Patent ID: 7041935

Claim:
A plasma arc torch lead extension for connecting the proximal end of a torch lead to a power supply, comprising: at least one conduit for conducting fluid and electrical power, the conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one distal connector member disposed at the distal end of the conduit, and being engageable with the proximal end of the torch lead; at least one proximal connector member disposed at the proximal end of the conduit, and being engageable with the power supply; and a spool-like member disposed between the distal connector member and the proximal connector member and defining a curved surface sized to receive at least a portion of the conduit, wherein the distance between the proximal and distal connector members may be decreased by wrapping at least a portion of the conduit at least partially around the curved surface, and wherein the distance between the proximal and distal connector members may be increased by unwrapping at least a portion of the conduit from the curved surface, and wherein fluid and electrical power are conducted between the power supply, the torch lead extension, and the torch lead when the proximal connector member is engaged with the power supply and the distal connector member is engaged with the proximal end of the torch lead.