Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a welding torch independently along two axes. A torch support is provided to carry a welding torch or the like, and a motor is operatively coupled to position the torch support along a first path of travel relative to the weld joint. Another motor is operatively coupled to position the torch along a second path of travel orthogonal to the first path of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking a welding electrode (22) within a weld groove (12). As the welding arc struck between the electrode (22) and the workpiece (16) is oscillated laterally (14) within the groove means (28 and 30) are provided for supplying an indication of both the voltage drop between the electrode and the side wall of the groove as the arc approaches the side wall, and the width of the excursion of the arc from the center of oscillation to the point where the voltage is measured. The center of oscillation is then adjusted as a function of the measured width and voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting within a nuclear power plant horizontal separation of the vertically-extending cylindrical wall of the shell of a steam generator by an accurate cutting technique that generates a weld accommodating profile in preparation for subsequent rejoining. This is attained by progressive installation of horizontal hinged-section tension band assemblies around the shell, adding vertical anchor members clamped to the bands at circumferential intervals therearound, hanging and locking track support brackets onto the anchor members, assembly of a multiple-section rigidized circular track onto the support brackets and around the shell, vertically and radially adjusting and locking the track in place, roller mounting a carriage-supported milling machine assembly on the track, and taking a series of tapered milling cuts in the shell wall while the milling machine assembly is moved along the track by use of gear teeth thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapid and automatic welding of joints which interconnect sections of pipe, and in particular oil or gas transmission pipe. The system includes at least one torch transport assembly which simultaneously moves one or more welding torches along a path parallel to the joint being welded. Selected operating parameters such as preheating power for the filler wire, of each welding torch are adjusted to accurately position each torch with respect to the joint, and to repeatably provide programmed welding parameters resulting in a uniform joint weld. The present system is disclosed in the context of hot-wire gas-tungsten arc welding torches.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid and automatic welding of joints which interconnect sections of pipe, and in particular oil or gas transmission pipe. The system includes at least one torch transport assembly which simultaneously moves a plural number of welding torches along a path parallel to the pipe joint being welded. The torch transport assembly includes track segments which surround circumferential portions of the pipe joint, with a welding torch carrier and multiple torches being independently movable along each track segment. The torch transport assembly is mounted on a support apparatus which is rigidly clamped to the pipe sections during welding, and which permits the torch transport assembly to be rapidly positioned in rough alignment with a pipe joint. The torch transport assembly and selected operating parameters of each welding torch are adjusted to accurately position each torch with respect to the pipe joint, and to repeatably provide programmed welding parameters resulting in a uniform pipe joint weld.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid and automatic welding of joints which interconnect sections of pipe, and in particular oil or gas transmission pipe. The system includes at least one torch transport assembly which simultaneously moves a plural number of welding torches along a path parallel to the pipe joint being welded. The torch transport assembly includes track segments which surround circumferential portions of the pipe joint, with a welding torch carrier and multiple torches being independently movable along each track segment. The torch transport assembly is mounted on a support apparatus which is rigidly clamped to the pipe sections during welding, and which permits the torch transport assembly to be rapidly positioned in rough alignment with a pipe joint. The torch transport assembly and selected operating parameters of each welding torch are adjusted to accurately position each torch with respect to the pipe joint, and to repeatably provide programmed welding parameters resulting in a uniform pipe joint weld.

Abstract: A welding torch assembly including a torch base, and a torch body which can be rapidly removed from the torch base and replaced without the use of tools, and without separately disconnecting welding current, coolant, or shielding gas lines.

Abstract: Filler wire spool support for welding applications in which filler wire is supplied to a weld puddle. The present spool support apparatus is readily manipulated to replace the filler wire spool without the use of tools.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid and automatic welding of joints which interconnect sections of pipe, and in particular oil or gas transmission pipe. The system includes at least one torch transport assembly which simultaneously moves a plural number of welding torches along a path parallel to the pipe joint being welded. The torch transport assembly includes track segments which surround circumferential portions of the pipe joint, with a welding torch carrier and multiple torches being independently movable along each track segment. The torch transport assembly is mounted on a support apparatus which is rigidly clamped to the pipe sections during welding, and which permits the torch transport assembly to be rapidly positioned in rough alignment with a pipe joint. The torch transport assembly and selected operating parameters of each welding torch are adjusted to accurately position each torch with respect to the pipe joint, and to repeatably provide programmed welding parameters resulting in a uniform pipe joint weld.