Electrode extension device for use in welding systems

A welding apparatus, comprising:

• welding contact tip device configured to receive at least one consumable welding electrode therein, wherein the welding contact tip device comprises:
• a first region that attaches to a welding head;
• and
• a second region that attaches to an electrode extension device, wherein the second region further includes a plurality of grooves formed thereon at predetermined locations;
• and
• the electrode extension device, wherein the electrode extension device is configured to attach to the welding contact tip device, and wherein the electrode extension device includes:
• an upper portion having a predetermined length and a predetermined diameter, wherein the upper portion is configured to create an electrically insulating barrier between the electrode extension device and the welding contact tip device, and wherein the upper portion of the electrode extension device further includes:
• a plurality of apertures formed therein at predetermined locations;
• an electrically non-conductive spherical bearing inserted into each aperture in the plurality of apertures such that a portion of each non-conductive spherical bearing extends a predetermined distance out of each aperture;
• and
• a cylindrical sleeve positioned around the upper portion of the electrode extension device to cover the apertures and bearings;
• and
• a lower portion having a predetermined length, wherein the lower portion is configured to receive the at least one consumable welding electrode therein.

A welding apparatus, comprising:

• a welding contact tip device configured to receive at least one consumable welding electrode therein, wherein the welding contact tip device comprises:
• a first region configured to attach to a welding head;
• and
• a second region configured to attach to an electrode extension device, wherein the second region further includes a plurality of grooves formed thereon at predetermined locations;
• and
• the electrode extension device, wherein the electrode extension device is configured to attach to the welding contact tip, and wherein the electrode extension device includes:
• an upper portion having a predetermined length and a predetermined diameter, wherein the upper portion is configured to create an electrically insulating barrier between the electrode extension device and the welding contact tip device, and wherein the upper portion further includes:
• a plurality of apertures formed therein at predetermined locations;
• an electrically non-conductive spherical bearing inserted into each aperture in the plurality of apertures such that a portion of each non-conductive spherical bearing extends a predetermined distance out of each aperture;
• and
• a cylindrical sleeve positioned around the upper portion of the electrode extension device to cover the apertures and bearings;
• and
• a lower portion having a predetermined length, wherein the lower portion is configured to receive the at least one consumable welding electrode therein;
• and
• a middle portion positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion, wherein the middle portion is greater in diameter than the upper portion and includes a predetermined geometry.