Abstract: Provided herein is a quick disconnect torch handle for use in a plasma arc system. In one approach, the plasma arc system includes a lead having a first end connected to a power source and a second end connected to a torch handle. The quick disconnect is located at a proximal end of the torch handle, and may include at least one signal connection, a pilot connection, a fluid connection, and a main power connection. The fluid and power connection may be formed by a connection between a main power socket and a conductive conduit. Specifically, the main power socket includes a conductive spring and an O-ring encircling an interior bore thereof. Removal of the conductive conduit from the main power socket causes the fluid connection to break between the O-ring and the conductive conduit, and then the power connection to break between the conductive spring and the conductive conduit.

Abstract: A rotating coupler assembly for use in welding torches that operates between 0 and 800 amps. The rotating coupler assembly allows for 360 degrees of rotation while keeping rotational friction at a minimum. The breakaway torque for the rotating coupler assembly is insignificant and the rotating coupler assembly can be rotated with little effort by hand. While the rotating coupler assembly minimizes rotational friction the design allow for rotating coupler assembly to continue to operate after 1-5 mm of wear on the contact surfaces. An embodiment of the rotating coupler assembly can be quickly disconnected from the unicable.

Abstract: One example of an attachment clip includes a base portion, a retracting portion, and a biasing element. A first end of the base portion is configured to attach to a thermal breaching device. A first void of the base portion runs through the base portion and is configured to admit a nozzle of the thermal breaching device. A first end of the retracting portion is configured to retractably seat onto the second end of the base portion. A second void of the retracting portion is configured to admit a portion of the nozzle that extends through the base portion. The second void runs through the retracting portion. The retracting portion comprises a slot dimensioned for receiving at least one of a plurality of target objects. The biasing element is configured to draw the first end of the retracting portion toward the second end of the base portion.

Abstract: A device and a method for contacting a welding wire in a welding torch includes at least two contact shells having a contact area for contacting the welding wire. 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 have a holding section and are arranged inside a sleeve to define a rotational axis, the sleeve being fastened to a nozzle pipe having an integrated pressure mechanism. The pressure mechanism is adapted to exert pressure on the contact shells. The sleeve includes a holding device for exerting a counter-force onto the contact shells. The welding wire is contacted in the contact area of the contact shells with a contact force.

Abstract: A connector for connecting together a welding torch power cable including a threaded connector, a coolant line and a shielding gas line to a welding power and/or coolant source including a connector receptacle includes an electrically conductive tubular body having a front end and a back end. The tubular body front end is adapted to receive and connect to the power cable threaded connector. The tubular body back end is adapted to connect to the connector receptacle. The tubular body also includes a passageway therein to communicate shielding gas or coolant between the source and the torch. A hose connector is attached at an end of the passageway. A casing including a longitudinally extending tubular side wall terminates in front and back ends. A twist cap is releasably connectable to the back end of the casing. A cable cover adapter is releasably connectable to the front end of the casing.

Abstract: A plug part for detachably connecting a torch neck of a gas-cooled welding torch to a socket part disposed on a hose package includes a cylindrical pipe element with a flange and with an axially extending channel for a welding wire and for a protective gas and includes a union nut which is rotatably disposed on the pipe element and which includes an inner thread for connection to a corresponding outer thread on the socket part. To produce an optimal connection between the torch neck and the hose package, a bevel is disposed on the flange of the pipe element of the plug part, and the end piece of the socket part has at least one axial slot.

Abstract: A wire feeder comprises a motor and drive roll assembly. The motor and drive roll assembly comprises a base assembly having a left hand side and a right hand side. A first locating mechanism is on the right hand side and a second locating mechanism is on the left hand side. Modules, such as inlet or outlet guides can be located and mounted, preferably on either side. Each module preferably includes an additional locating mechanism to allow an additional module to be located by the additional locating mechanism. The locating mechanisms are preferably of the same design, and preferably each includes at least two holes with a locator pin disposed in each hole, and each module being located includes at least locating holes to receive the locator pins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device (27) comprising a coupling device (24) and a plug element (34) for a welding torch (10) connected to the coupling device (24) by at least one hose assembly (23), said coupling device arranged at least partially in the housing, wherein a welding wire (13), delivered by a feed unit (29) which is arranged on a motor plate (28), and additional media are conducted to the welding torch (10) via the hose assembly (23) and wherein the hose assembly (23) is connected to the plug element (34). In order to create such a connection system (27), the coupling device is formed by a connection device (30) comprising an end wall (38) and a separating wall (39) of the motor plate (28), wherein the end wall (38) is designed to receive the coupling (35), the connection device (30) is constructed to at least guide and position a pin (37), and the connection device (30) is independent of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug part (21) for detachable connecting a torch neck (19) of a water-cooled welding torch (7) to a socket part (34) arranged on a hose package (20), having a cylindrical pipe element (22) with an axially running channel (23) for a welding wire (9) and a protective gas (5) and having at least two cooling channels (29, 30) for supplying and returning a cooling fluid, and a union nut (24) rotatably arranged on the pipe element (22), the union nut having an internal thread for connection to a mating external thread on the socket part (34), the invention further relating to such a socket part (34). In order to produce an optimal connection between the torch neck (19) and the hose package (20), a flange (25) having at least one receiving opening for receiving a pin-like element (36) of the socket part (34) is arranged on the pipe element (22) of the plug part (21) in order to fix at least one angular position of the torch neck (19).

Abstract: An attachment device for use in connecting a conductor tube to a handle of a welding gun is provided that includes an adapter disposed proximate the handle of the welding gun, wherein the adapter defines a plurality of radially spaced receiving portions. A conductor tube is disposed adjacent the adapter, and the conductor tube defines at least one extension disposed near a proximal end portion of the conductor tube. The plurality of radially spaced receiving portions are adapted for engagement by the extension of the conductor tube such that the conductor tube can be repositioned relative to the handle of the welding gun.

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: A robot according to an embodiment includes a flange, a wrist arm, a forearm, a feeder, and a power cable. The flange configured so that a welding torch is attached thereto and configured to rotate about a T axis. The wrist arm configured to rotate about a B axis substantially perpendicular to the T axis and configured to support the flange. The forearm configured to support the wrist arm. The feeder attached to a position between a base end and a tip end of the forearm and configured to feed a welding wire. The power cable is a supply route of electricity to the welding torch and is provided separately from a feeding route of the welding wire.

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 method for metalworking using an adjustable vacuum and support system for evacuating particulate matter, smoke, excess gas, and molten metal from a work area during welding and for providing adjustable support to a welding head. The vacuum system has a vacuum head and a vacuum nozzle. An adjustable mounting bracket has a first portion fixed to the vacuum head and a second portion securable to the welding head. The bracket arrangement establishes pivotal and slidable couplings between the welding head and the vacuum head. The vacuum nozzle has a support surface for being rested on a surface of a workpiece to support the vacuum head and the welding head. The support surface can be a base bevel surface at the tip of the nozzle, and an opposed suction bevel surface can have a nozzle aperture interposed therealong.

Abstract: A wire feeder with an integrated adaptor cartridge is provided. The adaptor cartridge comprises a cartridge body interchangeably mounted to the wire feeder for mechanical, welding current, and control signal connections. The adaptor cartridge further comprises an adaptor fitting for establishing the mechanical and welding current connections, and a control signal connector for establishing the control signal connection. The adaptor cartridge is preferably recessed within a housing of the wire feeder to protect the adaptor cartridge. A set of such adaptor cartridges is also provided for providing mechanical, welding current, and control signal connections for a respective one of the welding apparatuses to the wire feeder. Therefore, a single wire feeder can work with a set of welding apparatuses by selecting a suitable adaptor cartridge from the set of adaptor cartridges.

Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling a plasma torch to a receptacle including a connector body configured to receive a mating connector body. The connector body is attachable to a power supply or a plasma arc torch. One or more circumferentially shaped blades extend axially from a surface of the connector body and form a blade ring. One or more gaps can be disposed relative to the surface of the connector body. The plurality of gaps are defined by and between the circumferentially shaped blades. A distance of the gaps between the circumferentially shaped blades extends along a portion of the circumference of the blade ring. The plurality of gaps can be asymmetrically distributed about the blade ring to facilitate proper rotational alignment, and are shaped to align with corresponding circumferentially shaped blades of the mating connector body.

Abstract: A quick change connection for a MIG welding torch having a torch body and a disconnectable gooseneck includes a ball locking mechanism disposed at a front end of the torch body. A connector disposed at a rear end of the gooseneck and cooperable with the ball locking mechanism. The ball locking mechanism mates with the connector to securely retain the gooseneck in the torch body, and release of the ball locking mechanism allows the gooseneck to be separated from the torch body.

Abstract: A removable cooling collar is provided for cooling the nozzle of a welding nozzle. This collar includes first and second parts in fluid communication with a chamber that extends circumferentially within a hollow structure. Cooling fluid circulating through the chamber facilitates dissipation and/or extraction of heat in the nozzle, in turn reducing the likelihood of weld splatter adhesion on the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire inlet nozzle (27) for fastening in a coupling (29) of a hose package (21), comprising a wire inlet element (32) and a fastening means (31) for a wire core (26) for guiding a welding wire (9), wherein a main body is formed between the wire inlet element (32) and the fastening means (31) and a cavity (56) is formed in the wire inlet element (32), in which cavity at least one sealing element (57) having an axial opening (59) for guiding the welding wire (9) is arranged. In order to prevent an escape of the protective gas in the wire inlet nozzle (27) in a direction opposite to the main conveying direction of the welding wire (9), the main body forms a first part (54) of the wire inlet element (32), and a second part (55) of the wire inlet element (32) can be detachably connected to the first part (54), and the main body is designed as a separating plane for independently fastening the wire core (26) and the sealing element (57).

Abstract: A welding cable connector system having a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a first conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector also includes a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The female connector includes a second conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector also includes a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a second Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough. The first and second Schrader valves seal the flow of shielding gas when the connectors are not mutually engaged.

Abstract: A dual power pin connector assembly for connecting both a MIG welding gun and a spoolgun to a welding machine. The dual power pin connector is comprised of a busbar portion that electrically and mechanically couples the positive output terminal of the welding machine power supply to a wire drive for the MIG welding gun. The connector is further comprised of an integral quick release assembly/clamping portion that electrically and mechanically connects the positive power supply terminal to a power supply cable for the spoolgun. The clamping portion receives and retains a power pin coupled to one end of the spoolgun power cable in a receptacle that is manually tightened and loosened.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a welding torch, where the connector body and the house are made of insulating material and designed as a unit in one piece connected by a rear wall. The connector includes an insert made of electrically conductive material carrying a threaded surface made of electrically conductive material and a contact surface. The insert can be fitted in a nest formed by a side surface of the connector body part and a surface of the house part opposite to the side surface. An opening on the sidewall of the house part provides access to the side surface of the insert for connecting the side surface to a current, and the insert is secured rotationally in the nest.

Abstract: A welding gun includes a gun assembly including a handle having a cable receiving end and also a connecting end. The connecting end includes a tubular end fitting having female threads proximal to the connecting end, and also having an aperture adjacent the female threads. A neck assembly includes a body tube having a welding end and also a connecting end. The connecting end of the body tube is telescopically engageable with the tubular end fitting. The connecting end of the body tube includes an annular recess inwardly spaced from a terminus of the connecting end, and also includes a locking nut and male threads engageable with the female threads. The locking nut and male threads are disposed adjacent the annular recess away from the terminus. A stop is fitable in the aperture and extends into the annular recess in an assembled disposition of the gun.

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: The invention relates to a connection device (27) comprising a coupling device (24) and a plug element (34) for a welding torch (10) connected to the coupling device (24) by at least one hose assembly (23), said coupling device arranged at least partially in the housing, wherein a welding wire (13), delivered by a feed unit (29) which is arranged on a motor plate (28), and additional media are conducted to the welding torch (10) via the hose assembly (23) and wherein the hose assembly (23) is connected to the plug element (34). In order to create such a connection system (27), the coupling device is formed by a connection device (30) comprising an end wall (38) and a separating wall (39) of the motor plate (28), wherein the end wall (38) is designed to receive the coupling (35), the connection device (30) is constructed to at least guide and position a pin (37), and the connection device (30) is independent of the housing.

Abstract: A drive roll for advancing a wire is provided. In certain embodiments, the drive roll includes a body having a wire feed portion, a mounting portion, and a central aperture through the body. In one embodiment, the feed portion includes an outer circumferential surface of the drive roll and a plurality of grooves for receiving and advancing various wires, while the mounting portion includes mounting features that are each uniquely associated with only one of the grooves. Various wire feed systems and welding systems are also provided.

Abstract: A conduit constructed from a coiled wire having an oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A spool gun having a quick connector connectable to an electrical power source and a gas source is disclosed. A connection line extends from the spool gun and is attached to a connector. The connector both fluidly connects the spool gun to a shielding gas source and electrically connects the spool gun to a power source constructed to generate a welding-type power. Such a spool gun is quickly and efficiently connectable to the gas and power systems required for performing welding processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (10) for connecting welding torch where the connector comprises a connector body (12) made of electrically insulating material, a cylindrical current transferring body (30) fitted on the cylindrical front part (13) of the connector body (12), made of electrically conductive material, where the current transferring body (30) has a threaded surface (32) and a side contact surface (35) besides the threaded surface (32) on its side surface, a threaded bore (37) on the side contact surface (35) for fixing current cable with screwed joint and a frontal contact surface (33), further an attachment bracket (60), made of electrically insulating plastic, the attachment bracket (60) has a sleeve part (62), which encircles space apart the threaded surface (32) and the sleeve part (62) has a flange (64) protruding from its front part for fixing,—the flange (64) is provided with one or more holes (65) in it.

Abstract: A dual power pin connector assembly for connecting both a MIG welding gun and a spoolgun to a welding machine. The dual power pin connector is comprised of a busbar portion that electrically and mechanically couples the positive output terminal of the welding machine power supply to a wire drive for the MIG welding gun. The connector is further comprised of an integral quick release assembly/clamping portion that electrically and mechanically connects the positive power supply terminal to a power supply cable for the spoolgun. The clamping portion receives and retains a power pin coupled to one end of the spoolgun power cable in a receptacle that is manually tightened and loosened.

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: An improved liner for protecting an electrode wire within a body of a welding torch. The liner includes a liner retainer, which is removably coupled to a liner insert. The liner retainer is secured to a distal end of the welding torch and the liner insert is inserted and coupled to the liner retainer through a proximal end of the welding torch.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding implement. The welding implement having a neck, a handle and a retaining nut for securing the neck to the handle. The neck being operable to convey electrode wire therethrough. The retaining nut being adapted for wrench-tightening to a threaded portion of the welding implement. An optional retaining nut operator. The optional retaining nut operator being adapted to secure to the retaining nut. The optional retaining nut operator being adapted for manual rotation to thread the retaining nut to the threaded portion of the welding implement. The optional retaining nut operator may be adapted to snap-fit onto the retaining nut. The optional retaining nut operator may include an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may include a polymer.

Abstract: A spool gun having a quick connector connectable to an electrical power source and a gas source is disclosed. A connection line extends from the spool gun and is attached to a connector. The connector both fluidly connects the spool gun to a shielding gas source and electrically connects the spool gun to a power source constructed to generate a welding-type power. Such a spool gun is quickly and efficiently connectable to the gas and power systems required for performing welding processes.

Abstract: A welding gun having a swivel coupling joining the posterior end of the gun to the handle thereby allowing the handle and gooseneck to be rotated without having to rotate the posterior end of the gun and the wire cable feed line, the swivel coupling providing a conduit for welding gun wires and hoses and limiting the rotational range of the handle, thereby reducing stress to the wires and hoses.

Abstract: A torch cable in which both the electrical connection and the pneumatic connection can be made concurrently in one motion by coupling the end of the torch cable to the exterior of the supply unit. The coupling further includes a quick disconnect feature. The torch cable coupling is simple and inexpensive, using standard off-the-shelf components. The end of the cable comprises various components that are overmolded to form an electrically insulative body, e.g., made of urethane rubber compound. This molded body incorporates strain relief, is water resistant, protects the electrical plug, and stabilizes the electrical contacts. Gas, power and control are combined in one assembly. The pneumatic quick disconnect coupling is used as a latching mechanism for the entire assembly. The torch cable can be disconnected from the supply unit by simply releasing the quick disconnect coupling and then pulling the end of the torch cable away from the supply unit.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding gun with a handle. The handle has a first end and a second end. The handle may be operable to receive a welding cable from a first and a second direction, respectively. The handle may be operable to position a trigger in any one of four quadrants of the handle. The handle may increase in cross-sectional area in each direction from a gripping portion located between the first and second ends towards the first and second ends.

Abstract: A housing for a cable adapter assembly is featured. The housing may comprise a plurality of pieces that may be secured together, each piece forming a portion of the housing. The housing also may comprise a single piece having portions that are secured to each other around the welding cable adapter to form the housing. The single piece housing may be hinged. The housing may house a welding cable connector and the welding cable adapter. A method of converting a welding cable connector from one type of connector to another also is featured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for connecting welding torch, more particularly, it relates to the socket-like connecting member to be mounted on a welding apparatus.

Abstract: A welding gun comprising: an electrically conductive gun body having a passageway; a head tube assembly having one end inserted in the passageway of the gun body; a rotation nut that retains the head tube assembly in the inserted state when the rotation nut is threadably coupled to the gun body; and an electrically insulative ring installed between a portion of the gun body and an electrically conductive part of the head tube assembly. The electrically conductive gun body has a frusto-conical inner peripheral surface that is in contact with a frusto-conical outer peripheral surface of the electrically insulative ring. The rotation nut comprises an electrically conductive part that is threadably engaged to the electrically conductive gun body and that is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive portion of the head tube assembly.

Abstract: A quick disconnect for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a plug housing and a mating socket housing, a locking ring disposed around the plug housing secures the plug housing to the socket housing. A negative lead gas carrying pin is disposed within the plug housing, and a mating main power socket is disposed within the socket housing for the purpose of conducting both gas and electricity from a power supply to a plasma arc torch. Further, the negative lead gas carrying pin and mating main power socket are positioned off-center in order to provide additional volume for a plurality of signal conductors disposed within each housing, along with a pilot return conductor. Additionally, both the plug housing and the socket housing define a D-configuration in order to properly align the housings and conductors disposed therein, among other novel features of the present invention.

Abstract: A welding torch assembly includes a torch body, a plurality of quick connect fittings and an elongated electrically insulated handle. The torch body includes a plurality of utility supply lines extending from the torch body with one of the quick connect fittings coupled at an end of each of the utility supply lines. The handle is shaped to engage at least a portion of the torch body and extend over at least one of the fittings.

Abstract: A quick disconnect for use in a plasma arc torch is provided wherein a plurality of connections disposed therein are configured such that the connections break in a specific order when the quick disconnect is disengaged. Preferably, the quick disconnect comprises a plurality of signal pin connections, a pilot return connection, a fluid connection, and a main power connection. Accordingly, the signal pin connections break before the pilot return connection, the fluid connection, and the main power connection. Further, the pilot return connection breaks before the fluid connection and the main power connection, and the fluid connection breaks before the main power connection as the quick disconnect is disengaged. As a result, a safer quick disconnect in which both gas and electric power are conducted is provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A housing for a cable adapter assembly is featured. The housing may comprise a plurality of pieces that may be secured together, each piece forming a portion of the housing. The housing also may comprise a single piece having portions that are secured to each other around the welding cable adapter to form the housing. The single piece housing may be hinged. The housing may house a welding cable connector and the welding cable adapter. A method of converting a welding cable connector from one type of connector to another also is featured.

Abstract: A welding electrode holder 10 comprises a body portion 12, a cable holding section 14, a cable collet 16 and an electrode clamping section 18. An electrical cable 20 from a power supply is held in the cable holding section 14 which is inserted into the body portion 12. An electrode 22 is inserted into an opening 24 in the body portion 12 and is clamped between the electrode clamping section 18 and a clamping head 26 of the cable holding section 14. Current is supplied to the cable 20 and is passed to the electrode via the cable holding section (which is electrically conducting) to the electrode 22 for welding to be carried out.

Abstract: A sheath clamp for a welding torch, comprising a sleeve (5) having a spherical head (3) adapted to be inserted into a seat in the torch and a flange axially spaced from the head, with a collar (9) slidably mounted on the sleeve (5), and means for urging the collar (9) along the axis of the sleeve in order to clamp a sheath (2), fitted over the sleeve (5), against the flange (4). Preferably the collar (9) is provided with at least one inwardly protruding tooth (10), preferably two inner opposed teeth, and the sleeve has a reduced diameter portion between the flange (4) and the spherical head (3), which is bounded by inclined raised walls (7) which can be engaged by the tooth (10) of the collar (9), so that rotation of the ring causes an axial displacement of the collar along the sleeve (5).