Abstract: A welding method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of stacks of metal sheets are clamped together in sequence at a welding site between a pair of electrode caps across which welding current is supplied to spot weld together the sheets in each of the stacks in a series of welding operations in a production run. The electrode caps are pressed against the sheets in each of the stacks when each of the stacks is at the welding site with an applied force that includes a closing force to clamp the sheets together in a surface-to-surface interface fit plus a predetermined interjoint force that is increased progressively throughout the production run.

Abstract: A conveyor diagnostic system for monitoring loading of a conveyor line assembly including at least one sensor component coupled to the conveyor line assembly. The sensor component is adapted for detecting loading of the conveyor line assembly and is further adapted for generating and transmitting a signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. The conveyor diagnostic system also includes a ground station adapted to receive and process the signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. Furthermore, the conveyor diagnostic system includes a local positioning system that is adapted for detecting the location of the sensor component in relation to a reference point. A method of using the conveyor diagnostic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor diagnostic system for monitoring loading of a conveyor line assembly including at least one sensor component coupled to the conveyor line assembly. The sensor component is adapted for detecting loading of the conveyor line assembly and is further adapted for generating and transmitting a signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. The conveyor diagnostic system also includes a ground station adapted to receive and process the signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. Furthermore, the conveyor diagnostic system includes a local positioning system that is adapted for detecting the location of the sensor component in relation to a reference point. A method of using the conveyor diagnostic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A welding method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of stacks of metal sheets are clamped together in sequence at a welding site between a pair of electrode caps across which welding current is supplied to spot weld together the sheets in each of the stacks in a series of welding operations in a production run. The electrode caps are pressed against the sheets in each of the stacks when each of the stacks is at the welding site with an applied force that includes a closing force to clamp the sheets together in a surface-to-surface interface fit plus a predetermined interjoint force that is increased progressively throughout the production run.

Abstract: A quick change device has a mounting member for mounting an actuator to a resistance welding gun by headed fasteners. The mounting member has several keyhole type apertures arranged in a circle. The fasteners extend through the narrow portions of the keyhole type apertures and the fastener heads clamp the mounting member to the welding gun. To detach the actuator, the mounting member is first released by loosening the fasteners and rotating the mounting member until the heads of the fasteners align with the wide portions of the keyhole type apertures. An additional fastener extends through a round aperture which is removed before the mounting member is released and the actuator is detached.

Abstract: A quick change device has a mounting member for mounting an actuator to a resistance welding gun by headed fasteners. The mounting member has several keyhole type apertures arranged in a circle. The fasteners extend through the narrow portions of the keyhole type apertures and the fastener heads clamp the mounting member to the welding gun. To detach the actuator, the mounting member is first released by loosening the fasteners and rotating the mounting member until the heads of the fasteners align with the wide portions of the keyhole type apertures. An additional fastener extends through a round aperture which is removed before the mounting member is released and the actuator is detached.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a plurality of forces acting on a conveyor chain of a conveyor line includes a pre-selected chain link coupled to the conveyor chain, and a sensor array having a plurality of strain gauges disposed on the pre-selected chain link, each of the plurality of strain gauges being distinctly oriented to measure the plurality of forces acting on the pre-selected link.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a plurality of forces acting on a conveyor chain of a conveyor line includes a pre-selected chain link coupled to the conveyor chain, and a sensor array having a plurality of strain gauges disposed on the pre-selected chain link, each of the plurality of strain gauges being distinctly oriented to measure the plurality of forces acting on the pre-selected link.