Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for first heating surfaces to be welded together by one or two induction coils placed therebetween and upon raising both surfaces to a forging temperature forcing said surfaces together with sufficient force to weld the surfaces together. The heating and upsetting steps occur when the surfaces are in a substantially inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for induction heating weldable surfaces and moving the heated surfaces together with sufficient force to upset the surfaces while in a substantially inert atmosphere for thereby welding the surfaces together. The apparatus includes a rotary bus bar joint for moving the induction coil between the weldable surfaces, and also includes a clamping mechanism for handling members having weldable surfaces of different sizes and shapes. A pair of separately controlled induction coils may be used with or without laminations for heating tubular or solid members to an upsetting temperature.

Abstract: A welding control circuit for induction heating of a pair of articles to a welding temperature and for pressing the heated articles together. A pair of induction coils are positioned in a gap between the portions of the articles to be heated and a pair of temperature sensors monitor the temperature of both articles and controls heating rates so both articles reach a welding temperature at approximately the same time. The temperature sensors provide signals which cause the coils to be retracted from the gap and cause the heated articles to be pressed together to form a welded pair. When similar articles are to be welded together a single coil can be used to provide induction currents which heat the articles.

Abstract: An adjustable length linear bus bar for conducting a current between an induction heating power supply and an induction heating coil. The bus bar includes a fixed bar having a channel formed along the length of the fixed bar and a movable bar having a portion formed to slidably fit inside the channel of the fixed bar. A hydraulic ram biases the slidable bar against the fixed bar to facilitate the transfer of current between the fixed and movable bars. A clam shell type of construction allows the inductor coil to be quickly moved into and out of a gap between a pair of articles being heated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for purging air from multiple surfaces of members to be welded together. The apparatus includes a hood with the inert gas entering the hood at about 150 cubic feet per minute at between 2-5 pounds per square inch gauge when handling approximately 21/2 inch diameter tubes. The gas is first evenly spread in the hood to fill the entire cross sectional area thereof and is then moved through a straightening section to provide laminar flow of the gas across the multiple surfaces. An induction coil is moved between hood closure means into the hood to heat the weldable surfaces to a bonding temperature and after the coils have been removed from the hood, the members are urged together to upset the heated surfaces to weld the two members together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repeatedly testing wire rope and sheaves under simulated operating conditions is disclosed. The testing apparatus is capable of simulating many conditions under which wire ropes and sheaves are used in actual practice with cranes or the like including adjustments for varying rope tension, rope speed, sheave speed, sheave off-lead angles relative to the rope and to allow reverse bending of the rope. Sheaves of different diameter and different rope size and materials may be tested.

Abstract: Gun securing apparatus is provided which comprises a base, trigger guard securing pins selectively mounted to said base, having annular grooves or slots upon the length thereof, a locking member insertable in a transverse passageway of said base and intercepting said annular groove or slot of said pin, padlock means securing said locking member and engagement within said annular groove or slot of said pin. An alternative embodiment provides cam locking means which selectively engage the annular groove or slot of said pin member. Another embodiment provides a curved enclosing member having an end insertable with a passgeway of a base, said end having a groove or notch thereupon. Cam lock means selectively engage said notch or groove of said enclosing member effectively preventing removal of said enclosing member from said base.

Abstract: A method of forming a torsion bar wherein steel, preferably an alloy steel of medium carbon content, is formed in the desired size and shape and is through hardened for providing a desired core hardness. The case of the bar is then hardened for transforming austenite in the case into martensite causing the case to expand thereby inducing high compressive stresses near the surface with the compressive stress decreasing radially inward of the surface. The core of the bar is retained below lower transformation temperature for resisting expansion of the case thereby inducing hoop and axial compressive stresses and radial tensile stressed in the case.A torsion bar formed by the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lifting crane has a boom of box lattice type construction, and a steel wire rope hoist line extending adjacent to the boom is alternately slackened and tensioned during a cyclical work period as to slap, pound or rub against some of the lattice members. This makes such lattice members vulnerable to damage by contact with the hoist line and subjects the hoist line to abrasive wear by contact with the lattice members. An elongate, rigid connector extends longitudinally of a lattice member vulnerable to damage by hoist line contact and defines a mounting base receiving slot therein. A strip of expendable material softer than the hoist line has a mounting base portion shaped to fit within the slot in the connector for securing the strip thereto and has an enlarged head portion that is positioned between the connector and the hoist line when the strip is secured to the connector to form a shock absorbing cushion that is non-abrasive to the hoist line.