Abstract: A plant for welding automotive vehicle bodies that are conveyed in succession in an assembly line to a single processing station having equipment for positioning, holding and welding different types of automotive bodies, a pair of opposed stationary frames pivotally supporting elongate members, which in turn rotatably support tool supporting units, each of which carries a plurality of tool assemblies. The elongate members pivot normal to the assembly line path to place the tool supporting units in and out of operating position; and the tool assemblies are revolvable about the rotatable tool supporting units to select one of the tool assemblies for a particular vehicle body type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for automatically joining and matching assemblies consisting of several components each and retained on a workpiece carrier (4) in a transfer line with retoolable machining stations (3). In the machining station (3), the assembly components are first taken off the workpiece carrier, brought into the joining position relative to each other, retained there and machined, in particular tacked or finish-welded. To carry out these various activities and to make the machining station highly flexible, the latter has several tool carriers (22, 23) which can move in at least three axes. The tool carriers (22, 23) are each disposed in a parallel plane above or below the workpiece carrier (4) so they can travel freely. The tool carriers (22, 23) support individual tools which they can change automatically at stationary or movable tool magazines (31, 33, 34).

Abstract: The apparatus, for manufacturing building panels for construction walls with antiseismic and thermoacoustic insulation characteristics, includes a horizontal table for assembling a panel formed by at least one layer of insulating material and by a pair of metal grids associated with the opposite faces of said insulating layer, means for advancing said panel step by step to a station for inserting, cutting and welding connecting elements of said metal grids. The inserting and welding station includes means adapted to insert the connecting elements transversely to the insulating layer, lower welding means adapted to weld the connecting elements, which pass through the insulating layer, to the lower metal grid of the panel, means for cutting the connecting elements at the upper metal grid of the panel, and upper welding means adapted to weld the cut connecting elements to the upper metal grid of the panel.

Abstract: Apparatus for welding motor vehicle bodies which have previously been assembled loosely comprises a station for the forming and welding of the body, a conveyor line for transporting the loosely preassembled bodies to the station, at least two pairs of forming frames situated at the two sides of the station, each pair of forming frames being provided with positioning devices engageable with the body and adapted to the specific geometric shape of particular type of body, forming-frame conveyor means for bringing a pair of forming frames corresponding to the type of body which is in the welding station into correspondence with an operative position in the welding station from time to time, and at least one welding device for welding the body. At least one drum which can rotate about an axis parallel to the length of the welding station and carries on its periphery a plurality of forming frames suitable for various types of body is provided on each side of the conveyor line.

Abstract: An advanced parallel seam-sealing system which includes a control console, computer deck, electronic keyboard and welding robot for automatically sealing electronic and other component packages. The welding robot is designed to have seven (7) degrees of motion. Parallel arms having roller electrodes move independent of each other in horizontal and rotational directions to continuously operate on a package or matrix of packages which are supported on a rotary table that has vertical, longitudinal and rotary motion.Six of the motions are driven through computer programmed commands and the vertical rotary table motion is electromechanically controlled and represents the seventh degree of motion. The multiple degrees of freedom allow the system to be used for sealing of multiple arrays of packages by this parallel seam-sealing technique, in a reliable, precise and fast operation.

Abstract: Can bodies (1) rounded around an arm (16) are taken over by endless conveying tracks (30;50). These are each guided over guide devices (32;52) and a drive wheel (33;53) and each comprise a run parallel to the arm (16) in order to convey the can bodies (1) along the arm (16) in the direction of a welding station (70). The guide devices (32;52) are mounted on track carriers (26;46) and form, together with these and the associated conveying track (30;50), units adapted to the length of the can bodies and interchangeable as a whole. These units are each secured to a sliding carriage (22;42) which is adjustable at least substantially radially to the arm (16).

Abstract: A device for positioning tentering frames into association with a workpiece which is being assembled along a transfer line which has a working station includes a movable guiding section which extends substantially perpendicular to the transfer line at the working station on each side of the transfer line at the working station on each side of the transfer line. The movable guiding section includes a sliding platform which is movable therealong on each side of the transfer line and which has a portion facing the assembly line with means for engaging respective tentering frames. At least two guide members or guidings are arranged on each side of the transfer line and in spaced relationship to each other so that they extend substantially parallel to the transfer line. Each guiding carries at least three tentering frames which are movable therealong into association with the platforms.

Abstract: Apparatus for the feeding of transverse wires from a feed position to the welding line of a grid welding machine has at least one nozzle (9) which is directed towards the welding line, and which can be supplied with compressed air in time with the welding cycle. Parallel guides (5, 6) lead out from the nozzle, bounding either side of the transverse wire feed path, but ending ahead of the region of the welding electrodes. There are provided, in the region of the welding electrodes (1, 2), devices (11) preferably designed as magnets, for the catching and holding of the respectively fed transverse wire at the welding line. Conveyance with compressed air means that mechanical parts engaging in the welding area and susceptible to faults are avoided and at the same time changing of the longitudinal pitch of the transverse wires is facilitated.

Abstract: An automatic system for the production of metal sheet bodies, preferably car metal bodies, which is composed of a plurality of forming-welding assemblies contained in stores so that they can be preselected and carried each in correspondence with an assembly station where the body components are fed, handled and assembled by means of welding through the intervention of a pair of such assemblies respectively positioned on opposite sides of the body.

Abstract: Two endless flexible conveying strands (22, 24) run, parallel to one another, over a drive mechanism (26, 28), a guide mechanism (30, 32, 34) and a conveying track for the body blanks (10). The two conveying strands (22, 24) are displaceable in relation to one another to a limited extent in their longitudinal direction in operation. Pusher dogs (46, 48) are secured one behind the other to the conveying strands (22, 24) with equal spacing so that situated opposite each pusher dog (46) on one conveying strand (22) is a pusher dog (48) on the other conveying strand (24) so that these two associated pusher dogs together push a can body blank (10) over the conveying track to a welding apparatus (20). The pusher dogs (46, 48) each have a lateral projection (50, 52). Disposed on the conveying track, upstream of the welding apparatus (20), at a distance from this which coincides at least approximately to the length of the can body blanks (10), is a pair of adjusting templates (62, 64).

Abstract: A resistance welding apparatus (10) is disclosed which is particularly adapted for use in welding parts (27) into the interior surface of a metal tube (17) in a pre-determined pattern obtained by longitudinal and rotational indexing of the tube. An elongated electrode arm (20) extends into the tube and has a feed track (35) attached thereto through which the metal pieces (27) to be welded are moved down the length of the electrode arm (20). The other end of the electrode arm (20) is rigidly connected to a mount (21) and is electrically insulated therefrom. At the end of the feed track (35), a lever (61) aligns the lead metal piece so as to be at the same level as an end support (43), and a pusher lug (41) advances the metal piece to the end support (43). A piston (46) carried by the end support and acting against the inside wall of the tube moves the end support (43) transversely of the electrical arm to bring the piece (27) to be welded into pressure contact with the inside of the tube (17).

Abstract: A projection welder for welding a nut to one side of a work has a movable upper electrode and a stationary lower electrode provided with a removable electrode tip for receiving and holding thereon the nut against which the work is urged by the upper electrode so that the work and the nut are welded together. A tubular nut-centering pin projects upwardly from the upper surface of the electrode tip and is axially aligned with the upper and lower electrodes to receive the nut such that the pin engages with a threaded hole in the nut whereby the nut thus received on the nut-centering pin is centered relative to the upper and lower electrodes. The nut-centering pin has an axial through-hole connected to an air source under pressure so that air can be fed under pressure to portions of the work and nut being welded.

Abstract: On a machine for welding the longitudinal edges (12,14) of rounded body blanks (10), two groups of movable guide elements (36), which exert radial guiding forces on the blanks (10), are arranged lying opposite one another with respect to the blanks. The guide elements (36) of each of the two groups are secured to an endless chain (38). Each of these chains (38) has a chain strand extending in the direction of movement (axis A) of the blanks (10), which strand is supported by a rail (52) at both sides of a welding plane (B) containing the welding zone and normal to the direction of movement of the blanks (10). The guide elements (36) move through the welding plane (B) with the blanks (10). As a result, shock-like actions on the blanks (10) in the vicinity of the welding plane (B) are avoided; consequently, the longitudinal edges (12,14) can be welded together particularly evenly, particularly by means of a laser beam.

Abstract: For welding tongues (12) onto sheet-metal parts (10), particularly tear-open can parts, a welding machine having at least one pair of welding electrodes (62, 63) is provided. The sheet-metal parts (10) can be moved through the machine steps between the welding electrodes (62, 63), one behind the other, by a sheet-metal conveyor (15) and be located in a defined position by a positioning device (17). The tongues (12) can each be placed against a sheet-metal part (10) between the welding electrodes (62, 63) in synchronism with the working cycle of the sheet-metal conveyor (15) by a tongue conveyor (18).

Abstract: A touch-up welding apparatus for welding such portions of a motorcar body which remain unwelded after the body has passed along a main welding portion of an assembly line. Plural welding gun magazines holding differing welding guns are disposed along side of a welding station into which the motorcar body is positioned. A framework surrounds the welding station and supports the main body of a welding robot which is movable laterally and longitudinally of the station. A turnable, swingable wrist portion is provided on a lower end of an upwardly and downwardly movable robot arm attached to the robot main body. The differing welding guns may be selectively attached to the wrist portion and moved about the motorcar body as desired to weld the remaining unwelded portions thereof.

Abstract: An arrangement for bimetallic contacts, especially bimetallic welded contacts, in which wires of metals having different conductivity, e.g. silver and iron, are butt-welded with one another by electrical resistance welding without noticeable deformation of the connecting point. The wires are then sheared off at both sides of the connecting point. The bimetallic pins are formed by cold-pressing to the final bimetallic contacts whose head cross-sections are larger than the possibly different cross-sections of the wires for the manufacture.

Abstract: Sheet-metal members (10), particularly tear-open can members, can be moved rhythmically, one behind the other, through a welding station (19) by a sheet-metal conveyor (15) and located in a defined position (17) in the welding station (19) by a positioning device (17). A prestamped tongue (12) can be punched-off from a sheet-metal strip (58) each time by a punch (60) over one of a plurality of receivers (52) on a tongue conveyor (18). The receivers (52) can be moved in succession out of the range of action of the punch (60) into the welding station (19) as a result of which the tongues (12) can each be laid against a sheet-metal member (10) in the welding station (19) in time with the sheet-metal conveyor (15). The punch (60) for punching off the tongues (12) is preceded by a prestamping device (82) which impresses markings (84) in the sheet-metal strip (58) at fixed distances from the tongues (12).

Abstract: In a system for the automatic welding of motor vehicle bodies, adapted to operate on at least two different types of body, the parts of a loosely preassembled body accurately positioned, in order to be welded by programmable welding robots, by means of positioning tools carried by side gates located on both sides of the conveyor line for the bodies. At least two pairs of side gates are provided having positioning tools corresponding to two different types of body. The side gates are movable on guide means provided on the two sides of the conveyor line to allow the rapid replacement of the pair of side gates in the operative position at the welding station, in dependence on the type of body to be welded.

Abstract: Different car body parts needed for a complete main body are preworked at a subassembly station and then are releasably attached to corresponding jig units, each unit having a universal frame on which is mounted a set of special jigs conforming to the kind and type of car body being produced. Each jig unit is moved by an independent conveyor to a main assembly station where it is transferred to a corresponding positioning device. Each positioning device then moves its respective jig unit from a first position to a second position predetermined so as to place the different body parts in proper juxtaposed relation for welding by automatic welding devices. Upon welding, the jig units are released from all of the body parts except the under body, are retracted by their respective positioning devices, and are transferred back to their individual conveyors for return to the subassembly station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a circumferential seam weld in surrounding relationship to a cylindrical workpiece. The workpiece is moved continuously along a work path at a preselected velocity, and is simultaneously supported for free rotation about its longitudinal central axis. The workpiece moves into engagement with opposed surfaces defined by a pair of electrodes, one of which moves relative to the other and relative to the workpiece for causing rotation of the workpiece through approximately one-half revolution, whereby the two electrodes simultaneously form two welds which are about 180.degree. apart and which may individually extend up to a total angle of rotation of about 180.degree., or slightly in excess thereof, so that the welds overlap.

Abstract: An automatic assembly and welding system is provided for carrying out the building of various shaped sheet metal members, particularly motor vehicle bodies. The system comprises a single welding station, horizontal conveyor means for conveying vehicle frames to the welding station, and a pair of endless vertical conveyor mechanisms located on opposite sides of the welding station. The vertical conveyor mechanisms are capable of selectively bringing to a vertically oriented position adjacent the welding station and removing from the welding station various different automotive frames or body members to enable a continuous circulation of the body members along a path established by the vertical conveyor mechanism operating to repeatedly deliver new body members to the welding station.

Abstract: An automatic welding and annealing machine and specifically a machine for producing unique piston connecting rod assemblies utilized in compressors used in automotive air conditioning systems. The parts produced by this machine are comprised of a rod approximately one-quarter of one inch in diameter and one and three-quarters inch long to which steel balls of approximately one-half inch diameter are welded at each end. These parts are to be used as connecting rods for variable displacement piston pumps. The machine incorporates feeding mechanisms for feeding the separate parts to the welding station and then to the annealing station and also includes a laser inspection apparatus for checking the dimensions of the rods and of the welded and annealed parts, to see that they are within set tolerances. Measuring devices are also provided for monitoring and controlling the electric currents and forces used during welding and annealing of the parts.

Abstract: A unit for assembly of an approximately plane, large-sized motor vehicle body element of the type including a plurality of work stations (P1-P6) between which the element is successively transferred by a lengthwise transfer device (12), wherein at each work station the body element is located in a plane (PC) forming a predetermined angle (.alpha.) in relation to the horizontal plane on which the assembly unit rests. The lengthwise transfer device (12) includes a transfer mechanism with drive bars located in a plane (PT) forming a predetermined angle (.alpha.') in relation to the horizontal plane equal to the predetermined angle.

Abstract: Additional welding apparatus for welding the component parts of a temporarily spot-welded assembled motorcar body. The additional welding apparatus includes a first welding station and a second welding station. At the first welding station are front and rear pairs of under-portion welding robots positioned on floor surface surrounding the motorcar body, a machine frame extending laterally over the motorcar body, and opening portion welding robots suspended from the machine frame for welding the peripheral edges of opening portions in the respective component parts of the motorcar body. At the second welding station are a pair of further under portion welding robots positioned on the floor surrounding the welding station and a pair of upper portion welding robots suspended from a second machine frame extending laterally over the second welding station.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assembling a front fender apron, a radiator support and a dash panel into a front under portion of a vehicle body with the use of transfer machines and automatic welding equipments.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a motorcar body from the component parts of a floor panel, a roof panel and side panels. A set carrier can reciprocate between a setting station and a welding station having a welding jig mechanism including welders. The set carrier has floor panel holding members for positioning and holding the floor panel and side panel holding members for pressing the side panels against and fixing the side panels to the floor panel, with the roof panel solely being held between receiving upper edges of the side panels. The thus-formed and held predetermined car body framework is conveyed to the welding station on the set carrier and is there transferred as-is to the welding jig mechanism to be welded.

Abstract: Grid bodies which consist of two parallel plane grid mats of longitudinal and transverse wires crossing one another and welded together at the points of cross, and of spacer wires, which hold the mats spaced apart and which are welded at each end to one wire of one of the two grid mats, are produced in a continuous method and in such a way that if necessary an insulating core may be introduced into the grid body during its production. For this purpose two widths (3,4) of grid matting are drawn off in steps from stock coils (1,2), straightened and arranged at a distance apart. Simultaneously a number of wires (22,23) are drawn off in steps from stock coils (20,21), straightened and introduced through one (3) of the widths (3,4) of grid matting from the side into the gap between the widths of grid matting, welded to one wire in each width of grid and separated from the wire stock.

Abstract: A body assembly system for accurately locating and welding multiple component parts of different vehicle bodies and to interfix their assembled relation at a framing station wherein more than three pairs of interchangeable gates can be employed at a single framing station having programmable welding means adapted to accommodate different body styles associated with the various sets of gates. Means are provided for retrieving, storing and exchanging either pair of end gates of a three pair system while the other end pair is in use at the framing station thereby expanding the versatility of the previous system to accommodate five or more pairs of gates.

Abstract: A car body side aperture assembly system for welding together multiple component parts of side apertures for different vehicle bodies at successive framing and respot welding stations. Overhead conveyor carriers each with laterally spaced racks for supporting loosely mounted component parts for left and right side apertures move into station position over selectively positioned framing station fixtures for accurately locating the component parts in required relation. Programmable robot welders produce different pretack welds at successive framing stations as well as respot welds at intermediate stations as required for different side apertures. The system includes means for selectively shuttling framing station pallets each with outwardly expandable fixtures having tooling for locating the multiple component parts of a particular side aperture at each framing station.

Abstract: In the method of welding open web steel joists a chord member is formed by bending a web in an undulating configuration. The chord is welded to the webs by simultaneously clamping and resistance welding to form four welds. The weld current is applied by a series of time controlled intermittent impulses of electrical current. The weld electrodes used are of unequal resistance so as to balance the heat generated.

Abstract: A method of transporting can bodies for a fully automated resistance welding machine comprising a roll former station for rolling the bodies, two successively arranged driven transport systems, and a pair of welding electrodes. The transport systems comprise endless, revolving chains equipped with fixed catches or cams and defining first and second chains. The first chain passes through the roll former station where, during rolling of the blanks into the can bodies, it cyclically and periodically remains at least approximately stationary, whereas the second chain has a sinusoidal velocity course. The can bodies exposed to the intermittent non-continuous mode of operation of the first chain, necessitated by the roll forming operation, are transferred to the second chain and experience a movement which is stabilizing for the can bodies.

Abstract: Welding apparatus for a motorcar body comprising a pair of welding jig units positioned on opposing sides of a combining station which are movable laterally for positioning and holding thereon side panels of the body and a carrier movable between the combining station and a setting station for positioning and holding thereon the floor panel and the roof panel of the motorcar body. The structures of the carrier and the welding jig units are disclosed. Each welding jig unit can be turnable between an inwardly facing position and an outwardly facing one.

Abstract: An exchanging apparatus for exchanging welding jig units of an automatic welding apparatus on an assembly line. The automatic welding apparatus includes a combining station where a work to be assembled is combined and welded by detachable welding jig units, and a set carrier for moving the work along a conveying railway to and from the combining station. The exchanging apparatus comprises an exchanging railway which crosses the conveying railway through a switch mechanism and at least two exchanging carriers, each having thereon a gripping means for gripping a welding jig unit. Each of the above carriers is mounted on a plurality of wheels, each of which is turnable about a fixed vertical shaft on the respective carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating metal trusses having spaced preformed chord members of generally longitudinal predetermined length and cross-section joined by at least one preformed supporting web member of predetermined length and cross-section by electrically resistance welding together the chord and web member at a common region of contact with the chord member having a smaller cross-sectional area than the web member at the common region of contact. A device includes in to place a station for cleaning the chord and web members, means for moving the clean chord and web members to an assembly station for assembling the chord members in spaced relation joined by the web member. A device for passing the assembled truss along a support to the electrical resistance welder having opposed first and second electrodes of unequal resistance and adapted to releasably clamp the chord and web members respectively at the common region of contact.

Abstract: Metallic pieces of predetermined shape, e.g., anodes, are continuously manufactured from molten metal, e.g., impure molten copper, by continuously casting the molten metal in an inclined molding cavity (13) formed by two endless moving belts (14) and (15) and by two moving side dams (20) and (21) so as to produce a hot metallic strip (4), and by cutting the hot strip, when it has left the molding cavity, with at least one plasma torch (10) along a profile (27) such that anodes (11) with a low waste coefficient are obtained. In this way, flat copper anodes with a thickness of between 40 and 50 mm can be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling the component parts of a cover for an electrochemical cell into a cover assembly and for welding the assembly, the apparatus including a carousel having a plurality of equally spaced receptacles, an equal number of equally spaced stations around the carousel, a drive for intermittently turning the carousel to advance the receptacles to each of the stations and holding the receptacle in the station, a feeder at selected stations for feeding a part of the component parts to the carousel, inspection apparatus at stations intermediate the selected stations for inspecting the part assembly in the receptacle, a welder at a station following the selected and inspection stations for welding the assembled cover in the receptacle and an extractor at a station following the welding station for removing the assembled and welded cover from the receptacle.

Abstract: A transport installation and method of transporting can bodies for a fully automated resistance welding machine comprising a roll former station for rolling the bodies, two successively arranged driven transport systems, and a pair of welding electrodes. The transport systems comprise endless, revolving chains equipped with fixed catches or cams and defining first and second chains. The first chain passes through the roll former station where, during rolling of the blanks into the can bodies, it cyclically and periodically remains at least approximately stationary, whereas the second chain has a sinusoidal velocity course. The can bodies exposed to the intermittent non-continuous mode of operation of the first chain, necessitated by the roll forming operation, are transferred to the second chain and experience a movement which is stabilizing for the can bodies.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided for spreading the seam edges of formed large diameter pipe so that it can be mounted more quickly onto the arbor of a welder. The conventional spreader apparatus comprised of a fixed straight arm with rollers on opposite ends has at least one cylinder axially substituted for at least part of its length so that the rollers are retractable. The cylinder is mounted in a bracket and freely slidable back and forth axially so as to be self-centering thus preventing displacement of the seam from proper alignment with the arbor as it is spread preparatory to movement thereon. Preferably, a pair of cylinders are provided attached in back to back relation with a roller connected to each piston rod thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting successive pieces to be separated from one another at respective predetermined spacings at a predetermined velocity, includes a rotary-to-linear movement conversion device, including a crank normally arranged to be driven at a prearranged angular velocity by a drive mechanism, and a clutch normally connected to, but disconnectable from the crank, and adapted to be connected to a drive device for periodically reducing the angular velocity to zero, so that the spacing of successive pieces may be accurately adjusted.

Abstract: Structure for and the method of supporting an initial plurality of longitudinally extending large diameter reinforcing rods in transversely aligned spaced apart relation, separately feeding individual, transversely extending reinforcing rods onto the longitudinally extending reinforcing rods at a welding position, simultaneously welding the transversely extending reinforcing rod to each of the longitudinally extending reinforcing rods at the welding position, subsequently indexing the welded transversely extending reinforcing rod and longitudinally extending reinforcing rods a predetermined distance longitudinally of the longitudinally extending reinforcing rods, repeating the feeding, welding and indexing until transversely extending reinforcing rods are welded in predetermined parallel spaced apart relation over the length of the longitudinally extending reinforcing rods, and during the repetitive feeding, welding and indexing placing additional longitudinally spaced apart large diameter reinforcing rods on

Abstract: A body assemby system for welding multiple component parts of different vehicle bodies into interfixed assembled relation at successive framing and finish welding stations including means for accurately locating preliminary preassembled component parts in required accurate geometric relation at a framing station, with programmable welding means for producing different initial retention welds at the framing station as well as finish welds at successive "respot" welding stations as required for the different bodies. The system includes means for rapidly positioning locating tooling for the multiple component parts at the framing station as required for different bodies as well as means to minimize and facilitate change of special tooling for model changeover.

Abstract: Welding apparatus particularly adapted for use in welding parts into the interior surfaces of a metal tube in a pre-determined pattern obtained by longitudinal and rotational indexing of the tube. An elongated electrode arm, which is selectively flexible in one direction, extends into the tube and has a feed track attached thereto through which the metal pieces to be welded are moved into position to the welding head on the end of the electrode arm. The other end of the electrode arm is rigidly connected to a mount and is electrically insulated therefrom. A hydraulic piston carried by the electrode arm at its free end is actuatable to drive the entire arm sideways in its direction of flexibility so as to bring the piece to be welded into firm contact with the inside of the tube. Electrical current is then passed through the electrode arm and the piece to be welded, to the tube, and then to a grounded contact, to resistance weld the metal piece to the tube.

Abstract: A welding machine for the continuous welding of spot contacts on a support material is provided wherein the contact material in the form of wire, tape or sectional shape is supplied to a cutting tip, along a path parallel to the welding electrode, and is sheared off by a cutter movable at a right angle to the welding electrode, so that the contact "pill" is pushed into the gap formed between the welding electrode and the support material.

Abstract: An electric resistance welding machine in which the welding transformer is rigidly connected to an implement holding head vertically movable on an upper bracket of the machine structure, and therefore it follows the vertical movements of the welding implement so as to reduce the electrical impedance of the circuit. A workpiece-holding table is movably mounted on a lower bracket of the machine and has a lower rib which during welding is clamped by a clamping device for providing electric contact.

Abstract: Structure for spot welding airport concrete steel mesh. The structure includes supports for supporting a plurality of longitudinally extending large diameter reinforcing rods in parallel spaced apart relation, structure for separately feeding individual, transversely extending reinforcing rods onto the longitudinally extending reinforcing rods at a welding position, a plurlaity of transversely aligned welding guns for simultaneously welding a transversely extending reinforcing rod to each of the longitudinally extending reinforcing rods at the welding position, and piston and cylinder structure for subsequently indexing the welded transversely extending reinforcing rods and longitudinally extending reinforcing rods a predetermined distance longitudinally of the longitudinally extending reinforcing rods, repetitively until transversely extending reinforcing rods are welded in predetermined parallel spaced apart relation over the length of the longitudinally extending reinforcing rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in continuously assembling joinable ring shanks and ring settings into a corresponding unitary jewelry type ring comprising supporting means; advancing means operatively connected to the supporting means including at least one work holding means which removably receives a ring setting and ring shank for successively and incrementally advancing the work holding means, as well as ring shank and setting, from at least a loading station to a plurality of discrete working stations, including at least a ring shank testing station, and a bonding station, ring shank testing means located at the ring shank testing station for accurately testing for the presence and correct alignment of the ring shank with respect to the corresponding ring setting in the work holding means; and bonding means situated at the bonding station for selectively bonding the aligned jewelry ring.

Abstract: A transport device for use with an electrical resistance welding machine producing longitudinal seams at workpiece bodies or the like which, prior to reaching the welding rolls of the machine, are transported at a desired welding speed by means of the transport device. The transport device comprises at least one endless chain revolving above the workpiece bodies to be transported and having workpiece body-engaging members in the form of pawls hingedly connected in spaced relationship with the endless chain. Each pawl has oppositely extending pawl arms, of which one arm possesses a contact or impact surface intended to bear against the end of a workpiece body engaged thereby and the other arm possesses a control surface which bears against a guide rail stationarily arranged above the lower chain run of the endless chain which revolves over at least two sprocket wheels.

Abstract: A body assembly system for welding different stamped sheet metal vehicle bodies at successive framing and finish welding stations including means for accurately locating different underbody, side and top components in required accurate geometric relation at a framing station with programmable welding means for producing different initial retention welds at the framing station as well as finishing welds at successive "respot" welding stations as required for the different bodies. The system includes means for rapidly positioning locating tooling for body components at the framing station as required for different bodies as well as means to minimize and facilitate change of special tooling for model changeover.

Abstract: A transport drum is located adjacent two positions, one being a severing position in which a severing punch is located adjacent the drum to punch out contact plates in the order of at most 3 mm surface area from a strip of contact material, and place the punched-out plates in suitable openings formed at the circumference of the drum which, upon indexing rotation to the welding position, transports the plates thereto. Punch elements and welding electrodes have one portion of the elements located inside the drum, the other outside the drum adjacent the respective position. The contact carrier, for example in strip form, is fed to the drum, preferably tangentially, the contact plate being welded on the carrier at the welding position. Preferably, and simultaneously with the severing operation, the contact strip is deformed in advance of the severing so that the next subsequent severing operation will already accept a deformed element to provide a welding bump for concentrated application of spot welding current.

Abstract: A stud welding gun having means for automatically feeding studs to the barrel of the gun is provided with a stud receiver which facilitates removal of jammed studs from the device.