Abstract: A double-acting linear actuator includes a linear actuator, a receiving disk, a spring, and a piston rod having a piston rod extension fixed to the receiving disk. The spring's first end is supported on the linear actuator and it's second end is supported on the receiving disk. The spring is tensioned by a displacement of the piston rod extension when a pressure is applied to a side of the piston rod. A linear movement is triggered at a force transmission element with a maximum system force when a pressure is applied to a piston side of the linear actuator so that the spring is tensioned and presses against the receiving disk to thereby introduce a stored force of the spring, via the receiving disk being firmly connected to the piston rod extension, into the force transmission element in addition to a force of the linear actuator.

Abstract: A system for removing an electrode cap from an electrode shaft. The system includes at least one electrode cap removal device which is mounted to rotate about a tool axis of rotation. The at least one electrode cap removal device has a clamping device for fixing the electrode cap to be removed. The clamping device is a combination of a straight-toothed clamping device and a helical-toothed clamping device.

Abstract: A fill level detection device for electrode cap magazines of welding electrodes includes at least one electrode cap channel disposed in the electrode cap magazine. At least one cap conveyor is disposed in a linearly movable manner, is preferably spring-loaded, is disposed in the electrode cap channel and moves the electrode caps contained in the electrode cap channel toward a removal opening for access by a welding gun. The electrode cap channel has a mechanically connected element which serves as a measuring surface and has an attached and/or fixed side on which a sensor for measuring a distance is disposed. The sensor projects a measuring beam onto the measuring surface to measure the distance between the sensor and the measuring surface, which enables the exact number of electrode caps contained in the electrode cap magazine to be determined by evaluating the distance measured by the sensor.