Patent ID: 9545686
Date: 2017-01-17
CPC Classifications: B23K

Claim:
1. An arc welding apparatus comprising: a conductor tube defining an internal passageway and a distal end portion, the internal passageway having an internal profile proximate the distal end portion; an alignment device comprising an exterior profile and an internal passage, the exterior profile being configured for mechanical attachment to the internal profile of the conductor tube, the internal passage having a tapered profile whereby a diameter of the internal passage at a proximal end portion is larger than a diameter of the internal passage at a distal end portion, and wherein the exterior profile of the alignment device includes a plurality of cam locking parts separated one from another by a gas port extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion of the alignment device, wherein the internal profile of the conductor tube includes an engaging portion configured to engage one or more of the plurality of cam locking parts to retain the alignment device within the conductor tube; and a conduit liner disposed in the internal passageway of the conductor tube and the alignment device and terminating proximate the distal end of the conductor tube.