US Patent 9302341 Welding contact tip with conductive brush

A contact tip is provided for wire welding applications. The contact tip includes one or more conductive brushes fitted to a conductive contact tip body. Fibers of the brush extend into a passageway traversed by welding wire in operation. Electrical current is transmitted to the brush assembly and through the brush fibers to the welding wire. The fibers may transmit the current directly and also may enhance contact of the welding wire with one or more walls of the contact tip. Improved electrical contact and weld quality are obtained.