a rotational axis (43), the sleeve (37) being fastened to a nozzle pipe (38) having an integrated pressure mechanism (36), and the pressure mechanism (36) being adapted to exert pressure (33) on the contact shells (31). The sleeve (37) includes a holding device (42) for exerting a counter-force (34) onto the contact shells (31). The welding wire (13) is contacted in the contact area (32) of the contact shells (31) with a contact force (35).

Abstract: An electrode extension guide for use with welding systems is provided. This electrode extension guide includes a barrel adapted to be connected to a contact tip, wherein the barrel has a predetermined length, a predetermined outer diameter, a predetermined inner diameter, and a plurality of apertures formed therein, wherein each aperture extends from the outer diameter through to the inner diameter of the barrel, and wherein the inner diameter further defines a channel passing lengthwise through the barrel; a plurality of bearings, wherein each bearing is inserted into one of the apertures formed in the barrel such that the bearing extends a predetermined distance into the channel, and wherein each bearing is electrically non-conductive; and a sleeve disposed around the outer diameter of the barrel along the length thereof, wherein the sleeve is operative to retain the bearings within the apertures at the outer diameter of the barrel.

Abstract: A consumable component for use in an arc welding apparatus is provided that functions as both a contact tip and a diffuser. The consumable component includes a body having an internal cavity extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion. At least one slot extends through an outer wall of the body, between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and into the internal cavity. An exit orifice extends through the distal end portion of the body, defining a radiused inlet in one form of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a MIG- or MAG-welding gun, comprising a hand-held grip for supporting, handling and aiming the welding gun during a welding process, the grip including a body member (1). The grip further includes a grip member (2) pivotable relative to the body member (1) and lying alongside the body member over at least part of the same lengthwise extent as the body member. The grip member (2) has its free end pivotable to such a distance from the body member (1) that a hand grasping around the pivotable grip member (2) fits between the body member (1) and the pivotable grip member (2), the body member (1) resting on top of the hand. When the pivotable grip member (2) has its free end is in its position pivoted into the engagement with the body member (1), these two components constitute jointly a handle for the hand to grasp around.

Abstract: A consumable assembly for a welding torch, a welding torch that includes said consumable assembly, and a method of using the welding torch is provided. The consumable assembly generally comprises a nozzle body having an exterior surface and an internal bore; and a contact tip having an exterior surface that is removably disposed within the internal bore of the nozzle body. The exterior surface of the nozzle body and the exterior surface of the contact tip include matching indicia for pairing the nozzle body with the contact tip.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a welding torch, a welding torch that includes said nozzle assembly, and a method of using the welding torch is provided. The nozzle assembly generally comprises an insulator having a plurality of grooves around an outer periphery, a plurality of sealing members disposed within the grooves of the insulator; and a nozzle body slip-fit around the insulator, such that at least one of the insulator and the nozzle body define position indicia.

Abstract: A mock welding unicoupon for a virtual welding system includes a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface perpendicular to the first exterior surface. The first exterior surface and the second exterior surface together provide a plurality of grooves configured for simulation of a plurality of different types groove welds on the mock welding unicoupon. A curved exterior surface is configured for simulation of a pipe fillet weld on the mock welding unicoupon. A magnet source is configured to generate a magnetic field around the mock welding unicoupon for tracking movements of a mock welding tool with respect to the mock welding unicoupon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multi-wire welding torch (6), more specifically to a laser-hybrid single- or multi-wire welding head provided with the welding torch (6) which can be connected to a welding device via a hose pack and consists of several parts such as a torch handle, a tubular welding torch housing, a contact housing, a contact tube for each welding wire (21a, 21b), a gas nozzle (2) etc., wherein an internal insert (28) for receiving the contact tube(s) (20a, 20b) and the gas nozzle (2) is mounted in an end area of the welding torch housing. A fixing element (30) made at least partially of a flexible material is placed on the internal insert (28) or on the housing (2) for producing as required an, in particular, gas-tight connection between said internal insert (28) and the gas nozzle (2) pushed thereon. This connection can be established by the spatial extension of the fixing element.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding gun with a contact tip having an bore extending therethrough and a consumable weld wire. The cross-sectional shape of the bore of the contact tip being is essentially identical to the cross-sectional shape of the weld wire. The bore having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional shape and the weld wire having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding gun with a contact tip having an bore extending therethrough and a consumable weld wire. The cross-sectional shape of the bore of the contact tip being is essentially identical to the cross-sectional shape of the weld wire. The bore having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional shape and the weld wire having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A system and method for replaceable machine-mounted male input power connections includes a power connection unit that is at least partially arranged within a housing and configured to transfer power received from a power source to drive a welding process. The power connection unit includes an input configured to receive power from the power source, an output configured to deliver the power received at the input to drive the welding process, and a bus system, configured to connect the input and the output. The power connection unit also includes a male connector having a conductive post extending to a threaded cylindrical shaft. The male conductor forms at least a portion of the input or the output and extends from the housing through a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a correspondingly threaded portion configured to engage the threaded cylindrical shaft of the male connector to the bus system.

Abstract: Portable weld cooling systems include a plurality of weld cooling instruments operable to combine to provide cool air to a weld area created by a weld fusion machine, and a portable cabinet comprising a transportation section and a storage section, the transportation section operable to facilitate the movement of the portable cabinet and the storage section being configured to store the plurality of weld cooling instruments when the portable cabinet is moved, wherein one or more of the plurality of weld cooling instruments may be removed from the storage section when combined to provide cool air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a contact tube (20) of a welding torch (10), via which contact tube a welding wire (13) is supplied with electrical energy, said welding wire being moved towards the welding torch (10) by a wire reel (14) or a welding drum via a wire feeder (11), as well as to a welding plant (1) and a contact tube (20) for the welding torch (10) of such a welding plant (1). In order to prolong the service life of a contact tube (20) of a welding torch (10), the invention provides that the welding wire (13) is at least once moved backwards in the direction of the wire reel (4) or wire drum until the end (27) of the welding wire (13) lies at least within the length (36) of the contact tube (20), and that the welding wire (13) will subsequently again be moved forwards, in particular moved backwards into its starting position.

Abstract: A method and system to start and use a combination wire feed and energy source system for any of brazing, cladding, building up, filling, and hard-facing overlaying applications. High intensity energy is applied onto a workpiece to heat the workpiece. One or more resistive filler wires are fed toward the workpiece at or just in front of the applied high intensity energy. Sensing of when a distal end of the one or more resistive filler wires makes contact with the workpiece at or near the applied high intensity energy is accomplished. Electric heating current to the one or more resistive filler wires is controlled based on whether or not the distal end of the one or more resistive filler wires is in contact with the workpiece. The applied high intensity energy and the one or more resistive filler wires are moved in a same direction along the workpiece in a fixed relation to each other.

Abstract: A welding gun adapted to secure a contact tip within the welding gun without threading the contact tip and without the use of tools. The contact tip may be adapted to abut a surface of a first member disposed within the welding gun. The surface may be a surface of a gas diffuser. The surface may be adapted to abut the contact tip. The contact tip also may be adapted for abutment with a second member to urge the contact tip toward the first member. The second member may be a portion of a nozzle adapted to abut the contact tip to urge the contact tip toward the surface of the first member. A method of assembling a welding gun also is provided. The method may include disposing a contact tip between a first and a second member and capturing the contact tip between the first and second members.

Abstract: A contact tip for a welding gun having a central passage for a welding wire moving in a given direction toward a workpiece and receiving a welding signal by contact of the wire with the tip. The passage has an innermost end, an outermost exit end and a length. An opening in the contact tip intersects the passage so a pressure block slidably mounted in the opening is biased toward the wire by a spring around the contact tip urging the block against the wire. This tip is dimensioned and constructed to perform pulse welding by a relatively ductile wire.

Abstract: A welding torch comprising: a main cylindrical conductive assembly with a front diffuser section having a plurality of circumferentially spaced shielding gas diffuser orifices for directing shielding gas radially outwardly from the assembly, a forwardly facing threaded bore extending through a cylindrical support nose and an elongated wire passageway coaxial with the threaded bore and opening at the rear end of the assembly.

Abstract: A contact tip for a welding gun having a central passage for a welding wire moving in a given direction toward a workpiece and receiving a welding signal by contact of the wire with the tip. The passage has an innermost end, an outermost exit end and a length of at least 1.5 inches and an opening in the contact tip intersects the passage so a pressure block slidably mounted in the opening is biased toward the wire by a spring around the contact tip urging the block against the wire. This tip is dimensioned and constructed to perform pulse welding by a relatively ductile aluminum wire.

Abstract: A retaining head for a MIG welding device includes a contact tip mounting end, an opposite retaining head mounting end, and a throughbore extending from one of the ends to the other end. A deflector is disposed along the throughbore and is adjustable for imparting a bend in welding wire passing through the throughbore. The deflector provides a straight wire contour for the welding wire that is fed out of the welding torch, while maintaining sufficient contact force between the welding wire and the contact tip. The deflector also reduces the effect of wire twist on the contact point between the welding wire and the contact tip.

Abstract: Portable weld cooling systems include a plurality of weld cooling instruments operable to combine to provide cool air to a weld area created by a weld fusion machine, and a portable cabinet comprising a transportation section and a storage section, the transportation section operable to facilitate the movement of the portable cabinet and the storage section being configured to store the plurality of weld cooling instruments when the portable cabinet is moved, wherein one or more of the plurality of weld cooling instruments may be removed from the storage section when combined to provide cool air.

Abstract: A contact tip for a welding torch includes a body having a front discharge end, an opposite rear feed end, and a bore extending through the body. A cap is mounted on the body at the front end. The cap has an aperture generally aligned with the bore. The cap is composed of a material having an electrical conductivity between 1.74×107 and 4.35×107 Siemens per meter at 20° C. The body is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of copper and a copper alloy. The body has an electrical conductivity that is higher than the electrical conductivity of the cap. A portion of the bore at the front end of the body and at least a portion of the aperture in the cap define a contact area for a consumable electrode wire.

Abstract: A contact tip for a welding torch in accordance with the present invention includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body having a front contact end and an opposite rear retaining end. A central aperture is defined by an inner wall of the body. The aperture extends through the body from an opening at the rear retaining end to an opening at the front contact end. The aperture has a front portion and a wider diameter portion adjacent the front portion. The front portion generally has a length that is shorter than a length of the wider diameter portion. A consumable electrode wire fed through the aperture contacts the inner wall in the front portion but does not contact the inner wall in the wider diameter portion.

Abstract: A contact tip includes a first threaded section and a first non-threaded section. The length of the first non-threaded section is at least a fifth of the length of the first threaded section along a longitudinal axis. The contact tip further includes a first contact surface. A diffuser includes a second non-threaded section and a second threaded section configured to mate with the first threaded section of the contact tip. The diffuser further includes a second contact surface. The first non-threaded section is configured to elongate along the longitudinal axis as the first threaded section is screwed into the second threaded section past a point where the first contact surface and the second contact surface have established contact.

Abstract: A welding torch includes: a contact tip having, on a distal-end inner circumferential surface thereof, a power supply portion that contacts a fed welding wire to supply current; and a wire guide that is provided having a predetermined clearance within the contact tip and guides the fed welding wire, and wherein the arc-welding torch is configured such that axes of the contact tip and the wire guide are relatively changed so as to cause the welding wire fed while guided by the wire guide to contact the power supply portion of the contact tip. The power supply portion of the contact tip is formed to have an axial length with which a welding current can be maintained at least a predetermined lower limit current despite a shift of a power supply point in accordance with wear of the power supply portion, more specifically, formed to have a length of 1 to 4 mm.

Abstract: A contact tip for a welding torch includes a refractory material reinforced copper composite including approximately 10 to 50% by volume of a refractory material and at least one of copper and a copper alloy. The refractory material is one of a metal and a ceramic material. The contact tip may include an elongated, generally cylindrical body having a front contact end, an opposite rear retaining end, and a passageway extending from the rear retaining end to the front contact end. A portion of the passageway may be defined by the refractory material reinforced copper composite. The portion may have a diameter that is approximately 3 to 8% larger than an outer diameter of a consumable electrode wire, and the portion may have a length of approximately 0.2 to 0.6 inches.

Abstract: A welding torch 30 has a first tip body 32, a pressurization shaft 43, and a second tip body 50 detachably connected to a distal end of the first tip body 32. A power supply tip 54 is accommodated in an accommodation hole 51 of the second tip body 50. The power supply tip 54 is removable from the accommodation hole 51 of the second tip body 50 after the second tip body 50 is removed from the first tip body 32. The power supply tip 54 is held in contact with the pressurization shaft 43 and urged by a compression spring 44 when the second tip body 50 is connected to the first tip body 32. A tip holder 60 is arranged at a distal end of the second tip body 50 in such a manner as to cover a distal end of the power supply tip 54.

Abstract: A contact fitting for a welding apparatus includes a housing, and first contact device, a second contact device, and a third contact device arranged between the first and second contact devices. The third contact device is movable relative to the first and second contact devices. The first contact device has an elongated form, is fixedly arranged in the housing, and extends from a first end, which is arranged between first and second ends of the housing, to a second end. The second contact device has an elongated form, is suspended spring-loaded to the housing, and extends from a first end, which is arranged between the first and second ends of the housing, to a second end.

Abstract: The high efficiency welding device has two pairs of clamps mounted in two pairs of sliders movable in a reciprocating movement relative to one another. One pair of sliders is mounted at 0 and 180 degree positions around the circumferential surface of a support block and the other pair of sliders is mounted at 90 and 270 degree positions. Each pair of clamps is in the close condition while moving forward in the reciprocating movement to clamp onto selected air gaps of the welding electrode to advance the electrode towards the work piece as well as delivering the welding current to the welding operation, and it is in the open condition releasing the grasp of the welding electrode while moving backward.

Abstract: A welding gun driving device is provided with an electric motor, a feed screw mechanism, and a pressure rod axially moved forward and backward via the feed screw mechanism by the electric motor. A rotor of the electric motor is formed into a hollow shape through which the pressure rod is insertable. The feed screw mechanism is provided with a screw shaft fixed to the rotor concentrically with the rotor, and a nut portion screwed to the screw shaft. The pressure rod is provided with the nut portion and a hollow rod portion extending toward the axial front from the nut portion. The rotor is provided, at its inner peripheral face, with a guide portion through which the pressure rod is inserted and supported so as to be relatively rotatable and axially slidable.

Abstract: A portable wire feeder for providing welding wire and welding current to a welding operation includes an input electrically connected to a power source. An output is selectively electrically connected to the input to receive welding current delivered to the input from the power source and to provide the welding current and welding wire to the welding operation through a guide hose. A contactor includes a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal and a conductive bridge member for selectively electrically connecting the input to the output. The first electrical terminal is electrically connected to the input. The second electrical terminal is electrically connected to the output.

Abstract: An exemplary welding nozzle has a smooth, highly polished bore of circular cross-section. The bore has a forward portion of generally flared, gradually curving shape, joined with a narrowing inner portion along a gradual curve. Hence a concentrated surface flow of shielding gas may be directed out the nozzle's mouth to reliably provide a flared shielding envelope having reinforced boundaries. The inner portion tapers inwardly at a constant angle for a length sufficient to dampen flow disturbances. Hence an inner core of shielding gas of high ionization potential may be directed in laminar flow out the nozzle's mouth for concentration immediately about the exposed electrode to stabilize the electric arc at the electrode tip. The diverging gas flows enable significantly reduced gas consumption while reliably maintaining weld quality, a reduced rate of spatter buildup within the nozzle, and increased versatility of welding tip operation in both automated and manual environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a welding torch that includes an electrode (3) that has a longitudinal groove (9) formed therein which guides a welding wire (4) which is fed form a laterally spaced-apart location. The electrode (3) is open and the wire (4) is supported on one side only. In the region of the welding tip, the electrode (3) is elongate and the cross-sectional area is smaller than the area at a position further from the tip. Regions between an outer housing (11) and a main support body (2) define two shielding gas conduits positioned on opposite sides of the body (2), through which gas flows and then combines to form a unitary stream. The body (2) contains cooled regions which are supplied with cooling fluid by a conduit (7) and removed by conduit (8), parts of which are positioned between the shielding gas conduits close to the welding electrode (3).

Abstract: A contact tip for a welding torch includes a refractory material reinforced copper composite including approximately 10 to 50% by volume of a refractory material and at least one of copper and a copper alloy. The refractory material is one of a metal and a ceramic material. The contact tip may include an elongated, generally cylindrical body having a front contact end, an opposite rear retaining end, and a passageway extending from the rear retaining end to the front contact end. A portion of the passageway may be defined by the refractory material reinforced copper composite. The portion may have a diameter that is approximately 3 to 8% larger than an outer diameter of a consumable electrode wire, and the portion may have a length of approximately 0.2 to 0.6 inches.

Abstract: A contact tip for a welding torch in accordance with the present invention includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body having a front contact end and an opposite rear retaining end. A central aperture is defined by an inner wall of the body. The aperture extends through the body from an opening at the rear retaining end to an opening at the front contact end. The aperture has a front portion and a wider diameter portion adjacent the front portion. The front portion generally has a length that is shorter than a length of the wider diameter portion. A consumable electrode wire fed through the aperture contacts the inner wall in the front portion but does not contact the inner wall in the wider diameter portion.

Abstract: A method and system to start and use a combination wire feed and energy source system for any of brazing, cladding, building up, filling, and hard-facing overlaying applications. High intensity energy is applied onto a workpiece to heat the workpiece. One or more resistive filler wires are fed toward the workpiece at or just in front of the applied high intensity energy. Sensing of when a distal end of the one or more resistive filler wires makes contact with the workpiece at or near the applied high intensity energy is accomplished. Electric heating current to the one or more resistive filler wires is controlled based on whether or not the distal end of the one or more resistive filler wires is in contact with the workpiece. The applied high intensity energy and the one or more resistive filler wires are moved in a same direction along the workpiece in a fixed relation to each other.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes first and second conducting members that are pivotally attached to each other. A portion of the first and second conducting members distal to the pivotal attachment form an electrical contact with the electrode. The first and second conducting member, when operable connected to electric power source, provide parallel current paths for an electric current form the power source to the electrode. Further, the first and second conducting members are configured to provide additional forces at the contact with the electrode in response to magnetic field effects of the current flow Lorentz force), the additional forces having at least a predetermine value when a value of the electric current has a preselected value. For example, the predetermined value of the additional forces may be determined, using known properties of electrical contacts, so as to ensure that the contact does not fail when the current reaches the preselected value.