Abstract: A device with a plasma torch with a rod-shaped non-consumable electrode which is held in a receiver, is connected with an electric connection and penetrates a nozzle which is in connection with a gas connection. In order to also enable the rapid and secure welding of difficult alloys it is provided that a further rod-shaped non-consumable electrode is disposed in the receiver which is made from an electrically non-conducting material, which further electrode also penetrates a nozzle which is in connection with a gas connection, with the two electrodes enclosing an acute angle and each being in connection with a separate voltage source supplying direct voltage pulses, the level of which exceeds at least the arc voltage of an arc between one of the electrodes and a counterelectrode which is associated with the same and connected with the same voltage source.

Abstract: A combined laser and plasma-arc welding torch, which joins features of separate laser and plasma-arc welding devices in a single tool. A laser beam is directed by an optic system to be co-linear with the central axis of a plasma-arc torch. The laser beam passes through a group of electrodes, whose longitudinal axes are disposed at acute angle to the torch central axis on the generatrix of a cone, the apex of which lies on the torch central axis close to the section plane of a constricting nozzle, and the base of which faces the main body of the torch. The distance between the central axis and the closest point of the electrode is less than the laser beam radius in a section which is perpendicular to the central axis and passes through this closest point. The distal ends of the electrodes are provided with heat accumulating bulbs and mechanism for individual protection by delivering a separate gas. The electrodes may be cathodes both, anodes, or, cathodes and anodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding together two silicon workpieces (20, 22) without the formation of cracks along the weld. In a first embodiment, current (34, 36) is passed through one or both of the workpieces to heat them to between 600 and 900° C. Then an electric, laser, or plasma welder (38, 40) passes along the seam (24) between the workpieces to weld them together. In a second embodiment, current (34) is passed through a plate (60), preferably formed of silicon, which either supports the workpieces or is brought into contact with at least one of them, whereby the workpieces are preheated prior to the welding operation.

Abstract: A plasma arc welding apparatus having a coaxial wire feed. The apparatus includes a plasma arc welding torch, a wire guide disposed coaxially inside of the plasma arc welding torch, and a hollow non-consumable electrode. The coaxial wire guide feeds non-electrified filler wire through the tip of the hollow non-consumable electrode during plasma arc welding. Non-electrified filler wires as small as 0.010 inches can be used. This invention allows precision control of the positioning and feeding of the filler wire during plasma arc welding. Since the non-electrified filler wire is fed coaxially through the center of the plasma arc torch's electrode and nozzle, the wire is automatically aimed at the optimum point in the weld zone. Therefore, there is no need for additional equipment to position and feed the filler wire from the side before or during welding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an exhaust processor comprising: a clamping device for applying a predetermined clamping pressure to clamp a case or other component of the exhaust processor about a substrate or other component of the exhaust processor to define a gap between the case and substrate; a measuring device for measuring a size of the gap during application of the predetermined clamping pressure, the measuring device including a clamping pressure control system for adjusting the predetermined clamping pressure of the clamping device in response to the gap measurement so that the gap size is within a predetermined range; and a welder for welding a portion of the case component to an other portion of the caset when the gap size is within the predetermined range. The measuring device also includes a camera for measuring the gap size.

Abstract: An energy storage system for use in a magnetic pulse welding and forming apparatus includes a bank of capacitors and a very-low inductance conductive bus system interconnecting the capacitors. The energy storage system further includes an energy source connected to the capacitors, a discharge device, a charging control device, and a discharge control device for selectively initiating discharge of energy stored in the capacitors. The discharge device includes a central electrode placed coaxially inside a ring electrode with an adjustable concentric gap, and an ignition electrode designed as a coaxial ring surrounding the central electrode. The central electrode can be movable, i.e. either rotatable or slidable relative to the bus system. To control the direction of movement of the plasma jet, the central electrode is provided with a central air path and tangential jets opening adjacent to the ignition electrode for organizing air flow through the discharge gap.

Abstract: A radial bearing and method for making the same are disclosed. Radial bearings are typically used in downhole motors to control the direction of drilling in directional drilling operations. The cuttings from the bit are carried away by the drilling fluid and flow across the surfaces of the bearings before being removed from the well. The cuttings will contain sand and other hard and/or corrosive substances that will erode the surfaces of the bearings and shorten their useful life. The bearing of this invention is provided with a wear resistant surface to inhibit such erosion.

Abstract: Hybrid welding process and unit for welding metal workpieces, such as tailored blanks, by using a laser beam and an electric arc, preferably a plasma arc, in which process, after a welded joint has been produced, the laser beam is sent and/or deflected into radiation absorption means, such as an absorption cavity, allowing the radiation of the said beam to be absorbed. The beam continues to be deflected during the welding stop phase after producing one welded joint and before starting to weld a second welded joint. The process and the unit of the invention are particularly suitable for the mass production of workpieces for the motor-vehicle industry, such as tailored blanks that can be used to manufacture, for example, motor-vehicle body components, or for the mass production of pipes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously cleaning and bonding a wire to a bonding surface is presented. In accordance with the invention, a gas is energized to form a plasma, which is then directed in a directional pressurized flow at the wire and bonding surface to form a dynamic plasma cleaning chamber bubble around the portion of the wire and bonding surface that are to be bonded together, and then the respective portions of the wire and bonding surface are bonded together within the plasma cleaning chamber bubble.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously cleaning and bonding a wire to a bonding surface is presented. In accordance with the invention, a gas is energized to form a plasma, which is then directed in a directional pressurized flow at the wire and bonding surface to form a dynamic plasma cleaning chamber bubble around the portion of the wire and bonding surface that are to be bonded together, and then the respective portions of the wire and bonding surface are bonded together within the plasma cleaning chamber bubble.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for improved arc initiation during Gas-Metal Arc welding. The unstable period at the arc start is a period when increased spatter is produced and increased fume is generated and defects such as unacceptable weld bead profiles, porosity and inadequate penetration occur. It has been observed that initiating the arc using a substantially higher average arc current and thereafter switching the power supply to a CV mode for the remainder of the Gas-Metal Arc welding operation decreases the arc initiation period and the instability produced during this arc start period. Initiating the arc using a CC supply and then dynamically switching on-line the power supply to CV operation provides a means of decreasing the arc initiation period and the amount of instability produced during the arc initiation period. Power supplies for Gas-Metal Arc welding and other applications requiring on-line switching between CC and CV are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic plant for cutting or welding by gas jet, especially by plasma jet, comprising a torch (T), a first pilot-gas line (L1), a second cutting- or welding-gas line (L2), control means (MP), first means (MR1) for adjusting the pressure of the pilot gas in the line (L1) and second means (MR2) for adjusting the pressure of the gas in the line (L2). The first adjustment means (MR1) are fitted in the line (L1) and controlled by control means (MP). A pneumatic control line (LP) pneumatically connects the line (L1) to the adjustment means (MR2) in order to enable the pressure of the cutting or welding gas to be adjusted in the second line (L2) on the basis of the pressure of the pilot gas in the line (L1), by acting on said second adjustment means (MR2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding together two silicon workpieces (20, 22) without the formation of cracks along the weld. In a first embodiment, current (34, 36) is passed through one or both of the workpieces to heat them to between 600 and 900° C. Then an electric or plasma welder (38, 40) passes along the seam (24) between the workpieces to weld them together. In a second embodiment, current (34) is passed through a silicon plate (60) which either supports the workpieces or is brought into contact with at least one of them, whereby the workpieces are preheated prior to the welding operation.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes a housing having a nozzle at one end with a central orifice. An electrode extends into the orifice for producing a plasma arc. A port is disposed in the nozzle adjacent the orifice for injecting powder into the arc. The port includes an outlet, an inlet, and a reniform manifold extending therebetween for laterally distributing the powder about the nozzle orifice. In this way, the powder may be carried to the torch underwater and is distributed circumferentially about the plasma arc while simultaneously diffusing its carrier gas.

Abstract: A plasma arc welding for effectively letting gases of low boiling point substances for coating a steel sheet escape, ensuring the escape of a molten metal into gaps between the steel sheets and eventually accomplishing satisfactory plasma arc welding. A hole (31) is first bored in an upper sheet (21)(or both upper and lower sheets (21 and 22)) quickly by using a plasma arc (20) having greater power than an appropriate welding value, and a vapor of coating substances is allowed to escape through the hole (31). Subsequently, power of the plasma arc (20) is lowered to the appropriate welding value, and the upper sheet (21) and the lower sheet (22) are welded together while a filler (9) is being supplied to fill the hole (31) and the gap (23). While boring is made or immediately after boring is finished, the size of the gap (23) is measured on the basis of the plasma arc voltage, and the feed quantity of the filler (9) is controlled in accordance with the size of the gap (23).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding/plasma power is disclosed. The welding/plasma power source includes an input stage, an output stage, and an energy storage device such as a capacitor. The input stage is configured to receive an ac input signal and to rectify the ac input signal to provide a rectified intermediate signal. The input stage is further configured to provide a dc voltage signal across a dc bus. The output stage is disposed to receive the dc voltage signal and is configured to provide an available output power signal suitable for welding, plasma cutting and induction heating applications. The energy storage device is connected to provide sufficient stored energy to the dc bus to allow the welding/plasma power source to run off of a generator.

Abstract: A plasma welding torch comprises a non-consumable electrode arranged in a chamber provided in the torch and having a free flat end face extending substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the electrode and having a diameter of 15% to 35% of the maximum diameter of the electrode. An inlet port leads to the chamber for delivering a plasma gas thereto, and an outlet port leads from the chamber to an orifice at an outer end of the outlet port, the outlet port having an interior wall, the electrode having a free tapering end section reaching at least to the outer end of the outlet port, and the interior wall of the outlet port being spaced from, and surrounding, the free tapering end section of the electrode and extending to the orifice substantially parallel to the tapering end section of the electrode.

Abstract: In splicing optical fibers using an electric glow discharge generated between electrodes, the electric power in the glow discharge is maintained constant at varying ambient conditions, such as a varying atmospheric pressure. A signal representing the welding voltage is tapped at the middle terminal of a voltage divider circuit, and a signal representing the welding current is produced over a resistor. The signals are inputs to a multiplying circuit, the output signal of which is fed to one input of a comparator. A reference voltage is fed to the other input of the comparator. The error voltage from the comparator is an input signal to a control circuit providing a control signal to circuits for generating the voltage between the electrodes.

Abstract: A torch angle setting apparatus includes vertical links arranged in a vertical direction, the respective lower end of which is supported on a frame so as to be pivotally rotatable, and coupled with horizontal links at an upper end and an intermediate position of the vertical links for constituting a three-dimensionally parallel link. The torch angle setting apparatus also includes an inclining member constituted of a motor, an arm and a transmission member for inclining the vertical links by pivotally rotating the arm, a swinging member constituted of a swinging motor, a conducting member, splines for, including the inclining member, swinging conically the vertical links on fulcrums at the frame as a center, and a cutting torch moving in parallel to the vertical links.

Abstract: A method of brazing, with the use of a plasma forming device (1) having a non-consumable electrode (2), comprises the following steps of operation. A first gas is supplied to said plasma forming device (1). A plasma flow is formed of said first gas by applying a voltage between said electrode (2) and an electrical terminal (7). The plasma flow is directed towards a work piece (7). Braze material (10) to be melted by said plasma flow is provided. Furthermore, a second gas may be supplied for shielding said plasma flow from the surrounding atmosphere. At least one of said first and second gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.

Abstract: Focused laser light and plasma arc are coaxially disposed to provide a laser machining head which performs a high precision and efficient machining, by reinforcing laser light with plasma arc to form a versatile heat source. For this purpose, in a tip part 6 of a laser machining head 10 having optical systems 4 and 5 for focusing a laser light 11 oscillated by a laser oscillator 1, a plasma machining head 20 is mounted coaxially with the optical systems 4 and 5. The plasma machining head 20 is provided with electrode nozzles 24 and 25 connected to a plasma apparatus 15 and a working gas supply passage 19 connected to the electrode nozzles 24 and 25 so that the laser light 11 and a plasma arc 28 are irradiated towards a same machining position 14 of a machined part 13.